In this Aug. 16, 2017 photo, the Rev. Nelson Johnson and his wife, Joyce, stand beside a 1979 photo of the “Greensboro Massacre” at the couple’s Faith Community Church in Greensboro, N.C. The Johnsons were taking part in a workers’ march on Nov. 3, 1979, when they were attacked by Nazis and members of the Ku Klux Klan. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)

Morning, gang.

After a break for Independence Day, this week we’re continuing to bring you some of our favorite stories from the last year. New stories will be hitting your inbox on July 14, after our annual two-week summer publishing pause.

Today, we’re bringing you stories of some of the remarkable people, from across the political and socio-economic spectrums, who have helped define and represent Greensboro.

These include figures like the late Rev. Nelson Johnson and former Mayor Yvonne Johnson, who were inspired by the Civil Rights movement and their time at N.C. A&T to fight against racism and on behalf of the working poor. They also include Mark Robinson, the conservative firebrand who condemned legendary Civil Rights leaders on his way to becoming the state’s first Black Lieutenant Governor.

These are stories of the working mothers organizing to hold their homes and families together, of one photographer’s long mission to capture the city in a single image a day, and of a kid who grew up loving Greensboro’s parks and went on to run them—and the city manager’s office.

— Joe Killian

A Community Remembers Yvonne Johnson, ‘The Conscience of the City.’

Greensboro’s first Black mayor, fought segregation and built community in the city she loved.

Rev. Nelson Johnson: A Legacy Beyond Tragedy

Once called “the most dangerous man in Greensboro,” the late Nelson Johnson survived the Greensboro Massacre to do work that won respect and inspired generations.

Mark Robinson and the Suspension of Disbelief

Professional wrestling is a world built on fabulous stories, and the Republican gubernatorial candidate’s lifelong love of the sport explains much of what you need to know about his political rise and fall. 

Thanks for reading The Thread, a 3x week newsletter written by Greensboro editor Joe Killian and reporters Sayaka Matsuoka and Gale Melcher. Reach us with tips or ideas at greensboro@theassemblync.com.

‘Hot Mess Express’ Transforms Lives—One Swiffer at a Time

Work. Kids. Pets. It can all be overwhelming. What began as a small group of Triad women cleaning strangers’ homes for free has become a national movement.

Greensboro Daily Photo Showcases the City, One Shot at a Time

Janis Antonek started the Greensboro Daily Photo blog in 2008, a place to share photos she captured in the community. Since then, it’s grown to more than 6,000 posts.

Chris Wilson, a ‘Fixture’ of Greensboro’s Government, Retires

Deputy City Manager Chris Wilson earned high praise during his last city council meeting Tuesday evening.

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Joe Killian is The Assembly's Greensboro editor. He joined us from NC Newsline, where he was senior investigative reporter. He spent a decade at The News & Record covering cops and courts, higher education, and government.

Gale is a Report for America corps member and Greensboro-based reporter for The Assembly. She previously covered local government and community issues for Triad City Beat. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from N.C. State University.

Sayaka Matsuoka is a Greensboro-based reporter for The Assembly. She was formerly the managing editor for Triad City Beat, an alt-weekly based in Greensboro. She has reported for INDY Week, The Bitter Southerner, and Nerdist, and is the editorial/diversity chair for AAN Publishers.