After a year of being inactive, the Richmond County Human Relations Council may dismantle after 10 years of service to the community because nobody wants to head the council.
“I have been trying to get a group together that would continue but no one has been interested in being the chairman,” said Dot Bynum, former chairman of the Human Relations Council. “I travel a lot and it has become a bit much for me.”
The entire council serves as volunteers.
The organizer of the group, J.C. Watkins, says that he has declined to chair the group.
“I put it together, but with my health I can’t put myself out there as much as I used to,” he said.
Bynum said that the council did all of its own funding which came from the banquets that were held each year.
The banquets were held each spring and featured performances from different cultures.
“My wife and I used to help sponsor the banquets,” Richmond County Commissioner Kenneth Robinette said. “The county supports this group.”
Bynum said the goal of the group is to educate people on diversity issues.
“We did diversity training at the courthouse, with the clerk of courts, probation officers and at Sandhills Regional Medical Center in Hamlet,” she said.
This training was focused on helping and understanding individuals of different races and cultures and members hope that the group will stay together.
“I do feel that it was a worthwhile group,” Bynum said. “Any problems that we identified we would make recommendations and try to find solutions. I will be glad to help out with any of the information that is needed.”
Member Mammie McLaughlin, says that she would continue serving on the board.
“I think that its very important for the people of this county,” she said. “I think that the Human Relations Council can help those that don’t understand the cultures of others in the county.”
The group has tried to make sure that every culture is represented on the board by a member.
“It has been hard to get Caucasians on the council,” Watkins said. “When someone rotated off it was hard to get a replacement. This organization is very much needed in all areas of the county, government and private enterprise. So much good can come because of this.”
“Our goal was to get diversity in our organization,” Bynum said. “To enhance communications with all races, try to prevent any problems and promote good human relations amongst everyone.”
Applications for the Richmond County Human Relations Council can be picked up the Richmond County Administrative Office located at 125 S. Hancock St. in Rockingham.
Staff Writer Hollie Nivens can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or by e-mailing at hnivens@yourdailyjournal.com
Peace,
Matt Mclendon