Women's History Month: Kassie's Column - The Legend of Zero

{Contributed photo/Western NC Conference of the UMC}

I have had the privilege of knowing Rev. Dr. Arnetta Beverly since the day I was born.

Wait. Correction.

I’ve had the privilege of knowing “Zero” aka Rev. Dr. Arnetta Beverly since the day I was born.

You see, I was blessed to grow up in Lincoln Park - the same neighborhood where Zero was reared. Her late mother, the beautiful Elizabeth Dula, and my late grandma, the beautiful Margaret Lockhart, were best friends. They raised their families on the same street, two houses apart. I spent many days down at Ms. Lib’s also known as “Ma Two” in our family.

Naturally, I saw Zero often. As a third generationer of my beloved neighborhood, I’d be playing in the yard, hanging upside down from a tree or running up and down the street a lot of times when she came to The Park. First thing I typically heard once she exited her vehicle was “Heeeeeeeey lil’ girl!” Typically, I’d take off running to go say hey and bask in her presence.

See, at the tender age of 40, I can still remember the pride I felt when she would head up our street in her deputy car. For those who don’t know, she was a sergeant with the Davidson County Sherriff’s Department. At the time, I didn’t realize the magnitude of her impact I just thought it was cool that she was someone who was well respected in the community, I knew her personally and she had a fly nickname.

Legend has it the former sergeant began “campaigning” to then Sherriff (the late) Jaybird McCrary to assign her a number. Wearing him down with her persistence, he crowned her with a number that’s become synonymous with who she is.

Growing up, I had no idea this was how the story goes. I assumed she got the name because as we like to say in my community, “she ain’t take no junk.” I mean does Zero sound like someone you’d want to have a problem with? Didn’t think so.

While she still don’t take no junk, Zero is more than a number. It’s who she is. Have a conversation with her. You’re going to get zero fluff, zero passiveness and zero aggression. She’s firm, calming, assertive, kind, thoughtful and wise. And she’s hilarious. You’ll never engage with her for an extended period of time and have zero laughter.

She’s a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor, friend, advocate, activist and pastor. She uplifts, teaches and leads. She guides, provides and keeps us all covered in prayer.

One of my joys in life is being in her presence and I love ringing her telephone. She likes reminding me I’m expensive when I call about some community idea that’ll require some funding. My favorite interactions are when we just chit chat about whatever. There’s always a zero percent chance that I don’t feel better after talking to her (even when I already feel good). Oh, yearly I get a good chuckle out of her planning her schedule around the Daytona 500.

These characteristics and much more are what make her invaluable to this community. From becoming the first Black person elected to the Lexington City Council to becoming the first female pastor of Lexington’s oldest Black church, St. Stephen United Methodist, Zero has trailblazed a path which will be referenced for generations.

Today marks the last day of Women’s History Month. It’s only fitting that I pay homage to a woman whose contributions to this community are invaluable. The spotlight isn’t her thing but if you need her, she’s going to show up. Depending on why you need her, she’s going to show up with some encouraging words or some that are ingrained with correction, discipline and concern. But they’re always rooted in love.

I know at some point today I’m going to get a call from her about this column. I’ll answer the phone and I hear in that “I’m gonna get you” voice of hers, “Shaneeeette….” But it’s worth it cause I believe in honoring those who deserve it while they can receive the recognition.

Zero, thank you for being you! I’m grateful to have you in my lifetime village and am blessed to get to see you operate in your God ordained purpose, up close. And since you’re so cool, I’ll wrap this up by simply saying – you’re dope.

I love you!

Happy Women’s History Month, Historymaker!