Greensboro Daily Photo

Black History Month Sunset

Closing out Black History Month, with an extra day this leap year, we find ourselves on the stairs of the Historic Dudley Memorial Building. It was originally the administration building on the campus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University (NC A&T). It was built in 1930, making it close to 100 years old. It is a beautiful brick building that now houses the University Galleries. The architectural style of the building is Neoclassical Revival; you can see the columns peeking on the outer edge of the photo. While the building isn't visible here, what is in view is the back of the 2001  Barnhill monument, February One ( also known as The A&T Four Monument). The four men here are remembered for their contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and the Sit-Ins. On February 1, 1960, they walked from campus to take their place at the Woolworth lunch counter to the west of campus.

While the sun is setting in the photo, the shadows are long, and Black History Month is coming to a close, let us hope the journey towards a just and fair world will continue. 

Happy Leap Day!

Demystifying AI in Education

Last night, Tamika M. Davis, MLS, MS (on right), presented a session on artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The session was hosted by the Beta Gamma Chapter of North Carolina Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG), and on the left is Brittany Roberts, President of the Beta Gamma Chapter.  DKG is an international society of key women educators. Davis and Roberts are both key women educators. One of the goals of DKG is to apprise educators of trends and issues in education. AI is a rapidly evolving technology and it is important for teachers to know how to use it as a tool for teaching and learning, as well as how to help students be good, ethical digital citizens as they use AI.  Ms. Davis shared with the educators in the audience how to use AI to create high impact, equitable lessons. She explained how AI can enhance personalized learning, tutor intelligently, coach, write lesson plans, build presentations, summarize concepts succinctly at an age-appropriate level, and more.

Ms. Davis gave examples of why it is important to fact-check AI responses and how AI detection software like "Turn it In" can hold students accountable for developing their own work and not having AI replace thinking. The meeting was held in Kiser Middle School, which is in the process of getting a new building, a state-of-the-art facility. It will be perfect for using teacher and technology resources to provide lessons that cater to the learning needs of each student. Educators like Ms. Davis and Ms. Roberts and organizations like Delta Kappa Gamma are prime examples of everything that is right about education. Oh, and Ms. Davis's glasses can access AI and serve as a phone; no headphones or AirPods needed. If it seems like she is standing alone talking to someone, the is. If there is a K-12 child in your life, see what they know about AI. There is a lot to think about and a lot to learn- and the younger generation is already on board!

Happy Wednesday!

A Boy and His Dog

When we were out exploring northeast Greensboro this weekend, we stopped by The Lusk Center, Caregiving Education Center. Located at 2501 Summit Avenue, the center is a palliative and hospice care collective. They specialize for tailoring care plans to meet the needs of their clients. End of life care is never easy, but it helps to have people listening to patients and caregivers. In front of the building is the sweetest statue. The Boy and His Dog, donated by Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., was created by Lloyd Le Blanc and Judith Holmes Dreary. This husband and wife duo have created many sculptures together. There is something bittersweet about the boy walking towards hospice and palliative care with the little doggie walking faithfully behind. The sculptors really captured mood and emotion. It reminds us of the statue of O. Henry's dog "Pete" downtown, across from Tanger Center. If you are on North summit, stop by and have a look at the statue.

East White Oak Community Center

Yesterday, we posted on the Freedom Fridges at the East White Oak Community Center on 10th Street in northeast Greensboro. Today, we thought we'd take you inside this wooden building that has played a significant role in this community for over 100 years. We're not sure about the artwork. The mural on the left looks like a work in progress. If you are local, you probably know the people on the right. Those wooden floorboards in this hallway look like they've seen a lot of traffic over the last century plus. When it opened in 1916, it was originally a school house for the children of African-American workers at Cone Mills textiles. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. David Richmond, one of the NC A&T Four grew up in this neighborhood.

If you want a tour of the David Richmond Resource Room, the Mill Village Exhibition, or other parts of this historic property, you can call them at 336-274-4555 or you can email them at [email protected]. There is so much outreach that happens at this community center. And, now with the food pantry, in a part of town with much food insecurity, it will play and even more pivotal role. 

Happy Monday!

Freedom Fridges

Usually, we post something religious or spiritual on Sundays. Yesterday, we had a chance to attend the installation of the Freedom Fridge at White Oak Community Center on 10th Street. While people do have church services here, its primary function is not a house of worship. It is a community center where people come together to help each other, giving what they can, is pretty spiritual. The Freedom Fridge was stocked to the gills with staples. The pantry to the right is stocked with items not needing refrigeration. The food items are open to the public and is open 24 hours. It is not under lock and key. 

A free market was held in conjunction with the unveiling of the refrigerator and pantry. The front lawn and community center were filled with items- mostly clothing- for people to take for free. There were many beautiful items coming in and out of the center, with plenty left at 3:00 pm when the event closed. 10th street, just down the street from Channel 2, WFMY News, was hopping all day yesterday.  If you want to see a thriving piece of Greensboro history, head to the White Oak Community Center. It dates back to 1916, when this area was a thriving textile mill village, built for African-American employees of Cone Mills. Today, it is community owned and operates as a 501 (c)3 non profit. Revenue is generated through grants and rentals for community events.  We love what is said about the community center on their website, "(p)eople come here to be part of a community." 

Happy Sunday!

Justice Henry Frye and Shirley Frye Statue in Center City

This past Tuesday, February 20th, a statue was unveiled in Center City Park in honor of Justice Henry E. Frye and Shirley T. Frye. This inspiring Greensboro couple attended the event with their family, Governor Roy Cooper, Mayor Nancy Vaughn, and other prominent Greensboro citizens. It is so appropriate that both appear on the statue together as they are a team, united in their efforts to serve community and to live meaningful lives. Henry Frye has achieved many firsts in his life, Among them, he was the first African-American chief justice in North Carolina; the first elected to the North Carolina General Assembly; and the first to graduate from the UNC School of Law.  Both graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1953. He and Mrs. Frye have both been involved in a number of civic causes throughout their lives.

The statue was funded by the Bryan Foundation and created by artist/sculptor Maria Kirby Smith. We were told she had the Fryes model several outfits before their settling on the ones in the sculpture above. On Mrs. Frye's left shoulder is a butterfly pin, adding a touch of her personal flair to the piece. We learned that Chief Justice Frye has his own personal style. He can articulately summarize a meeting and do so in rhyme. While we were admiring the statue, the above, unidentified couple came to see it. We love the way their holding hands echoes the Fryes' gesture. Truly, the Fryes are a team.

Happy Saturday!

305 Kensington Road, Former Home of Fred Chappell

305 Kensington Road is a home in Sunset Hills, just down from The University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG). It is a property with a yard that has been well loved and tended. It was also the home of Fred Chappell, esteemed  author, poet, and emeritus professor at UNCG from 1997-2002. He was poet laureate of North Carolina from 1997-2002. Fred Chappell was born in Canton, North Carolina (about 20 miles west of Asheville in Haywood County), in 1938. He died recently- this past January 4th- at the age of 86. If you want to know more about him, and have an hour, the PBS documentary, "I Am One of You Forever" is well worth your time. Also, here is a conversation from 2022 where a big take-away is poetry was his passion and he was very humble- even with all of his accomplishments. This quote expresses nicely his love of poetry, "It seems to me, [poetry is] the most natural kind of a speech there is. It’s the most natural, the most elevated, and the most fun — poetry is always attractive. Everybody is immersed in poetry, whether they know it or not."*

The property on Kensington is for sale now. Those who tour the home will notice the garden. The rhododendron are about to bloom, the hellebores are already in bloom, the daffodils have arrived. The next owner will be the new keeper of the garden and a charming abode with lots of book shelves. Fred Chappell was well liked and respected by students, colleagues, and the public at large. The New York Times referred to him as an "admired but unsung writer of the south".  He may be gone, but, indeed, he will be one of us forever.

Happy Friday!

 

*(Woodward's article in Smoky Mountain News, page visited 2/22/24).

 

 

 

I am one of you forever

ITG Brands

Sometimes, driving around Greensboro looking for something to post on Greensboro Daily Photo feels like sleuthing. We were driving on Green Valley Road on a recent afternoon when the sun was low to the horizon and the cement and glass building above was shining brightly. We stopped to have a look and there was no sign of what happens in that building. We did notice the sign on the entrance said "ITG Brands".  Returning home, we were able to research and learn that it stands for Imperial Tobacco Group. In 2015, Lorillard was one of four cigarette brands that divested to Imperial Tobacco Group. Lorillard, a tobacco company that was established in 1875, was sold to Reynolds in 2015. ITG has absorbed so much North Carolina, and Greensboro, tobacco history and it is now located at 714 Green Valley Road.

On the day we visited recently, the building looked almost empty. According to Triad Business Journal, ITG Brands is selling the building. Their headquarters will take over the top floors of a nearby building (reference). What will become of 714? According to City Data records, the building was constructed in 1996 (reference). It seems older than 28 years old. We wonder what will move in. The location is convenient and there is plenty of parking. What do you think it should become? It would be so much fun to have an apartment in that round part.

Happy Thursday!

 

2412 Battleground Avenue

Driving down Battleground Avenue yesterday, we did an about face and pulled into the Office Depot Parking lot to investigate the new construction at 2412 Battleground Avenue. This property has been many things over the years. This address needs a personal archivist to document all of the iterations of the space. Our earliest recollection is that 2412 Battleground was a bank. Then, in 2003, Bardy's Jewelry left Friendly Center to relocate here. After Bardy's, about 4 years later, Mythos Grill moved into the space. Mythos was at 2412 Battleground for about 13 years, before moving to across Battleground near Biscuitville in 2020. According to the Business Journals (8/4/2023), the above structure will become the new State Street Jewelers. The owners of State Street Jewelers, Michael and Amanda Wilson have owned the property since 2021 as their business is outgrowing their currently location (reference). Now we're wondering what will move into their location on State Street. As for 2412 Battleground, let's hope it is a booming success for State Street Jewelers. It is interesting that they completely tore down the old building and, as you can see, they are building from the ground up. We can't wait to see what the new store looks like inside (and outside, too).

Happy Wednesday!

Transform GSO

Yesterday's post featured cross-country walker Holden Ringer. Today, we're featuring the venue where Holden made his presentation and answered our seemingly endless stream of questions. We met at Transform GSO, an event space at 111 West Lewis Street. This downtown co- working space dates back to 2014 when Andy Zimmerman and Ken Causey opened it as HQ Greensboro. In 2020, the space was rebranded as Transform GSO and has expanded to a location next door at 111 Bain Street. These spaces are transformative in that they bring community together and help entrepreneurs and start ups and early stage companies. The space, available to members 24/7,  looked so different on Sunday night, that, at first, we didn't realize that this was the space Maria Johnson interviewed us (actually Mrs. GDP) about Greensboro Daily Photo in 2018 for the O. Henry Magazine.* Fast forward six years later and Greensboro Daily Photo, O.Henry Magazine, and Transform GSO are all three still thriving.

The meeting with Holden brought together many people in the community, most having a connection related to biking and passionate about making Greensboro as biking and pedestrian friendly as possible. In addition to meeting this very inspiring young man, Holden Ringer, we realized that people from every decade of life from teens to age 70+ gathered in a space where we all felt comfortable. This event was a prime example of the extent to which Transform GSO is a catalyst for the good things that are happening in Downtown Greensboro. We encourage you to book a tour of this space (see HERE). There are many options for membership, startomgwotj a $20 day pass. As the Sunday night event was coming to a close, we just stood back for a minute feeling so proud about the sense of community that comes about in shared spaces. Transform GSO for the win!

Happy Tuesday, dear readers.

 

* read the article HERE.

Holden Ringer is Walking Across America

Last night, Bicycling in Greensboro and The Community Bike Shop hosted a potluck for Holden Ringer who is, literally, walking across America. Holden shared his journey with a group of about 20 people at Transform Greensboro at 111 West Lewis Street. Holden is 331 days into his journey that began in Washington State and will conclude in Connecticut. He has walked 3,800 miles and has about 700 more to go. Holden is an Emory University graduate, where he studied marketing, American history, and German. He is making this journey because he is committed to making America more walkable. He walks on US Highways, paths, and anywhere that makes the most sense to get from Point A to Point B. He walked from High Point to Greensboro on Wendover.

Holden walks pushing a stroller he calls Smiley. One really hard day of walking was when he walked 32 miles leaving Salt Lake City, going uphill to an elevation of 5,500 feet. Once, near Atlanta, he walked 52 miles, running at an 8:30 pace for about 40 miles.  Sleeping arrangements have ranged from sleeping under bridges to staying in 6 million dollar homes. Sometimes he connected with people who offered him a place to stay through Reddit and other social media sites.  Sometimes, he knocks on doors and asks people if he can pitch his tent in their yard. Holden says people have been really great and his biggest scares have been with walking on highways with little or no shoulders and with people using cell phones while driving. He has never had any physical danger. He says one of the most challenging states to walk in was South Carolina, given so many roads with no shoulders. However, he said the nice people in South Carolina made up for the challenging walking conditions. If you want to follow Holden's journey, look for him on Instagram and Facebook under Walk2Washington.com. While in Greensboro, Holden is staying with Sheldon Herman who is very involved with the Community Bike Shop and the biking community. Holden made the connection with Sheldon through Greensboro Reddit and the Bicycling in Greensboro group.

Holden will try to meet senators and politicians as he walks through Washington go help get them onboard with funding for biking and making communities more pedestrian friendly. He is on his 9th pair of shoes and second stroller and hopes that will get him through the next 700 miles. We were so lucky to meet this young adventurer on a trip of a lifetime. We suspect he will carry this love of cities, walking, and advocacy for public pedestrian spaces into his career. Right now, he wants to finish this adventure before committing to a specific career path.

Happy Monday!

Friendly Avenue Church of Christ

The Friendly Avenue Church of Christ at 5101 West Friendly Avenue has a new light up sign where the message changes after about a minute. Indeed, it draws attention, making you fix your eyes on the church. It is a large lot located between Lipscomb Road and Westland Drive and across the street from Trinity Church. Friendly Avenue Church of Christ is a dynamic congregation that hosts many events and has local and international ministries. They have a community kitchen partnership with Greensboro Urban Ministries.  One of their upcoming mission trips is to the Dominican Republic. They also offer a Spanish service at the church. On Thursday, March 28th at 6:00 pm, they will hold a Messianic Passover Seder.

Dr. Jason Noble is the Preaching Minister. We couldn't find a church history online, so we're not sure when it was built. If you know, let us know and we'll share. 

Happy Sunday!

City Greensboro

How lucky the businesses and residents of Greensboro are to have so many great resources in our community. Two of those resources are right here in today's photo: Latoya Harris (left) and Amanda Smith (right). Ms Harris is an Organizational Development Manager and Ms. Smith is a Talent Acquisition Consultant for the City of Greensboro. Their offices are at 300 West Washington Street, where they work to help the people and culture of Greensboro. Currently, more that 3,500 people are employed by the City of Greensboro and they attended yesterday's career expo in the Elliot University Center at UNCG. The expo was set up to talk to students at the Middle College at UNC Greensboro about career options with the city. Here is a link to the City of Greensboro's website, in case you are interested in working for them. 

Happy Saturday!

 

Thomas Hefner, North Carolina Train Host

Today, we're featuring Thomas Hefner who is a North Carolina train host. Hosts volunteer their time to ride trains and assist passengers as needed. They answer questions about trains and area attractions. Mr. Hefner's fascination with trains began as a child in Catawba County County where the Southern/Norfolk Southern AS (née S)-line ran from Asheville to Salisbury and with the old Carolina And North-Western running trains south from Newton and tracks into Caldwell County from Hickory. A science teacher by profession, Mr. Hefner teaches chemistry, physics, and earth/environmental science at the Middle College at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. He loves the way science and engineer intersect in in rail transportation.

Having grown up in a union family, Mr. Hefner also loves labor unions and reminded us that there is a high rate of unionization across the various jobs at Amtrak. He has been riding Amtrak since college. He and his wife took their honeymoon on Amtrak, as well as for their 25th and 30th anniversary celebrations. The Hefners will take their summer 2024 vacation to Indianapolis, ending in the home of Eugene V. Debs, one of the founding members of the Industrial Workers of the World. The history of trains and the labor movement in the United States are passions second to his love of family and also his love of teaching science. If you are on Amtrak and see Mr. Hefner, he can probably answer any Amtrak or railroad history question you have. He is the perfect person to host on Amtrak. We like to tease Mr. Hefner that he is like Thomas the Tank Engine. Remember that show? In the show, Thomas always tries his hardest to be a really useful engine. To be sure, if you meet Mr. Hefner, you will know he always tries to be useful. 

Happy Friday! 

3503 East Lee Street

As you know by now, we love to explore Greensboro and Guilford County in our spare time, often getting lost in new places. Of course getting lost is not the same with GPS and digital navigation. A couple of weeks ago, we explored the southeast end of the county near Sharpe Road and Englewood Forest, right were East Gate City Boulevard and I-40 come together. The above house at 3503 East Lee Street  caught our eye because it reminded us of housing in Mexico and other countries- especially the bright colors and the stucco. It evokes the feeling of a ranch out west. The fence defines a border but deer and other critters can hop over with ease. It wouldn't keep a child or a pet contained; but, it does accentuate the property beautifully. It is situated on nearly an acre and a half.

The house was built in 1953 and last sold in 2006, so the current owners have been there for nearly 20 years. When the house was built 71 years ago, the eastern part of Guilford County looked so different and this property would have seemed very remote. Today, in a hop, skip, and a jump, you can be on the interstate, heading out of town in two minutes. It is beside George C. Simkins, Jr. Elementary School, which opened in the 2014-2015 school year. So, the above house, and the current owners, predate the constructing of the school. As a result of this little jaunt, we learned that there still is a part of Lee Street still called "Lee Street." Just around the corner from this house is the East Gate City Boulevard corridor. It is so fun to explore our community!

Happy Thursday!

Happy Valentines Day

What are your plans for Valentine's Day this year? Such is the question being asked in the window of the Biltmore Hotel at 111 West Washington Street. According to its website, the Biltmore Hotel is Greensboro's oldest hotel. The hotel has a lot of provenance and, fortunately, the history of the hotel and all of the functions it has served during the many iterations. Fortunately the stories and documentation are available online (HERE). It has been under new ownership since 2007 and the new owner works hard to keep the hotel upscale, but cozy.

The photo represents a fun window display put up for Valentine's Day. We discovered it while downtown recently looking for festive window displays for February 14th. We didn't get to ask about the Valentine's Day package, but we do intend to try to stay there at some point. And yes, we would like to be a part of the conversation at the Biltmore Hotel. It is the only independently owned and operated boutique hotel in downtown Greensboro. The Biltmore has been part of the revival of downtown and for that, we are grateful!

Happy Valentine's Day! 

It's Hellebore Time in Greensboro!

Tis the season for hellebores to be blooming. These low growing plants make lovely ground cover. Ours love their location under a stand of trees. The five-petal, bowl-shaped flowers and the green foliage add a great pop of color when so much is brown. In our yard, they are the first flowers to bloom. They are also known as lenten roses because they are often in bloom during Lent. If you want a lovely selection, they are usually available in February at the Yanceyville Farmers Market. Also Gethsemane Garden & Nursery at 3707 NC-150 is a great place to start. They are open by appointment (336- 656-3096). Janice Nicholson cultivates them from seed at Gethsemane Gardens and after three years sells them, as they are ready to bloom. We spoke with her at the farmers market this past weekend and learned that the parent plant remains the same color, but the babies can be any color. We always learn so much when we talk to her. We need to interview her for a write-up on Greensboro Daily Photo. We love meeting local people who are passionate about their work, especially when it is related to nature. 

Do you have hellebores in your yard? They grow well in Greensboro and once you start them, you can't imagine February without them.

Happy Tuesday!

the corner FARMERS MARKET

This past weekend at the corner FARMERS MARKET, we finally met up with Kathy Newsom who is the manager of the corner market. As a result of the role she plays in the corner market it, indeed, seems as if she knows everyone. And, from the above photo, you can see she greets everyone with a smile. Kathy's involvement with the corner market dates back to its early beginnings in 2013 in the old location at Sticks and Stones parking lot at the corner of Walker and Elam. She was home schooling her children and wanted them to learn what adults do, including being community-oriented. At first, her own children would make artwork at the market, inspiring others with colorful signs with inspirational words like "HOPE" on them. As Kathy tells it, she was an around the market and so involved that they asked her to be manager. She helped with the transition to the current location, the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church parking lot. With the relocation, parking has become much easier and the market has been able to expand. Plus, Thile they were happy to accommodate, Sticks and Stones has their parking lot back.

Kathy loves being involved with community and we have known of her since her involvement with "Knit the Bridge," where, in 2015 Lindley Park friends and neighbors gathered to knit the Walker Avenue bridge over Wendover Avenue. Kathy reminds us of just how much we can do as individuals to build community. See her every Saturday at the corner FARMERS MARKET. If you are looking a way to become more involved with community in Greensboro, we bet Kathy will have ideas for you. We are so glad to finally be featuring her

Happy Saturday!

"Souper" Bowl Sunday at St. Andrew's

Today is Super Bowl Sunday, which means it is the last day to order soup from Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church. Church members will cook to bring you four different soup options. For $13 per quart, you can order corn chowder with bacon, Italian turkey sausage with white beans and spinach, West African sweet potato peanut, and hearty tomato bisque.  You must order ahead of time- specifically by today. Soup pick up will take place on March 16th and 23rd at the Corner Market from 8:00 am- 12:00 noon, and at the St. Andrew's Parrish Hall on March 17th and 24th from 11:15 am- 12:15 pm.  See details and order HERE at the Good Soup for Good link. This is the official name for the fundraiser. St. Andrew's does so much good for the community, including feeding the hungry. The congregation sponsored an Afghani family and they continue to help the family get established in Greensboro. 

If you follow the link, you will also see details for the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner held at St. Andrew's on Tuesday, February 13th. Tickets are $7 for individuals and $15 for a family ticket. The above photo features Fran (left) and Virginia, members of the congregation who were at the Corner Market yesterday taking orders for the soup fundraiser. How wonderful that the Corner Market is able to use the parking lot of St. Andrew's for their Saturday Market (weekly), and St. Andrew's can set up there, when needed. If you buy soup regularly from the Corner Market, likely it is from John Drees. John is a well-respected local chef in Greensboro, and he volunteered to help the church prepare the soup batches for this fundraiser, in their certified kitchen. What a heartwarming story. Thank you John. Which soup will you be ordering? They all sound so delicious.

Happy Sunday! Happy Souper Bowl.

Window Displays on Elm Street

Do you love to window shop? Some cities are knows for window displays, especially NYC. Downtown Greensboro, on Elm Street, some stores consistently have inspiring window displays Oscar Oglethorpe Optometry (OOO), on 226 South Elm Street, is one such place.The above photo features their current window display. The eyes play with the theme of what happens inside the store. The hearts are a nod to Valentine's Day. The pops of pink brighten up an otherwise gray winter day. The multi- talented Rafa, an Oscar Oglethorpe employee, designed the window.

Oscar Oglethorpe is located in the Ellis Stone building, which was constructed in 1949. It was a locally-owned department store back when downtown department stores were all the rage across America. Its style is modernist and it was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. This building is a fine example of downtown Greensboro's efforts to maintain the integrity of the look of Elm Street of yesteryear, while updating interiors to keep stores relevant to the expectations of shoppers. When the lighting is right, this OOO building makes a backdrop for a photo shoot. The above pair just happened to walk into view as we were photographing the facade. Head downtown and have a look for yourself.

Happy Saturday!

300 Block of South Elm Street

As we head into the weekend, you will surely see us around town taking photos. The above photo features the 300 block of South Elm Street in downtown Greensboro. This is one of our favorite sections. We love getting a cup of coffee from the Green Bean and sitting there mapping out our weekend plans. It isn't First Friday, but there will still be plenty to do. We love buildings/businesses that date when they were established. The Green Bean says "Est 2002" and Natty Greene's says "Eat. 2004." We're not so sure we would have guessed that the Green Bean pre-dates Natty's by two years.

Also, we remember when Grey's Tavern was an art supply store; however, we don't remember when Grey's was established (they need an "Est. 19XX sign). The Grey family has a lot of property along Elm Street, and are a prominent family. We don't know if they still own the tavern, but are glad they still have their name on it. We've been around long enough to know Sylvia Grey, who owned the building that now houses Elsewhere Museum. Thoughts of her work ethic and determination  put a smile on our face, every time we walk past Grey's tavern or Elsewhere. 

Have a happy weekend. Have you noticed hours and minutes of daylight are increasing?

Happy Friday! Happy exploring.

Lalla Essaydi Photography at Weatherspoon

Lalla Essaydi will be a Falk Visiting Artist this spring at the Weatherspoon Art Gallery on the UNCG campus. Currently, her photos are on display and she will speak on Thursday April 4th from 4:30-5:30 pm. Ms. Essaydi grew up in Morocco and has an international backgroun,  having lived in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and now, the United States. Her art is presented through multiple lenses, that of a Moroccan, a liberal, a Muslim woman, and a traditionalist. Currently, her work on display at the Weatherspoon. It addresses past and present perspectives, especially related to the interpretations of  Moroccan women in art. One example is Orientalism, the fantasized images of the people and places of North Africa and the Middle East. The more you look at her photos, the more you notice. The figures are covered with Arabic calligraphy, reminiscent of the writing you see on the walls of mosques. 

The Weatherspoon is located at 500 Tate Street on the southeastern end of UNCG's campus. Entry is free and there is parking in back. This museum is a local treasure and a fun way to spend an afternoon. The Weatherspoon brings the world to Greensboro in a way that makes one want to travel and learn more. We are looking forward to Ms. Essaydi's presentation in April.

Happy Thursday!

Forge- Dear Greensboro

The Forge is a dream "3rd Space" downtown. If you need a break from. your home or work, or especially if you have a home office, you can go to The Forge and create something. Or, you can sit in the co-working space and be inspired by those around you. We love this view from the corner of Gate City Boulevard and Eugene Street. It can be hard to find signage with our city written on it, but here we see The Forge sign to the right of the door and "DEAR GREENSBORO" above the door. Of course those signs were created at The Forge.

The Forge bills itself as a gym for makers and haven for "inventors, students, entrepreneurs, artisans, trade professionals, tinkerers, and hobbyists."  There are options for monthly or annual subscriptions. You gain access to tools, equipment, and workspace. You can even take classes. You must demonstrate competence with using a tool to be able to use it. Members are very generous with their knowledge. The Forge Makerspace is at 219 West Lewis Street. This non-profit had its beginnings in 2012 when the founders would meet in coffee shops. Finally, by 2013, they found the above space and have literally turned this little corner of Greensboro from unnoticed to a great space to hang out, create, and collaborate. Do you have a 3rd space? Do you need one?

Happy Wednesday!

GCS Tuesday Tours

Today starts Tuesday Tours for Guilford County Schools (GCS). Our local public school district offers 48 choice schools and a title of 66 programs, over K-12 grades. These programs help engage learners and prepare them for future careers. They provide hands-on experience and in some cases internships. The above photo was taken last Wednesday (January 31st) when schools set up in the Coliseum to showcase their offerings. The above photo was taken on the elementary school section of the choice fair. Unfortunately, we didn't get to talk to the teacher setting up the robot. As soon as we snapped the photo, there were many interested families with questions and we didn't interrupt.

Three Tuesdays in February, choice schools will offer tours for prospective applicants. It is so important that families, especially students, tour, and ask questions to ensure the goodness of fit for a student and a chosen program. Usually, a student can tell if there is a goodness of fit and if the school's offerings match their interests. Most programs are lottery based and slots are very coveted. If you are interested in a school or program. Here is a link to choice schools and tour offerings. GCS currently has several schools under construction and these new schools will be fantastic. Here's to great tours and students finding their academic home.

Happy Tuesday! 

Palmer Institute

As stated on State Historic Marker J87, the Palmer Memorial Institute was a preparatory school for blacks founded in 1902 by Charlotte Hawkins Brown. The institute closed in 1971, but the property now a state historic site. The above photo is of the 1929 Green Parrot Tea House. It was the student snack shop where students gathered for their free time to enjoy snacks. According to the sign in front of the one-story building, the shop was typically run by a male senior student, but staffed by underclassmen. This gave students an opportunity to hone their business skills. The Palmer Institute was co-ed, but female students couldn't enter the tea house after dinner, so sometimes they would get a guy to purchase something for them and meet them elsewhere on campus to pick up the snack. Where there's a will, there's a way. 

There is so much history at the Palmer Institute (see HERE). If you get a chance to take a tour or attend an event there, we encourage you to do so. It is located in Sedalia on Highway 70, which is an extension of East Wendover. Sedalia is close to the relatively new Rock Creek. Currently, a 100 acre parcel of land for sale across the street from the Palmer Institute. This little community is about to change before our eyes. We love the looks of this little tea house and need to find out if it is open, as it would be a great place to stop en route to Burlington.

Happy Monday!

Miracle Deliverance Church

Miracle Deliverance is a United Holy Church founded by Pastor Dr. Harry L. Clark, Sr. It is located in East Greensboro where East Gate City Boulevard meets I-40 at the corner of Cedar Park and Bridgepoint Road. It is a church that is almost hidden in plain sight. While it is visible from Gate City Boulevard, that stretch of road is so busy and disrupted by construction that few people notice it. However, to the people who attend there surely have a different perspective. They know right where it is.

According to their website, services are held at 11:00 am (weather permitting), and Zoom is available. They also hold Bible Study on Wednesdays. Miracle Delivery is a family-oriented evangelistic church.

Happy Sunday!

Greensboro Highways and Skyways

The above scene features the drive back into town from High Point to Greensboro, driving on the roads south of town. On Wednesday, the skies were split between bright blue and a looming gray cloud cover descending with the afternoon sun. You can see that little blue patch of sky that was quickly being pushed out of the way from the big gray clouds. These are not the sleepy little roads like the High Point Road of yesteryear. 

We hope you have a great weekend and that you find time to get out and explore weekend. Right now, the weather maps are not showing rain until next Sunday. So, this weekend should be great for getting out and exploring. We love seeing signage with the word "Greensboro" on it.

Happy Saturday!

Social Justice Presentation at Hairston Auditorium

Yesterday at 10:00 am, people gathered to celebrate the legacy of four North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) students and the role they played in the civil rights movement. This was the 64th anniversary of the Sit-Ins that first took place on February 1, 1960. At 10:00 am, there was a service and wreath laying ceremony in front of the February One Statue. After, high school students were invited to attend a social justice presentation by a panel of five very accomplished NC A&T students who answered questions about what they were doing to bring about change and gave high school students advice on what they could do to be actively engaged. The NC A&T students also talked about the opportunities at NC A&T and what a great school it is. The high school students were respectful and engaged, likely impressed that some of the university students were just a few years older than they are. The young man on the left has already appeared on Good Morning America and other national shows talking about social justice and making a difference. The student in the middle is just 19 years old and graduating this spring. The man on the left is an articulate freshman. Indeed, the above four students were role models for the high school students.

If we had one with for schools, it would be to offer more field trips. They are so hard to arrange these days, between the bus driver shortage, needed funding, and the pressure to cover core curriculum. Yesterday's field trip was impactful to the high school students who were able to attend, not only for the opportunity to participate in the February One ceremony and the social justice talk, but also to just spend time together making memories. After the presentation, students walked from the university campus to downtown Greensboro to the International Civil Rights Museum and Center. It was a cool, but sunny day and memories were made. 

Happy Friday!

February One- Black History Month

And so we begin Black History Month, a month of people learning about events that propelled the Civil Rights Movement and Black history in general. February One is a big day, it is also the day that the Greensboro Four marched from the campus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University  (NC A&T) to the F.W. Woolworth Building at 134 South Elm Street. The above monument, by Greensboro artist and sculptor, James Barnhill, was installed on the campus of NC A&T in 2002. It features the Greensboro Four: David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair, Jr. (Jibreel Khazan), and Joseph McNeil.

Today, many people will be visiting NC A&T campus to participate in a special ceremony for the events of February 1, 1960. It is important to remember the past and to work in the moment to lead society in the direction of equity. There is a PBS documentary about February One. It would be in all of our best interests to watch the documentary. 

Happy Thursday! Happy February!