Black History Month Q&A: Coach Bobby Dunn
Coach Bobby Dunn worked in Nash County and was Governor Cooper’s high school basketball coach. He now lives in Zebulon and volunteers at Zebulon Middle School.
If you could pick any figure central to Black History to have dinner with who would it be? It would be Martin Luther King Jr. He was such a patient, passionate leader and he was willing to show love in spite of the danger. He really was a person I admire because he wasn’t about militancy. He was about peaceful demonstration to achieve the goals he set out to achieve.
What does Black History Month mean to you? To me it’s an opportunity to emphasize and recognize the many contributions and sacrifices made by many people of color towards making this nation what it is. I remember when I was in school there were only two important black people we learned about — George Washington Carver and Booker T Washington. Now when we talk about black history, people are being exposed to many more black pioneers that helped make this country what it is. It is very important to me to see that it’s not just the few two or three people that were told to me when I was in school as someone you should look up to.
What do you love about North Carolina? North Carolina has always had clean air, good roads, and was considered one of the most progressive southern states. And I love that about North Carolina. But recently I’ve seen somewhat of a backwards turn. The people are good — from all races. I’ve worked for good people, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve seen a different part of North Carolina that needs to be changed. But I’m hoping that we can all come together with love first, and respect a close second. We can love and respect each other and still maintain a passion of justice for all. But love is very important. The bible says love thy enemy and love thy neighbor.
Where would you like to see our state go from here? Justice for all is all I look forward to. I hope that we get back to the place where we look at our neighbors and say good morning with a smile and we try to do everything we can to help each other. People need to come together, love each other, and respect each other’s wishes.
This month, we’re collecting stories about what Black History Month means to North Carolinians across the state. Please share your story about the importance of Black History Month, and tell us where you’d like to see our state go from here. Throughout the month, we will highlight different stories from North Carolinians across the state.
