Howard K. Ammerman: A century of wisdom

Today is my 100th birthday. Last year on my 99th, I wrote to you expressing my concern about climate change, sharing the hope for a more thoughtful approach in North Carolina to this critical problem by the time I reached 100 years.

I have not seen much improvement in North Carolina policies, and it seems like the evidence documenting the problems of global warming is only growing.

I have said that one who has the good fortune to grow old in good health is chronologically gifted, and I am very grateful that I have had this opportunity. I believe this opportunity brings with it the responsibility to give back to one’s community and perhaps permission to speak one’s mind.

I have been fortunate to work with UNC students on global warming issues and to teach a class with the Peer Learning group about peace and justice. However, when I read the paper every day, I am continually troubled about backward steps in North Carolina regarding voting rights, poverty, teacher pay and health insurance.

My hope for my 101st birthday is that we will work together to take care of our environment as well as all of the people in this great state.

This story was originally published April 13, 2015 at 6:38 PM with the headline "Howard K. Ammerman: A century of wisdom."