Newspapers / The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.) / Jan. 20, 2006, edition 1 / Page 6
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Page 6 Greensboro. N.C. Citizens react to Martin Luther King, Jr/s birthday Jonathan Phillips Staff Writer On Jan. 14, 2006, two days before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 77th birthday, a woman shielding her face wi^ a black and white scarf stood alone on Main Street in downtown High Point, N.C. Berline Exum was the woman behind the scarf. She said that she arrived to watch a parade celebrat ing Dr. King and to personally remember his message. Mrs. Exum, a resident of High Point and mother of a daughter attending High Point University, watched as the crowd packed up their belongings and left. "I was there," she said, referring to the days of government-sanctioned segregation. "We've come along way, but there is still much to do." Exum admitted that she was discouraged by the turnout of the parade and that she felt more peo ple should have ventured to the downtown setting despite the windy conditions. "It's cold, but still," Exum continued, "We have a responsibility." "Thanks to Dr. King, we fought for rights, but we have to exercise them," said Exum. "We need to get out and take part. When tine door is open for you, why would you just peek in?" Two days later on Dr. King's birthday, Jan. 16, the Greensboro Children's Museum hosted a per formance by Carma Lee Gallo of Carma's Creations to introduce children to Dr. King and the princi ples that he taught, such as fair ness, equality and treating others as one would want to be treated. To demonstrate these values, Gallo incorporated different pup pets representing the various ani mals of tine jungle in her show, A Friend Indeed. "The goal is to share his traits on a level that children can integrate into their daily lives," said Gallo. Deja Adams, a first-grade stu dent at Jefferson Elementary, was one of the children who attended Gallo's performance. Adams learned about Dr. King at school and from her mother, Guilford College student Jessica Adams. Young Adams stated that, "Dr. King was colorblind; he just saw people." Planning is already underway for more iriformative presentations and exhibits in the future for occa sions such as Black History Month. "We will continue increasmg our education programs," said Susan Matz, museum Development Director. Some still feel that Dr. Bang's message has lost its spirit. Oliver Williams, a local patron of the Coin Laundry on Freeman Mill Road, believed that Martin Luther BCing, Jr. advocated the truths of every one both socially and economically. "In economic issues we've lost sight." Williams continued: "There is so much oppression economically. Everything has turned into soup kitchens. How can you express social ideas to other countries if ours are still messed up? Once there was slavery and now there is outsourcing. Outsourcing is mod em day slavery." In downtown Greensboro at Howard's Barber Shop, regular customer Connie Short felt that future generations should listen to the older ones. "I lived back then and it was hard. Young kids these days mess around with violence and dmgs. It's a shame, we've made progress but we can do no more." With his growing concern for the up-and-coming generation. Short was very thankful to Dr. Bang. "Like the lord, he gave his life for us."§§ Clockwise from top: Carma Lee Gallo uses color ful materials to demonstrate the principles that Dr. King lived by at the Greensboro Children’s Museum on Dr. Martin Luther Kingjr.’s birthday. CCE student Jessica Adams and her daughter Deja display their Guilford pride at the presenta tion. Berline Exum braves the cold to show her appreciation for Dr. King’s work. Oliver Williams explains his views on the negative aspects of our culture today In light of Dr. King’s teachings. A local street sign bears testament to the fact that Dr. King will not be soon forgotten. All photos by Jonathan Phillips. Mi \ ‘ - I I- •
The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.)
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Jan. 20, 2006, edition 1
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