The rain held off for the Saturday renaming and dedication ceremony of the J. Pleasant Hines Park and the Joe R. Wynn Pool in West Southern Pines. Friends, family, and community members gathered to reminisce and celebrate the legacy of the two men who helped build a community.
Southern Pines Director of Parks and Recreation Greg Thompson opened the ceremony and declared the park an “asset to the spirit of Southern Pines itself.” Town Council member Debra Gray took the podium next, acknowledging Hines as the first mayor of West Southern Pines. She also remembered Wynn as a man who “left a mark on all of those he touched.”
Hines served as the first mayor of West Southern Pines from 1923 to 1927, a few years before it was dissolved into Southern Pines in 1931. It was originally one of the first black municipalities in North Carolina.
Tessie Taylor, self-appointed as one of Wynn’s favorite students at West Southern Pines High School, had the honor of introducing the panel of speakers for the ceremony, but not before she also got to sing the praises of the late men. Taylor described Wynn as a “staunch advocate for young people.” Having initiated the pool for a place for African-American youth to learn to swim, he actively participated in the process, including training the first lifeguards and also serving as director.
James H. Moore, a co-worker and friend of Wynn, remembered Wynn as a “devoted friend, dedicated leader and lifelong advocate for bringing people together.” He went on to joke that Wynn was a man of many hats, acting as the pool manager, supervisor, and lifeguard back when it opened some 60 years ago.
Wynn’s daughters, LaTanya Wynn-Hall and DeJuana Wynn Coleman, tearfully shared memories of their father and his dedication to the community and making sure that everyone knew how to swim. They called attention to family members who had traveled from Florida and Georgia for the dedication ceremony, as well as his students and all those he taught to swim, who were also in attendance. They spoke of the community as a “family affair” and recalled Wynn’s 40-year commitment to the Westside.
Oliver Hines took the podium to remember his great uncle, J Pleasant Hines, as a fighter for the community. He was honored to speak on behalf of his uncle and proud to stand by the park sign as it was revealed.
Once all the speakers were finished, pictures were taken to commemorate the day, and the family members of both men stood by for the unveiling of the park sign, followed by the pool sign. The ceremony concluded with Jo’ell Jones jumping into the pool to honor his late great-grandfather. What followed was a celebration featuring food, music, and fellowship with old and new friends.
Megan Hall | Reporter
Article and photos by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Megan Hall.
Want Moore news that matters? Please click here to sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel e-newsletter.
Follow Sandhills Sentinel: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Threads | Newsletter
