Black History Month: Davidson County's History
Recently, I purchased a t-shirt that had big, pulsating red, black and green letters that spelled out I Am Black History. My plans were to wait and wear it in February, but then I thought, why would I do that? I am black history, tah-day!! Black History month has been criticized and debated, however, in the current political climate, a monthly, weekly or daily reflection is certainly in order.
Our community is rich with history that should be celebrated. To list the names of men and women who were essential in moving Davidson County forward would be endless. They came and stayed. They infused themselves into the complete workings of the area, fighting for change, educating minds, fueling an entrepreneurial spirit by providing a needed service and living life to its fullest.
For people living here, it is difficult to realize how pioneering St. Stephen United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post #255 and Dr. Robert Baxter McRary have been to Davidson County. These three, along with countless others, helped shape the community we now appreciate.
The church, for instance, is the most important institution to exist in the black community. The black church developed a unique blend of spirituality that promoted a love of freedom, a thirst for citizenship and a resistance to inequality. The strength of the black church made it a target for racial tension; however, instead of falling apart, the black church experienced growth.
St. Stephen United Methodist celebrated 153 years in October 2021. It has not always been easy for this congregation. From 1868 thru 2021, this church opened its doors as a meeting place when things were rough and tough on the city streets of Lexington. The teachers and preachers … dentists and doctors … cooks and cab drivers … furniture workers and hairdressers were men and women who gave back for the betterment of the community.
When the first congregation began meeting on Old Greensboro Road in 1868, McRary would have been a lad of about six. This group formed King Methodist Episcopal Church and congregated in a section of town near Bingham Tennis Courts. It was at the request of Dr. McRary to petition to have King Methodist Episcopal Church’s name changed to Saint Stephen, after the first Christian martyr. Saint Stephen died for his faith in the face of persecution and for speaking boldly and unwaveringly. In 2018, St. Stephen United Methodist Church accepted its first female pastor, Rev. Dr. Arnetta Beverly. Dr. Beverly lives up to the church’s name and continues to speak bravely, boldly and unbendingly.
This church continues to make history. On August 6, 2021, St. Stephen was designated as a North Carolina historical site. A marker commemorating this achievement is forthcoming.
Another critical part of the burgeoning civil rights crusade was veterans coming home with honorable discharges, seeking equal access to veteran benefits. Because chartering decisions varied from state to state, many refused to sanction black posts.
The Banks-Miller American Legion Post #255 has served this community for many, many years. It is the location where members gather, community vaccinations are administered, where Marvin Gaye, Etta James and James Brown and many others, stopped by while on the chitterlin’ circuit. The post has been home to wedding receptions, birthdays and repasts, school dances, political rallies and scouting. There have been legion balls, legion pageants, oratorical contests and much, much more. The rich history of this post is worthy of continued recognition.
The first step in ensuring that Black History Month is not a single-event but a sustainable observance 24/7 is to make an intentional effort to learn and celebrate the people and places within our realm. There must be a deliberate desire to show that February has not outlived its usefulness. I wore my t-shirt this past Saturday and plan to wear it again and again and again because I am black history … today … and every day!
