By Carly Brantmeyer
Courtesy of the Carrboro Commons
From rattlesnake to alligator meat, Cliff Collins, owner of Cliff’s Meat Market in Carrboro, sells every kind of meat you could dream of. But there’s much more to the man. On Feb. 22, he received a Pauli Murray Human Relations Award.
The ceremony at New Hope Elementary School in Chapel Hill recognized an adult, a youth and a business that epitomizes the legacy of Pauli Murray as a social-justice advocate. Collins, a 60-year-old Chatham County resident, was recognized in the business category for Cliff’s Meat Market, which he founded in 1973 at 100 West Main St.
Tim Peck, a general contractor and plumber for Peck and Artisans in Carrboro, nominated Collins for the award after witnessing his interaction and involvement with the Hispanic population during the 2008 presidential election.
“Cliff has really reached out to the Hispanic community,†Peck said. “He feels like they’re family, and he looks out for them.â€
When Peck first entered Cliff’s Meat Market, he noticed Collins’ Spanish-friendly atmosphere, complete with Spanish labels, such as “Fruta y Vegetales†hanging above baskets of fresh fruit and vegetables. Peck also noticed a taco stand that Collins supported on his property in hopes that the Hispanic vendor would make extra money to provide for his family.
“The taco stand at my place added a little spice of life to downtown Carrboro,†Collins said. He said that he strives to make his store feel family oriented and welcoming. Collins wants to learn more of the Spanish language and wants the Hispanic population to learn his.
With a booming business now in its 36th year, Collins expanded his staff to include Hispanic employees and developed meaningful friendships with his Hispanic customers.
“Cliff is a good person,†said Tolo, a 31-year-old Hispanic employee who has worked for Collins for 13 years and lives in Chapel Hill.
The Pauli Murray Award honors Murray’s life by recognizing those who have fostered and promoted human rights, diversity and equality in Orange County. Peck said the way Cliff lives his life reflects Murray’s character.
Barry Jacobs, chairman of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, spoke Sunday about the life and legacy of Murray.
Born in 1910, Murray, an African-American female who grew up in Durham, risked her life as a sit-in activist in communities that were opposed to racial integration. Despite the adversities she faced because of her race, Murray persevered and became a poet, lawyer, writer, teacher and ordained Episcopal priest.
The Sunday ceremony emphasized how extraordinary so-called ordinary people can be.
The Guiding Lights of St. John Holiness Church performed four soulful musical selections. State Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, relatives of Pauli Murray and members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners were among those in attendance.
Collins hopes to continue to serve the Carrboro community however he can to honor the legacy of Murray.
“There’s a whole lot more behind winning the award than just winning it,†Collins said. “It’s living it, and it’s been a joy living it, and it will continue to be so.â€
He’s well known for remembering names, faces, stories and facts about his customers and is an encyclopedia of knowledge.
“I tell my customers where to fix their cars, where to buy new shoes and what restaurants are good,†Collins said.
When it comes to Carrboro, the meat market owner knows what’s in, what’s out and where to get it.
Chapel Hill native Cheryl Edwards, 51, has been coming to Cliff’s Meat Market since she was a child.
“He’s always very friendly, and you get good quality meat,†Edwards said.
Meat market customers can attest to the fact that the loyal store owner helps his customers and others in the Carrboro community however he can. Collins recalls a customer who was a minister who came in years ago and told him, “You know what? You’re doing the best ministry in this store that anyone could do in their life, and you’re doing it every day.â€