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I recently went to Becky’s Restaurant on East Washington Street to have my favorite breakfast of liver mush, eggs, grits and toast.

I ate liver mush and grits for breakfast six days a week at Johnson C. Smith University, and I still crave it. Plus, it is always fun to sit and talk about Washington Street.

As I rode down Washington Street that day, for some reason, I felt as if I had entered the Twilight Zone. There are lots of buildings missing on Washington Street, but many that are still standing seem to cry out for attention.

Suddenly, my car slowed down, and I felt as if I was being guided by some strange force. I pulled into the nearest parking space, parked my car and started walking, trying to figure out if I was losing my mind.

Once I reached Centennial Street, I turned and looked down Washington Street toward William Penn, and it hit me. As I focused on each building, I realized that most of those still standing had one thing in common: They once housed a doctor or dentist in our early history. They were telling me they didn’t want to be forgotten.

So I went home, got my camera and returned to take pictures of those buildings so one day we will be able to look back and remember a history that is slowly disappearing for lack of attention and of broken promises. Now, gaze upon the buildings that once and still have lots of history within them.

Glenn Chavis researches and writes about High Point’s black history. Contact him at Storytime40@aol.com