Sunday, January 19, 2014

Blog 170: Learn to Speak History, Including Dates and Facts

 

By Vernon M. Herron



     The Alexander Funeral Home in Charlotte, NC has produced its 2014 calendar which is most noteworthy. Its history is revealing, noting its beginning in 1914, celebrating 100 years of existence. It carries photographs of Zechariah Alexander, Sr., founder and past president; Zechariah Alexander, Jr., past president; Kelly Alexander, Sr. past president; and Alfred Alexander, present president. 

     According to North Carolina State Board of Health- Bureau of Vital Statistics, the Alexander Funeral Home, Inc. which handled my maternal grandfather’s burial, had been in existence for 21 years at the time of his death. 

     I knew each of the former presidents personally. When my father died, Zach, Sr. enrolled all of the Herron children in the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Sunday School; his beloved late wife, Louise and my mother were neighbors and friends; his sons, Zech, Jr. and Kelly inspired me through organizational life known as the NAACP; his grandson Alfred is my personal friend while his late grandsons, Zech Wilbur and Andrew were my childhood playmates. 

     From the Bureau of Vital Statistics, copy of Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Certificates can be obtained. From these documents, we learn personal identification, personal and statistical particulars, and medical records. Dates are given along with age and environmental conditions at the time of events. These documents contain much genealogical materials which give authenticity when we speak. That is why one should speak history as dates and facts and not necessary as an expressed opinion or belief.

No comments:

Post a Comment

I encourage the respectful expression of your thoughts. However, if deemed disrespectful, your comments will be removed.