H is for Hairston Middle School is located at 3911 Naco Road, off Franklin Boulevard (Franklin becomes Bessemer at the East Market intersection). The above school was named for Otis L. Hairston, who was born in Greensboro and who served his community in many capacities. Hairston was pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church for 34 years. He was not only a man of the cloth, but one dedicated to serving the Greensboro community. Some organizations in which he was active include: Industries of the Blind, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Greensboro School Board, NAACP, Greensboro Urban Ministry and United Way, Greensboro Human Relations Commission, State Democratic Party, Board of Trustees of Bennet College and Shaw University.* Pastor Hairston was one of those citizens who knew that civic involvement leaves a lasting impact. He died in 2000 and, in 2001, the above school was named after him.

If you want to learn more, especially about Mr. Hairston’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, read this interview by Greensboro’s own Eugene Pfaff. Today is ABC Wednesday and, for our A-Z Education Series, H is for Hairston. It is so important to remember the good deeds of the people for whom our public schools are named.

* reference.