Black History Month: Lexington recognizes gamechangers
Honoree Rev. Dr. Arnetta Beverly shares words of wisdom with attendees. {Contributed photo/Betty Gregory}
On Sunday afternoon, February 6, the City of Lexington hosted ‘Black History Month with Love.’ With banners of local history makers serving as the backdrop, city representatives, Dr. Patricia Smyre, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and Mayor Newell Clark, spoke to the significance of the ceremony. Honoree, Rev. Dr. Arnetta Beverly, referenced the past and acknowledged the present while giving hope to the future.
Photos courtesy of Sidney Briggs & Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart for Davidson Local and Betty Gregory.
History makers are being honored via banners on the N. State St. side of City Hall include:
Honorable Rosalind Baker – First Black Judge to serve the bench for Davidson and Davie counties.
Chief Leroy Pearson – First Black to serve as the Chief of Police for Lexington
Chief Thad Dickerson – First Black to serve as the Fire Chief for Lexington
Reverend Arnetta Beverly – First Black elected to the Lexington City Council.
St. Stephen United Methodist Church – Received their National Register of Historic places in Lexington NC
Dr. Lacy H. Caple, Sr. – First Black dentist to serve the City of Lexington and surrounding area. First Black to chair the Lexington City School Board
Bishop S.T. Green and Lexington Community Ministers Conference – Faith leaders that unite to pray for peace, equity and justice for all in the community.
Reverend Lois G. Hargrave and Elder Gloria Cross – Black female pastors that were true community advocates for positive change makers within the community.
Reverend A.T. Evans, Reverend Calvin Crump, Theodore Crump, and Sara Reid – Some of the founding members of the Davidson County Branch NAACP.
The historic renaming of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. – Lexington City Council with an overwhelming support from community members voted and renaming of Raleigh Road and West 6th Street between Young Drive and Salem Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard effective date of January 28, 2014.
