Greensboro Daily Photo

Yardley Warner

Social activist, Yardley Warner, was known as a Quaker with a cause. He was born in Pennsylvania and came to Greensboro to help with social justice issues, in light of the changes coming about due to the Emancipation Proclamation. Warner purchased 35.5 acres of land in southeast Greensboro and sold small parcels to free African-Americans for a very reasonable price. He helped build an infrastructure in the community, lived there himself, and taught crafts and agriculture. The neighborhood became known as Warnersville and, while the original neighborhood has changed, the name remains.

The above exhibit was photographed at the Greensboro Historical Museum where there is an exhibit on Warnersville. In case we don't get a chance to tell you closer to the date, on October 18th from 3:00- 4:00 pm, Dr. Arwin Smallwood, Chair of the Department of History at NC A&T State University, will present on the Warnersville neighborhood at the Historical Museum (reference and see more, here). Warner was a Quaker who dedicated his life to issues related to social justice- pretty progressive for the mid-1800's!

Rainbow Spotted in Glenwood

This colorful wall was found in the Glenwood neighborhood, on Glenwood Avenue between Grove and Florida Streets. It evokes a rainbow, with the rainbow colors from red to purple. While the above mural is not in rainbow order, all of the colors are present. The following symbolism is often attributed to the individual colors, especially in rainbow flags: green- nature; orange- healing; red- life; yellow- sunlight; blue- harmony; and purple/violet- spirit. 

There has been so much in the national news this week. The displaying of the confederate flag in public, especially on state buildings, is being challenged. The Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act.  The Supreme Court declared that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states.

Rarely does our Nation have so much national news to parse collectively.  Regardless of what you feel about each of these issues, it is fair to say that we all strive for more love and less hate in the world.  It looks like one little building in Greensboro is reminding us of that fact. 

Happy Saturday! 

 

Z is for Zip Code

 

 

 

The US Postal Service began using five digit ZIP Codes in 1963 and the four digit extension was added in the 1980's. The term, ZIP code, stands for Zone Improvement Plan. Today's ZIP code photo features pillows from Design Archives at 342 South Elm Street. While Design Archives vendors have been selling North Carolina and Greensboro T-shirts for a while, the ZIP code pillows are relatively new. Since, 27401 is the code for downtown Greensboro, that is the one that we are featuring in today's post. (Several other codes are available inside).

The Guilford County ZIP code with the largest population is 27410- the western part of Greensboro, within the city limits- with over 50,000 residents . The ZIP code with the most land area is  27358  in the northwest corner of the county (the Oak Ridge and Stokesdale area) with 54.5 square miles.

Today is ABC Wednesday and with today's letter Z, Round 14 is drawing to a close. For our A-Z Alphabet Soup Round,  Z is for ZIP Code and here is Greensboro's ZIP code map. See GDP's Alphabet Soup A-Z entries, here. It is worth a look, if you have time.

 See some general ZIP Code history, here.

At February First, on February First, Remembering February First

Today is February 1st and the above photo is of Feburary First Street, that tiny street that represents such a big event in the history of Greensboro. Just south of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, February First Street was renamed for the heroic event, The Greensboro Sit-Ins, when four students from A&T University sat at the lunch counter and demanded to be served. The back left signage in the photo reminds us that the heroic event took place at Woolworth. The big sit-in event happened on February First in 1960 at 4:30 pm, right inside this building. You. Are. Here. And it is beautiful; on so many levels.

As the nation enters Black History Month, Greensboro enters a period of remembering our efforts in advancing civil rights on February First, in Greensboro, in North Carolina and beyond. Last month, the world lost a great man, Franklin McCain. Physically, he won't be here today; however, his ideas will be here for a very long time. If you have time this afternoon, stop by the museum. Better yet, purchase a ticket and head to the 54th Anniversiary Gala being held at the Khoury Convention Center. A memorable evening will be had by all. Wherever you are, do something today that helps make the world a more just and equitable place.

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade

In Greensboro, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade will start at 11 am on MJK Drive. The above photo features last year's parade. Here, we see the Dudley High School Marching Band near the end of the parade as it approached the convergence of MLK Drive and South Elm Street. If you are able to get away from whatever you are doing today, we urge you to attend the parade. It is a great time for people of all ethnicities and races to come together to support the notion of equality and service to community. The parade is always an upbeat and hopeful event, enjoyed by people of all ages. From a balloon-animal-making clown to floats, cars, horses, bands, scouts, fraternities and sororities and grand marshalls, churches and so much more, this event will be a great way to start the day.

This is the 25th year that the Greensboro Branch of the NAACP will sponsor the parade. There are four grand marshalls this year: Caroline Horton; Bishop George W. Brooks, former pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church; Attorney R. Steve Bowden; and City Manager Denise Turner Roth. If you don't go to the parade, at least try to attend something today in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Four Seasons mall is another place that will have lots of events. 

Goodbye, Franklin McCain

Franklin McCain's ties to Greensboro and the Civil Rights Movement were many. He was one of the Greensboro Four who sat at the Woolworth's lunch counter in 1960 humbly insisting to be served a cup of coffee. He continued his great work in many ways, including serving on the board to trustees at NC A&T University and being active with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. The above photo was taken on February 1st 2010 when McCain (right) and Rev. Jesse Jackson (left) were in town for the 50th Anniversiary of the Greensboro Sit-Ins as well as the opening of the International Civil Rights Museum and Center.* They were looking at the ground because it had snowed over night and Elm Street was slippery. However, the event was so monumental and the dedication to the Civil Rights Movement was so strong, not even ice and snow could keep people away.

Mr. McCain died Thursday at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro. His wife died a year ago (January 2, 2013). They were both involved with the Civil Rights Movement.  The Charlotte Observer shared a quote from Mr. McCain, who was reflecting on the day at the Woolworth's lunch counter, "That day- February 1, 1960- was the best day of my life, and just for sitting on some dumb stool," he said. "It was a reaffirmation of who I am and what I'm supposed to be" (reference). How fitting that Mr. McCain breathed his last breath in Greensboro, a place that helped shape his legacy in the Civil Rights Movement.

Sundays, referred to as Sacred Sunday on GDP, are reserved for moments of spiritual reflection. If you believe in prayer, please say one for the McCain family and for all those following in his footsteps, working to make sure that life if fair, for everyone.  

* more photos & text here and here and here.

Kwanzaa 2013

Kwanzaa has drawn to a close, but we didn't want to say goodbye to the holiday without giving you an idea of how Greensboro celebrated. The Greensboro Kwanzaa Collective hosted a seven-day celebration from 5-8pm ending on January 1st. Several events were held at Bethel AME Church on 200 Regan Street. The above photo was taken at the International Civil Rights Center and Mustum on South Elm Street. They hosted the event on December 28th, celebrating, Ujima- the principle of collective work and responsibility (see reference). 

With New Year's Day and Kwanzaa closing out the holiday calendar, you know it is almost time for students to return to school. If you are Catholic you will likely celebrate Epiphany, Three Kings' Day, on January 6th. If you are Russian Orthodox, January 7th will be Christmas. Regardless of what you celebrate, it is important to have an appreciation of holidays and celebrations of other cultures. If you have not had the opportunity to experience a Kwanzaa celebration, put that you your 2014 to-do list. In the meantime, Harambee* Greensboro!

*let's all pull together

Play. Love. Pray.

Sundays, we try to post something religious or spiritual.* Sometimes it is a house of worship; sometimes it is a view of nature. This week, we share a photo of the most recent City Market- an event which pops up the third Thursday of the month, between Barnhart and Lewis Streets. During last Thursday's City Market, music was playing as were children. Adults were shopping, relaxing with friends and family, and enjoying the sights and sounds of our city.

Throughout the nation, this week has brought heavy conversations over Trayvon Martin's death, the results of the trial, and the fact that not all Americans feel truly equal and equally safe. Even President Obama weighed in on the matter. In memory of Trayvon Martin, several people in Greensboro assembled on West Market street yesterday. It is hard to know what it will take for our Nation to come together and truly feel like one Nation.

Seeing the musicians and the children in the above photo is uplifting. All were having a blast, enjoying not only the event, but also each other. We can only hope that our youngest generation will have an equal chance to have equal lives.  Perhaps the answer is to play, love, pray. Together.

*see previous spiritual, Sunday posts, here.

Follow the Turquoise and Orange Road

February 1st Place, a crossover street of Elm Street and stretching from Greene to Davie Streets, just got painted. This little section of street in downtown Greensboro is now a pop up promenade beside the International Civil Rights Museum. This will be a place for people to gather, enjoy food from food trucks and hang out from 6-11 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. The promenade was painted turquoise and orange, representing the seat colors of lunch counter chairs at Woolworth, where the sit-ins were held. Those iconic colors of the 1960's were also the colors of Howard Johnson Restaurants. Turquoise and orange are so old, they're trending again and just perfect for this outdoor gathering space.

What a great idea! We predict that this street will hold special events long after June. For now, follow happenings at Pop Up Promenade's Facebook page! Let's hope it remains a fun, safe place to bring the community together.  Downtown, at dusk, never looked better!

Pearl of Equality on Hamburger Square

Greensboro has 8 coffee-cup sculptures to honor the Greensboro Sit-ins. The art project was a collaborative effort between The United Arts Council, The International Civil Rights Center and Museum, and Action Greensboro's synerG Group. Each sculpture has a quote that demonstrates the courage of the four men who sat at the Woolworth lunch counter in 1960, starting the sit in's.

The cup photographed above, called 'Pearl of Equality' by Timothy Daniel, is located on Hamburger Square near Natty Greene's. You can enlarge the photo to read the Margaret Mead quote. We want to share Daniel's quote about the meaning behind his sculpture. "The idea of the sharp, stony oyster guarding its precious treasure came to me almost immediately to symbolize the whole 'Eye on the Prize' feeling on the civil rights struggle. The oyster's shell would represent the old status quo, and the flesh and pearl would represent the wonderful bounty awaiting those persistent enough to seek it."

Here is a map for a walking tour of all the cups. It is also the reference for the quote. Pearl of Equality is #3 on the walking tour. The photo was taken last spring, so, if you head down to see it, the trees are not yet budding!

W is for Warnersville.... and Women

Today we bring you what appears to be a light blue, 1986 Chevrolet Caprice* along Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard during the MLK parade. The sign on the outside of the car is celebrating the Warnersville community. Warnersville, Greensboro's oldest African-American community, is a mere .277 square miles in size with a population of 896. It was established by former slaves in 1867, just after the Civil War, on land sold to them by a white Quaker, Yardley Warner.  Today, approximately 80% of this neighborhood remains African-American (reference). Just under half of the residents in this neighborhood are women and 36.8 percent of the households in this neighborhood are single-mother households. 39.5 percent of the women in this neighborhood have sales and office occupations. The women of Warnersville work very hard at taking care of their children and providing for their households. Additionally, they work to promote their neighborhood. 

We're sure there are great men in Warnersville, too; however, today is ABC Wednesday and "W" is for Warnersville and the women of Warnersville- one of whom was riding in the Buick above. This round of ABC Wednesday, we're also mentioning causes to accompany these Wednesday posts. If you wanted to contribute to the Warnersville community, you could consider donating time and/or money to Jones Elementary or to Warnersville Recreation Center  both of which have served the community for a very long time.

*Thank you, reader, Fred Robbins, for identifying this vehicle for us. 

M is for Music

Today is ABC Wednesday and 'M' is for 'music'. Local musician Laurelyn Dossett makes beautiful music! Laurelyn performs weekly at Lucky 32 Restaurant. Each Tuesday, in addition to their regular menu, Lucky 32 serves up a traditional, southern meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread, and collards. Nothing goes with fried chicken better than Laurelyn's clear voice and acoustic music. Laurelyn has gained national attention for her local projects, grounded in the lore of North Carolina. 

In the above photo, Laurelyn, Scott Manring and Molly McGinn are performing the "Vote Against Amendment One" song. Listen to it  here on Monkeywhale Productions' website. From Rabbi Guttman to Mayor Robbie Perkins to restaurateurs Mr. and Mrs. Quaintance, many prominent citizens of Greensboro appeal to voters to vote against Amendment One on May 8th. Read about Amendment 1 here. 

I is for Indian

Today's photo takes us to Lonnie Revels Greenway, the section of Freeman Mill Road between Spring Garden Street and Florida Avenue that is named for Lonnie Revels (1935-2003). Revels, originally from Robeson County, was a lifelong advocate for American Indians in North Carolina. He fought tirelessly, seeking national recognition for the Lumbee Tribe. While North Carolina recognizes Lumbee as a tribe, the federal government does not. From 1790- 1870, through the US Civil War Era, the Lumbee were classified as "free other", "free colored", and "free mulatto" (reference). By 1885, North Carolina recognized them as Indians. However, not having federal recognition as a tribe prevents them from receiving federal services. 

Mr. Revels graduated from Wake Forest University in 1958, served in the U.S. Army in the 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, married his high school sweetheart, and moved to Greensboro in 1961. Here, he owned a printing company, while remaining active in issues related to Indian/Native American Affairs. Nationally, Revels was appointed to the Civil Rights Commission of the U.S. Department of Agriculture by President Nixon. At one time, he was the senior member of the Commission of Indian Affairs in North Carolina. Locally, he was elected to Greensboro's City Council in 1985. He was the District 15 representative for the Lumbee Tribal Council. Mr. Revels was a founder and board member of the Guilford Native American Association (GNAA) which continues to serve over 5,000 Native Americans in Guilford County. The GNAA sponsors a pow-wow annually. While Mr. Revels has been deceased for eight years, his civic involvement will be remembered for years to come. As we look at this little section of Freeman Mill Road, we can only imagine the thoughts that weighed heavily on Mr. Revels' mind as he was commuting on this road between Greensboro and his home community-- Pembroke.

Today, we remember Mr. Revels' cause-- for the Lumbee to become a tribe, and respectfully submit for ABC Wednesday, I for Indian. Mr. Revels had great respect and love for the land. It is fitting that a little sliver of land with blossoming trees, sandwiched between ribbons of asphalt, be named in his honor. 

photo from: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=10642296

 

Girl Scout Cookie Time

Well, it seems winter is upon us in Greensboro as is Girl Scout Cookie time! These girls from Troop 41157, marching in the MLK parade advertising  cookies, are absolutely precious! 2012 is a special year for Girl Scouting in the United States; the organization celebrating its 100th anniversary this year-- and 95 years of selling cookies. On the day of the parade, these young scouts were spending their holiday promoting the Girl Scout organization, building a sense of community among their troop, doing community service, and making every effort to sell cookies along the way.

If you get a chance, buy some Girl Scout cookies this year. If you pre ordered, your scout should be notifying you soon that your cookies are in. If you didn't get a chance to pre-order, stop by the Harris Teeter at Pisgah Church or the one at Battleground/Horse Pen Creek from 11:00- 5:00 today to purchase Girl Scout cookies. Make standing in freezing temperatures worthwhile for these dedicated scouts! While the young ladies at Harris Teeter aren't the ones in the above photo, they are equally dedicated to their very worthwhile organization and have the same great cookies. If we hear of other booths, we'll let you know.

We're posting this on Sunday as one of our religious/spiritual posts, since the Girl Scout organization encourages members to have a belief in a spiritual principle.

D is for Dogs, People and Paws for Hope

In the above photo, we see the building that formerly housed the Central Carolina Convalescent Hospital at 710 Huffine Mill Road, between Summit and Bessemer Avenues. We drove by this weekend to see the former hospital again because there was a question about its location during Eugene Pfaff's recent book talk about the Civil Rights Movement in Greensboro. During the sit-ins, the above facility served as a place to detain protestors. However, it was initially built in 1948 to quarantine and treat polio victims.* One woman vividly remembered it was "somewhere out off of East Market Street" said when her parents drove her past this facility, she held her breath for fear of catching polio. 

This facility is so important to the history of Greensboro, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Great Mid-Century Polio Epidemic. It is always larger in our memory than it is when we actually visit it in person.** Surprisingly, nobody has pursued getting it on an historic registry. While, a few years ago, it appeared to be abandoned and deteriorating, there is hope for its upkeep, however.

On Sunday's visit, we learned that the facility currently houses People and Paws for Hope. This non-profit organization helps youth between the ages of 5-18 with Animal Assisted Therapies and Activities. They also help dogs be socialized with humans so that they can be adopted into forever homes. So, as serendipity would have it, our trip to the polio hospital brings us in a round about way to today's ABC Wednesday cause: D is for dogs, our canine companions. As People and Paws for Hope reminds us, we need dogs and dogs need us! Good luck to this organization. Good luck to 710 Huffine Mill Road!

*read an interesting article about the polio hospital (here).

**Last time we were there it was painted blue. 

International Civil Rights Center and Museum

Black History Month is in full gear and what better place to stop and reflect on the past and hope for a harmonious future than the International Civil Rights Center and Museum? The museum, located in the former F.W. Woolworth Company on South Elm Street, houses permanent exhibits and sponsors events all year long. Today, story hour begins at 11am featuring, When Marian Anderson Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson. The 2012 Gala is happening today at the Koury Convention Center Imperial Ballroom and the museum's website indicates the topic is Today's Sit-in: Economic Justice (more here).

We're sharing this post with the Weekend Reflections meme; the participants will love all of the reflections on the windows. Note the iconic, seemingly ubiqutous, Jefferson Standard/Jefferson Pilot/Lincoln Financial Group building peeking out from behind the leafless tree.

In Their Own Words.......

Last night, Eugene E. Pfaff, Jr. spoke at the local Barnes and Noble about the Civil Rights Movement in Greensboro. He was adamant that Greensboro deserves more credit for its impact and the involvement of its citizens in the movement-at-large. To that end, he assembled and published an oral history of the Greensboro Civil Rights Movement entitled, "Keep on Walking' Keep on Talking' ". Pfaff likens the role of the interviewees in his book to master chefs in the kitchen; the readers to the gourmets at the table; he sees himself as the waiter, merely delivering the feast. 

Pfaff attributes some of the power of Greensboro's civil rights history to the fact that there was significant interaction and cooperation between the black and white communities; interaction between students and adults; there was multi-generational representation; and many well educated, highly accomplished, local African Americans took place in the movement. Pfaff's knowledge of the issues, laws, people, places and events of the movement make him the perfect person to conduct interviews and document our civil rights history. That this retired librarian is the son of a history professor adds to his credibility!

In the above photo, Pfaff is signing a book for one of his former teachers from the Curry School on the campus of the Woman's college of the University of North Carolina.

Taylor Art Gallery at NC A&T, The Student Show

In the above photo: Twas the night before February 1st at the Taylor Art Gallery at Dudley University Galleries on the campus of NC A&T University. Students and staff alike were working diligently to have the Annual Student Art Exhibition ready for viewing the following day. February 1st is an extremely important day on the NC A&T campus.  Yesterday, the three living members of the Greensboro Four* and the son of David Richmond** were on campus for a breakfast and presentation. University students, faculty and staff; public school students; and community members alike had an opportunity to be part of this great event. Given all of the visitors and media attention regarding the remembering of the NC A&T community's contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, it was a day for the campus to look its very best.

Hopefully, visitors on campus, not only yesterday but for the duration of the visit, will have a chance to stop by Taylor Art Gallery.  The student artists put considerable effort into their pieces. Visual art is a window into the mind of an artist; and time will tell, out of this generation, who will become the heroes and what will be the artifacts to be revered in future decades.

*Jibreel Khazan [formerly Ezell Blair, Jr.], Franklin McCain, and Joseph McNeil

**Mr. Richmond died of cancer in 1990.

C is for Civil Rights... February 1st

Today is February 1st, the start of African American History Month. Greensboro is has much to celebrate with respect to civil rights. First, we have the International Civil Rights Museum on Elm Street. We have two historically black institutions of higher education. One of our crowning contributions to the civil rights movement in the 1960's was the Greensboro Sit-ins, which took place at the lunch counter at Woolworth's Department Store, downtown on Elm Street. Fifty-two years today, four freshmen at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College in Greensboro sat down and asked for a cup of coffee at the lunch counter at the Woolworth's Department Store. These four African-American college students, featured above in this order-- David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair, Jr., and Joseph McNeal-- refused to leave the "whites-only" lunch counter. Their peaceful, but tenacious, actions helped spark a movement that spread to other southern cities (read more here).

We feature this statue/monument at least once a year; however, one needs only to step foot on the NCA&T campus and look at this statue to realize the importance of the actions of these men.  From this vantage point, the four figures are imposing and make us realize just how small we are in comparison to their contribution of making the United States a more just and civil place. 

Today is ABC Wednesday and our cause for this round is civil rights. "C" is for CIVIL RIGHTS.

MLK, Jr. Parade at Southside

Here is the tail end of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade yesterday with the iconic Jefferson Standard/Pilot/Lincoln Financial building in the background. The parade route took us north on MLK Drive, through Ole Asheboro and Southside and then downtown. The air was brisk but it kept everyone energized. Organizations were generous with tossing candy to children; the bands sounded great; and it was a nice way to remember our city's efforts towards equality. From church groups to postal workers to scouts to high school marching bands, to bystanders, a memorable time was had by all. 

These events are so good for community building. It would be nice to find a way to plan for these days with all public school children out and doing something with/for the community.

Dudley High School Marching Band

Here we see a photo of the Dudley High School Marching Band marching its heart out at the 2011 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. If you are local and can be there by 11 a.m., RUN to Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive to attend the parade this year. You will see many bands from Guilford County Schools marching their hearts out; floats with participants tossing candy; adept equestrians on their horses; fraternities and sororities walking and riding with their brothers and sisters; inspirational drum lines with their cadence;  and people from all walks of life out showing respect. Participants and onlookers will be rallying for the dream of equality in America. Today is one of the top service learning days in Greensboro and, while teachers and students are out of school for this holiday, many are out making  civic contributions. Perhaps we should consider monthly service learning days. People working in concert to help those in need and combining their effort for the good of the whole community would be wonderful!

Dudley High School, located on East Lee Street and not too far from today's parade route, was founded in 1929 as the first black high school in Guilford County. Since 1971, the school has been integrated. We wish Dudley High had more history archived on their website. Dudley High School is located just down the street from Bennett College and North Carolina A&T University, two historically black institutions of higher education. Often aligned with Bennett and A&T's efforts, Dudley High School has participated significantly in some of the civil rights milestones in the city. Also, Dudley's faculty and administration have made significant contributions in our city's efforts towards intigration. Read a, now retired, former principal's narrative here. And, here is a Wiki entry listing the names of people you will recognize who attended Dudley. Go Panthers!

St. Phillip AME Zion Church on Ashe Street

Saint Phillips African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is located at 1330 South Ashe Street, in the heart of the historic Warnersville community. The church was organized in 1908 and rebuilt in 1966. Pastor James Robertson, Jr. has his name carved on the cornerstone. Likely, he was pastor in 1966, at the time the above church was built. The Warnersville community itself was established in 1867, about the time the AMEZ movement was taking hold in the USA and about a half of a century before the above church was organized.

According to AME's website, the religion began in 1796 and the Black denomination being chartered in 1801. Zion was added in 1848 to distinguish the group from the Philadelphia Black Methodist movement. Since its beginning, the AMEZ church has worked to nurture the whole person-- mind, body, spirit. The crux of the ministry is spirituality, sharing the gospel, racial justice, peace and harmony. Also, the denomination emphasizes education of its members. An early member is quoted as saying "In order to succeed in American society as productive citizens, we [the newly freed slaves] need to become an educated citizenry" (reference).

We wish this church had its history available online as it has been in the heart of a community that was the first to allow people of color to own their own homes, build their own churches, run their own businesses and educate children. The community attracted many African American professionals. Today, many of the businesses are gone, but St. Phillips  Church is here in all of its glory. Look at those stained glass windows that make you feel as if you are sitting in heavenly clouds when you are inside. If you are local, Rev. .J. Shuford, Jr. delivers his message Sundays at 11:00.

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".

Occupy Greensboro II

We resurrected this photo from the Occupy Greensboro March a couple of months ago because today's first-of-the-month theme for the City Daily Photo community is action shot. Well, we haven't taken many action shots this month and, above, there is lots of action, literal and conceptual! We don't know about the rest of the USA, but the Occupy Greensboro group was very well mannered and many of the marchers were either in college or college graduates. Several university professors participated.

Today's photo should appeal to the international crowd as the young man in the front is carrying a sign that reads, "we are the power" in French.  "Nous sommes le pouvoir" right here on Elm Street in front of the International Civil Rights Museum, says the man with the mohawk.

 Glenwood Coffee and Books is actually hosting a planning meeting for Occupy Greensboro today so, the cause is neither gone nor forgotten.

As for the City Daily Photo theme day: 

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

A is for Alexander, Judge Elreta Alexander-Ralston

Today's photo is the Guilford County Courthouse. We wanted to feature Judge Elreta Alexander-Ralston and Courtroom 2A is named for her and her portrait hangs there (reference). However, one does not simply march into a courtroom and start taking pictures! We'll tell you about Greensboro's Judge Alexander and promise to post a better photo should we ever get one.

Greensboro's Judge Elreta Narcissus Melton Alexander-Ralston (1919-1998) was the first African-American woman to graduate from Columbia University Law School (1945). She practiced law in Greensboro from 1947 to 1968, becoming part of the first integrated law firm in the south.  In 1968, she was the first African American woman in the nation elected as a state district court judge. As a judge, she pioneered legal reform, particularly in the way children were held accountable for their crimes. She was known for compassion, fairness, and assigning much community service.  Also, she is remembered for her flamboyant attire and words (read Schlosser's article here). Judge Alexander retired from the bench in 1981 and became a senior partner in a local law firm (reference here). See a great portrait here. Greensboro is an important city in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and Judge Alexander was a trailblazer! We think it is an oversight that, to date, no Wikipedia entry on Judge Alexander exists! 

Round 9 has begun for ABC Wednesday which means it is time for "A" words around the world. Last round, we featured A-Z streets of Greensboro. This round, we're hoping to feature people significant to Greensboro. May B-Z people be easier! We'd love to know Judge Alexander would have answered yesterday's question "What does it mean to be southern?"

Judge Alexander

"Just a Cup of Coffee"

February 1st, 1960 four students from Greensboro's North Carolina A&T University ushered in a movement of non-violent protests when they led the Greensboro Sit-Ins. The protest began with the actions of David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair, Jr (Jibreel Khazan), and Joseph McNeil. They insisted on sitting at the lunch counter in Woolworth's Department Store on Elm Street, even though they were African Americans. Getting a cup of coffee "to go" was not acceptable. Their brave act contributed significantly to the Civil Rights Movement and to reversing policies of racial segregation. The poster in the photo is a reference to this significant event. The young girl and her mentor were doing their civic duty and marching in the cold in Greensboro's recent Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day Parade.  A piece of artwork, related to their poster, can be seen here. 

Over the years Greensboro, North Carolina has played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. Last year, we opened the International Civil Rights Museum. Additionally, we have two historically-black institutions of higher education: NC A&T and Bennett College. Ensuring equal rights and equal opportunities is important to our city and, if you want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement, Greensboro is a great place to start. See related posts here on Greensboro Daily Photo. See here the front of the statue at NCA&T dedicated to the February 1 Movement and here for a different view.

Listen to a short audio segment of "Lift Every Voice and Sing,"  a poem written James Weldon Johnson and put to music by his brother John. The song is often called the African-American National Anthem.

 

Main Post Office

Greensboro's main post office is located on Murrow Blvd. just east of Elm Street. The long silver building is easily identifiable. While this location is considered our main post office, the 9-5 Monday-Friday hours aren't any more generous than the branch offices. There is a Saturday collection at 2pm for the on-site mailboxes. The main post office has great parking. The US Postal system has an identifier for all of their post offices and you can find the webpage for the main post office here.

This photo was taken a couple of weeks ago when the flag was at half mast a lot that week in honor of the victims of the Tucson, AZ tragedy as well as the death of former North Carolina auditor Ralph Campbell, Jr.  Mr. Campbell was the first African-American elected to a statewide executive office in North Carolina. He died of lung cancer on Tuesday, January 11, 2011. Campbell's whole family was known for their many efforts and actions that advanced desegregation and the civil rights movement (read more here).

Martin Luther King, Jr.-- Parade 2011

The Greensboro Chapter of the NAACP hosted yesterday's 2011 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. Here we see Grand Marshals,  Maurice "Mo" Green and Sandra Hughes. Mr. Green is the superintendent of Guilford County Schools and Ms. Hughes is a retired WFMY news anchor. The parade route was held along Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, just east of downtown Greensboro. In spite of the cold weather, spirits were high as onlookers reflected on the parade's purpose and Rev. King's impact on civil rights in not only our city but also our country. The parade was an intergenerational experience. Adults talked, embraced, and greeted people they knew as they rode by. Children waited patiently for the next group that would toss candy into the crowd. People in cars drove with windows down not just waiving but reminding kids to stay in school, go to college, and to believe in their dreams. The weather was gray; the enthusiasm was technicolor!

Last year's photo for MLK Day was the MLK, Jr. bust, found at the corner of MLK, Jr Drive and Elm Street (see here). We forgot to link to it yesterday.

L. Richardson Memorial Hospital

L

Today, as we reflect on the great life of Rev. Martin Luther King,Jr.  we bring you the following:

L. Richardson Memorial Hospital, at 603 South Benbow Road at the corner of Washington Street, has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1992. In May 1969, the history of the facility appeared in an article in the Journal of the National Medical Association (available here). According to the article, it was  a "Negro hospital to serve the needs of the city" (p. 205). Before it opened, Greensboro only had six hospital beds for African American patients. The history of the hospital and the benefactors is fascinating. If you are interested in the history of health care or African-Americans in Greensboro, please read the article.

The Mission Revival Style facility, shown above, was formally dedicated as a hospital May 27, 1927 with "a baby show, track meet, and May Pole dance at World War Memorial Athletic Stadium" (p. 207). During its time as a hospital, Richardson Memorial trained nurses and had several important clinics, including one for nutrition of newborns, one for artificial sun therapy to treat rickets, and one to treat tuberculosis. In June, 1966, this facility ceased being a hospital when patients were transferred to a new, nearby facility. Babies were transported in station wagons. The elderly were transported by ambulances supplied by local funeral homes. The transition, like the hospital was a grand community effort. The facility is named after its first major benefactor, Lunsford Richardson of Vicks Salve Fame. Back in the day, it was the only fire-proof hospital in Greensboro and was an impressively supplied and staffed facility.

Today, L. Richardson Hospital Apartments, the 32-apartment facility is intended for residents 55 or older. Rent prices start at $419 a month. Kudos for retaining the façade and the name, lest its history fade forever. (See more pictures with a dash of yellow on Mellow Yellow Monday).

A Bennett Belle en Route

We're thinking this young woman is a Bennett Belle as she was walking down Pastor Anderson Way in the direction of Bennett College with a backpack in tow. Belles are the mascot of Bennett College, a small historically-black, women's college established in 1873. Belles have many great traditions and a very rich history. One of their next big events is a January 28th dance at Proximity Hotel which they are co-sponsoring with UNCF. Bennett College is one of the great institutions of higher education mentioned in a 2008 YES! Weekly article about "boutique" schools in the Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem region-- the Triad (read more here).

As we reflect on this week at Greensboro Daily Photo, we are thankful that Sheryl Lieb taught us more about her father's life in the produce and deli business in Greensboro. We are glad to have chatted with a Proximity Public School alumna, as she inspired us to photograph the school. Finally, we enjoyed the Lawrence Welk dialog evoked in the comments for the ZINK post.

We're glad that the weather has eased up a little bit and it is not so cold and icy out today. Stop back tomorrow for our Sacred Sunday feature. Thanks to those who helped a local scout troop with cookie sales. Our biggest order was one for twenty boxes.

M is for McNair, Dr. Ronald E. McNair

Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D., was a physicist and NASA astronaut. While Dr. McNair was from South Carolina, his connection to Greensboro is a strong one. Dr. McNair eearned a bachelor's degree in physics, graduating magna cum laude, from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University. He was selected from a pool of 10,000 applicants for the NASA astronaut program. Unfortunately, his life came to a quick end on January 28th 1986 when he was one of the seven crew members on the space shuttle Challenger when it exploded above the Atlantic Ocean 73 minutes after takeoff (Wiki). This bust is placed on NCA&T campus inside the McNair engineering building. Additionally, a bust and plaque can be found just outside the East Market Street building. Today is "M" day on ABC Wednesday and "M" is for McNair. This past weekend was homecoming at NCA&T University. NCA&T contributes so much to the Greensboro community both intellectually and financially. Dr. McNair would be pleased at the progress and growth in his alma mater.

Other Greensboro M's include: MARKET and MENDENHALL Streets; Edward MURROW;  MAESTRO (Sitkovetsky of the Greensboro Symphony); statue of MINERVA (at UNCG); METHODISTS;  and Dolley MADISON. 

Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum

Charlotte Hawkins Brown was a native North Carolinian who opened the Alice Freeman Palmer Memorial Institute in 1902 in Sedalia, just east of Greensboro. After 69 years of operation, this co-educational preparatory school for African Americans closed in 1971 but is now a state historic site. Dr. Brown's educational philosophy encompassed a "Triangle of Achievement." Students in her program were mentored to be "religiously sincere, culturally secure, and academically efficient."  Teachers at the Palmer Institute were available to students 24-hours a day. Teachers ate with students, played sports with students, took them to cultural events, traveled with them, tutored them in study halls in the evening and, still, were enthusiastically prepared to teach bright and early in the morning.

The Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum is North Carolina's first state historic site honoring the contributions of its African American citizens. The visitor's center is open Monday-Saturday from 9-5. Additionally, it is possible to participate a walking tour of some of the property. However, the campus is being renovated and much of it is under construction. The work should be finished in October 2010. This is a "must see" historic site. If you visit, take time to watch the 12 minute video. It really helps you appreciate Dr. Brown's indelible mark on the education of African Americans in North Carolina at a time when segregation kept many doors closed. Dr. Brown is an inspiration to us all. 

 

February 1 Statue for CDP Theme Day

We were saving this photo for February 1, 2011; however, since today's theme for the City Daily Photo community is "statues," we wanted to share this one with the world. If you are from Greensboro, likely, you recognize this as the statue of the four college freshmen who inspired the sit-in movement. The statue is located on the campus of NC A & T University, where it was unveiled on 2/1/02 (link). 

Jibreel Khazan, Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil and the late David Richmond are remembered for their heroic refusal to get up from the lunch counter where, at that time, African-Americans were not served. Here, you can see our photo of the statue from the front. However, this view from the back makes us feel "one" with history, as if we are following these great men. Today, many of the 1,200 plus city daily photo blogs around the world are posting photos of statues.  Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

We're also sharing this with the Monochrome Weekend group!

Buffalo Soldiers

Here we see several members of the North Carolina Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club-- Greensboro. Proudly, they stood in attendance at the opening of the International Civil Rights Museum. According to the organization's website, the club formed "to have some of the finest military and civilian personnel represent and teach each other about the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers from the 9th and 10th Cavalry." Created in 1866, the first Buffalo Soldiers were a group of 5,000 ex-slaves, Freeman, and Civil War Veterans. As part of the desegregation of the US military, President Truman ended the all black regiments of the Buffalo Soldiers in 1948. Today, the motorcycle club keeps the legacy alive. 

The members who attended the February 2nd event were elated to participate and were lucky enough to receive a commemorative program.

 

Sit-in Art: A Cup of Freedom

Charles Jenkins, a security officer at the Guilford County Courthouse drew a sketch that would become this bronze work of art, named by Jenkins, "A Cup of Freedom." In Jenkins' sculpture, the cup rim is the lunch counter with the Greensboro Four seated (McCain, McNeil, Richmond, and Blair, Jr.). The coffee cup may be small is size (under 20 inches square as per the requirements of the project) but it is LARGE in symbolism. This stunning bronze artwork is prominently featured on the southeast corner of the International Civil Rights Museum and Center at the corner of February 1 Place and Elm Street. You can either enjoy this piece as a prelude to your museum visit or afterwords once understanding the Sit-in Movement more fully. We suggest both.

"C" is for "cup" on ABC Wednesday!!!
 

Jesse Jackson & Franklin McCain Together in Greensboro

In this photo, the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Dr. Franklin E. McCain enjoy a few minutes of one-on-one time after the 50th Sit-in Anniversary Breakfast sponsored by N.C. A&T. They are about to take the stage for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the opening of the International Civil Rights Museum & Center. Reverend Jackson's prayer was dynamic as was Dr. McCain's short speech. From National Public Radio to the New York Times, media coverage about the museum's opening has been national. However, we were shocked to learn that out of the Greensboro Four, David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, and Ezell Blair, Jr. (now Khazan), as of February 1st 2010, only the latter has an individual biography listed on Wikipedia. Hopefully, someone in our new museum will be inspired to add entries for the other three Civil Rights visionaries.

 

50th Anniversary of the Sit-In Movement

By the time you see this post, these seats will have been filled, and the International Civil Rights Center & Museum will be open. The museum has been 15 years in the making and is a realized dream of, among others,  North Carolinians Earl Jones and Skip Alston. If you haven't been following the story, the museum was built in the Woolworth building where, on February 1st, 1960, four 17-year-old NC A&T freshmen entered Woolworth and were denied service at the "whites only" lunch counter. This event sparked a series of sit-ins in throughout the southeast. The original lunch counter is one of many exhibits on site that bring back memories of racial segregation. Young Americans today cannot believe that people were denied service based on the color of their skin. 

We all need to be thankful for the determination of David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Jibreel Khazan (born Ezell Blair, Jr.), and Joseph McNeil. As America becomes increasingly diverse in the 21st century, we need to respect the inherent worth and dignity of each other. The opening of this museum is a step in the right direction. This photo was taken on the stage where McCain is scheduled to speak at the event today. Khazan and McNeil will not speak but will be on stage. Mr Richmond died twenty years ago. If you want to read more, we suggest Ed Cone's blog as well as this article from the New York Times.

 

International Civil Rights Museum Opening in Forty-Eight Hours

Two more days and the International Civil Rights Center & Museum will open. Greensboro, North Carolina is bursting with pride at the thought of this museum becoming a reality. We have waited for it to open for a long time. As stated on their website, "the International Civil Rights Center & Museum is an archival center, collecting museum and teaching facility devoted to the international struggle for civil and human rights. The museum celebrates the nonviolent protests of the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins that served as a catalyst in the civil rights movement."

If you ever come to Greensboro, this is a must-see museum. We're sharing this photo with Weekend Reflections in the hopes of bringing more people into our town and this new resource. Festivities centered around the grand opening are many. From Girl Scouts to local political leaders the ribbon cutting at 8am will be well attended.

 

Wells Memorial Church of God in Christ

Wells Memorial Church of God in Christ is located across the street from Bennett College and just west of North Carolina A&T University, between East Market and Lee Streets. To help you orient to the location, notice the round  "Aggieland" smokestack on A&T's campus in the background.  Wells Memorial does not have a website so we can't tell you much about it other than it is a beautiful facility. Notice the angular facade is filled with chunks of colored glass that glow beautifully when seen from the inside. The church has at least three activity vans so we're guessing that fellowship and outreach are important parts of the church's mission.

On another note, today, on Sacred Sunday, we are trying to decide how to spend the Martin Luther King, Jr.  holiday tomorrow. If you, too, are looking, may we recommend this extensive database of activities, searchable by state. Secondly, we are re-watching Dr. King's historic "I have a dream" speech. Over eight million people have viewed the speech here.  Regardless of ethnicity, we can all benefit from remembering Dr. Kings words, especially the following, "I have a dream that one day...... the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood." What can we do to enhance the table of brotherhood? Finally, if you follow this link, you can see the church where Dr. King was to speak on 4/4/68 but cancelled his visit to stay in Memphis where he was shot that very day.

 

International Civil Rights Museum

In Greensboro, the Civil Rights Movement is an important part of our history. In this very Woolworth Building, at 301 N. Elm St., the sit-in movement was launched. On February 1, 1960, four North Carolina A&T University freshmen refused to leave the lunch counter where they were refused service. The International Civil Rights Museum and Center has struggled with funding and for years was only a dream. It seems that the museum is closer to becoming a reality as can be seen with the construction in this photo. The sit in movement has a website. To enter the website, you have to decide if you want to enter through the "white" or "colored" entrance. If you want to learn more, we suggest you visit the museum's site.

Visit My World Tuesday to learn about other parts of the world!