WS Chronicle

The Big 4 Alumni Association of Forsyth County Inc. serves the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County community with a vision to reunite alumni and to keep the spirit of the four beloved historically black high schools alive – Albert H. Anderson, Simon G. Atkins, George Washington Carver and John W. Paisley.

Consistent with values instilled by our teachers and administrators, our commitment to preserve the rich legacy of each school while giving back to the community is our mission. Community projects sponsored throughout the year that educate and enrich the lives of others serve as our motivation to stay connected.

Once again, the annual Celebration and Gala is at hand. Activities will be Oct. 10-13. This annual celebration is the hallmark gathering opportunity for alumni, family and friends.  It is also the primary fundraiser for community service projects the group sponsors throughout the year.  As a not-for-profit organization 501(c)(3), proceeds received are allocated to support mentoring projects in local schools, annual student scholarships, holiday food baskets, gifts to families in need, and other ongoing outreach efforts. 

The Big 4 family-friendly schedule of events includes:

*Wednesday, Oct. 10 – Day of Service: Clothing drive for job seekers in the Urban League Job Training Program.  Partnership with Winston-Salem Police Department to provide teddy bears for children who experienced trauma as a result of violence.  This event is based on the pressing needs the group identifies and serves as our collective commitment to give back to our community

*Thursday, Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m. – Worship Service at Emmanuel Baptist Church. The group will gather to worship in the tradition of African-Americans in which the church as always been the center of African-Americans’ lives. Apostle Edward Allen, a Big 4 alum, will be guest preacher and the renown Big 4 Choir comprised of over 100 voices of all four schools led by Eddie Bines will minister through song. 

*Friday, Oct. 12, noon – Teachers Appreciation Luncheon at Emmanuel Banquet Hall. This event is designed to pay tribute to those outstanding educators who insisted on academic excellence of the students in the segregated schools of Winston-Salem. Each year 30-plus educators who retired from the school system have an opportunity to gather with other teachers, greet former students and be recognized for their outstanding contributions.

*Friday evening, Oct. 12, 7 p.m. – Comedy Show & Dinner at St. John C.M.E. Banquet Hall

This is a family friendly event for alumni and friends to gather and enjoy entertainment featuring Tyrone Davis, comedian and dinner.

*Saturday, Oct. 13, 8 p.m. – Gala Show and Dance at Benton Convention Center. This major event culminates the four-day celebration with a gala show and dance featuring the P Funk Band. Alumni, family and friends enjoy a festive evening reconnecting with classmates and enjoying old school and new live music by the P Funk Band and DJ sounds. VIP and general admission tickets are available.

Tickets are available at the American Legion Post on Thursday evenings, Keona’s Boutique Tuesdays through Friday and the Big 4 Office located at the Enterprise Center. For information and tickets call (336) 464-3137.