WEST SOUTHERN PINES CIVIC CLUB
Annual MLK Three Day Celebration
DR. MARTIN L. KING JR. OBSERVATION HOLIDAY
In 1986 the third Monday in January became Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. American Federal Holiday. Not all states agreed to observe it. In the year 2000 South Carolina was the last state to recognize the day as a paid holiday
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. ANNUAL MARCH
In 1992 West Southern Pines Civic Club President, Ms. Cynthia Ann McDonald and Chaplain Rev. Fred Walden initiated the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday March in Southern Pines NC.
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BREAKFAST AND FORUMS
The West Southern Pines Civic Club Martin Luther King Jr. March developed into a three day holiday observation. To include Saturday MLK Breakfast, Sunday Forum with guest speakers and March on the third Monday in January. The partnership with the Moore County
NAACP always finish the march with a program to include motivational speakers and performers from across the state.
VOTER EDUCATION AND REGISTRATION
One of the Civic Club’s early projects was voter education and registration. Mr. Goins, Rev. Funderburk and Mr. Talbert T. Morse, the first, second and third presidents respectively, were energetic presidents whose early leadership created much enthusiasm and support. They often held “town hall meetings” of overflowing crowds, and they carried the issues to the Board, looking forward to the time when their community would have a representative on the Board.
EXPERIENCE WEST SOUTHERN PINES CIVIC CLUB BLACK ARTS FESTIVAL
Local and National Performing and Visual Artist
1979 FIRST WSP CIVIC CLUB BLACK ARTS FESTIVAL
Alvin Ailey of New York and Herman Lavern Players from Raleigh, North Carolina performed
MR. FELTON J. CAPEL
Meanwhile, in the spring of 1959, Mr. Felton J. Capel, while serving as president of the Civic Club, became the second citizen elected to the Town Council. He was re-elected in 1961 and 1963 served as Treasurer; re-elected in 1965, 1967, 1969 and served as Mayor Pro-Tem. Wearing two leadership hats, Mr. Capel led an all-out campaign for paving the streets of West Southern Pines, leaving only 3% unpaved. During this time the first African-American policemen were employed by the Southern Pines Police Department. With the leadership of Mr. Capel and leaders of the Civic Club, residents were also appointed to boards and citizen committees. African-Americans has previously been denied membership on such important decision-making groups. Through the efforts of the Civic Club and Capel’s influence on the Council, a swimming pool for the youth of West Southern Pines was built.
REV. J.W. PEEK
In the early 1960’s the Rev. J. W. Peek became president of the Civic Club. He was instrumental in the establishment of the dynamic bi-racial Southern Pines Good Neighbor Council to “peacefully meet the demands of the time and work toward the ending of discrimination of race in our community.” Mr. Ciscero Carpenter, Mrs. Sally Lawhorne, Mr. W. Edward Stubbs and Mrs. Iris Moore were representatives to this Council, which led the way to later more complete integration. Rev. Peek became Vice Chair of the Council. Rev. Peek’s leadership was exemplary of the complete and dynamic support of all the churches
MAYOR, EMMANUEL "JUG" DOUGLASS
Mr. Emanuel S. “Jug” Douglass was appointed by the Civic Club to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Capel whose appointment by Governor Robert Scott to the North Carolina Board of Conservation and Development created a conflict of interest. In subsequent years, Mr. Douglass ran for Town Council and won, eventually becoming one of the first black mayors in the South. Working tirelessly as mayor, he seldom missed a Civic Club meeting. He was elected in 1971 and served as Mayor Pro-Tem; re-elected in 1973 and again served as Mayor Pro-Tem; re-elected in 1975 and served as Mayor Pro-Tem; re-elected in 1977 and served as Mayor; re-elected in 1979 and served as Treasurer; re-elected in 1981, served as Mayor; re-elected in 1983, served as Treasurer; re-elected in 1985 and served as Mayor. He was Mayor during the Town’s Centennial Celebration! As councilman, mayor and short-term Civic Club President, he spearheaded movements for, expanding housing for low income families, improved recreation for youth, greater employment of African Americans, and acquisition of community development block grants. “Jug’s” forceful personality and his love for the Civic Club, for his community and for all people drove him to lead the Club and community into projects heretofore only discussed: more African-Americans in town government, and a community center, later named for him, for the primary use of the citizens of West Southern Pines.
MR. JEROME INGRAM
Unity in the Community
Mr. Jerome Ingram honed the voting process, resulting in extremely high turnouts for all elections. This success ensured that those seeking office at any level sought the Club’s input on matters critical to the West Southern Pines community. The first Annual Martin Luther King March was held during his tenure and the Club celebrated its 50th Anniversary! He was also a successful candidate for Town Council, elected in 1987, and becoming Treasurer for one term. He did not run in 1989 but was re-elected in 1991 and served as Treasurer.
Ms. Tessie Taylor’s administration as President, 2003-2016 saw the expansion of the Black Arts Festival, led a successful campaign to save the community’s swimming pool from closing, fostered open communication with the community and the Town Council, and the sponsorship of the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast.
Contact us today and start getting involved.
MS. KIM WADE
Being the Change
Ms. Kim Wade has been president since 2016. Her focus is on generational wealth. During her administration the organization has sponsored the Teen Entrepreneurs Network for the past two summers, offering youth employment with profit and non-profit establishments. They learn how incorporating soft skills with technical skills produces a well-rounded employee. Moreover, they earn a paycheck.
SUPPORT THE CAUSE
Through the years, the Civic Club has been supported by every church, all fraternal organizations, and every civic and social group in West Southern Pines. The Club has been the forum and the voice of the African-American community of Southern Pines. God grant that it continues to be so.
MAKE A DONATION
Our organization always appreciates the generosity and involvement of people like you, with every contribution going towards making West Southern Pines Civic Club an even better Non-Profit Organization than it already is. We want to provide you with the correct and appropriate information pertaining to your mode of support, so don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions.
