Thmaday. October 6, 1988
Serving Gaston County
pg. 2C
WPCQ Gets
Tower Of Power
pg. 3C
AKA Debs Ready
For Debut
pg. 3C
Getting Ahead
With Head Start
Brooks
Education On
Black Culture
By MUXICENT UNK
Alliance Staff Writer
Hie Black Heritage Committee of Gaston County is
striving to bring about the awareness and apprecia
tion for African-American history, culture, and
arts, with a local and regional emphasis.
The Gastonia-based organization was founded in
August, 1986, at the request of an afflllate of the
United Arts Council, imder the United Arts Council
direction, to help communities understand the im
portance of black culture.
The committee consists of an alliance of 54 mem
bers from service, government, and educational
agencies that serve as volunteers to plan and present
special programs, exhibits, and educational series
promoting black cultural awareness.
Members of the committee include church groups,
civic organizations, sororities, fraternities, Gaston
College, Gaston County Public Library. Gaston
County Museum of Art & History, United Arts &
Science Council of Gaston County, and several other
organizations.
"We need to bring about the awareness of black cul
ture throughout the community of Gaston County,"
says Josle Brooks, chairperson of the committee. I
did not realize how much blacks have contributed to
society."
Gaston County schools Include information about
black history in some of the curriculum: however
the schools are limited by time and sources of offer
ing such information. She said there is not enough
See GROUP On Page 2C
11 • Cliarlottf
AOiance
Gaston Coimty high school students arrive at North Carolina Central for career day.
Club Sponsors A Career Day
By MILUCENT LINK
Alliance Staff Writer
The Gaston Boys Club sponsored its armual career-
day program at North Carolina Central University
for two bus loads of high school students of Gaston
County.
W.R. Perkins, health and physical education direc
tor, initiated the trip, by sending out letters to vari
ous churches and organizations.
"The purpose of the event was to give high school
students an exposure to a black university," says
Vernon Perry, executive director of the Gaston Boys
Club.
The students registered for career-day and spoke to
the department heads about their Intended majors.
The recruiters provided a campus tour, luncheon,
and social functions for the students.
The group attended the NCCU vs Virginia Union
football game. The students were entertained by a
Greek step-show, the university's choir, cheerlead
ers, and the Eagles band.
Perry says, 'The students loved the trip. Many of
them have not had the opportunity to visit a college
campus."
He said the enviroment of a college campus must be
conduslve to learn. "Going to a black university
gives an individual a positive self-esteem. A black
student may not get the personalize and Individual
attention that is needed at a white college. A black
college gives the student a sence of belonging, confi
dence, and the opportimlty to participate, whereas at
a prodomlnently white school, he may not get that
.chance," says Perry.
Perry said most black students can adapt better in
a smaller setting. Perry says. "The student feels
more at home and they have a better opportunity to
develop leadership skills, utilize their talents, and
enjoy their Interests."
Perry a native of Raleigh, is a graduate of SL Au
gustine, where he received a BA in biology and a mi
nor in health and physical education.
Perry has been a program director since 1967. He
worked with the Wake County schools in Raleigh
and became executive director of the Gaston Boys
Club in 1974. Perry is the former chairman for the
South East Regional Admlnistratlye Conference. He
serves on the committee of the South East Regional
Man Power Development Committee and the Na-
Uonal Task Force Committee of Boys Club of Ameri
ca. Perry is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
and Golden Rule Lodge no. 82. ^
He is married to the former Patricia Neely of Chi
na Grove, a teacher in Gaston County. They have
one son who is a sophmore at NCCU.
Perry says. Kids really do not care how much you
know, until they see how much you care."
Gov. Campaigns
RALEIGH- Governor Jim Martin will bring his re-
election campaign to Gaston County for an 11 a.m.
rally at Llneberger Park in Gastonia on Saturday
Octobers.
Tllfe Governor will be the featured speaker at the
Gaston County rally, which is one of many rallies
being held around North Carolina this fall.
This campaign, just like the one in 1984. is a peo
ple's campaign with rallies such as this one which
will give me a chance to meet and talk with North
Carolinians to discuss their issues and their con
cerns," Governor Martin said.
"1 want to welcome everyone to this event regard
less of their party afQliatlon," the Governor said.
Our goal in this campaign is to carry our message of
better schools, better Jobs, and better roads for a bet
ter future to the people of North Carolina."
Admission to the Gaston County rally is free.
Food, refreshments, and entertainment will be pro
vided.