RCC PAYS TRIBUTE TO MLK “You will always be my dude” By: Azure 吀栀ompson Times when you was a boy Hello there, how have you been? And now a man I feel that Heaven is a beautiful place God, I really miss those days And I am sure you love it there With you, Daddy I miss you a lot And that’s why you will always And wanted you to know “be my dude”. 吀栀at all is well here on Earth; just I am so proud missing u. 吀栀at God allow you I wanted you to know To be my earthly father 吀栀at you will always and forever To provide all my needs “be my dude”. And some of my wants It seems that just a very short Truthfully, that is always Time ago Why you will always You were here with me “be my dude” Telling me jokes And I will always And stories about your life “love you for life”. RCC held a tribute in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring keynote speaker Dr. Stephen Love, pastor of Manna Church with remarks from RCC President Melissa Singler, ABOUT THE AUTHOR NC Senator Danny Britt, Vice President Dr. Johnny Smith, and SGA President Koba Bryant. The MLK Tribute was sponsored Azure “Dee” 吀栀ompson is an alumnus 吀栀ompson is a member of several by ACUMEN (Accomplished, Credentialed, United Men of RCC) . ACUMEN representative Roger Williams, an Industrial of Robeson Community College, organizations including the Disabled Technologies student welcomed everyone to the event. Read earning an associate of science degree American Veterans Chapter 7 in more online at www.robeson.edu keywords: MLK Tribute. before transferring to the University of Lumberton. She served for 30 years RCC’S RECONNECT KICKOFF North Carolina at Pembroke to major as the former minister of music in Sociology and was recently invited to (Drums) for several churches. If speak at the 2024 RCC Poetry Event. interested in learning more about her book, 吀栀ompson can be reached at “吀栀ank you so much for giving me the [email protected]. opportunity to come back home to RCC to inspire and be a positive in昀氀uence to others,” Azure “Dee” 吀栀ompson said. As a published poet, one publication that 吀栀ompson is most proud of is titled, “吀栀e Abundance of the Heart: 吀栀e Mouth Speaks.” 吀栀ompson currently works for the Public Schools of Robeson County as a teacher assistant but 昀椀rst began her career as a welder (44B) certi昀椀ed in the U.S. Army. RCC is reconnecting with its adult learners in Robeson County. 吀栀ompson is the daughter of Ernest A kickoff was held in April to celebrate the partnership between James Page Sr. and Clara Mae Franklin- RCC, the John M. Belk Endowment and NC Reconnect. The party Page. As a single mother, she raised her featured a luncheon with remarks from NC Representative Jarrod Lowery, President and CEO of myFuture NC Cecilia son “Trenton” who is currently attending Holden, and Mike Krause with the John M. Belk Endowment. CCPC and working in Charlotte. Learn more online at www.robeson.edu keyword: Reconnect. 99