Noted professor dies
DURHAM — Duke University’s Reynolds Price died on Jan. 20 at the age of 77.
This James B. Duke professor of English was a “celebrated writer of fiction, poetry, memoirs, essays and plays who turned a three-year teaching appointment into more than 50 years on the faculty,” the university reported.
His career stretched from the U.S. to the U.K., having been a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University in England. He was the recipient of the William Faulkner Award for his first novel, “A Long and Happy Life.” He was also honored by the North Carolina Humanities Council, among others.
It was not until 2009, that Price disclosed his sexuality, preferring to be called queer, when he released “Ardent Spirits: Leaving Home, Coming Back.” The Kansas City Star reported that he “held off writing about his sexuality until then, … because ‘I wanted to be very careful about not invading anyone else’s privacy or making anyone more unhappy than seemed necessary.’”
William S. Price, Jr., his brother and retired director of the North Carolina state Archives and History Division, is his only survivor.
There was no public funeral at Price’s request. Duke has not yet announced plans to honor him.
CMF hosts two diverse events
RALEIGH — Join Crape Myrtle Festival for a rock-em-sock-em Super Bowl Party on Feb. 6 at The View at Legends, 330 W. Hargett, beginning at 4 p.m.
There will even be a cookout with food provided by Legends. Afterward, enjoy a round of bingo and a drag show.
A $10 donation is being requested.
Want something a little more formal? Then attend the Black & White Ball on Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m., at Mirage, 400 N.West St., Suite 110. Tickets are $50 and include sushi bar, Italian buffet and two drinks (beer or wine).
For more information, visit crapemyrtlefest.org.
Center hosts game night
RALEIGH — The LGBT Center of Raleigh is hosting a game night on Feb. 18 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, 3313 Wade Ave., from 7:30-11 p.m.
The center is also holding a volunteer orientation on Feb. 19 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 316 W. Cabarrus St.
For more information, visit lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.
Kendell talks Prop 8
RALEIGH — Kate Kendell, executive director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, discussed issues as they relate to how Proposition 8 impacts all citizens at a gathering at The Borough Restaurant on Jan. 22. Especially of note are those states that are facing rollbacking of marriage equality and amendments threats.
Justine Hollingshead, North Carolina State University’s GLBT Center director, organized the event, along with the center.
Kendell was adamant about protecting the rights of North Carolina’s LGBT community. She said that her center was there to lend support to ENC and other advocacy organizations.
To read more about the presentation and to view a video clip, visit pamshouseblend.com/diary/18498.