An ode to Claudette
I'm glad I got the chance to attend the funeral of Claudette Burroughs-White today at Mount Zion Baptist Church.
The former city councilwoman was a low-key but formidable force who made things happen through her considerable charm, persistence and persuasiveness.
She was proof positive that you could build a stronger community using the bricks and mortar of principle and goodwill, not a wrecking ball.
Nancy McLaughlin does an excellent job of capturing the mood in her Saturday column. (I got a chance to see the piece before it was published and will provide a link early Saturday.)
Incidentally, the memorial service occurred amid even more turmoil surrounding the Greensboro Police Department.
For a brief, shining moment, at least, a sharply divided community joined hands in tribute to Claudette.
Even in death Claudette could bring people together.
Comments (1)
To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.
Thank you, Allen Johnson, for the "Ode to Claudette"...and to others who have described Claudette and the things she fought for and accomplished for the Greensboro community and beyond. I was a classmate and fellow town student of hers at UNCG (Women's College) in the very early '60s. As a young woman, she had the "right stuff" and we all knew our friend would make a difference. We'll all miss her, but will certainly remember.
Posted on September 22, 2007 11:33 AM