The dream of honoring Nina Simone in her hometown, begun in earnest four years ago, was largely brought to fruition Sunday. Over 500 people gathered to witness the dedication of a bronze statue on Trade Street.

The four intervening years of work, like most everything in Tryon this past decade, were not easy or smooth, not without community pain and some scars.

One can only suppose how sweet it might have been if Eunice Waymons life had been blessed from childhood by the constant support and love of a colorblind community. Her adult successes might have been felt by all, while she yet lived, enriching her and the town of her birth, raising dreams in every child. We celebrate the crucial support of her family and friends, white and black. We know she also felt the sting of racism injustice, cruelty here.

In the era of her adulthood, those hurts piled up.

While art is often a product of heightened senses, one sad thing about pain is that the anger it fosters can at times blur everything, toppling good over bad.

Even at Sundays dedication, 77 years after Ninas birth, the hurt felt by black neighbors of all generations was a topic among the presenters lightly touched, but squarely there, not entirely resolved, not forgotten.

So what should we see when we look at Nina today, now public art on Trade Street? Lets see a daughter come home! Already, we happily recall the several occasions in which her arrival has brought white and black people together, how they shook hands and greeted one another.

Ninas brother Carrol says to honor Nina in Tryon, simply says were proud of a town that has produced a world-famous artist, that this is a place conducive to such a life. It recognizes one of the oldest families here, the Waymons, and recognizes the people who made it possible for Nina to have her talents groomed, a whole entourage of people. Let us always be an entourage! Tres bon. JB