Greensboro Daily Photo

Bright and Inviting Bungalow on Percy Street

Percy Street is located in the Dunleath Neighborhood of Greensboro (Formerly the Aycock Historic District). It is just off of Yanceyville Street and North of the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market. The homes a mixture of Victorian and bungalow styles are well maintained and really reflect the personality of the owner. The above home, with its generous front porch with a rocking chair and porch swing, arbor, wind chimes, and lush plantings are a good example of the warm and inviting atmosphere of the street. The pink, blue, and purple paint make this home a standout. The home has changed so much since the current owners purchased it in 2009. Formerly it was brown and white with pink azaleas in front of the porch. This bungalow style home built is 1937 is close to the Yanceyville end of Percy Street and one of the first things you notice as you approach the area.

If you look closely, you can see that it was raining rather hard in east Greensboro this past Sunday, when the photo was taken. The planting is so lush, we could hold the camera under it without its getting wet. It must be super relaxing to be able to sit on that porch during a summer rain. Hopefully, you have a cozy spot to sit and enjoy a summer rain. If the weather app is correct, we just may be getting some rain tomorrow.

In the meantime, have a great day today.

ERIC at NCAT

Today's post features the State of the Art Engineering, Research, and Innovation Complex (ERIC) at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCA&T). The four-story building is being constructed at the corner of North Dudley and East Market streets. You may recall that the Hayes-Taylor YMCA was located on this site. The 130,000 sq. ft., 90-million dollar facility will have a positive impact not only on Greensboro, but also on the entire state and region. Imagine the impact on the economy with not only the new jobs, but also with the dotting-edge discoveries and all of the innovation that will take place in this interdisciplinary center.*

The building is nearing completion and should be ready for occupancy by 2021. As we drove by yesterday, we couldn't help but notice just how beautiful the structure looked just after the rain shower. If you want a sneak peek, this Yes! Weekly article shows the finished building (see here). This facility and all that it will contain is a fine example of how different a college education is today that it was even ten years ago.

As we learn more about the building, we'll be sure to feature it again. 

* reference and more information, here.

Bethel Baptist Church on Lees Chapel Road

Today's photo is of Bethel Baptist Church at 2230  Lees Chapel Road. Lee's Chapel is located on the eastern side of Greensboro and actually turns into Pisgah Church Road as it gets closer to Elm Street. Bethel Baptist has the architecture of so many churches. Brick veneer, A-line roof in the front, and white steeple with a cross on top. It was built in 1953 on almost an acre of land. It is possible the congregation pre-dates the building of the church. Unfortunately, they don't have a history on their website. If you have more information the church, please share with us and we'll provide the additional information through Greensboro Daily Photo.

If you are looking for a traditional, independent Baptist Church, contact the pastor, Reverend Gunter, read more about them on their website, here, or consider attending a service.

Happy Sunday!

A Good Year for Sunflowers in Greensboro

Yesterday, we featured hydrangeas; today, we're sharing a photo of a backyard sunflower. Sunflowers are blooming brightly in Greensboro now. They are easy to grow and can be squeezed into just about any patch of soil, as long as it gets full sun. Our sunflower, while far from perfect, volunteered on the edge of our garden and is bringing us great joy. It is about 8' tall and has a 90º chunk that doesn't seem to want to grow, but we love it anyway.

In 2007, Jerry Wolford, reporting in the News & Record, featured a Forest Oaks resident who joined his neighbors in the planting of sunflowers in the community. This man, Rev Som-Pimpong, had a sunflower that actually grew to 11 feet tall (see, here). More recently, in 2013, Joseph Rodriguez featured Brantley McLendon in the News and Record. Brantley lives in Fisher Park and is known for keeping a pocket full of sunflower seeds and planting them every chance he gets (read more, here). Even more recently, an initiative known as  "The Sunflower Project" in Greensboro was established on Facebook to help in the growing of flowers in urban communities. Unfortunately, their Facebook page has not been active in 2020.

Greensboro gardeners love sunflowers and there is plenty of room room to start sunflower projects like the ones described above. Sunflowers are great to grow with children as they change rather quickly and are the largest flowers in a garden. Depending on variety, it takes 80-120 days to get flowers from seed to sunflower head. If you have a good sunflower story, please share it with us!

Happy Saturday!

Hydrangea Time in Greensboro

Today, we continue with the garden theme and Greensboro has some beautiful gardens. The above hydrangea is a luscious pink that isn't seen as often as the blue/purple ones. Some hydrangea are developed for color, some are very susceptible to soil acidity, with the pinks liking a more alkaline soil. We don't know the backstory of this bush, but we do know that in Sunset Hills alone, several different colors are represented. Two very visible bushes, of different colors can be found on Paisley Street, downtown, behind our now-gone Smith Street Diner.

Did you know there is a Hydrangea Court in Greensboro? What a neat name for a neighborhood street It is found off of Baylor Street, just north of Pisgah Church in Bellwood Village, near Lake Jeanette. From a street map, it looks like there are 18 townhomes on tiny Hydrangea Court. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every unit had at least one hydrangea. We are heading over this weekend to see if we can find some hydrangea bushes. Regardless, they are at peak right now in Greensboro. If you get a chance to see some, they are beautiful. If you are staying in, we're betting you can get a florist to deliver a beautiful one. 

Have a great weekend, weather you chase hydrangeas (like us) or not!

 

The word "hydrangea" comes from Greek meaning "water vessel".

Allen Tomlinson and His Very Beautiful Garden

Meeting up with people to interview during the time of COVID is not easy. However, yesterday, we had a chance to visit Allen Tomlinson who was busy tending his garden. In the above photo, Allen is next to his bee balm. Allen lives in the north end of Kirkwood on Lafayette Street- in a house he purchased about three years ago. Allen has always loved gardening and finds a way to bring plants into his life whether in an apartment or house. His dream is to someday have a lot of land so that he can do even more gardening. In his current residence, Allen has a little bit of everything: Edibles, perennials, annuals, cacti, and tropical plants. It is hard to believe there are grapefruit and lemons growing in his yard in Greensboro. He also has figs, berries, and vegetables. There is a water feature, pea-gravel paths, birdbaths, a birdhouse, bird nests, climbing roses, a trellis, and the list goes on. As seen in the above photo, the back yard is full sun, making it easy to grow plants.

Allen is a Page High School graduate who has been teaching Spanish for about the last 18 years. Currently, he teaches high school Spanish in Alamance County and loves it. The past couple of years have been difficult for Allen as he lost both parents within a span of about 18 months. He says his garden is his happy space, and a hobby that provides great solace. Now that the plantings are well established, he only needs to spend about 30 minutes a day working in the yard. Of course, there are always options to add more plants, to divide ones that have outgrown their space, or to start preparing space for the next season. 

Allen is so diligent about caring for his plants and it is very likely they will be around for a long, long time! A big thank you goes out to our mutual friend Alice Hill who suggested we feature Allen and his garden!

McKay's Books: View from Behind the Building

Reading a good book is such a good way to spend time over the summer. McKay's Used Books, formerly Edward McKay's, is open from 10 am- 8pm. If you do not want to come in, they are offering themed bundles curbside. How fun! Wonder what they would say if you were really creative in your request. The Battleground Avenue location offers over 10,000 sq. feet filled with books, DVDs, books on tape, video games, action figures, and more. Their Facebook page is a lot of fun.

This vista from Mill Street just seemed to jump out at us. The stark, almost-monochromatic layers are eye catching; the organic, golden-green grass, the black and white angular buildings, and the sunny blue sky all stack up to providing a scene that would be hard to guess is Greensboro. If we ever published a book about Greensboro, this one would make the cut!

Greensboro: 1045 West Market Street Is Now 1015 West Market Street

Today's post is prompted by the above post card of the Manor Motel. The motel was located at 1045 West Market Street, across from the State Employees Credit Union at Tate Street. According to the post card, Manor Motel was a quiet and restful room with TV, telephone, tile baths, room controlled air-conditioning, heat, and a swimming and wading pool. It was owned and managed by Mr. and Mrs. S.T. Dickinson. Mrs. Dickinson was a teacher in the Greensboro City Schools and at Smith High School when Smith High opened.

On p. 105 of her book "Greensboro," Gayle Hicks Fripp, writes and provides photos that reveal the Manor Motel was demolished by D.H. Griffin to be replaced with a new location for the Central Y, a change that was not without resistance by the local College Hill Community. Construction, by the W.H. Weaver Company, would have happened in the late 60s-early 70s.

The top photo shows the building on now the former Manor Motel site. The Central YMCA became the Royce Reynolds Family Student Life Center, the westernmost building on the campus of Greensboro College. Royce and Jane Reynolds donated $2 million dollars to Greensboro College, where Royce Reynolds was also chairman of the board of trustees. 

So, what was an elegant mansion just west of downtown Greensboro, became a motel, which was replaced by a YMCA, which became a student life center at Greensboro College. When 1045 West Market Street was demolished, the current building on the lot is now 1015, the last property on that side of the 1000 block. Those who are lifelong residents of Greensboro, and are senior citizens, may remember the Dickinsons, the Manor Motel, the Central Y, and the opening of the Reynolds Student Life Center. For us, putting the pieces together involved much sleuthing. We found a vintage postcard, searched the Fripp book on Greensboro, and talked to a long-retired educator who knew of Mrs. Dickinson. Our friend called a retired Smith High School teacher, who called a friend who remembered Ms. Dickinson in the early years of Smith High School (circa 1963). It is so easy for this information to slip away from us and so special when people document and share the stories of their community.

Clark, Farm, Lawn, and Garden

If you ever drive on North Summit Avenue, you've likely seen the Clark, Farm, Lawn, & Garden building. Located at 4210 Summit, the building stretches for what appears to be a city block. Clark opened in 1945, making it 75 years old. Summertime is the time to do yard work and Clark is one of those places that can help you with any type of equipment you would need to make your lawn and garden beautiful. They also service the equipment as needed, too.

It is so wonderful to know this locally owned business has been in Greensboro for over seven decades, especially with all of the national chains competing in the industry. Clark is the type of place that enjoys hearing how well your tomatoes are doing this year, how you are keeping deer from eating your hostas, and how much land you decided to farm. Heck, they probably even enjoy hearing about those fish you caught off the pier on your last trip to the beach. Let's hope Clark is here for another 75 years! Next time you need a piece of equipment, consider buying local. You have nothing to lose by giving them a visit.

Just think, the sun will set at 8:40pm tonight; there is lots of daylight for doing yard work.

Lee's Chapel UMC

Lee's Chapel United Methodist Church is located on Lee's Chapel. The church was established in 1824 and is quickly approaching its 200th birthday! This church has so much history and has done so much for their church community. The building is a simple rectangular structure, but the stained glass windows absolutely make the sanctuary glow. There is also a large fellowship hall and several Sunday school classrooms. 

Outside, the property itself it so beautiful. As seen in the above photo, the lot has several mature oak trees. Beyond the church is a large cemetery. There is also an area for children to play. a covered pavilion, and a large parking lot. If you are a Methodist looking for a church, Lee's Chapel will welcome you with open arms. As a matter of fact, even if you aren't Methodist, they will welcome you! However, they are still not holding services in the sanctuary, but online. Happy Sunday!

Frosty's BBQ on Summit Avenue

Have you ever eaten at Frosty's BBQ at 4836 Summit Avenue in Greensboro? This restaurant is the epitome of Americana of yesteryear; no frills, just delicious country cooking at reasonable prices. Currently, Frosty's is only available for takeout. But, if you want a good fried fish sandwich or some fresh BBQ, you can order it and find a place to go to enjoy it. They also serve breakfast and have daily specials. Frosty's is owned by Dale and Linda Simmons, who must be morning people because their hours are 6:30 am- 2:00 p.m. When this photo was taken at about 8pm, all was silent at Frosty's, but during the day, it is busy, busy!

Most of us have a pretty small area that we frequent and don't always know about other neighborhoods. If you haven't tried Frosty's, it is a fun destination to put on your list! 

Soccer and Sports are Slowly Starting to Resume!

The above photo was taken this past Thursday at the soccer fields at Proehlific Park at Jessup Grove Road. The young athletes seemed extremely excited to be back out on the fields. Soccer is a no-contact sport and mainly the goalie is supposed to touch the ball, and they wear gloves. In July, the Guilford County Schools will allow sports workouts to resume. So, slowly, people are starting to play sports again and it sure looks fun.

I-40 and the Big Highways around Greensboro

I-40 is the east/west interstate that cuts through the entire state of North Carolina. The first section of I-40 opened in 1957 and was a section between Greensboro and Kernersville. While the highway can get backed up at times, it is a little bit of a badge of honor that Greensboro was where it started. Now, it is 423.6 miles in North Carolina. 

The above photo shows I-40 east at the juncture where one can access 73, 421, 85, 73, and 840. As seen in the above photo, the interstates still aren't that busy yet. So, if you need to go somewhere, the larger highways are pretty efficient these days- especially if you don't need to go downtown

Have a great Thursday and let's hear a virtual honk if you love Greensboro!

Thornless Blackberries @ Butler Lighting

This beautiful thornless blackberry bush is located in front of Butler Lighting on North Church Street in Greensboro. This is such a fine example of planting edibles. The bushes line the sidewalk as you approach the main entrance to the lighting store. The bushes have examples of blackberries at every stage of development from blossoms to ripe blackberries. The more edibles we plant, the happier the birds and other wildlife will be, and, humans can also share the bounty. On the overcast rainy day, the bushes were such a bright welcome

We should also add, that when we went inside the store, we were greeted by lighting professionals who helped talk us through all of the lighting variables from type of bulb to the way a certain fixture emits light in a room or on an exterior wall. In this era when it is so popular to order everything online, sometimes you just can't beat working, in person, with professionals. Butler Lighting has the Church Street showroom and also one on Highway 68, near I-40. We're wondering if the larger showroom on 68 also has thornless blackberry bushes growing! Have you ever considered planting them?

Happy Wednesday! If you are out exploring Greensboro, let us know what you discover!

Got Cake?

The Class of 2020, throughout Greensboro, their parents, teachers, and administrators have done a beautiful job of helping their respective graduates feel special and celebrate their graduation, in spite of being in the middle of a pandemic. Today's photo features the cooler at Delicious, the bakery located at the corner of Pisgah Church Road and Lawndale.It is filled with lots of special cakes.

The cake in the middle is for a Western Guilford High graduate, the graduation cake to the left is for an individual student. Cakes always have a way of making people feel special and the ones at Delicious are especially tasty. His bakery was homegrown in Greensboro. Remember back in 2010, when it was just getting started and located on Battleground Avenue? (see here). Now, 10 years later, it has moved to a larger location and appears to be thriving. When it is safe for them to allow people to eat in, and for the ladies to resume their mahjong games, business will be truly great. In the meantime, they'll simply continue to have your DELICIOUS orders ready when you get there!

Community Theatre of Greensboro

About 8 years ago (in 2012), the Community Theatre of Greensboro entered a lease to purchase plan and moved from the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street to the 500 block of South Elm Street. According to their website, CTG is the oldest arts organization in Guilford County. It was founded in 1949 and for over 70 years, has been giving community members an opportunity to learn to perform on stage and to do all of the many tasks involved in bringing good theatre to a community.

While they haven't resumed face-to-face production yet, CTG is doing some very creative programs this summer. For example, this Thursday at 6pm, they are having a Facebook Live Concert called, "A Musical Celebration of Black Men." Men who have performed at CTG in the past will be collaboration to bring the public a concert. Tune in this Thursday, June 18th for this show which is sure to be fabulous. The above photo features the facade of the CTG theatre on Elm Street and, indeed everything CTG does radiates love, including the concert this Thursday!

Burnett's Chapel United Methodist Church

Burnett's Chapel United Methodist Church is one of the southernmost churches in the Greensboro/Guilford County area. It is located on Burnett's Chapel Road at Old Randelman Road. The building has the traditional look of a southern church. As seen in the photo, it is brick, with stained glass windows and a white steeple. What is not obvious form this photo is that they are getting a new pastor; and, the pastor is a woman! Today, from 2-4 pm will be a drive through meet and greet. Her service to Burdett's will begin on July 1st.

It is always an exciting time when a congregation gets a new pastor. Let's wish her the best and hope that the congregation will embrace her and that she will lead them through the trials and tribulations we are facing today. We encourage her to have someone post the church's history online. It is so important to not only get the dates and facts about a church, but to hear the stories and memories of the faith community from members. Happy Sunday. 

We have been posting house of worship (almost) every Sunday for over 11 years, which is nearly 600. While we have been known to feature the same house of worship more than once, we are still finding places that we have not featured before. Burnett's Chapel UMC is one such place. Maybe when the Covid times wane, we can get inside to see those beautiful stained glass windows!

Happy Sunday!

Urban Gardening on Oak St in Glenwood

Here is an example of urban gardening at its finest. This home is located on Oak Street in the Glenwood neighborhood and just south of Gate City Boulevard. While many people have their gardens in the backyard, this one is in the front for maximum sun exposure. The terraced plots get a lot of sun during the day and are reaping crops and flowers for the owners. Imagine the conversations that happen as people walk by and get updates while the owners are gardening. We'll have to stop back by and see what is growing along the half-oval trellises.

Also notice the tin roof, on a rainy night it must be super cozy to hear the sounds of the raindrops. You can tell that a lot of love has gone into making this house a home. Happy Saturday! For those who are grading, including the above family, may your crops be bountiful!

SHENANIGANS on State Street

In Greensboro, State Street is the closest thing we have to a "beach street". It is such a cute walkable part of town, a bridge between the mill villages of yesteryear and Irving Park. The above photo features Shenanigans, a gift store in the heart of the area. The OPEN sign is something of a metaphor for restarting, as businesses slowly find ways to adjust to Phase 2 openings and with continued physical distancing.

In this photo, the unidentified mother, with child in arm, is the only hint of movement on the street. However, were we to turn around, you would see people out enjoying a cup of tea at Vida Pour Tea and, across the street,  people at Wonderland Bookshop perusing the delightful book options for children. Perhaps the mom is headed that way. If you want that cozy feeling of being at the beach, take a stroll along State Street.

500 Block of South Elm Street

The 500 block of South Elm Street in Greensboro has so much color and history. The above photo shows a group of people talking in front of Hudson's Hill at 527 South Elm. At one time, the two story, red brick building was the original Coe Grocery. The blue storefront behind the red truck is the second, former Coe Grocery, and now the Gate City Candy Company.

There is so much history in downtown Greensboro. It is nice as the businesses change that in many cases the building facades remain the same. The sign of a healthy, happy city is when people are out mingling together. It is really easy to meet people when strolling along Elm Street. With all of the artwork covering the storefronts, people are flowing to the area to take photos. The artwork is so lovely and the messages are powerful. The painted sign on the side of the building harkens back to the beginning of the last century. The sign on the front of 527 reflects the pulse of the previous century. 

We hope your day is lovely and full of joy!

Westin Hotel South Elm

The Westin is building a hotel on South Elm Street. The above photo features construction on the Davie Street side of the project. To help orient, you can see the Lincoln Financial Corporation building in the background, as well as the long-faded sign for the Ellis-Stone Department Store- built in 1949.

Clearing the lot and working out the details has been a tremendous undertaking but the hotel is finally coming to fruition. This Westin is one of three new hotels being built downtown. Westins are known for combining wellness and hospitality to hotel guests. With the Tanger Center for the Performing arts nearby, having more lodging will make it possible for people to attend performances, dine, exercise, and get a good night's sleep without having to drive. The hotel will help in the revitalization of downtown Greensboro. If you have time, drive by and see for yourself.

McLeod Belting Company

It is so fun to explore Greensboro and find new places. The above business McLeod Belting Company is located at 910 Scott Avenue between Spring Garden Street and Oakland Avenue. Notice in the background the former Rolane Factory. The white building would be easy to drive by without noticing it. However, the Kelly green awnings and font really stand out.

According to their website, the company makes belts for transmissions, conveyors, and processing. The company has been around for 90 years and in this site for approximately 16. They have technicians on call 24/7 and have locations in Virginia and Georgia. Belts are the kind of product that you may never think about if your business doesn't use one. But, if you do need one, having a place you can count on, 24/7 is important. It would be fun to see inside the factory. If you need an industrial belt, now you know where to go! Happy Tuesday.

Blackout NC Demonstration Greensboro

Yesterday afternoon, and into the evening, Greensboro held a Blackout Demonstration led by a new local group, Greensboro Rising. The event started in LeBauer Park and later, proceeded down Elm Street. In the above photo, Lauren Cunningham is singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing".

Lauren has a beautiful, powerful voice and often sings around town. Lauren was one of many people who played a leadership role in yesterday's event.Times are changing and Lauren is an example of someone who has her hand on the pulse of the path to change. As you can see from the above photo, the event was very well attended. The crowd of thousands was diverse with people of all ages and all ethnicities participating.

Eller Memorial Baptist Church

Eller Memorial Baptist Church is located on 4th Street, behind the McDonald's on Summit Avenue. The architecture  is a traditional, one-storey,  brick building with a white steeple. Eller Memorial has resumed worshiping live and Sunday service is at 11:00 am. The history of the church is inextricably intertwined with the textile mill history of Greensboro. In May 1896, plans were underway to organize a church for the community in the Proximity Mill area. One of the founders was Brother W.H. Eller. Mill owner, Ceasar Cone provided first a log cabin, and later a lot on Cherry Street for a church to be built. In 1901, the congregation moved to the 4th/Walnut Street area, where they have remained for the last 119 years.*

East Greensboro has a rich church history. If you are looking for Baptist church family, Eller Memorial will welcome you with open arms. Or, call Pastor Bruce Vaughn who has been the minister there since 2007. If you are out on a Sunday drive, stop by and have a look at this church with a rich history that can actually be traced back to the First Baptist Church of Greensboro.

 

* see more about the church history, online, here.

Summer Hot Days and Stormy Afternoons

Yesterday's mid 80s temperature felt like summer. It was sunny and hot all day. Then, about 7:30, a storm rolled in. The dark clouds, and that funnel above HOMESLICE, were a visual warning that a storm was brewing. Homeslice, located in Cardinal Crossing at Fleming Road, was very busy as people scrambled to pick up their food orders and get home by the 8pm curfew. Many parts of town experienced lightning and then heavy rain. 

It is not uncommon to have hot days and stormy afternoons and evenings. Storms can be beautiful to watch, as long as all are safe. Today is scheduled to be sunny and hot all day in Greensboro, close to 90º. Those who have rain barrels should be able to water their gardens with rainwater. Happy Saturday!

Businesses Reopening, Cautiously

Slowly, businesses in the Greensboro and Piedmont area are reopening. The above photo features the June barn sale at Chartreuse in Thomasville. Formerly, Chartreuse was on Merritt Drive (see, here for a post from 2011). For the past several years, they have been relocated to Thomasville. They hold a sale, one weekend a month, out of their barns at 326 Litwin Drive. Several vendors sell and entrance to the public is free. Usually, they offer drinks and a snack, but to honor COVID restrictions, they didn't put the out this weekend. Shoppers were strongly urged to wear masks, and most complied. If you love barn sales, head to Thomasville and spend some time milling around the barns filled with creative crafts and antiques.

Chartreuse has had a pretty difficult year as artist/ designer Duane Franks died last April. In March, Paula Lynam co-owner with business and life partner Steve, passed in March. Paula was a founding member of Grace Community Church in Greensboro and had a way of making everyone feel as if they had known her forever. So, be safe, be kind, and spend a little time supporting a local business. On Saturday, Chartreuse will have a food truck and live music. That, dear readers, is starting to feel a little like old times.

Visions Catering on South Elm Street

Yesterday was a sunny, hot, relatively quiet day in downtown Greensboro. People were out painting plywood window coverings. Artists were asking for permission to paint ones that were not yet painted. By day, businesses are making every effort to open and conduct business in a safe, socially responsible way. The above photo features someone picking up a catering order at Visions in the 600 block of South Elm Street.

Slowly events are starting back up again. 'Tis the season of high school graduations and historically, June is a big month for weddings. Caterers depend on events happening If you have an event, remember our caterers and florists. That bright red car is a real standout in front of the green building and bright blue sky. Something about this scene is just so hopeful. Maybe it is that heart painted on the door!

Happy Thursday!

This Is the Time to Remember: Class of 2020

The graduation season in Greensboro has started, and the public high schools have all organized drive-through ceremonies Students pull up in their car with family members and walk across the stage, one-at-a-time to be recognized, to get their diploma and to officially graduate. Billy Joel's 1986 song "This Is the Time" has so many lines appropriate for the Class of 2020. "This is the time to remember, cause it will not last forever." The Class of 2020 has had to learn to navigate so much change. 

Yesterday, the middle and early colleges held their ceremonies on their respective campuses and the weather was lovely. The above photo took place on the UNCG campus for the Middle College at UNCG. Ms. Andrea Green, Teacher of the Year at the Middle College, called out each student's name. Principal Keisha Brown and Dr. Tony Watlington, Chief of Schools, were also on the dais for the ceremony. To the left, you see photographers on hand to capture the moment on film. Truly, this is a time in their lives they will remember. This has been a pivotal year on so many levels. Hats off to Guilford County Schools for providing a safe and memorable ceremony for all of its graduating seniors. It will be a memory students will hold with them for a lifetime. 

We Stand Together

Yesterday was Day 6 of protests and the first night of a curfew in Greensboro. By 8:00, people were supposed to be off of the streets. According to news media, the night was relatively calm and protesters mostly disbanded at curfew time.  Notice the messages written above, on the boarded up storefront on south Elm Street, "We Stand Together. BLM Forever. Unity. Together We Stand. Together We Change." Walking from one end of Elm Street to the other, and reading the messages on all of the plywood gives us an idea of how people feel and what they want. The messages are largely positive.

To be sure, we at Greensboro Daily Photo don't have the answers. However, people in Greensboro are feeling marginalized, wronged, and angry, and the situation cannot be ignored. From parents, to daycare workers, to teachers, to politicians, to religious communities, and beyond, lots of conversations need to take place. May we find a way for all to have their voice heard. 

Sunday Afternoon on Elm Street

Greensboro has a long and rich history with the Civil Rights Movement. With two historically black colleges and universities in Greensboro, Bennett College and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and several other institutions of higher education, our city pays very close attention to issues related to social justice. Yesterday afternoon, people made their way to Elm Street for Day 2 of protests. The four women above, were passing through the 500 Block of South Elm Street. By 6pm, large crowds of young people from diverse backgrounds had congregated on South Elm. Every indication was that the protests would be peaceful. After Day 1, some storefronts needed to be boarded up. Others, boarded up, just in case. 

Only time will tell the direction events will take. Perhaps Greensboro will again play a leadership role on the continued path to social justice, like they did in the 1960's during the Sit-Ins.  However, we cannot deny that a lot of work needs to be done, regardless where each of us stands on issues. Largely, Greensboro's downtown business owners are known for being allies, supporting people from all walks of life. Hopefully, Day 2 remained peaceful.