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People measure success in many ways — money, recognition, promotions, prestige, educational degrees, status, or a combination of all these.

These are the things they need to not only gauge their success, but too often are used to judge others. I found traveling these roads a necessary evil as I fought to stay alive in corporate America.
When I look back over my life, I think about these many roads and how each played a pivotal role which led to the many successes in my life.

After my retirement in 2000, my definition of success changed.
One day, I realized that giving back to a community that did so much for me can be just as fulfilling as getting a signature on a $50,000 contract and a big bonus check.

I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss the competition, sales incentives, recognition and rewards used to motivate you to be top dog. However, this instantaneous gratification faltered as a call from a higher power plotted a new direction for me … a living road map.

Now my life is all about helping my people better understand their rich local history and the many achievements of their little known ancestors. The road I travel now is one that brings forth my many years of research in book form so people of all races can read and better understand that road traveled by black folks in a town called High Point.

My book “Our Roots, Our Branches, Our Fruit … High Point’s Black History 1859 to 1960” is just one of the many ways I plan to give back to the community that brought me to where I am today.

For some, this may not be a big deal. But when you can pick up a book and read about the many accomplishments you have forgotten or didn’t know about, it becomes a very big deal. All of a sudden you have 243 pages that take you back to your roots and your rightful heritage in High Point’s history. All of a sudden you have a sense of pride in yourself and your community.

This, my friend, makes the giving back worthwhile.

Each time I run into folks while out and about, my book eventually comes up. To see their expressions and hear the tone of their voices as they express pleasure and acknowledgment of seven years of hard work makes it truly worthwhile. You see, this is the best indicator of whether or not my message and intent are being accepted by a community that has gone without a recorded history for too long.

I have gotten phone calls, greeting cards, e-mail, and personal visits from folks that have read my book, simply thanking me for educating them regarding our early black community. The followings are taken from some of the many cards and e-mail:

•  “I read the book and was compelled to read it a second time. Who knew there was so much 'Black History’ in the little city we grew up in … so many memories, some pleasant, some sad. Thanks again for writing such a wonderful piece, looking forward to reading your upcoming books.” — Joyce Ware Wilkerson (’59 William Penn graduate living in Florida)
• “I just finished reading the book. Although I did not live in High Point, I could easily relate to the advances that were made by our people. It was an enjoyable read for those of us who lived through some of the very experiences that you mentioned.” — William Steele (college buddy, originally from Winston-Salem, now living in New Jersey)
• “The layout is most impressive. It is my impression that nothing happens to us by chance. I believe that you were chosen for such a time as this. Your legacy is on the landscape forever.” — Verdie Kendall (retired High Point school teacher)
• “The research is mind-boggling with historical data that many of us never knew or have long forgotten. How refreshing to have it all laid out in print to review and savor as I have done continuously.” — Rubye Lawhorn McLaughlin (William Penn graduate now living in Blue Bell, Penn.)
• “You are a truly gifted historian. Your dedicated and meticulous research abilities are remarkable! I really enjoyed the “chronological” style. Even if it takes another seven years for your next book, although I hope not, it will be worth it.” — William “Chick” Redd (college buddy, from Danville, Va., now living in California.)
• “Congratulations. You did a marvelous job. How are you going to top this with the next book?” — Alfred Hinson – (’58 William Penn graduate and local real estate agent)
• “You never cease to amaze me. To read all the teachers’ names and to see how musically talented they were in addition to their classroom skills is remarkable. To think they had limited resources but were able to put on (with the parents’ sacrifices, I’m sure) all those wonderful productions is mind boggling.” — Gloria Leach Tymus (’59 William Penn graduate now living in Washington)
•  “Hi Glenn, really enjoyed your book. You are truly a blessing to the present and former residents of High Point. You inspire and keep us all abreast of things, alpha and omega, about our great city of High Point that we all love.” — Juanita Cecelia Wright (William Penn graduate living out of state)

Notice how many of those people never lived in High Point? They can relate to the book because no matter where you lived in the South before 1960, the “Black Experience” was the same.

My surgery a few months ago has really slowed me down. However, I am following doctor’s orders and praying for a full and speedy recovery.

At the right time, I will sit down with Kathy Carter, my editor/publisher, and get started on my next book. Stay tuned.

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