One was a legendary news reporter with CBS Television, the other a legendary football coach in the small town of Lexington, North Carolina. Their paths crossed briefly in the summer of 1963 due to one of the most unfortunate events in Lexington’s history. The event propelled their paths in different directions. The reporter would soon become a celebrity in Dallas, Texas as he reported on the Kennedy assassination. The coach would soon become a reconciler of races in the community he loved.
The unfortunate event took place on the night of June 6, 1963. A large crowd of angry white citizens gathered at the Red Pig. They were upset over the actions of some black citizens who had been testing the segregation policy in uptown Lexington. Some businesses had welcomed them, some had not. The racial tension had been building for weeks, not just in Lexington, but across the nation.
The crowd left the Red Pig and walked up First Street where they encountered a much smaller crowd of black citizens. The police department estimated the blacks were outnumbered 10-1. Insults were shouted, objects were hurled and finally a gunshot was fired. A man was killed.
I have talked to many people through the years about this incident that the media immediately branded as a “race riot.” Most have told me that it was not really a “riot.” In fact, the crowd immediately dispersed when the shot was fired.
But the die was cast and the national and international media descended on our town. That’s when Dan Rather showed up, reporting for CBS News. The media left as quickly as they came. That was a shame, because they never bothered to report on the rest of the story.
The Lexington City Council acted immediately and decisively. One week after the incident they ordered the immediate desegregation of all city offices and encouraged businesses to do the same. They also appointed a biracial committee, the “Good Neighbor Council,” to work on race relations. One of the most prominent members was the highly successful football coach at Dunbar High School, Charlie England.
The actions of the City Council and this committee prevented any more major events from taking place. It also led to the first black student being admitted to a Lexington City School the following September. Three years later complete desegregation became a reality when Dunbar High School closed and Coach Charlie England, who had won five state championships, stepped down to become an assistant coach at Lexington Senior High.
Coach England was one of the greatest men I have ever known. His players will regale you with stories about their beloved coach and share the life-lessons he taught. His mantra was “Be somebody.” Everybody can be somebody! Coach England did more for race relations in this town through his willingness to step down and become the “servant of all.” He was somebody!
Dan Rather came to town and focused on a problem; Coach England focused on the solution.
Dan Rather was a reporter; Coach England was a healer.
Dan Rather spoke of riot; Coach England spoke of reconciliation.
Dan Rather only told part of the story; Coach England lived out the rest of the story.
Dan Rather worked for headlines; Coach England worked for peace.
Dan Rather would later step up to
become the anchor of CBS News; Coach England would later step down to become an
assistant coach in an effort to facilitate desegregation.
Twenty years ago the Lord called Coach Charles England home. The Smith Civic Center could not hold the huge crowd who came to honor him. Young and old, rich and poor, black and white—every life had been blessed by this great man. And he continues to bless our community. Every day the young students at Charles England Elementary School are challenged to “Be Somebody!”
The summer of 1963 sent two men’s lives in different directions. For one, it was a quick stop on the road to notoriety and fame. For the other, it was the beginning of the road to redemption and humble service. Of the two men, I think I know who really was “Somebody!”
I was blessed to call Coach Charlie England my friend.
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