The past 10-plus days in Alamance County have produced the greatest amount of sadness, frustration, agitation, outright anger, half-truths, gaffes, misstatements, fabrications, miscalculations, social action, political action, protests, vigils, walks, marches, racism and antiracism that I can remember over such a short period of time in this community --- a place I've lived for 21 … Continue reading A crazy week in Alamance County
Month: June 2020
Commissioners have an opportunity to do the right thing, finally
Earlier today (Sunday, June 21, 2020 I saw this message posted on social media. The memo for the Alamance County Board of Commissioners by apparently the county manager looks real, it reads like an official document. I agree with what Bryan Hagood recommends to the board regarding the Confederate monument in downtown Graham that is … Continue reading Commissioners have an opportunity to do the right thing, finally
My old man and Ralphie’s old man shared a common language
This is a column from deep in the archives. It was published on Father's Day --June 19, 1994 -- by the Jacksonville Daily News. At the time my dad was almost two years past a heart transplant and he would live another 14 years before passing away in June of 2008. I doubt he ever … Continue reading My old man and Ralphie’s old man shared a common language
County support for election funding is appreciated
Last week I wrote about a county funding shortfall that could possibly impact local voting in the presidential election in November to what might be a serious degree. Presidential elections have the highest turnout by far and the greatest probability for problems. But the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the economy has crippled governments … Continue reading County support for election funding is appreciated
Updated: Now is not the time to cut funding for an election
Update on June 16. Monday night, June 15, my friend, Times-News reporter and former newspaper colleague Isaac Groves posted this on Twitter from the budget hearing of the Alamance County Board of Commissioners. I'm glad to see the commissioners make a move to help make the November elections process smoother. Thanks. It was something that … Continue reading Updated: Now is not the time to cut funding for an election
Understanding bias, privilege and what really matters
When nationally syndicated newspaper columnist Leonard Pitts spoke at Elon in September of 2015 as part of a lecture series featuring Pulitzer Prize winners, it was only a few months after the massacre of nine African-Americans by a white supremacist during Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. It touched … Continue reading Understanding bias, privilege and what really matters
Out of STEAM in downtown Burlington
When I saw the note via Facebook on June 1 I was not surprised. Deeply saddened, but not surprised. To our members, supporters, friends, family, and the community here in Alamance County: It is with a sad heart that I must report to you that as of 5pm Sunday May 31st we have ceased our … Continue reading Out of STEAM in downtown Burlington
Carrying a life and death message forward from now on
As a newspaper reporter, editor and now community blogger, I have written about the evils of racism for almost 40 years. I have pointed out biases, called out politicians, noted historical incidents like lynchings, attempted to define the idea of privilege, saluted black and white leaders who mattered, taken part in Rev. Dr. Martin Luther … Continue reading Carrying a life and death message forward from now on
Madison's Avenue 