Sharon C. Bryant graduated from New Bern Senior High School and from the University of Mount Olive College, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and business management. She is currently African American Outreach Coordinator for Tryon Palace, where she has organized and directed the African American Lecture Series, Jonkonnu, The African American Heritage Tour, the Oral History Project, West African Ghana Voyage of Discovery, and the United States Colored Troop 35th Regiment Reenactment Group.
    Bryant has a long history of volunteering in New Bern. She has served as a Pop Warner Cheerleader Coach and as Chairperson for Duffest Vendors, and was campaign manager for Mayor Dana Outlaw and formal Alderwoman Barbara H. Lee during their campaigns for office. She is currently on the Tryon Place African American Advisory Committee and Save the Seed Committee, vice president of the Bank of Arts, and Co-Chair of the Juneteenth Celebration Committee.
    Among her awards are the Tri-County African American Heritage Award, the Heritage Visionary Leadership Award, and the Craven County NAACP Award for Serving our Community and 52 Faces. She is a VIP Ambassador for Craven Community College and has been a member of organizations including the Climbers Club and the Craven County African American Caucus of North Carolina.