15 Questions with Courtney Baxter

Tell us about your Native American ancestry and how you got involved in the Guilford Native American Association. 

First, I’d like to share a personal connection that I have with Wake Forest. I am honored to be the granddaughter of William Lonnie Revels, Sr., a 1958 graduate of Wake Forest College. An enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe of NC, my grandfather and his cousin, Dr. James G. Jones (’55, MD ’59), broke cultural barriers in the 1950’s as the first American Indian and minority students to graduate from the University. Employment with this storied University has provided a “full circle” experience for me. As I walk the grounds of an institution that opened doors for my grandfather, during the Jim Crow era, I am humbled by the opportunity to continue to support and promote the place that helped shape his future.

Growing up in Greensboro, NC, and an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe of NC, I have been an active member of the Guilford Native American Association (GNAA) since childhood. An urban American Indian center, GNAA was founded in 1975, by a group of American Indian parents, including my grandparents, to address the educational needs of their children. My grandfather served as the first chairperson of the association and my grandmother, Ruth Locklear Revels, left the classroom to become its first executive director. Today, GNAA strives to provide educational, social, economic and cultural opportunities, serving more than 8,000 indigenous people throughout 11 counties of the Piedmont, including Forsyth and Guilford. My mother, Jennifer Revels Baxter, currently serves as the executive director.

I grew up attending GNAA’s culture class and participating in the Guilford County Schools Indian Education Program. I competed at powwows and performed at numerous events throughout North Carolina as a member of the Young First Americans Dance Group. I am proud of my heritage. I strive to honor, preserve and pass down the legacy left by my elders, mindful of the well-being of the seventh generation, yet to come.

We’ve heard that you participate in the powwow each fall – can you describe what your role encompasses for this event? 

Now that I’m a toddler mom, my role with the powwow this year is two-fold: keep traditions flowing by dancing with my son during intertribals. It’s customary to introduce our babies into the dance circle as soon as possible. My initial steps into the circle were taken on my first birthday. Secondly, GNAA relies on volunteers to ensure a successful powwow. From tent set-ups, selling t-shirts and program books to serving dinner to our dancers and drum groups, volunteer opportunities are unlimited.

This year, 2025, GNAA celebrates its 50^th Anniversary! On behalf of this fantastic milestone, they will hold a special Community Honoring to pay tribute to individuals who blazed the path that we continue to travel down. My family will also host what is known as a Special, a Young Ones vs Older Ones Dance Competition, in memory and honor of my grandparents. Participants will receive gifts from the family.

What’s the purpose of a powwow? What does it mean to the Native American / Indigenous culture? 

A powwow is a social gathering celebrated by Native Americans and First Nations tribal and urban communities throughout the US and Canada. NC ‘s eight recognized tribes and four urban centers all host an annual powwow. This year, GNAA celebrates its 48^th powwow Sept. 19-21, 2025, at Greensboro Country Park. Our three day gathering features competition dancing, singing, an arts marketplace, traditional foods and the sharing of stories & honoring ceremonies. Vendors, dancers and drum groups from throughout the southeastern US will travel to Greensboro for a weekend of reconnecting with friends and family. We encourage everyone to come out and celebrate our vibrant living heritage. Help us tell our story!

What is one thing you wish more people knew about Native American / Indigenous culture and identity? 

I would like for people to know that Native American people and our culture has been stereotyped for so long that, oftentimes, we are referred to only in the past tense. We’re still here – contributing to our communities through arts, education, social justice, health and economic development. While we hour our ancestors through maintaining our stories and traditions, we continue to play a pivotal role in this ever-changing world in which we live. 

What advice would you give someone if they wanted to learn more about Native American / Indigenous culture at Wake Forest or in the Triad? 

I would suggest that for more information they visit the GNAA website or Facebook page to learn more about the powwow and other events, request presentations, and to volunteer. I would also encourage folks to check out the GNA Art Gallery, located in the Greensboro Cultural Center, which celebrates Indigenous artists’ from throughout the US.

For more than 30 years, Wake Forest and the Guilford Native American Association have collaborated to provide various educational programs regarding indigenous art, culture, history and politics. We look forward to building even more collaborative opportunities on the Wake Forest campus. 

If you or anyone you know may be interested in volunteering for the powwow this year, please send an email toskennysmiles@gmail.com to express your interest.

How long have you worked at WFU? 

A little over a year! It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have felt welcomed and supported from day one, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the people and culture here. 

In layman’s terms, what’s your job here at WFU? 

I am the special event and wedding coordinator at Graylyn Estate. I help plan and manage all kinds of beautiful events by making sure every detail runs smoothly so guests have an unforgettable experience. 

What do you like best about working at WFU? 

The community! Wake Forest is a place where people genuinely care not just about professional success, but about each other’s well being and personal growth. This is a very supportive environment with so much opportunity to be inspired.

What’s your favorite place on campus? 

I recently discovered my love for the gym on campus. Besides it being a great facility, it’s a great place to go to recharge.

What is your favorite WFU tradition or activity? 

Football games! Since I spend most of my time at Graylyn, so heading over to Allegacy Stadium is such a fun way to connect with colleagues, see students and alumni, and really feel part of the larger WFU community. Going to games is one of my favorite ways to embrace campus life.

How would you describe your music taste? 

I like a little bit of everything. My playlists are all over the place with country and pop to old school R&B and alternative rock.

What book, TV show, or podcast would you recommend to our readers?

The podcast, SmartLess. It’s a great mix of humor and insight, the conversation can lead anywhere. It’s the kind of podcast that makes you laugh and think.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 

To embrace challenges. This advice has served me well professionally and personally. It has taught me to see obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. This perspective has carried me through some of my most defining moments.

What is your hidden talent? 

Playing the violin! I may be a little rusty these days, but once I pick up the bow and see some sheet music, it all comes rushing back – like riding a bike.

What brings you joy? 

Spending quality time with my son is one of my greatest joys. I’m fortunate to have a very close knit family, and my cousins feel more like siblings. Whenever we are all together there is a sense of warmth, laughter and connection that fills my heart. Moments surrounded by the people I love most mean everything to me.

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Do you or a colleague have an interesting hobby or achievement and would like to be featured in an upcoming 15 Questions? Email Elizabeth Dam-Regier (damregej@wfu.edu), Senior Director of Strategic Communications (F&A).