BCC: News & Views, Calendar and Photos

BCC RECEIVES $225,000 GRANT FROM KELLOGG TO TO TACKLE STRUCTURAL RACISM AND PROMOTE RACIAL HEALING by

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400

An Unsung "Shero" of the February One Movement by Lewis Brandon

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

PEOPLE�S TOWN HALL MEETING by Lewis Brandon

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Why We Can Not Wait! by the Beloved Communities Network

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

We want to express our unequivocal support for this International Civil Rights Museum. We convey our fullest gratitude, respect and support to the four courageous pioneers who are being honored, their families and friends, as well as the hundreds of others who joined with them.

Over the years, we have given our dimes and dollars to support the Museum. We preached in our churches the value of laying stones so "when your children ask what do these stones mean? Then you shall let your children know" that 301 North Elm Street, in Greensboro, North Carolina is the place where God caused courage, hope, integrity and faith to converge in order to bend the moral arc of the nation. The four freshmen experienced the bitter whip of raw racism and oppression. They were reared within loving communities, while being nurtured and supported by great institutions, including North Carolina A&T State University and their respective churches. The embrace and encouragement of a people, even an oppressed people, empowered them to endure with dignity the abuses and violence of the dominant culture of this city and nation. Fifty years ago, breaking the law and customs by sitting at the lunch counter was not popular and was not warmly received by the leaders of this city. Although under different circumstances, we seek to stand in the best tradition of the Sit-Ins of the 1960’s as we stand for the dignity, worth, and fair and humane treatment of all of God’s children, especially the least among us.

Today our support of the spirit of Sit-Ins takes the form of not allowing this historic moment and this magnificent monument to courage, hope, and faith to be misused in an effort to disguise the enduring patterns of injustice and denial, thereby strengthening the injustices meted out upon the very oppressed and poor communities where the spirit of the Sit-Ins was nurtured and for whom the Sit-In Movement has symbolized so much hope. We pray that you will understand. Read more about Why we Can't Wait!

Letter to Greensboro News and Record Editor Disputing the Facts in the "Fifth Men" Article by Lewis Brandon

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Growing Community at BCC's Community Garden by Arletha Jowers

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The concept of growing a garden begins with a gardeners wish to plant and grow something. The seeds of growing sustainable communities are planted in a similar vision. Last year community members from the BCC's Homeless Hospitality House joined together to plant and grow a small community garden. This year the BCC expanded that vision and its community garden. The BCC Community Garden, now fully planted, is part of the BCC's effort to build and grow a sustainable community. The BCC understands that community gardens improve the quality of people's lives as well as beautify neighborhoods, provide healthy foods, and encourage community social interactions.
Tim Gwyn, BCC Technology and Special Projects Coordinator has been working with a team of gardeners and community members to bring forth a harvest and into fruition, the goal of providing produce for some local families in need. Please continue to check the BCC website for more photos, articles and video footage of the garden project!

Intergenerational Conversation Held at East White Oak Community Center by Arletha Jowers

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

On April 28, 2009, BCC's youth group, New Voice, partnered with the East White Oak Community Center to host the monthly intergenerational conversation, which promotes dialogue amongst elder and younger members of the African-American community in Greensboro. Participants boasted that this was one of the best intergenerational conversations yet, as community members came totheter to reflect on life in this former African-American mill village. The event took place at the East White Oak Community Center.

1969 Dudley/NC A&T Revolt Celebrated and Commemorated by Lewis Brandon

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In May of 1969, Greensboro Dudley High School students elected Claude Barnes as president of the high school’s student government association. The then, predominately white, school board prevented Barnes from taking office, sparking resistance among Dudley Students. Students rose to challenge and override the school board’s decision, soliciting help from the broader community and the governing student body at North Carolina A&T State University. After a culmination of attempted negotiations, students began to engage in protests in an effort to defend their decision and exercise community democracy. Protest and unrest persisted for several weeks. In response to student demands, several Dudley High Students were beaten by the police and others arrested. Over 500 students from NC A&T State University were jailed and the US National Guard was called in. Approximately 650 National Guards flooded the campus of NC A&T causing the university to close prematurely and send students home. As protests and then violence escalated, gunfire ensued from police and North Carolina National Guard troops, injuring NC A&T student Willie Grimes who was later pronounced dead. In a powerful two day event on April 24-25, 2009, the Beloved Community Center in partnership with NC A&T State University History Department and Honors club, commemorated this event, celebrating the lives, legacy and struggle of those involved in the 1969 Dudley A&T Revolt, the events leading up to it, and the events that proceeded. Read more about 1969 here! Check back with us soon for video footage of the 2-day event!

Community Dialogue with Sheriff BJ Barnes by Lewis Brandon

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

On Monday March 30, 2009 roughly 300 citizens of Guilford County met with Sheriff BJ Barnes to engage in a community dialogue regarding Section 287 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Section 287 (g) "allows the performance of immigration officer functions by state officers and employees" including detaining those suspected to be without valid legal status. (http://www.ice.gov/doclib/pi/news/factsheets/06081dc287factsheet.pdf). The meeting was vigorous. The exchange with Sheriff Barnes was sharp, respectful and revealing.

African Delegation visits Greensboro for panel disussion on Truth and Reconciliation. by Lewis Brandon

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

On Friday April 3, 2009, NCA&T State University's International Affairs Department, 12 visitors from French speaking Africa, three US interpreters, and BCC staff, joined in a panel discussion at North Carolina A&T State University. The focus of the panel discussion was truth and reconciliation. The Beloved Community Center of Greensboro initiated the Greensboro Truth & Community Reconciliation Project, which was the first of its kind in the United States. The GTCRP was modeled after the South African Truth & Reconciliation project and other similar projects.