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Today, we’re featuring Meredith Summers, Minister of Choral Music at White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. White Oak Grove, located at 2600 Assembly Road in East Greensboro, traces its roots back to 1905, when a group of believers established a Baptist church under a tree in their community, known as Smith Village.

This photo was taken not at church, but in front of the Gallery of Leaders at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria, South Africa. The location is fitting, as Meredith wears many leadership hats and serves as a role model to many. In addition to sharing her musical gifts at church, Meredith is Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Board of Trustees at Guilford College. She refers to herself as a “serial entrepreneur,” having started businesses since childhood and mentored others to do the same.*  Meredith is also both a lawyer and an accountant.

Meredith has just returned from South Africa where she lead a group of eight participants on a U.S. Department of Education Fulbright-Hays grant, focused on developing an entrepreneurial curriculum and providing cross-cultural awareness. This was the first Fulbright-Hays grant awarded to Guilford College—made possible by Meredith’s leadership and initiative.

Now back from South Africa, Meredith hasn’t missed a beat. She’ll be at church today, sharing her musical talent, inspired by the memory of her mother’s pitch-perfect voice and wisdom.

Happy Sunday!

* While Meredith holds many titles, we’re honoring the Guilford College/Quaker tradition of using first names.

Greensboro's Freedom Fest 2025 was so much fun yesterday. The festival was spread out from Gate City Boulevard to Market Street, along Elm and there were stages for singers on each end. People were singing and dancing. The sun was shining, but temperatures weren't unbearably hot.

The above photo was taken at Hamburger Square, at the railroad tracks, The City of Greensboro had a firetruck out spraying water for all who were interested. Children were thrilled to run through the water. Some were building up confidence, learning to not be afraid of water. The little boy on the left was still in diapers, but already ready to  join the fun.  The next holiday is not until Labor Day and it marks the end of summer. We hope you find a way to enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Happy Saturday!

In researching these posts this week, we learned that the "Fun Fourth" festival in Downtown Greensboro was renamed "Freedom Fest" in 2023. The event will be held from 1:00- 6:00 pm downtown. After a concert in the "Grasshopper stadium," and at dark, the fireworks show will begin.

While the Freedom Fest mostly takes place downtown, today's photo features a scene in the Kirkwood neighborhood, just north of town. For the past 76 years (1949), the families of Kirkwood have been celebrating the holiday as a neighborhood. The event was initiated  by four families who walked around the neighborhood carrying a flag. From this meaningful and humble beginning, the event has grown into a giant celebration with music, a parade on Independence Drive with a  giant flag draped over the street.

Here is a three minute WFMY YouTube video detailing the history. This event is enough to make one want to live in this family-friendly neighborhood, just north of Irving Park.

This photo in downtown Greensboro shows you how, tomorrow,  Fun Fourth Freedom Fest comes by its name. Hamburger Square will be filled with adults and children gleefully enjoying the event. Community service workers like firefighters, police officers, and community representatives will be milling about connecting and engaging with the public. Most businesses will be open and will appreciate your patronage. There will be street vendors, performers, and activities for children.

Starting tonight, some streets will be closed off. So, allow plenty of time and to plan ahead for parking due to not only festivities, but also construction taking place at Greene and Bellemeade.  Here is more information, provided by WFMY.  Remember to dress up in your festive red, white, and blue gear for more of an immersive experience.

See you there!

The above photo features a view we had last summer kayaking on Lake Brandt. It reminded us that we need to get out for some water time this summer. Greensboro has three lakes, north of the city; Lake Brandt, Lake Townsend, and Lake Higgins. It is possible to kayak on all three; and,  few times a year, night kayaking is offered (see schedule HERE). Whether you go out by day or night, kayaking on the lakes is great exercise and great fun.

Lake Brandt is a municipal reservoir that was originally built in 1925. It ws expanded in 1958.Lake Higgins was constructed in 1956, and Lake Townsend in 1969. Randleman Lake is the newest lake. While it was conceptualized and initiated in the 1930s, it was not completed until 2004 and officially opened for public recreation in 2010. See HERE for more information on Randleman Lake and Marina.  

See you on the water!