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August 2015

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150 YEARS OF HISTORY, LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE

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WHO IS “TY” RICHARDSON ?

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IN THIS ISSUE Vol. II, Issue VII

Ballin’ Out

29

Commentary

6

Community Health

33

Cover Story

9

Did U Know?

34

Editorial

5

Entertainment

34

FEATURES Aa Dance Companies

15

Shaw 150 Years

13

“Ty” Richardson

9

From The Publisher’s Desk

5

Health & Beauty

33

Lifestyles

32

News Briefs

21

Out & About

8

Sports

29

This is Your Life

32

Cover Photo: Olen Kelley III

4

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE | August 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

EDITORIAL

From The Publisher’s Desk...

ARE WE IN THE MIDST OF A NEW CIVIL RIGHTS ERA? How the year since Ferguson does - and doesn’t - resemble the midcentury movement The year since Ferguson has been full of echoes of the midcentury civil rights movement. The Montgomery Bus Boycott started three months after the 1955 lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till; Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson served as a catalyst for Black Lives Matter activists.

Network television’s widespread coverage of the civil rights movement of the 1960s mobilized national interest in the struggle against the racist institutions of the South, shocking white viewers with footage from Birmingham and Selma; in 2014 and 2015, the proliferation of smartphones, dashcams, and body cameras has yielded footage of encounters with police that has won national attention for what previously might have been overlooked stories of police brutality.

from arresting a black woman, after which the policeman shot him. During the iconic civil rights years, the way the movement was policed was a serious issue.

Parallels like these are striking, but do they suggest we’re at the dawn of a new civil rights era?

The 1951 high school strike which prompted the lawsuit that was reviewed along with four other cases in Brown v. Board was led by 16-yearold Barbara Johns. The demonstrations in Birmingham in the spring of 1963 were led by young people as were the high school walkouts in the late 1960s from L.A. to New York. That made our society nervous 50–60 years ago, and it makes our society nervous today.

Many historians now consider the nonviolent activism of Martin Luther King and the more radical platforms of groups like the Panthers to be intertwined strands of the same movement. But the figure of King casts a particularly long shadow over today’s activism. The sainted caricature of the civil rights leader - one that ignores the leader’s persistence and radicalism — has been held up as an example to discipline contemporary activists, some of whom have been castigated for being insufficiently “calm” or “orderly.” Some of today’s activists - like Bree Newsome, who scaled the flagpole at the South Carolina statehouse and removed the Confederate banner flying there - have come under fire from those who would prefer a less antagonistic approach. Even as some applaud actions like Newsome’s, some responses to some of these events take the position that confrontation is the ‘wrong’ way to engage or even some claiming that just as Black Power ended the Civil Rights Movement, this will end an incipient movement.”

While segregation and disenfranchisement are often understood as the primary targets of the ’50s- and ’60s-era civil rights protesters, historians note that policing and criminal justice - the animating issues in our own time - were concerns for those activists as well. Brian Goldstein, an urban historian at the University of New Mexico, A case in point, the “Harlem Riot” of 1943 occurred when a black soldier attempted to stop a white policeman

The unfavorable comparison between nonviolent activists of the past and present-day Black Lives Matter protesters ignores the many phases of historical civil rights movements that weren’t particularly religious, nonviolent, or self-consciously “respectable.” By the end of the 1960s, many young people were rejecting the ideas of respectability and messianic leadership that largely black middle class clergy espoused for those in the movement.

Let’s start with the period we’ve traditionally thought of as the civil rights era, stretching from the late 1950s to the mid-tolate 1960s. There are significant similarities between this time and the new activism of our day that haven’t received much notice. First: the youth of the movements’ leaders. Martin Luther King, Jr. was 26 at the time of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and many civil rights activists of that period, like the members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, were in college. The youth made the struggle work back then, and the youth are the driving force of the struggle now.

Later, in the 1960s and 1970s, “an immediate end to police brutality and murder of black people” was No. 7 on the Black Panther Party’s 10-point declaration of its program, and deaths of black people at the hands of police in California served as catalyzing events for Panther actions in the area. Panthers also confronted law enforcement directly, “policing the police” by patrolling Oakland neighborhoods with guns. Calls today for citizens to videotape police stops share some DNA with this kind of direct action.

The women activists who created the #BlackLivesMatter movement: Patrisse Cullors, Opal Tometi (center) and Alicia Garza (right) hold up their fists in unison.

Holding today’s activists up to King’s standard also reinforces the misconception that King was the solitary leader of the midcentury movement.

Observers of Black Lives Matter have bemoaned the lack of a figure to play the role of King; in January, for example, Oprah Winfrey told People magazine, in an interview pegged to the release of the movie Selma, that she thought the new movement lacked leadership. Winfrey and others looking to name the “new Martin Luther King” forget that King was hardly the only civil rights leader, nor were his methods the only ones successfully wielded to effect change.

Activist Ella Baker, Shaw University grad who worked with the NAACP, SNCC, and King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference famously said that “strong people don’t need strong leaders.” Rather, she favored a distributed structure that would empower many people, instead of relying on a few charismatic figureheads. In other words, Baker envisioned the kind of movement that Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors (who is a director at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights) has called “leader-full” rather than “leaderless.”

In the 1960s and 1970s, the SNCC and the Black Panther Party both pursued this model as well, looking to create strong groups of linked activists who operated from consensus.

The prominence of women and LGBTQ activists in the Black Lives Matter movement - a contrast with the largely male-dominated

leadership we tend to imagine when we think of the midcentury movement - is an evolution that many applaud. It’s sad to think that the pre-eminence of women has contributed to the perception that the movement “has no leader.”

“We have a lot of leaders,” one of Cullors’ co-founders, Alicia Garza, told the Guardian last month, “just not the one’s you might be looking for them. If you’re only looking for the straight black man who is a preacher, you’re not going to find it.”

It isn’t a coincidence that a movement that brings together the talents of black women - many of them gay - for the purpose of liberation is considered leaderless, since black women have so often been rendered invisible,” The most damaging impact of the sanitized and oversimplified version of the civil rights story is that it has convinced many people that single, charismatic male leaders are a prerequisite for social movements.

Adapted from article at www.slate.com

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Phyllis Coley Phyllis Coley CEO/Publisher

pcoley@spectacularmag.com

www.spectacularmag.com | August 2015 | SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE

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ENOUGH IS ENOUGH AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

by Chris Fitzsimons

COMMENTARY

The Senate budget slashes 8,500 Teacher’s Assistants (TAs) while providing more funding for teachers to reduce class size in early grades while the House budget leaves TAs in the classroom and provides an across the board salary increase. TAs are also bus drivers at many schools, causing many principals to wonder how they will get students to campus if the Senate budget prevails and teacher assistants are laid off.

Senator Tom Apodaca was partially right on the afternoon of August 8th when he lamented the inability of legislative leaders to reach a final agreement on a state budget six weeks after it was due and just days before schools start across North Carolina with funding for teachers and teacher assistants still up in the air. And Apodaca’s thinks he’s frustrated.

“Enough is enough,” Apodaca bellowed on the Senate floor. But then he urged his colleagues to vote against a resolution to keep government operating for another two weeks while negotiators try to come up with a final version of a spending plan for the next two years.

The budget impasse and two-week extension of the continuing resolution also come after lawmakers took an unprecedented week of vacation in early July after missing the budget deadline and after legislative leaders attended conferences in San Diego and Boston while the budget was overdue.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way of course. Republicans promised a more transparent and efficient government when they took over and they have been running the General Assembly for five years and have been working with a Republican governor for the last three.

The most controversial one, the socalled Taxpayer Bill of Rights, would place artificial spending limits on future legislatures and would threaten funding for education, teacher pay, early childhood programs and other vital state services. The full Senate passed the regressive amendments on to the House and they are now part of the swirl of activity that dominates a General Assembly as it careens towards an eventual budget agreement and adjournment.

LET’S JOIN ROSANELL EATON

By: Barack Obama

I was inspired to read about unsung American heroes like Rosanell Eaton (94-yearold plaintiff in the current North Carolina case arguing to repeal voting restrictions enacted in 2013) in Jim Rutenberg’s ‘‘A Dream Undone: Inside the 50-year campaign to roll back the Voting Rights Act” that appeared in the August 2nd issue of the New York Times Magazine.

‘‘We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union...’’

It’s a cruel irony that the words that set our democracy in motion were used as part of the so-called literacy test designed to deny Rosanell and so many other African-Americans the right to vote. Yet more than 70 years ago, as And to make matters worse, Apodaca she defiantly delivered the Preamble Apodaca apparently was ready to and his fellow Senators unveiled a to our Constitution, Rosanell also shut down state government out of reaffirmed its fundamental truth. What frustration with House leaders, but that’s series of unwise and controversial constitutional amendments last week and makes our country great is not that we no solution and only a handful of his rushed them through committee without are perfect, but that with time, courage fellow Senators agreed with him. The a public hearing or even testimony and effort, we can become more continuing budget resolution passed perfect. What makes America special is and lawmakers have two more weeks to about what the amendments would mean for the state. our capacity to change. pass a budget.

Efficiency and transparency have hardly been hallmarks of their reign.

Supporters of the Republican majority have been scrambling to circulate a chart showing that past legislatures have often missed the June 30th budget deadline, and that’s true.

No one saw the constitutional amendment package coming. No one had a chance to prepare for the committee discussion of proposals But the chart also shows that this is that could dramatically change North already the latest budget in 13 years Carolina for the next generation. and with one exception, the latest Senate leaders simply decided to rush two-year budget since at least 1961. it through while budget negotiations And it’s not just a show of ineptness were proceeding, forcing House and inefficiency. The delay has real leaders to respond and even hold a consequences as school officials are getting ready for students to return next Republican Caucus meeting to discuss the amendments. week with no idea how many teachers or teacher assistants they can afford to And the Senate’s not the only ones pay.

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Nearly three decades after Rosanell testified to her unbroken faith in this country, that faith was vindicated. The Voting Rights Act put an end to literacy tests and other forms of discrimination, helping to close the gap between our promise that all of us are created equal and our long history of denying some of us the right to vote. The impact was immediate and profound — the percentage of African-Americans registered to vote skyrocketed in the playing dangerous and nontransparent games.

Rep. Rob Bryan is working behind the scenes on legislation pushed by national right-wing forces that could turn over struggling public schools to for-profit charter school operators who would have the freedom to fire all the teachers. That proposal has yet to be unveiled publicly and could appear at any moment, with no time for thorough debate or public input.

It’s time to stop all the secret scurrying

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE | August 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

years after the Voting Rights Act was passed.

But as Rutenberg chronicles, from the moment the ink was dry on the Voting Rights Act, there has been a concentrated effort to undermine this historic law and turn back the clock on its progress. His article puts the recent push to restrict Americans’ voting rights in its proper context. These efforts are not a sign that we have moved past the shameful history that led to the Voting Rights Act. Too often, they are rooted in that history. They remind us that progress does not come easy, but that it must be vigorously defended and built upon for ourselves and future generations.

I am where I am today only because men and women like Rosanell Eaton refused to accept anything less than a full measure of equality. Their efforts made our country a better place. It is now up to us to continue those efforts.

Congress must restore the Voting Rights Act. Our state leaders and legislatures must make it easier — not harder — for more Americans to have their voices heard. Above all, we must exercise our right as citizens to vote, for the truth is that too often we disenfranchise ourselves.

Rosanell is now 94 years old. She has not given up. She’s still marching. She’s still fighting to make real the promise of America. She still believes that We the People have the awesome power to make our union more perfect. And if we join her, we, too, can reaffirm the fundamental truth of the words Rosanell recited.

President Barack Obama, Washington

around and slamming never before seen legislation through committees and floor votes.

It’s time to pass a budget that keeps TAs in the classroom and gives teachers a meaningful raise and adequately funds state services. And it’s time for lawmakers to go home.

Enough is enough indeed.

Chris Fitzsimons is the Founder and Director of NC Policy Watch – a progressive public policy think tank that is a special project of the N.C. Justice Center.

TRUMP HITS A NERVE

By Dr. Ada M. Fisher

Love him or hate him, Donald Trump cannot be ignored or wished away. He is a viable Presidential candidate who can win and one who knows how the games of the world are played, their players and the moves it takes to win.

The Republican National Committee is reported as not embracing him; however, whoever has the support of the people can get their nomination and if Trump is so viewed, he will win the presidency for he has something that others have not, hutzpah.

First, though Trump may have inherited some of his startup leverage, he has turned it in the stratosphere, more than doubling that initial investment. His

board befitting a businessman trying to This leaves the RNC and others on the cover his bases, not one seeking political periphery while taking the mantle of correctness. leadership solely unto himself. The original constitutionalist didn’t want a Third is Donald John Trump’s brash, king but a president. It is this which bold and in your face style with rhetoric frightens stakeholders from consultants, to back it up. When he speaks about to media pundits to PACs to lobbyists, the illegal alien problem crossing the as well as political parties scrambling, Mexican border, it’s a topic needing looking as Jokers trying to top his deuce airing not meekness from those seeking or ace of spades = the Trump Card. to make bad deals which compromise our rule of law, disadvantages citizens In my three meetings with Mr. Trump and puts us on a path to increased I was impressed by his courteousness, internal disunity. His willingness to Second, the media tries to stir the credentials, own striking hair and advocate a 35% tax or tariff on pot on a brewing fight between the understanding of “The Art of the Deal”. companies in America which take their establishment Republicans and the Holding the deck of cards, could Donald plants abroad and then sell us back Tea Partyers, Libertarians and other Trump win? Yep. Will he win? Depends stuff which should have been made here on the draw of the cards. members of the party holding on, to restore America’s greatness. Trump says strikes a chord. The McCain comments Dr. Ada M. Fisher is a physician, Fortune 500 he is Pro-Life. I believe he is Pro-Wife, while not politically correct didn’t hurt Company Medical Director, licensed teacher in of the female variety, as demonstrated with those irritated by the McCainsecondary education—Mathematics and Science, former School Board Member, author, as well Feingold Laws which stifle campaigns. with three spouses two of whom were as the NC Republican National Committee not born in this country which belies the Woman. She may be contacted at DrFisher@ Lastly, “The Donald” with billions has anti-immigrant label being bantered GETADOCTORINTHEHOUSE.com about. His political giving is all over the the ability to finance his own campaign. father was Frederick Christ Trump who started as a barber and ventured into real estate. Understanding how crucial property rights are under the constitution, Donald John Trump was no dummy going from Fordham University to the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania graduating with distinction in economics and anthropology. His properties are done with elegance and style, something we in America need desperately to regain.

NC SUPREME COURT DEALS STUNNING BLOW TO PUBLIC EDUCATION

By Yevonne Brannon

Public Schools First NC is disheartened by the NC Supreme Court ruling that will transfer tens of millions of desperately needed public education dollars to fund unaccountable private schools.

July 23, 2015 is a very sad day in the history of our state. Our long-standing tradition of commitment to excellence in public education has made North Carolina a jewel among southern states.

We cannot fathom how this decision

upholds the constitutional promise that all children receive a sound, basic education within the public school system. And we are deeply concerned as strong public schools are critical for growing our economy and maintaining the vitality of our communities.

Where voucher programs have been implemented, there is no evidence that they offer high- quality educational alternatives to children from lowincome families. In Indiana, the number of vouchers awarded has grown exponentially; according to an education leader in that state, the program “now benefits middle class families who always intended to send their children to private (mostly

religious) schools and taxpayers are footing the growing bill.” Today, Indiana taxpayers pay an estimated $116 million to send 29,000 students to private/religious schools.

teacher assistants, teachers, etc. has been reduced by over $1 billion.

How can sending at-risk children to schools where accreditation is not necessary, where teachers do not need a high school diploma, and where Public Schools First NC questions adherence to academic standards is the “public purpose” of the school not required be a worthy educational voucher program, when there are alternative? All children lose when clear solutions — ranging from fullypublic schools are further depleted of funding pre-K programs, adequately funding classroom supplies, and offering their funds, and those funds are then used for unworthy ends. programs and compensation that encourage recruitment, preparation, Yevonne Brannon is Chair of Public Schools First NC, a support and retention of professional, statewide, nonpartisan organization focused solely on experienced educators — to improve public education issues. public education. Since 2008-09, funding for education essentials, including textbooks, transportation,

OP-ED SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Spectacular Magazine accepts opinion articles on any topic, not only policy, politics or government. If it’s opinionated and you believe our readers will find it worth reading, please submit it. Submissions of any length will be considered but the more concise the better chance it will be selected for print. All submissions must be original, and exclusive to Spectacular Magazine. We will not consider articles that have already been published, in any form, in print or online. Submissions may be sent in either of these ways: By e-mail to: opinion@spectacularmag.com Or by mail to: Spectacular Magazine Opinion Page P.O. Box 361 Durham, NC 27702 Submission must include your full name, address and phone number.

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OUT & ABOUT

BULL CITY EXPRESS COMMUNITY TRACK TEAM

DURHAM, NC - Bull City Express Track Club is a USATF Certified Youth Track and Field Club. Founded in 2013 by Omar Beasley and Dwayne Eanes, BCETC is dedicated to promoting children’s athletics. With an emphasis on track and field, the primary goals are to develop youth’s skills in the arena of track and field, help create healthy lifelong exercise habits, and teach the important principles of good sportsmanship.

(Photo: Renaldo Jackson)

DURHAM ROTARY CLUB - HABITAT HOME KICKOFF

DURHAM, NC - Durham Rotary Club members along with Habitat staff get started on the next Habitat Home which is on Plum Street just east of Downtown Durham. A few minutes of basic instructions about safety and what the plan for the day was took place at 8:30 am on August 1st. The goal for the day was to get the foundation ready for framing by laying plastic sheeting and attaching blue insulation board to the inside foundation walls. The number of volunteers was just about right to complete the goal in time to clean up at about 11:30am, with a few, including Spectacular Magazine CEO/Publisher Phyllis Coley, also helping to build the front porch on an adjacent home that is largely framed but not yet under roof. (Photos: Geraud Staton)

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SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE | August 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

COVER STORY

CANDIDATE FOR NC COMMISSIONER OF LABOR

WHO IS “TY” RICHARDSON? training included certifications and skill building through the Institute for Political Leadership, The School of Creative Leadership, Dale Carnegie Institute, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and various other institutes and colleges throughout North Carolina including near completion of Counseling Psychology training at the Master’s level.

Tyronne “Ty” Richardson Tyronne “Ty” Richardson is a man privileged to have been born in Smithfield, North Carolina to fine, hard working parents, John and Mildred Richardson. He was raised and educated in Wake County Public Schools. He received a degree from St. Augustine’s College (now St. Augustine’s University), a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Raleigh NC. Ty Richardson’s further privileges led him to travel the world as both a civilian and military worker.

These works led Ty to the sands of Saudi Arabia in 1984 to be a civilian international worker as a Logistics Development Coordinator in support of goals shared by US and Saudi Arabian governments.

Ty Richardson’s love for God, family and country led him back to the community of his home and family to give back his talents, energies and experiences to the community and State that gave him the foundation to thrive in the global society, as a worker and an entrepreneur.

Ty Richardson received advanced training as a lifelong learner. This

Pre-college training and work however began in Agri-business and farm work that provided an early foundation in one of North Carolina’s major economic sectors Agriculture. Ty continues to pursue interests in organic farming and its implications to the long-term growth and development of the NC economy.

Ty speaks with Labor Workers (Photo: Akela Thigpen) The North Carolina Commissioner of Labor must understand the life and work of the soil and how the ever-growing technological culture affects both the people who work the land and the land as well. As a farmer and member of a rural community, Ty Richardson understands how various policies and initiatives affect not only Main Street Urban Centers, but also Main Street Country Stores. As a member of the Council of State, Ty’s rural and international backgrounds will provide a voice of the people from one of their own to insure that NC’s growth and development considers effects on microeconomics and the frailties of urban rural balance.

Ty on a panel answering questions about Labor Laws (Photo: Akela Thigpen)

Post-graduate training and certification in various nuclear

biological chemical warfare, nuclear radiological homeland protection and resource management provided unique preparation to effectively manage workforce issues in the event a national, statewide, local disaster or an emergency should occur.

North Carolina is host to various natural disasters that occur seasonally.

In recent years, these disasters have increased and they have occurred in communities that are unprepared or unaccustomed to addressing them.

Consequently, guest workers from other states and other regions of North Carolina converge on the areas that require relief in the millions of dollars.

While these volunteer guest workers are available, they relieve an otherwise greater financial burden on the State.

The NC Commissioner of Labor must be prepared to take leadership as part of the Council of State team to offer timely and significant input to peer team members that will insure effective coordination and use of these newly formed work crews made up of first responders, trained emergency Who’s Ty CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

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WHO’S TY CONTINUES crews, and skilled volunteers. The Commissioner of Labor must have enough familiarity with hands-on emergency work themselves in order to create policies to also protect the public from predatory practices of contractors that seek to take advantage of the population while it is most vulnerable.

Ty Richardson is well qualified and has had such training and experience in both the civilian and military sectors.

Ty’s experience and training will maximize workforce and governmental efficiencies and resources for cost effective productive results that will reduce the long-term costs to the North Carolina budgets.

In addition to the experience indicated above, Ty’s military experience in the US Marine Corp has equipped him with training and experience to manage groups of workers to achieve maximum efficiencies in life and death situations as well as in support of other working teams. Having a high security clearance permitted Ty Richardson to demonstrate the capacity to hold the public trust on a daily basis. Ty’s honorable discharge after ten years of active and reserve service both in peace-time and war periods testifies to his love and dedication to this country and a commitment to serve.

North Carolina is host to several major military bases. In a very short period of time, over 300,000 exservice personnel will seek to integrate into the civilian workforce. North Carolina will be the site for many of these returning warriors to apply their talents to civilian pursuits. The North Carolina Commissioner of Labor

Ty visits work site to talk with construction workers about Work Place Safety (Photo: Olen Kelley III) must know not only the statistical and academic issues associated with this massive initiative, but also the NC Commissioner of Labor should in the best of all circumstances have practical experience to know what returning military personnel faces on a human level as well as on a more expansive systemic level. Often the things considered “little” by those who never faced combat are the most significant issues that should affect the public policy to achieve a quality of life for returning veterans.

Ty Richardson has been among the

Ty Richardson addresses ladies’ concerns about women’s rights in the workplace (Photo: Akela Thigpen)

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ranks of the returning military and personally understands many of the issues that the current returning soldiers will and do face as they re-enter the civilian workforce. Thus, as NC Commissioner of Labor, Ty will have a unique ability to work within the Department of Labor and in connection with the other Department leaderships in the Council of State to offer returning veterans that re-entry into the North Carolina workforce the best opportunities because of their service, dedication and protection of the USA.

As a factory worker for many years who continued to engage in skill building and cross training, Ty Richardson saw firsthand that cross training and intra-plant access to upward paths of mobility presented a severe challenge to the growth and productivity of entire communities supported by a few chief employers.

Discriminations of all types formed factors for this upward mobility and

Education and lifelong learning is, of course, one of the primary gateways of entry into the global economy and the ever-changing face of the North Carolina workforce. Factory work is changing in its scope and direction in North Carolina as in many parts of the country.

New technology and new industries result in manufacturing cycles that no longer secure factories to domestic locations. As these factories relocate, Pitt Co Assistant Public Defender Wendy S. they leave a wake of Hazelton talks with Ty Richardson about equal unemployed, narrowly rights for Women in Business trained workers who may (Photo: Akela Thigpen) not easily transition to other industries.

Who’s Ty CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE | August 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

look beyond the ordinary and expect the extra ordinary as the just due for the people of North Carolina.

By that expectation, he will build bridges and alliances for the North Carolina workforce to expand its skill base and opportunity platforms for young and old alike in the global economy.

Who’s Ty CONTINUES ultimate effects on the economic viability of the affected communities at large. Age, race, gender, ability and national origin discrimination within one work setting not only affects the target victim, it affects the non-targeted worker as well. Ty Richardson’s experience as a factory worker makes him particularly qualified to recognize evidence that demonstrates retaliatory discrimination. The Commissioner of Labor does share responsibilities with federal and other state agencies to address discriminatory practices in the workplace.

Ty Richardson has been one of those human beings on the other end of a factory regulation. Ty has personal knowledge of those rules that seem to be written by a policy wonk verses a person who has spent time in the trenches personally. Ty knows the difference, and can be the difference based on the work he has done, and the working teams of which he has been a part.

The prison population is a workforce that is often overlooked when considering the needs of the North Carolina workforce. Ty has worked his way through college and in the immediate years after college as a correctional officer employed by the North Carolina Department of Corrections. All inmates are not assigned a life sentence. Therefore, most will emerge from prison to seek integration into the mainstream North Carolina workforce.

Ty Richardson’s past experience as

Under the Richardson Labor Administration, business owners will be respected and given the opportunity to conduct a workplace that is within the full compliance of the law.

Ty with Dana Outlaw (l), Mayor of New Bern, NC and P.J. Connelly (r), Craven County Democratic Chair (Photo: Akela Thigpen) a correctional officer places him in good stead to appreciate both the risk and reward factors to North Carolina associated with the ex-offender workforce re-entry process. When combined with the other divisions, programs and initiatives within the Department of Labor as well as the effective coordination with other Departments within the Council of State long with the private and nonprofit sectors; planning for this exoffender population can result in a fiscal and human resource gain to North Carolina rather than in a liability.

In addition to the support of the ex-offender population, the North

Ty Richardson with NC Democratic Party African American Caucus (AAC) leadership (l-r) Pitt County AAC President Mary Perkins-Williams, Ty Richardson and AAC President Willie Flemings. (PhotoL Akela Thigpen)

Carolina Commissioner of Labor must retain insight to the emerging youth workforce. Our young people must have opportunity through effective apprentice alliances that can provide long-term employment ability for youth and the re-training adult workers as well.

Beyond the many experiences and training opportunities engaged during Ty Richardson’s professional career, he is first and last a man of faith.

Ty’s ancestral family church is Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, one of the first established African American congregations in Wake County. It became Ty Richard’s honor to serve his home church for ten years as an ordained deacon and chair of the deacon board. Both the organizational dynamics and responsibilities of this experience amply equipped Ty to work constructively with individuals and teams to achieve group consensus and common purpose. In this role, leadership and diplomacy remained essential for success not only based on the standards of man, but also based on standards commanded from higher authority- God. As North Carolina Commissioner of Labor, Ty Richardson will be a worker who understands and appreciates the rigors of business within the context of a multi-layered economy. Ty is equipped to be that one on the wall guarding and protecting the rights of workers and businesses to apply their skills in an ethical and safe workplace. On that wall, Ty realizes that he must

Where technical assistance and guidance is required, business owners of goodwill can have the opportunity to voluntarily comply with the best practice standards and scope of the Labor statutes applicable to them. The Department of Labor will not automatically assume that the business owner is intentionally acting in bad faith. Aside from all else, it is just good business to avoid fines and government sanctions that cost productivity and profits.

Still, in the Richardson Labor Administration, businesses will be on notice of a zero tolerance for workplace abuse, human rights violations, and repeat safety violators.

Life matters and the work-life consume the majority of the average workers day. The Richardson Labor Administration will actively coordinate with state, federal and local agencies to the extent required so that the North Carolina workforce will enjoys the world class status for quality, fairness, safety and accountability that it deserves.

Our goal is to delight our internal and external customers by exceeding their expectations.

In summary, a Ty Richardson Labor Administration as its Commissioner of Labor will be more than an elevator picture. Not only will the trains run on time, but also those running them will have their best opportunity to work with a smile.

Ty Richardson Campaign P.O. Box 46419 Raleigh, NC 27620 www.tyrichardsonlaborcommissioner2016.com PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT TY RICHARDSON

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FEATURES

SHAW UNIVERSITY

150 Years of History, Leadership & Service

Part Two of Four Part Series The Civil Rights Movement

A N.C. highway historical marker, located on S. Wilmington Street in Raleigh, commemorates the formation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee at Shaw University.

(Photo: Courtesy of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources).

At the start of the 1960s, the sitins, a student movement involving demonstrations, began in North Carolina. Shaw administrators and faculty began meeting in January of 1960 to determine what stand the University would take if students join the movement. Even as these decisions were being made, the students were holding sessions to plan strategies for the demonstrations. Ultimately, the students decided it was necessary to participate, and began sit-ins at numerous businesses in Raleigh. Many were arrested and jailed. Additionally, many faculty decided to join the students in the sit-ins and both are often credited with helping to bring about the desegregation of public places and facilities in Raleigh.

In April of the same year, during Easter weekend, Ella Baker, a 1927

Shaw graduate and class valedictorian, gathered students at Shaw for the organizing conference of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Some 300 students gathered at

the university to form an organization which during the Civil Rights Movement, would become deeply involved in the freedom rides, the Albany Movement, the 1963 March on Washington and the Mississippi Freedom Summer, discussing issues ranging from desegregation of public facilities to racial problems in education.

SNCC grew into a large organization with many supporters in the North as well. Out of SNCC came some SHAW CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

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the faculty and students on December 11, 1963, Dr. Cheek asserted: “To all who care to hear, let it be known that I have not come to this school at such a critical time in its history in order to preside over its liquidation.

In two short years, we shall observe the 100th year of Shaw University’s service to this state and nation. I do not intend on that occasion to be a mourner at a wake, but it is my solemn resolve to be a jubilant celebrant and joyful witness of a new birth.”

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Dr. James E. Cheek of today’s most notably AfricanAmerican leaders, such as former Washington, D.C. mayor Marion Barry, Congressman John Lewis and NAACP chairman Julian Bond. Together with hundreds of other students, they left a lasting impact on American history. In April of 2010, the SNCC 50th anniversary celebration was held at Shaw and in various locations throughout Raleigh.

The Reconstructionist: Dr. James E. Cheek

The second semester of 1963-64 and the entire 1964-65 school year became a period of intense evaluation and planning in order to determine the future of the University. Reformation, reconstruction and rebirth became the key concepts for guiding the University’s transformation. Finding new ways to teach and new ways to learn became the foundation for the “Shaw Plan of Education” which boldly sought to break with academic tradition and to implement a new pattern of education that would meet the needs of all Shaw students.

Abandoning the concept of awarding degrees on the basis of accumulated credits and years in residence, the new model called for a non-graded

program in which achievement was measured by performance on comprehensive and standardized tests, as well as the successful completion of a coordinated sequence of courses.

Considered revolutionary at the time it was implemented, the Shaw Plan of Education boasted several unique

features, including a pre-baccalaureate program which is now commonly known as a “pre-college” program; reading colloquia, international studies and comprehensive courses in the humanities, and social and natural sciences.

By 1961, the University was in crisis.

Heavily in debt and its accreditation status in jeopardy, Shaw’s Board of In addition to restructuring the Trustees sought to stabilize the school’s University’s financial state curriculum, Dr. and reassure its Cheek sought students and to raise money stakeholders that and improve the University the school’s would remain facilities and accredited. infrastructure.

To do so, they He did both turned to a young quickly and alumnus to lead efficiently. the Institution.

By 1964, Dr. On December 1, Cheek created 1963, Dr. James the “Living E. Cheek was Endowment” named the seventh which president of Shaw included “The University. Having Shareholder’s graduated from Fund” and the Shaw in 1955 with “Annual Alumni a Bachelor of Arts Fund.” Both degree, Dr. Cheek were used to was the first increase giving alumnus and the from churches youngest person, and alumni. to be named The 1965-1966 president of the President’s University. In his The James E. Cheek Learning Resource Center is the main library at Report noted first address to Shaw University. (Submitted Photo) that more than

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$1 million had been contributed to the Centennial Development Fund, with more than $770,000 from private sources, including the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Further development included the making of major repairs and renovations to all campus buildings.

Several buildings were constructed during this time, including the Administration Building that housed the Office of the President; a residence hall for women, later called the DimpleNewsome Residence Hall; a library, later named the James E. Cheek Learning Resources Center; and a student union-dining hall, later named the Willie E. Gary Student Center. Funds from the Ford Foundation allowed for the renovation of Tyler Hall, once a hospital and later a library, and for the renovation of the Campus Inn. By 1969, Shaw’s annual operating budget ballooned from $700,000 to $5.5 million.

Dr. Cheek resigned as Shaw’s president in June of 1969 to become the president of Howard University. However, the changes he implemented during his tenure from 1963-1969 did not go unnoticed. He brought national and international recognition to the school by inviting dignitaries from around the world; he utilized what we now call “public relations” to gain attention to his innovative curriculum changes which are still used by many universities across the country; he used nationally-known educators as consultants and evaluators of proposed educational programs; he instituted numerous publications for which the University won awards, keeping Shaw in the national spotlight; and he would serve as a spokesperson for minority groups within higher education. All of this gave the school a national image that was non-existent prior to the 1960’s. Publications from the New York Times to Time Magazine interviewed him to learn more about the “reconstructionist.” Even today, Dr. Cheek’s vision and legacy still reverberates throughout the University.

Portions of this article were taken from Shaw’s Universe by Dr. Wilmoth A. Carter

AFRICAN AMERICAN DANCE COMPANIES IN THE TRIANGLE

BY SHERRI HOLMES

The African American Dance Ensemble, founded in 1983 by Dr. Chuck Davis, is one of seven African American dance companies in the Triangle area. (Photo: Courtesy of African American Dance Ensemble)

African American dance companies engage and uplift a community by providing culturally relevant themes and style of dance. They express the experiences of those of African descent and provide opportunities for African and African American dancers who are often overlooked by other companies.

It is extremely challenging to run a dance company; its founder must have talent, vision and determination. A community is fortunate to have at least one African American dance company, but amazingly in the Triangle area there are seven.

Dr. Chuck Davis

AFRICAN AMERICAN DANCE ENSEMBLE The African American Dance Ensemble wtas founded in 1983 by Chuck Davis, who is considered to be a “national treasurer” and was recently presented with one of the highest honors in the dance industry, a Bessie Award for outstanding service.

Davis studied Theater and Dance at Howard University and his accolades include honorary doctorates as well as proclamations from several cities.

The African American Dance Ensemble

performs around the country and its mission is “to preserve and share the finest traditions of African and African American Dance and Music through research, education, performance and entertainment.” According to the Executive Director Dr. B. Angeloe Burch, Sr., “Our future plans are to begin outreach and train younger dancers. Looking for those kids that want to be and aspire to be greater.”

Additional information can be found at www. africanamericandanceensemble.org

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Hatcher-Puzzo would like for KDC to become a well known regional dance company that provides performance opportunities for local dancers.

Hatcher-Puzzo said, “People who are local shouldn’t have to leave their home and go to New York to become famous or do the work they want to do.”

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More information about the company is at www. avishatcherpuzzo.wix.com/koffeedancecompany

Bellan Contemporary Dance Company (Photo: Courtesy of Bellan Contemporary Dance Company) BELLAN CONTEMPORARY member of the African American DANCE COMPANY Dance Ensemble. Shakur-Saleem Bellan Contemporary Dance Company believes in the African proverb, “If you is the only company with its own studio walk, you can dance. If you can talk, that is located in Durham and provides you can sing.” Collage is one of the adults and youth with dance education oldest African dance and drumming and performance opportunities. performance groups in the Triangle.

Its Founder and Artistic Director Anjanée Bell received her Bachelor’s Although the company is multidegree from North Carolina Central generational, its primary focus is on University. Bell began the company youth ages 10 – 20. The company in 2009 and said that her long-term provides dancers with the opportunity goal is to develop an “accredited preto experience African and African professional program that partners American dance, music and culture. with existing educational institutions.

Collage recently celebrated its Students who study at Bellan could 30th Anniversary with a wonderful receive academic credit or we could performance at the Carolina Theatre. become a stand-alone program.”

For more information, go to www.

Each year the company performs the Birth of Existence Project – Bridge of Light. It is an “innovative, unique, powerful, multi-generational, multimedia dance theater production.”

For more information, visit www.bellanworld. com

COLLAGE DANCE COMPANY Collage Dance Company was founded

by Sadiyah Shakur-Saleem, a former

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Pulchra Es–You All Are Beautiful, a new work that celebrates the universal bonds of humanity. Louis said, “When we come together our love and compassion can conquer negative experiences and circumstances.”

World-renowned composer William Banfield created the score which will be performed by the Mallarmé Chamber Players.

For more information about upcoming performance, go to www.gaspardanddancers.com

collagedancecompany.com

GASPARD AND DANCERS Gaspard Louis is the company’s Founder and Artistic Director. He spent four years dancing with the world renowned Pilobolus Dance Company and has a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from Duke University.

Gaspard and Dancers was formed in 2009 with a vision “to create, perform, and teach movement that is physically inventive, emotionally dynamic and inspiring to people of all ages and backgrounds.”

The company’s next annual performance in the Triangle area will be at Duke University on September 18 and 19, 2015. They will present Tota

KOFFEE DANCE COMPANY Koffee Dance Company (KDC) is a modern-jazz dance company that was founded in 2012 by Avis HatcherPuzzo. An Associate Professor of Dance at Fayetteville State University, Hatcher-Puzzo has performed with several dance companies and received the North Carolina Dance Alliance Annual award. Her work incorporates dance, spoken word, film and music. KDC dancers are students and recent graduates of North Carolina universities’ dance programs.

According to dancer Justin Williams, “It is really wonderful to know that we are able to do art in the way that it is meant to be for us.”

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KT COLLECTIVE KT Collective is the newest African American dance company in the Triangle. It was founded in 2012

by Kristin Taylor, a Durham native who received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the UNC School of the Arts and received an Ella Fountain Pratt Emerging Artist Grant from the Durham Arts Council. Taylor has performed around the world and apprenticed with Urban Bush Women in New York.

KT Collective is a project-based company that presents jazz and contemporary dance. Taylor said, “My goal is to bring the many dancers that are relocating to the Triangle together to create works to be performed in the AADC CONTINUES ON PAGE 17

AADC CONTINUES theater as well as alternative spaces.”

Taylor is currently working on a performance for the Nasher Museum of Art’s 10th Anniversary Celebration.

Additional information is available at www. ktcollectivedancecompany.com

SOULOWORKS/ANDREA E. WOODS AND DANCERS Souloworks is a modern dance company with a mission “to create and perform group and solo works using dance, music, spoken word and multimedia as contemporary African American folklore.” It was founded in 1994, but began performing in the Triangle in 2003 when the Founder and Artistic Director, Andrea E. Woods relocated to Durham to become a professor at Duke University. Andrea is a former dancer and rehearsal director of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company.

Souloworks provides a “generous worldview while centralizing and affirming a positive reflection of African Diasporic culture.” In August 2015, Souloworks performed a new work that featured original music at the National Black Theater Festival in Winston Salem, NC. Woods said that she wants her company to provide inspiring performances that allows audiences to experience “praise, affirmation and self-reflection.”

educated and experienced dancers.

They often incorporate many forms of art into their performances including theater, live music, spoken word and film. They are open to collaboration and even have original music composed for their performances. As with many arts organizations, these dance companies struggle to achieve

their goals and need community support to provide funding as well as audiences for their wonderful, awe inspiring performances.

Andrea E. Woods has a vision. “Atlanta is a known for hip hop, Chicago is a major hub for theater dance and Dallas is big for ballet and contemporary dance. I would like the Triangle to be known for phenomenal African American dance.”

Given the vision, passion and commitment of the African American companies here, it won’t be long before the Triangle achieves this distinction.

Check out their web sites and support them with your attendance, your participation and your donations.

Check out a few of WNCU’s featured programs:

MORNING JAZZ

THE LOFT AND JAZZ FOCUS

with aasim inshirah

MID-DAY JAZZ

with bh hudson

w i t h s t e v e ta x m a n

AFTERNOON JAZZ

JAZZ NIGHT IN AMERICA

with dl underdue

EVENING JAZZ with ben boddie

with christian mcbride

Support your jazz station online at www.wncu.org

For more information visit www.souloworks.com

Triangle Community Involvement The Founders and Artistic Directors of the African American dance companies in the Triangle are well trained,

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF ART THROUGH SOUND

Sherri Holmes Sherri Holmes is the Director of the Triangle Friends of Africtan American Arts. She can be reached at sholmes@trianglefaaa.com.

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| JOIN US | 24/7 LIVE

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11TH ANNUAL NORTH CAROLINA

HIGHLIGHTS “ AFRICAN AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY”

11th ANNUAL NC JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION DURHAM, NC - The 11th Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration took place on Saturday June 20, 2015 on Main Street in downtown Durham. Comedian An-G (ComicView and BET) hosted the Juneteenth Celebration, along with Radio One’s B Vic and Shawn Alexander. Entertainment during the day featured national recording artists…R&B sensation Christopher Williams and neo-soul gospel artist Cynthia Jones. Also on the show were some of the best bands/performers in the area: Johnny White & The Elite Band (R&B/dance), John Thorpe & Truth (gospel), The Nigel Experience (R&B), King Ayoola (reggae), Aubrey Brejaney (R&B/jazz), Rissi Palmer (southern soul/country), and hip hop artists Real The Rapper, Tracey Lamont and Lvcky 7. Other local performers were the Bouncing Bulldogs, “Sting” (Hillside High School’s Dance Troupe) and members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The 11th Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration included food, merchandise, exhibits, health fair, kid’s activities, and more. Sponsors are Duke Energy, Shaw University, BB&T, NC Muutal Life Insurance, M&F Bank, Americans for Prosperity Foundation – NC, City of Durham, Durham County Government, Radio One Raleigh, WNCU 90.7, Durham Rotary Club, and Healing With CAARE, Inc. Juneteenth is the celebration of the ending of slavery in the US. Often cited as the African American Independence Day, the celebration of Juneteenth originates from Galveston, Texas, where on June 19th, 1865, the word of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the enslaved. North Carolina was the 26th state to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday or a state holiday observance.

Photos by: Anthony Ortiz

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Highlights CONTINUES

Photos by: Greg Coats

Highlights CONTINUES ON PAGE 20

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Highlights CONTINUES

11TH ANNUAL NORTH CAROLINA JUNETEETH CELEBRATION SPONSORS

THE MARRIOTT RTP

BB&T BANK

M&F BANK

SHAW UNIVERSITY

NORTH CAROLINA MUTUAL

AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY FOUNDATION - NC

Thank You!

We Could Not Have Done It Without You!

Not Pictured: Duke Energy, City of Durham,The Rotary Club of Durham, Healing with CAARE, and Radio One- Raleigh.

Photos by: Olen Kelley III DURHAM COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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WNCU

NEWS BRIEFS

UNC DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY CHAPTER WINS BIG AT NATIONAL CONVENTION HOUSTON, TX - The Kappa Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was named National Collegiate Chapter of the Year (medium-size chapter) and South Atlantic Region Collegiate Chapter of the Year during the 52nd National Convention in Houston, TX. In addition, one of its members was elected to the highest office a collegiate can hold in the sorority, National Second Vice President.

for Women and Families.

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT – “Red is the New Black: School-to-Prison Pipeline” looked at the linkage between failures in the educational system and the prison industry. A lively panel discussion included a school board member, an attorney who defends young offenders, and an attorney who prosecutes young offenders as well as a researcher who has studied the school-to-prison pipeline.

Taylor McCain, a senior journalism major at UNC Chapel Hill, will serve as National Second Vice President for two years, helping to lead chapters across the United States and eight international locations.

The South Atlantic Region Collegiate Excellence in Programming awards included the Physical and Mental Health program, “Break the Silence of Domestic Violence”, as well as the following:

McCain created the platform “Taylor (L-R): The National Collegiate Chapter of the Year (medium sized chapter) award and two national program awards with National Second VP Taylor McCain (before she was elected), South Atlantic Regional (NC, SC and VA) Director Andrea Jeffries and Kappa Omicron’s Alexis Robinson. (Submitted Photo)

(L-R): Regional Chapter of the year and three program awards with Taylor McCain and Alexis Robinson of the Kappa Omicron Chapter at UNC Chapel Hill.

(Submitted Photo)

MADE, Suited to Serve” with a play on a tailor’s shop. Her goals include building on the sorority’s use of social media in recent campaigns, strengthening the sorority’s international awareness program, creating a networking system to benefit from professional talents within the sorority across the world and improving the transition of collegiate members to alumnae chapters.

In addition to being named Chapter of the Year on both the National and Regional levels at the Convention, Kappa Omicron won two national program awards, three regional

program awards and was recognized as a Project 13 Chapter for its work with March of Dimes and the St. Jude “Give Thanks” Walk.

The National Program of the Year awards recognized two programs conducted at UNC: PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH – “Break the Silence of Domestic Violence” kicked off with a silent walk and display of red, wooden figures representing 13 local men, women and children who died from domestic violence. Money from the sponsors went to the Compass Center

POLITICAL AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT – “The Supreme KOurt”, hosted in conjunction with the campus NAACP, brought together Supreme Court candidates for election and their representatives in a political forum and fun atmosphere that allowed students on the UNC campus to connect personally with the candidates and encouraged participation in the election process.

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT – “Hazing Prevention Week” began with a presentation on the practices and rituals of hazing by N.C. State University Professor Sheila Smith McKoy who talked from both a research and personal perspective.

The convention was July 23-29 and attracted more than 14,000 delegates.

NCCU AND FAYETTEVILLE STATE MAKE NATIONAL TOP 25 LIST Two local schools are ranked in the 2015 Top 25 Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to College Choice, an online publication.

Three other schools in North Carolina made the list as well.

North Carolina Central University made the top ten, coming in at number 9, while Fayetteville State University came in at 25. NCCU was praised for its distinction of being the first public, liberal arts school in the nation for African Americans. It also received acclaim for producing more African American librarians than anywhere else. The school was also noted for its

learning environment with a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Three other North Carolina schools made the list: North Carolina A&T State University, Elizabeth City State University, and Winston-Salem State University. research in biomedical, informational, computational, behavioral, and social and health fields. It was commended on its spirit of service and community engagement by requiring students to complete 120 hours of service before graduating.

Fayetteville State University was praised for its exemplary educational practices. In addition, their graduate program produces the highest number of math graduates in the county.

Students also have the opportunity for smaller classes and a more intimate

The list was determined by surveying actual college freshman on the factors that were most important to them.

They include academic reputation, financial aid offerings, overall cost, and success of their graduates in the job market.

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EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON’S ASPIRE, TRACY MCGRADY AND 2CHAINZ CONNECT TO LAUNCH NEW BLACK COLLEGE TOUR Power Collaboration Focuses on Building Awareness and Increasing Enrollment at Historically Black Colleges & Universities

ATLANTA, GA – HBCU Direct, LLC (HD), a marketing collective specializing in HBCU relations, formed a multi-faceted partnership with ASPiRE, the television network from Magic Johnson Enterprises, former NBA superstar Tracy “T-Mac” McGrady, and hip-hop celebrity 2Chainz to build awareness of HBCUs and increase overall enrollment. The first effort of the strategic alliance is the September 2015 launch of a 20-campus Hoops-NHip Hop® Tour reaching 100,000 Black college students.

“The partnership provides a huge opportunity to use our voices to support the efforts of the nation’s 105 HBCUs to build awareness and attract talent,” said seven-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady. “HBCUs are a cornerstone of our community, having graduated some of the most notable African Americans across the spectrum including medicine, technology, the arts, sports and beyond. With more African Americans entering college today than ever before, it is imperative that we do all that we can to support HBCUs in every way as they continue to provide a high quality education.”

the tour concert following each event. “2Chainz is an Alabama State University alum that deeply cares about the HBCU community” stated David Leeks, co-owner of 2Chainz management company Street Execs.

2Chainz played collegiate basketball at ASU. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported that among 2014 U.S. high school graduates, 70.9 percent of African American graduating high school seniors had enrolled in college

by October, up from 59.3 percent college enrollment rate in 2013.

Through this partnership, the five-yearold HBCU Direct follows its mission of supporting the nation’s 100+ HBCUs through with partnerships to increase revenues and/or reduce expenses.

For more information about HBCU Direct, visit www. hbcudirect.com

NCCU FACULTY ART EXHIBITION SET FOR AUG. 15 – SEPT. 4 DURHAM, NC - The North Carolina Central University Art Department begins the 2015-2016 exhibition season with the “Art Department Faculty Exhibition”. This group show features recent work by members of the Art Department. An impressive and varied body of work spans the media areas of the Art Department that include drawing, painting, printmaking collage and sculpture. The Art Department Faculty Exhibition will be on view August 15 through September 4, 2015 in the NCCU Art Museum. The show will feature more than 30 pieces by 6 artists and designers.

This year’s show marks the continued faculty participation by Department Chair Connie Floyd and Professors Melvin Carver, Acha Debela, John Hughley, Chad Hudges and Art Museum Director, Kenneth Rodgers.

Department Chair Connie Floyd will exhibit impressionistic paintings, super-realistic graphite still lifes and collages. Professor Acha Debela will exhibit digital paintings that bridge traditional and digital painting techniques. Associate Professor John Hughley’s intricate water media in “In Celebration of Ancestral Spirits” and masterful digital improvisations will be shown.

The University Mace, designed by former Department Chair Melvin Carver, will be on display as well as the Double Take catalog, a project also initiated by Carver, involving Durham Public School students. Large scale paintings are represented in the work of Chad Hughes and Kenneth Rodgers.

Introducing a new direction for his painterly still lives, Hughes’ segments of still lives are presented in juxtaposed squares. Kenneth Rodgers figurative works in oil represent the elderly and in one instance draws inspiration from Whistler with “Artist’s Mother”.

ASPiRE delivers enlightening, entertaining and positive programming to African Americans with a diverse slate, including live and encore HBCU football and basketball games featuring member schools of the CIAA and SIAC conferences.

Members of 2Chainz label imprint, TRU University, will join the HoopsN-Hip Hop tour as performers during

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The University Mace, designed

by Dr. Melvin J. Carver, professor and former chair of the NCCU Department of Art, in collaboration with Kenneth Rodgers. Frank Barrow, a renowned North Carolina folk artist, carved the ceremonial staff. (Submitted Photo) The North Carolina Central University Art Museum is located on Lawson Street across from the Farrison-Newton Communications Building. Every effort is made to make all museum events accessible to the handicapped. For general information or assistance, please call 530-6211. For group visits, please call in advance.The Museum is open Sunday from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.; and Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission is free.

NC GENERAL ASSEMBLY HONORS SHAW UNIVERSITY RALEIGH, NC – The North Carolina General Assembly honored Shaw University August 12 with both a Senatorial and House of Representative statement recognizing the University’s contributions during its 150th Anniversary. In addition, Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue, Jr., North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus (NCLBC) Chairman Representative Garland E. Pierce and other members of the Caucus held a press conference prior to the start of today’s congressional session to highlight Shaw’s influence throughout North Carolina.

“Shaw University has been in the forefront of educating AfricanAmericans and a leader in the civil rights movement for well over 150 years,” said Senator Blue. “It is the first historically black institution of higher education in the South, and amongst the oldest in the country.

The school and its graduates have made remarkable contributions to our communities, state, and nation. I am honored to have represented this historical institution as a legislator and commend it for its many significant contributions to our state, nation, and the entire world.”

The statements, read in both congressional chambers, highlighted Shaw’s history, including recognition as the first college in the nation to offer a four-year medical program; the first historically black college to house

Shaw President Dr. Tashni Dubroy with members of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus and NC Senator Dan Blue, Jr. (Submitted Photo)

women on a co-educational campus; the establishment of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) on Shaw’s campus in 1960; and recognition of Shaw graduates that later established several other historically black colleges in North Carolina. In addition, Senator Blue and Representative Pierce acknowledged Shaw’s recent contributions, including creating $84 million in added regional income to the Raleigh-Durham

economy during the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

During the press conference, Shaw President Dr. Tashni Dubroy thanked the NCLBC and Senator Blue for the recognition and reminded the audience of Shaw’s place in North Carolina history. “Throughout the channels of Raleigh’s and this state’s history, Shaw University has continued to serve as a tangible reminder of

what one can achieve with a dream,” said Dubroy. “We have educated scholars, encouraged leaders, nurtured spirits, and brought hope to countless lives. The road has not always been easy and the journey has held its share of obstacles but with the support of our students, alumni, supporters, and friends, we have stayed the course and helped direct many paths.”

INTERNATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS CENTER AND MUSEUM PRESENTS THE “IN HOPES OF FREEDOM” COLLECTION: A TRIBUTE TO BLACK HEROES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION GREENSBORO, NC - Most Americans know the names of wellknown heroes of the American Revolution such as Patrick Henry, Betsy Ross and George Washington. Some may even know the name Crispus Attucks, an African American and the first casualty of the Revolution; he was shot and killed in what became known as the Boston Massacre.

Bust of John Chavis

But there were other, significant contributions by Blacks to the American Revolution. It is estimated that over 5,000 African-Americans, both enslaved and free, served with the Continental Army and Navy and the local militia. Black soldiers fought bravely in every major battle of the Revolutionary War—including the battles of Concord, Lexington, and Bunker Hill – hoping that slavery would be abolished in America.

“In Hopes of Freedom”, the latest exhibition in The Changing Gallery at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum captures the courage and determination of heroes of African descent who participated in the American Revolution. In the set of 31 vibrant oil paintings, half of which have dimensions of 3 feet or more, local artist Michelle Nichole depicts such individuals including: • John Chavis, who enlisted in the Fifth Virginia Regiment at age 15, was educated at what are now Princeton, and Washington and Lee Universities.

He was the first teacher of any race to open a school in Raleigh, NC. Described as one of the best in the state, the children of many prominent Caucasian families were educated there. Chavis Heights and John Chavis Memorial Park are named in his honor.

• Paul Cuffe, who was born free and

became a wealthy navigator and ship owner. He and his brother began a trading business and with the outbreak of the American Revolution, they ran British blockades with American supplies.

• Elizabeth Freeman, known as “Mum Bett,” was born a slave in Massachusetts and was a nurse, midwife and widow of a Revolutionary War soldier. In 1781, after a successful court trial in which she cited the U.S. Bill of Rights and the new Massachusetts state constitution, she became the first enslaved AfricanAmerican to be freed under the Massachusetts constitution.

“In Hopes of Freedom” will be on display during regular hours through August 28 in the Changing Gallery at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum 134 S. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27401.

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JAMES LYONS

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR, ENERGY, NEW IDEAS, EXCITEMENT, AND ENTHUSIASM . . .

DURHAM NEEDS THIS. . .

IT’S TIME FOR CHANGE

Born in Duke Hospital, James Lyons is a native of Durham, NC (The Bull City). He attended the Durham public school system where he was taught the importance of applying himself in his studies, encouraged to work hard in the classroom and was taught to value the importance of a good education. James attended Burton Elementary, Rogers Herr Middle, and Durham High Schools. Throughout his years at Durham High School, James was a member of the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and French clubs.

In 1998, James founded Keys to Life, a non-profit, community service organization. Through his years of community service work, James and his team of volunteers has mentored and provided assistance to many in our community, both young and old. James has been actively involved in the community for the past seventeen years.

Mentoring, tutoring, conducting back to school “school supply” drives, and providing quality services to at risk youth are only a few of the many involvements James has been a part of.

After graduation, James attended North Carolina A & T State University. He later transferred to Liberty University where he received his BS and MBA in Business Management.

When James has a moment to unwind, he loves to take advantage of our city’s great restaurants and beautiful outdoor amenities. Duke Gardens, The American Tobacco Trail, or taking walks on the Eno are some of James favorite places to be in the city.

Support James Lyons as he campaigns to become Durham’s next mayor.

The first ten years out of school for James were spent employed in a drug screening lab with Laboratory Corporation of America. Since that time, James has been and is currently employed with Time Warner Cable.

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SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE | August 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

Thank you

HILLSIDE HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI CHOIR DEBUT up of any vocalist, instrumentalist, percussionist or anyone who attended Hillside and is musically gifted. All ages will be welcome to be a part of this group. It will be great for the school, for the class of 1970 to have a part in birthing it! It will be fun because Hillside produced the best musicians around this area!” Scott said.

STONE CENTER EXPLORES LIFE AND LEGACY OF AMIRI BARAKA IN NEW EXHIBITION AND SYMPOSIUM, “AMIRI BARAKA – MEETINGS AND REMARKABLE JOURNEYS” publications and original drawings and paintings by Amiri Baraka.

To gain a momentous following and spark the interest of fellow Hornets, a call went out to area churches and community organizations.

DURHAM, NC - On Friday, September 4, 2015, during a blast from the past talent show (A Night With The Stars), the newly organized Hillside High School Alumni Choir will make its first appearance as the program’s headliner. The choir is the brain child of Mary Scott, a 1970 graduate, who introduced the idea to classmates Vanda Davis and Valeria Hannah-Murphy as a history making opportunity and a component of their 45th Class Reunion Agenda.

“Hillside has an alumni band but does not have an alumni choir. In addition, all of the alumni band members are required to have been members of the band while they were students at Hillside. The alumni choir will be made

Choir members range in age from 86 years young to 21 years old. The group is assisted by the gifted and talented Mr. Grover Wilson and a group of well known musicians to include drummer Peter Joyner, guitarist Alvis Grady, keyboardists Valeria Murphy and Vanda Davis. Expected to perform as a part of the group is Al and Wayne Kee of the gifted Kee family and Pastor Shirley Caesar.

The Labor Day weekend show promises to be a throwback from the 60’s and 70’s Motown era with a tribute to Mr. G’s swing school, The Dorvels, & the Modulations.

Advance tickets are on sale now and the cost is tax deductible; call Ricky Mcghee 919-225-8042 or you may pay at the door.

AMIRI BARAKA CHAPEL HILL, NC — This fall, the Stone Center will sponsor a special project that examines the life, work and legacy of Amiri Baraka. Baraka, born Everett LeRoi Jones on October 7, 1934 in Newark, New Jersey, enjoyed a storied and sometimes controversial career as a playwright and literary figure as well as a political activist and cultural critic. His career serves as a chronicle of several literary and artistic movements.

The project kicks off on Wednesday, September 16 with an opening reception at 6:00 pm in the lobby of the Stone Center. The evening includes the opening of the exhibition, Meetings and Remarkable Journeys, featuring over 150 documents, photographs,

The opening also features a screening of a filmed version of Baraka’s seminal drama, Dutchman. Dutchman was the explosive and deceptively nuanced play written in 1964 that is widely acknowledged as one of the foundational works of the just emerging Black Arts Movement that literary figure Larry Neal called the artistic and spiritual sister of the Black Power movement.

The event continues on Thursday, September 17 from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm with a symposium featuring films screenings and discussions with panelists including: Sonia Sanchez and Woodie King Jr. The speakers participating in the symposium are drawn from a number of disciplines and have, through their work, helped us to understand the social history and cultural politics of the Black Arts Movement and Baraka’s place within that phenomenon.

All exhibition and symposium activities are free and open to the public.To RSVP or for more information on the exhibition or symposium (including a full participant line-up), call 919.962.9001, email stonecenter@unc.edu or visit our website at http:// sonjahaynesstonectr.unc.edu/

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Briefly WANDA LAWRENCE NAMED NEW CHAIR OF NCCU NURSING DEPARTMENT

DURHAM, N.C. – Wanda K. Lawrence, Ph.D., has been appointed to serve as chair of the Department of Nursing at North Carolina Central University. Lawrence earned her Ph.D. in education with a specialization in higher education leadership from Capella University. She also holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from NCCU in 1978. Her certifications include a medical-surgical endorsement from the American Nurses Association and certifications from the American Heart Association as an instructor in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, basic life support and advanced cardiac life support. Lawrence previously served on the faculty of the Department of Nursing at Winston-Salem State University from 2003 to 2015. She was promoted to full professor in early 2015. In addition to her teaching duties, Lawrence was the coordinator for global partnerships at WSSU and headed up strategic efforts to improve scores for the National Council Licensure Examination for nurses. She also served as a guest lecturer at Hubei University, Wuhan, China.

NICK TENNYSON APPOINTED SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION

RALEIGH, NC — Governor Pat McCrory appointed Nick Tennyson as the new Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) on August 6th. Tennyson has served as Chief Deputy Secretary since March 2013, and succeeds Tony Tata, who resigned in July. Tennyson served two terms as mayor of Durham from 1997 to 2001 and as the Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties from 1995 until 2013, when he was appointed Deputy Secretary. Tennyson and the NCDOT team will continue to focus on expanding and safely maintaining the state’s transportation network through the Governor’s 25 Year Vision, support new funding strategies including the bonds to Connect NC, strengthen our ports to make our state more globally competitive and deliver other infrastructure projects to help grow the state’s economy and create jobs. Tennyson has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University and Masters in Human Resources Management from Pepperdine University. A veteran of the US Navy, Tennyson served as a commissioned officer on active duty from 1972 - 1977. After leaving active duty, he continued his service as a member of US Naval Reserve, ultimately retiring in 1996 as a Captain. Tennyson will begin his role as secretary immediately

REGISTER OF DEEDS WILLIE COVINGTON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

DURHAM, NC – Durham County Register of Deeds Willie L. Covington has announced that he will retire from Durham County Government effective September 30, 2015. Covington was elected to office in November 1996 and has been elected every four years since. Covington has actively participated in related professional organizations over the years. From 2005-2006, served as President of the North Carolina Association of Register of Deeds. Prior to that election, he also held positions as the group’s Historian, Secretary, Treasurer, along with First and Second Vice President. In 2011, he received the “Archives Award” from the Federation of Genealogical Societies. This international award is presented to an organization, or an individual in recognition of exceptional contributions in the area of archival access, preservation, or services. In the summer of 2007, Covington spearheaded the “Reunification Project” as the Vital Records Division for recording, maintenance, and issuance of Birth and Death records was moved from the Health Department to the Office of the Register of Deeds. In 2008, Durham County became one of the first Register of Deeds’ offices to electronically record Real Estate documents, and at that time, Real Estate documents dating back to 1881 became available on-line. Covington is credited with emphasizing continuous training as a tenet for his employees who must adhere to statutory authority and legislative initiatives enacted by the State. All staff members have been certified and have maintained their certification with the

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North Carolina Association of Register of Deeds, and with the International Association of Clerks Recorders and Elections Officials and Treasurers. According to state law, the Durham Board of Commissioners must name a successor for the unexpired term. The Register of Deeds election will take place in November 2016, with the winner taking office the first Monday in December 2016.

GAYLE LANIER OF DUKE ENERGY JOINS UNITED WAY OF THE GREATER TRIANGLE’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MORRISVILLE, NC – United Way of the Greater Triangle (UWGT) announced Gayle Lanier, Senior Vice-President of Customer Services at Duke Energy, has been elected to serve on its Board of Directors.

Lanier has been involved with United Way for several years serving, as a company executive sponsor and an internal champion with Nortel and now at Duke Energy. In her professional capacity, Lanier is responsible for customer contact operations, revenue billing and receivables, metering services, customer support operations and customer satisfaction. She is a committed education advocate who has established the Dwain K. and Gayle S. Lanier NCSU Scholarship Endowment to benefit engineering students. In addition to her board involvement with United Way, Lanier’s community involvement includes board service for Discovery Place, a nonprofit education organization; she was also a member and secretary for the North Carolina State University board of trustees. She received the NCSU Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award in 2008 and was one of the 2009 The Network Journal’s 25 Influential Black Women in Business Award recipients and the 2011 Business Leader Women Extraordinaire recipient. Lanier holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from North Carolina State University.

She and her husband, Dwain, have a daughter and live in Raleigh.

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ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT FOUNDATION AWARDS TWO $10,000 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NCCU STUDENTS

BLACK HISTORY FACT A BLACK MAN…FATHER OF THE CELL PHONE The economic growth leader of the 21st century is the wireless communications industry. Millions of people regularly use cellular phones. With today’s cell phone, you can talk to anyone on the planet.

Inside your cell phone are: a compact speaker, microphone, keyboard, display screen, and a powerful circuit board with microprocessors that make every phone a miniature computer. When connected to a wireless network, this bundle of modern-day technologies allows you to make phone calls or exchange data with other phones and computers around the world.

Pictured (l to r): Autumn Kyles, Second V. P., AKA EAF; Glenda Baskin Glover, First V. P., AKA EAF; Deandre James, award recipient; Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, President AKA EAF; Carson Edwards Jr., Global Account Executive, Marriott International; James Kingston, award recipient; Barbara Sutton, Executive Director, AKA EAF (Photo courtesy Powell Photography, Inc.) DURHAM, NC – Two students attending the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Business have been awarded the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Educational Advancement Foundation Inc. (EAF) Alice S. Marriott Scholarship.

The $10,000 awards went to James Kingston and DeAndre James, both majoring in hospitality and tourism administration. The recipients were selected on the basis of academic knowledge, recommendations, experience, and community and leadership activities.

Kingston, a junior from Jacksonville, N.C., served in the U.S. Marines and has more than 20 years of experience in the transportation industry. He is also the recipient of a scholarship from The American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Foundation.

James, a junior from Portsmouth,Va., is also a member of the NCCU men’s track and field team. In additional to completing internships with two major hotel chains, he is a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. He is also the recipient of a scholarship from The American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Foundation.

The Alice S. Marriott Scholarship Fund was created to honor the memory

of Marriott’s co-founder, who was the mother of executive chairman Bill Marriott. Marriott International in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation Inc. has provided the scholarship funding each year from 2008 to 2015.

The scholarships are provided to college students from traditionally underrepresented groups who are interested in careers in hospitality. The awards were presented during the foundation’s annual awards luncheon held this year in Chicago, Ill., on July 17, 2015.

Thanks to the ongoing innovations of a Black man, that world continues to expand.

Jesse Eugene Russell, born April 26, 1948 in Nashville, Tenn., is known as the “Father of Digital Cellular Technology.”

Russell was raised with his ten siblings by his mother and father in an inner city area of Nashville. His primary interest in school was athletics until he attended a summer educational program at Fisk University in Nashville. That experience inspired him to further his education and he graduated from Tennessee State University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. Russell was an honors student and the first African American to be hired

directly from a Historically Black College and University by AT&T Bell Laboratories. In 1973, he earned a master’s of electrical engineering degree from Stanford University while working at AT&T. As its chief digital architect, Russell led the first team at Bell Labs to introduce digital cellular technology to the United States in 1988. This would be the early stages of wireless networks that cell phones and other mobile devices rely on today to communicate signals. The technology existed in some form prior in Japan, but Russell was able to bring it to fruition domestically.

Russell is also credited with creating the first digital cellular base station, which essentially changed the use of cell towers to transmit signals.

Russell currently owns over 75 patents in digital cellular technologies, dual-mode digital cellular phones, and digital software radio.

In 2000, Russell left Bell Labs to become the CEO/ owner of incNETWORKS, which is one of the leaders in MicroLTE product platforms for 4G devices and digital technologies. Russell was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering in 1995 for his weighty contributions, among many other accolades.

Russell, 67, resides in Piscataway, NJ. He is married and has four children.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization established by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. in 1980. EAF promotes lifelong learning and has awarded more than $4 million dollars in scholarships and community assistance awards.

North Carolina Central University’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism Administration prepares students to become hospitality professionals who possess the knowledge, managerial skills and competencies to obtain roles in various aspects in the global industry. Graduates of the program are employed in lodging, food and beverage service, convention and visitors bureaus, event management, resorts, conference centers, cruise lines and airlines.

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DELTA ARTS CENTER CLOSES WE ARE THE MUSIC MAKERS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT WITH EIGHT (8) BLUES ARTISTS

WINSTON-SALEM, NC – On July 9th the Delta Arts Center opened We Are the Music Makers: Preserving the Soul of America’s Music, a multimedia exhibit of photographs, audio recordings and video from Tim Duffy, founder of Music Maker Relief Foundation with an artist talk and performance by John Dee Holman.

On August 27th from 6 pm – 8 pm the Delta Arts Center will host a closing blues review mini-concert featuring Pat “Mother” Blues Cohen, John Dee Holman, Cool John Ferguson, Boo Hanks, Bubba Norwood, Harvey Dalton Arnold, Big Ron Hunter and Ironing Board Sam. The event is free and open to the public and will be held outside on the Center grounds. Please bring your lawn chair. In the event of rain, the blues review will be held in the Simona Atkins Allen Gallery.

We Are the Music Makers: Preserving the Soul of America’s Music exhibit features photo and audio documentation of Southern Roots musicians active in the past 20 years, all photographed and recorded by Tim Duffy in his quest to preserve Southern traditional music by partnering with the artists who make it. Most of the artist photographed are from North Carolina. The multi-media materials highlight questions of how poverty, geography and age have limited the exposure of these artists, causing the widespread idea that the musical traditions they perform have “died

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out.” Artifacts from local artist Sam McMillian or “Sam the Dot Man” are also featured in the exhibit.

The exhibit will travel to four more venues across the state between now and spring 2016 including the Levine Museum of the New South Charlotte, NC and Givens Performing Arts Center Pembroke, NC. The Delta Arts Center is free to the public and open Tuesday – Friday from 10am -5pm and Saturdays from 11am -3pm (except the 3rd Saturday). We Are the Music Makers exhibit is on display until August 29th in the Simona Atkins Allen Gallery at Delta Arts Center, 2611 New Walkertown Rd. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 (336) 7222625 www.deltaartscenter.org For more information, please visit website www. deltafinearts.org or facebook page

NY PIZZERIA APOLOGIZES FOR PROMOTING RACIST ‘PIC-A-NIKA’ PIZZA NEW YORK, NY - Pizza by Certé in Midtown Manhattan topped off one of their pizzas with southern fried chicken, watermelon and sunflower seed crust, then called the creation “Pic-a-Nika.”

The New York pizzeria has come forward to apologize for what many people are claiming is a racist pizza.

Many people have pointed out that toppings, along with the name, which resembles the n-word, suggests a racial undertone.Victor Guzman, manager of Pizza by Certé, said that he had no idea of these stereotypes and denies that

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he was intending to mock black people.

He also said that the name “pic-a-nika” came from the way his Italian father pronounces “picnic.”

After the pizzeria received several complaints, management posted a series of apologetic Facebook posts. Initially, they changed the pizza’s name to “Picnic Pizza.” Complaints still poured in and management decided to take the pizza off the menu all together, promising that they would be “more socially aware” in the future.

SPORTS

BALLIN’ OUT

By Lawrence “King Law” Davis

ACC, MEAC & CIAA PRE-SEASON PICKS

Defensive End: #90 Dadi Nicolas – Virginia Tech The Haitian native recorded 72 tackles with a team-high 18.5 tackles for a loss and nine sacks. He was relied on heavily, seeing 845 plays during the season. I expect him to be the workhorse again this season. I predict he will have a double-digit sack season this year on his way to being a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Linebacker: #5 Reggie Northrup – Florida State After watching him in person at the ACC Championship Game, I knew he would be the real deal. His instincts were some of the best I had seen. He had 12 tackles that game and had his presence all over the game. He led the team with 122 tackles last season, which was the most in the last 12 seasons by any linebacker that came through the program since Kendyll Pope in 2002 (133). Northrup’s 122 tackles landed him fourth in the ACC in the category. He went through successful surgery in January to repair a damaged ACL in his left knee. He missed spring practice but should be good to go by the season.

Brought to you by

By Lawrence Davis III I was recently selected to vote in the ACC Preseason Polls to select the favorites at each position and to select who would take it all.

Here are a few of my ACC picks that, in my eyes, you should watch for: Quarterback: #15 Brad Kaaya – Miami (FL) The reigning ACC Rookie of the Year should be playing with a slight chip on his shoulder this season. He threw for 3,198 yards this past season with a completion rate of 58.5% and 26 touchdowns on his way to his rookie honors. Despite the great start to his career, he is kept in the shadows of college football because of Deshaun Watson from Clemson. Watson is this year’s preseason QB of the year but I expect Miami to rise back to power with their quick defense and Kaaya leading the charge on offense.

Wide Receiver: #3 Ryan Switzer – UNC This kid can flat out ball! He started out as just a dangerous return man and has improved to the Tar Heel’s primary weapon. He was the first true freshman at UNC to ever earn AllAmerican honors back in 2013. His five punt return touchdowns that year helped the world realize that Ryan Switzer means business. He is three punt return touchdowns away from the career record held by Wes Welker. Last season he caught 61 passes for 757 yards with four touchdowns. He also threw a touchdown by the way, what can’t Switzer do?

T.J. Thorpe

#8 T.J. Thorpe – Virginia Thorpe, a Durham native, just recently graduated from UNC which allowed him the free range to transfer to any school and be able to play immediately. He picked Virginia and that could end up being the best move of his career. He managed to catch 42 passes for 574 yards in his career at UNC. He was also a valuable option in the return game, being named as a finalist for the Johnny Rodgers Award (Nation’s top return specialist). Injuries plagued him while in Chapel Hill, and with other receivers stepping up, there was not much room for Thorpe to shine. Being with the Cavaliers allows him to be able to finish his career in style while adding some leadership and firepower as a veteran.

Jack Tocho

Jeremy Cash

Cornerback #29 Jack Tocho – NC State Tocho is the reigning Dewayne Washington Award Winner (Defensive Back of the Year). He led the Wolfpack with 11 pass breakups. This will be his third year starting in his third year with the program. The Junior from Charlotte, NC should have a breakout season this year. He will be in the shadows of Kendall Fuller from Virginia Tech, who I picked as the preseason Player of the Year.

This will lead for him to be able to play with no pressure and allow Tocho to just be a ball player on the field.

Safety Jeremy Cash – Duke The returning All-American and All-ACC Safety will look to lead his defense once again to compete for the ACC Championship.

He finished last season with 111 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and seven pass breakups. Cash was the only Defensive Back to manage 100+ tackles, 10+ tackle for losses, and 5+ sacks. I expect him to have another strong year, especially with Kelby Brown being back from a knee injury that forced him to miss the entire 2014 season. Brown and Cash have 242 and 235 career tackles respectively and that puts both of them in the top-15 in the nation. Duke is the only school to have two players in that category. Watch out for Duke to be back in the ACC Championship Game.

ACC Atlantic Division Predictions 1.Florida St. 2.Clemson 3.Louisville 4.Boston College 5.NC State 6.Syracuse 7.Wake Forest

ACC Coastal Division Predictions 1.Georgia Tech 2.Duke 3.Miami (FL) 4.Virginia 5.Virginia Tech 6.North Carolina 7.Pittsburgh

ACC Championship Winner Florida State The ‘Noles won’t miss a beat on offense with their quarterback. Although Jameis Winston, the first pick of the 2014 NFL Draft and other members of a high-powered offense may be departing, they will receive a gem in return. Former Notre Dame Standout QB Everett Golson arrived this offseason after graduating. He is battling for the starting spot with Sean McGuire, who lost the competition a few years ago to Jameis Winston. Winston and McGuire are virtually the same in abilities, yet McGuire lacks the IQ of Winston. Golson brings in a veteran voice in the huddle with the experience to match. I expect Golson to be named to start when Florida State opens their season versus Texas State.

SPORTS CONTINUES ON PAGE 31

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SPORTS CONTINUES

MID-EASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (MEAC) FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015 No team from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference has won an FCS playoff game since FAMU and S.C. State both did it in 1999. This long playoff drought (and some financial issues) had a lot to do with the conference forfeiting its automatic berth into the FCS playoffs starting this fall. The MEAC champion will play in a bowl on ESPN instead.

The new Celebration Bowl will be played on Dec. 19 with a 12 noon kickoff at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, pitting the MEAC champion against the champion of the SWAC - which already did not have an automatic FCS berth and hasn’t sent a team to the playoffs since 1997. The bowl deal will bring millions of dollars to the teams, something the FCS playoffs didn’t necessarily do. Plus, the MEAC could also still put an team in the playoffs with an at-large bid.

on Shaw University in Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on October 31. Shaw University, selected eighth on the poll, will face the season with fourth year head coach, Robert Massey.

The showdown for the championship crown will take place Saturday, November 14th at the Durham County Memorial Stadium. The CIAA Northern and Southern Division title holders will face each other for the final gridiron television game.

The 2015 CIAA Predicted Order of Finish: 1. Winston-Salem State 2. Virginia State 3. Virginia Union 4. Fayetteville State 5. Bowie State 6. Elizabeth City State

7. Livingstone College 8. Shaw University 9. Chowan University 10. Johnson C. Smith 11. Saint Augustine’s University 12. The Lincoln University Lawrence “King Law” Davis III

UPCOMING DURHAM BULLS HOME GAMES August 19-21 vs. Toledo Mud Hens August 22-23 vs. Columbus Clippers August 27-30 vs. Charlotte Knights Aug. 31-Sept. 1 vs. Gwinnett Braves September 5-7 vs. Norfolk Tide

Lawrence “King Law” Davis is a Business Administration major and Asst. Varsity Lacrosse Coach at Sanderson High School in Raleigh.

He can be reached at lawdavis@ spectacularmag.com

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NCCU coach Jerry Mack speaking at the MEAC Football Press Luncheon in Norfolk on July 31. (Photo Randy Singleton)

King Law

The MEAC was 8-30 all-time in the FCS playoffs before striking the deal. Last year, the MEAC sent 7-6 Morgan State to represent the league when there was a five-way tie for the championship.

This fall looks to be another tight battle with S.C. State, North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central all appearing loaded—at least on paper. All three could be 10-win programs this fall, and likely will be the three chasing a Celebration Bowl berth.

The 2015 Predicted Order of Finish in the MEAC Football Title Race: 1.A&T 7. Norfolk State 2.South Carolina State 8. Florida A&M 3. Bethune Cookman 9.Howard 4.North Carolina Central 10.Delaware State 5. Morgan State 11.Savannah State 6. Hampton 2015 Preseason Players of the Year: Offensive Player of the Year: Tarik Cohen, A&T Defensive Player of the Year: Javon Hargrave, SCSU

CIAA FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015 Photographer Randy Singleton reports that the CIAA officially kicked off its 2015 football season with a Media Day Luncheon at the Marriott Research Triangle Park Hotel in Durham, NC. Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams and all 12 of the CIAA head football coaches interviewed with the press and discussed the upcoming season with fans and alumni. Winston Salem was predicted to finish in first place, followed by Virginia State and Virginia Union, respectively. Mc Williams said the CIAA office has relocated to Charlotte, the site of the CIAA Basketball CIAA Commissioner Championship Tournament.

Jacqie McWilliams (Photo: Randy Singleton)

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) will televise three football games during the 2015 season. Of the three games, two will be the highly anticipated homecomings of Virginia State University (VSU) and Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). WSSU will take

LIFESTYLES

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION PILOTS A PROGRAM FOR INMATES TO GET COLLEGE DEGREES Program will help prisoners in state or federal prisons use Pell Grants to obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree

THIS IS YOUR LIFE

By Del Mattioli

LIFE AWARENESS MONTH

September is Life Awareness Month and this year marks the 11th anniversary of Life Insurance Awareness in America. This annual Awareness Month is for the sole purpose of encouraging people to appreciate the value of an active Life Insurance program in place upon death.

According to the Life Insurance and Market Research Association (now LIMRA International, Inc.) research, the most common reason that people die without it is that they have competing financial priorities.

President Barack Obama tours a cell block at the Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno, Okla., on July 16. (Photo: Saul Loeb/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images) Wesleyan University touts the benefits of education that goes beyond the prisoner as well. The prisons become safer and more positive, the inmates can become role models for their friends and family, and entire generations can be affected within a community.

In early August, the Obama Administration’s Education Department made getting this education easier with the Second Chance Pell Pilot. The

program will help prisoners in state or federal prisons use Pell Grants to obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

The program is a pilot and will be limited in scope. U.S. News and World Report notes that it has been 20 years since inmates were first banned from receiving student aid while they were in prison. According to NBC News, the program will limit the number of participating universities, and only eligible inmates will be able to access the monies.

The specific focus will be on inmates who are eligible for release in three to five years.

The intent, after all, is to “reduce recidivism rates and increase employment.”

Prison inmates will soon have access to Pell grants, which assist in tuition and other education-related costs.

(Photo: Reuters)

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Karen Bass, a democratic congresswoman from California, and a member of the House Judiciary Committee, feels that this is

The second most common reason... they think they can’t afford it. People feel that it is hard to understand the terms of the Life Insurance Policies.

Now more than ever, it is vital that consumers protect their financial security. Life Insurance has been providing this kind of protection to Americans for more than 200 years.

When a loved one passes away, one crucial task is handling their financial affairs and funeral arrangements. Life Insurance can cover the costs of burial services.

It reduces the stress of managing a deceased relative or friend’s financial matters during this grieving time. Even though many people a step in the right direction. “Allowing prisoners a chance to pursue higher education is good for our communities, good for our national budget, and it is just the right thing to do,” she said.

Yet, Bass believes that more must be done to reform the current criminal justice system if true change is to take place. “Congress now must follow President Obama’s lead and pass comprehensive criminal justice reform to include legislation that I introduced last year that would roll back the outdated policy that suspended college aid for students who want to pursue a college education after a petty drug

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die without Life Insurance, as of 2013, over $1 billion of Life Insurance policies had gone unclaimed.

Life Insurance is commonly labeled as final expense insurance or Life Assurance. It is a contract between an insured and an insurer (insurance company), where the insurer promises to pay a designated sum of money to the beneficiary upon the death of the insured person. Depending on the contract sometimes a lump sum can also trigger payment if the insured has a terminal illness and may die within a specified time — example 6 months.

This benefit may enable the insured to choose to pay for medical treatments — example cancer treatments.

Lengthening life may enable the terminally ill more time to do a will, coordinate end of life directives and decide upon estate planning issues.

Education about life insurance is very important. It is imperative for one to understand the contract, options available, Life Insurance suitability, “all of the what if’s” as well as the living and death benefits of the Life Insurance purchased. An experienced Life Insurance Professional assists loved ones as how to handle the End of Life affairs with ease. It is a fact that families and loved ones remain bonded when End of Life Directives and the Life Insurance has been well planned and active upon death. After death --it is over!

Del Mattioli, MBA, LUTCF, CLTC has over 30 years of experience with Financial Services, Life Insurance and Coordinating Estate and End of Life Directives.

offense.”

Bass also quoted from a 2013 study by the RAND Corporation that found a 400 to 500 percent return on every dollar spent educating inmates by reducing future incarceration costs.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan summed it up like this, “America is a nation of second chances. Giving people who have made mistakes in their lives a chance to get back on track and become contributing members of society is fundamental to who we are. It can also be a cost-saver for taxpayers.”

HEALTH TIP

PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Care, African-American women experience worse birth outcomes than any other major ethnic group, by far. According to data collected, black infants are between two-and-a-half to three times more likely to die within their first year than white infants, due largely to premature birth, low birth weight or birth defects. It’s a disparity that’s existed as long as health officials have kept statistics, and it’s both troubling to know this.

What Can You Do? By taking action on health issues before pregnancy, many future problems for the mother and baby can be prevented. It is important for all women of reproductive age (between 18 yrs and 44 yrs) to adopt healthy behaviors such as— •Taking folic acid – folic acid prevents neural tube birth defects •Maintaining a healthy diet and weight.

•Being physically active regularly.

•Quitting tobacco use.

•Not drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and using illegal drugs •Talking to your health care provider about screening and proper management of chronic diseases.

•Talking with your health care provider about taking any medications.

•Visiting your health care provider at the recommended scheduled time periods for your age and discuss if or when you are considering becoming pregnant.

•Using effective contraception correctly and consistently if you are sexually active, but wish to delay or avoid pregnancy.

•Preventing injuries and considering the safety of your home and family (e.g., wear seat belt, take CPR, install and test smoke

alarms).

•Get tested for Sickle Cell Anemia (for more information about

Sickle Cell Anemia contact Elaine Whitworth from Bridges at Elaine. whitworth@icloud.com and Sickle Cell Centers at Duke and UNC-CH)

Sean E. McLean, MD

Sean E. McLean, MD - Assistant Professor of Pediatric Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill says, “The statistics on infant mortality and disparities related to premature birth, low birth weight, and birth

SPECTACULAR’S BEAUTY COLUMNIST

SAMANTHA HUNTLEY WILL RETURN NEXT MONTH

New Name, New Look defects for African Americans are real. The recommendations provided in this health tip must be followed to give your baby the best chance to start his or her life on a solid foundation as it relates to their health. If you are a woman of child bearing age, make sure that you have a discussion with your primary care or women’s health practitioner prior to conceiving. The best way to give birth to a healthy baby is to be healthy mom!”

Remember Your ABCs • Always eat a well-balanced diet with a multivitamin supplement and exercise regularly;

• Before trying to conceive, learn about your family history (some illness are inherited); if you have pre- existing health conditions, discuss your desire for attempting pregnancy with your healthcare provider first;

then, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations; • Caution: Stop smoking; do not drink alcohol while trying to conceive and after conceiving; seek prenatal care early; check your blood pressure regularly; and check for gestational diabetes.

For More Information:

•American SIDS Institute (800) 232-7437 •www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy •www.nchealthystart.org •www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/bd/abc.htmw •www.marachofdimes.com REMEMBER Healthy People 2020: A Clear Vision to Healthy Living!

Health Tip is a message from Community Health Coalition, Inc. and is written in partnership with Durham Academy of Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy, Central Carolina Black Nurses’ Council Inc., NC Mutual Life Insurance Company, The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Durham and Vicinity, and Duke Regional Hospital.

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ENTERTAINMENT

DID U KNOW?...

NBC’S THE WIZ LIVE! CASTS DOROTHY Newcomer Shanice Williams, an 18-year-old musical theater actress from New Jersey, has been cast in the lead role for the upcoming live musical, which will air on NBC on Thursday, Dec. 3. The Wiz is an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz that features the Wicked Witch of the West, seeking to avenge the murder of her evil sister, kidnapping Dorothy and her friends in order to steal the slippers that were given to Dorothy by the Good Witch of the North. It opened on Broadway in 1975, and a film adaptation starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Richard Pryor was released in 1978. Williams joins a cast that includes Queen Latifah as The Wiz, Mary J. Blige as the Wicked Witch of the West and David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion. Stephanie Mills, who played Dorothy in the original Broadway production of The Wiz, will play Auntie Em. TYLER PERRY’S ‘MADEA ON THE RUN’ BOYCOTTED BY ACTORS UNIONS Tyler Perry‘s stage play, “Madea on the Run,” is in trouble with unions. Actor’s Equity has put the show, which is currently touring the country, on its “do not work” list and has informed its members that they will face disciplinary action if they work on the show. SAG-AFTRA has also told its members not to work the show, although they do not represent stage actors.

The producers for the stage play have not yet commented on the matter. This is not the first time Perry has been hit with unfair employment standards. In 2008, the Writer’s Guild of America accused the director of unfair labor after Perry fired four writers on “House of Payne” and “Meet the Browns” in alleged retaliation for their efforts to negotiate a WGA contract for scribes on the show. The dispute was later resolved, in undisclosed negotiations between Perry and WGA. MARVEL’S NEW SUPER HERO! MOON GIRL Black girls rock, and one of the largest comic book companies has seemingly heard the message. Marvel Comics is reviving one of its more obscure superheroes called Devil Dinosaur and Moon Boy, but this time the comic dynasty is adding some diversity to it. Instead of having the character Moon Boy as an ape-like sidekick, the character is being revamped to be a Black girl called Moon Girl. The character, whose real name is Lunella Lafayette, will discover that she has an inhuman gene that makes her smarter than most and will allow her to communicate with her 30-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex sidekick. The original comic dates back to 1978, and was created by the comic book legend Jack Kirby.

NEW EDITION SUBJECT OF BET MINISERIES In a move sure to delight their fans, BET has announced they will be doing a miniseries on the group New Edition.

Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Ralph, Mike and Johnny will be profiled in a deal announceed recently. Members Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill, and Ralph Tresvant will co-produce the untitled pursue a solo career and the band has miniseries along with the band’s longtime manager Brooke Payne; founding member Bobby broken up and reunited multiple times, Brown was not named as a producer in the press release. but is currently back together. “From our The group, famous for songs such as “Candy Girl” and “Cool It Now,” formed in the late beginning in the Orchard Park Projects 70s and rose to fame as a quintet in the 80s. Brown left the group in the mid-80s to in Boston to Hollywood and everything in

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between, just like the Temptations and the Jackson 5, we are ready to retrace our footsteps and show everyone how we got here,” the group said in a statement.

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