Today was my last day at the News & Observer. I expected to walk into the newsroom, give my hugs and goodbyes, hand over my things and drive back to Chapel Hill, but what actually happened was far more befitting.
Around 4:15 p.m., I pulled into the parking garage and immediately saw Travis running off to an assignment at the NC Legislative building downtown, just a few blocks from the office. When I get upstairs, Scott tells me a bit about what Travis is going to shoot, but warned me that it was going to be rather unpredictable. Luckily I had tossed my D700, a CF card, and a 24-70 in my car on my way out the door (you never know!), so he encouraged me run along after Travis and see what was going on. Three hours later, 17 people associated with the NAACP had been arrested for civil disobedience and many demonstrators and observers had gathered to chant and sing. It was a rather exciting adventure and quite a learning experience--a final lesson to walk away with.
I cannot express enough gratitude towards the amazing staff and incredible editors at the N&O for all of their caring support through these last few, rather hectic months. You all have taught me so much and given me so many opportunities and for that I am beyond grateful. I hope to see a lot more of all of you when I get back from Chicago!
During an act of civil disobedience condemning the Republican legislature's agenda Monday, April 29, 2013, outside the N.C. Senate chamber, seventeen people including N.C. NAACP President Rev. William Barber were arrested.
William Robinson, 34, of Greensboro chants outside the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C. During an act of civil disobedience condemning the Republican legislature's agenda Monday, April 29, 2013, seventeen people, including N.C. NAACP President Rev. William Barber, were arrested.
Leaders of the N.C. NAACP pray outside the golden doors of the N.C. House of Representatives Chambers.