February 2016
Contents Publisher MORGAN PAUL DICKERMAN, III Director of Sales and Marketing SHANA HOOVER (252) 265-7858 shana@wilsontimes.com Special Sections Manager JENNIFER STRICKLAND (252) 265-7848 jstrickland@wilsontimes.com Advertising Account Executives CYNTHIA COLLINS (252) 265-7826 ccollins@wilsontimes.com LISA PEARSON (252) 265-7827 lpearson@wilsontimes.com BETH ROBBINS (252) 265-7849 brobbins@wilsontimes.com
A Group Effort 4 10
A Learning Experience
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45 Years and Counting
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Show Time
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A Long Project
Writers LISA BOYKIN BATTS ROCHELLE MOORE JENNIFER STRICKLAND Photography GÉRARD LANGE BRAD COVILLE Graphic Design GÉRARD LANGE ____________________ EAST WILSON FORWARD is a publication of
TheWilsonTimes
2001 Downing Street Wilson, NC 27893 www.wilsontimes.com
Dee’s House, Inc. is making a difference in the community, one person at a time
A newfound partnership will allow young photography enthusiasts to showcase their work
Charles H. Darden High School celebrates a milestone anniversary this year
A generous grant will bring the African American Culture Series to Wilson in a series of shows
A multi-million dollar grant will allow for much needed improvements along Highway 301
On the Cover: Rev. Dr. Michael S. Bell, executive director of the Save-AYouth Program through St. John Community Development Corporation
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Remember When Photographs from east Wilson throughout the years February 2016
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A Group
This mother/daughter duo has made it their mission to help the people of their community, one step at a time.
Effort
February 2016
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“If we aren’t here for this community, who will be?” YoLanda Davis By JENNIFER STRICKLAND
In a small, colorful room of the home that has become a haven for the community, Levolyre Pitt sits in a rocking chair and talks joyfully about her passion and what’s become her life’s mission. Pitt, along with her daughter YoLanda Davis, is co-founder, of Dee’s House, Inc. which houses two programs that are vital to the community around it. Dee’s House is named in loving memory of Davis’ son, Derrick S. Davis, II. “Derrick loved children,” says Davis. “Everyone in the neighborhood knew Derrick and referred to him as Dee. It just felt right to honor his memory and his connection to this community by naming the organization after him. It allows his spirit and gentle nature to continue on and give back the way he would if he were still with us. When Derrick passed, I had a hard time putting one foot in front of the other. I knew in order to do that, I needed and wanted to be more like him. Dee’s House has allowed me to do that.” Dee’s House, Inc. is divided into two main programs. There’s Dee’s Boyz, which is a program aimed towards helping young men get on the right path to becoming positive
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and upstanding members of our community, and then there’s Dee’s Kids, which works with preschool aged children to ready them for kindergarten. The Dee’s Boyz program works with young men from ages 8 to 24, and provides mentoring and tutoring services to assist them with their educational needs, as well as life and employment skills. The goal of the program is to show the young men that participate that they are able to do anything they put their minds to. “These days, the boys in our community think that the only way they can make a living or survive is to do things that aren’t legal or good for them,” says Pitt. “We try to show them that there is a better way to get where you want to go, and be proud of yourself when you get there.” The preschool program offered through Dee’s Kids is designed to allow children who wouldn’t normally have access to a pre-k program to learn the curriculum they will need in order to be ready for kindergarten. “In Wilson, there is only one pre-k program and the waiting list is so long that many of the children who need it most can’t
Levolyre Pitt stands in front of a chart she uses daily in the education of children who attend the Dee’s Kids program, which is just one of the programs offered through Dee’s House, Inc.
get access to it. That’s where we come in. We bring them in and teach them what they need to know so they can be just as prepared for kindergarten as any other child,” says Pitt. Pitt, who will turn 85 in June, is the primary educator for the up to 10 children who participate in the program. It runs for 4 hours per day, and they stick to a pretty regimented schedule. “We have to keep things on track so that we have time to teach them what they need to know.” Throughout the week, many different volunteers come in and assist her with the program and work with the children one-on-one to give them just a little extra boost of assistance. Pitt is the perfect woman to be teaching these children what they need to know. In 1988, she retired from her full-time teaching career with Wilson County Schools, after 30 years
of teaching. Upon retirement, she enjoyed traveling and spending time with family, as well as volunteering, as long as it didn’t involve having to teach anyone. “I was glad to help out with any organization who needed me, but I told them upfront that my teaching days were over!” Though she might have thought those days were behind her, they weren’t. When her great grandchildren, Derrick’s two children, were at the age where they needed to attend a preschool program, Pitt and her daughter quickly found out that would be a lot easier said than done to find one that they could afford and that would give the children the education they deserved. “We had them on the waiting list for months and months, but we never got a call that there was a space for them,” says Davis. Pitt and one of her sororFebruary 2016
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ity sisters, Margaret Britt, began making phone calls to see if they could help. “It was one brick wall after another. We couldn’t find anyone who could help us or even offer a suggestion on what we should do next. It was at that point that we knew we needed to do something, If our own family was facing this difficulty, surely there were others in the same situation.” The decision was then made that the two sorority sisters would figure out a way to start their own preschool program for Levolyre Pitt, seated, and her daughter, YoLanda Davis are co-founders of Dee’s House, Inc. children who needed it but didn’t have access to The Dee’s Kids program is free it. “We went door to door right here to all participants. “We have never in our own community, and found charged for what we do, and we enough children to start a class alnever will,” says Pitt. The two also remost right away,” says Pitt. ceive no salary for the work they do. While it hasn’t been an easy 5 “We do what we do because we want years for the program, Pitt and Davis to do it, not because we have to do are determined to make it work so it.” In order to continue to do what that they can provide a much needed they do, Dee’s House needs generpreschool program to the community ous donors from the community to that needs it most. “The children in assist them. “We can’t do what we do this community come from families without the help and support of the who are low to no income, or have people of Wilson. In order to grow no transportation, or don’t have an and continue to help this community, education themselves. Without our we need donations,” says Davis. help, these children will not succeed Eventually, the Dee’s Kids program in school,” says Davis. “We owe it to will relocate to a house right next them to do what we can to prevent door, which is now owned by the that.”
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organization as well. “We need that space, but we can’t use it until it is renovated. We can’t do that until we get the donations to do it,” says Davis. Not only do the two assist the children with their education, but they also assist their parents as well. Parents with children in the Dee’s Kids program are required to attend a Parent Association meeting twice a month. “These meetings give us an opportunity to work with the parents on things related to education, finances, relationships, parenting, and more. It’s our way of helping them grow and learn some things no one may have taught them along the way,” says Davis. “We can’t fix every problem they might have, but we can educate them and give them the
tools they need, and that’s a good place to start.” The small white house with orange trim that houses both of these programs sits as a beacon to those in the neighborhood for many other reasons as well. “Our neighbors know they can come to us for anything,” says Pitt. “We help them with whatever they need because that’s what we are here for.” People from throughout the community surrounding the house know that Pitt and Davis will be there to help them with a variety of tasks. Whether it’s food to feed their family for the day, or help to understand a bill or letter they may have received in the mail, Pitt and Davis are honored to help. “If we aren’t here for this community, who will be?” says Davis.
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A Learning By JENNIFER STRICKLAND
A picture is worth a thousand words, and some lucky students are going to get a chance to experience that first hand thanks to a new partnership 10 EAST WILSON FORWARD
For one week at the beginning of April, students and professors from Columbia College in Chicago will descend on Wilson with cameras and photography equipment in tow. They’ll be here for a photography partnership between the Eyes on Main Street festival committee and the SaveA-Youth Program through St. John Community Development Corporation.
Previous page: Rev. Dr. Michael S. Bell, executive director of the Save-A-Youth Program through St. John Community Development Corporation, and Jerome De Perlinghi, artistic director for the Eyes on Main Street festival, review a poster for the upcoming Eyes on Main Street festival.
Approximately 100 children between the ages of 10 and 15 from the S.A.Y. program will participate in the week-long experience. They will be able to work one-on-one with student and professors from the school to learn about photography
gression of their photographs as the week goes on and will get to experience the excitement of seeing their work on display for all to see.” The goal of this partnership is to allow these children to learn about an area of the arts that they might not
Experience and will have an opportunity to take photographs on their own that will be displayed in a gallery throughout the Eyes On Main Street festival, which runs from Saturday, April 9 through Sunday, July 10. Eyes on Main Street organizer Jerome De Perlinghi has worked closely with faculty members of the college to bring this program together. “We will give these children an opportunity to do something they might not have considered before,” he says. “They will get to see the pro-
otherwise have an opportunity or interest in learning about. “Anyone can take a photograph and not realize what they have or see their own natural talent. We want these kids to see just what they can do with a camera in their hands. We want them to see what just a small change in position or location can do. We want them to experience that feeling you get when you take an amazing photograph and are proud of it. We very well could have the next nationally known photographer right here in Wilson,” says February 2016
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De Perlinghi. Rev. Dr. Michael S. Bell, executive director of the St. John Community Development Corporation, of which the S.A.Y. program is a part of, is looking forward to allowing his students to be a part of this new partnership. “These children are amazing and they have so much potential. I am excited for them to have the opportunity to learn something new and to use those new skills to create beautiful works of art that they can be proud of,” says Bell. Students will have a chance to explore the downtown Wilson area and choose the subject of their photograph. “The goal is to spark their creativity and get their mind working in a way they aren’t used to,” says De Perlinghi. “We want this to be a learning experience not only for them, but for us as adults as well. Looking at these subjects through the eyes of a young person will give us a new perspective and will allow us to see things in a whole new light.” The photographs that the children take will be organized and on display from the beginning of the festival until the end of the festival. The exhibit will be located at 203 E. Nash Street, and will be open to the public free of charge. “Our hope is that these children will bring their families and friends and everyone they know to see their work on display. We want them to be excited and proud of what they have done,” says De Perlinghi. Bell echoes that statement and adds “Sometimes all these children need is for someone to see their
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true potential. The smallest gesture or congratulations can change their course and set them on the right path to greatness.” The Save-A-Youth program works hand in hand with the local schools to identify at-risk youth who would greatly benefit from one-on-one attention and tutoring from the teachers associated with the program. Students who attend are picked up from school and brought to the center, where they receive specialized attention based on their individual needs. “Our teachers care deeply about these children and wish to see them succeed in life,” says Bell. “They want to see them get off the path they are on and get on one that will lead them to great things.” Many of the children who attend the program have been in trouble at school and with law enforcement. Many of them are at risk of not being promoted to the next grade. Teachers with the program work closely with these students to identify where their academic needs are, and work with them to achieve their goals. “We have a very high success rate with our program,” says Bell. “We want to get to a point where we have 100 percent success. We will get there, I have no doubt.”
If you would like more information about the SaveA-Youth program or are interested in volunteering at the center, please contact the office at 252.265.9764.
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PHOTOGRAPHS in 100 WINDOWS for 100 DAYS
Beginning April 9, Nash Street will once again be transformed into a vibrant gallery of large-scale photographs. One hundred prominent and emerging photographers from all over the world have joined forces to help revitalize Historic Downtown Wilson. Eyes on Main Street is proud to partner with Dr. Michael Bell and Columbia College, Chicago, to host a week-long workshop and exhibit featuring the work of St. John Community Development Organization始s Save-A-Youth program participants. WWW.EYESONMAINSTREETWILSON.COM
APRIL 09 / JULY 10, 2016
C.H. Darden High School opened in 1923 and was built using mainly African American contractors and was Wilson’s first high school for African Americans.
45 Years and Counting The Charles H. Darden High School Alumni Association is currently gearing up for a very special reunion. 2016 will mark the 45th year for the annual tradition. Held over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, festivities will include a scholarship banquet, a disco to benefit the building fund, and a fundraiser dance. Donna Simms Pulley, interim executive director of the Alumni Association, expects a fairly large turnout, with approximately 2,000-3,000 guests attending at least one of the events throughout the weekend. “Most of the people that come are here every time we have a reunion. Many of our members have gotten along in age and aren’t able to travel any longer, but those who can be here are here.”
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To commemorate the 45th anniversary of the reunion, the Association has put together a special celebration that will be held on Friday night, May 27, and will include a special Hall of Fame recognition. Applications for the Charles H. Darden Alumni Association Scholarship will be available at area public high schools as well as the Early College by the first week of March. Anyone interested in applying for the scholarship should complete an application and return it no later than April 14 to the Alumni Association headquarters, located at 1600 Lipscomb Road E. in Wilson. Office hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
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By LISA BOYKIN BATTS
Thanks to a hefty grant, the Arts Council of Wilson is able to present three separate performances as part of an African-American Culture Series. Each of the three shows will include a free educational aspect as well as a ticketed performance at the Boykin Center. The series includes the African American Music Trail with The Monitors, “The Clothesline Muse” and Chuck Davis’ African American Dance Ensemble. “I’m just really excited that we’re able to bring this kind of professionalism — three times,” said Barry Page, executive director of the Arts Council of Wilson.
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AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC TRAIL
The African American Music Trail kicked off the series on Feb. 5. The show was reminiscent of similar presentations the last few years and included performances by featured musicians for the African American Music Trail, including Wilson’s The Monitors. “We always do well when we have The Monitors as a backup group for some of the African American Music Trail musicians,” Page said. The day before the concert, there was a forum and open discussion scheduled with AAMT members Bill Myers and Dick Knight.
“THE CLOTHESLINE MUSE”
“The Clotheline Muse” is a multi-discipline theatrical piece with collaborators jazz singer Nnenna Freelon and Maya Freelon Asante. “It’s a brand new piece,” said Page, who has seen the show. The show will be presented March 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15/$20. The story centers around an elderly washerwoman, Grandma Blu, and her granddaughter, Mary Mack. The show includes dance (by choreographer Kariamu Welsh) music and tissue paper art acts. “Projections and still images provide a glimpse into the magical world created when we listen to one another,” the Website reads. It is a really sweet story and really beautiful images,” Page said. There will be a lecture and demonstration at 4 p.m. at the Boykin Center the day before the show. Freelon as well as other cast and crew members will talk about how the show was put together. Page said representatives from the show were here in August to tour the Boykin Center and make sure the space would work for the show. CHUCK DAVIS’ AADE
It’s been many years since Chuck Davis’ full African American Dance Ensemble has performed here, but they will be back April 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10/$15. The ensemble’s mission is to preserve African-American dance and music through education, performance and entertainment. Performers wear authentic African attire and perform traditional dances.
The day before the show, at 4 p.m., Davis will give a demonstration and lecture on the dance ensemble and their studies in Africa. This event, held at the Boykin Center, is free. THE SERIES
Page said the series is only possible because of the grant, through the Department of Cultural Resources with funding by the National Endowment for the Arts and the N.C. Arts Council. The total of grants and sponsorships is $15,000, he said. The grant made it possible for the Arts Council to present the shows and hold ticket prices to an affordable level, he said. “The fact we can do this and charge those amazing entries fees, that’s just great,” he said. To purchase tickets, call 252-291-4329 or visit the website, wilsonarts.com and purchase through etix. February 2016
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A
TIGER grant will allow for major improvements along Hwy. 301
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Long Project
February 2016
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Previous pages: Traffic moves along U.S. 301 between Martin Luther King Blvd., and Lipscombe Road Monday, October 26, 2015. This area is the focus of a proposed grant to add infrastructure including sidewalks in hopes of spring economic development. By ROCHELLE MOORE
Long-awaited improvements to the U.S. 301 corridor may not be visible for at least two years for what is expected to be a multi-year project. Improvements will be possible following the city’s federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant award of $10 million, announced in late October. Kimberly Van Dyk, Wilson’s planning and community development revitalization director, told the Wilson Rotary Club Monday that the next two years will involve engineering work that will set the stage for physical improvements. “This is a long project,” she said. “It could take from now until 2022 to get completed. “The engineering work will probably take two years. You won’t actually see any physical work or any construction being done for at least two years from now, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t working hard on it.” The city will have to coordinate with DOT at the federal and state levels and decisions will need to be made regarding the extent of the improvements. Originally, the project was estimated to cost $18.6 million and included the U.S. 301 corridor from Lipscomb Road to Black Creek Road. The Wilson City Council agreed to match the $10 million grant with $3 million and to perform some of the work at its own expense, during last-minute ne-
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gotiations before the grant was approved. “The project that we submitted for was actually an $18 million project,” Van Dyk said. “The plans are that it would run from Lipscomb all the way down to Black Creek Road. It’s kind of amazing to think that just a little over a mile of improvements is about $18 million dollars.” The largest cost is related to roadway, shoulder, curb and gutter infrastructure improvements, which would also address flooding problems for the area, she said. From Lipscomb Road to Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., infrastructure costs are estimated at $2.5 million. From MLK Boulevard to Black Creek Road, the same infrastructure improvements are estimated at $3.4 million. The U.S. 301 corridor has aging infrastructure. “It is an older road,” Van Dyk said. “It was built as a main highway, but it’s not used as a main highway any more. It’s really used as a local road, even though we don’t own it.” The highway improvement project has three main goals — to improve area infrastructure, reduce flooding and increase safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. “The road, currently as it exists, is really unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists and, in fact, it is unsafe for motorists as well,” Van Dyk said. “It has a very high crash rate. One of the things we’re thinking about with these improvements is
making to roadway safer for cars, trucks, as well as pedestrians and cyclists.” The U.S. 301 corridor improvement project includes the addition of a multiuse path along U.S. 301, which can be used by cyclists and pedestrians. Also, improvements to three main intersections and the addition of medians. The project is also planned to encourage new investment and development, and the application includes the addition of sidewalks to connect to Wilson Community College’s Lee Campus. The sidewalks are designed to provide residents with better access to job-training opportunities. One of the reasons the city rose to the top during the competitive grant application process was because of the project’s ability to connect residents to future job opportunities.
“One of the reasons we scored so well with this grant opportunity is because we were able to say, ‘if we can make these improvements to this roadway, it will provide opportunities for people in this section of our community to much more easily and safely access both the job training opportunities and the jobs,’” Van Dyk said. “We anticipate that this project will create more ladders of economic opportunity in our community for our residents, and I think that’s something we can be really proud of.” The city’s “U.S. 301: Road to Opportunity” grant is part of $500 million in TIGER grants approved nationwide in 2015. Wilson was one of two cities approved for funding in North Carolina. The city of Charlotte was also approved to receive $25 million.
Remember Photographs from east Wilson over the years Shoe shine competition, Wilson, 1950
“Wilson County Public Library Local History and Genealogy Blog.” Wilson County Public Library. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://wilsoncountylocalhistorylibrary.wordpress.com>.
View down Nash St., early 20th century
“Historic Wilson.” Imagination Station Science & History Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://scienceandhistory.org/nc-museum-ofthe-coastal-plain/historicwilson>.
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When... 1908 map of Wilson
New Briggs Hotel, Wilson, NC
“Wilson, NC.” USGenWeb Archives. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.usgwarchives.net/nc/wilson/postcards/brghot.jpg>.
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