SPECTACULAR
Magazine September/October 2009
AREA HBCU HOMECOMING ACTIVITY GUIDE THE U.S. CONSTITUTION: FRIEND OR FOE? HAYTI THE HERITAGE: THE LEGACY OF BLACK AMERICA
PEACE MISSIONARY BAPTIST TURNS 35
SHAW UNIVERSITY — ON THE MOVE WITH NEW INTERIM PRESIDENT
DR. DOROTHY COWSER YANCY COVER STORY ON PAGE 11
"Changing and Building Community Through Spirit Renewal"
RE-ELECT CORA COLE-MCFADDEN WARD 1 DURHAM CITY COUNCIL A Proven Change Agent!
Vote for Continued Progress! Endorsed by: Sheriff Police Association, Police Benevolence Association, Triangle Labor Union/North Carolina AFL-CIO, The Friends of Durham, The People's Alliance, The Independent Weekly, and The Triangle Tribune
Website: www.corafordurham09
Email: cocomac@verizon.net
Paid for by the Committee to Re-Elect Cora Cole-McFadden
Telephone: 477-8995
www.spectacularmag.com
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
3
lence laws and improving services for our seniors. The following information highlights just some of the legislation that we have passed this session to help us achieve these goals.
FRO M THE OFFICES
_Youth employment protections will be enhanced by requiring the labor commissioner to report on youth employment enforcement activities under a new state OCTOBER ‘09 LEGISLATIVE REPORT law (S.L. 2009-139). The law will enhance the safety of children in the workplace by making more information available on One of our chief responsibilities in the General Assembly is to work to level the workplace violations. playing field for all the people of North Carolina. Children, seniors, minorities and other often vulnerable groups sometimes face challenges they cannot address on _The fine for first-time violators of the state’s child labor law will be doubled their own and they need our help. Our caucus set goals to help these people from $250 to $500. The law (S.L. 2009-351) also creates a $1,000 to fine a comwhere we could. This month I want to share some of these successes with you. pany up to $14,000 for workplace safety violations that injure a worker younger SOCIAL JUSTICE - We worked to provide fairness in the criminal justice system, than 18, which is double the amount of the previous maximum fine. There are regulations in place that bar young workers from performing a host of hazardous equal access to justice, compensation to those who have been wronged by the jobs, and this law is meant to act as a stronger deterrence against employer viostate and protection to victims and vulnerable populations. The following informalations. tion highlights some of the legislation that we have passed this session to help us achieve these goals. _The Nicolas Adkins School Bus Safety Act has been signed into law (S.L. 2009147). The new law allows evidence from automated camera and video recording _The North Carolina Racial Justice Act has been signed into law (S.L. 2009-464). systems to be used to detect and prosecute drivers who pass stopped school buses. The intent of the law is to provide fair imposition of capital sentences by lessenThe law is named for a 16-year-old student killed in Rockingham County earlier ing the change that the death penalty will be imposed based on race. The law this year after a driver who passed his stopped school bus struck him with her applies retroactively for the first year. Opponents worry the change will delay pendcar. ing executions and clog the court system, but that has not been the experience in Kentucky, the only other state with a similar law. _A new state law amends the procedure for obtaining a domestic violence protective order or civil no-contact order and clarifies the enforcement and applica_A new state law will provide free forensic medical examinations for victims of tion of a penalty enhancement if a defendant commits an offense while under a rape and sexual offenses (S.L. 2009-354). Victims could previously be held respondomestic violence protective order (S.L. 2009-342). The law also supports the develsible for a co-pay or portion of a deductible payment. The law also encourages opment of a statewide domestic violence protective order notification system and victims to seek compensation for other medical expenses related to the rape or directs the appropriate entities to study state oversight and coordination of servsexual offense from the Victims Compensation Program Fund. ices for victims of sexual violence. _We have ratified legislation intended to help prevent racial profiling by law offi_We have passed legislation to clarify domestic violence laws regarding when a cers by changing how they collect traffic statistics (SB 464). The legislation also law enforcement officer shall arrest a person who has knowingly violated a valid provides that when a law enforcement officer arrests an adult who is supervising protective order. (S.L. 2009-389). minor children, the minors must be placed with a responsible adult approved by the parent or guardian or with social workers if an adult is not readily available. _We passed a new law to clarify that a Silver Alert may be issued for a person of any age (S.L. 2009-143). The Silver Alert System is a statewide system used to _The state will be required to collect, maintain and publish statistics on the use notify people about missing persons believed to be suffering from dementia or of deadly force by law enforcement that results in death under a new state law other cognitive impairments. (S.L. 2009-106). _This year’s budget includes $250,000 for planning efforts associated with providing compensation to persons sterilized by the state’s Eugenics Sterilization Program (HB 20). In North Carolina , more than 7,600 people were sterilized between 1929 and 1978 by the state’s Eugenics Sterilization Program. Some of the victims of the program were disabled or mentally disabled, but others were victimized simply because they were poor or black. _A new anti-bullying law has been ratified by the General Assembly and signed into law (S.L. 2009-212). The legislation requires public school districts to approve anti-bullying measures that name specific groups as possible targets. The legislation defines bullying as behavior that places students or school employees in fear of harm or damage to their property. _The state’s 2005 Anti-Identity Theft Protection Laws will be expanded under a new state law (S.L. 2009-355). Consumers in North Carolina can now be issued a security freeze on their credit at no cost. The law will do a number of other things as well, including authorizing certain court officials to remove Social Security numbers from documents on their Web sites and compelling businesses and government agencies to report all security breaches, not just those that affect more than 1,000 people, to the Attorney General’s office.
CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND SENIORS - We worked to protect our children and seniors by strengthening child labor laws for our youth, clarifying our domestic vio4
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
_Taking indecent liberties with a student would be added to the list of sex offenses that require registration under the sex offender and public protection registration program under a bill that has been ratified by the General Assembly (HB 209). _We have passed a new law to ensure that violence in schools is reported to the local superintendent or the superintendent’s designee (S.L. 2009-410). The law also requires local boards of education to adopt a policy on notification to the parents or legal guardians of students alleged to be victims of any act required to be reported to law enforcement and the superintendent. _ Convicted sex offenders can now be banned for life from contacting a victim under a new law (S.L. 2009-380) that has been signed by the governor. The permanent no-contact order can be issued by a judge at the request of the district attorney. I hope you will contact me if you have questions, or if I can be of service. Thank you as always for your support and your interest in our state.
Larry D. Hall
Please remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website at www.ncleg.net. Once on the site, select “audio,” and then make your selection – House Chamber, Senate Chamber, Appropriations Committee Room or Press Conference Room.
www.spectacularmag.com
From The Publisher’s Desk... GET READY - CHANGE IS A COMIN’ When a new columnist or writer comes on board at Spectacular Magazine, I always introduce them to the readers in the section in which their work appears. Now that I have added to the Spectacular Magazine’s Senior Executive Staff, I want you to get to know the new members of my team. I would like to introduce the new Vice President of Operations for Spectacular Magazine, Mr. Gary Jones. Jones possesses a B.A. in Business Management from Shaw University and a MBA from the University of Phoenix where he is currently a doctoral candidate. He will be responsible for evaluating and developing procedures and techniques for maintaining high standards of product quality and reliability. Mr. Jones will achieve this by determining and enforcing Gary Jones through functional groups productivity and quality requirements in accordance with real company needs based on state-of-the-art product development. Mr. Jones will also serve as Spectacular Magazine's Entertainment Editor. He is the founder of Y-Rag Entertainment Music Group, a creative outlet for artists to expose their talent through networking schemes, independent promotions, marketing and management as well as providing an opportunity for artists to be viewed. Y-Rag Entertainment is supported by leadership tactics of the founder, a pioneer in promotions and marketing. Mr. Jones has extensive experience in the entertainment industry having worked with record labels, radio stations, and clubs as a DJ, as well as, with theatrical productions and concert promotions. This experience has afforded him the opportunity to obtain wide-ranging knowledge of several entertainment genres. Jones believes success is the reward that will be granted through hard work, trust, loyalty and faith. With strong leadership skills gathered from experience and education Jones will bring new ideas and perspective to Spectacular Magazine while maintaining the status quo. Each month Mr. Jones will bring you the "Unsigned Artist of the Month," a feature on an independent recording artist that Jones feels has talent and music worthy of major exposure; and "Ear to the Streets" highlighting a hot DJ and his play list. Readers, please check out the first installment of Unsigned Artist of the Month on page 46 and Ear to the Streets on page 47. Also joining the Senior Executive Staff as Marketing & Sales Director www.spectacularmag.com
for the Triangle is Ms. Angie Steele. Ms. Steele, a Shaw University graduate, is a seasoned professional with experience executing programs, media and public relations strategies across diverse indusPhyllis D. Coley tries, including technology, and entertainment. Over the years she has helped businesses maximize their exposure by securing national radio and television placement, and print media. Ms. Steele is also a freelance writer and an advocate for positive children's programming. She has a passion for television programming and has managed the live production of a major television ministry here in the Raleigh/Durham area with programming aired locally. She has written stage plays, and is the producer of a children's animation series called the Adventures of Warner D.
Angie Steele As Marketing and Sales Director, Ms. Steele will be in charge of all sales activities, departments and personnel involved in Sales and Marketing for the Company. She will provide leadership of the sales department, while maintaining focus on the company's strategic goals; develop and/or maintain and improve business relations with all customers of company; seek out and target new customers and new sales opportunities; and initiate action plan to approach and secure new business for the Company. Having worked in Human Resources in major corporations for many years, Ms. Steele will oversee all hiring, training and firing of personnel involved in Sales and Marketing while establishing performance goals for all sales department employees, and monitoring performance on a continual basis. Together Mr. Jones, Ms. Steele and other members of Spectacular Magazine's Senior Executive Staff will participate in the development and execution of the Strategic Plan for the Company. Get ready ‘cause change is a comin’ to Spectacular Magazine. You’ve seen some of it with the new look. With God’s grace and your continued support, more changes (and growth) are coming.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Phyllis Coley
pcoley@spectacularmag.com
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
5
SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE www.spectacularmag.com
PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PHYLLIS COLEY
FEATURES EDITOR GRACE GRAHAM
HEALTH EDITOR
DR. SHARON ELLIOTT-BYNUM
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR GARY JONES
COLUMNISTS
STELLA J. ADAMS MIN. CURTIS GATEWOOD LARRY HALL, ESQ. MICHELLE LAWS LAMONT LILLY IRVING JOYNER, ESQ. DR. ARCHIE D. LOGAN DEL MATTIOLI REV. JAMES SMITH
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
APRIL MIAL
VALERIE JOSEPH
WIL GLENN
PHOTOGRAPHERS
CHRIS HINTON PHYLLIS COLEY
LAWRENCE DAVIS III
LAYOUT/DESIGN MARILYN FISHER
TAMARA HINTON
DISTRIBUTION
LAWRENCE DAVIS III LELIA ROYSTER CHARLES STREET Spectacular Magazine enlightens, empowers and entertains African Americans with features, columns, commentaries and calendars. Spectacular Magazine is published monthly and distributed free in Durham, Wake, Guilford, Orange, Granville, Vance and Person counties.
In This Issue Another Perspective 22 Business & Finance 40 Commentary 9 The Slammer: Not Worth Paper its Print on Ear to the Streets 46 Entertainment 43 Features Dr. Harold Martin 13 NCCU Shepard Library 16 Peace Missionary Baptist 19 St. Aug “The 411” 17 Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy 11 From The Publisher’s Desk 5 FYI 25 Health 39 Homecoming Activity Guide 23 Legal Eagle Advisor 36 Lifestyles 42 News Briefs 29 Political & Civic Affairs 36 Religion 19 Rightchus Truth 7 State & National 33 Talkback, Too 4 This Is Your Life 42 Unsigned Arist of the Month 45 What’s Up Doc? 39 COVER PHOTO WCP Communications, Inc. Features Editor
Contributing Writer
Grace Graham
April Mial
Deadline for all submissions is the 18th of each month. Contact us at: info@spectacularmag.com Post Office 361
or by mail at: Durham, NC 27702
919-680-0465
Mail subscriptions are available for $25.00 per year. Second class postage is paid in Durham, NC.
PRESIDENT - CEO Phyllis D. Coley
VICE PRESIDENT - OPERATIONS
MARKETING/SALES DIR. -TRIANGLE Angie Steele 6
SPECTACULAR
Gary N. Jones, MBA
MARKETING/SALES DIR. -TRIAD Ron “Big E” Eldridge Sept./Oct. 2009
www.spectacularmag.com
The Rightchus Truth by Lamont Lilly aka ‘Rightchus’ [To: George Jackson and 12 years for 70 bucks] “The Negro is shut out and ignored, left to grow up in ignorance and vice. Only in the gambling dens and saloons does he meet any sort of welcome. What wonder does he fall into crime? To have Negro blood in the veins makes one unworthy of consideration, a social outcast, a leper…” Frederick Douglass, 1893
For American Negroes, 1893 marked an era in which people of color were handed Hell on Earth by the dozens in plain daylight. It was no secret then that niggers (field or house) belonged in the back and well out of sight. For many Negroes today, the vile realities our ancestors experienced are ones most of us couldn’t dare fathom. We’ve never experienced the draconian socialization of slavery as Douglass did. We’ve never lived Jim Crow or sharecropping servitude. Today we live free - able to determine our own destiny. Or do we? It was upon ratification of the 13th amendment that the emancipation of the Negro had come to pass….so we thought. However, in spite of such proclamation, the old Black Belt simply devised a new system of physical and social bondage. It was called the Convict Lease System. By way of imprisonment, free labor was poured into the hands of privately and federally owned brick manufacturers, railroad, mining and farming operations. For Negroes of the South whom were able to avoid such manipulative exploitations as sharecropping, Convict Leasing served as a crueler, more profitable form of oppression. The newly freed field hands needed to be replaced. As now “legal slaves,” young boys, men and women worked in grave conditions from can’t see morning to can’t see night. Some were sentenced to terms in excess of twenty years hard labor for such diminutive criminal acts as fist fights & saloon brawls—for hog stealing and concealed weapons. The more able-bodied Black Men to bear state shackles, the more money made. The more money made, the more inclined the state and prisons were to catch more niggas!! These enterprises not only assumed charge of convict livelihood—they were awarded the discretion to work them to death… literally! In return, they paid their respective state governments hefty sums for such expendable tools of revenue. See the pattern of motive here? The years of 1865-1910 were pivotal in forming the phenomenon we now know as DMC (Disproportionate Minority Confinement). In N.C. the Black prison population increased from 121 inmates in 1870 to 1,302 persons in 1890. In G.A. there was a tenfold increase in the incarceration of blacks from 1868-1908. Black Men were cash crops then, just as now! And many those “offenders” weren’t criminals. They were victims—nowhere near guilty of the acts of which they were charged. But if “June Bug” did steal one of Mr. Charlie hogs, I’m sure he deserved it for all the free labor he stole! If one were to observe the American justice system as we do today, through media, they would very well be inclined to believe that all Black Men are criminals. Yet, white boys commit just as much crime as we; if not more. You just don’t hear about it. Very seldom are their mug shots smeared in periodicals and plastered on the news. It’s got to be awful extreme. And
www.spectacularmag.com
KING ALFRED’s PLAN: Code Red—Code Red!!
if you do see an ofay on the news for a wrongdoing, you can believe it’s only for a split second. If you blink—you’ve missed him. But a Negro, oh…his photograph is huge. They let his face sit and cover the whole damn screen so it can marinate. This is the psychological warfare designed to create fear, and propagate notions of the savage “Killer Negro.” This is how propaganda infiltrates minds. It’s fascinating how America indicts everyone except herself.
How many of you all knew American law enforcement actually began as the slave patrol? Typically non-slaveholders, these bounty lawmen were charged with recapturing escaped runaways, as well as monitoring and dispersing the Chitlin Whispers or nighttime meetings. Paddyrollers became patrollers and were the same persons who swiped husbands for midnight lynchings. Unfortunately, Negroes have not learned!! The same problem is still taking-out more black families every year. Whether whip or rope—revolver or taser, a lynching is a lynching. Instead, the new [Bull Connor] perpetuates Driving While Black and Crack v. Powder. We think the system has changed, but it hasn’t. I’m glad the “Big Bad Harvard Token,” Skip Gates got arrested. Some Negroes get high-up on the hog and forget they niggas too. How do you think the pigs treat Bro. J.J. and RayRay, who don’t have PhD’s? How did “justice” treat Michael Jacobs & Sean Bell—Daryl Turner & Basir Farrell? Like niggas…that’s how!! Has anyone ever asked themselves, “Why are Black Men always accidentally gettin’ killed?” Fact is, all Black Men are prey of the American justice…even your son. The genocide of Black People is happening all over America. It’s been happening! Don’t tell me the past is the past. Black Folk are still living [Willie Lynch], and [King Alfred] is being manifested as we speak! Who do you think they made [Rex-84] and [Garden Plot] for? Any intelligent brotha or sistah should only expect America to continue her lashing of the Negro. What angers me is that we as Black People continue to assist in disenfranchising members of our own community. It isn’t white folks who’re disappearing—IT’S US. The answer to Black Men and crime is not to lock us up. The answer is discipline, spirit, cultural identity, love and education. One doesn’t need a doctor to realize that if you remove the head, the body (woman & child) will eventually wither. This process of social beheading has occurred since the first bead of black sweat graced a Mississippi cotton field. First, Jim Crow…now the prison complex. Yet, as a community we bash our ex-offenders. For the average working class Black Family, a high-priced private attorney generally isn’t an option. Negroes are normally stuck with an overworked underpaid public defender. But white folks…they pull strings. They tap resource pools and all of a sudden Luke and Andrew’s records are expunged. Their troubles are deemed as mere mistakes. While Jamaal and Omar aren’t afforded the opportunity to pass Go—they go to jail. However, Mr. Charlie understands that one day his daughter will need a son to marry. Meanwhile, black intellectuals are still putting heads together trying to figure out why sistahs can’t BUY a husband!! Hell, Lamont Sanford could figThe Rightchus Truth continues on page 37
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
7
8
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
www.spectacularmag.com
GUEST COMMENTARY THE SLAMMER: DOESN’T DESERVE THE PRICE OF PAPER IT’S PRINTED ON By Pandemonium aka Gabriel Isaac Carnetti, a.k.a. Dash Dangerfield, is the latest in a long line of leeches to suck the blood of the poor. Once a petty criminal, incarcerated for a year after being convicted of larceny, marijuana possession, and breaking and entering, Carnetti now profits from publishing mug shots of mainly Pandemonium aka Gabriel poor Floridians, North Carolinians, and Ohioans in The Slammer.
These are not celebrities, athletes or politicians. They are not public personalities of means. The majority of the people featured in The Slammer are poor, black or Latino. They lack the funds for proper legal representation and usually have to rely on an overly burdened public defender system. The deck is already stacked against them.
Thumbing through back issues of Carnetti’s publication, The Slammer, it is easy to understand why its cirWhat happens if a person whose culation is high. Nosy people “...The Slam mer, it is mug shot is printed is found not easy to unde with small minds are often rstand why guilty, or has all charges dropped its circulatio intrigued by the misfortune of n is high. against him? Does Mr. Carnetti print N os y people with others. The corny captions, small m in a retraction, correction, or a story ds ar e of unfunny cartoons and shoddy ten by the misfort intrigued about the wrongful charges? No. Is une of otheditorials disguise the fact ers.” he worried that printing these mug that Mr. Carnetti is a college shots could eventually taint a jury? graduate and the son of wellNo. Furthermore, many of the people to-do parents. His failure to be featured seem to have drug and alcoaccepted to law school after his incarcerahol problems. These people need serious rehation did not derail his crime fighting aspirabilitative help, not ridicule. Their lives are tions. According to an interview with The already hell. Christian Science Monitor, Carnetti’s legal expertise was developed by sitting in the None of the people who are featured in The courthouse where his mother worked and Slammer get to tell their side of the story. None going home to watch “Law and Order,” “Perry of them have the opportunity to rebut the Mason” and “Matlock.” Add a little Jerry charges against them. Carnetti is not interested Springer and The Slammer is the final product. in journalism, he is a coward. According to the mission statement printed If The Slammer merely printed mug shots of inside the cover of each issue, The Slammer’s wanted suspects, convicted criminals and sex purpose is to “inform the public of suspected offenders, along with the poor restaurant ratcriminal activity in the community; to assist ings, it would fulfill its initial stated purposes law enforcement in deterring crime and solving and might be worth the dollar price printed on cases; to foster public involvement in matters its cover. Since its true purpose is to humiliate of public safety and awareness; and to satisfy the defenseless, it doesn’t deserve the price of the natural curiosity of its readers.” The latter the paper on which it’s printed. seems to be the true intent of the magazine. Williams, said, “It really lets you know what’s going on around you. You could see your best friend in there for forging checks or selling cocaine, and he’s driving around in the car with you, and you don’t know this stuff.” Does it sound like the hypothetical best friend is innocent, or guilty?
www.spectacularmag.com
Born and raised in Iowa, Pandemonium aka Gabriel moved to NC upon graduation from Iowa State University to attend NCCU School of Law. He has been a musician since the age of 6 and a poet since the age of 11. Pandemonium follows up successful independent releases “KnoWONDER,” “Darker Than Blue,” and “Word Spoken” with his current release “Digital Analog.” True to his provocative style, he feels that no subject matter is taboo, and no idea is too small for him to tackle.. He likes interacting with intelligent people, whether degreed or not, and people who are not afraid to take a stand. Pandemonium aka Gabriel is also a writer with published works in RIME Magazine, Spectacular Magazine, and TRIBES Magazine. www.reverbnation.com/pandemoniumakagabriel
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
9
8TH ANNUAL DURHAM MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
HOLIDAY PARADE SATURDAY - JANUARY 16, 2010 - 12 NOON FAYETTEVILLE STREET - DURHAM (Heritage Square Shopping Center to Elmira Avenue)
GRAND MARSHAL NCCU Chancellor Charlie Nelms FOR ENTRY AND SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION www.spectacularmag.com or 919.680.0465
10
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
www.spectacularmag.com
COVER STORY SHAW UNIVERSITY — ON THE MOVE WITH NEW INTERIM PRESIDENT:
DR. DOROTHY COWSER YANCY RALEIGH - Gone are the days when the hire of a university president was based primarily on a lifetime of scholarship and academic credentials. Gone, too, are the days when a university president was expected to focus only on internal governance and maintaining the institution’s status quo. Across the United States, it has become increasingly necessary for university leaders to raise funds that will be used to protect and grow the institution. And while this is often looked upon as Dr. Yancy another full-time role, the effort must be balanced with the challenging demands of daily campus issues and concerns. This is only one of the reasons why Shaw University’s Board of Trustees decided to appoint Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy, a native of Alabama, to serve as interim president. June, 2009 marked a new beginning at Shaw, when Dr. Yancy became the University’s first female president. Living up to her reputation, she hit the ground running, by immediately reviewing the University’s academic programs and analyzing the financial state of the school, in an effort to determine the best possible course of action for eliminating debt and raising the money necessary to take the University into the future. Dr. Yancy is no stranger to hard work; particularly in an educational setting. She served as the twelfth president of Johnson C. Smith University and was also the first female elected to hold that post. During her tenure as president of Johnson C. Smith University, Dr. Yancy completed two significant capital campaigns. The first campaign, ‘Campaign for the 90’s,’ took place from 1993-1998 with a goal of $50 million. At the close of the campaign she exceeded this goal, raising $63.8 million. The second campaign, ‘Pathways to Success,’ was launched in October 2000 with a goal of raising $75 million. At the close of the campaign in June of 2007, she exceeded the goal again, raising $81.5 million. Under her leadership the University endowment more than tripled from $14 million to $53 million. For these achievements, she has been heralded as one of the best fundraisers nationally. Founded in 1865, Shaw University is the oldest historically black college of the South. Shaw is a private, co-educational, liberal arts university affiliated with the Baptist Church. The University awards degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Just like most institutions of higher learning, Shaw University has experienced many challenges; particu-
www.spectacularmag.com
larly during the recent tough economic climate. Under Yancy’s leadership, however, these challenges are being turned into opportunity. Since Dr. Yancy arrived at Shaw University, “the overall atmosphere has changed for the better,” said Samantha Canteen, who is a Senior Theatre major. Canteen, along with many other returning students, have noticed the changes that are taking place at Shaw, and they are excited about the university’s future. The changes that are being made, however, do not often come without growing pains. Dr. Yancy wants to make the growth as painless as possible. “It is my goal to employ new, innovative, and ambitious strategies to help Shaw University develop the next generation of students, who will successfully complete college and prepare themselves for the global economy.” said Dr. Yancy. “But these strategies will obviously mean that the ship must be run much tighter and where necessary, we must cut back,” she added. Attorney Willie Gary, who serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Shaw University said, “The Board [of Trustees] has complete faith in Dr. Yancy’s ability to lead Shaw University, and we are excited about what she has already done and what she will do for Shaw in the coming days ahead.” Dr. Yancy has earned the respect of the higher education community throughout her career. She served as a professor of Dr. Yancy continues on page 12
Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy greets students, staff and alumni on the steps of Estey Hall with Shaw University Chairman of the Board Trustees Willie Gary (left) on her first day as the first female President of the university. Photo: courtesy of the New 17
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
11
DR. YANCY continues
Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy (above) stops to talk with student as she walks across the campus. In spite of all her successes, Dr. Yancy remains humble, and the students at Shaw University feel right at home with her. It is clear that they believe in her leadership and she believes in them.
history, technology and society and in the School of Management at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta) from 1972-1994. At Georgia Tech, she was the first African American to be promoted and tenured as a full professor. She also served as associate director of the School of Social Sciences. She previously taught at several institutions, including Albany State University, Hampton University, Evanston Township High School, and Barat College, where she was the Director of the Afro-American Studies Program. Dr. Yancy was the first American to lecture at the Academy of Public Administration and Social Studies of the Small Hural in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, in 1991. In scholarship, as well as leadership, Dr. Yancy has excelled. She has published over forty articles and labor arbitration cases in academic journals, including “Dorothy Bolden, Organizer of Domestic Workers; She was Born Poor and She Would Not Bow Down,” Sage, “Public Sector Bargaining in the South: A Case Study of Atlanta and Memphis,” Industrial Relations Association Proceedings, “William Edward Burghardt Dubois – Atlanta Years: The Human Side – A Study Based upon Oral Sources,” The Journal of Negro History, and several articles on Black Women in America: A Historical Encyclopedia. In addition to her scholastic contributions, Dr. Yancy has contributed widely to civic and professional communities. She was the first African American to be appointed Special Master for the Florida Public Employee Relations Commission, was a member of labor delegations to the Soviet Union and Europe
in 1988 and 1990, is the former president of the Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists and of the Atlanta Chapter of the Industrial Relations Research Association, and she is a former member of the Executive Council of The Links, Inc. In spite of all her successes, Dorothy Cowser Yancy remains humble, and the students at Shaw University feel right at home with her. It is clear that they believe in her leadership, and she believes in them. “Through quality instruction and a personal commitment to hard work, our young people can go on to achieve successes that they never imagined,” said Yancy. She added, “Our nation is faced with many economic challenges and our HBCU’s are being hit particularly hard as a result. At Shaw University we are sensitive to that fact and are committed to coming up with creative ways in which we can keep our students moving toward reaching their goals.” A former member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Commission on Financing Higher Education, the American Council of Education Commission on Women in Higher Education, and the U.S. Air Force Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institution (HBCU/MI) Board of Advisors, Dr. Yancy has armed herself with the necessary information to move Shaw University to new heights, and based on her performance thus far, the sky is the limit.
12
www.spectacularmag.com
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
Written by Tanya Wiley, Chairman & CEO of WCP Communications, a professional creative agency based in Winston Salem, NC.
Cover Story
DR. HAROLD L. MARTIN
NEW NC A&T STATE UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR ‘YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN’ GREENSBORO – Perhaps Thomas Wolfe would not have been able to go home again after his novel You Can’t Go Home Again was published, but that is certainly not the case with this Winston Salem native and NC A&T State University alumnus. Dr. Harold L. Martin, Sr., former chancellor of Winston Salem State University, assumed the position as the twelfth Chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University on June 8, 2009. Since 2006 he has served as senior vice president for academic affairs of the multi-campus University of North Carolina. “It’s good to be home,” Dr. Martin said at the press conference to announce his acceptance of the position. UNC President Erskine Bowles placed Dr. Martin’s name in nomination on May 22nd during a special meeting of the Board of Governors held on the A&T campus in Greensboro. Dr. Martin, 57, succeeds Stanley F. Battle, who in February announced his plans to step down for personal reasons. In recommending Dr. Martin to the Board of Governors, Bowles said: “There is not a doubt in my mind that Harold Martin is absolutely the right person to lead North Carolina A&T today and in the years ahead. Harold Martin is a proud Aggie he personifies Aggie Pride. He is not only a graduate of A&T; he has also been a faculty member, dean, and provost at A&T— he knows this institution inside and out. He is of North Carolina A&T. And he fully understands and appreciates the university’s rich history, and he is passionate about the larger role it can play in the life of this city and this state, and its potential to change the future of so many North Carolinians.” As chief executive and administrative officer of the institution, Dr. Martin’s job is to provide visionary leadership that establishes long range strategic plans in consultation with its various constituencies; assert strategic leadership to develop innovative approaches for expansion resources and ensure the fiscal and academic vitality of all colleges and schools. “Since I arrived I have been out and engaging the faculty, staff and administration focusing on how we can improve what we do to enhance the quality of the educational experiences for our students,” Dr. Martin said. “Quite frankly, that’s the core of what we do.” He has also been spending time in the community facilitating collaborative relationships between A&T, the community, media, businesses, corporations, government, alumni, donors, the University of North Carolina System, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and other educational institutions. Dr. Martin demonstrates a high level of campus visibility, political savvy, civic and community involvement, and cultivates diverse internal and external relationships. Often seen in the cafeteria and student union talking to students, Dr. Martin says he is encouraged to hear about their high goals and aspirations and how they envision North Carolina A&T preparing them to meet those goals. He is, on the other hand, disturbed about their concerns about the quality of services on cam-
Dr. Harold L. Martin
pus and what the students described as the ‘Aggie Shuffle.’ “I was disappointed to hear how Aggie was linked to something as disappointing as the phrase ‘Aggie Shuffle’ because I think we, without compromise, must do better and will do better. It is simply unacceptable for us to, as I shared with our students, not to take more seriously our commitment to enhance quality of services rendered to the students we serve. It is my hope that the ‘Aggie Shuffle’ takes on something much more positive and memorable as opposed to long lines and seemingly intentionally running our students from place to the next as they complete such important things as registration for classes, getting their books and preparing for a positive and healthy experience.” One other issue that Dr. Martin said he plans to address immediately is the recent crime issues that have surfaced on the campus and close proximity of campus that impacts the students, faculty and staff. Dr. Martin plans to provide the leadership needed to take A&T to the next level of excellence in delivering the highest quality of education and life preparation possible, ensuring that stuDr. Harold Martin continues on page 15
Feature
www.spectacularmag.com
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
13
14
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
www.spectacularmag.com
Feature
DR. HAROLD MARTIN continues dents are prepared to become competitive global citizens. degree programs and enhanced the quality of overall academic “There are large numbers of universities that are competing programs. for the same bright students that we seek to serve. These young Dr. Martin served as a strong community leader while at people have options today,” Dr. Martin explained. “We have to WSSU and participated in several local citizen initiatives. begin to benchmark ourselves immediately so we have a sense of The A&TAlumni Association has recognized Martin as Alumnus where we are against these peers and begin to shape our plans for of the Year (1976), while Virginia Tech has inducted him into its the future for this institution.” Academy of Engineering He provides fiscal manageExcellence (2008) and honored ment for a multi-million dollar him with its Distinguished budget and demonstrates a high Graduate Alumni Award (2004) level of commitment to all and the Bradley Department of aspects of A&T’s culture. Electrical Engineering “There are fiscal issues that Academy of Distinguished need to be addressed. We need Alumni Award (1998). He was to begin to strengthen the awarded an honorary degree processes that correct those from Wake Forest University in issues even more expeditious2007. ly,” Martin acknowledged. A native of Winston-Salem, “Quite a bit of progress has Martin is married to Davida been made already.” Martin, an A&T alumna who Dr. Martin became the serves as county attorney for Senior Vice President for Forsyth County. They have Academic Affairs at the two sons: Harold, Jr., a busiUniversity of North Carolina in ness consultant in Atlanta, is a July of 2006. He holds graduate of Morehouse College, undergraduate and master’s Harvard Business School and degrees in electrical engineerYale Law School; and Walter, a ing from A&T and a doctorate graduate of Hampton in the field from Virginia University, attends the Polytechnic Institute and State University of Maryland Dental University. He joined the A&T School. faculty in 1980 and was named North Carolina A&T State chairman of the Department of University Electrical Engineering in 1985 Founded in Greensboro in 1891, after a nine-month stint as actNorth Carolina A&T State ing chairman. University is a doctoral/research Four years later, he was intensive land-grant university. named dean of A&T’s College With a student enrollment of of Engineering, a post he held more than 10,000, it houses one until being named vice chancelof three schools of engineering lor for academic affairs in 1994. within the University of North From 1987 to 1994, he also Carolina and offers doctoral served as an adjunct faculty degrees in related disciplines. member in North Carolina State Dr. Martin (left) talks with members of the Student A&T is the nation’s leading proUniversity’s Department of Government Association. He has spent a lot of time getting ducer of African American engito know the students and hearing about their aspirations as Electrical and Computer well as their concerns. neering graduates. It also offers Engineering. a wide range of baccalaureate In 2000, Dr. Martin was tapped by then UNC President and master’s degree programs with emphases in engineering, Molly Corbett Broad to provide stable, interim leadership for technology, and the sciences. In partnership with government and industry, A&T’s faculty conduct basic and applied research in Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) following the resignaan array of fields, including engineering, transportation, and agrition of the Chancellor. Sixteen months later, he was elected to culture. A&T was the nation’s first historically black university the position on a permanent basis by the Board of Governors. to be named an Engineering Research Center (ERC) by the During Dr. Martin’s six-year tenure at WSSU, enrollment National Science Foundation, securing a five-year, $18-million nearly doubled, freshman SAT scores climbed by nearly 70 grant for biomedical engineering and nano-bio applications points, and the campus underwent a dramatic physical transforresearch. A&T is also collaborating with the University of North mation made possible by the 2000 Higher Education Bond Carolina at Greensboro in the development of the Gateway Program. He guided the reclassification of WSSU from a bacUniversity Research Park, which will support cutting-edge work calaureate I to a master’s II institution, created a School of in life and physical sciences, engineering, and technology. Graduate Studies and Research, established seven master’s
Feature
www.spectacularmag.com
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
15
SHEPARD LIBRARY AND NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY CENTENNIAL WEB GO HAND IN HAND DURHAM - It was quite a coup for North Carolina Central University's James E. Shepard Memorial Library when it was chosen as one of ten libraries to take part in the HBCU Library Alliance and Cornell University Library Digital Initiative. A grant of $450-thousand was given to Cornell University and the HBCU Library Alliance to establish the first historically black colleges and universities library to chronicle the founding of America's HBCUs. Under the leadership of Dr. Theodosia T. Shields, director of library services, and in support of the undertaking, the Shepard Library has produced an online collection of photographic images of people and structures that were fundamental in the early developDr. Theodosia T. Shields ment of North Carolina Central University. Currently, the collection contains 70 photographs of Dr. James E. Shepard, the founder and his family, presidents, chancellors, early student life, buildings and other notable individuals. Over the next several months, 80 images will be uploaded to the university library site. NCCU launched its Centennial Website last month to commemorate the 100th birthday of the school. The site, located at www.nccu.edu/centennial, offers an online portal to the past and into the future of the institution. The archival library images can be accessed through the Centennial site or at contentdm.auctr.edu. Charlie Nelms, chancellor of North Members of team that Carolina Central worked with Dr. Shields University said, "This pictured above: (Top) Project Coordinator university has touched Vernice Faison; (middle) a myriad of lives and AndrĂŠ Vann, coordinator strengthened commuof university archives, and worldwide. (bottom) Stephanie D. nities Fennell, assistant project James E. Shepard, the
founder of this institution was a visionary. He looked into the future and saw what education would mean to people of color. And, 100 years later, NCCU is a testament to his insight." A key component of the Website is that alumni can add their thoughts, stories of achievement to the archives and legacy of the university. All visitors to the site are invited to tell what role NCCU played in their personal histories. "NCCU invites students, alumni, and the public to learn more about the university's mission and its storied history," said Centennial Committee Co-Chair Bill Evans. "The site will serve as the central portal of information throughout the Centennial for events, including cultural and educational opportunities." North Carolina Central University is the first publicly supported liberal arts college for African-Americans and this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked NCCU among the top ten HBCUs in the country. As NCCU celebrates its Centennial Year, a diverse student body of more than 8,500 students is enrolled in programs such as law, business, library science, nursing, education, and biotechnology.
16
www.spectacularmag.com
coordinator.
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
Feature
WAUG 750 AM ADDS NEW SHOW: “THE 411” PUTS LISTENERS IN THE KNOW RALEIGH—Saint Augustine’s College’s historical radio station WAUG continues to sign on each morning at the break of dawn. On this particular morning, Program Director John Low and Katrina Dix, Director of External Affairs for the College—are hosting the radio station’s newest morning show called “The 411”, which airs from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on 750 AM. Their banter this day is a mixture of talk about job searches amid the recession, creating and maintaining a clean image, “digital dirt”, and job leads and tips. Though this is her day off, Dix is still snazzy, hair in place, sitting alongside her fellow announcer veteran Low. Low’s just been informed that this is Dix’s day off. “You’re just here for the 411?” he asks incredulously. “Just the 411 today, John. I wouldn’t leave my buddy hanging!” Dix says in her upbeat, broadcast-ready tone known to many across campus. And before leaving the studio, she lends her voice to a 30-second promotional, called a “promo” in the industry. At 8 a.m. sharp Monday through Friday, they cue up an old-school music lead-in to the 30-minute program. While Dix announces, Low multi-tasks, cueing up promos, advertisements, checks the current weather, and maintains audio levels, all the while intermittently making eye contact with his co-host. Just recently, listener call-ins were added, allowing listeners to contribute to the discussion. The line-up varies from day to day. On Headline Mondays, the two discuss the weekend’s breaking news; on Tuesdays, in-studio guests are apart of the show to share information to listeners about local businesses which are making a difference in the community from free healthcare to information on the Innocence Project; on Wednesdays, guest Danette Reid calls in with “Mid-Week Motivation” for 30 minutes of positive inspiration; on Thursdays it’s Career Corner Thursdays Low and Dix provide information on job openings and tips to help job seekers deal with the frustrations of job hunting; on Fridays, listeners are given a slate of upcoming events & enjoy a few laughs with local comedian Less Long. The show takes preparation and planning. “You don’t just pop in here. If you do, you’ll sound like you did,” Dix says with a laugh. Dix facilitates special events at the College, but also brings a radio broadcast background to the job. She worked for WUSL Power 99 FM in Philadelphia as a news reporter and public affairs assistant, while co-hosting a weekend public affairs talk show. Dix also co-hosted a weekly cable television talk show in Philadelphia for Univision. Her radio background dates back to a stint at West Chester University in Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. “I was a DJ and had my own shift bringing music to my fellow classmates and the surrounding community in Pennsylvania,” said Dix. “It’s good to be back doing what I started out doing in college. I started as an intern with Power 99 and put my best foot forward while I was there. The staff recognized my skills as I demonstrated initiative Feature www.spectacularmag.com
John Low and Katrina Dix
and desire to learn the business. It paid off by my landing my first job… at the number one urban station in the Philadelphia market. I would encourage all young people to take advantage of internships and seize any and all opportunities to learn skills which may open future doors.” Low, a veteran broadcaster, has been in the radio broadcast business for 40 years including his first part time radio job at the age of 15. “Being a local businessman who advertised on the station, (my father) purchased an hour of time on a Saturday morning so I could have my introduction to being a dj. It was a memorable birthday gift! The manager said I did well enough to get some extra time. At seventeen, I returned to this manager and asked for a part time job, which he granted,” said Low. Low has held numerous jobs in radio with various formats to include Christian, pop, country, rock, and oldies. During his career, he has held positions as Program Director as well as Music Director. Now with WAUG for a little over three years, he manages the role of multi-tasking Program Director, which requires “a mix of administration, creativity and mad studio skills,” he said. Dix hopes the broadcast will become a popular choice among listeners, so she signs off with gratitude. “We know you have choices in the morning, thank you for tuning into “The 411 w/John & Katrina”, until next time, peace and blessings.” Saint Augustine’s College Saint Augustine’s College is the first historically black institution to own and operate an on-campus commercial radio and television station. The major coverage area for the radio station is Raleigh and Wake County. The television station, Time Warner Channel 102, reaches 385,000 households in 19 counties including the surrounding counties of Raleigh and Durham, Cumberland, Wilson, Moore, Hoke, Wayne, Granville, Vance and Robeson, which encompasses the Florence/Myrtle Beach DMA. The call-in numbers are (919)546-9284 and (919)516-4878. The show is also streamed daily at power750.com. WAUG’s program line-up can be found at http://waug750am.com.
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
17
APEX SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY 2945 South Miami Blvd. Suite 114 Durham, NC 27713 919-572-1625 919-572-1762 fax
OCTOBER 2009
“Training Church Leaders for the 21st Century”
THE PEAK OF THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION At Apex School of Theology Distance Learning Online (ApexDL) you can earn your theological degree 100% online. You can do your course work whenever and wherever you want - at your church office; at home in the evenings; at work during lunch; or traveling on business. You just sign-on to class with any computer. Apex is accredited and offers federal financial aid.
ST. JOSEPH’S AME CHURCH NEWS AND EVENTS
FOR THE ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH FAMILY
DEGREES OFFERED:
ASSOCIATES OF ARTS DEGREE IN GENERAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY DEGREE MASTER OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DEGREE MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN COUNSELING DEGREE MASTER OF DIVINITY
Rev. Philip R. Cousin, Jr.
Dr. Joseph L. Perkins President & Founder
Senior Pastor
ANNUAL HALLELUJAH CARNIVAL
(Also Independent Study Continuing Education Courses)
FOR INFO CONTACT APEX SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
EMAIL: info@apexsot.edu
WEBSITE: www.apexsot.edu
FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE
Ken Brownlee and Barry Jones are presenting: "The St. Joseph's Open", created specifically for those members who love golf, or those wanting to learn the game. The Open will be held at Falls Village Golf Club, in Durham. Registration begins at 8:00 am, game starts at 9:00 am. Call Ken Brownlee for more information (919) 454-6852
CHURCH MOTTO:
Saving, Training, Empowering & Preparing for Unlimited Possibilities
The annual Hallelujah Carnival will be held at St. Joseph's October 31st, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm, and is FREE and open to children and their parents who wish to provide a Christian alternative to Halloween. Games, arts & crafts, food and Christian entertainment will be provided to all in attendance.
First Lady Angela M. Cousin would like to thank all who attended and were blessed by the Women's Conference New Beginnings: Signs, Wonders & Miracles, held at the church September 25-27, 2009. Special thanks to Women's Ministries Board (W.I.S.E.), for truly Walking In Spiritual Excellence. Much love and respect to the anointed women on the program: Apostle Sarah Duncan, Minister Phyllis Joyner, Evangelist Jennifer Kostyal, Psalmist Lorraine Maynard, Rev. Kathy Merritt, Evangelist Bettie Smith and Gospel recording artist, Jennifer Evans, for lending their time, talent and anointing for one of the best Women's Conference's ever held at St. Joseph's. To God be the Glory for what He has done!
TO LEARN MORE CALL THE CHURCH AT: ST. JOSEPH’S AME CHURCH 2521 Fayetteville St Durham, NC 27707
(919) 683-1379
www.stjosephsamec.org 18
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
www.spectacularmag.com
RELIGION PEACE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH CELEBRATES 35 YEARS
Rev. William E. Daye, Pastor of Peace Missionary Baptist Church for 35 years.
By Wil Glenn
Contributing Writer DURHAM - Let’s take a trip back in time. What were you doing in 1974? Maybe you need a reminder. President Richard Nixon resigned from office that year. Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s homerun record. Bell bottoms and butterfly collars were the attire of choice. Oh, and gas prices nearly doubled. Maybe that’s why the members of Peace Missionary Baptist Church decided to walk to the site of their new church for their first service. Thirty-five years later, on July 26, 2009, the congregation celebrated “35 Years of Peace,” with a special program, attended by several local dignitaries at the current facility at 2608 Apex Highway in Durham. Peace has a rich, interesting history. The church was
www.spectacularmag.com
founded under the leadership of the current pastor, Rev. William E. Daye, and 19 members who stepped out on faith to go forward with the establishment of the new church. These members included: Nora M. Daye, Weldon Alston, Charles E. Dunham, Alvis O. Grady, Sr., Laury D. Grady, Henry Hubbard, Della H. Hubbard, Joseph Jones Jr., Barbara W. Jones, Lucious S. Knox, Gladys G. Knox, James P. Shipman, Juanita R. Shipman, Nathaniel Sutton, Sr., Pursell K. Sutton, Ernest F. Tapp, Gloria W. Tapp, Junious M. Waddell and Nannie R. Waddell. The first service the church body held was actually on Sunday, July 28, 1974, at the Scarborough and Hargett Memorial Chapels and Gardens. That day 131 people attended and 119 joined. The first offering was $476.33. By December 31, 1974, Peace had grown from its original 19 members to a total 198 members. Peace continued to gather at Scarborough and Hargett until December 1974, when the members purchased an existing church building, the former First Freewill Baptist Church, located at the corPeace continues on page 21
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
19
20
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
www.spectacularmag.com
Religion
PEACE MISSIONARY continues purchased for its erection. In January 1994, Peace gathered at the site of the new church at 2608 Apex Highway (Hwy 55) for a worship-filled ground breaking event with many friends and city leaders in attendance. Construction on the $1.4 million, 600-seat project began one month later in February. One year later the construction was completed and on July 9, 1995, members walked more than two miles from the East Main Street location to the new edifice, recalling the ceremonial march from Scarborough and Hargett Memorial Chapel and Gardens to the East Main Street building more than 20 years earlier. Rev. Daye, the only pastor the church has ever had, feels blessed to have been able to lead such a congregation for so many years. “I’ve always felt like this church was ordained of God,” said Daye, sitting in the church office. “That He was behind Rev. Daye and members walk to the site of their new it. And I’ve been blessed to be the one to go forth with it.” church for their first service in 1974. Submitted photo And what about the name – Peace? ner of East main and Holman Streets in East Durham for As the original members of Peace contemplated a $60,000. On Sunday, December 1, 1974 members walked name for the new fellowship, one member, Gladys Knox, and motored ceremonially from the Scarborough location declared “I don’t mind what we name it as long as we have to 1212 East Main Street for their first service in the new a little peace.” Thus, the new church was christened Peace church. Seven years later, in 1981, Peace completed payMissionary Baptist. By a unanimous vote, Rev. Daye was ment on the church. formally called to be the pastor. But the church continued to grow. “We’ve been blessed over the span of 35 years as much Between 1981 and 1994 Peace saw its ministries diveras any church. And I’ve always encouraged the congregasify, reaching still higher heights of spiritual maturity, tion to grow in faith,” Daye continued. “Growth still takes Christian service and church development. Among its place, and we have a happy congregation.” many vibrant ministries, the music ministry at Peace has Rev. Daye, an enthusiastic 80-year-old, can be enjoyed a reputation, both near and far, for musical exceldescribed as a traditional leader who sternly stands behind lence and inspiration for many years and has earned severthe idea of continuously studying God’s word – in Sunday al local and national awards and distinctions for its excepSchool, Bible Study or prayer meetings. He’s also noticetional talents in gospel music. ably fond of the church’s motto, “But seek ye first the kingBy 1991, Peace had reached its seating capacity at the dom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things church on Main Street and building a new church was soon shall be added unto you.” unavoidable. A new modern church structure was After 35 years, Peace Missionary Baptist Church condesigned and an expansive south Durham property was tinues to expand its ministries and its influence. With several new, innovative auxiliaries flourishing and a body that continues to grow steadily in membership (over 800 on the church roll) and dedication to Christian living, Peace is one of Durham’s major congregations. With nearly 50 years in ministry and showing no signs of slowing the pace of his preaching or pastoral activities, Rev. William Daye continues to serve the Peace Baptist Church as its sage and beloved leader. He continues to be one of the most sought-after mentors of preachers in the state and Southeast region. Because of his unyielding commitment to the cause of Christ, a commitment shared by his wife of more than 55 years, First Lady Nora Daye, Peace continues to prosper and find more and more favor. Congratulations to the congregaThe current site of Peace Missionary Baptist Church at 2608 Apex Highway (Hwy tion on 35 years of Peace. 55) in Durham.
Religion
www.spectacularmag.com
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
21
ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE by Rev. James W. Smith
MOVE BEYOND SELFISHNESS As a pastor, I get to witness the hurt, pain and suffering as well as the happiness and joy of so many people. I am especially moved when I see the devastation of folks who have no healthcare and the financial strain placed on so many as a result of rising healthcare cost. As a result of what I have seen and witness, I have come to the conclusion that not only is health care a political concern but it is a moral concern. No one should have to make a decision regarding his/her health based on financial concerns. Over the past months, I have been thinking very seriously about healthcare. I have been trying to figure out why some folks are so adamantly against affordable healthcare as the President has laid out for the country. Frankly, the answer came to me last Sunday as I was in Sunday School. We were talking about Ezra, who was a Priest in Israel. The commentary stated that the leaders of the people of Israel had come to Ezra with a report of the people’s sin. They were intermarrying with their pagan neighbors and copying their practices. God had commanded the people not to intermarry with the surrounding nations. He did this because He knew that such unions would lead the people into sin. As the intercessor for the people, Ezra prayed for the people and his prayer
Why pay more when u can get the same for less
HAIRCUTS ADULTS $8 KIDS $5 Children under 10 years of age
Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - Midnight
A Peace of Heaven Barber Shop 3608 Tryon Road Raleigh, NC 27603 919-809-4748 call Jay
made it clear that the nation’s guilt extended to everyone. Both the civil and the religious leaders were as guilty as the common people. After we had read the above, we engaged in a discussion with particular emphasis on the statement, “Ezra’s prayer made it clear that the nation’s guilt extended to everyone.” I am not sure how this got us into the healthcare discussion but I think it was the thinking of many that what affects one affects the whole. Well, one of the participants said to me,“Rev. Smith, as I talk to folks, I find that most folks want affordable healthcare. They think their family members ought to have it. They think their friends ought to have it. As a matter of fact, they think everybody deserves to have affordable healthcare and that it should be a fundamental right.” I looked at him and said, “Well, what is the problem then.” He said, “Well no one wants their income taxed to pay for it.” And there lies the problem. Until all of us come to the realization that what affects one affects the whole, and that maybe Ezra’s prayer has some significance, “That the nation’s guilt extended to everyone.” I think it is time that we all realize that we are better when those around us are better. It is time to move beyond selfishness.
Dr. James W. Smith Church Consultant, Inspirational/Motivational Speaker Author, “Deal By Me Email: revsmith@spectacularmag.com
LIVING YOUR FAITH: PRACTICAL PIETY
By Rev. Dr. Archie D.Logan
WILL RETURN NEXT MONTH
Appointments only 22
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
www.spectacularmag.com
Religion
HOMECOMING EVENTS FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY (FSU) HOMECOMING 2009
FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY VS SAINT AUGUSTINE’S (HOMECOMING GAME) Luther Nick Jerald’s Stadium 2:00 pm For tickets contact the FSU Ticket Office @ (910) 672-1724 or buy online at eTix.com
FRIDAY, October 30th SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY ALUMNI BREAKFAST Dudley Multipurpose Room – Campus 8:00 am – 10:00 am 31ST ANNUAL RICHARD E. MOORE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Grandover Resort 8:30 am Shotgun Start For more info call Shaun Johnson (336) 433-5570
FAYETTEVILLE - FSU will celebrate homecoming the week of October 18th – 24th. A weeklong of events for both students and alumni are being planned and will culminate with the football game on Saturday Oct. 24th at 2 pm against the Falcons of St. Augustine’s College. Alumni activities are planned for October 22nd – 25th and include: THURSDAY, October 22nd SENIOR ACADEMY BREAKFAST 910) 672-1463 ALUMNI MEET AND GREET (252) 442-7241 FRIDAY, October 23rd FSU ATHLETIC CLUB JIM SCURRY MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT (910) 672-1724 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME & CLASS REUNION BANQUET (910) 525-4196 ALUMNI AFTER 5 STUDENT - ALUMNI - CORPORATE DONOR NETWORKING SOCIAL (877) 544-2603 (For those unable to attend the Hall of Fame-Class Reunion Banquet) NIGHT WITH MS. ALUMNI (252) 442-7241 SATURDAY, October 24th 9:00 AM HOMECOMING PARADE D. Hector McEachern, a retired Wachovia Bank executive and Fayetteville State University (FSU) alumnus, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2009 FSU Homecoming Parade. The parade will begin near downtown Fayetteville and make its way down Murchison Road to Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium.
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES ALUMNI REUNION BREAKFAST Memorial Student Union - Exhibit Hall – Campus 8:30 am NATIONAL ALUMNI AWARDS RECOGNITION RECEPTION 910) 488-9478 2009 HOMECOMING GALA (240) 997-5311 or (704) 287-9791 HOMECOMING SCHOLARSHIP DANCE (252) 442-7241 SUNDAY, October 25th NATIONAL ALUMNI FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST (BUFFET) (252) 442-7241
For more info visit www.alumni.uncfsu.edu/homecoming or call (910) 672-1462.
NC A&T STATE UNIVERSITY (A&T) HOMECOMING 2009
F.D. BLUFORD LIBRARY ARCHIVES 5TH PICTURE PARTY Bluford Library Rm 201 – Campus 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Archives staff: (336) 285-4176 AGGIE “NO TAP” ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP BOWLING TOURNAMENT Gate City Lanes - 1st shift begins 9:30 am ALUMNI WELCOME DESK Desk 1 - Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel 10:00 am – 12 noon THE RONALD E. MCNAIR BACCALAUREATE ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM Open House Reception Suite 212 Murphy Hall – Campus 11:00 am – 3:00 pm VENDING - Sponsored by NC A&T Alumni Association, Inc. Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel / Pre Function Area 11:00 am – 1:00 am SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES HOMECOMING KICK-OFF Webb Hall - Front Lawn Campus 11:30 am – 2:00 pm SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY ALUMNI LUNCHEON Smith Hall Lobby – Campus 12 Noon – 3:00 pm NC A&T STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. INFORMATION Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel Desk 1 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
TAILGATE INFORMATION (910) 672-1670
GREENSBORO - For over 80 years, A&T’s Homecoming tradition has welcomed alumni, friends and families back to campus for a spirit-filled week of activities and events. This year’s Homecoming Week celebration (October 25th - November 1st) has something for everyone!
FSU- MARYLAND & CHARLOTTE CHAPTERS ANNUAL ALUMNI TAILGATE & BLOCK PARTY (LIVE DJ) Tailgating Parking Lot between Knuckles and Taylor Bldgs 11:00 am – until
ALUMNI SCHEDULE OF EVENTS THURSDAY, October 29th FALL CONVOCATION Harrison Auditorium/Campus 10:00 am
www.spectacularmag.com
ALUMNI RECEPTION *INVITATION ONLY* Sponsored by Office of Alumni Affairs Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel 6:00 pm AGGIE ALUMNI ENTREPRENEUR NETWORK INFORMATION SESSION Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel, Auditorium 1 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
NURSING LEGACY: COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE Room 308 Noble Hall - Campus 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Symposium 2:45 pm - 4:00 pm Reception 4:15 pm - 5:00 pm Affinity Group Meeting SCHOOL OF EDUCATION FIRESIDE CHAT AND RECEPTION School of Education Bldg. 160 - Campus 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS ALUMNI REUNION Merrick Hall Lawn - Campus 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Sept./Oct. 2009
Homecoming continues on page 24
SPECTACULAR
23
HOMECOMING continues
HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME A&T VS. BETHUNECOOKMAN
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY ALUMNI HOMECOMING RECEPTION Dudley Building 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm THEATRE ARTS PROGRAM “Sister’s Keeper” by Gary Hooker Paul Robeson Theatre 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Aggie Stadium 1:30 pm Contact: NC A&T Ticket Office (336) 334-7749
CHANCELLOR’S DONOR RECEPTION *INVITATION ONLY* Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel Imperial Ballroom ABC 6:00 pm
THEATRE ARTS PROGRAM “Sister’s Keeper” by Gary Hooker Paul Robeson Theatre Cost: $10.00 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm
ALUMNI CONCERT / SPONSORED BY NC A&T FOUNDATION
Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel Auditorium I 9:30 am – 11:00 am VENDING – Sponsored by NC A&T Alumni Association, Inc. Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel Pre Function Area 8:00 am– 11:00 am For more info visit http://www.ncat.edu/~newsinfo/homecoming/2009/
NC CENTRAL UNIVERSITY (NCCU) HOMECOMING 2009
VICTORY CLUB STEWARDSHIP EVENT *INVITATION ONLY* Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel Imperial Ballroom D 9:00 pm – 1:30 am HOMECOMING HARVEST DANCE Sponsored by NC A&T Alumni Association Inc. Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel Guilford Ballroom 9:00 pm – 1:30 am THE TEMPTATIONS REVIEW FEATURING “DENNIS EDWARDS” Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel / Guilford Ballroom 3121 High Point Road - Greensboro Reception 6:30 pm ~ Show 8:00 pm As a part of the Elegant Evening...savor a New York City Supper Club atmosphere, you will dine and enjoy the exquisite buffet cuisine, all inclusive. The event will begin with the buffet reception from 6:30 pm followed by the show that starts at 8:00 pm.There will be table seating only! Contact: Darlene Norman / NC A&T Foundation (336) 4335560
SUNDAY, November 1st ALUMNI CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST Sponsored by Office of Alumni Affairs Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel Imperial Ballroom A 8:00 am - 9:00 am AFFIRMATION SERVICE Sponsored by NC A&T Alumni Association, Inc.
SATURDAY, October 31st SCHOOL OF NURSING TELOCA BREAKFAST Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel / Colony Ballroom BC 7:30 am – 10:00 am
VENDING – Sponsored by NC A&T Alumni Association, Inc. Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel Pre Function Area 9:00 am – 1:30 am F.D. BLUFORD LIBRARY ARCHIVES 5TH PICTURE PARTY Bluford Library Rm 201 – Campus 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Archives staff: (336) 285-4176
SATURDAY, October 24th EAGLE JAM 2009 HOMECOMING CONCERT Join the students and the Eagle family for an evening of fun and dance during the Pre-dawn Dance. Local artists will be featured. 7:00 pm Location: TBD
MONDAY, October 26th CHOIR BALL The Choir Ball is a variety show with members of the University Choir showcasing their talent in song and dance. Meet many of today’s top artists through the imitations of talented choir members. Only one show will be held for Homecoming 2009. 7:00 pm B. N. Duke Auditorium
SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY GAME DAY TAILGATE Aggie Stadium 10:00 am – 3:00 pm SCHOOL OF EDUCATION PRE-GAME PICNIC School of Education – Campus 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
SPECTACULAR
FRIDAY, October 23rd CENTENNIAL COMEDY SHOW The comedy show will feature Kevin Hart, Benji Brown, and Corey Holcomb. 7:00 pm McDougald-McLendon Gym
SUNDAY, October 25th MR. & MISS NCCU CORONATION You will find royalty at its best when Chavery McClanahan and Tremain Holloway are crowned Mr. and Miss NCCU. The royal court and organization queens and kings will be presented in a setting of royalty. Please dress for the occasion. 6:00 pm B. N. Duke Auditorium
HOMECOMING PARADE 8:00 am Contact Number: (336) 334-7792
24
DURHAM - NCCU celebrates homecoming activities October 24th - November 1st with a full schedule of events. The university, founded in 1910, has also kicked off its year-long centennial celebration that will culminate with a Convention and Gala in July 2010.
Homecoming continues on page 25
Sept./Oct. 2009
www.spectacularmag.com
Homecoming
HOMECOMING GUIDE continues
Society of Golden Ea g les Tea Cele br a tion 4-26-
Tye Tribbett
TUESDAY, October 27th LYCEUM PROGRAM Grammy nominated gospel artist, songwriter, producer, director and singer, Tye Tribbett, will perform at this program. 7:00 pm McDougaldMcLendon Gym
WEDNESDAY, October 28th THE CENTENNIAL REVUE FACULTY AND STAFF VARIETY SHOW New on this year’s schedule is the Centennial Revue, a variety show by faculty and staff. 7:00 pm B. N. Duke Auditorium
and cheerleaders will be present to witness this sad occasion for the Marauders. 2:00 pm Ruffin Hall Amphitheatre TRIBUTE TO ERNIE BARNES NCCU will honor noted artist and alumnus Ernie Barnes with an exhibit of his work. Barnes famous 1971 Sugar Shack appeared on the television sitcom Good Times and on the cover of the Marvin Gaye album, I Want You. 3:00 pm Art Museum
THURSDAY, October 29th SGA FASHION SHOW Presenting the fashion troupes of NCCU in rare form. They design the clothes and choreograph the routines. 7:00 pm McDougald-McLendon Gym FRIDAY, October 30th FOUNDER’S DAY – SOCIETY OF GOLDEN EAGLES INDUCTION The Class of 1959 will be inducted into the Society of Golden Eagles. Dr. Mattie Giles, ’59 will be the Founder’s Day Convocation speaker. 10:00 am McDougald-McLendon Gym SOCIETY OF GOLDEN EAGLES LUNCHEON Members of the Society of Golden Eagles will gather for their annual luncheon. The society members, 50year graduates, will welcome the class into the fold. This event is invitation only. 12:30 pm Sheraton Imperial Hotel HOMECOMING GOLF TOURNAMENT 1:00 pm Hillandale Country Club CLASS REUNION REGISTRATIONS 2:00 pm Class Headquarters For more info: (919) 530-7820 MOCK FUNERAL The Eagles will host a mock funeral for the Central State Marauders. The NCCU football team, coaches,
Homecoming
ALL-CLASS REUNION BANQUET The 11 reunion classes will unite for an elegant evening of dining and dancing. Each class will present a Centennial gift to the university. 6:00 pm Sheraton Imperial Hotel PAN-HELLENIC STEP SHOW The 9 fraternities and sororities of the Pan-Hellenic Council will do their thing in the annual step off. A winner will be declared from the sororities and the fraternities. 7:00 pm McDougald-McLendon Gym SATURDAY, October 31st HOMECOMING PARADE The parade will begin at Pearson Elementary School on Fayetteville Street travel to Lawson Street, ending at the Mary Townes Science Building on campus. 10:00 am Fayetteville Street
www.spectacularmag.com
HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME NCCU VS. CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY
O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium 1:30 pm Contact: NCCU Ticket Office (919) 530-5170 The NCCU Eagles will take on the Central State University Marauders from Ohio. Prior to the game, enjoy E-Town, the pre-game show, half-time activities with the NCCU Marching Band, and the postgame show with the Central State University Marching Band. ALUMNI DANCE All alumni are invited to attend the annual Alumni Dance. Sandy B. and the All Stars will be the featured band for the evening. Doors will open at 8:00 pm. 9:00 pm Sheraton Imperial Hotel Sandy B. and the All DANCE SHOW NCCU dance troupes will perform in this showcase of talent. 8:00 pm McDougald-McLendon Gym
SUNDAY, November 1st Gospel Concert The NCCU Worship and Praise Choir will celebrate their anniversary with a concert featuring college and university gospel choirs. Choirs will be represented from various colleges and universities throughout North Carolina. 4:00 pm B. N. Duke Auditorium
For more info: http://web.nccu.edu/homecoming/
Sept./Oct. 2009
Homecoming continues on page 26
SPECTACULAR
25
HOMECOMING GUIDE continues
SAINT AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE (SAC) HOMECOMING 2009
RALEIGH - Homecoming week, to be held October 11th - 17th, always reunites alums, friends and constituents to reminisce and participate in the weeklong celebration. This year’s theme is “Welcome To The Good Life.”
GREEK STEP SHOW 8:00 pm Emery Gymnasium Cost: $20.00 in advance $25.00 at the door CASINO NIGHT- “ FALCONS NIGHT IN VEGAS” 8:00 pm - 12:00 am North Raleigh Hilton Ballroom FALCON FOUNDATION, INC. HALL OF FAME DANCE Live Entertainment EnVision Band 9:00 pm Sheraton Hotel Downtown $40.00 (202) 488-9289 ALUMNI OF GAMMA EnVision Band OMICRON CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI, INC. AND GAMMA XI CHAPTER OF AKA, INC. 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION (In partnership with the Falcon Foundation, Inc.) 9:00 pm - until Registration: $100.00 ($50 will be donated to the George “Pup” Williams Athletic Complex) (202) 726-2977 or (910) 488-9289
SATURDAY, October 17th FALCON, FOOD AND ALL THAT JAZZ BREAKFAST Class Gift Presentations 8:00 am Martin Luther King Jr. Ballroom Cost: $25.00 in advance $30.00 at the door (919) 516-4343
MONDAY, October 12th
ALUMNI DAY “2K Walk/Run” In Memory of Fallen Falcons 7:00 am Emery Gymnasium See Homecoming 2009 website for route TUESDAY, October 13th
FASHION SHOW 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Seby Jones Auditorium Cost: $3.00 in advance $5.00 at the door. WEDNESDAY, October 14th MIDNIGHT MADNESS - PEP RALLY 11:00 pm - 1:00 am Martin Luther King Jr. Mall THURSDAY, October 15th MISS SAINT AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE CORONATION Theme: Unity 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Emery Gymnasium CLASS OF 1960 FISH FRY Meadowbrook Country Club 8025 Country Club Drive Garner, NC 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm RSVP to(919) 550-2586 or (919) 516-4343
HOMECOMING PARADE 9: 00 am (919) 516-4661 FALCON TAILGATE 12:00pm - 2:00 pm Broughton High School Stadium Tailgate Parking $10.00 On site cooking, alcoholic beverages and smoking are prohibited ( 919) 516-4343
HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME SAINT AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE FALCONS VS. LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE BEARS 2:00 pm Broughton High School Stadium 723 St. Mary’s St. Raleigh, NC $20.00
FRIDAY, October 16th SAINT AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE/ FALCON FOUNDATION, INC. ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 7:00 am Meadowbrook Golf Course 8025 Country Club Drive Garner, NC Cost: $45.00 To register call (919) 516-4092 FALCON FOUNDATION, INC. HALL OF FAME ATHLETIC INDUCTION CEREMONIES 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Sheraton Hotel Downtown $60.00 in advance $75.00 to attend both the induction ceremony and dance following. (919) 616-5208
SPECTACULAR
FALCON CABARET DANCE Sponsored by Dynasty 5 9:00 pm North Raleigh Hilton Ballroom One – DJ Skills Ballroom Two - Live Jazz and Old School Celebration (919) 516-4343 NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA 8:00 pm - 1:00 am Holiday Inn Crabtree (919) 516-4343 For more info www.st-aug.edu/homecoming/2009
SHAW UNIVERSITY (SU) HOMECOMING 2009
STUDENT HOMECOMING PRE-DAWN PARTY 12 midnight - 4:00 am Emery Gymnasium Cost: $5.00 in advance $7.00 at the door
SUNDAY, October 11th CHAPEL SERVICE 9:00 am Traditional Episcopal Service 10:30 am Ecumenical Service The Historic College Chapel
26
STUDENT COMEDY SHOW & HOMECOMING CONCERT 9:00 pm - 11: 00 pm Emery Gymnasium $20.00 in advance $25.00 at the door (919) 516-4074
Sept./Oct. 2009
RALEIGH - Shaw University’s Homecoming is a festive occasion in which the entire campus becomes involved. It is a time when alumni return to the University to renew old acquaintances and enjoy the festivities of the week. This year’s Homecoming will take place the week of October 18th - 25th. The theme is “The Year of the Bear.” Among the major attractions are the Crowning of Miss Homecoming, the Homecoming Concert, the football game, and a fraternity and sorority “step show.” THURSDAY, October 15th MISS SHAW CORONATION/CROWNING OF MR. AND MISS HOMECOMING SUNDAY, October 18th GREEK SUNDAY Thomas J. Boyd Chapel WEDNESDAY, October 21st FASHION SHOW 8:00 pm Spaulding Gymnasium THURSDAY, October 22nd ALUMNI/STUDENT MEET-N-GREET “Building on a Legacy of Greatness” ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME BANQUET FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23RD FOUNDER’S DAY CONVOCATION W/SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO ELLA BAKER ’27 - CIVIL RIGHTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST
Ella Baker
Homecoming continues on page 27
www.spectacularmag.com
Homecoming
HOMECOMING GUIDE continues FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23RD 50TH CLASS REUNION BREAKFAST RALEIGH/WAKE ALUMNI CHAPTER GOLF TOURNAMENT Riverwood Golf and Athletic Club Clayton, NC Registration: 7:30am to 8:55am Shotgun Start: 9am Format: 4-Man Captain's Choice Cost: $100 per Person $400 per Team Contact: Mr. Arnold Evans (919) 418-0713
WINSTON SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING 2009
SHAW FAMILY REUNION WELCOME BACK TRIBUTE TO GREEKS
favorite traditions.
WINSTON SALEM Homecoming 2009 October 24th to November 1st - celebrating the mighty Ram tradition. There will be lots of great times packed into the week - football, parties, music and reunions; students and fellow alumni sharing their
SATURDAY, October 24th COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Day of community service within the Winston-Salem community. KICK-OFF HOMECOMING PARTY Doors open 8:30 pm Gaines Gym Featuring The Dream, Dorrough, and The New Boyz SUNDAY, October 25th LIGHTING OF THE SIGN 8:30 pm Thompson Center
NAA WINE & CHEESE SIP ALUMNI BANQUET NAA/WSHA CONCERT AND DANCE GREEK STEP SHOW SATURDAY, October 24th
HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME SHAW VS LIVINGSTONE
MONDAY, October 26th COMEDY SHOW WITH DERAY, ROZ G AND MICHAEL COMBS 7:00 pm, K.R. Williams Auditorium TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27TH CASINO NIGHT DeRay 7:30 pm Whitaker Gym First Homecoming Casino Night presents all the excitement of Vegas on campus featuring live entertainment and prizes WEDNESDAY, October 28th CORONATION 7:00 pm K.R. Williams Auditorium Crowning of Miss and Mister WSSU ROYAL BALL 9:30 pm McNeil Ballroom, Anderson Center A formal ball to celebrate crowned royalty
4:00 pm Millbrook High School 2201 Spring Forest Rd. Raleigh, NC RALEIGH/WAKE ALUMNI CHAPTER’S “A BEAR FAMILY AFFAIR” DANCE SHAW GOSPEL CHOIR REUNION CONCERT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 25TH REUNION CLASS SUNDAY Thomas J. Boyd Chapel “SUNDAY’S BEST” TALENT SHOWCASE
For more info www.shawu.edu/HomeComing/index.html
Homecoming
FRIDAY, October 30th WREATH-PLACING CEREMONY 8:45 am S.G. Atkins Statue FOUNDER'S DAY CONVOCATION 9:45 am K.R. Williams ALUMNI CHECK-IN AND REGISTRATION 11:30 am - 5:00 pm Thompson Center 207 MINI PARADE AND PEP RALLY 2:00 pm, Clock Tower ALUMNI HALL OF DISTINCTION INDUCTION, RECEPTION 7:00 pm Benton Convention Center CROWNING - MR. AND MISS ALUMNI 8:45 pm Benton Convention Center ALUMNI GALA 9:15 pm Benton Convention Center Attire: After Five SATURDAY, October 31st PARADE 10 am downtown Winston-Salem Starts at the corner of Fourth and Poplar streets ALUMNI CHECK-IN 12:30 pm Bowman Gray Stadium tailgate area
HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME WSSU VS. HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
2:00 pm Bowman Gray Stadium NPHC HOMECOMING STEP SHOW 7:30 pm K.R. Williams Auditorium A crowd favorite! This year’s show includes members of our own National PanHellenic Council. RAM VICTORY EXTRAVAGANZA 10:00 pm Benton Convention Center Celebrating in three different rooms to suit dif-
THURSDAY, October 29th RETURN TO SERVE 9:00 am - 4:00 pm campus and Thompson Center Alumni volunteers meet with students to offer career guidance MR. AND MISS ALUMNI TEA 3:00 pm Sundance Hotel and Spa Traditional Queen’s tea recognize past queens and the new Mr. and Miss Alumni. Event is invitation only. CLASS OF 1959 50TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER 6:30 pm Embassy Suites, Gaines Room THE RED AND BLACK AFFAIR 9:00 pm Millenium Center A night of music; guests are asked to dress in red and black or upscale nightlife attire.
www.spectacularmag.com
ferent dance and musical tastes. * Afros and Bell Bottoms, DJ Syd * Black and White Affair, DJ 360 * Jazz Lounge, "Rip" and "Joe D" Casual dress.
SUNDAY, November 1st WORSHIP SERVICE 10:00 am For more info http://www.ramhomecoming.com/
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
27
www.spectacularmag.com
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
28
NEWSBRIEFS ANNUAL ISLAND FIRE PAGEANT HELD IN GARNER
Briefly... AREA ELEMENTARY EDUCATOR TO TAKE HELM AT GLENN ELEMENTARY
DURHAM - Dr. W. Renee Carmon has been named Principal of Glenn Elementary School. She replaces Reginald Davis, who recently accepted a position in the AlamanceBurlington School System. Dr. Carmon has served as associate principal of Cameron Park Elementary School in Orange County Schools since 2005. She performed her principal internship at Hillandale Elementary in Durham for one year prior to that. 2009 Island Fire Pageant Contestants By Victor Payne Contributing Writer GARNER, NC - Pan-Master, Vaughn Audain, played Steel Drum of positive vibrations to welcome attendants to the 10th Island Fire Pageant held at the Garner Historic Auditorium on Saturday, July 25th. The Island Fire Pageant is the RTP area known Caribbean Cultural festival aimed at multi-cultural education and fam-
ily fun-filled entertainment. The 10th Island Fire pageant opened with a prayer for best spirit and competition of contestants plus successful evening by Arvian Duval. The Master of Ceremony was Terrence “Positive” Nelson, a senator of US Virgin Islands and brother of Island Fire Pageant founder, Mrs. Duval. The pageant Contestants came from both far (US Virgin Islands, Florida) and near Pageant continues on page 30
Before interning, Dr Carmon taught first and second grades at Hope Valley Elementary in Durham over the course of nine years. She also has taught at Eno Valley Elementary in Durham, in Orange County Schools and in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Carmon holds three degrees - a bachelor's in early childhood education, and both a master's and a doctorate in education leadership - all from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
DURHAM MAYOR TO HEAD NATIONAL MAYORS’ HEALTH TASK FORCE
DURHAM — The National Conference of Black Mayors (NCBM) has selected Durham Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell to chair the NCBM Health Task Force. As chair, Bell will lead a Call to Action to member mayors to pass resolutions supporting health care reform legislation. The National Conference of Black Mayors represents more than 650 African-American Mayors across the United States and collectively, its membership represents over 48 million citizens. Bell
A&T PROFESSOR RECEIVES MENTORING AWARD FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA
GREENSBORO - Dr. Goldie Byrd, a Nathan F. Simms Endowed Professor in the biology department at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, is one of more than 100 science, math, and engineering teachers and mentors named by President Obama as recipients of two prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence. The educators will receive their awards in the Fall at a White House ceremony. The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, awardPictured: Winners during the Caribbean wear category of the Pageant
www.spectacularmag.com
Sept./Oct. 2009
Briefly continues on page 30
SPECTACULAR
29
PAGEANT continues
BRIEFLY continues ed each year to individuals or organizations, recognizes the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science or engineering and who belong to minorities that are underrepresented in those fields.
Africans, Jackson also will be an anthropology professor in UNC’s College of Arts and Sciences. She has studied genetics, demographics history and dietary patterns and researched health disparities. Conducting research in Africa, she cofounded the first human DNA bank on the continent. The bank has archived more than 2,000 DNA samples, which will help with studies of African heritage.
Candidates for the Presidential Mentoring Award are nominated by colByrd leagues, administrators, and students from their home institutions. The mentoring can involve students at any grade level from elementary through graduate school. In addition to being honored at the White House, recipients receive awards of $10,000 to advance their mentoring efforts.
Already, Jackson has spearheaded development of a periodic e-newsletter from the institute, Carolina Catalyst, which she said is being distributed to black alumni and faculty, staff, students and institutes across the country that work in the area of African American research.
DURHAM SUPERINTENDENT EARNS REGIONAL SUPERINTENDENT HONORS
Harris
RALEIGH - Durham Public Schools Superintendent Carl E. Harris is the 2010 Central Carolina Regional Superintendent of the Year. Harris was selected by his peers for this award at a meeting in July. This recognition makes him a nominee for North Carolina Superintendent of the Year.
LOWE’S GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER WINS NATIONAL HONOR
DURHAM - Lowe’s Grove Middle School teacher Jamila Bowser has been named the national 2009 SECME Teacher of the Year. Each year, SECME, Inc. (formerly the Southeastern Consortium for Minorities in Engineering) recognizes outstanding K-12 educators who have demonstrated leadership ability in advancing student Bowser development and outcomes in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Bowser was cited for having demonstrated exemplary accomplishments in building and/or sustaining a successful SECME school program through creative and enriching curricular/extracurricular activities, thereby increasing the number of historically underrepresented students who are interested in, and academically prepared for, studies in science, technoloDr. Harris became Superintendent of Durham Public gy, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Schools on July 1, 2006. He previously served as Deputy Superintendent. From 1999 until 2004, Dr. Bowser was recognized at an “Evening of Elegance” celHarris was Superintendent of Franklin County ebration sponsored by the ExxonMobil Foundation held at the Daytona Museum of Arts and Sciences in July. Schools. The Central Region is a 15-member district composed of the following school districts: Caswell, Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Johnston, Nash-Rocky Mount, Orange, Person, Vance, Wake, Warren and Wilson.
Dr. Harris earned a doctorate degree in Education LONGTIME HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATOR IS Administration from North Carolina State University, NAMED PRINCIPAL OF HILLSIDE where he currently serves as adjunct professor. He DURHAM - Hans D. Lassiter has been appointed also holds a Master of Arts in Education, a Master of Principal of Hillside High School. Administration, and an Education Specialist degree He comes to Durham Public in Administration and Supervision from East Carolina Schools from the North Carolina University, along with a B.S. in Health and Physical Department of Public Instruction Education from Southwest State University. where he has served as a high school turnaround consultant for JACKSON TO DIRECT UNC’S INSTITUTE the past year.
OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN RESEARCH
CHAPEL HILL - Fatimah L.C. Jackson has been appointed director of UNC’s Institute of African American Research, which advances and connects scholarly investigation on campus of the history, experiences, biology, culture and thought of people of African descent, particularly black Americans. The Jackson institute conducts research; holds conferences and seminars on research findings; awards competitive research grants; and offers fellowships for faculty and internships for students.
Prior to serving at DPI, Lassiter was principal of Southern Lee Lassiter High School for three years. He was principal of Perquimans County High School for the previous two years. In the early part of this decade he was assistant principal of Southern Vance High School, while simultaneously serving as an instructor at Vance-Granville Community College.
(Raleigh) to represent different Island nations (St. Kitts & Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago, US Virgin Islands, St. Martin and Antigua). The Mister and Miss Island Fire Pageant featured Junior (under 17) and Adult (18-45) categories in Caribbean Wear, Talent, Educational Forum and Formal Wear competitions. The multi-talent event included Caribbean Comedy (Abbey Kyat), Poetry (Empress Auset), hip-hop dance (Brital Hodge and Garian Duval), group dance performance (Crucian Bangalang), kid performer (Ariana Duval) and esquisite fashion show. Senator Nelson, Island Fire Pageant MC, laced program transition with funny Island inter-generational “Jumbie” Ghost /Pirates stories and conscientious positive attitude life messages. The 10th Island Fire Pageant crowned Britnique Hodge its Junior Queen and Miss Island Fire 2009 went to Rane Rawlins (US Virgin Islands) and the crown for Mr. Island Fire-2009 was won by George Somerszaul (Trinida & Tobago). Amanda Prentice (St. Kitts & Nevis) was 1st Runner -up to Queen title. Pageant judges were Vincent Payin, Felicia Anderson, Tonya Smith and Hopemarie Clark.
which he also holds a master’s degree in school administration. He earned his first master’s degree, in history, from North Carolina Central University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from North Carolina A&T State University.
DURHAM’S BUDGET DIRECTOR NAMED PRESIDENT OF N.C. BUDGET ASSOCIATION
DURHAM – Bertha Johnson, director of the City of Durham’s Department of Budget & Management Services, has been elected president of the North Carolina Local Government Budget Association (NCLGBA). Johnson was elected to office on July 24, 2009, at the Association’s Summer Budget Summit, held at the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Johnson will serve a oneyear term with the professional organization, which promotes the budgeting profession through education, networking, and advocacy. Johnson, appointed Budget and Management Services Director in May 2008, managed the department’s operations as the interim director since January 2008. She has more than 17 years of experience and has been with the City since October 2005.
Prior to coming to Durham, she was an adjunct professor with School of Business at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), the director of budget and finance with the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics and Lassiter began his career in the early 1990s as a social the finance director for the City of Roxboro, N.C. studies teacher at Hillside, where he taught for three Johnson holds a master’s in Public Administration years. He also taught at Southern High School. from NCCU and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting Lassiter is scheduled to complete his doctorate in from Elon University. education administration and supervision later this SUMBIT ANNOUNCEMENTS BY 15TH OF MONTH: An expert on the health of African Americans and year from North Carolina State University, from info@spectacularmag.com
30
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
www.spectacularmag.com
Newbriefs
www.spectacularmag.com
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
31
SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE PUBLISHER TO RECEIVE TABJ HUMANITARIAN AWARD RALEIGH - The Triangle Association of Black Journalists (TABJ) will host its scholarship gala event "A Celebration of Excellence", on October 10th at the Marriott Raleigh City Center. The keynote speaker will be Orage Quarles, News and Observer President and Publisher. A special TABJ Humanitarian award will be awarded to local community Phyllis Coley leader and journalist Phyllis Coley for her contributions to the community, her support of the African American community here in the Triangle by upholding the traditions and legacy of its leaders. Phyllis Coley is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Spectacular Magazine and President of Another Coley Event. The Durham native and North Carolina Central University alum began her career as a corporate trainer for ITT in New York City and went on to become Promotions and Marketing Director for the #1 radio station in NYC. While at the radio station she discovered the rap group Kid 'n Play and managed them for five years. Moving back to Durham in the early 1990's, Ms. Coley produced a nationally syndicated television show, The Electric Factory, for two years while working as News Director for FOXY 107/104. After the birth of her son, Ms. Coley went to work for Durham Business and Professional Chain as Business Development Director, establishing workshops and other projects for member businesses. She was asked to join the Board of Directors in 1996 and served as Secretary of the Board for three years. Two black newspapers, The Charlotte Post and The Winston Salem Chronicle, approached Ms. Coley about establishing an African American weekly newspaper in the Triangle. In March 1998, the first issue of The Triangle Tribune hit the streets. She served as General Manager and went on to become Associate Publisher of the Tribune, while holding the position of Vice President of the N.C. Black Publishers Association. During that time Ms. Coley worked with the City of Durham to re-establish the Holiday Parade and continued as a consultant to the City of Durham. She left the Tribune in July 2002 to start her own business, Another Coley Event (ACE). ACE has been and continues to be the planner for major annual community and corporate events such as Durham's Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, the Annual Durham Juneteenth Celebration, the Bull Durham Blues Festival, the Aggie-Eagle Football Classic, and the HBCU Think Tank with Tavis Smiley; she served on the Advisory Board of Radio One's Women's Empowerment & Networking conference for three years and is one of the founding members of the Triangle United Way's African American Leadership
Initiative. Having served as Publisher of the General Baptist State Convention's newspaper The Baptist Informer and NCCU's Alumni Association's newspaper Straws from the Eagles' Nest, Ms Coley felt there was a void in highlighting the achievements of African Americans in the Triangle. In April 2002 she began publishing ACE Magazine and launched Spectacular Magazine in November 2004. Recognizing another void, the lack of pertinent and truthful information on issues that affect the African American community, Ms. Coley launched Spectacular Magazine Radio Show in March 2009. Ms. Coley is the proud mother of one son, 16 year old Lawrence Davis III. This exciting, elegant and enlightening evening will be hosted by TV Journalists Gerald Owens and Tisha Powell. The event starts at 6pm, followed by dinner and awards at 7pm. Over the last four years TABJ has given thousands of dollars in scholarship money to aspiring journalists through their Scholarship Gala which is the main source of revenue for the organization's scholarship fund. TABJ, the local affiliate of the National Association of Black Journalists is an organization of reporters, editors, photographers, and other media professionals working in the Raleigh-Durham area.
32
www.spectacularmag.com
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
Newsbriefs
STATE & NATIONAL $250,000 PROJECT WILL FORM AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MUSIC TRAIL IN KINSTON
World renowned local musicians including Melvin Parker, Dick Knight, Sadatrius Boxley-Brown, Wilburt Croom and Maceo Parker perform at the Community Council for the Arts during the announcement of a $250,000 grant for the African-American Music Project.
KINSTON, NC - Although Kinston, Lenoir County and this portion of eastern North Carolina is home to legends in the blues and jazz fields, many locals are not aware of it. An announcement at the Kinston Community Council of the Arts on September 17, 2009 may change all that. The N.C. Department of Transportation allotted $250,000 to the new African-American Heritage Music Trail, an endeavor that will be based in Kinston and will include stops in eight counties: Lenoir, Greene, Jones, Pitt, Wayne, Wilson, Nash and Edgecombe. The project, which will help educate cultural visitors to those eight counties, will include interactive video and audio kiosks at dozens of sites. The trail is expected to be completed by 2011. Visitors will begin at the arts Council building on Queen Street and continue to the sites all over ENC, where they will discover the music and talent that originated in this area. The trail is a dream come true for arts council director Sandy Landis, who led the effort to bring the concept to life over the past five years. “These are creative economies in action,” Landis said. “This is using the arts to help with community development.” Landis was part of the announcement ceremony that included N.C. Secretary of Cultural Resources Linda Carlisle, Lenoir County Economic Development Director Mark Pope and Mary B. Regan, the executive director of the North Carolina Arts Council. Carlisle stressed the importance of cultural tourism to North Carolina — and gave a lot of credit to Landis for putting legs under the idea. “If not for Sandy Landis, we’d probably be announcing this project in another part of the state,” Carlisle said. Before the ceremony began, an all-star ensemble of area
www.spectacularmag.com
FAMU PRESIDENT GETS $113,750 BONUS By Caryn Wilson - Black College Wire TALLAHASSEE, FL - Florida A&M University President James Ammons will be awarded a salary bonus of $113,750 following a unanimous trustee board vote in May. Trustees relied on the legal wording of Ammons’ contract to award the bonus check. The contract authorizes the board to grant a performance bonus of 25-35 percent. “We have a responsibility of honoring all legally binding contracts and not James Ammons picking and choosing which contract we honor and which we do not,” said Bill Jennings, chairman of the board of trustees. Other trustees didn’t agree.“Maybe you all have something different in Florida than we have in North Carolina…we’re laying off teachers,” said Trustee Robert Brown, founder and CEO of B&C Associates Inc., a public relations firm in High Point, North Carolina. The economic downturn, which was not up for discussion during the meeting, has caused administrators to cut almost $16 million from FAMU’s 2009-2010 operational budget. “I just think...the best way we can help our people right now is to make sure everybody keeps their jobs,” Brown said. The state of Florida covers $225,000 of Ammons’ annual salary of $325,000, while the FAMU Foundation covers the rest. The board chose to award Ammons a 35-percent performance bonus. Florida Atlantic’s Frank Brogan and Florida State’s T.K. Wetherell have opted not to take recent bonus awards. There is no word yet on whether Ammons will accept the bonus. music greats — including Maceo and Melvin Parker, Dick Knight, Sadatrius Boxley-Brown and Wilburt Croom — entertained those in attendance with an impromptu jazz performance. Following Carlisle’s speech, the ensemble played for another 10 minutes until Maceo Parker, who headlined his own world-famous band after playing with the likes of James Brown and Ray Charles, took the microphone to share his memories of growing up in Lenoir County. He regaled the assembled group with tales of his and his brother Melvin’s first meetings with Brown and thanked those who helped him as he was growing up in Lenoir County. Those are the kind of stories Landis and Pope are hoping will be learned by visitors to the new music trail — and will encourage new owners of new companies to locate in this area. “Having this here will help enhance the quality of life,” Pope said. “Sites and buildings are nice when recruiting companies, but you have to sell the whole package. This helps enhance that whole package.” By Bryan C. Hanks - The Free Press, Kinston, N.C. Reprint permission granted
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
33
MOTHER MADE THE DIFFERENCE By Dr. Alvin Augustus Jones Ray Charles’ inspiration and firm foundation was his mother. Before telling the world during a Diet Pepsi soda commercial that they got the right one baby uh-huh or before the Georgia Legislature made his version of Georgia On My Dr. Alvin Augustus Jones Mind the official state song and even before being one of the original inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, The Kennedy Center Honors, or Grammy Lifetime achievement award, he was simply Brother Ray. Brother Ray was born Ray Charles Robinson on September 23, 1930 in Albany Georgia. His father’s name was Bailey and his mother’s name was Aretha. It’s unclear whether his parents were married or were together in common law. It was a mystery to him, especially since he was raised by his mother and his father’s wife. As a child he called Aretha “Mama” and his father’s wife Mary Jane, “Mother”. Ray Charles accepted the arrangement and was bathed in love and affection by both women. His natural mother was strict and he was spoiled by the other. During his early years he said that he was poor with a capital “P”. Despite poverty in many ways, he felt that life was good and offered many blessings. For instance, he said in his autobiography entitled Brother Ray, that country folk don’t miss anything on the pig. They ate the ears, feet, insides and outsides. He ate everything on the hog except the oink. He enjoyed, pig neck bones, chitins, collard greens, rice smothered with onion gravy, cabbage with thick pieces of ham, and sweet watermelon. He said they ate well, even though they were poor. If we had chicken, it had to be on Sunday, our Church Day. He said, “Oh yes, Lord, mama believed in going to church. Ours was Shiloh Baptist Church and I liked it best for the singing.” He goes on to say “Church was simple: preacher sang or recited and the congregation sang right back at him. There were hardly any accompaniments. We didn’t have a piano in church until I became much older and the services were basic and raw. That’s how I got my first religion and my first music.” Ray Charles loved music. At the age of three he learned how to play the piano. At the age of five, his life changed when he witnessed his only brother George, drown. Just a few months after this, his eyes started tearing. It wasn’t real tears, but matter that was thick, it was mucus. Some mornings it was so thick that his eyes had to be pried open. This lasted for two years and then he became blind at the age of seven.
34
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
These and other circumstances started him on a road to become one of the world’s most beloved singers and musicians. He had to overcome poverty, blindness, lost of his parents, drug addiction, a tangled romantic and the pervasive racism that existed in America. By the age of 32, he was considered a genius. He musical style combined the influences of gospel, jazz, blues, pop and country music. His career spanned for more than half a century. He remained in complete control of his life and his music. He allowed nobody to tell him what he can and can’t do.
Dr. Alvin Augustus Jones As an expert of achievement and folly, your success is important to me. If I can assist you in any way, please write me at Dr. Alvin Augustus Jones P.O. Box 9, Oxford, NC 27565, email me at alvin@dralvinjones.com, call 919-693-3540 or listen to me daily from 6AM-10AM on www.dralvin.com on WCBQ-AM 1340/WHNC-AM 890.
REP. LARRY D. HALL APPOINTED TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Commission to examine economic growth and development issues and strategies RALEIGH - Rep. Larry D. Hall has been appointed to the Joint Legislative Economic Development Oversight Committee. The Joint Legislative Economic Development Oversight Committee is responsible for studying the budgets, programs, and policies of the Department of Commerce, the North Carolina Partnership for Economic Development, and other State, regional, and local entities involved in economic development. Rep. Larry D. Hall “I am pleased to have this opportunity to serve on this committee,” Rep. Hall said. “This appointment will allow me to serve both the House of Representatives and the people of my district who have a strong interest in economic development issues.” Among other things, the Committee will analyze legislation from other states regarding economic development, analyze proposals produced by the Economic Development Board, and study any other matters that the Committee considers necessary to fulfill its mandate. Rep. Hall is an attorney living in Durham County and is serving his third term in the House of Representatives. He is also Chair of the Homeland Security, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee and is vice chair of the House Committee on Financial Institutions.
www.spectacularmag.com
State & National
COMMUNITY WORRIES AS 9 WOMEN VANISH FROM NORTH CAROLINA CITY ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (AP) — They spent their nights jumping in and out of strange cars, trolling otherwise empty streets lined with decaying storefronts and boarded-up homes. Many sold sex to support drug habits or children left in the care of worried, hardworking grandmothers. Even when they were picked up for drugs or prostitution, nights in jail looming, they called home to let their families know they were OK. Then, one by one, the calls stopped. Since 2005, nine women who lived at the edges of the poor community in this small North Carolina city have disappeared. Six bodies were found along rural roads just a few miles outside town, most so decomposed that investigators could not tell how they died. At least one of the women was strangled, and all the deaths have been classified as homicides. Three women are still missing. Police will not say whether they suspect a serial killer, but people in the community about 60 miles northeast of Raleigh do, and they’re impatient with law enforcement efforts to investigate the slayings. After the latest body — that of 31-year-old Jarneice Hargrove — was found in June behind a burnt-out house that was once a crack den, local law enforcement and state police formed a task force. In July, the FBI got involved. But friends and family say it didn’t happen soon enough. “We got someone out here that’s snatching up females,” said Stephanie Jones, a 28-year-old nursing student. “I mean, next person could be your grandmother, it could be me, it could be my mother, it could be my daughter.” Jones, who knew two of the victims, has founded a group that is raising money to publicize the slayings and search for those still missing. She says the cases are being swept under the rug because of the victims’ lifestyles. The lead investigator, Sheriff James Knight, said he cannot comment. Rumors swirl about the identity of the killer, if there is just one. Some say he is an ex-military man or an ex-police officer because he leaves no evidence. Others believe he is exacting revenge on local women after contracting HIV from a prostitute. Forensic psychologist Dr. Michael Teague said the killings are probably the work of one person. “You’re talking about a man who didn’t finish high school, probably doesn’t have a regular job, probably not married or in a stable relationship,” he said. Vivian Lord, chairwoman of the criminal justice department at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, said that if one killer is responsible, he is likely trying to cleanse the world of prostitutes or deliberately picking victims he knows won’t be missed. If it’s the latter, he chose wrong when he killed Ernestine Battle. Her sister, Tynatta James, 64, remembers the February 2008 day the family reported Battle missing. It had been less than 48 hours since they last heard from the 50-year-old, but she always checked in, even from jail. “We knew something wasn’t right because she hadn’t called,” James said. A month later, a man putting up a wire fence around his property down a rural stretch of road outside town found a badly decom-
State & National
www.spectacularmag.com
A billboard shows information about 9 women who are missing or dead in Rocky Mount, N.C., Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009. Since 2005, nine women who lived at the frayed edges of the poor community here have fallen victim to what some consider a serial killer. Six of their bodies were found decomposing along rural roads just a few miles outside town; three women are still missing. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
posed body. The bodies of two other victims were found in the same area in 2007 and 2009. In May, a DNAtest identified the remains as Battle’s. She was wearing only her underwear and police told James she was probably strangled, but they couldn’t be sure because animals had dragged away a small throat bone that typically breaks when someone is killed that way. “I’m still frustrated,” James said. “I didn’t really feel like they were doing all they could. I just feel like they recently started to get involved in the cases after the last lady.” For Alecia Johnson, the killings were a wake-up call. She knew most of the women: They all walked the streets of Rocky Mount together. She said she didn’t wait for police to catch a killer. She stopped after the body of the first woman, 29-year-old Melody Wiggins, was found dumped in the woods in 2005. “I used to walk these streets and jump in and out of cars. But then when that first girl Melody got killed I stopped that because I knew he would kill another,” said Johnson, 41. “I hate for that to happen to her, but it probably saved my life. I have five babies.” Counting the names on one hand, she added, “There’s probably five or six girls left around here that will jump in and out of cars. He really did kill the whole neighborhood.” Jones’group has raised enough money to post billboards with the faces of the missing and slain women. Now she is raising more to organize search teams for those whose bodies have not been found. Juray Tucker, the mother of 37-year-old Yolanda Lancaster, missing since February, said she wants to help with fundraising but doesn’t get much time now that she has to care for her daughter’s children. “Every day, every minute, every hour, I’m worried,” she said. “It’s constant on my mind and there ain’t nothing I can do, ain’t nothing I can do.”
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
35
POLITICAL AND CIVIC AFFAIRS LEGAL EAGLE ADVISOR by Professor Irving Joyner NCCU School of Law
THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION: FRIEND OR FOE On September 17, 2009, many people around the country celebrated “Constitution Day” as an opportunity to show appreciation for our constitution and to educate the public about the powers, protections and prohibitions contained in that document. The federal constitution describes the roles and functions of the federal government and the protections which are guaranteed to citizens and the States in which they reside. The federal constiIrving Joyner tution co-exists with the separate constitutions of the fifty (50) states and territories which constitute the United States of America. The federal constitution has been in existence for over two-hundred and thirty-three (233) years and despite its long history, it is a total mystery to many citizens. In fact, many of the individuals who have ben elected as federal, state and local legislators have a limited and inadequate understanding of it. In addition, there are many people and organizations which are engaged in a continuing campaign to alter the scope and powers provided by the constitution usually to the detriment and interests of the individual rights which the constitution provides. It is certainly important to acknowledge at the outset of this discussion that the original constitution enacted in 1776 endorsed slavery and used its existence as a method of doling out political power within the federal government. The original constitution did not prohibit the use of slavery and was not intended to protect the rights or interests of people of African descent. In fact, several of the drafters or “founding fathers” were accompanied by their slaves who attended to their needs. In the original constitution, the drafters provided that the federal government would tax slaves as the property of slave-owners and gave to southern politicians additional political power based upon the number of slaves held in each State. In addition, the federal government, under the concept of States’ Rights, gave to each State the right to define the contours of slavery and regulate it as a social institution. It is also important to know that throughout the United States, including the southern States, many free Africans and their decedents lived. Some of these free Africans also owned slaves. One of the largest population of free Africans and their decedents lived in North Carolina. Many of the free Africans were the
sons and daughters of White slave-owners who operated businesses and owned property in the States. Any distinctions which was thought to have existed between free and enslaved Africans were clarified in the landmark case of Dred Scott v. Sanderford where the United States Supreme Court declared that it was not the intents of the “founding fathers” that any Africans and their decedents would ever become United States citizens. As such, the Court explained, neither the federal nor State governments were required to provide any protections or resources to the decedents of Africans anywhere in the United States. In Dred Scott’s situation, the decision meant that he did not even have the right to file a lawsuit in federal court to challenge his slave status. After the Civil War ended in 1865, Congress enacted the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the federal constitution which mandated that the decedents of Africans who were born in the United States were declared to be citizens. These constitutional amendments also provided that no State could enact laws which discriminated against the newly enfranchised African decedents based upon their race or national origin and guaranteed to these new citizens the right to vote. Once again, Congress did not intend that these constitutional provisions were to apply to social discrimination and the interactions between individual citizens. Therefore, separate legislative enactments were adopted in an attempt to promote the social equality of all citizens. In subsequent decisions by the United States Supreme Court, most of those legislative enactments were declared to be unconstitutional. Despite, this negative race-focused history, the amendments to the original constitutions offered important and critical protections to citizens as they were defined at the time. These amendments certainly were important additions for racial minorities, women and poor people following the passage of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments. In theory, constitutional protections apply equally to all citizens. In practice, the reality for racial minorities and poor people lag far behind the theoretical protections which are supposed to exist for all citizens. With respect to the practical application of constitutional protections to all citizen, a significant divide exists. In large part, this divide is due to a lack of knowledge on the part of citizens regarding the many precious rights and protections which presently exist. This lack of knowledge allows people who seek to deny or undermine these constitutional protections a wide opportunity to exploit citizens. It is difficult for a person to know that they can or should fight to protect a right when they have no idea that the particular right exists In addition, the State and federal governments are often able to exceed the powers which the constitution has granted. As a result, constitutional rights are violated on a daily basis and vulnerable citizens are abused and misused. The rights which are guaranteed represent a contract between the United States and State governments with each individual Legal Eagle Advisor continues on page 37
36
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
www.spectacularmag.com
Legal Eagle Advisor continues citizen in this country. Of critical importance to the masses of people are those rights which are contained in the amendments to that constitution. Those guarantees are classified as individual rights and include freedom of speech, the right to privacy, freedom of press, right to counsel in criminal proceedings, the prohibition against illegal, seizures, arrests and searches and the right to due process. In the abstract, may people have a general understanding of these rights, but consider them to be murky. The scope of these protections generally become more clearly defined as they are applied to citizens on a daily basis. Over the years, many citizens have been engaged in efforts to protect these rights and to insure that racial minorities, women and poor people are protected. These hard-fought victories are in danger of being eroded because too many citizens don’t view these rights and protections as being important or necessary. The dangers of not knowing about constitutional protections are readily apparent when citizens are confronted by police officers in the street or in their home. Many people, along with police officers, wrongly assume that a police officer possesses a lot more power and authority than actually exist. In these situations, many citizens are not aware that they are not required to answer the officer’s questions or submit to an entry or search of a car or a residence without a warrant. How a person responds to such acts is voluntary and need not occur merely because a police officer is involved. This lack of knowledge has resulted in the abuse of the rights of people where police officers exploit the ignorance of those persons who have been illegally stopped or searched. At a recent Constitution Day program at North Carolina Central University, Chancellor Charles Nelms called for mandating constitutional law classes for all students. This proposal is absolutely necessary since most students have no idea about the protections which the constitution provides. Nevertheless, the proposal is short-sighted in that it is not directed to mandatory classes for all citizens. Although, the proposal advanced by Chancellor Nelms can not be applied to all citizens, the student population should be required to know what obligations and prohibitions exist for our government. Once this mandate is enacted, students at North Carolina Central University should also be required to go out into the community and provide this information to citizens within our communities. Constitutional rights become a foe if they are not voiced and protected by the people. The failure to protect these hard won rights creates precedents which will have adverse effects on all citizens. In the effort to promote the general welfare of all citizens, the constitution can be a friend, but only if, people understand their rights and are willing to fight for them. In addition to North Carolina Central University, local groups, organizations, churches, social, political and civic clubs and families should eagerly join in efforts to educate individuals about our constitution.
Irving Joyner ijoyner@nccu.edu Political & Civic Affairs
Rightchus Truth continues ure that out. Black Men are either locked up or locked out!! That’s exactly why I view the offender and talented bright-eyed street “thug” as untapped potential. One of our most heralded cultural leaders was once a rotting slum criminal. Before Malcolm Little became Malcolm X, the ghetto’s most beloved Commander-in-Chief resided at both the Massachusetts State Prison and the Massachusetts Correctional Institute at Norfolk. From Boston to Harlem and points in between, Little peddled drugs, pimped prostitutes, stole, gambled and normally “packed heat.” Yet, through the knowledge of culture, mind and spirit, Malcolm Little became the most noble shepherd of high morale the American Negro has ever seen. Yeah, he may have had a budding organization behind him, but Malcolm also credited the support of close friends and family for his post release progression. It was they who aided in providing shelter and employment upon his release as an alternative to crime. Speaking of Little, much respect to Bro. Darius Little, who’s currently campaigning for the city council seat of Ward 2. I first learned of Little, from reading a brief clip in the Herald Sun. The article did a job researching his criminal past, yet somehow failed to reference Darius’s body of community contributions that have no relation to crime. Not that I’m endorsing him, but I do respect his willingness to stand and be counted; to serve. It seems to me that as a Negro in America, even when you do attempt to “right your wrongs,” you still get lynched. Pending circumstances, the ex-offender deserves the opportunity to expiate, to provide for their families, and to stand as men and women. It is our responsibility as village council, to welcome them back. Family must embrace and show warmth—not wrath and resentment. There’s been scores of black artists, activists and entrepreneurs who’ve been incarcerated. Many of our pastors and clergy have even come in close contact with American justice. Paul Robeson & W.E.B. Dubois were hassled for years by the CIA and FBI. And the Honorable Judge Greg Mathis tours the country detailing his arrests as an Errol Flynn gang member. Mathis’s life-journey took him from the Wayne County Jail to the 36th District Court of the State of Michigan. Mathis, Malcolm and countless other ex-offender political & civil servants, should serve as examples that everyone deserves a second chance. And as a Black Man in America, maybe even a third. If any of you have ever lived or worked in the anomic ghettos of urban America, you’d understand that many times, survival comes first and choice comes second. Though we must not make excuses for ignorance and poor decisions, we must also dissect the Negro plight from both a micro and macro perspective. Children of underclass don’t choose poverty and crime. Most individuals we cast as “thugs,” simply need a little love, direction and a job. They aren’t heinous criminals. They’re lost souls neglected, begging to be found. I’m sure those of you who are Bible scholars haven’t forgotten that Jesus too was cast as criminal. It was he who said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone…” So let us not cast aside our Dreams Deferred. Do not sever the knees of those who’ve made mistakes in a place that aims its efforts toward propagating Black demise. Remember, these are our sons and our fathers— our daughters and our sisters. Adopt and embrace our fallen. Roses grow tall among rocks every day. All they need is a little hope, a drop of water and a glimmer of light. Arm your mind! Resist [KKing Alfred] and [FFight the Power]!
Bro. Rightchus rightchustruth@spectacularmag.com
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
37
Getting A Mammogram Is Serious Business! It Can Save Your Life. I am a breast cancer survivor, so I know the importance of having a mammogram and getting screened early and often. I encourage you to take advantage of this free service being offered to you by the Community Health Coalition, Inc. If you are an African American women 40+, uninsured or underinsured or have a history of breast cancer in your family, please call
919-470-8680 for a FREE MAMMOGRAM. In Sisterly Love,
This Sisterhood Project 2009 is provided by funds from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, NC Triangle Affiliate. Susan G. Komen for the Cure, NC Triangle Affiliate is committed to raising funds to support breast health/cancer education, screening and treatment to underserved, uninsured and underinsured women. 38
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
www.spectacularmag.com
HEALTH radiation therapy and hormone therapy. There are two types of surgery, lumpectomy (breast conserving) or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). Chemotherapy and radiation kills cancer cells. Tamoxifen is most widely used hormone therapy. It works blocking estrogen (a female reproductive hormone).
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH The first week in October has been amazing! Three of my colleagues and I were honored to have trained at the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute in Harlem, thanks to the Duke Breast Wellness Clinic and Durham Health Innovations. Dr. Freeman himself initiated the training. He published results showing that the combined interventions of cancer screening and patient navigation increased the 5 year breast cancer survival in poor women in Harlem from 39% to 70%. This was perhaps the best news I have received in the "war" against breast cancer in a while. Patient Navigators serve patients on a personal basis by reducing and /or eliminating barriers to cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. Our team plans to develop this model in Durham to improve health outcomes and better quality of life in our community Early detection and treatment offer the best chance of surviving breast cancer. When it is confined to the breast the 5-year survival rate is over 95%. Your 3-step early detection plan includes: 1. Monthly breast self-examination- starting by age 20 2. Clinical breast exam - by a trained medical professional at least every 3 years starting at age 20 and yearly after age 40 3. Annual screening mammography for women starting at age 40. (Women under age 40 at high risk should consult your physician about having a mammogram early) PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING WARNING SIGNS: . . . . . . .
Lumps, hard knots, thickening in any part of the breast Unusual swelling, redness or increased warmth of your breast Change in the size or shape of your breast An itchy sore or scaling area on your nipple Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of your breast Nipple discharge that starts suddenly Unusual localized pain in the breast
The most common forms of treatment are surgery, chemotherapy, www.spectacularmag.com
There are many organizations locally joining forces to fight against Breast Cancer. To provide education and training we have the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen and Cancer Information Service .The Community Health Coalition has a Sister Project offering free mammograms in the community. The Comprehensive Cancer Control Branch of NC and the National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer offer a variety of resources as well. The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program afford women who meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines of 250% with no insurance the ability to receive pap smears and mammograms. Project Uplift, is our community initiative funded by the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities which offers free education, self breast exam demonstration, physical activity and nutrition and screening. The Jeanne H. Lucas Education and Wellness Center, Durham's first Free Clinic collaborates with numerous partners to offer a continuum of care to uninsured and underinsured individuals. Women can get free clinical breast exams and pap smears. The Durham County Health Department and Lincoln Community Health Center are providers for Durham. If the woman has a suspicious mammogram she may be able to receive her MRI through the Duke Navigator program. If the diagnosis is confirmed and the appropriate treatment is started, we are able to refer the Breast Cancer Survivors to the Sisters Network Triangle for support. Circles of Care (a collaboration of Project Compassion, Duke Institute on Care at the end of life, UNC Health Care and the Community Health Coalition) will recruit and train support teams through churches and families to provide intentional, ongoing care for persons with advanced stages of cancer. Durham and surrounding areas have the unique ability to offer this continuum of care to these affected by this challenging disease. Through all of these collective efforts we hope to do as Dr. Freeman has charged us to do which is to " keep our eyes on the sparrow"(the patient) by eliminating all barriers to quality cancer care. God Bless,
Sharon Elliott-B Bynum "Beloved I wish above all things that you prosper and be in Good Health‌."
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR 39
BUSINESS & FINANCE THE MIND OF THE ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED By Devin D. Brown Recently I’ve given a lot of thought to what I see as glaring differences between the so-called “haves” and “have-nots.” Over and over, I have asked myself what exactly it means to be “economically disadvantaged?” The Small Business Administration describes economically disadvantaged as those people who are, “socially disadvantaged individuals whose ability to compete in the free enterprise system has been impaired due to diminished capital and credit opportunities as compared to Devin D. Brown others…who are not socially disadvantaged.” Okay, I understand the definition, but what does it really mean? As a former banker and current credit and housing counselor, I often encounter individuals who fall into this category. They typically come to see us when they have no idea what else to do. They often cite extensive debt, past due bills, or damaged credit as their “problem.” My experience in financial services has taught me one important truth; that those instances surely are a problem, but they certainly are not THE problem.
True financial problems generally tend to stem from either a lack of access to resources or an unwillingness to participate in the free enterprise system. In other words, it’s easier to sit on the sidelines and watch than it is to join in the game. It actually takes planning and discipline to be financially fit. So where does this leave us? According to city-data, Durham actually has a higher median income than the state average, but at the same time 18% of Durham’s residents lived below the poverty line. This was 4% higher than the state average. Ultimately, we want to move as many people as possible above that line, then keep them above it. To keep individuals out of financial distress, we must start dealing with the problems at the root. Let’s first examine the behaviors of those in need and attempt to alter the mindset. In his book, “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind,” author T. Harv Eker states that “rich people…think differently about money, wealth, themselves, other people, and life.” I am not advocating that our goal should be to become rich, we should instead simply focus on maintaining a healthy financial well-being. To do this, we sometimes have to take a step backward to remind ourselves of the difference between what constitutes a need, and things that can be considered wants. As elementary as this may sound, in my professional experience, I still see a large number of cases where clients either have forgotten this lesson, or have basically chosen to ignore it. Once we’ve established which products and/or services fall into which category, we can then organize and prioritize. Lastly, in order to keep ourselves on track, we have to monitor our spending. Poor tracking can lead to significant losses in terms of late or missed payments and fees incurred as a result. So what we are actually talking about here is consumer behavior, or the psychology of an individual’s (or group’s) decision making process as it relates the consumption of good and services. In our efforts to improve the financial lives of our clients, we work with them to develop a comprehensive plan that not only addresses the immediate concern, but also speaks to the root causes and overall behavior. The end goal is to develop an achievement plan that will allow the client to address the behavior that caused the issue to arise in the first place. For more resources and educational information on personal finances, housing issues, and your rights as a consumer, check out: Bankrate.com HUD.gov FTC.gov
Devin D. Brown Devin D. Brown is a Financial Counselor with Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Durham, a division of the Durham Regional Financial Center. He can be reached at (919) 688-3381 or via email at d.brown@drfcenter.org. Visit the website www.drfcenter.org for consumer education and wealth building opportunities. Sources: SBA Website: http://www.sba.gov/localresources/district/sc/opportunities/SC_SCDO8A.html Eker, T. Harv (2005) Secrets of the Millionaire Mind. HarperBusiness City-Data.com: http://www.city-data.com/poverty/poverty-Durham-North-Carolina.html
40
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
www.spectacularmag.com
LIFESTYLE THE QUEST FOR THE CROWN
This is Your Life... BY
DEL MATTIOLI
WOMEN AND RETIREMENT: PUT SOME “LIFE” IN THE MIX Planning for retirement is a complex undertaking for all of us, but for women, it’s especially challenging. One reason is that women live longer than men, so they have more years of retirement to prepare for. Another is that they spend more of their active years out of the workforce — in many cases, raising children or caring for aging relatives — which gives them less opportunity to build up retirement savings and private pensions. As a result, women wind up more dependent than men on Social Security to pay for retirement, and Social Security often isn’t enough. On average, it pays just 40% of what a wage earner made in her working years.1 But as a woman, you can improve your prospects for a secure retirement through smart long-term planning:
Amanda McCoy, National Miss Teen Essence USA 2009
RALEIGH - Plans are being finalized for the 2010 Miss Black North Carolina USA Scholarship Pageant that will take place November 12th – 14th in Raleigh. Young ladies 18 to 27 from across the state will compete for the opportunity to represent North Carolina at the National 2010 Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant. “We are excited this year to roll out a new component, the Miss Black North Carolina Talented Teen pageant,” says Anthony O. Vann, Executive Director of Noire Productions, Inc. “This competition will mirror the Miss Black North Carolina competition; it will however allow an opportunity for Miss Black NC USA to gain a Teen sister. Miss Black North Carolina USA Talented Teen will also spend an exciting year of service throughout the state of North Carolina, as well as represent North Carolina in the National Miss Black USA Talented Teen Pageant in 2010,” says Vann. The Talented Teen pageant will be held in conjunction with the Miss Black North Carolina USA Pageant. Special guest will be the current reigning National Miss Black USA, Shayna Rudd and National Miss Teen Essence USA Quest for the Crown continues on page 43
www.spectacularmag.com
• Start saving on a regular basis. Even $20 a week can add up to a decent nest egg, especially if you start young. • Take retirement into account when choosing a job. Ask potential employers if they offer a retirement plan and/or pension plan. Find out how they work. Look for employers that match at least part of your contribution to a retirement account. • Work as long as you can. The longer you earn income, the more time you have to amass savings. The older you are when you stop working, the fewer years of retirement you’ll need to budget for. Delaying the start of Social Security benefits up to age 70 will result in a larger monthly check, too. • Purchase a life insurance policy. Permanent life insurance provides guaranteed death benefit protection for your loved ones in the event of your death. Additionally, it offers valuable “living” benefits and tax advantages. For example, as a policyholder, you can access accumulated cash value through loans and withdrawals2 to supplement your retirement income. Plus, these funds can also be used for college expenses, as collateral for a small business loan, or any other happily anticipated or unexpected event. Using life insurance is a little-known option that can be a big help for women down the road. Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
41
Quest for the Crown continues
Helping you attain success in your personal and professional lives by maintaining a healthy mental state.
5836 Fayetteville Road, Suite 102 Durham, NC 27713 Phone: (919) 484-2222 www.solaycounseling.com
”Ǥ ƒÂ?ƒŽƒ Ǥ ÂœÂœÂ‡ÂŽÂŽÇĄ ”‡•‹†‡Â?– ĆŹ
2009, Amanda McCoy. The Miss Black North Carolina USA Scholarship competition was founded in 2005. It was developed to promote cultural, social, and leadership status on a state and national level, within the African American Community. It exists to provide personal and professional opportunities for African American women to promote their voices in culture, politics and the community. It is also one of the nation’s leading achievement programs for AfricanAmerican women. It is the official state preliminary to the National Miss Black USA Scholarship pageant. (www.MissBlackUSA.org) Precious Wilson is the current reigning Miss Black North Carolina USA 2009. Miss Wilson is a native of Durham and the daughter of Mr. Vernon & Mrs. Charlotte Wilson. A graduate of Charles E. Jordan High School, she became a volunteer, activist, and mentor from a very early age. Having prevailed through medical complications from birth, Precious firmly believes God placed her on this Earth for a purpose greater than her own. After completing an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Sports Management from North Carolina State University, Miss Wilson has decided to further her education by working on a Master’s in Business/Sports Administration, in efforts to continue in her pursuit of becoming a Sports & Entertainment Attorney. Anthony O. Vann, Founder and Executive Director of Noire Productions, Inc. has been promoted to Director of Development for the National Miss Black USA Pageant organization. Vann now oversees the state pageants throughout the United States. Kimberly Vann-Hunt serves as State Director for the Miss Black North Carolina USA Organization, as well as State Director for the newly added Talented Teen Division. Both reside in Knightdale, NC. “We are just happy to be able to offer this opportunity to African-American women in North Carolina. The program is one that has no limitations; it has proven to be the tool that young women need to open doors to climb the ladder of success. We’ve had young ladies who have secured full scholarships, national magazine spreads, television show offers, paid internships in Gambia, Africa, and the list goes on. In 2007 we were afforded the opportunity to travel to Gambia, Africa for 2 weeks where the National Miss Black USA pageant was held, and there are talks of the 2010 National pageant being held in Ghana. So as you can see, this program has been presenting opportunities of a lifetime to young women in the state of North Carolina,� says Vann. “My prayer is that more corporations and sponsors would realize the significance of such programs as this and the value that it adds to the community and show more support, however until that day comes we will continue to do the best we can with what we have, and what we have is a lot of “determination� to see these young ladies succeed.� Registration is now open for the 2010 Miss Black NC USA Scholarship Pageant and the Miss Black USA NC USA Talented Teen Pageant. Young ladies 18 to 27 and 13 to 17 should visit www.Noireproductions.com or call (919) 261-9768 for more info on how to register. Vendors and Sponsors are also welcome.
42
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
www.spectacularmag.com
Lifestyles
ENTERTAINMENT HAYTI: THE HERITAGE DOCUMENTARY IN PRODUCTION
Mike Wiley in “Blood Done Sign My Name”
Writer/Producer Jaisun McMillian (left) and "Anatomy of a Woman Abused" featured actor Kelvin D. Allen on the set of "Tarheel Talk" Fox 50 TV. The two have teamed again to produce the documentary Hayti: The Heritage. Source: www.nextcat.com
DURHAM - Triangle Virtual Media and It Ain’t Magic Productions, subsidiaries of McMillian Entertainment Co., LLC, an independent production company, have partnered with Kelvin D. Allen & Associates, to develop projects designed to educate, inform, inspire and empower the next generation. They are currently in pre-production for a docudrama, Hayti: The Heritage. This 56-minute documentary will explore the history and decline of the Hayti Community in Durham, North Carolina through the use of personal and dramatic first hand accounts and historic imagery. There will be discussions on how future Hayti: The Heritage continues on page 44
MIKE WILEY ONE MAN SHOW “BLOOD DONE SIGN MY NAME” AT ST. JOSEPH'S PERFORMANCE HALL OCTOBER 22ND DURHAM - St. Joseph's Historic Foundation will present Mike Wiley in "Blood Done Sign My Name" for two shows October 22 at 10:30 am for the Heritage Arts for Youth Performance and 7:30 pm for the general public at the Hayti Heritage Center. Based on Tim Tyson's award winning memoir, much like song Blood Done Sign My Name, is meant to acknowledge America's painful racial history, "that our freedom and dignity, if we still have any, has been paid for in blood, that we have a contract with our ancestors not to let their sacrifices be in vain." “Daddy and Roger and ‘em shot ‘em a nigger.” Those incendiary words, spoken by ten-year-old Gerald Teel in the spring of 1970 were merely a harbinger of the turmoil smoldering on Oxford, North Carolina's dark horizon. Henry “Dickie” Marrow, a 23-year-old U.S. Army veteran whose wife was pregnant with their third daughter, had been beaten down and shot to death in the street by Robert Teel, his 18-year-old son Larry, and Roger Oakley, Teel's 21-year-old stepson for allegedly making a remark to Larry Teel's wife. The men were acquitted of the crime by an all-white jury, despite testimony by two black eyewitnesses. Roger Oakley, Teel's stepson, actually confessed to shooting the gun but was never indicted. But it was the Teels' acquittal for their hot-headed hate crime that launched Oxford into a season of violent reprisals. Formerly of Theatre IV and Shenandoah Shakespeare Express, Mike Wiley has more than ten years in theatre for young audiences, plus film, television and regional theatre.
Hayti circa 1946 (Courtesy The Herald-Sun Newspaper) source: www.endangereddurham.blogspot.org
www.spectacularmag.com
Mike Wiley continues on page 44
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
43
HAYTI: THE HERITAGE continues
MIKE WILEY continues
generations of African American children are at risk of being less prepared for the future because they know so little truth about their past. This spell-binding story of Hayti is brought to life through the camera lens as it captures every detail of emotion from the people who lived in Hayti and still feel the pain of loss and, to some, even betrayal. Hayti was once considered a model for African-American communities around the country. Today, there is very little evidence left as a reference to show the great community that was once Hayti. Many of the Blacks who settled in Durham were former slaves and their descendants. Across the railroad tracks not far from downtown Durham, these settlers began to thrive and the community flourished. They had their own hotel, theater, specialty shops, service providers, everything they needed right in their own neighborhood. Over one hundred fifty businesses lined Pettigrew and Fayetteville Streets. Hayti was home to North Carolina Mutual Insurance Company, Lincoln Hospital, and after 1910, North Carolina College for Negroes, later North Carolina Central University. For African-Americans traveling through the Jim Crow South, Hayti was a valued stopping place. Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway performed there. Hayti also had a home-grown music scene in the Piedmont Blues, nurtured by native sons like Blind Boy Fuller and Bull City Red. But Hayti’s value to African-Americans lay as much in its very existence as in its entrepreneurs and musicians. The Piedmont Blues music theme for the documentary, performed by blues men John Dee Holeman and Billy Stevens, sets the perfect tone for a journey back into the early history of Durham and Hayti. In the days of segregation, Hayti was a place where African-Americans could eat in restaurants, practice their trades, and call each other “Mr.” and “Mrs.” In 1911, when Booker T. Washington visited Hayti, he found “a city of Negro enterprises” whose citizens were “shining examples of what a colored man may become.” Hayti: The Heritage will tell the story of how an AfricanAmerican community rose up in the face of institutional racism and became a powerful economical force; how Parrish Street in downtown Durham came to be penned the “Black Wall Street” and Durham, a “Black Capitol” of the South. After integration, when successful African-Americans relocated to the suburbs, Hayti began to suffer economically. The African-American dollar left and never returned. Urban renewal of the 60’s dealt the final blow. In 1958 the Durham Redevelopment Commission adopted a plan to renovate 200 acres of Hayti. Citizens whose homes and businesses were demolished for the renovation were promised compensation as well as new buildings. Today, in the place of homes and shops, runs the Durham Expressway. Hayti: The Heritage will be a vital educational resource. It is important that we encourage our next generation to look back, so that they can learn from the past how to achieve success in the future. To donate to this project, in-kind or financially, contact Jaisun McMillian at (919) 749-0609 or email jaisunmcmillian@haytitheheritage.com.
A gifted playwright and actor, his overriding goal is expanding cultural awareness - for all audiences - through dynamic portrayal of pivotal events to unveil a richer picture of the American experience. An Upward Bound alum and Trio Achiever Award recipient, Mike is a graduate of UNC/Chapel Hill's M.F.A. program. His repertoire of powerful, acclaimed works includes One Noble Journey in which he portrays more than 20 characters in the true tale of Henry “Box” Brown who mailed himself to freedom in a crate labeled “This Side Up;” Brown vs. Board of Education encapsulating the impact of the pivotal ruling for desegregating schools; Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart, with penetrating lessons of courage and leadership from heroic African American athletes; Dar He: The Lynching of Emmett Till, chronicling the 1955 Mississippi murder, trial and confession of the men accused of the horrific death of 14-year-old Emmett Till; Tired Souls documenting the days following Rosa Park's refusal to relinquish her bus seat, and the accounts of those who held tight to their bus money and walked for freedom for 381 days; and Tuskegee, the absorbing story of the fearless first black fighter pilots of WWII.
44
www.spectacularmag.com
SPECTACULAR
Sept./Oct. 2009
The morning performance admission is $5 for students, teachers and chaperons admitted free with group, reservation requested; the evening performance adults $15, students $10. Tickets can be purchased on the web at www.hayti.org, at the Hayti Heritage Center or call (919) 683-1709 ext. 21.
Entertainment
unsigned artist of the month
Lil MaQ “Get Wit It” Although Durham, N. C. native Christopher Lawrence Denny, aka Lil’MaQ (pronounced Lil’Mack), first realized his passion to sing at the young age of 10; his parents, Cecil and Felicia Denny, recognized it much sooner. Now the world gets to experience this 17 year old rising star; Lil MaQ’s first CD “Get Wit It” was released digitally in January 2009. Frayne Lewis, son of three-time Grammy winner Ramsey Lewis, who produced several tracks on the album said, “Lil MaQ’s sound is reminiscent of Usher and Justin Timberlake. He creates a new sound for the future of Pop/R&B.” Regarded as a child prodigy, this triple threat – singer, song writer and dance sensation, Lil MaQ wrote and co-wrote more than 10 tracks on the album. The first single “Boyfriend” debuted May 2008 and has already received widespread acclaim in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana. “Boyfriend” broke the top 20 on WZHT (Hot 105) in Montgomery, Alabama. Hot 105 air personality Michael Long said the single is “groundbreaking and represents a new flavor for the R&B industry.” Lil’MaQ, at the age of 13, placed first in K97.5 Brian Dawson’s “Who’s Next” Talent Competition in 2005. Since then he has been developing a loyal following and fan base. His MySpace page has received more than 1 million views since May 2008. The video, which was shot on location in Chapel Hill, N.C., has received over 500,000 views on YouTube. Lil’ MaQ describes shooting his first music video as, “everything I ever thought it would be.” Lil MaQ has aspirations to launch into producing, management and acting. His early start in the music world not only gives him an advantage as a singer, but also, the opportunity to continue perfecting his art as a performer. Lil’MaQ’s unique way of correlating the emotional ties from a song through to his performance heightens this young artist into a league all of his own. Lil MaQ’s soulful sound and picturesque story line is one that appeals to all genres and age groups, and is quickly recognized by the first note. With the completion of his debut album, he is destined to grace the music industry with his refined lyrics, stunning performances, southern boyish charm and infinite vocal genius. The next singles to stay tuned for are “Get Wit It” and “Thank You”.
Gary Jones Entertainment Editor If you would like to be featured as Unsigned Artist of the Month, email cd as an mp3, along with photo, bio and contact info to: gjones@spectacularmag.com - Artist selection is at the sole discretion of Gary Jones, Entertainment Editor.
Entertainment
www.spectacularmag.com
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
45
A MONTHLY FEATURE HIGHLIGHTING THE HOTTEST DJ’S AND THEIR TOP 20 PLAYLIST
E AR T O T HE S TREETS DJ DUTCH MASTER
DJ Dutchmaster (Clayton Stephen) is a 24 year old Bronx, New York native who migrated to North Carolina with his mother in 1998. He states, "We loved NY, but during that time there was a spike in New York City gang violence and many young people my age were being killed and injured as a result. My mom wanted better for me and we packed up and left during the summer. Since then, I had many hustles from clothing design, graphics design and making mix tapes. I started making mix tapes while attending College."
SONG
LABEL
1. Swagg So Contagious
M. Dot
2. Swagg Surfing (Super Mix)
FLY, Fabolous, Juelz Santana, Red Cafe
Justyle Ent. Def Jam
3. Every Girl
Lil Wayne Drake, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda , Mack Main Young Money
4. Up & Down
Chris Millz
Crown County
5. I Think I Luv Her
Gucci Mane
So Icey Records
6. TRAP
Novelist The KINGPEN
Kingpen Prod.
7. 5 Star B!#*h
Yo Gotti / Pitbull
INEVITABLE ENT.
8. Walk Dat Walk
Dorrough
9. Bust It Open
Lil Will
10. She Bad
Troop 41
11. Dancin’ On Me
Jim Jones / Juelz Santana / Webstar
Byrd Gang Records
12. Don't Know Y'all
Yung Dro
Grand Hustle
13. O Digga
Million Dollar Man
9 Deuce
14. I Do It RMX
Real Dynamite / AceHood / Ike Shiest / DJ Khaled
Hazardous Records
15. Trickin
Mullage
Grand Hustle
16. Wetter
Twista
17. NC Takeover
Gully Mack, Chris Millz, Kingpen, Ike, Shiest, Real Dynamite
18. Breakin Up
Gucci Mane/Mario/Sean Garrett
19. One Night
Chris Millz
20. Futuristic Love
Yung LA / Ricco Barinno
SPONSORED BY
DJ Dutchmaster has become one of the most known up and coming DJ's in the area. He performs at a variety of events and venues. 46
ARTIST
SPECTACULAR Sept./Oct. 2009
Hazardous Records
Crown County
If you would like to be featured in
E A R T O T HE S TREETS send your Top 20 playlist , along with your photo and brief bio to: gjones@spectacularmag.com
All information was submitted by featured DJ; Spectacular Magazine is not responsible for incorrect information. www.spectacularmag.com
Entertainment
THURSDAYS @ 11AM
ALSO HEARD ON: WCBQ - 1340 AM Oxford, NC
WHNC - 890 AM Henderson, NC
Produced by: “Special Gee”
Greensboro, NC on the campus of NC A&T State Univ.
WOOW-AM 1340 Greenville, North Carolina
FOR MORE INFO CALL 919.680.0465 OR VISIT www.spectacularmag.com www.spectacularmag.com
Sept./Oct. 2009
SPECTACULAR
47