Spectacular Magazine Jan Feb 2010 by Spectacular Magazine

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NCCU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE & CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

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Magazine January February 2010

MELISSA WADE

“IN THE WATER”

BRETT CHAMBERS

DR. CORNEL WEST SPEAKS

OPENING THE ‘MIC’

INTERNATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM OPENS 50 YEARS AFTER SIT-IN

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE:

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR CHARLIE NELMS COMPLETE LISTING OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY FUNDS AVAILABLE IN NORTH CAROLINA (PAGES 24-25)

test results; (2) clarify the fee structure for food and lodging permits; (3) revise the sunset provision for nutrient offset payments; (4) amend the solid waste disposal tax to streamline the process when a local government is served by a solid waste management authority; (5) repeal the requirement that seasonal state park employees wear a uniform vest; and (7) clarify implementation of the Jordan Lake JAN . - FEB . ‘10 LEGISLATIVE REPORT rules related to federal and state entities (SB 838 - S.L. 2009-484). These amendHAPPY NEW YEAR!! Throughout the past 2009 legislative session, I worked with ments were effective on January 1, 2010. my colleagues in the General Assembly on initiatives that will improve life in _To improve Upper Neuse Basin water quality, state lawmakers passed an Act our state. Some of these new laws went into place Jan. 1, and I want to share to protect and restore water quality and quantity in the Upper Neuse River some information about them with you. These laws cover everything from smokBasin, Falls Lake, and other drinking water supply reservoirs (SB 1020 - S.L. ing in bars and restaurants to protecting the environment and conserving ener2009-486). This will be achieved by directing the Environmental Management gy. They are intended to make you and your families more secure, to protect Commission to provide credit to local governments, landowners, and others who our children and to make sure those who do violate our laws are properly reduce water pollution in the Upper Neuse River Basin before permanent rules punished. are adopted, modifying the nutrient management strategy, and adopting a sedYou can access the full list by visiting the General Assembly's website at imentation strategy for certain drinking water supply reservoirs. www.ncleg.net and opening the document 2009 Legislation Effective Dates. _Certain North Carolina dams in connection with electric generating facilities In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns that I can help you resolve, will be subject to the Dam Safety Act under a new state law (S.B. 1004 - S.L. I hope that you will contact me. I'm pleased to do what I can to help. Thank 2009-390). The law allows the Department of Environmental and Natural you as always for your interest in the work of the General Assembly and state Resources to inspect the structural soundness of coal ash dams. Previously, utilgovernment and thank you for your support. ity companies submitted their own engineering reports to the state Utilities Commission and were not subject to inspection by an outside entity. The law HEALTH - A new law that will result in smaller rate increases than originally will also permit an electric public utility that purchases or constructs a carbon projected for members of the State Health Plan, while also increasing the plan's offset facility to retain the fuel and fuel-related cost savings resulting from the transparency, went into effect on January 1, 2010 (SB 287 - S .L. 2009-16). purchase or construction of the facility under certain conditions. The new law reduces the premium rate increase for the next two years from 10 percent to 8.9 percent. It also adds coverage for treatment by chiropracMILITARY - Under a new state law, the Division of Motor Vehicles is allowed to waive tors, mental health and substance abuse professionals and speech therapists and the commercial motor vehicles skills test for qualified military personnel who have includes provisions to encourage plan members to stop smoking and to lose operated similar vehicles for at least two years prior to applying for a commerweight. The law retains language added in the House that calls for an indecial driver's license (SB 423 - S.L. 2009-494). The law also waives the requirependent audit of the plan; more detailed billing information, and increased disment if the applicant has completed a similar skills test while in the military. closure of transactional data and administrative costs. The law also calls for monthly financial reports and establishes a 15-member Blue Ribbon Task Force _ North Carolina's absentee voting laws have been improved under a new state that will examine the plan's rate structure and governance, among other things. law (S.B. 253 - S.L. 2009-537). The law is specifically intended to improve the ability of military and overseas voters to cast timely ballots. This is incredibly _The state law that prohibits smoking in bars and restaurants also went into important because it is vital that those defending democracy have the opporeffect on January 2, 2010 (HB 2 - S.L. 2009-27). The intent of the legislation tunity to participate in the democratic process. is to protect North Carolinians from the harm of secondhand smoke. MISCELLANEOUS _A new state law establishes requirements for certification of persons perform_Legislation that assists owners in recovering lost pets, relieve overcrowding at ing lead-based paint renovation work in certain residential housing and childanimal shelters, and facilitate adoptions of animals from shelters will be effecoccupied facilities (HB 1151 - S.L. 2009-488). The law also requires accreditative on January 1, 2010 (SB 467 - S.L. 2009-304). Among other things, the law tion of renovation trainers and renovation training courses. establishes procedures for animal control officers to scan animals for owner information on microchips; requires that euthanasia be conducted according to CRIME/SAFETY- As of January 1, 2010, the state is required to collect, maintain rules approved by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, if such and publish statistics on the use of deadly force by law enforcement that results rules exist; and requires that, before animals are sold or put to death, they be in death under a new state law (HB 266 - S.L. 2009-106). made available for adoption under procedures that allow the public to inspect _The North Carolina Racial Justice Act went into effect on January 1, 2010 (SB them, unless they are found to be unadoptable due to injury or defects of 461 - S.L. 2009-464). The intent of the law is to provide fair imposition of caphealth or temperament. ital sentences by lessening the chance that the death penalty will be imposed _A new state law expands film credit by providing for an alternative credit for based on race. The law applies retroactively for the first year. Opponents worry qualifying expenses of a production company (SB 943 - S.L. 2009-529). the change will delay pending 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 requires all cities, counties and other local units of government to adopt a code of ethics for their governing boards (H.B. 1452 - S.L. ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT- A new state law promotes voluntary, year-round conserva2009-403). The law also requires members of those boards to receive education and water use efficiency measures by commercial car washes (H.B. 1236 tion on ethics laws applicable to local government officials. S.L. 2009-480). The legislation outlines a number of guidelines by which a trade or professional organization representing commercial car washes may establish a voluntary water conservation and water use efficiency certification program Larry D. Hall to encourage and promote the use of year-round water conservation and water use efficiency measures. 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 _Certain environmental and natural resources laws have been amended to: (1) then make your selection – House Chamber, Senate Chamber, Appropriations Committee Room or require electronic reporting of environmental lead test results and blood lead Press Conference Room. FRO M THE OFFICES

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From The Publisher’s Desk... FALLEN ANGELS While, during the first weeks of November 2009, the world celebrated the one year anniversary of the Obama’s presidential victory, others were mourning the loss of two fallen angels…Patricia Elliott Riley Amechi and Dr. Archie Doyster Logan, Jr.

“GOD’S COMPLETE WOMAN” Patricia Diane Elliott Riley Amaechi, affectionately known as “Pat”, entered into eternal rest at UNC Memorial Hospital on Sunday afternoon, November 8, 2009 while awaiting a transplant. She was 56. In 1995 Pat and her sister, Spectacular Magazine Health Editor Dr. Sharon Elliott-Bynum, sat at a kitchen table and expressed concern about the lack of services offered to the growing population with health disparities in Durham. This conversation led to the establishment of Healing with CAARE, Inc., a nonprofit community-based organization whose purpose is to support, educate and empower the high risk population in Durham. Becoming Executive Director of Healing with CAARE, Inc. in 2001, Pat utilized Patricia Amechi all of her training, but more importantly, she satisfied her desire to help the community. She loved her clients and they loved and respected her. Pat was educated in Durham Public Schools, graduating from Northern High School in 1970. For many years she worked as Office Manager/Assistant Nurse for Wellington Nursing Home and Tri-City OB/GYN & Infertility Practice (Dr. Reza Bahadori). She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Shaw University (Raleigh) in 1992. She became a Registered Nurse in 1998 and a Substance Abuse Counselor in 2000. Pat received additional training, which included but was not limited to, HIV/AIDS Counseling, Clinical Supervision and Behavioral Therapy. She was a member of Faith Assembly Christian Center (FACC) in Durham where she remained a faithful member as long as her health permitted. She served on the Board of Faith City and as an usher. In 2004, Pat was crowned “God’s Complete Woman” at FACC. Pat leaves one son, Donald Riley; brothers, Joe Elliott, Reginald Elliott and Hiram Taborn; sisters, Carolyn Hinton, Addie Elliott Mann and Sharon Elliott-Bynum; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; staff, friends and clients who she loved like family.

“WALK WITH ME.” When one heard those words from Dr. Logan, you knew you were about to embark on an intellectual journey. He had a way to taking you by the proverbial hand and leading you down a road that simplified the most complex information or broadened your horizons beyond measure.

Phyllis D. Coley

Dr. Archie D. Logan, Jr.

me the contract to publish The Baptist Informer, the newspaper of the General State Baptist Convention (GSBC). Dr. Logan served the GBSC for over 25 years in several capacities, last as the Executive Secretary-Treasurer.

He was the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Institutional Management Resources, LLC, a faith-based consulting firm in Raleigh. He encouraged me and helped me find the faith and resources to start my own publication. I began publishing ACE Magazine in 2002 and launched Spectacular Magazine in November 2004. In addition to being a contributing writer for both publications, writing the column “Living Your Faith” for Spectacular since 2005, Dr. Logan published for several newspapers and the National Baptist Publishing Board (Nashville, Tennessee), writing the Sunday School lessons used by most Baptist churches in this country and abroad. After his tenure with the GBSC, Dr. Logan became one of the founding officers of the Unity Fellowship of Churches, Inc.-Global where he served as the Chief Operating Officer. Over the years he pastored a number of churches. Prior to his death he was the Senior Pastor of Johnson Chapel Baptist Church (Elm City, NC). He served as the Executive Vice President, Dean of Distance Education, and Professor of Christian Education at the Apex School of Theology (Durham). He was indeed qualified. Dr. Logan is a graduate of Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem) with a BA Degree in Communications and played on the 1970 ACC Championship Football Team. He also attended the Campbell University Law School and Howard University Divinity School. He is a graduate of the Duke University Divinity School (Durham) where he received his Master of Divinity Degree in 1975 and his Master of Theology Degree in 1976. He also received his Doctor of Education Degree from North Carolina State University (Raleigh) in 1994. Dr. Logan assisted me in establishing Triangle Cultural Awareness Foundation, Inc., a non-profit under the umbrella of Another Coley Event/Spectacular Magazine; he also served as Chair of the Board until his death. He was instrumental in the formulation of the Annual Durham Juneteenth Celebration and wrote a Juneteenth litany (responsive reading) that is now available to all churches worldwide for inclusion in their Juneteenth and Father’s Day/Men’s Day Observances. Under Dr. Logan’s guidance, in 2009 the Durham Juneteenth Celebration received the designation of the Official North Carolina Juneteenth Celebration by the National Juneteenth Observance Committee.

Dr. Logan of Morrisville, NC departed this life on Friday, November 13, 2009 unexpectedly in his home. He was 60. Dr. Logan (Archie) was a close, personal friend, but more than that, he was my mentor and confidant.

He leaves one son, Robeson Doyster Logan, and a host of cousins and friends.

We met in 2002 at a luncheon on the campus of Shaw University. Given that I had started and published the Triangle Tribune for the previous four years, Dr. Logan offered

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

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Fallen Angels, Pat and Archie, you will be missed but you will never be forgotten.Your legacy will live on!

Phyllis Coley

pcoley@spectacularmag.com

Jan./Feb. 2010

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PHYLLIS COLEY

FEATURES EDITOR GRACE GRAHAM

HEALTH EDITOR

DR. SHARON ELLIOTT-BYNUM

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR GARY JONES

COLUMNISTS

LARRY HALL, ESQ. LAMONT LILLY IRVING JOYNER, ESQ. DR. ARCHIE D. LOGAN, JR. DEL MATTIOLI REV. JAMES SMITH

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

MARKIA MOSH’A CHAPPELLE APRIL MIAL LENTONIA MOYE BRITNEY ROOKS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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LAYOUT/DESIGN

PHYLLIS COLEY

LAWRENCE DAVIS III

DISTRIBUTION

LAWRENCE DAVIS III

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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. Deadline for all submissions is the 18th of each month.

In This Issue Another Perspective Ear to the Streets Entertainment Features Brett Chambers Dr. Charlie Nelms “A Centennial Message” Rev. Marlon Jones International Civil Rights Museum NC State Senator Floyd McKissick Melissa Wade Dr. Cornel West From The Publisher’s Desk FYI Guest Commentary Health Legal Eagle Advisor Lifestyles News Briefs Political & Civic Affairs Religion Rightchus Truth State & National Talkback, Too This Is Your Life Unsigned Arist of the Month Vance Granville News What’s Up Doc? COVER PHOTO Robert Lawson Features Editor

Entertainment Editor

Grace Graham

Gary N. Jones

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The Rightchus Truth by Lamont Lilly aka ‘Rightchus’ Peace brothers and sisters: This month I decided to yield my block of the floor to one of our state’s most distinguished pillars of wisdom and service. He is NC State Sen. Floyd B. McKissick, Jr. I first met Sen. McKissick in the summer of 2008 while coordinating a field trip to the N.C. Legislative Building for a Durham based grassroots youth organization. Without notice or forewarning Sen. McKissick was asked to pause for a moment and share brief words to the “rough looking” Durham group of all young black males. Well, at the drop of a dime, he did. His words were real and well-received. I would no longer view him as some regular politician. Let’s sit with the Senator as he steps out of politics to talk community, family and history.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

Senator Floyd B. McKissick, Jr. have too many who are defined by their circumstances and limitations. We must nurture the mind. One should never accept the limitations placed on them by the opinions of others.

[Bro. Rightchus]: As an activist and writer fueled by the “Negro Problem” (as Dubois termed it), I’ve observed that one of the major issues plaguing the black community is this unspoken divide between old and young. Throughout Civil Rights and The Black Power Movement, young and old worked hand and hand. One bore wisdom and the other bore energy. Yet today, the old guard criticizes the young hip-hop culLamont Lilly (left) and Senator Floyd McKissick, Jr. ture for saggin’ pants and degrading videos. While the young, especially we militants, criticize the old guard’s candle-light vigils and undying belief in the federal government. How do we fill this gap and re-ignite both [Bro. Rightchus]: For those who may not be familiar with the work of action and dialogue amongst the generations? your father, Floyd B. McKissick Sr. (of Asheville, NC) was quite the activist and Civil Rights figure throughout the 60’ and 70’s. He became the first [Sen. McKissick]: Lamont, one of the key factors in bridging this gap is the black student to study at the University of North Carolina’s School of Law promotion of inclusiveness. From the old, there must be a respect of young and was a former head of CORE from 1966-1968. His intimate circle of people and their opinions. While they may share a different perspective on comrades included persons such as Stokely Carmichael, A. Phillip life, it is important we understand them. We must cultivate their talent and Randolph and Dr. Martin Luther King. It is often difficult following the passion within our own political groups and organizations at a young age. If footsteps of an iconic or very well-known parent. How have you been you strike the interest of the young, they will come. Those of us who have able to carve your own niche of service as both an intellectual and politimatured in age must invest in their interest and offer guidance. Get them cian? out at the polls—get them involved with campaigns—get them engaged and keep them engaged! That’s exactly what President Obama did! He got the [Sen. McKissick]: The thing I’ve tried to do is to understand the challenges young folks involved again. He reached out to the hip hop community. We we faced back in the 60’s were unique and different from the challenges we must teach, mentor…share and listen. We must show them that they can face today. Separate but Equal was the law of the land when I was born, make a change on a local, state and global level. And the elders must pass especially in the South. We faced institutional barriers that defined the simthe baton. We can’t take the baton to our graves. What good does that do? plest rights and privileges. I knew I had to expand beyond those realms— Progress is had by passing the torch and ensuring its brightness for the next even beyond the Civil Rights Act. I not only wanted to participate in the elecgeneration. The empowerment must be passed. toral process, I wanted to offer myself as a candidate that stood for certain positions—certain positions that are consistent with furthering the very [Bro. Rightchus]: In their respective classic writings, both Booker T. and goals of the Civil Rights Movement. The notion of service to the communiDuBois made special mention of Durham’s burgeoning class of Black ty, whether through public office or starting a business, was vital then and intellectuals, artists, and entrepreneurs. There was just a certain just as much now. In large, these are things we weren’t afforded 40 years expectation of excellence then. Though there are a few remaining skeleago. I was always raised to believe that each individual can contribute in tons, that reputation has since faded. What were some of the factors that their own way. Each individual must bring their talents to the table. That helped to dull the Old Hayti sparkle and detract from its once rich powerway all can succeed and progress. base? And is it possible that Durham’s Black Community could ever return to its days of glory and cultural prosperity? If so, how? [Bro. Rightchus]: What were some of the attributes you inherited from your parents? And what effect particularly, did Floyd Sr.’s legacy have [Sen. McKissick]: Well at that time, Durham had a thriving black middle upon your degree of social and cultural consciousness? class who understood that they had to provide for their own among a land of Apartheid. They were forced to. But it was ambition that helped to pro[Sen. McKissick]: One thing my parents inbred in me at early age was selfpel those intellectuals—the N.C. Mutual(s), the North Carolina College(s), confidence and the belief that you could achieve whatever you set your goals and the Mechanic & Farmer(s). Quite simply as a side bar to integration, to achieve. Race was there in the 60’s of course, but we were taught not to blacks today don’t support their businesses as they did because now we have use that as a limitation. And to not be defined by the way others defined you. other options. There isn’t that connection anymore to support and solicit In 1952, it was said that Negroes were only to excel in sports—that if you our own resources. The connection of community was lost to in the migration to mainstream, so-to-speak. Our family lived in the community. At our were lucky, you might become a professional baseball player, but that intelhome, there were various volunteers and activists streaming in and out. lectually you were inferior. In meeting this belief, my parents pushed the Some stayed for weeks and months at a time. When I was young it didn’t opposite. They challenged us (my sisters and I) everyday to reach as high matter, middle and lower class blacks lived in the same community. We as we could. This was one of the most valuable tools my parents passed organized together—we ate together—and we prayed together. Thoughts down….[the desire to achieve]. And this is one thing we must do more of today in our families, our churches and within our communities. We still The Rightchus Truth continues on page 40

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FROM THE HEADLINES

FBI SPIED ON DR. JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN by Cash Michaels, Staff writer Headline article and photo taken from and reprint permission granted by The Wilmington Journal

There is outrage at the end of the year upon revelation that the Federal Bureau of Investigation kept esteemed African-American history scholar Dr. John Hope Franklin under surveillance and suspicion during the 1960’s because of his outspokenness on black issues, and public support of W. E. B. DuBois, an author and co-founder of the NAACP. In December the online political publication Talking Points Memo broke the story in its Muckraker column after securing most of Dr. Franklin’s FBI file through a Freedom of Information Act request. It posted relevant portions online at it’s website at www.talkingpointsmemo.com. The bureau withheld 18 pages of the 515-page file, TPM Muckraker said. Dr. Franklin, the world-renowned Duke University history professor emeritus, and author of “From Slavery to Freedom: The History of African-Americans in America,” died last March at the age of 94. According to a review of the Franklin file, the FBI, under the direction of the controversial Director J. Edgar Hoover, kept tabs on Dr. Franklin’s travels, public appearances, speeches, and press interviews, building a profile of his affiliations and political views. During the 1960’s, upon request of the White House at times, a report, based on that file, would be made to both Kennedy and Johnson administration officials, particularly if Dr. Franklin was being considered for a presidential appointment. The background checks determined that Dr. Franklin was both admired and

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highly respected by friends and colleagues, and his professional credentials were without question. As a result, President Kennedy appointed Dr. Franklin to the Board of Foreign Scholarships in 1962. There was nothing about John Hope Franklin that could be deemed subversive, or a threat to national security. But, according to TPM’s report, FBI Director Hoover wasn’t satisfied. Known for his hatred of the civil rights movement - which he believed was Communist-led - and leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Hoover was leery of Dr. Franklin’s advocacy for African-Americans, and wanted whatever dirt he could get, perhaps to exploit later to undermine the great scholar. “Almost dripping off the pages are overheated Cold War suspicions about Franklin’s links, even two or three degrees removed, to communists,” the TPM story reports. Hoover held Franklin responsible if Communist publications like the Daily Worker applauded one of his many books. When Dr. Franklin publicly supported a boycott of segregated Chicago public schools in 1956, or signed a petition opposing the congressional Committee on Un-American Activities, files show the FBI becoming even more concerned. And when Dr. Franklin made speeches protesting the Vietnam War, or how the government mounted a failed prosecution of Dr. DuBois for alleged violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, he was “viewed suspiciously by the bureau” for having Communist ties, TPM wrote. The FBI even tracked Dr. Franklin’s remarks to the Black Press, cataloging interviews and clippings from the Nation of Islam newspaper Muhammad Speaks, Dr. John Hope Franklin continues on page 40

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NCCU’S CENTENNIAL ROYALTY

CHAVERY MCCLANAHAN AND TREMAIN HOLLOWAY Mr. and Miss NCCU 2009-2010 DURHAM — Chavery McClanahan and Tremain Holloway (pictured) were crowned during a ceremony filled with the pomp and pageantry accorded a time-honored tradition. However, this year’s ceremony was special. The coronation coincides with North Carolina Central University’s Centennial. McClanahan and Holloway were enthroned as Mr. and Miss NCCU on Sunday, October 25, 2009. This places the two seniors in the unique position to honor the 100-year-old legacy of the founder of the university, Dr. James E. Shepard. The 21-year-old Chavery McClanahan is an English literature major from Landover, Maryland. She will graduate in May 2010 and wants to go to law school and then onto the Air Force JAG (Judge Advocate General) Corps. The Corps would expose Chavery to diversified areas of the law and allow her to, as she puts it, “serve her country and her community.” Miss NCCU has been busy with campus activities, including service as vice president of the Black Law Students Association College Division; helping to build a Habitat for Humanity home; doing summer internships for customer service-oriented businesses and even waitressing. Chavery is modest and does not readily admit to her “big time” extracurricular resume built up in high school. She played softball, was part of a team-building skills group and was a commander in the junior ROTC, overseeing 365 fellow students. McClanahan is humble. She says her selection as Miss NCCU is “monumental.” She adds, “It is an honor to wear the crown and to see the institution is still teaching, educating young after a century. I have to pay respect to the university, the professors who have given so much. I, too, want to give back—to live up to our motto of—Truth and Service.” Rocky Mount’s Tremain Holloway is Mr. NCCU. This 21-year-old secondary education math major is eyeing a computer science degree after graduation from the university. Tremain admits he was not always about learning even though his mother taught business education at his old high school. Holloway led what was considered a “charmed” life—he was the captain of the football and basketball teams. He was an athlete on the fast track. “I thought I was the man. I had all the girls. Duke, NC State and other college teams were calling me.” Then misfortune struck. On August 8, 2005, Holloway broke his leg and ankle during a practice game. “Those schools stopped calling. Those schools stopped writing,” says Tremain. Depressed, he picked up a book called The Pact about three young AfricanAmericans who grew up in hardscrabble Newark, New Jersey. The three overcame adversity. Holloway admires the three for facing down the challenges of inner-city life. “They stuck it out and are now doctors,” Tremain states. “That’s when I realized God had a plan for me. If I could use the energy I use to catch a football or shoot a basket maybe I could used the energy to get good grades.” Holloway received a North Carolina Teaching Fellow Scholarship. Moreover, he has set his sights on becoming the superintendent of schools for the State of North Carolina.

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COVER STORY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY:

A CENTENNIAL MESSAGE By Dr. Charlie Nelms Chancellor, North Carolina Central University

IN THE MIDST OF TERROR AND OPPRESSION

As North Carolina Central University pauses to celebrate 100 years of Truth and Service in 2010, I feel the need to remind everyone of the extraordinary courage it took for Dr. James E. Shepard and the other founders to engage in the act of defiance of founding a school for the Colored Race. The first students commenced to classes July 5, 1910, during the depths of the great evil that was the Jim Crow South. In that shameful time in American history, Shepard signaled disobedience and declared his hope and faith in a better tomorrow by founding a college for African-Americans. Shepard wrote, “We are seeking to establish a National Religious Training School and Chautauqua in Durham, N.C. It is to be of no particular creed, but open to all faiths, and is designed especially to meet the needs of the leadership of the race.” In 1910, laws strictly controlled every aspect of the life of a black person; from designating the room in the hospital you could be born, to the plot of ground where you’d take your final rest. And in no other realm of life was segregation more pernicious than in education. In 1903, a North Carolina statute determined that no child with “Negro blood in its veins, however remote the strain, shall attend a school for the white race, and no such child shall be considered a white child.” Historians recount that, on average, every week from 1890 through 1917, two or three black men or women were sadistically tortured and killed in the American South. After 1917, the rate slowed but never stopped until well into my lifetime. And the lynch mobs were equal opportunity killers – the only qualifying characteristic for their victims was the color of their skin. So, the rich and well educated like Shepard and the co-founders were just as at risk as the poor and illiterate. But of course, most black people were desperately poor and illiterate, even in Durham, the nation’s “Capital of the Black Middle Class.” You see there actually was a handful of black people who owned their own homes in Durham; but make no mistake, in 1910, 97 percent of African-Americans worked as domestic or farm laborers, just a step or two removed from slavery. It was a status quo the white racists preferred to keep. We’re so grateful they weren’t paying attention as many of Durham’s fledgling middle class built their modest bungalows in the neighborhood surrounding this campus called College View. The white folk never came to visit! So they didn’t see the elegant homes of the few wealthy blacks residing in the heart of Hayti, a community buttressed by White Rock Baptist Church, St. Joseph’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, Lincoln Hospital, Hillside High School, the Sanford L. Warren Library, and of

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Band Director Jorim Reid and NCCU’s Chancellor Charlie Nelms announced that the Marching Sound Machine was selected to perform at the 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade in front of stature of NCCU founder Dr. James E. Shepard. Photo: Robert Lawson

course, this university. It’s miraculous when you think about it – this island of prosperity in a sea of despair. Shepard offered us a glimpse of what was possible – that there could be another way of life. Who knows to what extent the hope they engendered through this glorious example inspired the Civil Rights Movement that was to come. Shepard was ahead of his time. He knew then what we all know now; that education was and is a key to equality.

MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF THE LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

The Centennial presents us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to reflect on the past and plot a new course for the future; to celebrate our accomplishments while paying homage to the men and women who gave unselfishly of their time, talents, and resources to make the university what it is today; and to envision NCCU continues on page 13

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NCCU continues the NCCU of the next century based on the solid foundation established by those who came before us. Dr. Shepard’s plan was clear. Is our purpose now as obvious? Over the course of 100 years of Truth and Service, some 40 thousand graduates have significantly influenced our society, in North Carolina, throughout the United States, and the world. They have impacted school districts, police departments, and the nursing corps, public libraries, the legal profession and the judiciary. They’ve swelled the ranks of speech therapists and social workers and diversified the ranks of corporate America. But legally mandated segregation is over, and racism is less raw, less pervasive and less pernicious now than it was then. How will the next 100 years be different for people of color in general and NCCU in particular? This is a singular opportunity, a natural moment for reflection brought on by the Centennial but certainly bolstered by NCCU’s increasing national stature. How then do we enhance the distinction and distinctiveness of NCCU? I believe it’s by being clear about our expectations regarding teaching, learning, and service. Anything less than excellence is unacceptable. It was former President Alfonso Elder and then Chancellor LeRoy Walker who adopted the phrase “Excellence without excuse!” But we can’t get there without focus and accountability. NCCU cannot be all things to all people. That’s what the flagship research universities are for. We need to offer programs that give us a competitive advantage but make no mistake, we must refocus and recommit ourselves to our liberal arts core. An NCCU graduate will speak well, write well, and become a leader in the community. Our graduates will communicate to succeed. The Office of University Accreditation under the direction of Dr. Pauletta Bracy has successfully stewarded NCCU through its ten-year SACS re-accreditation process. Meanwhile, the efforts to enhance our students’ communication skills are underway under the aegis of the Quality Enhancement Plan titled Communicating to Succeed. Helping our students learn to communicate properly must be a campus-wide effort. The English Department cannot do it all on its own. Faculty, whether they teach trigonometry or abnormal psychology, will work to improve the quality of the written and oral presentations of our students. It’s a competitive world out there and for our graduates to have a fighting chance, we must help them gain the soft skills they need to succeed.

CENTENNIAL YEAR NEWS

As if on cue for the Centennial, there has been a lot of good news emanating from our campus this past year. U.S. News and World Report ranked NCCU as a top ten historically black college or university (HBCU) —the top public HBCU. Based on measures of affordability, bar passage rate, and job placement, for the second year in a row, the National Jurist magazine ranked our Law School No. 1 Best Value Law School in the Nation. The School of Business brought Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus to campus and the School of Law hosted Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. NCCU was awarded a five-year, $5 million grant from NASA to establish the NASA Center for Aerospace Research and Education. The research team will be developing advanced devices, sensors, and detectors, for the space program. Our Jazz Ensemble performed at the legendary Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, Rhode Island with artist-in-residence Branford Marsalis, and our Marching Sound Machine was selected to perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade in 2011! I like to think that Shepard would approve as North Carolina Central University embarks on a new century of service to the community.

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NCCU FOUNDER Dr. James E. Shepard James E. Shepard was born November 3, 1875, in Raleigh, the son of the late Reverend Augustus and Mrs. Harriet Whitted Shepard. He received undergraduate and professional training at Shaw University, from which he graduated in 1894. The following year he married Mrs. Annie Day Robinson.

Dr. James E. Shepard

Two daughters were born to this union, the late Miss Marjorie A. Shepard of Durham and the late Mrs. Annie Day Shepard Smith of New Bern, North Carolina. The family legacy continues through the two daughters of Mrs. Annie Day Shepard Smith: the late Mrs. Annie Day Smith Donaldson and Mrs. Carolyn Marie Smith Green, their children, and Mrs. Green’s grandchildren. In 1910, Dr. Shepard founded the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua on this site. Originally, this institution was conceived as a center for religious training. Later it was named the National Training School and was supported by the philanthropy of Dr. Shepard’s numerous black and white friends in both the North and the South. When the General Assembly of North Carolina gave its support in 1923, the name changed to Durham State Normal School. In 1925, the institution became North Carolina College for Negroes, the first state-ssupported liberal arts college for black people in the United States. Its first fouryear college class was graduated in 1929. In 1947, the name became North Carolina College at Durham. The 1969 General Assembly established the institution as one of the State’s regional universities, and the name was changed to North Carolina Central University. Since 1972, NCCU has been a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina. source: http://www.nccufoundation.org/centennial/founder.html

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MELISSA WADE continues landed a full-time job at FOXY. But after graduation, she decided to pursue a “bigger market and I accepted a full-time position at WAMO (not affiliated with FOXY) in Pittsburgh.” She stayed there for two years as a morning co-host. She’s quick to point out that the City of Pittsburgh also brings good memories because there is where she met her husband of twelve years. Together, they have two beautiful young boys. Also, while in Pittsburgh, Wade received the opportunity to return to her college passion for the arts and traveled to New York for the weekend, performing in “Blue” - a production by Herman Jones. She admits that New York wasn’t a scary place to her “because the little girl in me had traveled to Pittsburgh and had guts to move on to New York for the weekend.” When Wade moved back to North Carolina, she worked closely with Cy Young at 97.5 WQOK. During that time, she never stopped her ministry and she never stopped her desire of wanting to work in Christian radio. Eventually, the opportunity presented itself, giving her the chance to incorporate her ministry over a large broadcast area as a personality on The Light 103.9, where she has been for the past twelve years. She even writes skits and productions for her church, Praise and Deliverance Church, in Bahama, North Carolina, where she is an ordained minister and a youth pastor. I didn’t ask her, but I suspect Bahama is just as big as Rougemont.

Melissa Wade (right), committed to the community, family and friends, stops by to support her friend, real estate developer James E. Montague, Jr. (left) at the Farmington Square Family Dollar Grand Opening in Raleigh. Montague is one of the developers of the shopping center.

community on theatrical projects. She worked as Assistant to James A. House on “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child”, a play written by Mildred Summerville. She worked with House again in “Butterfly Wings”, a play written by Shirrell McNeill. Recently, she worked on the other side of the stage in “Not in this House,” in which she played Faye, a mother. I could not complete this interview without acknowledging the many community organizations that Wade is a part of. She says that “my first passion is being the youth minister at my church, the cancer walks, the MS walks, the Relay for Life and other organizations” that give back to the community. When asked about any advice she would like to give to someone wanting to follow her career path, she adamantly states that she always goes back to the Bible about “a person with one talent, who hid it in the ground. He didn’t do anything with it. God wanted him to take it and multiply it… So, if you have a talent, then you know your calling… [If you ask yourself] how can your calling bless others, not just yourself, then your talent will flourish.” April Mial is the president of Lilac Films [www.lilacfilms.com]. Email her at: amial@lilacfilms.com.

Melissa Wade greets national gospel recording artist James Fortune at The Light 103.9 Lamplighter Awards. Along with The Light’s Program Director Dr. Jerry Smith, Melissa co-hosts the event which honors the community.

Wade is excited about the productions that she has put on while at her church, “We have a production, which is the combination of three skits – Wednesday Night Prayer Service, Bus Stop and Sunday Morning.” The premise for Wednesday Night Prayer Service is a group of congregation members who sit and reminisce about how they had church in the past. Followed by Bus Stop, where a member sits at a bus stop that doesn’t exist, planted right across from her church, entices people to go to her church, as they wait on a bus that will never come. And finally, when the people from the bus stop enter the church on Sunday Morning, they encounter members praising God the old-fashioned way with old-time religion, which includes a stuttering Deacon, a sister who faints all the time, a sister who is mean, a lady who is always wonderful and of course, the woman who makes the announcements in a thick southern drawl, which no one ever understands. Just like her persistence in college when she wanted the internship with Sonya Hamm, Wade is always working with the

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BRETT CHAMBERS OPENING THE ‘MIC’ FOR 13 YEARS

Brett Chambers

By Britney Rooks Contributing Writer DURHAM - By day, many N.C. Central University students know Brett Chambers as their advisor, coordinator, and class instructor; someone who takes pride in molding his students into responsible adults as they prepare for the real world; a man who doesn’t take kindly to tardy assignments or excuses. But by night, after all his classes have been dismissed, you can find Chambers at Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse, hosting ‘Wednesday Night Open Mic’. “I wanted to provide a forum for musicians and artists,” said Chambers, “to connect, share, and perform, and to have an audience there to watch them.” Chambers started the Wednesday Night Open Mic in 1996 after leaving his job at WTVD Channel 11 News. He discussed his idea with an old friend, Sam Sellers, owner of the Talk of the Town restaurant on Main Street in Durham. Sellers and his wife Aubrey liked Chambers’ idea and agreed to

have Open Mic night every Wednesday at their restaurant. “Wednesdays his buddies would come to play cards and nothing was happening in the Triangle on that night.” On the first night, nine people sat in the audience playing cards while three performers took the stage. “When we started off nobody was getting paid, but Sam’s guys really enjoyed what they saw and hoped it would grow.” Three months later, the club began to fill on Wednesday nights. Six months after the opening night of Chambers’ Open Mic, word had gotten around and the club was packed. “What money Sam would give me I’d invest it back by getting equipment. I got a base, some microphones, and a keyboard, while I played the drums. And it grew!” Aspiring artists of all kinds stopped by the Wednesday Night Open Mic to show off their talent. There were spoken word artists, poets, jazz, reggae, rock, and hip-hop performers - even a juggler. “It was insane some nights.” But no matter how insane the performances got, whether it be good or bad, audience members were never allowed to ‘boo’. “The real courage is stepping up to the mike.” Many big names passed through the Open Mic before they became hits, such as, Sunshine Anderson, Dana Williams, and Ty Coley. “People got signed to major labels. Johnny Wright, Doug Clark and Jai San used to come in and look for musicians for their band.” Big Daddy Kane also visited Chambers’ Open Mic, sometimes finding fresh talent as well. Unfortunately, after a ten year run at the Talk of the Town, the owner suffered a stroke and Chambers felt it was time to move on. “I respected that his wife needed to take care of him.” But the public who enjoyed the Wednesday Night Open Mic wanted to see it survive. So, it relocated to Raleigh at a restaurant named Yancy’s, where there was a much more diverse demographic and larger variety of talent. At this new establishment, younger artists were encouraged to get up on stage and perform. “The youngest performer we had was twelve, a little girl from New York. She sang a Whitney Houston song. Her voice Brett Chambers continues on page 18

Brett Chambers, by day (left, being interviewed by a student), is an advisor, coordinator, and instructor at North Carolina Central University. On Wednesday nights for the past 13 years, Chambers has hosted Open Mic Night (right, at Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse).

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BRETT CHAMBERS continues was so big.” In 2008, due to business issues Yancy’s shut down and the Wednesday Night Open Mic was once again on the search for a new location. Finally, The Open Mic found a home at Mel Melton’s Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse in Durham on Highway 55. With its diverse music style the Wednesday Night Open Mic has reached its thirteenth year. “It’s great. We have families that come in. People I’ve known for 13 years still come to my Open Mic.” Chambers recalls when they first started. “We said if we can make it last for sixteen months we’ll be shocked. On our fifth year anniversary, we just looked at each other and shook our heads.” It was a long sought out goal accomplished for Chambers. Though he has a Masters degree in Education Technology, to play music and have fun had always been a dream of his. As a friend once told him, “You can try to run from music but you can’t because music is always there.” “So if you have an idea go ahead and start it.” said Chambers. To Chambers, the Open Mic is in some ways an extension of teaching. Just like in the classroom, Open Mic is a way for him to give people a platform to express themselves. “You can do your job in the day to pay the bills, but by night you can pursue other things.” And though Chambers’ Open Mic has truly been a success, he never forgets where it all started. “I will forever be indebted to Sam and Aubrey for enabling us to grow.”

Open Mic @ Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse

Open Mic @ Yancy’s

Open Mic @ Talk of the Town

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The International Civil Rights Center & Museum

THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS CENTER & MUSEUM TO CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING Museum Chairman Skip Alston Previews Four-Day Event GREENSBORO, N.C. — The International Civil Rights Center & Museum will celebrate its grand opening with activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the F.W. Woolworth sitins. The Museum will officially open on February 1, 2010. “The International Civil Rights Center & Museum is a memorial to the courageous actions of the Greensboro Four (Ezell Blair, Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil and David Richmond) and subsequent participants of the F.W. Woolworth sit-ins and nonviolent protests that defined a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement,” said Melvin “Skip” Alston, chairman of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum. “We are honored to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sit-in movement with the Museum’s grand opening in 2010.” The International Civil Rights Center & Museum will function as an archival center, collecting museum and teaching facility devoted to the international struggle for civil and human rights focusing on the nonviolent protests of the Greensboro sitins. The 43,000 square-foot museum is located in the former F.W. Woolworth retail store where four courageous students from North Carolina A&T University began their protest at the whitesonly lunch counter. The Museum complex features educational exhibits, a gallery, auditorium, archival center, and a proposed Joint Center for the Study of Civil and Human Rights.

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Museum co-founders Guilford County Commissioner Melvin “Skip” Alston (left) and N.C. Rep. Earl F. Jones

The International Civil Rights Center & Museum was founded by Guilford County Commissioner Melvin “Skip” Alston and N.C. Rep. Earl F. Jones in 1993 under the auspices of the Sit-in Movement, Inc. The Museum’s opening schedule of events will include: . Town Hall Forum on Thursday, January 28 . 50th anniversary gala and banquet, Saturday, January 30 . Ecumenical service, Sunday, January 31 Civil Rights Museum continues on page 20

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CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM continues . Grand opening ceremonies at site of the historic F.W. Woolworth sit-ins in Greensboro, Mon. Feb. 1, 2010

Ed Gordon to Host Town Hall Forum at NC A&T State University

Ed Gordon, Emmy award-winning journalist and host of “Our World with Black Enterprise,” will moderate the Town Hall Forum on Thursday, January 28th. The Forum will focus on “21st Century Activism and Protest: The State of the Civil Rights Movement” and will be held at North Carolina A&T State University’s Alumni Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is being co-sponsored by NC A&T State University and Bennett College. Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Dr. Benjamin Chavis and Bennett College President Dr. Julianne Malveaux are among the panEd Gordon elists. The Forum will include an intergenerational dialogue examining the history of the civil rights movement, and its impact on social, economic, justice and equality issues. The first hour will provide a retrospective on civil rights while the second hour will focus on contemporary issues. Several emerging leaders are set to lead the latter discussion including award-winning journalist and former ESPN sports analyst Stephen A. Smith; attorney and radio host Warren Ballentine; Kim Saunders, president & CEO of Mechanics and Farmers Bank; Syene Jasmin, NC A&T State University student government association president; and Derrick K. Smith, N.C. A&T State University adjunct political science professor. The event is free and open to the public.

Julian Bond, Tom Joyner among the honorees for the Museum’s 50th Anniversary Gala

“We gather annually to honor the civil and human rights achievements of community leaders, corporations, organizations and individuals throughout the world,” said Alston. “This year’s gala and banquet, on Saturday, January 30th at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, will be part of the fourday celebration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Greensboro sit-ins.” The program will begin at 7 p.m. with High Point University President, major philanthropist and chairman of the 2010 gala Nido Qubein as host for the evening. The Museum will recognize civil rights activist and former United States legislator Julian Bond as the 2010 recipient of the Alston-Jones International Civil and Human Rights Award. This is the organization’s highest award and is named in honor of the Museum’s co-founders. Julian Bond currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and has served in that capacity since 1998. Bond played a pivotal role during the Civil Rights Movement as a founding member and former communications director of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). In 1965, he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, only to be prevented from taking his seat by Julian Bond members. After a third election and unanimous decision from the U.S. Supreme Court, his seat was awarded back to him. Bond later became the first president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, where he continues to sit on the board of directors. In addition to being the recipient of 25 honorary degrees, Bond is a distinguished professor at American University in Washington, D.C., and a history professor at the University of Virginia. Nationally syndicated radio host, author and philanthropist Tom Joyner will be recognized as the 2010 recipient of the Museum’s Trailblazer Award. This award honors individuals who have remained active in the struggle for civil rights and equality for African Americans. Joyner, who is host of “The Tom Joyner Morning Show,” is also founder of The Tom Joyner Foundation. Through his foundation, Joyner has raised more than $55 milTom Joyner lion in financial aid to students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His recent online enterprise, BlackAmericaWeb.org, continues his mission to “inform, entertain and empower” African Americans. Among his professional accolades, Joyner was the first African American inducted into The National Radio Hall of Fame and Museum. He was also recognized in 2008 as an inductee into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Other awards to be presented throughout the evening include the Unsung Hero award, Sit-In Participants’ award (an award chosen by Ezell Blair, Franklin McCain and Joseph, the three Civil Rights Museum continues on page 21

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CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM continues

AALI CELEBRATES 10 YEARS WITH STYLE

The Greensboro Four (Ezell Blair, Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil and David Richmond) (above) sitting at the counter of the F. W. Woolworth in Greensboro, NC on Feb. 1, 1960. surviving members of the Greensboro Four) and the Community Leadership award. The Museum will also induct its inaugural class into the International Civil Rights Center & Museum’s Hall of Fame. The inductees include past recipients of the AlstonJones International Civil and Human Rights Award: Harry Belafonte, Cicely Tyson, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall (posthumously), Ambassador Andrew Young, Rev. Joseph Lowery, Rev. Al Sharpton, Dick Gregory, Rev. Benjamin L. Hooks, Hon. Vernon Jordan, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (posthumously), Rep. John Lewis, Dr. Maya Angelou, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Nelson Mandela and Mrs. Rosa Parks.

Yolanda Adams among entertainers Celebration of Unity, an ecumenical service

for

Grammy award-winning contemporary gospel singer Yolanda Adams will be among the headliners for a free ecumenical service on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010. Motivational speaker, author and Pastor Dr. Jamal- Harrison Bryant and Rev. Samuel “Billy” Kyles will also be in attendance for the event, which will be held at the Greensboro Coliseum beginning at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant is founder and pastor of Empowerment Temple, a fast growing church located in Baltimore, Md. His services are nationally broadcast weekly on “The Word Network,” a Christian-based television network geared towards urban ministries and gospel music. Rev. Samuel “Billy” Kyles has been pastor of the Monumental Baptist Church in Memphis, Tenn., since 1959. Since the 1960s, he has maintained his work as a civil rights activist and is most notably known as a history maker for his activism in the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike. Part of his effort in the strike included persuading Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to support the effort. Kyles succeeded, and it was during this effort that Dr. King delivered what would be his final speech (“Mountaintop”) on April 3, 1968. King was assassinated the next day at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. Rev. Billy Kyles remains the only survivor who spent the final hour of Dr. King’s life with him. “February 1, 1960 was a defining moment of the civil rights movement,” said Alston. “The F.W. Woolworth lunch counter sitins that started in Greensboro sparked a movement and spread through the South. It was a galvanizing event in the struggle for civil rights.” For more information about the International Civil Rights Center & Museum’s grand opening and schedule of events, please visit www.sitinmovement.org/savethedate.

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On October 15, 2009 members of the African American Leadership Initiative (AALI) of the United Way of the Greater Triangle gathered at the new Marriott City Center in Raleigh to celebrate ten years of philanthropy and support for the Triangle community. The evening gave special recognition to the eleven AALI Founders and highlighted AALI's history. Toasting the milestone were AALI founders (left to right - front row) Carl Webb, Roger Gregory, Carolyn Henderson, Dorothy Brokaw-Brower, Phyllis Coley and Howard Clement, III. Also taking part in the toast were 2009 AALI Steering Committee members (left to right - second row) Autrice Campbell Long (Chair), Fatima Dean (Co-chair) and Gayle Hurd. AALI founding members not able to attend were Denise Brandon, Davesene Lawson, Alice Sharp, Wayne Thorpe and Quantella Williams. Photo: Darryl Morrow

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Area Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc’s 2009 Miss Jabberwock Erin E. Price (left) and 2009 Little Miss Jabberwock Idara Carmichael (right)had an opportunity to meet Miss North Carolina USA 2010 Nadia Moffett, at the Chapel Hill Christmas Parade.

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DR. CORNEL WEST SPEAKS

programs to help challenge the young men. Some of the programs used are the Hip Hop Educational Literacy Program (H.E.L.P.), Sankofa Chess Club, Dare to Be King, and the Self-Esteem through Culture Leads to Academic Excellence program (SETCLAE). Sixteen year old, Jameson Childress broke all silence in the Auditorium as the By Markia Mosh’a Chappelle opening speaker for the Contributing Writer evening. Childress delivered a speech which he entitled “Breaking the Chains.” His profound words seemed to fill the room as he spoke aloud and said “black men complain about not having Photo: Mel Brown better lives, yet show no initiative; the future begins with one small decision…the decision to make a change.” RALEIGH - The young men of the Cornel West Academy of A decision to make a change is exactly what Antoine Excellence (CWAE) were confident, proud, and tall as they stood Medley’s intentions are. People call Antoine Medley “the brains with their backs up straight at the event featuring the Academy’s behind the opernamesake, Dr. ation.” In March Cornel West. of 2009 Antoine On Novemproposed the ber 4, 2009, the idea to open up CWAE hosted a an all boys acadfundraiser emy. He connamed “A templated on Conversation what he should with Dr. Cornel name the acadeWest.” This spemy. He knew the cial event was significance in a held at the name and wantMcKimmon ed to make sure Conference the name of the Center on a c a d e m y North Carolina embodied what S t a t e the academy U n i v e r s i t y ’s stood for. campus. Medley was The Cornel reading Dr. West Academy Cornel West’s of Excellence is b o o k an organization “Democracy designed to Matters” at the empower and time and strengthen thought of how young males in remarkable it the second through sixth The young men of the Cornel West Academy of Excellence (CWAE) were confident, would be to grade, and is proud, and tall as they stood with their backs up straight at the event featuring the name his academy after the located on the Academy’s namesake, Dr. Cornel West. Photo: Mel Brown great philosocampus of Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh. The academy uses creative Dr. Cornel West continues on page 23

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DR. CORNEL WEST continues pher, civil rights activist, author, and Pastor. Antoine then emailed Dr. West and requested permission to name the academy after him. Surprised and overjoyed, Medley received the answer “yes” within three hours. “It’s been a runaway train ever since,” Medley said as he told his story of a dream come true. Medley looked pleasantly into the crowd as he said “for us it’s all about these boys. We make them accountable for the things they do and we teach them Medley (above), to be transparent and tell Antoine the truth. We are always founder of The Cornel West moving and we push them. Academy of Excellence, beams Photo: Mel Brown We do not baby them with pride. because I don’t know if the world wants them to succeed or not but I know I do, I know the volunteers do, and I know their parents do.” Medley acknowledged his brother, Deron Medley (Vice President of CWAE), and he introduced the boys of the Cornel West Academy of Excellence. The Cornel West Academy of Excellence began with just nineteen boys, however on the stage stood thirty five boys. The rapid growth of the Cornel West Academy of Excellence within a couple of months has been tremendous. Several of the boys approached the microphone on the stage and one by one recited a historical quote by Dr. Cornel West. The boys then grouped in an assembly line, as they recited a creed that they had once recited on the campus of Princeton University. On one accord the boys ended the creed saying “I am responsible for myself, the world depends on me.” Nine year old Reed Shannon, the shortest of the boys, had the responsibility of introducing Dr. Cornel West. Reed stood up on a booster so that he could reach higher and have the ability to speak directly into the Nine year old Reed microphone. He spoke very sharp Shannon (top) stands on and intellectually. The crowd chair to introduce Dr. made “aww” and “oh he is so Cornel West, who gives cute” comments as he spoke. Reed a hug after he finish- Reed finished his introduction es (bottom).Photo: Mel Brown wholeheartedly as he called Dr.

Cornel West to the stage. Dr. West was taken aback by Shannon’s introduction. He walked on the stage shaking his head in disbelief at young Shannon’s talent as he said “O Lord have mercy; give that brother another hand. The quality of who you are will be measured by the depth of your love for and the degree to which you try to serve others.” Dr. West continued as he spoke great things about the Cornel West Academy of Excellence. Dr. West sense of humor was very present through out his entire speech. He joked about naming the academy after him saying “well the fact that you named it after a cracked vessel like me.” Dr. West gave the boys from the Cornell West Academy of Excellence a word of advice before the end of his speech and he said “I am old school. I never had a computer or sent an email. You will be great in your own way. Go far beyond Cornell West.”

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About the writer...

MARKIA MOSH’A CHAPPELLE SHAW UNIVERSITY’S

MISS HOMECOMING 2009-2010 Markia Mosh’a Chappelle (pictured), born in East Harlem, New York, has a true passion for inspiring others through her leadership and love. Markia is a senior at Shaw University where she is a Mass Communications major with a minor in Theatre. She has remained on the dean’s list all four years of college. She is also the church clerk of the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel, where her responsibilities include gathering news, informing the church regarding local announcements, and greeting the church. Markia volunteers at WSHA 88.9 Radio Station as an on-the-air personality, and as a football game and commercial correspondent. At Raleigh Television Network (RTN), she volunteers as a floor director, camera operator, and teleprompter operator. She has also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit Christian organization that helps to build shelters and homes for those that need them. Markia has acted in plays at Shaw University (Shaw Players), Saint Augustine’s College, The Burning Coal Theatre and Video’s Produced by Vinark J. Productions. She has recently been awarded a United Negro College Fund scholarship. Markia was Miss Black and Gold for the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Beta Rho Chapter 2008-2009. Markia takes great interest in God, church, philanthropy, reading, writing, poetry, acting, directing, and skating. She lives by the motto in which John F. Kennedy once said, “I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we too, will be remembered not for our victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit”. She is the daughter of Lori and Marc Chappelle.

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ECONOMIC RECOVERY FUNDS IN NC- WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN YOUR COMMUNITIES NOW? On Feb. 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The Office of Economic Recovery & Investment (OERI) coordinates and monitors North Carolina's use of the federal Recovery funds. The Office helps ensure that funds will be put to use quickly and efficiently, and with the transparency and accountability that North Carolinians expect. The federal stimulus package provides about $6.1 billion in direct aid to North Carolina to create and maintain jobs, address state budget stability, and rebuild and expand our state's critical infrastructure, including highways and water/wastewater systems. It also injects additional money into the state through targeted tax cuts, additional grants and contracts from federal agencies and direct funding for specific federal programs in the state. The Office of Economic Recovery & Investment (OERI) has prepared a chart featuring a variety of topics related to Recovery funding to help you and your community know and understand how Recovery funds work and how they can be accessed. The goal of the chart is to point you in the right direction in searching for detailed information in the specific areas of your interest and need. Some of the funding categories already have been obligated to projects and are not shown on the chart (example: water/wastewater). The Recovery Act was never intended to meet every funding request. Since there are strict guidelines in the Act for the use of these funds, requests must meet specific goals and deadlines. Many funding requests are decided on a competitive basis. The agencies outlined in this chart are able to explain to you exactly what you need to do. They can help you determine if your request meets the guidelines for funding and provide further related information. We are entering the second year of the three-year Recovery program. In the time that remains, there are programs available that can help you in areas such as appliance rebates and energy efficiency, weatherization of homes, job training, re-training and assessment, employment assistance, housing assistance, homelessness prevention and access to credit for small businesses.

AGENCY

OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES Outreach Program for Dislocated Workers and Unemployed Adults

Information on general Recovery Funding in NC (American Recovery & ReInvestment Act- ARRA)

NC Commission on Workforce Development

N. C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment

NC Dept of Administration's Procurement and Contracting Opportunities Purchasing and Contracts Division

Local Governments and Federal Agencies will be awarding contracts

AREA OF FOCUS

CONTACTS AND IMPORTANT DATES

This outreach program is intended to assist unemployed adults and workers who have been displaced. Citizens will be provided information anddirection on how to access employment and trainingassistance, and other benefits and services that will support their reemployment efforts. Recovery funding area: employment training and Assistance

1-888-919-3477 or email: DWUAOutreach@connectinc.org

General information on Recovery funding in NC, information updated monthly on county funding-to-date, competitive grants currently available, a guidebook, news, etc.

www.ncrecovery.gov

The Division of Purchase & Contract is the central purchasing information source for all state departments, institutions, agencies, universities, and community colleges. Procurement and contracting opportunities are listed on the state's Interactive Purchasing System.

919-807-4500

See www.ncrecovery.gov for listings.

Website: www.nccommerce.com/en/Workforc eServices

www.ncpandc.gov/

Email: doa.pchelpdesk@doa.nc.gov Interactive Purchasing System (IPS) www.ips.state.nc.us/ips/ Federal and local: See www.ncrecovery.gov

Small Business Loans and Technical assistance

Small Business Administration

The SBA provides funding for qualified nonprofit community-based lenders who, in turn, provide microloans of up to $35,000 to local entrepreneurs and small business owners, in conjunction with technical assistance training. Recovery funding area: business loans

1-800-827-5722 www.sba.gov/

Energy

State Energy Office

Through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to its State Energy Program, North Carolina will: provide funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in the public and private sectors; build a sustainable energy economy and workforce; and promote innovation and development of new energy technologies and resources. Recovery funding area: appliances rebates and new construction

(919)733-2230 www.energync.net

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Note: Energy Star appliance rebates in late April 2010. For More Information, please call the State Energy office or visit the listed website.

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OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES Weatherization

AGENCY NC Department of Commerce

AREA OF FOCUS The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income North Carolinians save energy and reduce utility bills. The program's focus is on the elderly, the disabled, families with children, high energy users and the energy-burdened, which meet the low income limits of not more than 200% of federal poverty level. For a family of four, this is $44,100 Gross Annual Income or $3,675 Gross Monthly Income. Recovery funding area: weatherizing homes

Workforce/JOBS

NC Department of Commerce

The Workforce Development Program raises the quality of workers by providing funds for workforce placement and training. The system can assist North Carolinians facing economic disadvantage, job loss, and other serious barriers to unemployment. Recovery Funding Area: training, re-training and employment.

CONTACTS AND IMPORTANT DATES (919) 715-5850

www.energync.net

www.energync.net/Weatherization.pdf

Local Offices: Wake Guilford Orange Durham Granville Vance Person

(919) 872-7933 (336) 629-5141 (919) 542-4781 (919) 688-8111 (252) 492-0161 (252) 492-0161 (252) 492-0161

1-800-562-6333

www.nccommerce.com/en/WorkforceSer vices For Workforce Development Boards

in your area visit:

http://support.nccommerce.com/joblink/d efault.aspx?var=workforcedevboards Capital Area Workforce Development Board Phone: 919-856-6048 Durham Workforce Development Board:

Phone:919-560-4965

Greensboro/High Pt./Guilford Workforce Development Board:

Phone: 336-373-8041

Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board;

Phone: 252-436-2052

Housing

NC Housing Finance Agency

The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency 1-800-393-0988 offers programs to assist first-time home buyers; www.nchfa.com helps governments, nonprofit groups, and private developers create affordable homes, apartments and supportive housing; and provide funding for rehab and repair assistance for homeowners through local groups. Recovery Funding Area: Housing Development

Homelessness Prevention

Office of Economic Recovery & Investment

The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid ReHousing Program provides financial assistance and housing location and stabilization services to low income renters facing barriers to housing stability. Recovery Funding Area: Housing Assistance and Homelessness Prevention

Martha Are 919-733-1433 Office of Economic Recovery & Investment www.ncrecovery.gov

JobsNow 12 and 6 Initiative

Community College System

Fifty-seven (57) of North Carolina's community colleges now offer specialized short-term training opportunities within targeted occupational categories. The short term training (no more than six months in duration), coupled with work readiness assistance can provide citizens with the skills for good jobs and career pathways to employment growth. Recovery Funding Area: job re-training and assessment ; employment assistance

Contact your local community college* or local JobLink Career Center about the 12 in 6 program. www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/colleges_map.aspx

http://www.nccommerce.com/en/Wor kforceServices/FindInformationForIn dividuals/JobLinkCareerCenters/ Application deadlines: check with your local community college

IN ADDITION TO THE CONTACT INFORMATION IN THE CHARTS ON THESE TWO PAGES, YOU CAN LEARN MUCH MORE ABOUT RECOVERY FUNDING IN NORTH CAROLINA BY VISITING THE N. C. OFFICE OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY & INVESTMENT WEB SITE: WWW.NCRECOVERY.GOV DETAILED INFORMATION AND DATA IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE FEDERAL ARRA WEB SITE: WWW.RECOVERY.GOV www.spectacularmag.com

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION ‘TEA WITH TRAILBLAZERS’ FEATURES MARYANN BLACK This February, as a part of the Duke Medical Center Library and Archives’ celebration for Black History Month they have partnered with the John Hope Franklin Research Center for African and African American History and Culture to Black present a special guest, MaryAnn Black, MSW, LCSW. In an informal talk, Ms. Black will share some of her "trailblazing" experiences at Duke and in the Durham community. This event will be held February 3rd from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm in the Duke Medical Center Library's History of Medicine Reading Room. Ms. Black is the Associate Vice President for Community Relations for the Duke University Health System, and she has worked for Duke University since 1981. The public is invited to attend and will have a chance to ask questions of the panelist. Tea and light refreshments will be served at 2:30 pm, and admission is free and open to the public. The Tea builds on the success of previous events of this nature and is coordinated by staff of the Medical Center Library and Archives and the John Hope Franklin Research Center for African and African American History and Culture. For more information regarding this event, please contact the DUMC Archives at (919) 383-2653, or via email at jessica.roseberry@duke.edu.

SAINT AUGUSTINE'S COLLEGE TEEN FILM WORKSHOP ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

RALEIGH - The Theatre & Film Program at Saint Augustine's College will host its 10th annual Teen Summer Film Workshop from June 21 through July 2. This hands-on workshop is open to teenagers, ages 13-18 years, who have a strong interest in learning filmmaking at a professional level.

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This intensive 10-day workshop will meet every weekday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students will receive hands-on training on digital cameras, shoot in a soundstage and have an introduction to the non-linear editing systems. The workshop fee is $300. Students will also learn directing, acting for film, screenwriting, camera-work and sound. So that students can have one-on-one instruction, this workshop is limited to 16 participants. The workshop is taught by Ellen Shepard, assistant professor for the Theatre & Film Program at Saint Augustine's College for the past 13 years. Originally from Los Angeles, Shepard relocated to Raleigh when she became the director of the City of Oaks School of the Arts, a professional filmmaking and performing arts school. In Los Angeles, she was on staff at UCLA as senior producer of Documentaries and Educational Media. Shepard is also a professional screenwriter, member of the Writers Guild, as well as a professional drama coach and director to both film and stage actors. She began her career in the entertainment industry in a management position at 20th Century Fox Studios in film distribution and marketing. Applications for summer 2010 are now being accepted. E-mail Ellen Shepard at elshepard@st-aug.edu or call her at 919-516-4371 for an application. There is no audition or prerequisite for this workshop, only a desire to learn filmmaking.

DR. SHARON ELLIOTT-BYNUM JOINS DUKE'S LUNCHTIME PANEL ON HEALTH AND SOCIAL JUSTICE DURHAM - As part of the Duke's Wednesday at the Center series, civil rights historian John Dittmer, author of Good Doctors: The Medical Committee for Human Rights and the Struggle for Social Justice in Health Care, will participate in a Elliott-Bynum panel discussion about the role of health activists during the Civil Rights period. On Wednesday March 3rd, Dr. Sharon ElliottBynum and other health practitioners who have pursued healthcare and health as a human right will join Dittmer to discuss the contemporary practice of medicine as social justice work taking place locally. The panel will make informal presentations that would place Dittmer's book and the broader subjects of health rights work in the South during the 1960s in context of modern day local efforts to ensure healthcare access. The goal is to make the relevance of the "good doctors" of his book connect to contemporary physicians or other health practitioners who have a vision of health justice as part of their mission. Dr. Elliott-Bynum is providing healthcare in the Triangle and at CAARE, Inc., a free healthcare clinic in

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Durham. A stellar example of the healthcare that Dittmer describes in his book, she will talk about her work within the context of health as a right. The program will be from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm on March 3 at the John Hope Franklin Center for International & Interdisciplinary Studies (2204 Erwin Road), near Duke Hospital. Wednesdays at the Center is a topical weekly noontime series in which distinguished scholars, artists, and journalists speak informally about their work in conversation with the audience. The series is presented by the Franklin Humanities Institute and John Hope Franklin Center with other campus partners including the Duke Global Health Institute, the Center for Documentary studies, African and African American studies, the Center for Human Rights, a endowed lecture fund through the Department of Family and Community Medicine, The Trent Center for Bioethics and the Humanities, and the Kenan Institute for Ethics. All events in the series are free and open to the public and a light lunch is served; no reservation is necessary. Questions? Please e-mail Abby Goldman, eag14@duke.edu

NOMINATE A DESERVING AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN for one of seven (7)

north carolina ‘PoSitiVE BrothEr’ AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE

NC JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION ‘POSITIVE BROTHER’ AWARDS BANQUET June 18, 2010 Durham, NC DETAILS AT: www.spectacularmag.com www.spectacularmag.com

RELIGION WHEN SINGERS MEET FEATURING REV. MARLON E. JONES

The Voice of Union (Baptist Church - Durham) formerly under the direction of Rev. Marlon Jones

By Grace Graham Features Editor

age eleven. To qualify for the Minister of Music Award a leader must be trustworthy, responsible with strong musical integrity, humble towards the leadership role and takes great RALEIGH - When Singers Meet, a universal responsibility for the church. The recipient language usually develops enabling people to must also be involved in the music ministry in express and enjoy themselves through music. the community. Then, there is the When Singers Meet Marlon Jonesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; skills, talent and hard Christmas Gala, hosted by the Raleigh-Durham work make him a deserving person for this Chapter of National Gospel Choirs and prestigious honor. A good role model for both Choruses; the national organization was foundyouth and adult choir members, Jones has been ed by the great Dr. Tommy A. Dorsey. Elder considered a role model since childhood while Roland Perry is the President of the Raleighserving as a musician in his home church. Durham Chapter with Douglas Bynum serving In October 2009 Jones was appointed as the Events Coordinator. as the Pastor of Worship for the Macedonia This Gala, held in December at the Church of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Holiday Inn Brownstone Hotel, also allows Pennsylvania, under the leadership of Rev. people to express and enjoy themselves through Jason Barr, Jr. In his new position, Jones is music and other entertainment. Musicians and responsible for providing leadership and overpastors are recognized at the Gala for their outReverend Marlon Jones sight to all aspects of the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worship, to standing outreach and community involvement. include development of services, music, media, drama, mime, and The award recipient for Minister of Music for 2009 is the talented Reverend Marlon E Jones, who began playing the drums at When Singers Meet continues on page 29

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ST. JOSEPH’S AME CHURCH NEWS AND EVENTS

Pastor’s Thoughts: Here is something I hope you find useful! I am an unspoiled page in your book of time. I am your next chance at the art of living. I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months. All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me, Rev. Philip R. Cousin, Jr. waiting for you to search it but with more deterSenior Pastor mination. All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting CHURCH MOTTO: Saving, Training, desires. Empowering & All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all Preparing for that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that Unlimited you claimed but did not have — these slumber Possibilities lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose. I am your opportunity to renew you allegiance to Him Who said:

“Behold, I make all things new.” Who am I? I am the New Year.

(Anonymous)

Did You Know…? “You are today where your thoughts have brought you. You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.” - James Allen

TO LEARN MORE CALL THE CHURCH AT: ST. JOSEPH’S AME CHURCH 2521 Fayetteville St Durham, NC 27707

(919) 683-1379

www.stjosephsamec.org 28

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WHEN SINGER MEET continues Hill Primitive Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama. Jones is married to Keava Boswell from Eufaula, Alabama and they have one son, Elias.

Rev. Marlon Jones with his wife, Keava, and son, Elias dance. As the Minister of Music for seven years at Union Baptist Church in Durham, Jones was under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Kenneth R. Hammond. Jones blazed new trails while serving as Minister of Music at Union Baptist. He was responsible for the 4,500 member church’s massive music ministry. Under his leadership, the music ministry grew from around 75 people to more than 250. He led a staff of 22 paid musicians and 30 media volunteers. Union’s music ministry became unique during Jones’ tenure, as it is one of the few African-American churches to utilize a full brass section and string quartet in worship services. Through Union’s relationship with the Lott Carey Foreign Missions, Jones has been afforded the opportunity to oversee and conduct the National Baptist Choir of Guyana in South America. Union ordained Jones into the Gospel ministry in September 2009. When asked about his transition from Union Baptist to the Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh Jones replied, “I left Durham kicking and screaming because I really appreciated the relationships that we have developed at Union. It was painful because Pastor Hammond and I have a fantastic relationship, which is still intact; as well as the church’s staff and membership. I wish I could have retired from Union.” Jones went on to say, “However, in the end the Lord knows more about stuff than we’ll ever know. He issued the call to Pittsburgh to be challenged and to be a blessing to His people here. We’re settling in now, but there is not a day that goes by that I do not think about Union and all of the precious memories we had there. There is no place like Union, and I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to partner in ministry with one of God’s choice vineyards.” Jones studied at The University of Alabama, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. He has done further music study at Alabama A&M University, where he was the percussion instructor for the university’s marching band. Jones also served as the full-time Minister of Music of his home church, Union

Religion

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PASTOR OF THE YEAR When selecting the Pastor of the Year, the organization seeks Pastors who exhibit strength in preaching, administration, and community service, combined with commitment to Christ evidenced by spiritual growth. Also the Pastor must recognize their Christ like sacrificial commitment and dedication to God’s high calling to care for the lives of those he shepherd. Pastor Clarence Burke of Beacon Light Missionary Baptist Church in Durham is the recipient of the Pastor of the Year Award. The Beacon Light family has partnered with Changing a Generation Ministries, The Dr. Clarence Burke Durham Rescue Mission and Ronald McDonald House to feed and minister in the Durham community. In addition, Pastor Burke is a participant with the youth of Beacon Light in support of the national March of Dimes March for Babies campaign. Pastor Burke has led Beacon Light to also focus on the developmental needs of youth in the community. The church has partnered with the Builders of Successful Students. As a servant leader, Pastor Burke gives all honor and praise to God as he strives to be an instrument of God’s righteousness. CHOIR OF THE YEAR A choir or group who is considered for recognition must use music as an in-kind mechanism to uplift others in the church and community. The choir must show their love of gospel music with its message of hope, joy, unity and justice, and so it was that the Heritage of Praise Youth fellowship (HOP) was the 2009 selection. The Heritage of Praise Youth Fellowship of Morrisville began with a simple vision. Emmanuel A.M.E. Church and Henderson Grove M .B. Church had sung together on several occasions. They thought it would be awesome to have a musical concert featuring youth from two to three churches. However, God being who He is took this effort to totally higher proportions. The Heritage of Praise Youth Fellowship Choir made its debut on April 8, 2006, featuring 103 voices from several churches of various denominations. Since its inception, HOP has shared God’s message through song all across Durham and surrounding areas, including benefit concerts, community awareness events, special programs, and most notably, they were invited to sing for a Durham City Council Meeting at City Hall. The goal was to show that our youth are doing positive things and should be recognized by the leaders, community, and media as such. In addition to singing, they’ve participated in youth lock-in sessions focused on abstinence, self-esteem, hygiene, and gang violence. Other endeavors include career fairs, college prep seminars, musical instruction workshops, and tutoring sessions. Their ages range from 4 - 24 years old, with the young adults serving as junior advisors/section leaders. For more information, visit www.ncgccinc.com

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ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE by Rev. James W. Smith

IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT

My number two passion is politics. Of course, I love reading and obviously ministry is very dear to me. However, I do love politics. I am not interested in holding an office but I like observing it and watching how things play out. Over the past couple of months, I have been extremely intrigued as I listen to conservatives and Republicans give their spin on the issues. As an African American, if I didn’t know any difference, they would have me believing all that stuff. I would believe that President Obama got us into war; that he messed up the economy; that the health care system is fine and if he were not in the White House, everything would be great. I do get a little concern because it does seem that some of this spinning is rubbing off on some folks and instead of progress and change, we are headed backwards. Just as I thought we were on our way to getting affordable health care, we now see the election of a senator who boasts on being the forty-first senator; meaning he is able to sustain a filibuster when in fact, his state has a health care plan. How sad we have become. Now, I am not naive and I know that

ANNUAL THANKSGIVING TURKEY GIVEAWAY

people are hurting, angry and many without jobs but to forget how we got in this situation and blame the President for it is unfair. When I look down memory lane, I cannot forget that under the previous administration’s watch, we entered Afghanistan; we went to war with Iraq and Wall Street went belly up. I suggest that progress and change takes time and it even takes more time when one has to clean up before beginning the process. Yes, this has been a tough year for President Obama and maybe he did try to take on too much but we never know what can be done until we try. I admire him for his gusto. Anyway, everything that he is trying to do is exactly what he promised the American people during the campaign. He was elected because he promised change but now he is being criticized because he is trying to implement change. It seems like we prefer talk rather than action. Of course, as for me, I had rather see a sermon any day than to hear one. So, to all the conservatives, Republicans and pundits, who are now assessing blame and pointing fingers, please take a trip down memory lane and I believe you will agree with me when I say to the President, “It’s not your fault.”

Dr. James W. Smith Church Consultant, Inspirational/Motivational Speaker Author, “Deal By Me Email: revsmith@spectacularmag.com

CHANGING A GENERATION OUTREACH MINISTRIES in conjunction with

N.C. State Rep. Larry Hall &

Spectacular Magazine will hold the

Changing a Generation Outreach Ministries of Durham, in conjunction with the efforts of N.C. State Rep. Larry D. Hall and Phyllis Coley of Spectacular Magazine held its Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve (November 25, 2009). Turkeys and fixings will be given away at Collins Exxon on the corner of Alston Avenue and East Main Street (100 S. Alston Avenue) in Durham. Sponsors included Lowes Foods, Northeast Baptist Church, First Calvary Baptist Church, and Outreach Ministry Restore. Picking up turkeys from Lowes Foods in Durham for Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway are (left to right) Rev. Rodney Green, Changing a Generation Outreach Ministries founder; John Joyner, Assistant Manager Lowes Food of Durham; Phyllis Coley, Publisher – Spectacular Magazine; and NC State Rep. Larry D. Hall (D-29th). Photo: Mel Brown

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ANNUAL EASTER MONDAY EXTRAVAGANZA APRIL 5, 2010 * HILLSIDE PARK (DURHAM) * 3PM Easter Egg Hunt Free Cookout D.J. Hair Cuts School Supplies Activities for the Whole Family! To donate, volunteer, or get info, contact: Rev. Rodney Green 919-519-6678 overseerrgreen@yahoo.com www.changingageneration.org www.spectacularmag.com Religion

NEWSBRIEFS LADIES REALIZING A DREAM:

DURHAM DELTAS PRESENT MISS JABBERWOCK 2009

Briefly... CHUCK DAVIS AWARDED HONORARY DEGREE AMHERST, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts Amherst, on December 3rd, awarded an honorary doctorate to Charles “Chuck” Davis, the internationally renowned founder and artistic director of the Durham-based African American Dance Ensemble and the New Yorkbased festival DanceAfrica. Davis has strong ties to UMass Amherst. Davis has visited and been in residence at UMass Amherst in recent years, to set choreography for dancers at university performances, give master classes and lectures and to share the joy of dance with young children in Springfield and other local communities through The Sankofa Dance Project: Celebrating African Roots in American Dance. Davis

(From Left to Right) Kayla Simone Barham (1st Runner Up); Paige Simone' Hardy (Miss Jabberwock 2009) and Kelly Denise Page (2nd Runner Up).

DURHAM - The Durham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., held its 2009 Jabberwock pageant on Saturday, December 5th, at the Radisson Hotel in RTP. Jabberwock is a program of Delta Sigma Theta that provides the contestants with personal, cultural and educational experiences. It also serves as a scholarship fundraiser for the contestants. Nine young ladies from Durham participated in this year's presentation, "Ladies Realizing a Dream." Miss Paige Simone’ Hardy, daughter of Leroy Hardy, Jr. and Catherine WilliamsonHardy, a junior at C.E. Jordan High was crowned Miss Jabberwock 2009. Miss Kayla Simone Barham, daughter of Samuel D. Barham, IV and Teresa Barham, a senior at Hillside High, was first runner up. Miss Kelly Denise Page, daughter of Craig and Wanda Page, a junior at C. E. Jordan High, was second runner up.

Other contestants were Rheykia Lindsay Belle, a senior at C.E. Jordan High; Alexis Elizabeth Hicks Cash, a junior at C.E. Jordan High; Alexis Walker Joynes, a senior at Northern High; Briana Jamilla Kinard, a senior at The City of Medicine Academy; Natalie Louisa Rodriguez, a senior at the Durham School of the Arts; and Jessica Simone Anna Rogers, a junior at the Durham School of the Arts. The contestants worked together and participated in a series of activities and programs such as: a financial planning class, a public speaking workshop, a healthy habits seminar, a scrapbooking class, a talent showcase, and a formal dinner at the Radisson Hotel-RTP. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world.

~ ~ ~ SAVE THE DATE ~ ~ ~

6TH ANNUAL N.C. JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION Durham, NC www.spectacularmag.com

June 19, 2010

The Raleigh native attended Howard University where he majored in theater and dance, then continued his study of African dance under the guidance of Babatunde Olatunji, Eleo Pomare and the Bernice Johnson Dance Company. In 1982, the American Dance Festival of Durham, N.C., recruited Davis as an artist-in-residence to organize and manage its outreach program. From this effort sprung the African American Dance Ensemble in 1984. Internationally, Davis has led Cultural Arts Safari to the Gambia, West Africa, for 30 years.

PAUL POPE RETIRES ENDING LONG SERVICE AT CBC, AMERICAN TOBACCO

DURHAM - Paul R. Pope retired on July 31st after 42 years of dedicated service to Capitol Broadcasting - as one-time general manager of WRAZ Fox 50, later serving as VP of community relations at Capitol Broadcasting and, his last position, as GM over the American Tobacco Campus. He has been named a trustee for NC Central and is helping Pope to lead fund-raising efforts for the Eagles' athletics program -- while continuing along in a special-projects role for CBC. Pope has served in a wide range of philanthropic positions and groups, including the Triangle Urban League, the Boy Scouts of America's Occoneechee Council, and Leadership Triangle. Proceeds from his retirement party will be used to create the Paul R. Pope Charitable Fund at Triangle Community Foundation supporting various nonprofits. Briefly continues on page 36

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NCCU’S MARCHING SOUND MACHINE SELECTED FOR THE 2011 TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE

NCCU Marching Sound Machine DURHAM – North Carolina Central University formally announced the unexpected selection of its Marching Sound Machine band for the 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. Under the directorship of Jorim E. Reid, North Carolina Central University will take part in the famous New Year’s Day parade considered to be one of this country’s triple crown of marching band honors. “There is Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Trophy for most outstanding college or university band, and the Tournament of Roses Parade,” said Reid. “The Rose Parade was in my 15year plan. I didn’t intend to submit an application for another seven years.” But Reid’s success over the course of his initial eight years as director at NCCU, particularly his band’s five con-

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secutive appearances at the annual Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), gained the attention of Rose Parade officials. The rumor was that he should take a chance and apply. Indeed, NCCU simultaneously announced the band’s selection, for the sixth year in a row, to perform at the HBOB Invitational Showcase scheduled for January 30, 2010, in Atlanta, Ga. The Georgia Dome concert likely will draw 60,000 fans to watch presentations by the eight historically black college or university (HBCU) bands that tallied the most votes out of a field of 45 contestants. For the Tournament of Roses Parade, bands are selected based on their musicianship, marching ability, and showmanship. Reid emphasizes musicianship above all else. “It’s all about their skill as musicians,” said Reid. “We don’t want to blast our audience but rather, engage them with a high quality listening experience.” Drum Major Donald Parker, III, a senior in music education, expressed his satisfaction that “the trials and tribulations we go through” had been rewarded. Now, the band will ramp up practices and the university will gear up to raise the approximately $2,000 per student it will cost to attend the California events. Part of the Rose Parade experience for the musicians includes assistance with float preparation, and performance at Bandfest during the three days prior to New Year’s Day, 2011. For them, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. NCCU is precluded from applying again for another four years. North Carolina Central University is the first publicly supported liberal arts college for African-Americans and in 2009, 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.

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Newsbriefs

BUSINESS LEADERS RAISE MORE THAN $100K FOR SHAW UNIVERSITY and Dr. David Forbes, who all serve on the Board of Trustees for Shaw University, spent time greeting and thanking those who came out to support Shaw. “We can all, as individuals and corporations, sacrifice a little more for our colleges and universities,” said Parker Kennedy. The event and finanParticipating in check presentation to Shaw University are (l-r) Dr. Joseph Bell (Vice Chairman, SU Board of Trustees), Dr. Dorothy cial support extends Cowser Yancy, Stanley Gamble (Coca-Cola), and Sara Norton the fundraising efforts (Coca-Cola). Photo: Chris Hinton that are taking place under the current Administration. A strong RALEIGH - When Parker Kennedy of Caffe’ Luna, a privately owned restaurant in focus has been placed on eliminating student Raleigh, heard about Shaw University’s back balances and stabilizing the overall financial challenges, he decided that it was financial status of the Institution. The University’s Student Integrated time to take action. Kennedy, who has owned and operated Caffe’ Luna since 1996, and is Marketing and Communications Team located less than 2 miles away from Shaw (SIMCT) loaned three of their star students, University, hosted a fundraising gathering of who showed up in ‘Shaw Dress’ to serve as more than 80 attendees October 20th, at his hostesses for the evening. Angelique Colen restaurant. The event garnered contributions (Mass Communications Major) was one of for Shaw University, a privately owned his- the students on hand to offer assistance torically black college and university that has throughout the evening. “I have had the existed since 1865. The evening resulted in opportunity to speak with many successful more than $100,000 to support Shaw business owners and managers tonight, and this inspires me to work even harder to University and its’ students. Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy, who serves achieve my goals. It also challenges me to as Interim President of Shaw University, want to give back to Shaw University.” said praised the efforts of Kennedy and others in Colen. Other members of the SIMCT the community, who have pledged their sup- included Angela Wilson and Rachel port to the nation’s oldest HBCU in the south. Weathers. This effort will be followed by many As she gracefully accepted a $25,000.00 contribution from Coca Cola, she said, “Shaw more fundraising events for Shaw. Parker University has been around for 144 years, and Kennedy said “I hope this will be the catalyst this institution will continue to flourish with for inspiring others to also give to Shaw.” the support of angels like Parker Kennedy, Coca Cola and each and every one of you, who have come out to be with us this evening.” The fundraiser took place during the week that Shaw University was celebrating homecoming, and many attendees said that this event could not have come at a better time. Kennedy and Dr. Yancy, along with Vice (left to right) Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy, Rachel Weathers –SIMCT, Angela Wilson – SIMCT, Angelique Colen – SIMCT and Chairman Joseph Bell, representative from AFLAC. Photo: Chris Hinton Dr. George Debnam

Newsbriefs

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SAMANTHA CANTEEN MISS SHAW UNIVERSITY 2009-2010

Samantha Canteen (pictured above), of the Bronx, New York, is a Theatre major, currently maintaining a 3.5 G.P.A. Upon graduation, Samantha plans to attend the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, where she will pursue her PH.D in Theatre Education and Performance. During Samantha’s sophomore year at Shaw University, she served as Administrative Assistant for the Student Government Association. Samantha is a true Shaw Bear who strives to make a positive influence for the student body and Shaw University. She is an active member of Shaw University’s Honors College, President for the Visual Arts and Science Student Advisory Board and President for the Theatre Department. Being the humanitarian that she is, Samantha has volunteered throughout the Triangle area where she has been engaged in the lives of children, homeless men and women, breast cancer patients and survivors. Samantha Canteen attends Built Upon a Rock Deliverance Ministry, which is located in Fuquay Varina, under the leadership of Pastor Curtis Thomas and First Lady Carol Thomas. Samantha established a theatrical modeling troop, fashionably known as “Untitled,” that incorporates theatrical arts and the excitement of modeling; not for competition but to gain ownership of one’s self confidence and beauty. Samantha’s hobbies include reading, acting, writing, dancing, modeling and shopping. Living up to her highest expectations and her favorite quote “If God is for me can’t no man be against me.” She is the daughter of Everton Welsh and Rosa Canteen.

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GOLFERS, COMMUNITY RESIDENTS CELEBRATE HISTORIC MEADOWBROOK’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY GARNER – Long-time memmaking the country club somebers and friends of the historic thing they could all be proud of. Meadowbrook Country Club It was Meadowbrook memand Golf Course gathered on bers who built the clubhouse and November 19th, to celebrate its other buildings on the grounds. 50th anniversary. Meadowbrook, Often, families would load their now owned by Saint Augustine’s lawnmowers onto their cars and College, was the first blackgo cut the grass out at owned golf club in the country. Meadowbrook, Sansom said. It Meadowbrook was founded was a family environment. in 1959 by 45 black men who “We swam in the lake. It had were prominent members of chiggers and red bugs, but we society. Barred from memberdidn’t care because we owned ship at segregated clubs in the this land,” Sansom said. area, the men worked together to Saint Augustine’s College build Meadowbrook so their bought Meadowbrook in 2007. families would have a place for M. Grant Batey (left) and Joseph M. Sansom (right) were among Original members wanted to recreational and social activities. the original Meadowbrook members at the 50th anniversary cele- ensure that its legacy as a tradi“They thumbed their noses bration. Sansom’s father and Batey were two of the golf club’s 45 tionally black country club was at the segregated society in founders. preserved. Suber said the College which they found themselves,” said Dianne one of central reasons the founders built plans to continue the legacy started by the Boardley Suber, president of Saint Meadowbrook. 45 charter members through the students Augustine’s College. “They said, ‘We “If you don’t own it, you can’t control who now benefit from their investment. don’t have to beg, we can create our own.’” it,” Sansom said. “Ownership is the key to “(Buying the golf course) was not just Joseph M. Sansom, whose father, anything.” an investment in property, but an investJames Joseph Sansom Jr., was one of Sansom said his father invested a lot of ment in the future,” Suber said. Meadowbrook’s founding members, said his own money into Meadowbrook. That Meadowbrook was recently added to the idea of having something that the black was the kind of thing the original members the National Register of Historic Places. community could have ownership of was did – they put their time and resources into

AMIRAH NAQIYBA AKUA AMBEKISYE MISS SAINT AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE 2009-2010

RALEIGH - On the campus of Saint Augustine's College, Amirah Naqiyba Akua Ambekisye (pictured above) is known as an advocate for academic excellence and has maintained an overall 3.77 grade point average. She was inducted into the Alpha Alpha Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society, received the Meritorious Scholarship and Presidential Scholar Awards and placed on the Dean's List each semester. Most recently, she was

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recognized at the Annual Brotherhood Dinner at NC State University along with Willie E. Gary, a highly acclaimed member of our community. Amirah represented Saint Augustine's College at the Leadership Conference held at Eastern Maryland University as the reigning Miss Saint Augustine's College. Amirah attended elementary and middle school in Queens, New York. After graduation from middle school, Amirah and her grandmother moved to Charlotte where she attended Olympic High School. During her high school years she participated on the varsity Cross Country, Basketball and Track teams. During her Sophomore, Junior and Senior years she was a member of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, National Technical Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and Family Career Community Leaders of America. After visiting several colleges, Amirah fell in love with Saint Augustine's College and decided that she would attend this historically rich, illustrious institution. During her tenure at Saint Augustine's College, she has been an active member of the Christian Fellowship Organization and Student Leaders Organization. She has had the honor of serving as Miss ROTC 2007-2008, and Junior Class Treasurer/Secretary of the Student Government Association. In the summer of 2007, Amirah attended Airborne School in Fort Benning, Georgia where

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she earned her wings. Her participation in the 2008 summer leadership training program at the prestigious West Point Academy has had a direct impact on her current appointment to the position as Battalion Commander of the Falcon Battalion, the highest position in the ROTC program. This past summer, she was included in the ranks of the top fifteen percent of cadets in the nation as a Distinguished Military Graduate in the ROTC Program. In addition to being dedicated to the ROTC program her beloved institution, she also participates and supports community organizations as a volunteer with Kaboom and Habitat for Humanity. Miss Ambekisye will be graduated in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Military Science. Upon graduation, Amirah will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army where she plans to further her studies in the field of Human Resources and continue to serve as a positive role model and an inspiration to other young people. She believes that with the support of her friends and family and an abiding faith in the Lord, He will provide her everlasting strength to succeed and be a blessing to others. She is the daughter of Aruwb Ama Ambekisye and Abiodun McCray.

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Newsbriefs

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Jan./Feb. 2010

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BRIEFLY continues institution. GOVERNOR BEV PERDUE ANNOUNCES THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS: Effie H. Jones was a school administrator, teacher, PAUL BAKER to the board of directors for the counselor, organizer of the Office of Minority Affairs

North Carolina Museum of History effective January 1, 2010. Baker is dean of Saint Augustine's College's Division of Social Sciences. He's been at the College since 2005. As a member of the board, Baker will oversee museum initiatives, exhibitions, corporate and private funding/philanBaker thropy and serve as a museum liaison to the North Carolina General Assembly. The appointment is for two years. Baker is also a member of the Raleigh City Museum's board of directors. CRAIG A. CHANCELLOR, United Way of the Greater Triangle (UWGT) president and CEO, to the North Carolina Commission on Workforce Development. Board duties include enhancing and developing strategies that produce a skilled and competitive workforce. The commission has 38 members, each serving a Chancellor four-year term. All members are Governor-appointed. Chancellor joined UWGT in 2002 bringing 27 years experience in the United Way system, 13 of those as CEO, to United Way of the Greater Triangle. REP. LARRY D. HALL to the North Carolina State Innovation Council to help lead the effort to foster strategic investments and policies in the growing knowledge and innovation economy that will enable the state to compete globally in the 21st century. Hall currently serves as a House Majority Whip and Chairs the Homeland Security Hall and Military and Veterans Affairs Committee that has focused on state efforts to develop defense industry research and manufacturing and is a member of the Science and Technology Committee.

PRESIDENT DIANNE BOARDLEY SUBER TO RECEIVE NATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AWARD; MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

at AASA and a champion of women and minorities in educational leadership. Throughout her career, Jones was devoted to equity and opportunity in education and to closing the gap between the children who have and the ones who don't by increasing the numbers of women and minority school leaders. The Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award will be presented Feb. 12, 2010, during the National Conference on Education in Pheonix, Ariz.

NCCU ANNOUNCES THE DIRECTOR OF THE QUALITY ENHANCEMENT PLAN

DURHAM - North Carolina Central University has announced that Regina Robinson Alston has been appointed the first director of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) office. In this role, she will direct and organize the activities of the QEP. The QEP is the university's strategy to boost students' communications skills. Alston will implement and administer the Plan to ensure the integration of activities to enhance students' abilities in writing and speaking throughout the curricula, and social programming on campus as well. Alston

Alston is an NCCU English department veteran, serving since 1978. She co-chaired the QEP Strategies/Implementation Committee for NCCU's SACS reaffirmation. She has developed a writing intensive course for the University Honors Program, trained faculty who were seeking to teach writing in other disciplines, and served as coordinator of the English Department's Writing Lab. Alston received her bachelor's in sociology/English, with certification, and a master's in English, both from North Carolina Central University.

NCCU WOMEN'S CENTER AWARDED GRANT DURHAM - The North Carolina Central University Women's Center has been awarded a three-year grant for $300,000 from the Department of Justice for the awareness and prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault. Director Chimi Boyd-Keyes states the grant will be used to create vicBoyd-Keyes tims' services and extend the center's educational outreach. The program is titled HBCU HAVEN (Historically Black College and University Helpers and Advocates for Violence Ending Now). The proposal was selected from among 500 applicants submitted from around the country.

RALEIGH - Saint Augustine's College President Dianne Boardley Suber was chosen by a panel of her peers to receive the Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award from the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). The award honors a commitment to diversifying the field of education with high quality leaders Suber and to ensuring the best educa- In collaboration with the Durham Crisis Response tion for all students, especially those who are poor Center, NCCU Department of Residential Life, Durham Together for Resilient Youth, the NCCU or minority. Women's Center will act as a central point of contact Suber is Saint Augustine's College's first female for the coordination of victim's services and educapresident. This year marks her 10th year leading the tional outreach.

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Newbriefs

VANCE-GRANVILLE NEWS VGCC CELEBRATES LEGACY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING HENDERSON - A standing-room-only crowd enjoyed oratory and music at Vance Granville Community College’s Civic Center on January 13th as the college held its annual celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Sylvia Jones, director of VGCC’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA) department and chairperson of the celebration, welcomed students, faculty, staff and members of the community to the event, which was emceed by VGCC Director of Student Activities and Athletics Jasmine Hightower. Inspirational music was provided by a choir consisting of VGCC students, faculty and staff, under the direction of VGCC music instructor Michael Stephenson. The choir was accompanied by students who have received the college’s music performance scholarships: Mike Allen of Henderson; Darius (D.J.) Betts and William Crews, both of Oxford; and Nicholas Horvath of Creedmoor. In a new feature for the annual event, four VGCC students were selected to deliver speeches on the meaning of Dr. King’s legacy. Calvin Boyd, an Electrical/Electronics Technology student from Norlina, said that he was born in the 1950s to sharecroppers and experienced the segregated society. Recalling Dr. King’s dream that “all of God’s children…will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!” Boyd said that today’s dream should be that all people will be able to join the mainstream of America, singing “Included at Last! Included at Last!” Michael Jamal Cooper of Warrenton said that King’s example was that ordinary people could do extraordinary things. “MLK’s legacy gives me a sense of freedom, power and pride,” Cooper said. Bryon Hoadley of Macon focused on non-violence and equality. Shirlecia Hunt of Norlina reflected on determination and on King’s statement that “Faith can give us courage to face the uncertainties of the future.” Cooper, Hoadley and Hunt are all students at Warren Early College High School on VGCC’s

From left, the four VGCC students who delivered speeches Jan. 13 included Bryon Hoadley of Macon (who won second place), Shirlecia Hunt of Norlina (first place), Michael Jamal Cooper of Warrenton (third place) and Calvin Boyd of Norlina (fourth place). (VGCC photo) Warren County Campus. A panel – Pastor Phillip Betts of Cornerstone Christian Community Church of Oxford, Kelly Hundley of the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments and retired VGCC Dean of Adult Basic Education Leo Kelly - judged the speeches and awarded cash prizes: first-place ($100) to Hunt; second-place ($75), Cooper; third-place ($50), Hoadley; and fourth-place ($50), Boyd. Remarks by VGCC Dean of Business and Applied Technologies Bobby Van Brunt and President Randy Parker rounded out the program. As the celebration ended, the choir and attendees joined in singing the civil rights anthem, “We Shall Overcome.”

CITY OF OXFORD RECOGNIZES GRANVILLE HEALTH SYSTEM EMERGENCY NURSES OXFORD - Granville Health System (GHS) received an official proclamation from the City of Oxford, designating October 14, 2009 as Emergency Nurses Day. Oxford Mayor Al Woodlief, Jr. was on hand to present the proclamation to Edward Bartels, GHS Director of Emergency Services and members of the emergency department nursing staff. "Granville Health System emergency nurses are the first line of patient care in our hospital's emergency department," said Woodlief. "I am happy to present this proclamation to the hospital in recognition of the important role GHS emergency Pictured: (left to right) Nora Towler, RN, Oxford mayor, nurses play in providing excellent Al Woodlief, Jr., Theresia Blackwell, RN and Edward health care to our community." Bartels, GHS Director of Emergency Services

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The honor was bestowed on the health system in acknowledgement of Emergency Nurses Week, held October 11-17. This year's theme,"Emergency Nurses… Prepared for the Unexpected", embodies the compassion, skills and commitment of these nurses. Since 1989, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) has celebrated the second Wednesday in October as Emergency Nurses Day, a day set aside to honor emergency nurses for their commitment to patient care. Starting in 2001, ENA expanded the celebration to devote an entire week to honoring emergency nurses, because one day was not enough to recognize all contributions made by emergency nurses.

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STATE & NATIONAL ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR, WRITER AND ACTOR TYLER PERRY DONATES ONE MILLION DOLLARS TO NAACP

GIFT IS THE LARGEST RECEIVED FROM AN INDIVIDUAL ARTIST IN THE NAACP'S HISTORY

WASHINGTON, DC - The NAACP, the country's oldest and largest civil rights organization, announced November 23rd that acclaimed film director Tyler Perry has donated one million dollars, marking the largest gift ever given by an individual artist. In addition, Perry purchased several NAACP commissioned Jacob Lawrence lithographs and additional lithographs by celebrated artists Jonathan Green, Perry Elizabeth Catlett and Sam Gilliam. The gift was made to commemorate the organization's Centennial anniversary.

40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF UNBOUGHT AND UNBOSSED BY SHIRLEY CHISHOLM TO BE RELEASED

The 40th Anniversary Expanded Edition of Unbought and Unbossed by Shirley Chisholm is set to release on January 20, 2010. The release comes just in time for Black History Month, Women's History Month, and the Anniversary of Barack Obama's Inauguration. Out of print for 40 years, this expanded edition of Unbought and Unbossed digs deeper into Shirley Chisholm's impact on today and tomorrow's world. The book is Chisholm's account of her remarkable rise from young girl in Brooklyn to America's first AfricanAmerican Congresswoman. She shares how she took on an entrenched system, gave a public voice to millions, and sets the stage for her trailblazing bid to be the first woman and first African-American President of the United States. By daring to be herself, Shirley Chisholm shows us how she forever changed the status quo. Foreword by Donna Brazile, a political commentator on CNN's Inside Politics and American Morning, uses anecdotes from her personal experiences with Shirley Chisholm and her time in politics to bridge the gap from 1970 to today. Her writing sets the stage for us revisit Shirley Chisholm's impact on today and tomorrow's world. Afterword by Shola Lynch, the Director of the 2006 Peabody Award winning documentary CHISHOLM '72 - Unbought & Unbossed, discusses her path to discovering Shirley Chisholm as an adult and the impact that documenting the Congresswoman would have on her life and the lives of Generations X and Y.

BLACK FAMILIES GIVEN FREE HOUSES BECAUSE OF DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT

HAMTRAMCK, Mich. (AP) - More than 40 years after her family was forced from their home because they were black, Sallie Sanders (pictured left) received the keys to a new house built to settle one of the longest-running cases of housing discrimination in the United States.

officials to make way for urban renewal projects in the 1960s. In 1971, after a three-week trial, a federal judge said Hamtramck had a clear strategy when it demolished housing in poor neighborhoods. It took until 1980 for all sides to agree to a solution: Two hundred family housing units, as well as 150 units for senior citizens, would be offered at belowmarket rates to black plaintiffs in the lawsuit. It didn't take long to build the senior housing, but construction on the rest didn't start until 2004. Half of the 200 units have been completed, and the rest could be finished by 2011. The homes are a mix of new construction and renovated units to be sold or rented. The federal government, state of Michigan and Wayne County are helping Hamtramck with money or properties. After living in Detroit as an adult, she returned to rent in Hamtramck a few years ago. Now, Sanders and four children are moving into a $164,000 four-bedroom house. Subsidies from the city and county dropped the price to about $100,000.

FORMER KKK LEADER ORDAINED IN BLACK PENTECOSTAL DENOMINATION

SAN DIEGO, CA - A former imperial wizard of the Ku Klux Klan (pictured left) is now an ordained minister in one of the nation's largest African-American denominations.

Johnny Lee Clary (pictured right with Bishop George McKinney) was ordained a minister in the 6 million-member Church of God in Christ (COGIC) on November 28th during a service led by Bishop George McKinney, pastor of St. Stephen's Cathedral Church of God in Christ in San Diego and a member of COGIC's 12-member general board. Clary, who is based in Oklahoma, will serve as an evangelist under McKinney's oversight, and his ministry will emphasize racial reconciliation. "Bishop McKinney and I both felt like racial reconciliation was needed now more than ever," said Clary, who befriended McKinney in the early 1990s when the two spoke during a Promise Keepers event. "We feel like it makes a huge statement that the former national imperial wizard of the Ku Klux Klan would join the Church of God in Christ and reach out with the Church of God in Christ to bring racial reconciliation to America."

ALABAMA COUNTY NAMES BARACK OBAMA DAY NEW HOLIDAY

MARION, Ala. (AP) - A small central Alabama county whose mainly black residents gave Barack Obama more than 70 percent of the vote on Election Day has created an annual holiday in honor of the president-elect.

"My parents would be ecstatic that their offspring would be able to enjoy the things they couldn't," the 60-year-old Sanders said before a ceremony to celebrate the milestone on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Perry County Commission voted 4 to 1 to observe the second Monday in November as "The Barack Obama Day." County offices will close and its roughly 40 workers will get a paid holiday. The sponsoring commissioner, Albert Turner Jr., said the holiday is meant to highlight the Democratic president-elect's victory as a way to give people faith that difficult goals can be achieved.

Hamtramck agreed in 1980 to develop 200 family housing units to make up for violating the civil rights of blacks whose neighborhoods were targeted by white

The majority of the county's 12,000 residents are black. The county commission's three black members and one of its two white members voted for the resolution.

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POLITICAL AND CIVIC AFFAIRS LEGAL EAGLE ADVISOR by Professor Irving Joyner NCCU School of Law

IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR AFRICANAMERICAN STUDENTS, OLD “JIM CROW” WOULD STILL BE ALIVE Early in the morning on February 1, 1960, four students from North Carolina A & T University walked, unannounced, into the dining area of Woolworth Department store, sat at the lunch counter and waited to be served. Today, that act would not be a big deal, but in 1960, the students’ actions were in violation of North Carolina law and subjected each of them to arrest and exposed them to possible physical attacks from disgruntled Whites who were in or around the department store. Irving Joyner The four students, Jibreel Khazan (Ezell Blair), Franklin McCain, David Richmond and Joseph McNeil did not participate in this defiance of racial segregation laws because of their affiliation with a civil rights or student organization, but decided independently that they were fed up with racial discrimination and decided to risk their lives, safety and student status by directly challenging the law which prohibited African-Americans from being served food at a White dining facility. They did not know what would happen when they arrived, but felt that they had to take some action. The four students were surprised when they were not arrested. As they expected, they were initially asked to leave the dining counter and then were told to leave, but they refused to go. During the day, news about their actions spread around the A & T and Bennett College campuses and classmates rushed to the Woolworth to support them. When the four left the department store that day, they were cheered by classmates and jeered by the Whites who crowded the streets around the store. The next day, the four, joined now by other students, returned to the store and resumed the sit-in. These actions began a movement that changed the course of the civil rights movement in the United States. The Greensboro sit-in was not the first effort in North Carolina to challenge segregation in an eating facility in North Carolina. In 1958, African-American students from North Carolina College (Now North Carolina Central University) and local residents in Durham successfully challenged the refusal of the Royal Ice Cream Company to serve AfricanAmerican customers on an equal basis as Whites. During this sit-in, protesters were arrested and taken to jail, but they refused to stop until the owners of the Company agreed to serve African-Americans in the same manner as White customers. This sit-in post-dated an earlier sitin by African-Americans in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In both of those struggles, protesters enjoyed the support of local Civil Rights organizations and local churches, but the occurrences were not highly publicized. Despite the absence of support from the established Civil Rights organization, the actions of the Greensboro Four were widely publicized by the local and national media. News about the sit-in was broadcastwww.spectacularmag.com

ed nationally and energized African-American students and Civil Rights activists around the country. African-American students who attended other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) saw the news and immediately sprang into action and began sit-in at Woolworths and other similar chain stores which were located in and around those educational institutions. In other cities, particularly in the North, Civil Rights groups and churches organized sympathy boycotts of these businesses. African-Americans students who attended African-American colleges and universities in the south had been upset about segregation laws for a long time. Many of these students were raised in the North and were not amendable to complying with segregation in the South. In the past, they had been successfully restrained from aggressive challenges to segregation laws by the Presidents and administrations of the HBCUs. The aggressive challenge engineered by the Greensboro Four sparked a fire in these angry students which was not to be contained. The sit-in movement began in earnest within a week of February 1, 1960 and spread across the country. Students in every southern state got involved and when college administrators sought to restrained them, the students walked off the campus. These students suddenly adopted a more urgent mission which was now directed at the dismantling of segregation in the United States. Continuing the pursuit of college degrees became less important when the students realized that until segregation was defeated, education for African-Americans would not result in improving their ability or opportunity to achieve the promises of democracy and equal participation. In April, 1960, thousands of African-Americans and White students gathered at Shaw University in Raleigh to discuss ways to better organize and challenge segregation. Inspired by North Carolina native Ella Baker, students organized a separate Civil Rights organization and named it the Student Non Violent Coordination Committee (SNCC). Student leaders resisted efforts by Dr. Martin Luther King to organize them into the youth council of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) The leaders of this new Civil Rights organization recognized that students needed to forge a new independent approach and engage in different strategies in order to successfully defeat segregation. SNCC, along with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) became the radicals of the Civil Rights movement. As organizations, they often clashed with the more conservative and legalistic strategies of the NAACP, SCLC and Urban League. The students’ strategies became radical and aggressive as they organized waves of people to come into the South to engage in direct action and other activist campaigns to organize AfricanAmericans and educate them to the evils of segregation. As a result of these aggressive actions and to the dismay of the traditional Civil Rights organizations, SNCC began to aggressively articulate the demand to gain “Black Power.” This student inspired rallying call sought to organize African-American community to engage in efforts to obtain political and economic control of their communities. When the demand for “Black Power” was loudly articulated, Whites and many African-Americans reacted in horror. Many did not see how the obtaining of real power by African-Americans could occur without a military type assault upon Whites who were in control of everything. Nevertheless, SNCC intensified its work and these efforts eventually resulted in the registration of large numbers of African-Americans and ultimately caused the elections of large numbers of African-American into political offices. The call for “Black Power” and active efforts to obtain it resulted Legal Eagle Advisor continues on page 40

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THE RIGHTCHUS TRUTH continues

DR. JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN continues

and ideas were shared that way. Role models were seen and touched every day. There was a connection. If one had, we all had. We’ve made progress, but now we’re not as connected. The black middle class has now moved out to more diverse suburban communities. North Carolina College used to be a “Mecca” for young black minds who wanted to expand their minds beyond the fields and farm. Black athletes played at black colleges because they couldn’t go to Stanford. Today, there just isn’t the same pool of talent and intellectual capital available to mold and nurture. But we’ve got to get it back. The heart of Durham’s black middle class still beats. There’s just less of a connection, but we’ve got to get it back. This generation never saw the bold segregation—the in-your-face limitations. They don’t feel the struggle because they never lived it. Reading the struggle isn’t the same as living it. We must again share that heart! We must share that connection! (I hope I answered the question, Lamont). [Bro. Rightchus]: Regarding the social movements of the 60’s and 70’s, one of the most interesting and fascinating “black fact” ideas I’ve recently stumbled upon was the creation of a actual city started by blacks—funded by the federal government. It was called Soul City, NC and your father, Floyd Sr., was the key figure of its founding. What was the underlined goal and premise of this establishment? [Sen. McKissick]: One of the main principles my father believed was that if African Americans had equal access to education and capital resources that they could provide opportunities for themselves and other African Americans. More importantly they could be major contributors to society at large. My father was one of the first, if not the first to term the phrase Black Capitalism; a concept which former president, Richard Nixon embraced. The idea was promoted for African Americans to get more involved and invested in business and commerce—to be able to employ their own and support an economic base. The two men shared an interesting friendship. It was 1968 that the Urban Growth & New Development Act was brought in to action for the purpose of erecting new communities. At this particular time, the degree of black migration north was incredible. Blacks were looking for jobs up north, but mostly found urban ghettos and social welfare programs. My father saw this unique group, African Americans, who wanted to grow but weren’t given a chance. All they wanted was opportunity. At one point, Warren County had the highest migration rate in the state. Their mode of flight, I remember, was called The Greyhound Line or Chicken Bone Special, as they would say. From the Carolinas, you were in New York, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The premise behind Soul City was to go back to the rural areas and create opportunities for southern blacks from their roots; to stem the flow outward and provide growth within. Throughout the United States there were 14 new town projects initiated, which fell into three models: (1) New Town—In Towns, (2) Suburban New Towns, (3) Free Standing New Towns. Many people don’t know but Soul City was the first and only Free Standing proposal established and implemented throughout the entire United States. There were a lot of hours put in behind the scene—quite a bit of writing and planning. This was 1972. Its development plan was estimated on a 30 year cycle based upon your model’s level of need-debt. And with a Free Standing town everything had to be built from the ground up; from roads and systems of transportation to water supply. All the components of a town’s infrastructure (industrial, residential and commercial) had to be developed. We eventually were providing water for Oxford and Henderson, NC. Soul City even sold bonds on Wall Street in March of 74’ and December of 77’. It was backed by the U.S. Secretary of HUD. The idea of Soul City did some good things but there had to be a demand. Then came the Arab Oil Embargo and changed the whole equation both locally and nationally—not just for Soul City. Every model and projection we developed was then skewed. There were also a few “old guard” opponents, just as influential in their own right, who didn’t take kindly to its establishment. Ultimately, funds just weren’t there anymore, but it accomplished some great things. It was about change. Soul City was change. ??? Throughout the 2009-2010 session of the N.C. General Assembly, Sen. McKissick has been the primary sponsor of several key bills. A few of his many include: S461 North Carolina Racial Justice Act. S462 Restoration of Public Schools’ Sales Tax Refund. S465 Amendment of State Fair Housing Act. S504 Durham Anti-Sweatshop Requirements. S604 Funds for CAARE, Inc. S759 Modification of DWI Checking Station Requirements.

and a black journal called Freedomways. “I wish I could eradicate from my memory the picture of Dr. DuBois, handcuffed like some common thief, accused at eighty years of age of being the agent of a foreign power,” Dr. Franklin told Muhammad Speaks in 1964. “Even his later exoneration cannot obliterate from my mind the impression that, perhaps he was the victim not merely of the fanaticism that characterized those years, but that he was being punished for what he had represented for more than half a century.” After learning of how the FBI tried fruitlessly to brand Dr. Franklin as an “enemy of the state,” many of his admirers today are expressing similar outrage. “These kinds of stories and revelations remind us of the sad and negative history of J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI he ran and his abuse of power,” Rev. William J. Barber, president of the NC NAACP said. “It shows how police authority unchecked can be abused, especially in the hands of those with racist dispositions.” “But it also speaks to the strength and courage of our leaders like Dr. Franklin, who despite having the forces of the government allied against them, spoke truth to power anyway, and demanded justice for their people,” Rev. Barber added. Sources say that Dr. Franklin told friends and colleagues that he knew the FBI was tracking him, but he wouldn’t allow that to stop him from speaking out for equal rights. Irving Joyner, law professor at North Carolina Central University School of Law and Spectacular Magazine columnist, said what happened to Dr. Franklin reflected the fear that the power structure had of the civil rights movement and its leadership. “The surveillance conducted by the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies during the civil rights movement evidenced an unhealthy paranoia by law enforcement officials against African-American leaders and activists,” Professor Joyner said. “This campaign was designed to destroy and undermine those individuals who spoke out in favor of freedom and equality.” “Dr. Franklin was merely one of many who was targeted in an unsuccessful campaign to deter our organizing and political education efforts. Like many of us, Dr. Franklin was well aware of what these governmental officials were doing, but he refused to be intimidated by their efforts.” Joyner continued, “Being labeled as a communist was intended to destroy the person’s reputation in the community. Instead, these efforts made Dr. Franklin, and the rest of us, stronger in our resolve and determination to continue the fight against racism and oppression.” “It is a tragic relic of United States history that our government, which was supposed to insure our constitutional rights and protect us from danger, was, instead, engaged in active efforts to do us harm and to destroy the freedom movement.”

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Legal Eagle Advisor continues in a vicious resistance by White racist organizations, White politicians and law enforcement agencies to suppress the aggressive student movement. As a result of these efforts, many members and activists were physically assaulted, emotionally abused and even murdered. Eventually, SNCC was destroyed as were other Civil Rights organizations which adopted the “Black Power” rallying cry. Despite the destruction of the organization, the idea and ideals of “Black Power” prevailed and has resulted in African-Americans now being placed in positions of power in every facet of American life. There is no doubt that, but for, the organization and efforts of African-American students and SNCC member, Barack Obabma would not have been elected as President of the United States today. During the next few weeks, many people will participate in efforts to celebrate Black History month. During these celebrations, take a few minutes to salute the fact that North Carolina was the launching point of significant changes in the Civil Rights movement, that these efforts made a distinct difference and that African-American College and University students led the way. That was a change in which we can believe. Irving Joyner ijoyner@nccu.edu S985 DPI/Curriculum on 1898 Wilmington Race Riot. S1095 Honoring of John Hope Franklin. I and Spectacular Magazine thank Sen. Floyd McKissick for sharing his time and insight with us. His commitment to service and degree of dedication has been truly outstanding. You may gain additional info at www.ncleg.net.

Bro. Rightchus

rightchustruth @spectacularmag.com

HEALTH

WHAT’S UP DOC? by Dr. Sharon Elliott-Bynum RN, BSN, MA, PhD

FEBRUARY IS HEART AWARENESS MONTH Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause for death for the general population. There are known risk factors for developing CVD (cholesterol and glucose levels, BMI (Body Mass Index), waist circumference and others. My Life Check was designed by the American Heart Association. It is comprised of seven simple changes that any person can make. They are as follows: . Be Active, . Eat better, . Lose Weight, . Stop Smoking, . Control Cholesterol, . Manage Blood Pressure, and . Reduce Blood Sugar. Here is a reminder of what your desired numbers should be: - Total Cholesterol-less than 200 - LDL (Bad) Cholesterol-less than 100 (optimal); greater than 190 (very high) - HDL (Good) Cholesterol-50 or higher - Triglycerides -l ess than 150 - Blood Pressure -120/80 - Fasting Glucose (sugar)-less than 100 - Body Mass index -less than 25 - Waist Circumference -less than 35 - Exercise at least 30 minutes three times a week Remember your heart’s health begins with YOU! The Durham Health Innovations (DHI) project, initiated in the fall of 2008 as a Durham-Duke partnership, is currently planning innovative ways to deliver health care in Durham. Planning activities are ongoing and focused on building consensus from DHI teams, the community, health service providers, organizations, and leaders. The Cardiovascular team is partnering with the American Heart Association to develop a county-wide heart disease risk-reduction program. The program hopes to partner with Durham churches, barbershops/beauty salons, community centers, pharmacies, health service providers, and other spheres of influence to develop and implement communitybased interventions across the county. Program interventions will aim to reduce the percentage of Durham residents above target blood pressure & lipid levels and will address other key risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The Vascular Intervention Project (VIP) hopes to launch the program by late Spring/summer of 2010. Please visit http://www.dtmi.duke.edu/dccr/dhi for more information.

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Want to get involved? We invite you to participate at the 9th Annual Durham Health Summit. Event details are below.

9TH ANNUAL DURHAM HEALTH SUMMIT Date: March 29, 2010 Time: 8:00am-4:00pm Location: Marriott Civic Center, 201 Foster St., Durham, Registration details: There is no fee to attend, but registration is required. Registration deadline is March 24, 2010. Space is limited to the first 350 participants. Contact Kimberly Monroe @ (919) 668-3792 for more information. God Bless,

Sharon Elliott-B Bynum

dr.elliott-bynum@spectacularmag.com

“Beloved I wish above all things that you prosper and be in Good Health…."

STRENGTHENING THE BLACK FAMILY, INC. AWARDED GRANT RALEIGH - The Strengthening The Black Family, Inc. (STBF) has been awarded a $137,280 grant by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust of Winston-Salem. The funds will be used to cover operating expenses for the Project DIRECT ADA Recognition Diabetes Self Management Education Program to target the financially needy (those who receive Medicaid, Medicare, are uninsured or who earn less than the 200% of poverty income level) in Wake County. The goal is to improve their diabetes self-care and subsequent control of diabetes complications (and early mortality), according to Jackson. Project DIRECT, originally a 12 year demonstration research project, in 2007 successfully institutionalized itself under the auspices of a nonprofit organization, STBF. In the past year, Project DIRECT developed, marketed, and implemented an American Diabetes Association (ADA) Education Recognition Program based on the National Standards for Diabetes SelfManagement Education (DSME) under a NC Division of Public Health pilot umbrella arrangement. The program has not only met the American Diabetes Association's National Standards for patient care, but is driven by a higher internal standard based on dedication to caring for people with diabetes. Thus in February STBF received, "The Provider of the Year Award" from the American Diabetes Association. For over 27 years, the mission of Strengthening The Black Family, Inc. (STBF) has been to improve the quality of life for families in Wake County with special emphasis on African American families. The organization seeks to ensure the survival and capacity of African American families while underscoring traditional values. Programs and strategies have focused on helping the community achieve greater economic, health, employment and educational opportunities. Mrs. Lucille Webb is the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust was created in 1947 by the will of Mrs. William N. Reynolds of Winston Salem. Three-fourths of the Trust's grants are designed for use for health-related programs and services across North Carolina and one-forth for the poor and needy of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

Jan./Feb. 2010

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LIFESTYLE NCCU STUDENT IS BET FREESTYLE CHAMPION

This is Your Life... BY

DEL MATTIOLI

BUILD IT, GROW IT, ENJOY IT AND PROTECT IT!!! What do you think of when someone mentions Estate Planning? A large sum of money? Huge estates, inherited properties, prosperous business and much more? Your estate is simply all the wealth you have accumulated during your lifetime….your retirement income, properties you own, stocks bonds and other investments and anything else you own. Estate Planning is getting prepared to manage what you own while you are living and deciding how to distribute your assets upon your death. It's important to plan your estate so that your family members can avoid the challenges, conflicts and sometimes the expenses that occur at death if you don't plan properly. If you plan properly you can select who will receive your assets. Determine who, how and when your beneficiaries will receive their inheritance, help reduce estate settlement costs, choose guardians for your minor children and provide for your burial. When you are completing your estate plan there are several documents you may want to keep in a safe and secure place and that is known by your family members. Those documents include power of attorney, a living will, a will, and medical durable power of attorney. You may also want to have an attorney to handle your estate, one who is knowledgeable about estate administration. Let's exam the importance of a having a will. It's a list of instructions that tells a judge exactly how your assets are to be distributed. The will however, does not determine beneficiaries of proceeds if there is a written contract, because the written agreement controls distribution of the proceeds. For example, Retirement accounts and IRAs allow the owners to determine the beneficiary. One other important aspect of estate planning is the naming of a person to carry out the directions and requests of your will, known as an executor. A will is an important document for a wide range of individuals especially for other single or married individuals or outside children, if any. If you estate is valued at $2million or larger, an attorney may make sense to assist with a more complex will. Another consideration when planning your estate is to consider how the court proceedings that handle the legal aspects at your death will be handled. This process is better known as "probate". Wills may be public record at death and maybe subject to "probate". A living trust is more private and it may avoid some of the issues associated with "probate process". Life insurance should be included in the estate planning process and this is why. Life insurance replaces the long term replacement of benefits and income because it provides instant liquidity at death. It also provides emotional contentment and continued love and peace of mind for life's continuance with deceased. Life insurance can be used to leverage your assets to provide additional sense for the family if you think that you may not This is Your Life continues on page 44

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Dixon is thinking up some new rhymes after winning “106 & Park” Freestyle Friday. Siegfried Leyh/Echo staff photographer

By Matt Beatty DURHAM - Opening for rap artists such as Drake, Ludacris, The Lox and Young Jeezy means either you have serious lyrical skills or you are the luckiest person in the world. When it comes to lyrical skills N.C. Central University mass communication senior Devin Dixon, aka Dev, doesn’t understand the meaning of luck. Having recently been on BET’s hit show “106 & Park” Freestyle Friday and winning every week for a month straight, Dev became champion and continues taking it all in stride. “People come up to me and they can’t believe I’m a regular dude that goes to school here,” said Dixon. “I still have to do the same things that I was doing before being on TV, but getting on the show was a lot of hard work and it was a good experience.” Dixon, who auditioned in July, waited patiently until finally getting to showcase his skills nationally in October. Week after week Dixon seemed to embarrass his opponents. A freestyle battle is when two rappers come up with lyrics on the spot against one another and each one tries to say the better lyrics to embarrass the opponent and involve the crowd for hype. With his rap name, 2b Announced, Dev always keeps his fans Devin Drake aka Dev continues on page 43

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Devin Dixon aka Dev continues eager for the next punch line. “The name came because I was in the process of coming up with something and I kept it for the irony,” said Dixon. “While the other guy is rapping, I get my punch line ready and put it in the fourth line and throw it at them. It’s all about strategy. Freestyling is off the top of the head but you got to be ready to say something and know how you want to say it,” said Dixon. This isn’t the first time Dixon was featured in the spotlight. He won the ‘06-‘07 BET “Black College Tour” freestyle competition. In ‘07 he won a rap tournament in Chapel Hill and also performed at NCCU’s ‘07 and ‘08 homecoming. Dixon said he has been putting his talent to use since an early age. He started playing around with simple lyrics in his notebook at age 13 and once his friends noticed his talent, everything changed. “I would just write and do it for fun and play, but my friends liked my rhymes and when I turned 14 I would write more and take rap more seriously,” said Dixon. Dixon said his favorite rappers are Eminem, Nas and Fabulous but his style is unlike any other. As a native of Springfield, Mass., his flow and rhyme can be appreciated in every region. “My style varies from whatever inspires me,” said Dixon. “I have a combination of a style from the North as well as a style from the South. I can rap on any beat no matter the region.” Dixon would go to class as well as go to New York during the week to record for the taping of the show. Dixon said he did not mind the hard work. “When you want something you can’t be about talk you have to go out and do it,” said Dixon. “I went out and auditioned in the summer and I wanted it so I pursued it further and did what I had to do. Aside from rapping, Dixon is involved with the music production team T.O.K.Y.O that he founded along with two of his friends. Dixon hasn’t ruled out a backup plan as of yet. He said he could see himself writing for a magazine or newsletter publication in the future. Dixon sees his future as a long road ahead but a successful one. “Whether I sign a major or independent deal I just hope to make money, get my music out and gain a large fan base,” he said. Matt Beatty writes for The Campus Echo, the North Carolina Central University student newspaper, which originally published this article. Reprint permission granted.

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Jan./Feb. 2010

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PRINCESS KATIE AND RACER STEVE

THE ULTIMATE KID ROCKSTAR BAND

THURSDAYS @ 11AM DURHAM - Princess Katie and Racer Steve are ‘Revved Up & Ready to Rock’ at Durham Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 5th. They are roaring down a kids’rock & roll speedway and bringing the ultimate kids’ extravaganza. The NYC-based band is known as much for its creative energy, daring innovations, and positive spirit as for its terrific music. Kids are encouraged to join Princess Katie, Racer Steve, Space on Bass, and Crash the Drummer in rocking out to “music with a message that hasn’t lost its cool.” The high-energy show will feature tunes from Princess Katie & Racer Steve’s critically acclaimed albums, ’Songs for the Coolest Kids,’ ’Fast & Feisty,’ and the brand new 3rd album ‘Tiny Cool’ offering contemporary takes on popular music sounds ranging from jazz and swing to neo-Latin and electric rock ’n’ roll to rap, West Indian, folk, country, and 12-bar blues. Princess Katie & Racer Steve use cool music, hip lyrics and zany skits to bring home messages about cultural acceptance, winning, losing, sharing, bullying, making friends, kindness, fairness, sibling appreciation, world peace, and just plain having fun being a kid. Spontaneity and surprise are key to Princess Katie & Racer Steve’s shows. Princess Katie (aka Katie O’Sullivan) says, “I just can’t seem to do a show unless it’s special for the kids!” She often brings her giant prize wheel and spins it to choose songs or activities like “Conga” or “Freeze Dance.” Princess Katie & Racer Steve might throw out inflatable soccer balls or surprise the kids with a confetti or Mylar steamer launch. Sometimes they’ll hand out mini racing flags so kids can wave them every time they hear, “Go, Go, Go” in a song about Racer Steve’s car racing. They’ll wear “funk hats” and sunglasses for their “Hey Claire” funk song, and for “Sneakers,” Katie has GIANT sneakers to wear under her princess dress. Says Racer Steve (aka Steve Borne), “We’re really working toward entertaining kids on every level, not only through the music, but also by making them laugh. Behind everything we create, there’s an element of humor, and we’re so happy to see that the kids, get it and laugh along with us.” For more information visit www.dpacnc.com

Produced by: Gary “DJ SPECIAL GEE”

Jones

ALSO HEARD ON: WCBQ - 1340 AM Oxford, NC WHNC - 890 AM Greensboro, Henderson, NC WOOW-AM 1340 Greenville, North Carolina

NC on the campus of NC A&T State Univ.

FOR MORE INFO CALL 919.680.0465 OR VISIT www.spectacularmag.com

THIS IS YOUR LIFE continues need to use the retirement bucket such as the 401k or IRA. Here's an idea: You may choose to cash it out, pay your taxes now and put the balance in Life Insurance. To help reduce estate taxes, you may want to transfer the asset to an irrevocable life insurance trust, which keeps the proceeds from being taxed and provides cash for your heirs, tax free . If it is owned and purchased by an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) the proceeds may pass your loved ones or grandchildren free of estate tax free. If left in a retirement plan, the proceeds may be subject to both income and estate taxes when death occurs. Federal estate tax is a tax imposed by the federal government for having the opportunity to transfer property at the time of death. It is based on the total value of all assets owned by the deceased. In closing, plan for your family by building, growing, enjoying and protecting your estate.

Del Mattioli Call Del Mattioli today and schedule a meeting to begin your estate planning. Please contact Del at Mattioli and Associates, An Established New York Life Insurance Agent, website: www.delmattioli.com 919.401.9988 office or email: delmattioli@ft.newyorklife.com. 4213 Hope Valley Road, Durham, North Carolina. 27707.

NOMINATE A DESERVING AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN for one of seven (7)

north carolina ‘PoSitiVE BrothEr’ AWARDS NC JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION ‘POSITIVE BROTHER’ AWARDS BANQUET June 18, 2010 Durham, NC DETAILS AT: www.spectacularmag.com

TO BE PRESENTED AT THE

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Jan./Feb. 2010

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ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY JAZZ FEAST IN NORTH CAROLINA By Larry Reni Thomas

SPIRIT OF HAYTI AWARDS GALA & SILENT AUCTION "COMING HOME" TO THE HAYTI HERITAGE CENTER, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

CHAPEL HILL, NC—Triangle North Carolina is bracing itself for the upcoming month of February’s musical avalanche and extravaganza of good jazz and African music. This will be the first time in a long time that such a variety of jazz and African acts will be in this area to perform and is a testament to the fact that this part of the country is a jazz hotbed and Larry Thomas an intellectual, cultural oasis. The four major universities here all have jazz ensembles and strong jazz studies department. North Carolina Central University’s internationally-acclaimed jazz ensembles have performed at The White House, Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, The Detroit Jazz Festival and The Newport Jazz Festival. Saxophonist Branford Marsalis, a recent Durham resident, has served as a visiting artist at North Carolina Central University, and vocalist Nnenna Freelon, retired professor (Duke Jazz Studies) and saxophonist Paul Jefferys have lived in Durham for years, as well the late pianist and the first jazz studies director Mary Lou Williams. The area also has two 24-hour “mainstream” jazz stations: WNCU-FM, Durham, and WSHA-FM, Raleigh. Both of them help to promote jazz concerts, programs and local venues and musicians and shine light on the thriving, and rich Triangle jazz scene. This place has been primed and ready for this, blissful, wonderful month of musical onslaught for years. Fans say bring it on. We can handle it, they shout! The festivities begin early, February 5, with the overdue, long-awaited visit of vocalist/poet Gil Scott-Heron, at The Carolina Theater, in Durham. It’s been at least ten years since he has performed here. The last time was a well-received, packed, highly-appreciated, excellent show at The Arts Center in Carrboro, when, after the program, he was called “The Ninth Wonder of The World!” His appearance will coincide with the release of his new recording called I’m New Here (XL Records). Scott-Heron is also writing a book titled The Last Holiday. “We enjoy coming down that way,” said Scott-Heron, in recent telephone interview from his Harlem residence. “Plus, I’m originally from Jackson, Tennessee. I like that part of the world. It’s like home. I guess that’s why I like the Blues music so much. My show in Durham will be a combination of poetry and music. I am a poet whose first instrument was the keyboard. I was playing the keyboards before I started singing. We will be performing there because of Black History Month and because we have a lot of say.” The Puerto-Rican alto saxophone sensation Miguel Zenon, who has been nominated for two Grammys, and his group, will grace the stage at Duke University’s Reynolds Theater, February 11. Zenon, who has been awarded the Guggenheim and the MacArthur fellowships, has just released a critically-acclaimed album called Esta Plena (Marsalis Music). His concert is part of a highly- ambitious, thoroughly-pleasing series of shows being presented by the very innovative, Aaron Greenwald , director of Duke Performances (dukeperformances.org) Miguel’s sound has been compared to a cross between Charlie Parker, Paquito D’Rivera and Jackie McLean, and the concert should be one of the best of the season. Two days after the Zenon’s show, on February 13, Ravi Coltrane Quartet is scheduled to perform on the same stage at Duke’s Reynolds Theater. Coltrane, the son of the legendary North Carolina native, saxophonist John Coltrane, has

DURHAM -The St. Joseph's Historic Foundation, Inc. will host the Spirit of Hayti Award Gala & Silent Auction themed "Coming Home", on Thursday evening February 11, 2010 at the Hayti Heritage Center. The black tie event will begin at 6:00 pm with a wine reception and the awards program starts at 7pm in the historic St. Joseph's Performance Hall. The Hayti Heritage Center will be transformed for the fundraising event with entertainment on all levels, valet parking, featuring food stations sponsored by 15 of the best restaurants in the Triangle community. Entertainment will be provided by jazz vocalist Lenora Z. Helm and harpist Winifred Starks Garrett will perform selected spiritual hymns during the awards ceremony. The event tickets are $75 per person (a portion is tax deductible) are on sale now. The event was established in 1999 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and historic preservation, as well as those individuals and organizations that portray excellence in leadership and community service. The honorees have demonstrated a commitment to sharing and creating opportunities for others within their own communities and throughout the country. The Spirit of Hayti Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Foundation. Honorees for 2010 are Trail Blazer Award, Mr. Ernie Barnes (posthumously); Hayti Legacy Keeper for Corporate Philanthropy, North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company; Hayti Legacy in Arts & Education, Ms Nancy Pinckney, Choreographer and Professor, North Carolina Central University; Hayti Progressive Leadership Award, Mr. Trevor Schoonmaker, Curator of Contemporary Art at Nasher Museum of Art; and Special Recognition Awards to the late Mr. Chester L. Jenkins and Mr. James (Uncle Bubba) Fields (posthumously). In honor of the event the Lyda Moore Merrick Gallery will host a special curated exhibition of the works of Mr. Ernie

February Jazz Feast continues on page 46

Spirit of Hayti continues on page 46

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Jan./Feb. 2010

Barnes

Schoonmaker

Jenkins

Fields

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finally attained his own sound, after being compared to his father since he started playing professionally several years ago. He seems to be a better soprano saxophonist than tenor, so it will be interesting to see which one he favors when his young exciting group comes to Durham. His appearance here will be one of his stops before the quartet begin an overseas tour, and will be the first time he has been here since he was at North Carolina State University years ago, with his group and a decade ago with The Elvin Jones Jazz Machine. His latest Ravi Coltrane album is called In Flux (Savoy Jazz). Vocalist and heart-throb, Harry Connick, Jr.’s concert at the sparkling, brand-new Durham Performing Arts Center (DPACnc.com) is set for February 16. His show last year was sold out minutes after tickets went on sale and the same is expected this time. He and his orchestra will be in town two days after Valentine’s Day and will probably draw a host of lovers who will pack the place. He has stated that Durham was one of his favorite places to perform and that he enjoyed his last visit because he got to hang out and play golf with Durham resident Branford Marsalis. Your Songs (Sony Music), his most recent recording, has been called one of his best. Connick’s music has sold over 25 million albums. On February 19, the velvet-voiced, Kansas City-born, vocalist Kevin Mahogany will appear in Durham, as a guest artist with the Duke University Jazz Ensemble, in Baldwin Auditorium, on the university’s east campus. Mahogany, who last performed in the area at the University of Chapel Hill, at least a decade ago, on an well-received show headlined by the Heath Brothers, is also an educator and will conduct a master class while he is in town. Mahogany recently started his own record company called Kevin Mahogany Mahogany Jazz, and released two albums, Kevin Mahogany: Big Band and To: Johnny Hartman. Info: (919) 660-3385 or jbrown@duke.edu. The Monterey Jazz Festival tour, with pianist Kenny Barron, violinist Regina Carter, vocalist Kurt Elling and guitarist Russell Malone, will stop in

Barnes, originals and prints, which will open on February 11 and run through March 30; and works by C'Omega Barnes, the sisterin-law of Mr. Barnes in the upper gallery. For a limited time prints will be available for purchase of Mr. Barnes work with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the St. Joseph's Historic Foundation. A silent auction will be held on the evening of the gala and will feature works from artists across the county including a piece donated by the late Mr. Ernie Barnes. The Spirit of Hayti Awards Ceremony & Gala is the Foundation's largest annual fundraising event. It was established to honor individuals and organizations with strong roots in the Durham community that have made significant contributions to the arts, historic preservation, education, and exemplify outstanding leadership qualities. Some of our past award recipients have included: the late Dr. John Hope Franklin, Honorable H. M. Michaux, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Benjamin Ruffin, GlaxoSmithKline, Wendell Tabb, Dr. Linda Kerr Norflett, Anheuser Busch/ Harris Incorporated, WTVD-ABC11, Dr. Charles D. Watts, M & F Bank, as well as Dr. Charles "Chuck" Davis.

Kenny Baron

Regina Carter

Russell Malone

Durham, at the Carolina Theater, February 25 (carolinatheater.org). Barron was last in Durham in 2007 for a soulful solo performance at the North Carolina Central University African-American Jazz Caucus Jazz Research Institute conference. Malone performed at Duke University’s Page Auditorium last spring with vocalist Dianne Reeves to a full audience who gave him well-deserved applause whenever he soloed. Kurt Elling Both Carter and Elling have also presented outstanding concerts at North Carolina State University in the past. The show is bound to be a must-see for area jazz fans. The same night, February 25, African vocalist/musician, Zimbabwean-born, Thomas Mapfumo and his band, Blacks Unlimited, will begin their three-day engagement at Duke University with performances at The Duke (University) Coffeehouse. On February 26 and 27, the same group will be in concert at Reynolds Theater on Duke University’s campus with fellow Zimbabwean dancer Nora

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For tickets go to www.hayti.org or call (919) 683-1709 ext. 28. If you are interested in sponsorship or donating an item for the silent auction contact Janella Sellars, Development Director at jsellars@hayti.org.

Chipaumire, who will be appearing here for the first time. Mapfumo and his group have been here before, when they played before a full house at the popular Carrboro, North Carolina, The Cat’s Cradle. Their concert with Chipaumire is a collaboration called Moved and will be one of the first times the artist have performed together. This should be quite a treat to not only African music and dance lovers, but to people who have a keen sense of adventure and who like to view the different and unknown, especially art that has substance with an edge. Info: (919) 660-3348, Duke Performances, ken.rumble@duke.edu. Finally, last, but certainly not least, the February feast of musical treats, ends with the 33rd Carolina Jazz Festival, on the campus of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (February 24-27) (unc.edu/musical/jazzfest). This year’s participants include drummer Jason Marsalis, saxophonist Ivan Renta and a concert featuring the Blue Note recording artist and trumpeter Terrence Blanchard and his group at Memorial Hall, on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill. Blanchard, a Grammy winner, has performed in the area several times before, with his group and with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers years ago. The festival will include workshops, clinics with high school, college and university bands, and jam sessions at the West End Wine Bar in Chapel Hill. Blanchard is tentatively scheduled to give a clinic and a master class on Saturday, February 27. Info: hkaplowitz@unc.edu, (919) 8433333, carolinaperformingarts.org. All in all, not a bad month for the state that produced John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Max Roach and Nina Simone. It’s the boomerang effect, where the music that started here comes back to claim its own. Who needs New York City or Paris, when North Carolina is more than enough? Can we handle it? Yes! We can take that and more, say the music lovers. Larry Reni Thomas, host of Sunday Night Jazz on WCOM 103.5 FM (www.wcomfm.org) writes for www.allaboutjazz.com; reprint permission granted.

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Top to bottom: Jason Marsalis, Ivan Renta & Terrence Blanchard

Entertainment

unsigned artist of the month SONJA’ “Queen of The Underground”

Sonja’

SONJA’

Neo Soul and R&B singer, originally from Dillon South Carolina, began her singing career with her sisters in church. The talent of Sonja’ speaks for itself and the followers of the underground recognize the sultry flow. Currently residing in Raleigh North Carolina, Sonja's talent was recognized and supported in her early years by her sisters, Adrienne, Surena, and Jackie; all together "The Johnson Four". Sonja’ writes all of her lyrics, bringing a whole new R&B style to music. Mixed with hip-hop, jazz and alternative styles, Sonja’ has performed in numerous showcases as a headliner. As an opening act with artist such as Juvenile, Petey Pablo, Ruff Ryder's A.G., and Mint Condition, Sonja’ hits the stage as a veteran artist supported by her band or tracks. She enjoys singing songs about real life situations in the ghetto. Known to her fan base as the "Queen of The Underground,” Sonja’ is an up-and-coming artist to keep a eye on.

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

E AR T O T H E S TREETS GARY “D.J. SPECIAL GEE” JONES TOP 20 PLAYLIST ARTIST SONG LABEL Ain’t Leaving Without You I Invented Sex Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart I Want To Rock Crawl Spot Light Hard

1) Jaheim 2) Trey Songz (f) Drake 3) Alicia Keys 4) Snoop Dogg 5) Chris Brown 6) Gucci Mane (f) Usher 7) Rihanna (f) Young Jeezy 8) Beyonce 9) Usher 10) Melanie Fiona 11) 50 Cent (f) Ne-Yo 12) Chris Brown (f) Lil Wayne 13) Lil Wayne 14) Jay-Z (f) Alicia Keys

18) Hurricane Chris (f) Plies & Mario 19) Mel Waiters 20) Corte (f) O.J. Da Juice Man

Atlantic J Records Capitol Jive So Icey Def Jam

Video Phone Papers It Kills Me Baby By Me I Can Transform

Columbia

On Fire Empire State of Mind Tip Of My Tongue

Universal

15) Jagged Edge (f) Gucci Mane & Trina 16) Travis Porter (f) Roscoe Turnt Up Dash & Soulja Boy 17) Plies (f) Keri Hilson

Atlantic

LaFace Universal Interscope Jive

Roc-a-fella Slip-N-Slide Porter House

Medicine Head Board

Atlantic

Everything’s Going Up Money On The Floor

Malaco

J Records

Universal

GARY “D. J. SPECIAL GEE” JONES

has over 20 years experience as a d.j. having played at clubs such as Tremors and Plum Crazy, building a reputation as the the hottest d.j. in the area. He was the Mix Show D. J. on K97.5 for nine years. Taking a sabbatical to obtain his Masters in Business Administration, Special Gee has returned to the entertainment industry while he pursues his Ph.D. He periodically plays at T.J.’s Night Club in Raleigh, currently produces the Spectacular Magazine Radio Show (along with Spectacular Magazine Editor Phyllis Coley), and together they are planning talent showcases in the area to discover unsigned artists such as Sonja’ (see left). Gary “D. J. Special Gee” Jones is the Entertainment Editor and V. P. of Operations for Spectacular Magazine. For more information, contact him: gjones@spectacularmag.com Jan./Feb. 2010

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