Now, every interview is special in its own way because everyone has a story, but this particular moment was one in which we at Germain Media and Appalachian Memory Keepers knew was bigger than our project at the time.
It happened while sitting down with Charity Gambill Gwyn in Alleghany County, NC in the living room of her home. We were producing and filming a series of shows on the four High Country counties and as we were doing research about who to talk to regarding Alleghany County history, the name Charity kept popping up. “When are you going to see Charity…” and “Have you talked to Charity yet?”
Going into any interview we usually have a set list of questions or topics because we want to be as efficient and prepared as possible and create continuity in the interviews, but space is always left in each conversation to wander down paths heretofore unknown. It became quickly apparent in our talk with Charity that her personal history…her life story was the true reason for everyone’s insistence about talking to her.
Growing up in a county where less than 5% of the population is black, Charity faced barriers and hurdles that very few of us can imagine. But guess what we found? We didn’t find bitterness or a caustic kind of cynicism. We found the bearer of goodwill and peace. Charity’s messages of “to have a friend, you must first be a friend,” and “bloom where you are planted” struck us not as quaint sayings, but profound life lessons.
Charity was the only one of 7 children in her family who chose to stay and live in Alleghany County. She told us that she had opportunities to leave, but Alleghany was where she was born…where she had connections…Charity says she loves to travel, but always loves coming back home.
Given, with the proper conditions, a seed can germinate and grow, even sometimes on rocky soil. But that isn’t descriptive enough. That seed can grow and THRIVE! Charity did far more than, go along to get along…she excelled! She was told that she couldn’t get elected to the school board or to the board of county commissioners, but, you guessed it, she trail blazed her way onto both. Charity’s list of achievements is impressive. But it is her message of reaching beyond your grasp, not only to the African American community, but to all of us, that is vitally important. Charity Gambill Gwyn is a beautiful human being and we want to get her message of hope and of seeking common ground out to as many people as we can.
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