GREENSBORO, N.C. — Skip Alston has met more influential people than most of us put together. His office walls are packed with pictures of him with everyone from Obama, Clinton, and Biden to even Oprah and Jesse Jackson.
The Guilford County Commissioner Board Chair is a decorated figure. His 27 years of service is monumental. He was the first board chair of color elected in 2002 and has served as that title 9 times since. That makes him the longest-serving commissioner in the county's history, and he has served as chair more times than anyone in history.
But what happened to him last month may be his proudest moment.
"I was contacted several times by an organization called 'The History Makers,' said Alston, "I had no idea who or what they were, but after doing a little research, I said, I'm in!"
The group was created at Carnegie Mellon University to record what they call "the black experience" in America since the 1930s. They are doing this through the life stories of influential black Americans. They say the hope is to use these stories to get a better picture of black history.
"I was blown away," continued Alston, "They spoke with me for about 5 hours and initially I thought that the edit session they have ahead of them would be daunting but then they said nothing will be edited. They wanted the raw stories to paint the picture."
Alston's story was recorded. Everything from his first memories in life to all of his accomplishments and experiences.
"They asked me about everything. And had done a huge amount of research on me before arriving," said Alston, "They even knew about particular classes I took in high school. It was an amazing experience that I'm thrilled to have been a part of. I love that my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be able to relive my life through this recording that will live forever in the Library of Congress."
If you are interested in this project, go to www.thehistorymakers.org