Spectacular Magazine (September2015) by Spectacular Magazine

September 2015

Spectacular Magazine

2016 WOMEN OF THE YEAR SEMI-FINALISTS

A SPECTACULAR EXCLUSIVE

DR. EUGENE WASHINGTON DUKE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEMS NEW CEO

IS ESTABLISHING NEW CULTURE

SPECTACULAR

MAGAZINE

www.spectacularmag.com

SPECTACULAR PUBLISHING, INC. 3333 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Suite A-101 Durham, NC 27707

PRESIDENT – CEO

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Phyllis D. Coley

Gary N. Jones, MBA

PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHYLLIS COLEY

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

GARY N. JONES COLUMNISTS

LAWRENCE DAVIS SAMANTHA HUNTLEY DEL MATTIOLI CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

FELICIA DAVIES SHERRI HOLMES JAYMES POWELL, JR. PHOTOGRAPHERS

GREGORY COATS RENALDO JACKSON OLEN KELLEY, III RANDY SINGLETON LAYOUT/DESIGN

ANTHONY DAVIS DISTRIBUTION

DIANE DAVIS NATHANIEL JONES LELIA ROYSTER INTERN

DERON AVERY Spectacular Magazine enlightens, empowers and entertains with news, features, columns, commentaries and calendars. Spectacular Magazine is published monthly and distributed free in Durham, Wake, Orange, Granville, Vance and Person counties. DEADLINE FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS IS THE 25TH OF EACH MONTH. CONTACT US: info@spectacularmag.com or by mail: P.O. Box 361 Durham, NC 27702 919.680.0465

IN THIS ISSUE Vol. II, Issue IX

Ballin’ Out Briefly Commentary Community Health Cover Story Did U Know? Editorial Entertainment FEATURES Shaw University – Part 3 of 4 Dr. Eugene Washington Why You Should Go To Opera Women Of Year Semi-Finalists From The Publisher’s Desk Health & Beauty Lifestyles News Briefs Out & About Samantha’s Infinite Solutions Sports This Is Your Life Cover Photo: Olen Kelley III

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EDITORIAL

From The Publisher’s Desk... DURHAM POLICE CHIEF FORCED OUT: IT’S ABOUT TIME City Manager Tom Bonfield said he decided at the beginning of the summer that it was time for Police Chief Jose Lopez to go. On September 15th Bonfield issued this statement:

the gun. She later told investigators he had been depressed about a recent breakup and not seeing his children. Four officers fired 12 shots in that incident. Later officers learned that Biggs’ gun was a replica Airsoft air gun, which closely resembled a real gun, according to the report.

After careful consideration, I have determined that a change in leadership is necessary at this time for the City of Durham and the Durham Police Department to continue to meet the law enforcement expectations and needs of the community. Yesterday, Police Chief Jose Lopez, Sr. and I reached an agreement for his separation from the City of Durham, resulting in his decision to retire effective December 31, 2015.

Bonfield said he was concerned about an increasing crime rate, poor police and community relations and low employee morale. Lopez’s department weathered criticism for alleged racial bias, several officer-involved shootings and the death of a teenager in police custody in recent years. Bonfield met with Lopez about 10 days ago and gave him some time to consider the options of retiring with notice, resigning or being terminated.

Chief Jose Lopez of the year. He will receive half that for in connection with a stabbing. Police six months of severance pay. said Ocampo was brandishing a knife, though some said the man, who This summer, the chief drew more spoke little English, was holding the criticism after a meeting of Durham knife handle side out and trying to Congregations, Associations and surrender when he was killed. A police Neighborhoods (CAN) where he investigation said firefighters who declined to make a public commitment arrived at the scene immediately after to reducing racial profiling during the shooting saw a knife removed from traffic stops and searches. CAN Ocampo’s hand that was held by the meetings, attended by hundreds of handle. people from neighborhoods and faith congregations, are largely scripted In September 2013 police shot affairs where public officials pledge to and killed Derek Walker during a work on the group’s concerns. Lopez, standoff at CCB Plaza downtown who has repeatedly denied police have after he pointed a gun at an officer. a racial bias, said the group caught him An investigation later revealed that off guard. Walker, who was distraught after losing a custody battle with his ex-wife, was Durham Mayor Bill Bell ordered an carrying a CO2-powered pellet pistol, investigation two years ago that found which closely resembles a real firearm. “racial bias and profiling present in the Durham Police Department practices.” The Walker case echoed in the fatal police shooting of another Durham But things kept happening in the man this month. The man, La’Vante department. Biggs, 21, was pointing a gun at an officer Sept. 5 when he was fatally shot, In 2013, three people died in according to a report released by the interactions with Durham police, police department last week. including Riverside High School student Jesus Huerta who died from a Biggs, had called 911 that morning. “I self-inflicted gunshot while handcuffed love everybody,” he told the dispatcher. in the back of a patrol car. The officer He then said, “It’s not nobody’s fault,” who had failed to find the gun on the said he was at 1702 Angier Ave. and teenager was later suspended without hung up. When a 911 dispatcher called pay for 40 hours and required to take back, Biggs’ mother, Shanika Biggs, said remedial training in the handling and she didn’t know what was happening. transporting of prisoners. She called 911 back at 10:31 am to say her son was sitting on the porch Two other cases that year also raised pointing “a big black gun” at his head, concern. the report said.

Lopez, whose annual salary is $143,544.04, chose to retire at the end

In July 2013 police shot and killed Jose Ocampo, a Honduran man wanted

I appreciate Chief Lopez’s eight years of service to the city during some very challenging times for the Durham Police Department and for law enforcement across the country. In the coming weeks, the City will begin preparations for a national search for a new Chief for the Durham Police Department and further announcements regarding the timeline and process will be provided as it is available. This decision in no way should be considered a reflection on the outstanding men and women of the Durham Police Department who are committed to serving and protecting the residents of Durham. So why now? I was really beginning to think that Lopez must have some dirt on Bonfield and that’s why Bonfield would not fire Lopez (or at the very least afford him a “white-folks firing” – that’s when you are allowed the “retire” or “resign” and not be led out of the building by security.)

Biggs’ mother can be heard on the call pleading with her son to put down

In recent weeks, public confidence in the police chief may have dipped again when a jury acquitted a man accused of shooting a Durham officer of almost all the charges against him. Carlos Antonio Riley, 24 had been charged after a 2012 traffic stop with careless and reckless driving, assault on a law enforcement officer inflicting serious injury, robbery with a firearm and two counts of assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer. The defense maintained Riley was pulled over because he was black and that the arresting officer, also black, failed to follow police procedure, attempted to execute an illegal search and pulled the trigger during a struggle. Lopez released a statement after the jury’s decision saying the department was “disappointed” with the verdict. The city will begin preparations for a national search for a new chief, the statement said. It will be interesting to see what happens next with the Durham Police Department. In a city as diverse as Durham the selected candidate MUST understand Durham’s culture. He or she MUST be a community oriented person who can relate to ALL people. This person should understand the history of this great city. Most importantly to me, the new Chief SHOULD is promoted from within the ranks of the Durham Police Department. Durham needs a leader in the Police Department that can hit the ground running…and not just running after a black man! Adapted from article at www.officer.com

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Phyllis Coley Phyllis Coley CEO/Publisher

pcoley@spectacularmag.com

R.I.P. Lawrence Davis, Jr. #DavisStrong

www.spectacularmag.com | September 2015 | SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE

COMMENTARY “STRAIGHT OTTA COMPTON” TO YOUR COMMUNITY By Dr. Ada Fisher “Straight Otta Compton” is an astonishing bit of social commentary that can’t be ignored. The misogynist behavior of the black males engaged in “gangsta rap” is as offensive as is the crude, uncouth behavior of Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and the NWA movement. Nonetheless, this is a movie well worth seeing for we can’t change what we aren’t willing to understand. The price we pay in not focusing attention to some of what is said in this movie is a rapid escalation in self-directed violence, increasing promiscuity of our youth resulting in STD’s like AIDS and a burgeoning underclass. The crotch grabbing posture showing much a—without skills to advance society in a way which provides for women and children at risk is allowing a looming civil war to fester among our underclass sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. The tracks laid down by Dr. Dre and his group were as fine as any of the classics. Though not featured, Tupac’s “I Ain’t Mad At Ya” rhythm ranks with Bach and Beethoven. The poetry of their self-righteous anger is palpable through the screen and touches all ethnic youth who wanna be thugs. These aren’t our millennials but “our untouchables” seeing their desertion and inability to find the American Dream in the midst of violence directed at black males. They scare the hell out of many on both sides of the aisle. The feeling that black lives don’t matter was loud and clear in Ice Cubes rhythmic raps but who in exerting constitutional rights to freedom of assembly as well as free speech is foul mouthed, unrepentant in his abusive treatment of women and putrid in lifestyles forsaking a

sense of morality leaving themselves open to attacks which don’t have to be. The anti-Semitism directed at control of the entertainment media by Jews spills over into today where many still blame us for making money off of us while not doing a lot to lift all boats with the rising tide. The “Gangsta Disciples” in Chicago ranked with the Bloods and Crips. The Star of David tattooed on his triceps, skipping school and other antisocial behavior signaled that the street life of gangs had captured my son’s imagination and war was declared on my turf which I was determined to win. The flirtation with antisocial behavior is more than many in single or two parent family homes can cope with, teachers can grasp, urban planners and politicians deal with and those young people so involved understand. What I saw on the screen was a bunch of N------ With Attitudes (NWA) and no place to go. Little of the massive amounts of money made improved communities or the lives of others as LeBron James has done with his 1000 scholarships for Cleveland’s Youth or Magic Johnson’s economic development in California. Before they took it to the streets, Charles Drew figured out the basis for blood transfusions, Percy Julian discovered steroids from the soybean plant, James Shepard founded North Carolina Central University in Durham and so many others gave of themselves to advance the cause of humanity. These were truly NWA’s who in using their aptitude understood if we don’t prepare ourselves to be doctors, scientist, engineers, and nontechnical people, our future is limited. Now that’s what I’m talking about. Dr. Ada M. Fisher is a physician, retired Fortune 500 Company Medical Director, licensed teacher in secondary education—Mathematics and Science, former School Board Member, as well as the NC Republican National Committee Woman. Contact her at P. O. Box 777; Salisbury, NC 28145; DrFisher@ DrAdaMFisher.org

BLACK CULTURE IS NOT THE PROBLEM By N. D. B. Connolly

In the wake of the Michael Brown shooting and subsequent unrest in Ferguson, Mo., commentators noted the absence of black representatives among Ferguson’s elected officials and its police leadership. A Department of Justice report highlighted how Ferguson’s mostly white City Council and its courts spurred on explicitly racist policing, in part to harvest fines from black residents. Then came Baltimore. The death of Freddie Gray, like those of Eric Garner, John Crawford III, Rekia Boyd and so many other unarmed AfricanAmericans, at first seemed to fit the all-too-familiar template — white cops, black suspect, black corpse. But unlike New York, Chicago and other cities with white leaders, Baltimore has a black mayor, a black police commissioner and a majorityblack City Council. Yet the city still has one of the most stained records of police brutality in recent years. In the absence of a perceptible “white power structure,” the discussion around Baltimore has quickly turned to one about the failings of black culture. This confuses even those who sympathize with black hardship. When people took to the streets and destroyed property, most observers did not see an understandable social response to apparent state inaction. They saw, in the words of Baltimore’s mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, “thugs,” or in the words of President Obama, “criminals and thugs.” To be fair, the mayor later expressed regret, and both she and the president have tried to show empathy for the dispossessed. But they are also fighting myths about degenerate black culture. Condemning “criminals”

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and “thugs” seems to get them away from beliefs about broad black inferiority. Yet when black people of influence make these arguments, it prevents us from questioning Baltimore the way we questioned Ferguson. Instead, we lionize people like Toya Graham, the Baltimore mother who went upside the head of her rioting son. Baltimore’s police commissioner, Anthony W. Batts, applauded her, pleading with parents to “take control of your kids.” But the footage certainly affirms violence as the best way to get wayward black people under control. Moreover, by treating a moment of black-on-black violence as a bright spot, we take our eye off the circumstances that created the event. We forget, for instance, about how officials, in their fear of black youth, issued what witnesses said was a pre-emptive riot-police blockade hemming in students around Mondawmin Mall, where looting erupted. The problem is not black culture. It is policy and politics, the very things that bind together the history of Ferguson and Baltimore and, for that matter, the rest of America. Specifically, the problem rests on the continued profitability of racism. Freddie Gray’s exposure to lead paint as a child, his suspected participation in the drug trade, and the relative confinement of black unrest to black communities during that week’s riot are all features of a city and a country that still segregate people along racial lines, to the financial enrichment of landlords, corner store merchants and other vendors selling second-rate goods. N. D. B. Connolly is an assistant professor of history at Johns Hopkins University and the author of “A World More Concrete: Real Estate and the Remaking of Jim Crow South Florida.”

OUT & ABOUT BULL CITY GRIDIRON CLASSIC 2015 DURHAM, NC –Bull City Gridiron Classic 2015 pitted Duke against N.C. Central on Saturday Sept. 12 on the newly-dedicated Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. The announced attendance of 33,941 was Duke’s first capacity crowd for the Classic between the Blue Devils and Eagles. The game was 55-0 victory over N.C. Central but the event is “more than a football game.” (Photos: Olen Kelley, III)

www.spectacularmag.com | September 2015 | SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE

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COVER STORY

A Spectacular Exclusive

By Jaymes Powell Jr.

DR. EUGENE WASHINGTON DUKE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEMS NEW CEO IS ESTABLISHING NEW CULTURE

DUKE AND DURHAM HAVEN’T ALWAYS GOTTEN ALONG.

relationship, establishing a new culture in Durham and the region.

maintenance workers to young folk doing what they do. The new doctor, running all of Duke’s wards, hopes both the community and the health system will inherent and inhale each other more aggressively.

That’s the going perception amongst many in the Bull City since the enslaved 1800’s and the school was called Trinity College. The People and the “Plantation”- as the school has long been called in parts of the community – have been distinct and sometimes divergent entities.

Washington believes in this cure, because he almost made himself sick. Shortly after starting his worldinfluencing job at Duke earlier this spring, following the health system’s vast search for the right doctor, Washington noticed something many others haven’t.

Dr. A. Eugene Washington hopes he has a cure for the sometimes-stinging relationship: love and attention to the details. Washington, the new Chancellor for Health Affairs at Duke University and President and CEO of the Duke University Health System – the Health System’s first African-American in the position – said he thinks community focus can permanently fix and grow the

“I was concerned about Duke, but then I realized I had to be concerned about Durham,” Washington, who previously helped run the medical programs at UCLA and University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), said. “I realized, I had to get understand Durham’s culture.”

Washington, a Howard University (HU) graduate, has worked on a Congressional review board of the National Institutes of Health as well as chairing a national committee authorized by President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. A loving family man with a vitae that could roll down the Durham freeway – from North Durham through Hayti and beyond Washington is hoping to improve upon Duke Health’s community and world resume.

Duke, in a way, is Durham in micro – from rich doctors to working class

Over the centuries, Duke’s influence has soaked Durham,

sometimes drowning out locals, at other times, giving the community large doses of help. Leaders in Durham and at Duke are hoping the partnership is now a confluence of coming abundance, as the school and city continue to grow and the university’s health system may help Durham flourish. “I have a unique position having seen Durham since 1968,” said Durham Mayor William Bell, who also went to Howard University. “The relationship has changed for the better since I got here…Duke has reached out to our communities as we grow as a city. There’s still a lot to do, but there is a difference between Duke Health and the [other] parts of the university.”

WASHINTON CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

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OCTOBER 22 HOMEGROWN NORTH CAROLINA CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS

A NIGHT OF PRAISE: Featuring Wake Chapel Choir, Instrument of Praise Gospel Concert Chorale, and Watts Chapel Gospel Choir

7:30 at Dorton Arena

ncstatefair.org

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE |September 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

about healthy lifestyles. And not just teaching, but actually in there developing programs,” Washington said of one of the increasing number of health coalitions Duke has with the community. Washington added he wants to focus on many degrading factors in Durham and the region, from diet to social access to public mental health – all factors slowing communities across the nation. From D.C.’s formerly-raw Le Droit Park to gangs of neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Washington said he’s hoping to learn from what he has seen. “It will be a set of experiences along with observations I’ve made,” Washington said, acknowledging the rift. “When I was at UCLA, I was quite fortunate to be in a health community that had already built substantial bridges to the surrounding community. My role is just enhancement and trying to foster a partnership…”

WASHINGTON CONTINUES Washington has heard the complaints. He’s heard the mentioning of Duke’s “plantation” system, perhaps even the mentioning of Walltown, where the University blocked off the community almost a century ago. But coming straight out of Los Angeles, Duke’s new health leader has something to say about Duke and Durham’s past and currents. He says he’s looking to the future, an intertwining of the health system and the community. Washington, with the benefits of Obamacare and the hope that North Carolina will expand Medicaid, says access to health care for Durham’s residents is a strong part of the cure. With his HU lambskin, UCSF medical school degree and a world of experience, Washington is very serious about helping Duke Health meet Durham, he even gets political(ish), noting that Republican efforts to block large portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are hurting large swaths of Durham and other portions of the region. Many minorities and underserved communities don’t get preventative health care, forcing them into Duke’s emergency rooms for what could have been common care – a largely fixable problem if the ACA was accepted in full. “In failing to expand it…we stop individuals’ ability to get care at the proper time,” Washington explained

in his Duke University office, in a seat an African-American has never sat in before. But as Washington settles into a new international medical throne, he’s also thinking of conjoining Duke and Durham – a set of twins who haven’t always been of the same mind.

schools, where Duke facility talk to kids about early health, “and also working with teachers and schools

Duke University sits behind its grey walls, often watching silently as Durham has fallen and risen, using many from the region for cheaper labor WASHINGTON CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

Washington, who with his wife Marie raised three children, said many of Durham and the region’s residents lack the proper health care, something he said Duke University Health Systems will address – because it can and should. “By not doing that, we miss an opportunity to actually improve the health of individuals, which in turn hurts the health of the community,” Washington, a gynecologist by training, said, adding the university has already made strong health ties with the community and will expand them. “…We’re involved in a labyrinth of programs, a wide array that many health institutions have not traditionally been involved in.” Washington talked about health outreach to K-12

A. Eugene Washington, MD, Duke’s new chancellor for health affairs and president and chief executive officer of DUHS, is greeted by Beverly Hester, a financial analyst with Medical Oncology. The pair met at an ice cream social held on Friday, April 3, in the Duke Medicine Pavilion lobby. Hester has been affiliated with Duke since 1999. (Photo courtesy of Duke University Photography)

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North Carolina-native Fred Whitted, who acknowledges most of his 1980’s classmates dismissed the locals – and even the movie Bull Durham. But a lot has changed since his days rocking the Blue and White.

WASHINGTON CONTINUES

“Duke and Durham have not always known each other very well…a lot of people in the region have never stepped on Duke’s campus, and a lot of Duke people have not spend any time in the Durham community…but that seems to be changing in a lot of ways now.”

Marie Washington and Dr. Eugene Washington arrive to the 2013 UCLA Neurosurgery Visionary Ball in Beverly Hills, California. The couple, who now reside in Durham, has three adult children. (Photo: Getty Images North America) than many of those in the campus’ ivory towers. Yet the school has quietly often saved the city’s and region’s life. Besides the Veterans Administration, Duke University Health Systems operate just about every health service in Durham County, often giving indigent and outpatient care to a city with an 18.5 percent poverty rate. While a fascinating Duke education or great paying job eludes most Durham residents, they do have access to better health care than most people in the state, or even the nation and world. That doesn’t match the community’s perception of Duke University – the place where maybe a parent worked but could never advance professionally, go to school or even be admitted to the hospital. Some of those stories are old, but still ring true to many. “Duke has never been a part of the Durham community and in a lot of ways has not wanted to,” said Duke University graduate and

Mayor Bell and Dr. Washington spoke about the Duke and Durham separation at a recent appearance at the Washington-Duke Hotel. Bell understands the community often sees Duke Health as a provider and the larger institution as not always being in-touch. Bell, also a Howard University graduate, hopes the addition of Washington will help Duke reach the entire community and region.

Washington and his wife converse with members of the Duke Medicine community (Photo courtesy of Duke University Photography) talked about,” the Duke grad explained. “When I was at Duke, it seemed like the whole world knew about Duke Medicine except the people in North Carolina.

never even saw helicopters flying. Duke is doing a lot…a whole lot. But as far as interaction with the community, I think they, we, could do a lot more.”

“Now, you see a helicopter flying people [from Person County] to Durham County for treatment and people don’t even notice,” Whitted continued. “When I was younger, I

Washington hopes to ferment a symbiosis in Durham, where the city, the region and the health system grow off one another and together.

The mayor of Durham said Duke has worked in its own self-interest since he arrived, but since has helped the community in many ways. Besides addressing the region’s health concerns, from HIV/AIDS to home healthcare for infants, Duke has also pushed many students and programs into the community, helping Durham blossom into a world city. Duke is also utilizing its world health programs, also under the supervision of Washington, to help the Durham community and region. For instance, Duke Health’s usage of cell phone cameras and nurse practitioners in remote areas of Africa or Asia are now being deployed in Durham and the surrounding region, allowing better access to health care for those who cannot normally get to it, Washington explained. Whitted notices those changes in Person County, where Duke Health has taken over much of the action at the county’s hospital. “As a child, Duke Medicine wasn’t something people

Dr. Eugene Washington takes time from his day for an exclusive interview in his office with Spectacular Magazine writer Jaymes Powell. (Photo: Olen Kelley, III)

www.spectacularmag.com | September 2015 | SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE

FEATURES

DURHAM, NC - Spectacular Magazine, with a mission to enlighten and empower, will present the Spectacular Magazine 2016 Woman of the Year (WOY) Awards to honor and celebrate the achievements and contributions of African American women or women who have made a difference in the African American community. Nominations were accepted in seven categories along

with recommendations for the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award. The Spectacular Magazine WOY Awards Gala Committee, based on criteria, selected the Lifetime Achievement Award recipients and narrowed the nominations down to three (3) semi-finalists in each category. Due to an overwhelming number of nominations in the Community Service, Education, and Emerging Leader categories; the Committee selected six (6)

2016

in each category and two (2) recipients will be named in those categories. There will be an on-line voting process that begins on Monday Sept. 14, 2015 and ends at midnight on October 4, 2015. To vote, please visit www. spectacularmag.com The Lifetime Achievement Awardees, Mrs. Bessye McGhee, Mrs. Artelia Perry, and Mrs. Vivian Sansom (posthumously)

will be honored and the recipients will be named at the Spectacular Magazine 2016 Woman of the Year Awards Gala on Sunday October 18 (2:00 pm) at the UNC Friday Center (100 Friday Center Dr – Chapel Hill). Call 919-6800465 or visit www.spectacularmag. com for ticket information. The Spectacular Magazine WOY Awards Gala Committee is proud to announce the Semi-finalists in the other 7 categories.

CATEGORY ARTS & CULTURE LAWANDA LEE ANDERSON

ANJANÉE N. BELL*

CHANDA BRANCH

CEO/Founder, Words of Essence; Author; Motivational Speaker; Counselor, NC Dept. of Vocational Rehab (Durham)

Founder/Artistic Director, Bellan Bellan Contemporary School of the Arts/ Bellan Contemporary Dance Theatre (Durham)

Drama/Dance Teacher, Wake County Public Schools (Raleigh)

Author of two poetry books; has 10 years experience designing and facilitating events to provide motivation, exposure, and education for other artists and aspiring writers

Develops creative education curriculums for ages 2-18+; implements creative and business strategies, fundraising, choreography; develops, executes and manages theatrical productions

All photos by Olen Kelley III unless otherwise indicated with an *.

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Over 20 years experience in dance, theatre & music; arts educator with plans to open Triangle area fine arts academy; serves on Raleigh’s Arts Commission

WOY CONTINUES ON PAGE 15

WOY CONTINUES

CATEGORY BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JACQUELINE BROWN

AWAMARY LOWE-KHAN

LINDA T. WORTH

CEO, Durham Economic Resource Center (Durham)

Executive V.P. & CFO - The Support Center (Raleigh)

County Manager, Warren County (Warrenton)

Running org for 7 years focused on ending poverty, breaking barriers for chronically un- & under-employed; 15+ yrs experience fundraising for faithbased & philanthropic initiatives; grant writer

Over fifteen years working with entrepreneurs in the non-profit finance, accounting & management sector; works for organizations that fosters economic development in underserved communities

Over thirty years experience in public service; responsible for $31 million operating budget, daily operation of county agencies/ departments & $6 million water/sewer/ solid waste budget

EVANGELIST JULIA ROSS HARRELSON

CAROLYN “MS. TOOTIE” HOLLOWAY

Director/ Coordinator, Friendship Fellowship Outreach Ministries (Durham)

Owner/Operator, Tootie’s Mobile Kitchen & Catering/ Tootie’s Bar (Durham)

Community worker that feeds hungry youth and adults everyday; collects/donates clothes, blankets, toys @ Christmas, turkeys @ Thanksgiving

Committed to giving back to community by feeding hungry and homeless; sponsors and organizes National Night Out for her community

BARBARA LOFTON

JUANITA NELSON

YOLANDA STITH

Community Activist, PAC District #4 (Durham)

Executive Director (retired), Durham Center for Senior Life (Durham)

Executive Director, NC Assn Long Term Care Facilities; President AKA Sorority, Inc. -Alpha Zeta Omega Chapter (Durham)

CATEGORY COMMUNITY SERVICE REV. TRISH HARLESTON Executive Pastor, Orange Grove Missionary Baptist Church; Founder/ President, Trish Harleston Ministries LLC (Durham)

Teacher, preacher, inspirational blogger, counselor & public servant helping women take steps toward emotional renewal & personal restoration

Assists seniors getting medication; started 911 cell phones service for senior without cell phones; held window fan drive; prom/formal wear drive for teens; organized Mother’s Day Sr. Luncheon

Over twenty years providing services to senior citizens, bridging services gap by connecting seniors to resources

Instituted community programs supporting youths/ seniors/ homeless, i.e. backpack buddies, middle school tutoring, National Night Out

WOY CONTINUES ON PAGE 16

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WOY CONTINUES

CATEGORY CIVIL & HUMAN RIGHTS DAWN Y. BAXTON

LOIS DELOATCH

JUANITA B. MASSENBURG

Senior Assistant Public Defender, Durham Co. Public Defender’s Office (Durham)

Major Gifts/ Philanthropy Team, Self-Help/Center for Responsible Lending; Founder/Principal, Northampton Partners, LLC (Durham)

Owner/President, JM Facilitation & Training Solutions (Durham)

Sixteen years in position; goal is to provide top quality, zealous representation to persons regardless of social and/or economic status

Over 25 years raising major monies to support education, affordable housing, health care clinics for low income areas.

Thirty-plus years advocating for low/ moderate income citizens by creating grants & low interest rate loan programs for assistance; advocate for federal fund assistance

CATEGORY EDUCATION TOMISHA PRICE BROCK* Director of University Bands, Elizabeth City State University (Elizabeth City)

Teaches/directs 120 member marching band; teaches in Visual/Performing Arts Dept; one of three women Head Band Directors at a HBCU; pursuing PhD in Music Education; Praxis II consultant and tutor

MILDRED BROWN Principal, Southpoint Academy; Director, New Life Christian Church 21st Century Community Learning Center; CEO, Prosperous Living Achievement (Durham)

Developed partnership with public schools, after school workers & counselors that strengthened students’ in academic subjects

KIMBERLEY PIERCE CARTWRIGHT News/Public Affairs Dir, WNCU 90.7FM Radio @ NCCU (Durham)

Trains future broadcast leaders; works with students to develop skill set for media careers, news delivery, writing & research; member National Assn of Black Journalists

ASIA CUNNINGHAM

THYAIS L. MAXWELL

SHELIA NOLEN

Testing Coordinator/ Data Analyst (NC Principal Fellow), Durham Public Schools (Durham)

Principal, Hampton Elementary University Partnership Magnet School (Greensboro)

Educator (retired), Durham Public Schools (Durham)

Elementary school teacher for 9 years; analyzes data to advance teachers and students; DPS 2014 Teacher of Year finalist; 2014 Pearsontown Elementary Teacher of Year

Has made great strides in turning around low performing schools, improving parents & students’ morale

Over 25 years as educator at Burton & Fayetteville St. Elementary Schools; no-nonsense teacher often requested by parents & students

WOY CONTINUES ON PAGE 17

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WOY CONTINUES

CATEGORY EMERGING LEADER NIMASHEENA BURNS Outreach Officer, NC Dept. of Justice (Raleigh)

Over 10 years handling multifaceted public outreach programs, presentations, and special events designed to raise awareness of abuse of policy and practices

ANGIE JONES Senior Computer Programmer, Teradata Corporation (Raleigh)

Technolog y guru; designs and develops software ensuring quality of applications enabling businesses to customize marketing strategies; master inventor holding 18 issued patents in US and China

DR. NASHETT CHAUNTE GARRETT Director of Accountability, Rowan-Salisbury School System (Raleigh)

DESMERA GATEWOOD Community Organizer, Durham Solidarity Center; Graduate Student, American University (Durham)

Serves 35 schools and 20,000 students by supporting principals and their staff in use of multiple instructional data tools to transform schools and increase achievement

Mobilizes and organizes demonstrations advocating for policies and best practices for communities of color; Witness for Peace delegate to Mexico & Columbia

SR. MASTER SGT. CHARMAINE Kelley

TOLULOPE OMOKAIYE

Human Resource Manager, US Air Force - Seymour Johnson AFB (Clayton)

Serves in top 2% of Enlisted Corps; responsible for personal and professional growth of her Airmen; founder of organization that develops teens into productive citizens

Founder/CEO, Evolve Mentoring Inc. (Raleigh)

Holistically preparing youth for life in real world through life skills development; her creed is TEEACH, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through education and exposure anything can happenâ&#x20AC;?

CATEGORY HEALTH JEWELL C. BOOTH

JACQUELYN GAINES

GAYLE B. HARRIS

Registered Nurse, MPH, WakeMed Health & Hospitals (Raleigh)

Executive Leadership Coach, The Studer Group; Author (Apex)

Public Health Director, Durham County Government (Durham)

Certified Pediatric Nurse taking care of our future as clinical nurse an youth volunteer; advancing career to global health to impact underserved youth worldwide

One of first minority woman CEO of a Health System in US; three time best-selling author; provides executive level leadership development to health organizations to improve quality of community healthcare

Establishes and directs the execution of health programs to assure that public's health is protected & that community health needs and problems are identified and met through concerted efforts

www.spectacularmag.com | September 2015 | SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE |September 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

SHAW UNIVERSITY STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

Part 3 of 4-part series for its rich history and status as an Historically Black College or University (HBCU). While at Shaw, Jordan has excelled, earning a 3.8 grade point average, serving as the chaplain for the Honors College and working as the executive business manager for the Student Government Association. A chemistry major, Jordan has already earned four scholarships.

Jordan D. Galloway RALEIGH, NC - Jordan D. Galloway, a junior from Los Angeles, California, decided to attend Shaw University

Earning scholarships has helped Jordan complete his studies without the added burden of trying to figure out how to pay for school. It allowed him to get school supplies to be prepared for class and to purchase books. He also said receiving the scholarship “encouraged me to do better, knowing someone was investing in my education.” Not only does Jordan feel that he made the right choice in choosing to attend Shaw, but he also feels a sense of overwhelming gratitude for the

financial support he received from Shaw’s donors. “I would like to say thank you,” said Jordan when asked what he would tell his scholarship donors. “I am truly indebted to all of the donors and plan to do my part when it is my turn to give back.” Jordan says he owes his success to his mother and everything he does is for his twin brother back home in California. Following graduation, Jordan plans to attend graduate school and believes he will continue to be successful by living his life with these wise words: “Give it to God.” “Weather good or bad, it’s all temporary.” “Smile.” Cynthia Jackson is one busy woman.

Cynthia Jackson SHAW CONTINUES ON PAGE 20

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SHAW CONTINUES Besides being a student in Shaw’s Raleigh CAPE program, she is also a wife, mom, director of her church’s “Children’s Church,” the PTA vice president at her children’s school and volunteer with her church’s C.O.P.E program, which helps the community by giving away free clothing, food and household items. Even with a full schedule, the business administration/management major is on track to complete her degree and is grateful to receive financial support from donors to help her do so. “Receiving a scholarship has helped ease what could have been a financial burden for me and my husband,” said Cynthia. “After receiving this scholarship, we have been able to maintain the household budget and not worry about out-of-pocket tuition.” Cynthia originally enrolled in Shaw in 1997, but due to a variety of circumstances was unable to finish. With the help and support of her husband, family and friends, Cynthia made the decision to return to Shaw and complete her degree. “My overall experience at Shaw has been a joy,” she said. “From the first year I enrolled until my recent return, I think what has made the experience interesting is my encounters with students and with the faculty and staff.” While at Shaw, Cynthia has again kept busy. She is a member of the Shaw University Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success Honor Society; Sigma Alpha Pi; and was Miss Raleigh CAPE 2014-2015. A self-proclaimed helper, Cynthia plans to open a wedding and event planning business and create a non-profit for teen girls and women following graduation. She acknowledges that without God, family and friends, she would not have accomplished this much. “I would like to say a big “THANK YOU” to my husband Kingsley, my children (Nvonni, Kingsley, Jr., Isaiah, and Faith), my pastor Apostle Dr. Freida Henderson and Mrs. Davis,” said Cynthia. “My church family, my professors, and Shaw University as a whole…they have all supported and encouraged me during this time of completing my degree and I am grateful for the support!”

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE |September 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

WHY YOU SHOULD GO TO THE OPERA

By: Sherri Holmes

For over 160 years, African Americans have been a part of the opera world. In 1853 Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield debuted at New York City’s Metropolitan Hall to a packed audience of 4,000. The Coloured Opera Company performed in Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA in 1873. Harry Lawrence Freeman became the first African American to compose a full length opera in 1891. And yet, despite African Americans’ great history with the opera, most have never experienced it.

Shana Blake Hill Soprano Shana Blake Hill is the great granddaughter of Aaron McDuffie Moore, one of the founding fathers of Durham, North Carolina’s Hayti community. Hill has performed with the Los Angeles Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Philadelphia Symphony and North Carolina Symphony. Hill also recorded the title track for the blockbuster film The Sum of All Fears. Hill feels that the African American community can easily connect to the opera. She said, “For African Americans there is an ease of expressing oneself through song that I believe comes from the church, the blues . . . from being vocal with one another in a fully actualized fully felt physical and emotional way that lends itself beautifully to the operatic art form. The struggle of the black community in this nation and the pressures that are put on black lives even today often causes overwhelming emotions. Opera allows a community to explore big emotions: anger, death, love, passion and complicated

relationships. All of these sorts of things are worked out on the operatic stage. There is a reason that soap opera has opera in the title. It is because these things came first.”

the Opera Parallel in San Francisco, the Almedia Opera in London and the Washington National Opera. Trevigne is thrilled to perform Madama Butterfly and feels that it is a great Many members of opportunity to the African American introduce people community may have to the opera. She stayed away from said, “I think that the opera because of there is a fear of a lack of sensitivity not understanding and diversity in the opera or it being performances. It inaccessible. was just last month When you can get that the Metropolitan someone to let Opera, the largest down their guard performing arts and just be open company in the to the experience, nation, finally gave they often find that in to public pressure not only are they and announced that it able to understand would no longer use the plot but they blackface makeup really get into the for singers who play story. The music is characters of African so moving. There descent. is really nothing like live theater Still, there are many and live music. We opera companies are bombarded so that already strive much with instant to remain relevant social media and and do not put limits everything that on their casting or we have forgotten programming. The the joy of actually North Carolina Opera’s North Carolina being in theater. upcoming production of Opera features Madama Butterfly Madama Butterfly will feature performances with is a wonderful first African American Soprano diverse themes opera. If you have Talise Trevigne in the title role. and artists. Last never gone to the (submitted photo) year it presented opera before this an opera about Muhammad Ali. Its would definitely be one that I would upcoming production of Madama break into. It’s just a timeless classic. Butterfly will feature African American It’s one gorgeous line after the other. Soprano Talise Trevigne in the title This is definitely a great first.” role. Another significant part will be performed by African American Shana Blake Hill also feels that Baritone Michael Sumuel. Madama Butterfly is an opera to which everyone can relate. She said, “Who According to Eric Mitchko, North hasn’t been profoundly misunderstood Carolina Opera’s General Director, or left by a lover at some point in their “Opera is very much a vibrant living lives? Who has not had to stand up for art form and the way to demonstrate what they believe in despite everyone that is by doing a broad range of pieces. around them thinking that is a bad Of course we try to do it at the highest idea? Who hasn’t had a cultural clash possible level artistically. Opera is where ones sensibilities are just not really about singing. What matters reading with somebody else? There most is what someone sounds like and is a reason why singing in church lifts we just try to get the best singers that everybody up. You’re affecting one we can.” another on a really profound level and so when you look at opera from that Talise Trevigne has performed with stand point when you look at the fact

Talise Trevigne that so many things in our lives are derived from our response to music and in a dramatic way telling a story then you can (appreciate) how it connects to you and your life.” Opera is an accumulation of several art forms. The elaborate sets and costumes, the powerful singing, the dramatic acting, the beautiful orchestral music and often dancing, all combine to make opera the most glorious of the arts. Today’s operas have become even more accessible. Performances sung in foreign languages often have English supertitles. Audiences don’t have to wear floor length gowns or tuxedos. No one has to bring opera glasses. An opera can be inspiring and transformative. So if you haven’t experienced it yet, you definitely should go to the opera. The North Carolina Opera will present Madama Butterfly on October 30, 2015 and November 1, 2015. For more information about the performance or to preview discussions, visit www.ncopera.org. If you would like to attend Madama Butterfly with a group, go to www. africanamericanarts.org

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

www.spectacularmag.com | September 2015 | SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE |September 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

NEWS BRIEFS

NONAGENARIANS HONORED AND SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED AT THIRD ANNUAL PERRY LEGACY LUNCHEON DURHAM, NC - The Lawrence & Artelia Perry Scholarship Fund (L&APSF) sponsored its Third Annual Scholarship Fund Legacy Luncheon recently at the Washington Duke Inn, with nearly 400 attendees. The Legacy Luncheon was established to honor persons in Durham and vicinity who walk in the pathways of faith, family, history, and love of the late Rev. Lawrence Perry and Mrs. Artelia Marsh Perry (the axiom of the Scholarship Fund). Honorees for 2015 were Durham Area nonagenarians (persons ages 90-99) who in their professions and public service developed a significant legacy through their contributions in education, religious, medical, business and civic endeavors. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program was dedicated in Memory of Bishop David Harding Bell who died a few weeks after being selected as a 2015 Honoree.

Shacora Rorie: Shacora is a graduate of Riverside High School and a rising senior at Bennett College majoring in Biology. Shacora is Treasurer of Belles of Harmony and is actively involved in campus ministry activities. Livingstone College: Fabian Burch: Fabian is a graduate of Hillside High School and a 2015 graduate of Livingstone College with a B.S. in Accounting. Fabian will be pursuing a Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Accounting at Ohio State University in the fall.

NONAGENARIANS (AGES 90 -99) HONORED AT THIRD PERRY LEGACY LUNCHEON (Standing left to right): Mr. John T. Carrington, Mrs. Vivian R. Patterson, Mrs. Artelia Marsh Perry, Dr. John H. Lucas, Mrs. Hortense McClinton, Mrs. Elizabeth Frazier, Mr. Spencer Augustus Wynne I, and Mr. Carl D. Hodges, Sr.; (Seated left to right): Dr. Thomas R. Bass, Mrs. Nettie B. Young, Mrs. Gladys R. Mack, Mrs. Alice W. Davis and Mrs. Lou Barnes; Not pictured: Mrs. Laura Boone, Dr. Howard M. Fitts and Mr. R. Kelly Bryant (Submitted Photo)

The 15 nonagenarian honorees were Mrs. Lou Davis Suitt Barnes, Dr. Thomas Bass, Mrs. Laura M. Boone, Mr. R. Kelly Bryant, Mrs. Alice Williams Davis, Mr. John T. Fearrington, Dr. Howard M. Fitts, Jr., Mrs. Mary Elizabeth J. Frasier, Mr. Carl D. Hodges, Sr., Dr. John H. Lucas, Mrs. Gladys Roberts Mack, Mrs. Hortense K. McClinton, Mrs.Vivian Rogers Patterson, Mr. Spencer Augustus Wynne I, and Mrs. Nettie Burt Young. The Lawrence & Artelia Perry Scholarship Fund, an IRS 501(c) (3) public charity, was established

in 2011 to provide annual support for meritorious, needy Durham students enrolled at Bennett College, Livingstone College and North Carolina Central University (NCCU). This year, a total of seven $1,000 scholarships were presented by Dr. Tara Fikes, Scholarship Committee Chairperson, to the 2015 Perry Scholarship Fund Awardees as follows:

Bennett College: Kira Wilson: Kira is a graduate of Hillside High School and a sophomore at Bennett College majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Mathematics. On campus, Kira is a Resident Assistant in the Honors Hall, a volunteer in the Office of Career Services and a member of the Match Club.

Mariam Oladiran: Mariam is a graduate of Hillside High School and a sophomore at Livingstone College majoring in Biology. She is Vice-President of the sophomore class and serves as a Residence Assistant.

NCCU: Laporsha Allen: LaPorsha is a graduate of Riverside High School and a junior at NCCU majoring in Public Health Education. She is active on campus assisting with the NCCU Eagle Blood Drive and in the Durham community with Meals on Wheels and the Durham Rescue Mission.

Steneshia Meadows: Steneshia is a graduate of the Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School and a sophomore at NCCU majoring in Social Work. As an alumnus, she volunteers at the Early College High School and also volunteers at the local YMCA and as a Youth Advisor at the Apostolic House of Deliverance Worship Center. Sharif Ruebin: Sharif is a graduate of the Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School and a sophomore at NCCU majoring in Mass Communication. On campus he is a member of the Centennial Scholars Program and works in the Academic Service Learning Office.

2015 PERRY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS (Standing left to right): Sahrif Ruebin, Steneshia Meadows, LaPorsha Allen, Mariam Oladiran, Fabian Burch, Shacora Rorie and Kira Wilson; (seated): Mrs. Artelia Marsh Perry (Submitted Photo)

Proceeds from the annual luncheon, luncheon sponsorships, journal advertisements, event donors and sales of the book, Artelia: Portrait of an African American Matriarch, are the primary scholarship fundraising methods.

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SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE |September 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

BLACK HISTORY FACT

MCCRORY SIGNS BILL INCREASING NUMBER OF JOB SEARCHES FOR UNEMPLOYED Governor Pat McCrory signed legislation on Sept. 10th requiring those applying for unemployment benefits to dramatically increase the number of jobs they apply for each week. Under Senate Bill 15, a job-seeker would be required to apply for a minimum of five jobs per week (up from two) to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Last month, Rep. Julia Howard (R-Davie) told her House colleagues the legislation was intended to get jobless individuals “in the habit” of

looking for work. But some lawmakers, including Rep. Jonathan Jordan (R-Ashe) suggested the new requirement would inundate local employers with applications, many from unqualified individuals, simply to meet the job contact requirement. SB 15 would also establish 12 weeks as the minimum period and 20 weeks as the maximum period for those who qualify for benefits. The duration would depend on the seasonal adjusted statewide unemployment rate.

DR. PATRICIA BATH

Dr. Patricia E. Bath (b. 1942) Believe in the power of truth... Do not allow your mind to be imprisoned by majority thinking. Remember that the limits of science are not the limits of imagination. —Dr. Patricia E. Bath Dr. Patricia E. Bath is a world-famous ophthalmologist. After excelling in her studies at high school and university and earning plaudits for her investigations in cancer research as early as age sixteen, Dr. Bath embarked on an illustrious medical career. For over thirty years, Dr. Bath’s research and career objectives have been directed toward the prevention, care and treatment of blindness. Her impressive accomplishments include the invention and subsequent acquisition of a patent for an “apparatus for ablating and removing cataract lenses” named the Laserphaco Probe; introduction of a discipline, community ophthalmology; and co-founding of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness. The Laserphaco Probe “consists of an optical laser fiber surrounded by irrigation and aspiration [suction] tubes. The laser probe can be inserted in a tiny [1 mm] incision in the eye. The laser energy vaporizes or ‘phacoblates’ the cataract and lens matter within a few minutes. The decomposed lens is extracted when liquid

supplied by the irrigation line washes through and is sucked out through the aspiration tube, and a replacement lens is inserted.” Prior to her invention, cataract removal was performed manually with a mechanical grinding device and only limited to secondary cataract surgery. Dr. Bath’s probe is not only being used for primary or initial cataract surgery, but it increases the accuracy of the procedure as well as reducing the attendant discomfort. With the emphasis on making basic eye care available to underserved segments of the population, Dr. Bath introduced a new discipline, community opthalmology, which incorporates elements of health care, community medicine and clinical ophthalmology. Her passionate battle against blindness moved to another front, with the co-founding of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness with three colleagues. The Institute’s basic objective is to protect, preserve and restore sight. Dr. Bath’s dedication, caring and global vision eminently qualifies her to be an advocate of telemedicine—her present driving force— which provides medical services to remote areas via electronic communication. With the “right to sight” as her credo, she continues to be on the cutting edge of research and innovation in her field. (Source: www.blackhistorypages.net)

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SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE |September 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

MACEO PARKER AMONG 8 NORTH CAROLINIANS TO RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS HERITAGE AWARD

Maceo Parker

RALEIGH, NC - Governor Pat McCrory announced recently that eight North Carolina artists will receive the North Carolina Heritage Award for their outstanding contributions to our state’s cultural heritage.

The 2016 North Carolina Heritage Award recipients are Maceo Parker, internationally-recognized funk, jazz and rhythm and blues musician (Kinston, Lenoir County); Sheila Kay Adams, a seventh-generation ballad singer, storyteller, and musician (Sodom Laurel, Madison County); Montagnard Dega weavers H Jue Nie and H Ngach Rahlan, who brought their mastery of spinning, dying and weaving from the highlands of Vietnam (Greensboro, Guilford County); Houston, James and Jamie Lewis, fourth generation

boat builders from the Harkers Island tradition (Harkers Island, Carteret County); and Marc Pruett, renowned banjo player, songwriter and part of the renowned bluegrass band, Balsam Range (Canton, Haywood County). International recording star, touring artist, composer and arranger Maceo Parker — reputedly the most sampled musician in history — credits his Kinston hometown for providing the inspiration and training that would catapult him to stardom, first as James Brown’s most famous sideman and then as a wildly popular architect of funk backed by his own band. Parker’s musical story connects the dots between the urban South’s vernacular African American traditional music forms and styles — the blues, gospel, jazz, rhythm and blues of home, church and street — and the disciplined instrumentation taught by professional musicians in segregated Black schools. This native North Carolinian’s artistry, rooted in the phenomenally rich musical heritage of eastern North

Carolina, has had an enormous and lasting influence on the popular music of America and of the world beyond our borders. Representing a variety of musical, craft and narrative traditions practiced from the coast to the mountains, the recipients will be honored in an awards ceremony and concert scheduled May 25, 2016 in Raleigh at the A.J. Fletcher Opera House in the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Since 1989, the North Carolina Heritage Award, a program of the North Carolina Arts Council, has honored traditional artists in the state, deepening awareness of the stories, music, and artistry that comprise our rich and diverse cultural traditions. Recipients are selected by a panel of experts based of their artistic excellence, cultural authenticity and contributions to their field. More than 120 traditional artists have been honored in the last 26 years.

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OPENS LYCEUM SERIES WITH ACTRESS LAVERNE COX to have been featured on the cover of TIME magazine and the first to nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. She was nominated as Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “Orange is the New Black.” She was also selected as Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2015. The Huffington Post also named Cox one of the country’s Top 50 Transgender Icons.

Laverne Cox DURHAM, NC – North Carolina Central University will welcome transgender advocate and critically acclaimed actress Laverne Cox to B. N. Duke Auditorium at 7 pm Sept. 24th to kick off the 2015-2016 Lyceum Series. Cox currently appears in the Netflix original series “Orange is the New Black” as the groundbreaking character Sophia Burset, an incarcerated AfricanAmerican transgender woman. Cox is the first transgender actress

Her role on the popular Netflix series has given Cox a platform from which to speak and write about issues facing transgendered people. Cox was honored by GLAAD (formerly the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) in 2014 for her work as an advocate on behalf of trans women and men. Earlier in her career, Cox was a contestant on the first season of VH1’s “I Want to Work for Diddy” and starred in and produced the VH1 television series “TRANSform Me.” In 2011, she won Best Supporting Actress at the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival for her performance in the much-praised film “Musical Chairs.” Cox’s other acting credits include “Law and Order” and “Law and Order: SVU,” “Bored to Death” on HBO, as well as

CHAPEL HILL’S FESTIFALL ARTS FESTIVAL 2015

independent films “Carla” and “The Exhibitionists.” She has upcoming roles in films “36 Saints” and “Grand Street.” Laverne Cox was born in 1981 in Mobile, Ala., and has a twin brother, M. Lamar, a musician and performer in New York. Cox holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Marymount Manhattan College. The NCCU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally (LGBTA) Resource Center was established in 2013, the first for any HBCU in North Carolina and the second in the country. The LGBTA Student Resource Center on campus houses a wealth of information, resources and programming, as well as provides direct services to students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members. The university’s annual Lyceum Series brings to campus thoughtleaders, performers and academicians to support the intellectual climate and enhance student growth and development. Lyceum Series appearances continue throughout the year and are free and open to the public. For more information, contact University College at 919-530-6932.

CHAPEL HILL, NC – Spend the day supporting the arts on Sunday, October 4th in Downtown Chapel Hill for the 43rd annual Festifall Arts Festival, presented by Food Lion. Chapel Hill’s Festifall Arts Festival provides an extraordinary opportunity for the community, art enthusiasts and artists to interact. A vibrant market of handmade artworks along with live performances presents a day of discovery for the festival’s attendees as they engage with the local art community. Historic West Franklin Street in Downtown Chapel Hill provides a beautiful backdrop to our celebration of arts and culture. Over 100 artists representing the finest in painting, photography, jewelry, glass, ceramics, wood, metal, fiber and mixed media, there’s something for everyone at Chapel Hill’s premier art event: meet the artists and be inspired; discover your new favorite Downtown restaurant or food truck; dance to local music with 3 stages of entertainment at the Local 506 Stage, WCHL Main Stage and DSI Stage; participate in interactive activities for children and adults. This is a free event for all ages and free Sunday parking is available throughout downtown in municipal lots and street side spots. For more details about Festifall, visit event website at www.chapelhillfestifall.com

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SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE |September 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN POSSIBLE LYNCHING CASE OUT OF NORTH CAROLINA IT’S BEEN A YEAR SINCE THE LIFELESS BODY OF 17-YEAR OLD LENNON LACY WAS FOUND HANGING FROM A SWING SET IN THE SMALL TOWN OF BLADENBORO, NORTH CAROLINA. While state investigators working under the direction of the local district attorney immediately ruled the death a suicide, questions remain about whether foul play was involved since the African-American teen was found wearing too-small shoes that were not his own, since he allegedly hung himself in a mostly white trailer park using a belt that was not his own, and since the mechanics of the purported selfhanging appear implausible.

as “so chilling.” * Barber has spoken with new U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, a North Carolina native, about the Lacy case. He said he believes there will be more attention devoted to the investigation under her leadership. * Someone from outside North Carolina has approached the state NAACP and offered to put up a $25,000 reward for information in the case. Barber said that offer is now being vetted by the FBI. “Because we know all of that, we know it’s not over,” Barber told the crowd. “If it was your child, you would not want it to be over.” LENNON LACY

Lacy had been dating an older white woman who, along with Lacy’s family, has said she does not believe the teen killed himself. Though he had been grieving the recent death of a greatuncle, the West Bladen High School junior, JROTC member and football player was looking forward to playing his first game of the season the same day his body was found. He had even laundered and laid out his uniform in anticipation. Following public outcry over the case, and spurred by a report from an independent medical pathologist hired by the North Carolina NAACP that raised questions about the thoroughness and conclusions of the local probe, the FBI is now investigating. At a memorial service for Lacy held at Bladenboro’s First Missionary Baptist Church on Aug. 28, which marked a year since the teen was last seen alive, officials with the N.C. NAACP offered updates about the case: * About a month ago, the FBI interviewed Lacy’s mother, Claudia Lacy. “There is some indication they’re developing a renewed interest in this,” N.C. NAACP attorney Al McSurely told the gathering. * Two people came to the N.C. NAACP with information suggesting Lacy’s death was not a suicide; they were referred to law enforcement. The group’s president, Rev. Dr. William Barber, described the stories they told

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Briefly COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER HAS NEW NAME, EXPANDED SERVICES

Elected officials joined us in announcing our new name. From left: Penny Washington, CEO; Ben Money, President and CEO, NC Community Health Center Association; Wake County Commissioner Dr. James West, Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane; and Raleigh City Councilman Eugene Weeks. (Submitted Photo)

of Business and Finance. Closs brings with him a wealth of business and financial experience spanning more than 30 years. Closs is a corporate and institutional financial consultant. He held various roles of increasing responsibility at North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance in Durham, NC including the Chief Financial Officer and the Executive Vice President. He is on the board of directors and chairman for the audit committee at Mechanics & Farmers Bank, and on the board of directors for North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company and M&F Bancorp. He has been a member of the Financial Executives Institute since 1992. Closs earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and business administration from Morehouse College and a MBA the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. His appointment was effective August 18th.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AWARDS SAINT AUGUSTINE’S UNIVERSITY A $1.5 MILLION GRANT

RALEIGH, NC - It’s official: 43-year-old Community Health Center has changed its name to Advance Community Health. The name was changed to distinguish the Center from government human service agencies and to represent communities served beyond Wake County. The new name reflects the expanded offerings and transformation of the organization. It speaks to the commitment to quality care for the families and communities they serve. “Our Board of Trustees has long-recognized the need to change our name,” commented Elaine Brown, chairwoman of the Board of Trustees. “This was the perfect window of opportunity with a new building and expanded services. We’ve changed, and our new name reflects who are are today, and who we strive to be in the future.” Many of our expanded services will be centralized in a new 25,000 sq. ft. Community Health Center building at 1001 Rock Quarry Road. This fall, patients can access current services and new ones in one convenient, central location. It is located right next door to our current Rock Quarry Road Family Medicine location. To read more about our name change, and for a comprehensive listing of services, locations and contact information, please visit our new website: www.advancechc.org.

NCCU AWARDED $200,000 FROM DELTA SIGMA THETA FOR UTERINE FIBROID RESEARCH

(Pictured L to R) Dr. Thelma T. Daley, 16th National President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. members; Dr. Harriet F. Davis, Vice Chancellor, NCCU Institutional Advancement; Dr. Paulette Walker, National President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.; Dr. Joan Prince, Chair, Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair Task Force (Photo: Sharon Farmer) DURHAM, NC – North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has been granted the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair Award. The $200,000 award will support university efforts in integrated biosciences that focus on uterine fibroid tumor research. Uterine fibroids affect 80 percent of women, bringing complications that can be devastating and detrimental to quality of life. The award was presented at Delta Sigma Theta’s 52nd National Convention in Houston, Texas, on July 25, 2015. Dr. Harriet F. Davis, vice chancellor for institutional advancement, accepted the award on NCCU’s behalf during the sorority’s public meeting. Delta Sigma Theta awards the grant biennially to a historically black college or university (HBCU) that provides support for a professor of distinction to be in residence to teach or conduct research. The grant will allow Dr. Darlene K. Taylor, NCCU associate chemistry professor, to partner with the Campion Fund of the Phyllis and Mark Leppert Foundation for Fertility Research. The group will conduct uterine fibroid research and host a public conference titled “Uterine Fibroids: What Every Woman Needs to Know.” The conference will take place at NCCU Mary M. Townes Science Building on Oct. 10, 2015.

SAINT AUGUSTINE’S UNIVERSITY APPOINTS NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER/VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE

RALEIGH, NC – Certified Public Accountant Willie T. Closs Jr. has been appointed by Saint Augustine’s University’s President Everett B. Ward, Ph.D. as the new Chief Financial Officer and Vice President

Raleigh, NC – Saint Augustine’s University’s (SAU) Academic Achievers/TRIO Programs has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Education for a five-year period from 2015 to 2020. The University will receive an annual amount of $310,810, which totals to $1,554,050. Out of 1,476 proposals submitted, SAU was one of 1,071 that w selected to receive funding by the U.S. Department of Education. According to Antonio C. Stephens, director of the SAU Academic Achievers/Office of TRIO Programs, the mission of The SAU Academic Achievers/TRIO Program, at SAU since 1978, provides academic services and a supportive environment in order to retain and graduate low-income, first generation and/or disabled college students. The Academic Achievers/TRIO Programs has been at SAU since 1978. This federal grant will enable SAU to provide the motivation and advocacy necessary for low-income, first-generation, and disabled students to complete a program of study in the attainment of a bachelor’s degree. Eligible students will be provided mandatory and permissible services which include including academic one-toone tutoring, individual needs assessment, academic advisement, financial literacy and economic literacy, financial aid counseling, career and/or graduate school counseling, peer mentoring, assistance with writing and technology, academic progress checks, academic enrichment workshops, cultural enrichment and supplemental grant-aid. The University serves 190 participants annually through the Academic Achievers/TRIO Program.

SHAW UNIVERSITY NAMES CLARENDA STANLEY-ANDERSON VP FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

RALEIGH, NC – Shaw University President Dr. Tashni Dubroy has named Clarenda Stanley-Anderson as the University’s new vice president for institutional advancement. Stanley-Anderson previously served as the Director of Development and Communications at the Lucy Daniels Center, the largest nonprofit provider of children’s mental and emotional health services in the Triangle. As vice president for institutional advancement, Stanley-Anderson will provide executive-level operational management and supervision of alumni relations, annual giving, major gifts, corporate relations, sponsored programs, public relations, stewardship and the University radio station. In addition, Stanley-Anderson will advance the University’s mission, strategic goals, priorities and objectives through substantial fundraising. She is a veteran fundraiser and marketing professional with more than 14 years of experience. Her efforts have resulted in more than $30 million raised. Stanley-Anderson has worked for both higher education and nonprofit institutions, including North Carolina Central University and Savannah Technical College. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in marketing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and received a Master of Education with a concentration in psychology and counseling from Troy University. She has also earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) professional designation. Active in the community, Stanely-Anderson is the former Board President for the Association for Fundraising Professionals – Triangle Chapter, serves on the Town of Cary Public Arts Advisory Board and on the executive committee for Cary Visual Arts.

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE |September 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

ATTORNEY GENERAL ROY COOPER, RITZ-CARLTON AND CIAA REACH AGREEMENT OVER SERVICE CHARGE Ritz to pay refunds to consumers who paid extra charge, donate $75,000 for CIAA scholarships RALEIGH, NC - The Ritz-Carlton will pay refunds to consumers, fund college scholarships and clearly notify customers about any future special service fees under an agreement announced in July between the Ritz, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Office of Attorney General Roy Cooper. Consumers who visited the Lobby Lounge at the Ritz in Charlotte during the CIAA Basketball Tournament in late February, 2015 complained that an extra service charge was unexpectedly added to their bills. Following complaints from consumers, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division launched an investigation into the charge. The agreement resolves that investigation. About the agreement Under the agreement, the Ritz will: • Pay refunds to consumers who paid the service charge. • Notify customers if a special service charge will be applied to their bill by disclosing the fee in writing in the menu and having servers remind customers about the charge. • Donate $75,000 to the CIAA Scholarship Fund. • Pay $5,000 to the NC Department of Justice for consumer protection efforts.

How to claim refunds Eligible consumers have 90 days to apply to get money back. Consumers who believe they are eligible for a refund should take the following steps: • File a consumer complaint with the Consumer Protection Division online at ncdoj.gov, call 1-877-5-NO- SCAM toll-free within North Carolina to request a complaint form in the mail, or send a letter requesting a refund to: Consumer Protection Attorney General’s Office Mail Service Center 9001 Raleigh, NC 27699-9001 • Include a copy of your bill, credit card or bank statement, or some other record that indicates the amount of service charge paid. The Attorney General’s Office will forward all requests for refunds to the Ritz. Consumers who have previously filed a complaint with the Attorney General about Ritz service charges do not need to file a new complaint. “I encourage consumers to apply immediately if they believe they’re due a refund,” Cooper said.

www.spectacularmag.com | September 2015 | SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE

WRONGLY CONVICTED BROTHERS EACH GET $750,000 IN COMPENSATION confessions saying they were part of a group that killed the youngster. McCollum was 19, Brown 15. But the DNA on the cigarette didn’t match either one of them, and fingerprints on the beer can weren’t theirs either. No physical evidence connected them to the crime. The current district attorney for Robeson County, who didn’t prosecute McCollum and Brown, has said he is considering charging the man whose DNA was found on the cigarette butt. That man is in prison for another murder. McCollum listed some of the things he enjoys about freedom: “Being out here, to be able to breathe the air. To be able to walk around as a free man. To be able to walk down that street with my head up high.” Henry McCollum, left, and brother Leon Brown (submitted photo) RALEIGH, NC (AP) — When two brothers were released after three decades of wrongful imprisonment, they struggled to adapt to an outside world neither had experienced since they were teenagers. The older one has managed to adjust and keep his “head up high,” but the younger one, according to his family, is a broken man.

the money will enable him to support himself and help his family.

On Sept. 2nd, the state of North Carolina sought to make amends, awarding each man $750,000 for the time they spent behind bars after they falsely confessed to taking part in the killing of an 11-year-old girl.

Their attorney said the money will be put in a trust and invested so that the brothers can live off the earnings and won’t have to work.

Henry McCollum, 51, appeared calm as a state official approved the maximum payout under the law to him and half-brother Leon Brown, 47. Brown did not attend the hearing; he is in the hospital, suffering from mental health problems including post-traumatic stress disorder, the brothers’ lawyer said.

North Carolina is among 30 states that have laws for compensating people wrongfully convicted, according to the Innocence Project. But North Carolina stands alone with its Innocence Inquiry Commission, set up to investigate disputed cases. It performed the DNA testing that set the brothers free.

McCollum and Brown were released last September after a judge threw out their convictions, citing new DNA evidence that points to another man in the 1983 rape and slaying of Sabrina Buie. McCollum had been the longestserving inmate on North Carolina’s death row. Brown had been sentenced to life in prison. They were pronounced innocent in June by Gov. Pat McCrory, who issued pardons that made them eligible for compensation. McCollum, who has been living with his sister in the Fayetteville area, said

Meanwhile, Brown has been hospitalized at least six times in the last year for mental health problems that include hallucinations and deep

“My family, they have struggled for years and years,” he said. “It’s hard out there for them, and I want to help them.”

Sabrina’s body was found in a soybean field in rural Robeson County, with a cigarette butt, a beer can and two bloody sticks nearby. Attorneys for the two brothers say that they were scared teenagers with low IQs and that investigators berated them and fed them details about the crime before they signed

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE |September 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

depression, attorney Patrick Megaro said. Both men were bullied and attacked behind bars, and Brown was sexually assaulted repeatedly by other inmates, according to a lawsuit brought by Megaro against county authorities and others. The brothers were initially given death sentences. In 1988, the state Supreme Court threw out their convictions and ordered new trials. McCollum was again sent to death row, while Brown was found guilty of rape and sentenced to life. The Associated Press normally does not identify victims of sexual assault, but Megaro said Brown and his family were willing to make the information public to show how he suffered. The men’s sister, Geraldine Brown, said her brother Leon is “really sick” from his time in prison. “He did not go in that way,” she said. “They snatched him from my mother as a baby.”

BALLIN’ OUT

SPORTS

By Lawrence “King Law” Davis

TRIANGLE TEAMS ‘READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL’ DUKE

ECU

Coming into the season with two of your best linebackers out with injuries made the task of starting the season successfully difficult for Coach David Cutcliffe and the Duke Blue Devils. After the first two games, I can say they are passing that test with flying colors. Duke held Tulane to only seven points in New Orleans, then returned home to a newly renovated stadium to shut out NCCU 55-0.

I was lucky enough to be able to cover the East Carolina home opener vs. Towson a few weeks ago. I was eager to see how they would do this year after losing a few key weapons on offense. They faced a tough and fundamentally sound Towson team who battled them tightly. They won behind the breakout effort from Chris Hairston, who had four rushing touchdowns that night.

Sirk Photo by: Olen Kelley III game by game.” This is certainly fitting for someone who had to fill the huge shoes of Kelby Brown. However, the Blue Devils are outscoring opponents 92-7. That breaks the school-record of points through two games which was set back in 1950 with 90 points in the span of two games.

Carmichael Photo by: Olen Kelley III Gap containment is important to stopping the run and the young defense is really grasping that concept. Duke is holding opponents to only 39.5 rushing yards per game. Sophomore linebacker Zavier Carmichael mentioned that “[he has] seen good things from [himself] with fitting in gaps properly, taking the back man if [he has] to…I see myself getting better

QB Thomas Sirk is starting to find his groove behind the wheel of what is looking like it could be a high powered offense. Sirk has thrown for 604 yard and five touchdowns, completing a little under 68 percent of his passes. Duke will have two huge tests against the run game coming up as they host #23 Northwestern and #14 Georgia Tech. Both teams have been seeing success via the run and Georgia Tech has put up 134 points in their first two game. Duke will need to stay strong if they want to be a contender for another ACC Coastal Championship.

a while.” He then mentioned that it was “right away” when he started to feel comfortable in the game and that “with the guys we got up front, those guys all played super well and it really helped me feel comfortable.”

The Pirates would fall to the Florida Gators down in Gainesville in a nail-biter 31-24. This was a highly anticipated rematch from the Birmingham Bowl this past January, where the Gators would stop ECU’s comeback attempt in the final seconds. QB Blake Kemp also impressed me, This matchup was no different. Kemp lost the ball on a pass play inside the red zone with less than 20 seconds left that was recovered by Florida to seal the deal. Had East Carolina scored, they could have either tied or won the game after being down 31-17 with 6:57 left in the game. The Pirates will look to bounce back as they travel to Annapolis to Blake Kemp and Spectacular Magazine Sports face Navy before Columnist Lawrence Davis III returning home Photo by: Olen Kelley III to host Virginia Tech September 26th. making quick decisions and accurate throws to keep the offense marching throughout the night. He was tabbed North Carolina Central University as the backup quarterback until Kurt opened the season on a big note, Benkert hurt his knee two weeks blanking the St. Augustine Falcons before the season and will miss the 72-0 in front of a home crowd. The 72 remaining of the year. I asked Kemp points scored were the second most if it was difficult preparing to be the in school history, trailing the 85-0 starter only two weeks before the shutout effort against Fort Jackson season and he told me that “it really State back in 1946. Cornerback Mike was [difficult] but we practice so much that it can become second nature after SPORTS CONTINUES ON PAGE 34

NCCU

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SPORTS CONTINUES

■

schematically, NCCU had become very close to Duke’s offense. Jerry Mack has really admired Coach Cutcliffe and how he turned Duke Football from

Williams Jones Photo by: Olen Kelley III Jones’ 145 punt return yards set a new school record. The Eagles would be flying high into a matchup of the Durham universities until they were overwhelmed 55-0.

a joke to competing each season for a conference title. Coach Mack has looked to turn his Eagles into the same form, and I believe he has his team right where they need to be. Now you never want to be on the ugly end of a blowout but maybe this could be the reality check that Central could use

UNC

After opening the season on a sour note with a tough loss to South Carolina, the Tar Heels bounced back strongly with a 53-14 home win over NC A&T. Marquise Williams threw for 211 yards and two touchdowns while only missing five pass attempts the whole game. North Carolina put up 463 total yards on their opponents and forced the Aggies to turn the ball over three times. Carolina will remain in Kenan Stadium for their next two games versus Illinois and Delaware.

Dayes interceptions. Without turnovers, you increase your chances of winning and I am sure Dave Doeren has that embedded in his teams head. They have only one turnover so far and their run game is looking very solid without Shadrach Thornton who was

Jacoby Brissett

NC STATE

Spectacular Magazine Sports Columnist Lawrence Davis III interviews former high school teammate, now NCCU DL Mike Riley Photo by: Olen Kelley III I talked to Long Snapper Mike Riley after the game who told me that he “did not expect [us] to get beat like that.” Realistically, I did not expect them to end up like that either. I thought that this was the year that

moving forward as a teaching point. The Eagles will travel to face Florida International before returning home to host Bethune-Cookman on October 3rd.

North Carolina State is out to a strong start to their season after two huge wins in Carter-Finley Stadium. The Wolfpack defeated Troy 49-21 to open the season before blanking Eastern Kentucky 35-0. Jacoby Brissett’s numbers don’t necessarily pop out at you, throwing for 412 yards and three touchdowns on the year. The one big thing that stands out to me is the zero

suspended before the season. Matt Dayes has really took sole possession of the running back position and is doing himself some justice. Dayes has reached the century mark in each game so far, rushing for 126 yards and two touchdowns versus Troy and 116 yards and three touchdowns versus EKU. NC State will travel for their next two games before returning back to Raleigh to host Louisville as they open ACC play.

King Law

Lawrence “King Law” Davis III 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

R.I.P. Lawrence Davis, Jr. #DavisStrong

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE |September 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

LIFESTYLES

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION EFFORT CONTINUES TO SAVE HOMES

7,000 African-American homeowners helped so far By Brian Rapp What do an insurance adjuster in Raleigh, a single mother in Clayton, and a restaurant owner in Wilmington have in common? All of them were in danger of having their home foreclosed on because of an unexpected financial setback –victims of the Great Recession that cost millions their jobs and many, their homes. Fortunately, a five-year-old program created to help North Carolina stem that flood of foreclosures was able to help this trio get back on their feet – along with 20,000 of their fellow homeowners. Statewide, more than 7,000 African-American homeowners have received assistance through the Fund; in Durham County, AfricanAmerican borrowers account for 63 percent of more than 700 who have received assistance. The North Carolina Foreclosure Prevention Fund, administered by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, pays the mortgage for unemployed workers while they seek jobs or complete job training. Other homeowners who have gotten behind on their payments because of divorce, illness or other temporary hardship and veterans transitioning to civilian life and enrolled in school on the GI Bill may also qualify. Funds are from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s “Hardest Hit Fund,” made available in 2010 to North Carolina, 17 other states and the District of Columbia because of high unemployment rates or falling home prices. More than 32,700 foreclosure notices were filed in state courts in 2014, and as of June 1, 79 of North Carolina’s 100 counties still had unemployment rates above the 5.5-percent national average. Since October 2010, the N.C. Foreclosure Prevention Fund has saved more than $2.8 billion in property from foreclosure – and protected an additional $765 million in

surrounding property value from potential depreciation. For homeowners who qualify, the housing agency makes monthly payments for mortgage, taxes, insurance, and even homeowners dues, up to $36,000 or 36 months, directly to loan servicers. Afterward, the owners resume their own mortgage payments. The help is provided as a zero-interest, deferred loan. If the homeowner continues to live in the home for at least 10 years, the loan is considered satisfied and no repayment is required. The N.C. Foreclosure Prevention Fund also offers loans to pay off second mortgages for homeowners who have found new jobs but are still unable to make their monthly mortgage payments because of reduced income. Paying off the second mortgage often reduces the total monthly payments to a level the homeowner can afford. The assistance is a zero-interest, deferred payment loan of up to $30,000 plus all related fees. Borrowers must have a good mortgage payment history for six months prior to the initial job loss or hardship. The loan is only paid back when the homeowner sells or refinances the home. Homeowners do not have to be behind on mortgage payments to apply for assistance. How well has the program worked? Of the 20,000 homeowners who have received loans since 2010, more than 14,000 have completed the program and resumed their own mortgage payments. Of those, almost 98 percent have avoided foreclosure. Funds are available to assist approximately 2,000 more homeowners. Eligible homeowners (see “You May Be Eligible”) can apply for the program through one of six participating HUDapproved counseling agencies serving the Triangle: Durham Regional Financial Center, Durham, 919-688-3381 Reinvestment Partners, Durham, 919667-1000

THIS IS YOUR LIFE By Del Mattioli

LIFE INSURANCE IS THE ONLY PRODUCT TO ESTABLISH VALUE ON HUMAN LIFE’S LOSS!

According to the US Census bureau about 2.5 million people die every year in the United States. That’s from all causes and all ages. Assuming all days are equal that means that about 6850 people die every day in our country. There is over 400 billion dollars in unclaimed money in the United States held by banks, life insurance companies, other companies and governments. Although the value and amount of unclaimed life insurance benefits due from paid up life insurance policies of deceased is not known, life insurance companies are among the largest holders of paid up and dormant life insurance policies unclaimed benefits. Why does this happen? Loved ones, parents, relatives submit beneficiary names and NEVER let the beneficiary know that their information was given to the financial institution or the representative. Think about this — no Social Security number or address was required to be submitted —just a name and sometimes the name is misspelled. Also in some cases beneficiaries are never changed when a divorce or life’s events takes place. Ex-spouses may receive funds that were intended for a current family. Another reason this may have occurred is because seniors, elders and cultural beliefs enabled secret business to be kept to themselves only. There are steps to find “lost” life insurance on deceased loved ones. States are stepping up to Consumer Credit Counseling at Triangle Family Services, Raleigh, 919-821-0790 Raleigh Area Development Authority, Raleigh, 919-807-8400 Telamon Corporation, Raleigh, 919899-9911 Centre for Homeownership & Economic Development Corporation,

the plate to assist consumers with this problem. North Carolina Department of Insurance can help. NC Department of Insurance has created the “Lost Life Insurance and Annuity Inquiry Service” to help consumers locate benefits from life insurance policies or annuity contracts purchased in North Carolina. Executors, legal representatives, individuals of the associated with a deceased person may inquire. Information that may also be beneficial: Retain incoming mail, check canceled checks, credit cards receipts, contact lists for any insurance agencies, employment, friends, church community, lock box, between bed mattresses and deep drawers in the home. Seek out the responsible company that may have issued a policy and the check to see if the name of the issuing insurance company has changed—if that is the case usually another insurance company assumed or has committed to honor the contract (check the declaration page on the original policy). Recommendations: Upon making the decision to apply for life insurance ----- Know your purpose, decide on face amount, type of coverage and how long you want it to last, choose a convenient premium amount to pay continually, select wresponsible beneficiary designation, inform beneficiaries, choose the ownership of policy — if not yourself. When minor children are designated beneficiary— take the time to give deep thought of whom to choose to know about the life insurance. Del Mattioli, MBA, LUTCF, CLTC has over 30 years of experience with Financial Services, Life Insurance and Coordinating Estate and End of Life Directives.

Hillsborough, 919-241-4718 or can apply online at www. NCForeclosurePrevention.gov For more information about their eligibility, homeowners should call a participating counseling agency or the information line, 1-888-623-8631, or go to www. NCForeclosurePrevention.gov

www.spectacularmag.com | September 2015 | SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE

HEALTH TIP

CHILDHOOD OBESITY SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL CHILDHOOD OBESITY AWARENESS MONTH • Greater risk for bone/joint problems, sleep pnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem. • Higher likelihood to be obese as adults, which is associated with heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer and osteoarthritis. A Look at the Epidemic at a Glance

Brothers Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in the United States. However, research consistently shows that certain racial and ethnic communities are disproportionately affected. Sharply higher rates of overweight and obesity have occurred among African-American, Latino, American Indian and Alaskan Native children and adolescents. Although the Center for Disease Control reports a 40% decrease in the obesity rate of children ages 2 to 5 years old, children of minority communities have not yet shown as much of a decrease in obesity rates.

• The food industry spends $1.6 billion marketing its products to children and adolescents, disproportionately to children of minorities • 35% of American children are overweight or obese • On an average visit to a fast-food restaurant, teens ordered 800-1,100 calories in a single meal -- half of their recommended daily caloric intake • Children ages 8 to 18 spend about 7.5 hours per day using TV/ computer/video games compared to 12 minutes engaged in vigorous physical activity • Increases in television viewing are associated with increased calorie intake among youth. How to Prevent Childhood Obesity

Dr. Matthew Brothers, pediatric cardiologist at Novant Health Pediatric Cardiology in Charlotte, NC says, “The success of our communities is dependent on the health of our children. Childhood obesity is one of the biggest preventable threats to our future.” North Carolina has the 23rd highest childhood obesity rate in the United States. Currently 31.4% of youth in North Carolina are overweight. Obese children are more likely to become obese adults. And if you’re overweight as a child, your obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe. It is therefore more important to make changes while you’re young.

Avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, such as juices, soda, and treats. Don't deprive children of occasional treats, however. This can make them more likely to overeat. Be active! Children and teens should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week, and every day if possible. Create a family culture that supports a healthy lifestyle. Choose healthful foods and participate in physical activity as a family

What are the Consequences of Childhood Obesity?

Health Tip is a message from Community Health Coalition, Inc. and is written in partnership with Central Carolina Black Nurses’ Council Inc., The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Durham and Vicinity, and Duke Regional Hospital.

• Increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. • Increased risk of “prediabetes,” a condition that is associated with a high risk of developing diabetes.

For More Information www.healthykidshealthyfuture.org www.letsmove.gov www.kidshealth.org

REMEMBER Healthy People 2020: A Clear Vision to Healthy Living!

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE |September 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

SAMANTHA’S INFINITE SOLUTIONS SILVER IS THE NEW BLACK “The” Color For Fall

Make a bold fashion statement this fall with silver hues. The illuminating color palette was very much present (garments, hair, make-up, jewelry, etc.) on the runways of New York, London, Paris, and Milan. Everywhere, trendsetters to the diehard fashionistas, will be taking their hair color to that next level of excitement for the fall season.

| Osiria

Osiria is a conservative, trendsetting teenager. Soul silver functional (items that can be mixed and matched) pieces are a must. This beautiful lightweight silver bomber style jacket can be worn with blue jeans, a skirt, or leggings. Osiria’s silver cargo pants can be worn with a sweater, blazer, and yes, even your favorite tee shirt. The lightweight bomber and cargo pants are perfectly suited for Osiria’s afternoon outing (lunch and a movie) with friends. A sleek, playful, high genie clip-in ponytail gives this temporarily-gone gray youngster an ultra modern look

|Chasity

| Nea

Nea is a daring, work hard, play even harder slave to fashion, with an amazing social life. Naturally she wants to look amazing while socializing. Nea’s silver metallic link top and electric pink silver shimmering skirt has her lighting up the night. Nea’s silver and electric pink tiedye clip in hair extensions are the perfect accident to carry out Nea’s radiant vibe.

As a business professional the color silver will be her ally. It is a sophisticated shade that screams feminine power at its best. Chasity’s silver’s sister, charcoal, wardrobe reflects intuition, strength and wisdom, and that there is no obstacle she can’t overcome. The silver and black ombre updo lends a distinguished edge to Chasity’s sleek yet elegant powerhouse persona

The Hair Coloring Specialist at C’ameleon Infinite Salon Solution can safely provide any guest with the natural or unnatural color hue they desire. Contact us for a consultation today.

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Wardrobe stylist: Samantha Huntley Hair stylist: Samantha Huntley Photographer: Cammel Hurse

1920 East Hwy 54, Suite #220 Durham, NC 27713 Phone: (919) 599-6525 Mention this column and receive a 15% discount on any hair service. Walk-ins welcome.

Samantha Huntley

www.spectacularmag.com | September 2015 | SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE

ENTERTAINMENT

DID U KNOW?...

OPRAH SNAGS STARRING ROLE IN RICHARD PRYOR BIOPIC WITH EDDIE MURPHY & MIKE EPPS The speculation has come to an end. Oprah has confirmed that she’ll be one of the leads in the long-awaited Richard Pryor biopic being directed by Lee Daniels. Oprah will be playing Pryor’s grandmother, Marie Carter, who ran a brothel from the home in which Pryor was raised. Carter employed her daughter (the same woman who was Pryor’s biological mother) in the house of ill-repute. Also confirmed to be in the film are Eddie Murphy, who will play Pryor’s father, Leroy “Buck Carter” Pryor, Kate Hudson, who will play Murphy, Oprah, and Epps the late comedian’s wife, Jennifer Lee Pryor, and finally, Mike Epps, who will be playing Pryor himself. The film is scheduled to start shooting in March 2016 when Daniels wraps up the second season of Empire on FOX. Pryor is frequently upheld as one of the most influential comedians of all time. Both Epps and Murphy have spoken at length about the impact that Pryor’s vulgar, yet socially conscious comedy had on their own careers. Pryor was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986 and underwent triple heart bypass surgery in 1990. In 2005, he died of a heart attack in his Los Angeles home at the age of 65.

EMPIRE SEASON 2 WILL BE EVEN MORE STAR-STUDDED

Fox

Can the Empire cast get any more star-studded? Apparently, it can. Viviva A. Fox is joining the cast of the acclaimed show, and she will be playing the big sister of Taraji P. Henson’s Cookie Lyon. With this announcement, Fox will be joining an already astounding list of A-listers joining the show, with names like Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Ne-Yo, Kelly Rowland, Chris Rock, Andre Leon Talley, Swizz Beatz and more. That’s a lot of talent, and a lot of guest stars. With so many huge names lending their talent to Empire, we’re just counting down the days until Season Two gets going. The season kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 9 PM EST on Fox.

WILL AND JADA DONATE $150K TO FARRAKHAN’S JUSTICE OR ELSE’ MARCH Louis Farrakhan’s Justice…Or Else! rally will take place at 10 am on October 10 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his Million Man March. In early September, Minister Farrakhan spoke at Philadelphia’s Tindley Temple United Methodist Church to mobilize support for the rally, and he announced that Philly native Will Smith and his wife, Jada, donated $150,000 to support the event. Even with the Smiths’ significant contribution, Vibe reports that the Justice…Or Else! march needs to raise nearly $2 million to effectively raise awareness. Farrakhan has called on other celebrities to donate and aid in the movement’s Will & Jada efforts. For those wanting to travel to Washington, D.C., Spectacular Magazine has buses leaving from Raleigh & Durham. Visit www. spectacularmag.com for more information.

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