Recognition for Glenn Chavis
For several years, Glenn Chavis has written columns for us. Most of them circulate only in our High Point editions because he lives in High Point and his columns are very local. Good for him, he's been discovered by the national journalistic press, Editor & Publisher magazine. The pub featured him in its July edition, but it's lost behind their subscription-only wall.
When pharmaceutical executive Glenn R. Chavis retired in 2000, he devoted himself to finding out more about the history of his African-American family and High Point, N.C., its home for generations. He says he found almost nothing at the city library, so he decided "to educate people about things that happened in their community that they know nothing about."
And Glenn's done just that. He's an exceptional writer and historian, to say nothing of being an all around good guy. But why was he featured in E&P?
For the High Point Enterprise earlier this year, he wrote a daily column taken from a feature the paper published in the 1920s and 1930s labeled "News of Interest to Colored People." Those items portrayed a profoundly segregated High Point, with its references to "Ossie E. Davis, supervisor of the Department of Negro Recreation," and accounts of the May 1932 "Colored Schools Field Day Competition," featuring the "famous 31-piece A&T College band."
Chavis described his columns for us as a "smack-you-in-the-face-style." I like that because that's what he wanted to do and what we wanted to publish. Chavis told the E&P reporter that "black history is often hidden in the old news accounts, which might reveal race by whether or not a man is referred to as 'Mr.' He explains: 'I'm looking for the language that reporters used at the time, all those things that were just a part of the South.'"
Unfortunately, E&P disrespected him. It didn't publish Glenn's photo, which we sent to them. Instead, it published a mugshot of Enterprise Editor Tom Blount, who was quoted in the story about Glenn once. Odd.
By the way, check out the Guilford Record on Sunday. His first-grade photo is on the cover, alongside Sandy Carmany's fifth-grade photo. Looks just like you, Sandy. It's part of a reader participation we're doing.
Comments (7)
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Working with Glenn was one of my favorite things about being assigned to the High Point bureau.
Well, we didn't really work together. He'd just occassionally pop in the newsroom to chat with whomever was around. I always learned something and he never failed to leave me with a smile. He sure can spin a yarn.
I'm glad to see him get some much deserved recognition, and I can't wait to find a paper copy of E&P to read it. Thanks for pointing it out JR.
Posted on August 4, 2007 8:41 AM
Glenn is a terrific asset for High Point and a great guy. If anyone wants to meet him, go to the High Point library. He's there most of the time researching something or other. He's turned himself into a first-rate scholar.
Posted on August 6, 2007 12:26 PM
Mr. Glenn Chavis -- once dubbed "Carolina Slim" by boxing legend Muhammad Ali -- also is a man of integrity. Readers should know he doesn't accept a dime for his columns in the N&R, and fortunately many of his "oldies but goodies" were re-published in the Guilford Record's north editions this past year for folks to enjoy. He received a lot of reader feedback across the board from those who connected with his walk through earlier years, from the clues a neighbor's clothesline could tell (about who got new clothes, who must have company, etc.,) to more stirring tales about his experiences in school. I hope he keeps writing -- and keeps educating -- as long as he's able. Hats off to you Glenn and congratulations on the national recognition for your dedication!
Posted on August 6, 2007 11:48 PM
Glenn frequently graced our office during my time as an editor in High Point.
I had the honor to edit Glenn's early submissions - and to wrestle with him over all manner of issues, views and opinions, some we shared, some we didn't, almost all we managed to laugh about.
I had the greater honor just to listen to stories Glenn told me about his growing up in High Point. He helped me begin to understand.
And I'm pretty sure Glenn will tell you, that's what his column writing is all about.
We're blessed to have him writing for News & Record readers.
Posted on August 7, 2007 9:13 PM
I just feel honored to be associated with a group of people that took a big chance by publishing my column. Never before in Guilford County has a black person ever been allowed to bring forth some of the things that the NR has afforded this author. When I get comments regarding how the races or getting to know each other better, it makes me feel good. I firmly believe that the more we know about each other the better we trust and find that we all basicly experience the same things...we just make the mistake of making it racial.
Posted on August 8, 2007 8:41 AM
When I first moved away from High Point to Flint, MI after college, a former resident told me that where ever you may go "don't forget where you came from". Thanks to Glenn ("Cuz") that remembrance is made even easier.
Posted on August 8, 2007 7:36 PM
I moved back to High Point in the summer of 2004. Glenn has made my transition from Maryland much easier with our friendship and his columns. I look forward to reading his columns on Sundays.
Thank you Mr. Robinson for this reconition that has been long overdue for someone who is well deserving.
Posted on August 10, 2007 6:51 AM