The Chro> Voi.XWViNo.5i WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. THURSDAY, August 19,2010 Fans invited to WSSU on Sunday. See Pane UI2 Pastor returns from Africa ?See fane A2 Hunt Project ?te5S ygin*tQO-S?lel More E.Ward visions discussed Some residents weary of talk of change BY l.AYLA FARMER THE CHRONICLE City Council Member Derwin Montgomery met with members of his East Ward Tuesday evening at the 14th Street Recreation Center to discuss a "Blueprint for the East Ward." a new plan of action for improving the qual ity of life of residents there But for many of those present, much of what Montgomery had to say sounded a ? - i lot like the promises and \ i s i o n s spouted by other leaders over the \ e a r s . Few (if Montgomery the plans and goals have come to fruition, say res idents Montgomery recognised that change has been slow to come to the area He told the standing room only crowd thai plans for the area ha\e been met hy challenges. Lack of funding and potential developers have been consid erable stumbling blocks for well-meaning proposals in the past, he said. "It's an important conver sation that needs to be had and one that's been a long time coming." Montgomery said. "It's great to have plans, because that's how you get things done, but one of the things people are complaining about is we make all these plans and nothing ever gets done ." Montgomery offered his thoughts on how the commu nity could create tangible change. He proposed forming an East Ward Development Coalition, which would utilize the talents and expertise of everyday citizens to find solu tions to community chal Sec K. W ard on A 10 Phi*n>T>y Tt*Mluck Student volunteers carry a freshman's belongings into Atkins Residence Hall. Book probes history of blacks in Davidson BY LAYLA FARMER THE CHRONICLE The stories of more than 200 Davidson County residents can he found in "African Americans of Davidson County," a pictorial history of Forsyth County's Southern neigh bor. Author Tonya Lanier, a Lexington resident, has enshrined the lives of people of color, from pioneers and trailblazers to everyday citizens, in the 127-page book, which is published by Arcadia Publishing as part of its popu lar "Images of America" series. Among those found in the book are l)r I acv r ante an N C. A&T alumnus and the first black dentist to practice in Lexington; Rev. A T. Evans, who built the first black swimming pool in the county; and George L.attiner. Lexington's first black lull-time police officer. Countless teachers, pastors, community organizers and civic groups are also featured prominently ihrnnt'hniit the hnnk Lanier, a paralegal for Womble Carlyle Sandridge Rice, is a self described history buff who has researched her own genealogy and familv history back to the ISIKK. "Whenever I take a vacation da\ or something like that. I'm always in some body's library." she quipped. "I've made friends with the local librarians." Lanier has penned two books with historical context. "Rev A.T. Evans: Tales of a Traveler." and "Lost in Shuffle: Stories that Need to be Told," both of hti>h cn \5 Tonya Lanier put together the hook. Woman changing her community one kid at a time Phncm tn Ijyh l-armrt Tanisha Gaston reads to some of her young pupils in Ramona Hambrick's home. BY I.AYI.A FARMER THf CHRONICLl Ramona Hamhrick's home is chaotic at times. On an\ gi\en afternoon, the 58-year-old resident of Rolling Hills could have as man) as 30 youngsters in her apartment. But Hambrick smiles when the children in her front bedroom erupt in laughter. To her. it is the sound of success. "That's a beautiful sound: children smiling and laughing." she said, shaking her head contentedly. "That's a beautiful sound." Hambrick. a great-grandmother of seven, has lived in iht Rolling Hills community for nearly six years. In that time Hambrick. whom many of her neighbors affectionately refer to ? "Miss Pumpkin." has made a name for herself as both a philanih' pist and an outspoken advocate for her community. "I've furnished half the houses in here. I've clothed half the peo ple down here, and I've fed about all ot them." she related "That's just what I do; I always try to take care of m\ neighborhood " Despite being unemployed with limited financial means, Hambrick has found ways to make her mark As a community advo cate. she has taken her and her neighbor's concerns to city officials See Hamhrk-k on AIU Ramona Hambrick DON'T PASS THE BUCK BUY LOCAL