U is for Us...All of Us

Today is ABC Wednesday and for this series we are featuring the People of Greensboro.

For "U", instead of an individual, we're featuring "us", ALL of us-- we, the people of Greensboro. Among us, are the known and unknown; the named and unnamed; the celebrated and uncelebrated. Nothing captures this dichotomy better than the historic Underground Railroad. As seen above, decades before the Civil War, Greensboro was involved in seeing that fugitive slaves were guided to a better life. Quaker Vestal Coffin was one of the known in the chain of assistance and Sol. John Dimery was the first known Underground Railroad passenger from Guilford County. Behind both of these great people were many who contributed without recognition. We are lucky to have so many great people in and from Greensboro; those for whom books are written and signs are erected and those for whom rewards are more intrinsic. Here's to all of us!

In case you are having trouble reading the microscopic letters at the bottom of the sign, the above historic marker was erected February 1st, 2000 by the 40th anniversary committee of the Greensboro Sit-In Movement  on the W. Friendly Avenue side of Guilford College.

Stop back next Wednesday for, "V".

Comments

[Jane Mitchell]

I know that some of the later letters are hard to find names for, but this one is especially fitting for our area. You have helped us remember our past and link it to the more recent "sit-in" movement.

[Roger Green]

Yes, I was fascinated by the sit-ins. I was about 7, but I remember. And Albany has a number of places important on the UGRR.
Check out http://ugrworkshop.com/

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

[photowannabe]

I'm forever grateful for the work of the Underground Railroad. A perfect choice for the letter U.

[Oakland Daily Photo]

A history to be proud of.