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My Grandad - A Civil Rights Activist During A Turning Point In Our United States History
September 25, 2019
After a long and fulfilled life, my grandfather passed away earlier this year. I have taken on a family photo archival project where I’m going through his old boxes of photos and scanning them to share with the extended family. I am reminded as I go through his important letters, newspaper articles and photo’s just how much he was dedicated to the civil rights movement. I thought I would take a moment to share with you a little about why I’m proud of my grandfather.
On February 24, 1964, my grandfather, William S. Jones was installed as the pastor of a 140-member Presbyterian church in Asheville, N.C. He was the second white minister to be called to a black congregation in the South during the early years of the Civil Rights Movement, according to my grandmother Jean Jones. The congregation and the community welcomed him and his family immediately. "It put us at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement in that area of the South. While there was certainly tension, thankfully, the only overtly unwelcome experience we had was a flyer produced by the Ku Klux Klan about Martin Luther King, Jr. which was left in our yard in the early days of our arrival.", my grandmother told me.
In order to push the Asheville school system to actually integrate schools, my grandparents sued the Asheville board of education stating that their daughter’s education was being impacted negatively. I could not be more proud to have grandparents on the right side of this important issue during such a critical time in our nation’s history. There is clearly still room for improvement, but I am very proud of the work my grandparents did in the turbulent 50’s and 60’s.
Here is a letter from my grandmother about that time in their history:
The first white minister to be called to a black church was a friend of ours from seminary and he went to a Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC. Your granddad was the second, and the third was another friend of ours from seminary who went to a Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA. We were all passionate about making the world better, about getting rid of racial bigotry, and about a cause to which we could devote our lives. We were young, idealistic, and committed.Over the next few years, Bill worked on a number of Civil Rights issues. He sought equal rights opportunities for all people in jobs and housing, and was instrumental in welcoming the independent federal government program called The Equal Opportunity Corporation to Asheville. Among other things, the EOC established Headstart as a federally-sponsored program for preschoolers from the age of one to five who lived in low-income areas of the city.
He worked to organize summer activities for the neighborhood children. Groups of college students from around the country would come and work with the children for a two-week period, and he led discussions with those college students about why he was doing the work he had chosen.
In 1967, Bill and his friend, Professor Merrill Proudfoot, who wrote the book Diary of a Sit-in which was published in 1962 drove to Hattiesburg, Mississippi to support the registration of black voters. Protesters and demonstrators had been arrested and jailed the week before their arrival and also the week after they left, but during the week that they were demonstrating, no one was arrested.
Bill and I joined a group of black parents in Asheville in a class action suit against the local school board which furthered the integration of all the local schools. The suit stated that our daughter, Cheryl, who was in elementary school was not getting a full educational experience because she went to an all-white school. The Asheville schools became integrated in a few years, both among students and among teachers. In another year, our second child, Tim, was the first white student to be enrolled in the class of a wonderful black teacher whose career took her to the central office of the school system in subsequent years. Tim loved her so much that he named his own daughter after her.
The Ku Klux Klan was active in the county outside of the city. After Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, someone called our home and told me, “your husband will be next.” The threat, thankfully, was not carried out. Those were the years when a white woman named Viola Liuzzo was murdered for her efforts in voter registration in Selma, Alabama, when four little black girls were killed when their church in Birmingham, Alabama was bombed, when three college students were abducted and murdered in Mississippi simply because two were white and one was black, when James Reeb, a Unitarian Universalist minister was murdered for participating in the Selma March, and when many, many other such atrocities took place.
In 1968, the Asheville community honored Bill and two other people for their contributions and significant service to peaceful social change in the community. There was a big dinner with a crowd of community leaders. His portrait, along with other former pastors’ portraits, still hangs in the church he served in Asheville.
I could not be more proud of the work that my grandparents did in standing up for what was right, which is simply to treat everyone with equal respect. Such a simple concept but certainly an ongoing journey for humanity.
Get Your Vehicle Winter-Ready with Team Ryan Automotive's 9-Point Checklist As the leaves change color and the air grows crisp, it's time to start thinking about preparing your car for the upcoming winter weather. At Team Ryan Automotive, our ASE Master Technicians know that a little preventative maintenance can go a long way in ensuring your vehicle is ready to face the challenges of the colder months. We've put together a comprehensive 9-point checklist to help you avoid the inconvenience and expense of a breakdown during severe weather. 1. Battery and Charging System: Cold weather can be particularly hard on your car's battery. Have your battery and charging system checked by our experts to ensure optimal performance and reliable starts all winter long. 2. Cooling System: To protect your engine from freezing temperatures, we recommend cleaning, flushing, and replacing your antifreeze every two years. Our technicians can service your cooling system to ensure it’s in top shape for the winter ahead. Engine Coolant or Anti-Freeze almost never loses its “anti-freezing“ability, it’s the rust inhibitors that “wear out.” This can lead to corrosion in the cooling system, leaks, and component failure. The routine cooling system service will help to prevent this from happening. 3. Heating, Defrosting, and Wipers: Properly functioning heaters, defrosters, and wipers are essential for maintaining visibility and comfort during the colder months. Consider upgrading to new wiper blades. Remember, wiper blades should generally be replaced every six months. 4. Tires: Check your tire tread depth and pressure to ensure proper traction on slippery roads. If you live in an area prone to snow and ice, consider investing in special winter tires designed to grip slick surfaces. During the winter, make sure to check your tire pressure weekly. Our team can include this as part of your regular winter check-up. 5. Oil and Filter Changes: Stay diligent about changing your oil and filter at the recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. During your routine oil service , our technicians will also check your air and transmission fluid. 6. Tune-Up: If your vehicle is due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Cold weather can magnify existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance, or rough idling. A pre-winter tune-up will help ensure your car runs smoothly all season long. 7. Brakes: Your vehicle's braking system is its most important safety feature. Let our experts inspect your brakes to ensure they're in top condition and ready to handle the challenges of winter driving. 8. Exhaust System: Carbon monoxide leaks can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are typically closed. Let our technicians inspect your exhaust system to identify and fix any potential leaks, keeping you and your passengers safe. 9. Lights: Proper lighting is crucial for visibility during the shorter days and longer nights of winter. Our team will check your exterior and interior lights and ensure your headlights are properly aimed for optimal illumination. Bonus Tip: Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times to reduce the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and potentially freezing. It's also a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your trunk, including an ice scraper, snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks, and any necessary medication. Did You Know? At Team Ryan Automotive, we check all 9 of these recommended items, as well as the tire pressure on your spare, with every oil service. Schedule your service today and experience our commitment to your safety and peace of mind. Don’t let winter weather catch you off guard. By following our 9-point checklist and trusting the experts at Team Ryan Automotive, you can ensure your vehicle is ready to face the colder months with confidence. Remember, a little preventative maintenance goes a long way in avoiding the inconvenience and expense of a breakdown during severe weather. Schedule your winter check-up today or contact us with any questions. At Team Ryan Automotive, we're here to help you stay safe and warm on the road this winter.
5 Essential Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Car or Truck (+ Bonus Tips!) As the magical winter months approach, it's crucial to ensure your car or truck is ready to handle the unique challenges that come with the season. Even if we don't experience heavy snowfall here in Georgia, the crisp winter air and unpredictable weather can still take a toll on your vehicle. At Team Ryan Automotive, we want to help you avoid any unpleasant surprises and keep your car running smoothly throughout the winter. Here are five essential winter maintenance tips to keep in mind, plus some bonus tips for extra preparation! 1. Keep Your Car Clean: While snow may be a rare sight in Georgia, here are a few steps to remember when we do see the white fluffy stuff. The harsh winter elements combined with road salt can damage your car's paint and even lead to rust if left unchecked. Make sure to wash your vehicle thoroughly after any snow scare where salt may have been applied to the roads. This will help to protect the exterior and keep it looking its best. Don't forget to also clean the undercarriage, as salt and other winter debris can accumulate and cause damage over time. 2. Upgrade Your Wiper Blades: Being prepared for unexpected weather is key during the winter season. Swapping out your old wiper blades for new, winter-ready ones will ensure better visibility when snow or heavy rain suddenly strikes. Don't let Mother Nature catch you off guard – equip your car with the right tools to handle any situation. 3. Test Your Battery: Cold weather can be particularly hard on your car's battery. A weak battery that manages to survive the summer may not fare as well during the winter months. To avoid those frustrating mornings when your car won’t start, have your battery tested as the temperature begins to drop. If necessary, replace it before the heart of winter arrives, ensuring reliable starts all season long. It's also a good idea to keep jumper cables in your car, just in case you or someone else needs a jump-start. 4. Inspect Your Heating System: There's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm car after braving the icy outdoor air. Even in Georgia, winter temperatures can plummet, making your car's heater an essential feature. Take a moment to check that your heater and defroster are working properly by turning them on and feeling for warm air. A functioning heating system will make all the difference in keeping you comfortable during your winter commutes. Don’t forget to also check your coolant levels , as a proper antifreeze/water mixture helps protect your engine from freezing temperatures. 5. Schedule a Winter Check-Up: To give you added peace of mind, consider scheduling a winter check-up with the experts at Team Ryan Automotive. Our skilled technicians will thoroughly inspect your vehicle, ensuring that all essential components are in top shape for the winter months ahead. From checking your tire pressure to testing your battery, we’ll make sure your car is ready to handle whatever winter throws its way. We can also help with other winter preparations, such as checking your brakes, inspecting your belts and hoses, and ensuring your oil is the correct viscosity for the colder temperatures. Bonus Tips: Make sure your tires have sufficient tread depth and are properly inflated for better traction on slippery roads. Always allow extra time for your car to warm up before driving in cold weather to prevent unnecessary strain on the engine. At Team Ryan Automotive, our goal is to keep your car or truck running at its best, no matter the season. By following these five essential winter maintenance tips and bonus tips, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and enjoy a worry-free winter on the road. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your vehicle is ready to face the challenges of the colder months. If you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment , don’t hesitate to give us a call or visit our website at teamryanautomotive.com. We’re here to help you navigate the winter months with confidence and keep your car in top shape all year round. Stay safe and warm out there!
How to Help Prevent 4 Common Cold Weather Battery Issues: Essential Tips for Reliable Performance Cold weather can put your vehicle’s battery to the ultimate test. As temperatures drop, your battery’s performance can be significantly impacted, leaving you stranded when you least expect it. Knowing how to prevent common cold weather battery issues is crucial to keeping your car starting and running smoothly all winter long. Why Does Cold Weather Affect Your Battery? Cold weather slows the chemical reactions inside your car’s battery, reducing its ability to generate power. Add thicker engine oil to the mix, and your battery works even harder to get your vehicle started on those frigid mornings. The good news? A little proactive care can make a big difference. Regularly checking your battery’s health, ensuring clean and secure connections, and keeping it fully charged are key steps to preventing winter breakdowns. At Team Ryan Automotive, we care about your safety and convenience. Here are essential tips to ensure your battery delivers reliable performance during the cold months. Key Tips for Maintaining Battery Health This Winter 1. Inspect and Test Your Battery Regularly Perform monthly visual checks to spot signs of corrosion, wear, or loose connections. Corroded terminals and damaged cables can severely impact performance, especially in colder temperatures. Voltage Testing: Use a multimeter to check your battery’s charge. A healthy battery should read 12.6 volts when fully charged. Pro Tip: Test your battery under load (while operating) to identify weak cells before they fail. If your battery is several years old, consider replacing it proactively to avoid unexpected breakdowns. 2. Follow Smart Charging Practices Cold weather drains batteries faster, so keeping them charged is essential. Invest in a smart charger that prevents overcharging and ensures your battery remains in peak condition. Never attempt to charge a frozen battery—it can lead to ruptures or even explosions. Warm the battery safely to room temperature before charging. 3. Protect Your Battery with Insulation Insulation is your battery’s best friend in winter. Battery Blankets: Electrically powered wraps keep your battery warm and operational, even in sub-zero temperatures. Insulation Sleeves: Foam or rubber sleeves add a layer of protection against extreme cold and physical damage. Proper insulation reduces the risk of freezing, keeping your battery ready for action no matter the weather. Simple Preventive Measures to Boost Battery Performance Strategic Parking Tips Where and how you park your vehicle can make a surprising difference during cold weather. Garage It : Always aim to park in a garage or covered area to shield your vehicle from harsh elements. Facing East: If outdoor parking is unavoidable, park your car facing the east to let the morning sun naturally warm up the engine. Use a Car Cover: A car cover limits exposure to snow and ice, maintaining a stable temperature for your battery and engine. Troubleshooting Common Battery Issues Jump-Starting 101 If your battery dies, jump-starting it can get you back on the road quickly: Park a working vehicle close to the dead one (without the cars touching). Connect jumper cables: Positive to positive (+) and negative (-) to a metal surface on the engine block of the dead car. Start the working vehicle, let it run for a few minutes, then start the dead vehicle. Pro Tip: Always disconnect the cables in reverse order and avoid contact with moving parts. Regular maintenance can help prevent these situations altogether. When to Seek Professional Help If your battery consistently underperforms or won’t hold a charge, it’s time to visit Team Ryan Automotive. Warning signs like flickering lights or clicking sounds during ignition may indicate deeper electrical or charging system issues, such as a failing alternator. Our experts perform comprehensive diagnostic and testing procedures to find and resolve issues, ensuring your vehicle stays reliable. Stay Ahead with Team Ryan Automotive Don’t let cold weather catch you off guard. At Team Ryan Automotive, we offer professional battery inspections, testing, and replacement services to keep your vehicle winter-ready. From identifying early warning signs to delivering expert solutions, we’re here to help. Schedule your winter vehicle checkup today and drive with confidence this season!
