“Some people dream of success, while others wake up and work hard at it.” By Napoleon Hill
Copey Learning Center Updates..!
My eyes are fixed on the calendar as we move closer to the end of November when the Copey Learning Center’s school year ends for another year following the center’s graduation scheduled on November 29th.
In additon, there are two other noteworthy events scheduled over the next three months. First, Emma Terry is still supporting us in Costa Rica. Recall, Emma is from Washington state. Her grandparents are close friends of mine and Emma was a volunteer teacher at Copey in 2023. When she completed her volunteer time commitment, she remained in Costa Rica and now teaches USA students in another Costa Rican location. She plans to return to Copey with her students to visit and engage in some cross cultural activities between the USA and Copey students. This is another outstanding opportunity to expose Copey students to new experiences and opportunities.
Also, in December Dr. Ed Davis of Emory & Henry University (EHU) will be leading a group of his students to Costa Rica. He and co-professor Shelley Koch plan to include a trip to Copey as they did last December. The trip last year was regarded as a major success and deemed worthy of a second time around with another dozen students planning to travel.
All this to say that we continue our multi-facet connection with the Copey Learning Center and its community.
Battle at Kings Mountain, South Carolina
On October 7, 2024, the annual celebration of the Battle at Kings Mountain (Kings Mountain National Military Park) will be held near the border of North and South Carolina. This historic battle took place on October 7, 1780 and is considered by many hisorians as a decisive battle that helped determined the American Revolutionary War’s outcome and success.
What does this all have to do with me?
The designated commander of this battle was Colonel William Campbell from southwest Virginia. This heralded military leader owned a “slave man-servant” named John Broddy, my sixth great grandfather. Broddy accompanied his master to Kings Mountain and participated in the battle.
Years later, Broddy became a controversial figure for a variety of reasons regarding his presence during the battle. This controversy known as the “Campbell/Shelby Controversy” coupled with the published memoirs belonging to Campbell’s widow, Elizabeth Henry Campbell, provided an unusual amount of information about Broddy. 
As Broddy’s descendent, I am a member of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association (OVTA). This group serves to keep the history of the Battle at Kings Mountain alive. This is accomplished in part by the OVTA marching to the battleground each year from southwest Virginia to the Kings Mountain National Military Park each year.
I am also an active member of the Virginia Col. Willam Campbell Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). I will join the members of the OVTA and the Campbell SAR Chapter at the event and officially represent my family’s 244 year historical connection.
On October 7th, 2016, the Kings Mountain National Military Park placed a permanent marker on the mountain to recognize the presence of several slaves and freed slaves who participated in this historic battle. I was there along with several other Broady family members to share in the special event of that day.
You can learn more about the John Broddy story by clicking on the link: John Broddy – Search Videos
Hurricane Helene…!
Our prayers and well wishes go out to all impacted by the recent storms and floods that has hit my hometown Marion, Virginia. This includes other areas nearby in southwest Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee where many “Friends” reside. Stay strong!
Final Word…!
Each day is worth living when we see each day as another day we are provided the opportunity to make a difference. This is a key characteristic and quality of many “Friends of Copey”. We live to make a diffence and the difference is evident in the small community of Copey. Thank you all!
I always enjoy your quotes and the way you relate them to what is going on at Copey, as well as other activities. I can hardly believe what Helene did to the southern Appalachian region. Ricky, as you know, enjoys blacksmithing and follows several FB blacksmith groups, including one in NC. Two members of this group drown, as did the wife of another member. I’m heading to Marion next week for a very quick visit. Enjoy your trip to Kings Mountain.