Vivian Bryson, Mecklenburg County
How has North Carolina shaped your own story?
"I grew up in Charlotte, NC. In the late 60s, my family purchased a house in the Clanton Park Community. I began to attend St. Mark's United Methodist Church on Clanton Rd. The white members had left due to white flight and not being ready to live in a racially mixed community. A young white minister, Reverend Bob Laird, and his wife welcomed me and lots of other Black children into the church. The love and care Reverend Laird and Mrs. Laird gave us was life-changing.
Most of our parents were still attending their home churches. Reverend Laird encouraged us to invite our parents and family. We did, and now the church is flourishing. We were children between 9 and 13 years of age back then. Now, we are in our late 60s.
North Carolina helped to shape this beautiful transition by fostering a climate of peace, caring, inclusion, and encouraging brotherly love. Reverend Laird and Mrs. Laird's strong faith laid the foundation for St. Mark's United Methodist Church to have a rebirth after the neighborhood changed from white to Black. It was done without upheaval, chaos, or ugly rhetoric. Charlotte, NC seemed to embrace the new way of life.
Reverend Laird's sermon about the Golden Rule—"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"—has shaped me and the others he welcomed 57 years ago. I am grateful for a North Carolina upbringing that accepted change, included everyone, and offered a house of worship and fellowship."
Tell us something about your town, city, or community.
"Those of us who grew up in the Clanton Park Community in the late 60's through the late 70's experienced a wonderful childhood. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Youth Group, Church Activities, School Sports, and other activities were available. Everyone knew their neighbors. The parents were close and helpful to each other. It was a gentler time. Love and care was everywhere."
Tell us about someone who made or makes North Carolina what it is—in a positive way.
"Ron Leeper, a former City Councilman, lived in the Clanton Park Community. He attended St. Mark's United Methodist Church. He was an amazing youth leader! He gave the youth a voice—not just about church-related matters. He allowed us to discuss our hopes, our concerns, and what we could do to make life better. He gave us a safe space to talk.
He loved Charlotte, NC, and encouraged each of us to do our best. The best example was when he ran for City Council and showed us that we can be a part of solutions by voting and being active in our community. Ron Leeper left an undeniable positive footprint on the Clanton Park Community and Charlotte, NC."