Founded in 1994, the West End Revitalization Association, Inc. (WERA) is Alamance County’s first and only community development corporation (CDC).  WERA services residents, homeowners, and landowners of five African American communities in Alamance County and Orange County. These communities were settled by former slaves, just beyond Mebane’s city limits, shortly after the Civil War and are 85% to 95% African American.  Seven 100-year old churches, founded as early as 1864, are landmarks of survival.

   In 1999, complaints to the U.S. Department of Justice were required to stop the 119-bypass/interstate from destroying dozens of houses, churches, and a Masonic Temple in West End and White Level communities.

Cherish Every Drop of Water You Drink

     On November 14, 2003, the West End Revitalization Association - WERA celebrated it ninth anniversary at the Annual Fundraising Awards Dinner. Young adult members of WERA's DREAM-Network hosted this special occasion.

     We were blessed the presence of friends, family, and community partners. This Enviro-Art called "Cherish" by Kojo E. Wilson was presents as awards. The short poem below was written in recognition of the "Cherish" and each dinner guests, board member, and community partner was encouraged to add lines or verses in dedication to the poem. WERA needs everyone's support and commitment to eliminate environmental hazards that threaten the public health of Mebane's low-income and minority communities.

Cherish every ounce of air,

Cherish every child’s birth,

Cherish every river and stream both far and near,

Cherish the light of the day,

Cherish the places where we play,

Cherish the legacy of Black struggles in this nation,

Cherish the land where we live, (Steve Smull)

Cherish the land of your family and community, (Author Unknown)

Cherish everything far and near maybe sewer and clean water, (Emma Holt)

Cherish the clean water that you drink, (James Minor)

Cherish everyday that you’ve dreamed, (Wilma Crisp)

Cherish tomorrow only if we keep the dream, (Evon Connally)

Cherish hopes and dreams, (Mary P. Williamson)

Cherish everyone who is trying to keep the dream for you and me, (Author Unknown)

Cherish everything that will help you live your dreams, (Author Unknown)

Cherish every breath you take,

Cherish life for all our sakes, (Shelby Pittman & Giovanni Pittman)

Cherish where you live and what you own, (Cleatis D. Harris)

Cherish everything you see and hear, (Selena Harris)

Cherish your time, It waits for no one, (Shawn Garner)

Cherish community love and support, (Claudia Liggins)

Cherish keeping the ground green, (Author Unknown)

Cherish clean body and souls, (Pattie Fowler)

Cherish your health and spirit, don’t just grin and bear it, (Rachel Hester)

Cherish the manner and beauty with which all the parts need each other, (Author Unknown)

Cherish every connection you make,

Cherish every barrier you break, (Author Unknown)

Cherish the man who has given us understanding, (Author Unknown)

Cherish every person the same. (Author Unknown)