February has ended; thus the end of the month set aside to observe Black History. This year’s observance was particularly hard to let go. Anybody who has competed in sports will understand my feelings, in that you feel that you have left something unfinished.
In addition you wonder, if there is something that I could have done better to alleviate doubt in someone’s mind about the true meaning and importance of Black History.
And, the thought of folks who have harbored anxieties about one race or the other; have they resolved to learn about each other, will they love their neighbor?
That, is the bottom line; our reason to exist on earth.
To that end, Women’s History Month (March) and Hispanic American Heritage Month (September) need to be included in future observances.
I would like to thank a few people for their assistance and support in observing Black History Month.
First, the mayor and Town Council for being the catalyst of the observance. Many people who visited the history display in the town hall lobby came away with very positive comments. Troy Lewis was as usual, indispensible and willing to go the extra mile to get things done.
Tarboro Savings Bank, Gerelene Walker, Bernice Pitt (State Farm Insurance), Leon Waller (Phillips Printing), Joe Dickens (Dickens Funeral Service), Linda Knight (Think and Grow) and Byron Hall stepped up and contributed mightily. Carol Quigless, and only she could have presented the life of her father Dr. Milton Quigless Sr., assisted by Jim Wrenn and Mavis Stith.
My heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Richard Parker Jr., for his presentation of the refrigeration workshop; look for more instruction from this man.
And finally, the citizens who took the time to attend the many services and exhibits, and the clergy who included this observance in their sermons.
Thank you!
JOHN WOOTEN
Tarboro
