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Everything associated with the word gold or the number 50 seems to add to its importance.

A 50th/golden wedding anniversary or the 50th birthday of people, places and things always seems to require a special Midas touch. Why that is true, I don’t know. However, if it makes people feel good, then do it.

Personally, it sounds as if folks think their marriage wouldn’t last 50 years or they didn’t expect to live to the age 50.

Or could it be the color gold and the number 50 makes folks feel like celebrating. If the occasion turns you on, then just do it without adding color or giving it a number.

Nevertheless, I must admit that I think the idea of 50-year reunions of any type worthy of recognition even without mention of the gold hue. To me, a reunion is the celebration of thousands of memories and hundreds of friendships that have withstood the test of time, a renewal of bonds that will be taken to the grave.

During the Memorial Day weekend, the William Penn High School class of 1960 celebrated 50 years of memories that have and will always remain ingrained in its psyche. The class of 1960 did something that I have been preaching for years: It had a combined reunion with other classes. The class put out a call to other classes to join it in a weekend of celebration. The classes of 1956 and ’57 took part in a joint reunion that was held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Greensboro.

Even though there was a three- or four-year difference in graduation years, most folks knew each other because of the close-knit community in which we grew up.

This was only the second reunion for the class of 1960 since graduation. The class went 30 years without a reunion, but the classmates made up for it during the Memorial Day weekend.

Students from all three classes came back to High Point from across the country and the Caribbean to renew friendships and trip down memory lane as only those who were there with them could appreciate. I heard people talking about their community, Leonard Street School, Fairview Street School, Griffin School, William Penn, their churches, old sweethearts and our neighborhoods

Most of all, they talked about the teachers and their dedication to shaping young minds for the struggles and hurdles they would have to overcome simply because of the color of their skin.

The first person I saw when I arrived at the hotel was Alfred Poe. Immediately, I started to reflect on the good old days when we were all young and carefree — very few responsibilities.

From that point on, it was a trip down memory lane that was fueled by teasing and recollections. I saw folks that I haven’t seen since leaving for college in 1959 — folks such as Clara Belle Baker Saulter, who lived across the street from me at 1-A Daniel Brooks Homes; the Saunders sisters, Ruby and Mattie, who lived next door to my Leach grandparents at 207 Underhill Ave.; Darryl Leach, who lived down the street from my Chavis grandparents on Pearson Street; and Paul “Bud” Wright, who lived in Daniel Brooks.

It’s funny how one year’s difference in age or graduation class makes such a difference when you are growing up but becomes insignificant when you get older and wiser. When we are around people daily, we have a tendency to overlook their involvement in social issues that bring about positive change. Then, one day, the right opportunity comes along, such as a 50th reunion, and all the little-known accomplishments that were taking place around you rise to the surface like rich cream.

This is what happened to me when I went off to college in 1959. I lost touch with some of my younger friends. Years later, I learned that the classes of 1960 and 1961 were leading the way to dismantle segregated eating establishments in High Point.

That’s right, these were the students who were the first to organize and participate in the sit-in movement at Woolworth’s downtown store. It wasn’t until Barbara Leach Payne asked the original participants in the class to come up on stage at the Saturday night banquet and be recognized that it finally started to make sense. At that moment, I learned more about their involvement. I saw the photos and recognized the people. That’s what you call “live and learn.”

I was honored to be the keynote speaker at this reunion of memories. So, what does one talk about on a festive occasion such as a 50th high school reunion? I chose to talk about the many historical facts regarding William Penn and the black community that have long been overlooked. Positive thoughts for an uplifting occasion!

Even though this was a celebration for the living, I found myself slipping into a state of melancholy when the three classes paid special tribute to the memory of their classmates who had passed away through the years. The roll call consisted of 52 names from the class of ’56, 65 from the class of ’57 and 37 from the class of ’60. This is one of those times when you close your eyes and remember just how precious life is and how short our lives can be here on Earth.

The music was great, the food was delicious, and the renewal of friendships made this a wonderful 50th reunion for everyone.

Maybe other classes will reach out and share a reunion or two, especially those whose numbers have gotten very low. One thing is for sure: If it doesn’t work, you don’t have to do it again.

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