December 16, 2021

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Volume 48, Number 15

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W I N S TO N - S A L E M , N . C .

THURSDAY, December 16, 2021

Cook Elementary forms running team, instills confidence

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY THE CHRONICLE

Sports can play a pivotal role in a child’s life. For the athletes on Cook Elementary School’s running team, it is setting the foundation for better things to come.

The idea for the running team at Cook came from their physical education teacher Annette Kozlowski. Kozlowski says last year she and some of her female students competed in a Girls on the Run event, but wanted to include the young men this year and that’s how she came across the Go Far 5k runs.

Go Far is a training program that helps prepare kids for 5k runs. Go Far’s training program also includes character building lessons that allow the kids to discuss how good character translates into qualities of a good runner, good The students trained for 10 weeks in preparation for the race. student, and a good person.

“I just happened to be mation and talked to all the on Nov. 13. Jackson Gib- kids that have never ran. at a workshop and Go Far parents. The parents were son, Di’Misha Watson, Out of the kids, there was was there advertising and so supportive, so that was Khy’Ree Cox, Freddy only one girl that ran last Maneo, Aaron Martin, year that ran this year. So they let boys run in the good.”

To prepare for the race, Curtisie Dawkins, Ga- she kind of knew what to program, so that’s why we did Go Far in High Point,” the students practiced two brielle Robinson, Dream expect, but the other ones days a week for 10 weeks. Roundtree, Nariah Mc- kind of went in blind, so said Kozlowski.

The idea of running a Every Monday and Tues- Crae, Reginald Kelley and there was a lot of nerves 5k race was not a big hit day the runners would hit MaRiya Nelson were the going into it.”

The kids wanted to when Kozlowski initially the track from 3:15 p.m. to students who competed on introduced the idea to the 5 p.m. to get ready. Every race day. Kozlowski says stay together and run as week, Kozlowski saw en- she was proud of each and a group, but Kozlowski kids at the school.

“At first they were a durance growth in all her every one of her students told them that the race was for how well they per- about them and she wanted little apprehensive, be- runners.

“It was remarkable,” formed. everyone to go out and do cause we did a Girls on the “When they got on the their best.

Run last year, but the boys Kozlowski said about the “I told them from the were not involved, so the growth her runners dis- bus, they were nervous and boys and girls were a little played. “We have a track excited, but they ate their get-go that everyone has apprehensive practicing out back and the first day snack and they calmed different goals on race together,” she said. “But most of them could not run down,” she said about the day,” she said. “You can once they started practice one lap and by race day students before the race. start off with your friends, and could see it was cool a couple of them ran the “Before we got off the but this is about you and to be on the same team and whole race without walk- bus, I just reminded them what you can do. They that they were represent- started off together and have the same goals, then ing.

“Also, most of them ing Cook and that they then they gradually spread they bought right into it.

“Practice consisted also beat their PR (person- have done all the training out throughout the race.”

This race not only of running games, so half al record) practice time in and don’t let all the people freak them out. included kids, but also the time they didn’t even the race as well.”

There were 11 run“There were almost adults. Fifth grade student know they were training.

So, the response was good ners total who competed 800 people that ran. It was Freddie Maneo finished once they had all the infor- in the race in High Point a big race, especially for 143 out of 768 competi-

Submitted photo

tors, which brought Kozlowski a lot of joy.

“I guess he would not consider himself a runner and going into it I probably wouldn’t think he would be the one, but as the weeks went on and on, his stamina just built with his endurance and confidence,” Kozlowski continued.

“He had an amazing race and I think he was pretty blown away with how he did and where he finished.”

Kozlowski was such a nervous wreck that she didn’t sleep much the night before the race.

“It really was such a proud moment just seeing these kids go through what they have to go through sometimes and putting it all behind them and getting out on race day with all these other kids from all these other cities and representing Cook and putting

their training into effect and having their best race ever,” she went on to say.

“I felt like a proud mom to be honest with you.”

Following the race, the kids were “overjoyed with excitement,” Kozlowski said. “The group hung out together to celebrate their hard work after the race.

With such a great finish, Kozlowski says they are attempting to coordinate a 5k race at Cook sometime in the spring for the entire community to participate in.

Kozlowski has noticed some positive changes in the students on the team and hopes that continues beyond this year.

“I think that I have definitely seen a change in every one of them as far as their leadership in school, grades, and confidence,” she said. “It has done nothing but positives for them as far as confidence and their leadership skills in the classroom.

The kids were also proud to be a part of the running team.

“I thought it would be fun and I like running track,” said Gabrielle Robinson about why she decided to join the team.

MaRiya Nelson says it was exciting and nervous to get out there and run with all the people during the race.

Freddy Maneo says he was scared and nervous, but once he got out there on the course, he was ready to run.

Kozlowski wanted to give a special thank you to Kathy Jacobs, her assistant coach, Denise McCoy, and Cook Elementary Principal Celena Tribby for all of their assistance with the running team.

Sports’ fans mourn the loss of well-known Wake fan Police continue investigation into hit-and-run tragedy

THE CHRONICLE

If you know me, then you know I’m a huge Duke basketball fan and I’m willing to argue with anyone, anywhere, about

who’s the best in college basketball. Some of my most enjoyable debates occurred at the light near the corner of University Pkwy. and Deacon Blvd., with Mr. Gregory Slade.

Slade, who is known throughout the community as “The Pointer” for the way he greeted passing cars while selling newspapers near Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, is one of the biggest Wake Forest fans I’ve ever met. Plenty of times our debates were interrupted by someone behind me at the light blowing their horn because the light had turned green. If you asked, Slade could tell you the

Submitted Photo

Gregory Slade with his nieces during a Wake Forest Basketball game.

names of incoming players and whatever else you wanted to know about Demon Deacon basketball.

TyKeia Slade, Slade’s niece, said her uncle has always been a Wake fan. She said when her daughter was only four months old, Slade took her to her first basketball game. “As long as I can remember, he has always been a Wake fan.

He always talked about the games, the people, and everybody that showed him love,” she said.

“I was just looking at the pictures from when he took my daughter to her first game. I think it was in December of 2017. He was so excited to show ev-

SCAN

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erybody his newest niece.”

Slade’s love for Demon Deacons didn’t just stop with the men’s basketball team. He showed the same love and passion for the women’s team, football, soccer, baseball, tennis, and even field hockey. And if you ever saw Slade at work, I’m sure you remember him.

His perfectly-timed points that followed the rhythm of the music he was dancing to that day and his upbeat personality made him a legend here in WinstonSalem.

Tragically, on Saturday, Dec. 11, police reSee Slade on A8 6 89076 32439 7

BY TEVIN STINSON

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D ecember 16, 2021

T he C hronicle

WS/FCS approves $1.4 million contract with Action4Equity

BY TEVIN STINSON THE CHRONICLE

To combat the recent rise in violence, WinstonSalem/Forsyth County Schools has approved a $1.4 million contract with Action4Equity to provide mentors for 200 students at Paisley IB Magnet School, Philo-Hill Middle School, and Parkland and Reynolds High Schools.

Before the motion was unanimously approved by the board last week, Superintendent Tricia McManus gave a presentation on the mentoring program. McManus explained that the district will use COVID relief money to fund the pilot program and how the $1.4 million will be used.

Funding will cover costs for five full-time mentors, a director who will provide support to mentors and serve as a liaison to the schools and district, a community liaison, and a “whole child health coordinator,” who will coordinate and manage referrals. Cost for student/family outings, student/mentor quarterly retreats and training are also included.

The training is aligned with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Comprehensive Gang Model, which is based on five core strategies: community engagement, education training and employment programs, social intervention, suppression through community policing, and organizational change and development.

McManus said she’s excited about the partnership with Action4Equity

and its partners. She said the mentoring program is unlike anything she’s ever seen.

“I have been an educator for over 30 years … I’ve brought forth many contracts to boards of education,” McManus continued. “I’ve brought forth literacy contracts and working with companies who are going to do so many different things in districts and I’m always excited for the work, but I am most excited, honestly today, for this body of work, because what we’re describing here today is very different from traditional programming.”

The mentors will work with students in school, in the community, and with their families to create a real connection with students. Mentors will be contracted through local grassroots organizations Enough is Enough and New Life/Nuevo Vida.

Both organizations are known for their work in the community helping atrisk youth.

Other local non-profits, community groups, and organizations joining the effort include: Triad Restorative Justice, Center for Trauma Informed Communities, Love Out Loud, Everytown for Gun Safety, The Feelings Company, Nourishing Forsyth, My Brother’s/My Sister’s Keeper of Winston-Salem, TURN, Lit City, Parenting Path, and the Forsyth County Association of Educators (FCAE).

“The idea of having grassroots organizations that are already in the communities, that know

our children and know their families, are going to be back-and-forth between school and home. You heard from some of our educators and they cannot do that, ” McManus said.

“This is a need and I have not seen a community like this that has come forward and said we want to be a part of the solution to stop violence in our schools, to stop violence in our community, to make our schools safe, and allow teachers to teach and students to learn.”

During the public comments portion of the meeting, dozens of concerned citizens, parents and teachers spoke in support of Action4Equity and the mentoring program. Jacob McElhany, a 7th grade teacher at Paisley, said, “A simple lack of dedicated bodies is our largest problem.”

“Having local leaders

and people from the community step in would be a major asset to staff and students,” McElhany said.

“We need to be proactive rather than reactive.”

FCAE President Val Young said right now teachers and young people in our community are in dire need of help.

“Right now we’re in grave need of support from our community. Our children are suffering and we don’t have the hands or the manpower to help them,” Young continued.

“We have to solve these problems and they can’t be solved by policing them, they have to be solved by us having relationships with our children. Our children are not going to tell us what’s wrong with them if they don’t know that we love them. We have to love them enough to fund this pilot program … and not only fund this

program, but make a way for this program to expand to every school in our district.”

McManus said she is confident that the mentoring program will result in a reduction of violence on school grounds, less suspensions, less office referrals, improved attendance and improve school/home community relations.

“This is going to work, I have zero doubt,” said McManus when discussing the partnership with

Action4Equity. “I have too much respect for our district, our students, our staff, our community. I’m not going to bring something forward that I don’t feel 100% confident will work.”

Students will begin meeting with mentors in January and will continue to meet through the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

For more information on Action4Equity, visit https://www.action4equityws.org.

Domestic violence survivor launches fragrance line SUBMITTED ARTICLE

Domestic violence survivor Monique Plair has launched a new line of fragrances - BU - Beautiful Unapologetically® - to honor the strength and perseverance of women. Ten percent of the proceeds from each purchase will be donated to Our Safe House, LLC. - a profit organization dedicated to supporting domestic survivors.

“BU’s - Beautiful Unapologetically - ultimate goals are to celebrate domestic abuse survivors by providing employment to them and helping them to start a new chapter in their lives. We celebrate their stories, as well as honor those who have gained their wings and are forever silenced,” says Monique Plair, fragrance designer and founder of Our Safe Houses, LLC. The BU - Beautiful Unapologetically mission is to give strength to women who are beginning new chapters after escaping domestic violence and honor those who have paid the ultimate price and the loved ones they left behind. These fragrances from BU - Beautiful Unapologetically - have been formulated for women of all ages to feel beautiful, fearless, and unapologetic. The line has three scents: BU Lite is an airy daytime boost to get you through a busy day and rolls out spring 2022; BU Freely is a full bouquet of delicate citrus and herbal notes for the late afternoon and will be available

JOINAY TOD summer 2022; BU Nite is a long-lasting, bold, sophisticated, and elegant perfume for formal affairs and late nights available fall 2022.

Created by women to support and empower other women, BU - Beautiful Unapologetically products are designed to inspire women and liberate them from the fear and suffering of domestic violence.

Every step of the way, domestic violence survivors are involved with the planning and formulation of these scents.

The 10% portion of the proceeds donated back to Our Safe House, LLC will be used to equip survivors of domestic violence with valuable resources such as enrichment programs, mental health counseling, emergency housing, business attire, and much more. The women at BU - Beautiful Unapologetically - are reminded of women and girls who fight every day: the woman

heading to her first interview, the young girl going to her first dance, and all the women just stepping out or continuing to follow their own liberated path.

“There’s a mission behind the scent. When a woman looks and feels beautiful, she deserves a scent as equally beautiful,” said Plair.

Founder Monique A. Plair is a survivor of domestic violence experienced both as a child and later as a military wife.

After escaping the situation with her two sons, Monique and her children experienced homelessness and other challenges. Monique rose above the difficulties and followed her dream to join the Navy.

Since then, Monique has been inspired by the help she received from other women to acquire resources for safe housing and more to share with other women suffering from domestic violence.

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T he C hronicle

D ecember 16, 2021

family meals ready when you are

Visit foodlion.com/catering or stop by the deli at your local store.

Place your order by filling out the order form online or in-store.

Pick up your order from the deli at a time that works for you.

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D ecember 16, 2021

T he C hronicle

OPINION

James Taylor Jr. Publisher Bridget Elam

Managing Editor

Judie Holcomb-Pack

Associate Editor

Timothy Ramsey

Sports Editor/Religion

Tevin Stinson

Senior Reporter

Shayna Smith

Advertising Manager

Deanna Taylor

Office Manager

Gregg Penn

Graphic Designer

Our Mission The Chronicle is dedicated to serving the residents of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County by giving voice to the voiceless, speaking truth to power, standing for integrity and encouraging open communication and lively debate throughout the community

Letitia James drops out of New York’s governor’s race, seeks Trump prosecution

It really is not enough to just know “I have come to the conclusion that I must continue my work as attorney general,” James, the Howard University School of Law graduate, wrote on Twitter.

BY STACY M. BROWN

In a political stunner, New York State Attorney General Letitia James has dropped out of the race for governor, upending the campaign and possibly solidifying Gov. Kathy Hochul as the Democratic front-runner.

“I have come to the conclusion that I must continue my work as attorney general,” James, the Howard University School of Law graduate, wrote on Twitter.

“There are a number of important investigations and cases that are underway, and I intend to finish the job,” James, 63, continued.

“I am running for re-election to complete the work New Yorkers elected me to do,” she concluded.

That work includes the ongoing investigation into former President Donald Trump. On Thursday, Dec. 9, reports surfaced that James wants to question Trump under oath in a civil fraud investigation.

James’ office also has partnered with Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance in a criminal investigation of Trump where the former president could face indictment in the Big Apple. It’s alleged that the Trump organization engaged in criminal fraud activity by intentionally submitting false property values to potential lenders.

Trump’s lawyers have sought to block any attempts

by James and Vance to depose the Republican.

Stacy M. Brown is the NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent. Reach him at @StacyBrownMedia.

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Olander Worthy Guest Columnist Number “45” is still hollering foul about the contest for President of the United States of America.

An ever-mounting chorus of voices proclaim a tale of improper voting, partisan poll workers, rigged voting machines, and crescendo ending outright hijacking of the 2020 presidential election. Number “45” forecasted a Democratic presidential return to the White House could only be accomplished by cheating and manipulation of the process, a process designed for patriots’ expressions on the directions this democracy should take.

While witnessing unprecedented, unfounded claims of irregular and unconstitutional practices, the validity of the election was debated in the hallowed halls of our judicial branch of government.

Behavior emanating only from a nightmare, emerged as phone calls were placed to trusted election officials

and heads of state to find ways to change the results of the election.

Only a mercurial “45” would desperately orchestrate a coup at the Capitol of The United States, riding a wave of conspiracy theories and over 50 dismissed court proceedings, aimed at invalidating the election.

The first Black “guy” to become president came to power amid national apprehension around a perceived shift of power from the planners of this country to its former builders (laborers). Barack Obama’s bid for the highest political plateau in the free world was met with challenging political situations at home, including rising anger from the Right and growing nervousness among many of his fellow Democrats in Congress.

Not to mention unemployment figures placing the jobless rate at 10.2%, the highest level since 1983.

One store owner told friends, “If Obama wins, I will not accept it.” And after the election, was found unresponsive with a note close by that read “do not resuscitate.”

“45” has systemati-

cally denounced Obama and sought to undermine his existence starting with the birther conspiracy and then repeated efforts to dismantle Obamacare, even though no viable alternative was offered.

What other destructive narratives continue to bombard our community?

Tales of woe: violence, poverty, domestic unrest, homelessness, illiteracy, debt and financial chaos.

Recently, I learned of a “read aloud” conducted by a retired educator. The guest reader asked the students if they knew who Michelle Obama was. Not a single student responded. The teacher present at the time commented that Michelle was the nice dresser. The guest reader then asked, does anyone know who Barack Obama is? One male elementary student raised his hand and replied, “Wasn’t he the ‘GUY’ who tried to be nice to everybody?” Unbelievable!

I hope we would all agree that exposure (social, educational, and environmental) is paramount to an individual’s growth and development. Dreams and nightmares have pro-

found effects on us as well.

Vision plus energy yields success.

Knowledge is a catalyst for doing and in an effort to mitigate the destructive narratives, it’s important to acknowledge our past, appreciate our struggles, and honor our accomplishments. An initiative to support this effort is the availability of two iconic, must-read children’s books. It is the hope that these books will become classics for generations.

IT’S NOT ENOUGH TO JUST KNOW “I Am Michelle Obama: The First Lady” “I Can be Anything I Want to Be, A Journey to The White House” These classics can be ordered on the web at: readforgold.com or email readforgold4life. com.

Olander Worthy is an alum of WSSU, elementary /middle school teacher, lifetime entrepreneur and currently assistant pro at Arthur Carrington Tennis Academy.

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HBCUs and their athletic departments are benefiting from former professional players and coaches Dr. James B. Ewers Jr.

Guest Columnist

There seems to be an avalanche of support these days for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These schools are getting more press than at any time before now.

There is not a day that goes by that you don’t see a story about an HBCU. If you are a supporter of HBCUs, this is welcomed news.

HBCU alumni associations are gaining more leverage and more members, too. People without HBCU ties also want to know about our schools and our

traditions.

They are asking: what is the attraction? What makes these schools so special?

Why in past months have we seen philanthropist Mackenzie Scott giving billions of dollars to HBCUs? There are probably multiple reasons for her generosity.

I am just happy that it is happening.

Many of us graduated from them and we can spend hours talking about our time in class and on the block. Those memories will be with us forever.

Like some of you, I was a student-athlete at an HBCU. Those experiences, too, I will always cherish. Being on the road, eating in other college cafeterias, and winning championships were all a part of my HBCU experience.

All the coaches at my

HBCU were good people.

They were solid citizens.

Now, because of this popularity surge, HBCU athletic departments are riding a wave of increased visibility. Former professional athletes are now seeking to coach at these institutions. I believe they have some strong yearning to be a part of this kind of campus life.

Most recently on Dec. 10, Hue Jackson became the football coach at Grambling State University in Louisiana. This past football season, he was the offensive coordinator at Tennessee State University.

Eddie George, former professional football player, is the coach at TSU. Coach Hue Jackson has over 30 years of football coaching experience. In his opening press conference, he talked glowingly about Grambling State Tigers’ James

“Shack” Harris and Doug Williams. Both are NFL legends and are in multiple halls of fame.

Maybe this hiring of Coach Hue Jackson will return the Tigers to their glory days. We can never forget Coach Eddie Robinson and the success he had there. If you are a past or present football player at Grambling State University, you know the name, Eddie Robinson. In a respectful and admirable way, his name and contributions are probably a part of new student orientation.

Hue Jackson may be able to do at Grambling State University what Deion Sanders is doing at Jackson State University.

Let us cheer Coach Jackson on as he climbs that mountain called success.

While Coach Jackson is the latest coach going to an HBCU, there are others

as well. Tyrone Wheatley (Morgan State University), Greg Ellis (Texas College), and Sean Gilbert (Livingstone College), are former NFL players who said “yes” to HBCUs. The HBCU football season is winding down now except for the Celebration Bowl and the HBCU Legacy Bowl. The Celebration Bowl will be in Atlanta on Dec. 18 and it pits Jackson State University against South Carolina State University.

The HBCU Legacy Bowl will be held on Feb. 19 in New Orleans. It will feature the best players from HBCUs and the game will be televised on The NFL Network.

Both will be great games, so get your tickets right away before they sell out.

HBCU basketball season has started and

former professional basketball players are in the coaching ranks. Here are just a few of them: Elaine Powell (Langston University), Kenny Anderson (Fisk University), Gawan “Bonzie” Wells (LeMoyne Owen College) and Cynthia Cooper-Dyke (Texas Southern University).

The coaching scene will see more pro athletes going to HBCUs. This is only the beginning and that is good news.

James B. Ewers Jr., Ed.D., is a former tennis champion at Atkins High School in Winston-Salem and played college tennis at Johnson C. Smith University, where he was all-conference for four years. He is a retired college administrator. He can be reached at overtimefergie.2020@yahoo.com.

The right to peace is a world-wide human right David Gallup Guest Columnist

Dec. 10 marks the 73rd anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

This year also marks the 5th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Right to Peace (DRP). As we celebrate the anniversaries of these two Declarations, let’s consider their interconnectedness and how world government, world law, and world citizenship are key to their implementation.

The UDHR and the DRP share the same ultimate goal: achieving world peace based on universal respect for human rights.

The interconnectedness between the Declarations becomes noticeable in the shared terms “peace” and “human rights,” which repeat multiple times in each document. Peace affirms human rights, and human rights affirm peace.

The UDHR refers to “peace” three times.

The most significant occurrence appears in the Preamble: “Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”

The DRP further affirms the indivisible link between rights and peace.

Article 1 states, “Everyone has the right to enjoy peace such that all human rights are promoted and protected and development is fully realized.”

Education about our

rights and of a culture of peace, according to both Declarations, is the principal way to raise awareness of these goals. To move beyond awareness into implementation, peace and human rights must be engaged and guaranteed by government at all levels from local to global.

Achieving peace and human rights must be the primary function of government. We must implement the UDHR and the DRP at the world level as well as lower levels because local and national governments alone do not have the capacity and oftentimes the willingness to fulfill this role.

The limitations of local and national governments hamper the achievement of peace. For example, within the nation-state system of exclusive sovereignty, our rights and duties begin and end at the border, allowing

lawlessness and violence to reign beyond borders. In a global governmental system, our rights and duties apply to everyone, everywhere, placing accountability on each individual in society for upholding the rule of law.

We can learn from the effective aspects of national governmental institutions, such as parliaments and courts, which provide legislative processes and adjudication of disputes that allow for peaceful decision-making at the national level. By globalizing these legal processes, we can achieve peaceful decision-making beyond the nation-state – at the more impactful world level.

A world federal government, in its focus on the global rule of law, offers a system to transition from a society guided by war to a society guided by peaceful realization of our rights

and duties.

If we define and implement peace by what it is – the presence of law – rather than by what it is not – the absence of war – then world peace becomes achievable. World peace is achievable through world law and world citizenship.

The UDHR provides a set of guiding principles to form the basis of an evolving world law. The UDHR provides a springboard for creating the participatory institutions and regenerative processes at the global level to help us to live together peacefully with each other and sustainably with the Earth.

To fulfill our right to peace as the DRP intends, we must move beyond the confines of our local identities that divide us. By seeing ourselves as world citizens, with universal rights and duties to each other and to the planet, we

begin to govern our world with a unified voice - a world governed by us, the people of the world. With a world citizen mindset, we better understand that peace depends upon respect for rights and respect for rights depends upon peaceful interactions at all levels of human society.

As we celebrate the anniversaries of the UDHR and the DRP, let’s consider how we may implement the Declarations’ principles and framework for human rights and peace in our own lives, in our communities, and in the world.

David Gallup is a human rights attorney, president of the World Service Authority, and a member of the board of directors of the Citizens for Global Solutions Education Fund.

How the USA could use our military to lead a global Green New Deal Kevin Danaher Guest Columnist

The world is facing two interlinked crises: politically motivated violence and global destruction of the environment. They are obviously related, in that global military conflicts and weapons’ spending are among the most egregious wasters of resources on the planet. This project would seek to unify those elements of the military and civil society who want to accelerate the transition to sustainability while also improving the security of the United States.

The force structure and strategic doctrine of the U.S. military was forged over 60 years of preparing for a land war with Soviet tank armies on the

steppes of Eastern Europe. Now the threat is a suicidal individual with a suitcase bomb containing radioactive material. The struggle against this type of zealotry cannot be won with tanks and bombs; it is a war for hearts and minds, and that war can be won with eco-development on a grand scale.

More than 800 U.S. military bases around the world are a massive expense that diverts money from desperate needs at home: collapsing infrastructure, a medical system stretched to the breaking point, widespread pollution, and an education system that needs massive upgrading. Most Americans don’t know it but there are large sections of the U.S. military that are developing solar energy, wind energy, biofuels, electric vehicles, and other green technology that could be used to train local people around the world in these

technologies of the future.

Through grassroots networks and donations from progressive foundations, local governments would be encouraged to collaborate in transforming U.S. military bases abroad into educational and experimental cleantech centers promoting green practices that will help us address the environmental crisis while generating good green jobs and eco-entrepreneurship.

The conversion of these military bases into models of eco-development would be beneficial to the United States in many ways: *It would help transform the United States from a dominating empire into a global partner, thereby making us more appreciated and less of a target for terrorist attacks; *It would save the U.S. billions of dollars now being wasted on maintaining this global network of bases;

*By helping countries develop more sustainable practices and cutting-edge green technology, it will have a positive impact on the planet we all share.

Objectives: *Unify diverse global movements that are now separated by tactical issues. Some groups focus on climate change; some focus on biodiversity and saving endangered species; some try to change negative aspects of U.S. foreign policy; and some focus on promoting green economy policies. Converting U.S. military bases into eco-development platforms could unite these and many other organizations. *Channel the energy of the peace movement from a negative frame (we are against war, and against military spending) into a positive frame, switching from protest to proposal. *Get forward-thinking members of Congress to

sponsor legislation aimed at switching resources from status quo military spending to eco-development investment. *Generate cross-sector collaboration between NGOs, governments, and green enterprises to transform the foreign bases. *Learn important lessons for the creation of Eco-Industrial Centers here in the USA. *Regain respect for America after the damage done by aggressive foreign policies of the past. *Grow organic food that can be given to local service agencies helping the weakest sectors of the local population. *Innovate new technologies in toxic waste remediation through natural methods. *Create collaborative spaces where international youth brigades could come together to learn nonviolence and sustainable development practices.

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*Provide large enough space for permaculture “Eco-Universities” to train the trainers who will then go out and instruct communities on green economy issues such as green building, energy conservation, renewable energy technology, urban agriculture, water conservation, mycology, natural purification of grey water and black water, clean-tech incubation, alternative transportation, neighborhood empowerment policies, and much more. Abundant green curricula already exists, and it can be used to train people in the key skill sets of the next economy: the green economy.

Dr. Kevin Danaher is the author or editor of 13 books on the global economy.

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D ecember 16, 2021

T he C hronicle

BUSTA’S BUDDY OF THE WEEK

The amazing Ava Harris is coming to Winston-Salem

BY BUSTA BROWN FOR THE CHRONICLE

What is one of the greatest challenges for child entertainers? “Ava’s busy schedule doesn’t allow her the opportunity to participate in many afterschool activities as much,” shared Sannyu Harris.

She’s the mother of nineyear-old up-and-coming superstar Ava Harris.

Seconds after mom’s comment, “I really love baseball and I want to play. But I’m so busy with dance, I don’t get a chance to play the game,” added the absolutely adorable dancer, actress and singer.

Ava Harris has the sweetest and cutest little voice, and a smile that’ll steal your heart. She learned at an early age how to appreciate hard work Ava Harris, dancer, singer and actress. and the value in it. Yet, she Ava while giggling. the sound of the wheels strives in her academics She continues, “But against the sidewalk! So and is very well-mannered. there are times when everywhere we went, she Mom and dad did an ex- shows are coming up and danced - in the grocery cellent job with their little I have to get fitted for cos- store, dressing room at the princess. tumes and all of that stuff. mall, everywhere! WherAva was able to hold Yet I still have my entire ever there was music, she her own during the inter- life. So, I always make was always moving. She view and kept me on my time for myself, because could barely walk, but she toes. When I asked if she it’s important for me to be was always moving. ever has time to be a kid, a kid first,” said Ava. She “You can teach someshe was ready! She looks enjoys sitting alone in her one technique, but you at me and then lights up the room and reading as well. can’t teach them grace. room with her confident I recently read an arti- You can’t teach them to smile. “I work hard, but cle on the signs your child embody the story in a play.

I do find time to be a kid. will be successful and Ava She did that at a young age When I’m not perform- checks all of the boxes. without really understanding, I love being outside Ava’s been performing ing what she was doing,” playing with my sister. We since the age of two and shared the proud mother. make up a lot of games. her mom knew right away The hard work is payOur favorite game is called that she had a future super- ing off big time! The amaz‘motorcycle sisters,’ where star on her hands. “I knew ing Ava Harris does ballet, we’re superheroes and as soon as she could sit up tap, jazz, hip-hop, African chase road truck monsters and hold her own balance. and contemporary dance. on motorcycles,” shared She would find rhythm in Along with dancing, she’s

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a great actress as well.

I asked Ava what she loves most about acting. “I love acting because of the story and the characters I get to portray. And also, what I’m trying to tell the audience,” shared Ava. I asked the honor student which celebrities inspired her to become a performer. “My parents, dance teachers, and all of the Black dancers and performers that have gone before me. To name a few, Josephine Baker, Misty Copeland, Nina Simone, and Mahalia Jackson.”

Ava shared some advice from her parents: “Always be yourself. Stay the bright, cheery and bubbly person you are. And don’t let anyone tell you that

you’re not.”

Ava has some great advice for aspiring child entertainers as well. “When you’re training hard like I do, the person that’s training you will always be asking for more, just when you thought you did something perfectly, and you might have. They’ll say what you can do even better. And it’s really hard to get it exactly how they want it to be. Try not to get frustrated and just do your best, because that’s all they’re asking for.”

She was very honest and open about working with her mom and shared the good and the bad. “The good is, she’s actually very funny. I love talking to her on our long drives to a performance, or listening to music, and we’ll dance.” She looks at her mom, smiles, and then jokingly takes a deep breath.

“When my mom gets mad, she gets mad. So when that happens, the best thing to do is to be quiet,” said Ava. And then she and her mom burst out laughing.

While still giggling, her mom shared how proud she is of their multitalented superstar. “I’m most proud of Ava’s discipline, to be performing onstage at two years old until now. Because it takes a tremendous amount of practice, time management, the ability to take criticism from her dance teachers, acting coach, and other adults in her life. And she’s willing to take notes and then take it and put it where it belongs. And then

figure out how to enhance it. Also being an excellent student. She does a fantastic job balancing all of that,” shared mom.

Ava’s dream is to be on Broadway. ”I want to be in ‘The Lion King’ and play Nyla. I want to be a lioness,” said Ava. The actress, dancer and singer shined like a true star in “Prideland,” which was a dance ensemble of “The Lion King.” The nine-year-old superstar also stood out in “Black Nativity” and Little Ti Moune in “Once On This Island,” just to name a few. Sannyu remembers Ava’s first line in “Once On This Island”: “By the time she stepped on that stage and she said, ‘There is an island!’ it was over! I said, OK, here we are. This is her gift,” boasts mom.

Ava and her mom also credit Elise Jonelle Management and The Pointe Company and Technique Conservatory for her success.

You can see the amazing Ava in her latest project, “Nativity According to the Gospel,” written, directed and choreographed

by Mabel P. Robinson. It’s December 17th-19th at Hanesbrands Theatre, 209 N. Spruce Street in Winston-Salem.

“When I stepped on the stage at my first recital, I was like, wow! I knew I was going to love it. Now here I am.”

My Busta Buddy of the Week is Ava Harris.

T he C hronicle

Black-owned transportation business grows from one van to a fleet

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY THE CHRONICLE

It has been nearly a decade since Teddy Kirkland started Triad Safe Choice (TSC). He was looking for a way to assist his mother with her transportation needs and that has manifested into a booming business.

“My mom had to have surgery and she went in 100% and she came out at

was a booming business,” he said. “I felt like it could go somewhere, but like I said, once I got the van and the people just started requesting and then the nursing homes came in very shortly after that, I kind of knew I was on to something then.”

The business has grown quicker than Kirkland initially thought it would when he first started the business. From his re-

were doing group outings and that was something I could get at least 20 residents on.

“It was something that was a step up and something that a lot of them had never been on. It just fell right in place and for me it was all about transportation.”

Two years ago, Kirkland even branched out to the water with a pontoon to give people tours of area

D ecember 16, 2021

A7

A passion for helping others: Carter-Blue uses her experience to help others succeed in business

BY TEVIN STINSON THE CHRONICLE

In 2018 Winston-Salem native Philicia CarterBlue founded Carter-Blue Consulting LLC with only one goal: to be the most successful, creative, and groundbreaking consulting agency in North Carolina.

Carter-Blue said she decided to get into business consulting after going through her own struggles as an entrepreneur. Although she has a business degree, when she decided to become an entrepreneur, Carter-Blue said what she needed most was a mentor, someone to show her the ropes.

“I created my own business about 10 years ago and it was a servicebased business that I built from the ground up,” Carter-Blue said. “Although I have a degree in business, when I started work-

Ja’Nihya, who recently celebrated her 14th birthday and is a junior in high school, said she was excited when her mother decided to start taking on other clients. She said she has a lot of knowledge and experience that other business owners can really use.

“I’m glad people have the opportunity to learn different things from her because she has a lot of experience.

She’s really down to earth and she really cares about your business,” she said.

Since launching Carter-Blue Consulting LLC, Carter-Blue has helped create dozens of businesses and nonprofits. She said when advising business owners and entrepreneurs, she tries to give her clients good and bad feedback because there’s a lot of “grit and grime” on the backend of having your own business. “They don’t talk about that a lot, even in the

having knowledge on tax preparation and insurance or working with someone who does. She said she remembers when she didn’t understand insurance, which is why she offers free insurance and tax preparation consulting.

“I didn’t know anything about insurance, I would just say give me the cheapest plan and a lot of agents are cool with that because they’re in it to get money; they couldn’t care less if you understand the plan you have,” she said.

“And it’s not just business owners, it’s individuals as well. A lot of us lack the knowledge of insurance, as well as tax preparation,” Carter-Blue said.

“We’ve all seen celebrities and people in the news who don’t pay taxes and end up going to jail, but a lot of times we have no idea how serious it is because nobody teaches you

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Teddy Kirkland is the owner/operator of Triad Safe Choice non-emergency transport. only 15, so we had to start acquiring transportation for her, because none of us had any kind of van that could haul a wheelchair,” said Kirkland.

“This was 10 years ago, so services were very limited back then. I went and purchased the first van basically to transport my mom, but through transporting her, people started asking me if I would pick them up if they paid and that was basically the start of the business.”

Just by taking his mother to and from her appointments, Kirkland was able to bring in five or six different clients to jumpstart his unexpected business venture.

“Back then there were

search, he knew the older population of the Triad area would bode well for TSC. “Just from doing the research, I realized the demographics here as far as aging seniors and the elderly here, it was very high,” Kirkland said. “We also have a lot of nursing homes and skill facilities around here.”

Business grew quickly for Kirkland at the beginning. By the end of his first year, he expanded to having five vans and the demand for his services was very high. As of now, he keeps between 15 and 17 vehicles on the road.

Kirkland is a WinstonSalem native and is a graduate of Carver High

lakes.

“I grew up on the water with my dad, so as soon as the coronavirus kicked in and everything shut down, we already do outdoor stuff, so this just kind of opened up the doors for us to play outside even more and that’s when I purchased the pontoon,” he said. “A lot of people had not been on the lakes around here, so it just kind of took off like the other things.”

Kirkland recently added ambulance vehicles to his non-emergency services. He now transports individuals to hospitals that are too large to fit inside of traditional vehicles.

“I would like to just accomplish all areas of non-

Triad Safe Choice handles multiple transportation needs. literally only two services out here at that time, so I kind of picked up and it took off from there,” he said about the business.

Kirkland had been in the transportation world for years as a dump truck driver. At the time he started TSC, the nation was right in the middle of a recession. Kirkland says he was running his dump truck, but business was slow, so he began to research the medical transportation field.

“When the people started requesting the transports, I just instantly started researching and I saw that in other metropolitan areas especially, it

School. Kirkland says he has even transported several of his former coaches to their medical appointments. He has expanded his business to include multiple forms of transportation, outside of just medical. His services now include transportation for airport travel, daycare, religious events, sporting events and many other services.

“I just started feeling around in different areas and I came from a background in nightclubs, so my first venture outside of non-emergency was a party bus,” he continued.

“A lot of my facilities that I transported at the time

emergency,” he said about his goal over the next five to ten years. “It’s a lot of different areas it can branch off into.”

Kirkland services all over the Triad area and beyond. Many of the nursing homes he transports for have different locations throughout the state, so he fills the gap for them, so to speak.

For more information about Triad Safe Choice, email triadsafechoice@ gmail.com or call at 336987-9393. Visit their website at www.traidsafechoice.com.

Submitted Photo

Philicia Carter-Blue (left) started Carter-Blue Consulting LLC in 2018 with only one goal: to be the most successful, creative, and groundbreaking consulting agency in North Carolina. ing through the process of opening my own business, I wanted a mentor, so that’s really what drove me to start helping other people.

“We learned so much going through the process and we had to learn it all on our own, and I knew how hard that was, how time consuming it was, to actually run a business and learn how to maintain it.”

Carter-Blue’s first clients were her daughters, Ja’Nihya and J’Avia.

When she was only ten years old, Ja’Nihya started her own business teaching dance classes. J’Avia is the owner and CEO of her own candle business, Chef J’Avia Scents, which is located in Hanes Mall. “I was doing an amazing job at that so I thought it was something I could take and help other people as well.”

books they don’t talk about that,” Carter-Blue said.

“They make it seem like once you go file your LLC it’s on and popping, but it doesn’t work like that. You can get an LLC and not make a dime, you can make a dime and really not be making a profit.

So you have to be hard on business owners and give them feedback. I try to be as real and as honest, and as genuine as I can be, because a lot of times they won’t get that from anywhere else.”

When asked what are some of the biggest challenges minority business owners face, Carter-Blue said lack of financial resources and not knowing how to get financial resources, such as grants and other funding methods.

Carter-Blue also stressed the importance of

that.”

Carter-Blue said what sets her apart from other consulting businesses is her willingness to go above and beyond the normal call of duty, and her passion for helping people. “I’m someone who’s real down to earth, who you can feel comfortable with, and I’ve been there,” she said.

“I wasn’t given anything, I had to grow my business the same way that I can see a lot of people need to or have to grow their business, so I can relate and be able to get you through what I’ve been through.”

For more information on Carter-Blue Consulting LLC, visit https://www. carterblueconsulting.com or visit “Carter Blue Small Business Solutions” on Facebook.

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A8

D ecember 16, 2021

The C hronicle

Buses must get them to the place where dreams are built

BY JOHN RAILEY

Students living on the Wake Forest, Salem and Winston-Salem State University campuses easily walk to their classes. Forsyth Technical Community College students don’t have that luxury. Some drive in, or have loved ones drive them in. Others rely on Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA) buses.

“You spend a lot of time waiting for the bus,” said Samuel Cruz, 19, who is studying toward an associate degree in science and wants to go on to a fouryear college. With transfers and waiting, his trip home, which takes about 13 minutes in a car, can take over an hour in a bus.

It’s a costly inconvenience, ongoing research

by Winston-Salem State University’s Center for the Study of Economic Mobility (CSEM), in cooperation with Forsyth Tech, has established through surveys.

Amy Braswell, Belinda Brewster-Clémence, and Mike Massoglia of Forsyth Tech helped in creating the survey design, implementing the survey questions,

Forsyth Tech student Samuel Cruz and coding the data for CSEM analysis.

CSEM and Forsyth Tech have started another round of research to further define the issue. “Our goal at Forsyth Tech is to ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential and life goals,” said Stacy Waters-Bailey, Forsyth Tech’s executive director of student support services. “However, we are

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aware that transportation is often a barrier to reaching those goals. It is our hope that we learn from the data we are collecting and identify opportunities for real change. Change that will not only help support our current students, but also the students who have yet to put their dreams into action because of a lack of transportation.”

CSEM Research Man-

ager Zach Blizard said of the new round of research: “I would say one of the biggest objectives is to try and establish how distance traveled to class affects the performance in those classes. Do students who travel long distances perform worse (in terms of grades), complete less (in terms of credits they sign up for), etc.?”

The initial surveys revealed that, among other factors, current students are not taking classes they could otherwise take, and potential students aren’t enrolling. That means from $405,156 to $633,688 in foregone tuition revenue from current students, and from $671,232 to $1,039,680 in foregone tuition revenue from prospective students. Other findings include about 57% of responding students stating they would do more school-related activities, such as homework, studying, or attending a study group, with time saved from quicker commutes.

CSEM Director Craig Richardson calls such factors a “time tax” that inhibits upward economic mo-

Kwanzaa city-wide festivities will be streamed virtually Hybrid celebration will include some in-person activities

SUBMITTED ARTICLE

The annual citywide Kwanzaa celebration hosted by Triad Cultural Arts will be held Dec. 26 – Jan. 1. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili, is a unique African-American celebration with focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement.

Festivities will be hybrid this year and will feature family-oriented activities, including African drumming, music, inspirational messages, panel discussions and youth activities. Dr. Felecia Piggott-Long, author and educator, will host the events.

Most programs begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise indicated and will be broadcast live on the Triad Cultural Arts Facebook page, facebook.com/TriadCulturalArts/.

The Kwanzaa committee would like to thank Truliant Federal Credit Union, Food Lion, and the sponsor organizations for contributing to this year’s celebration.

For more information, visit www.triadculturalarts.org or call 336-7578556.

KWANZAA SCHEDULE: Sunday, Dec. 26 Umoja (Unity) The Winston-Salem Urban League is happy to open the citywide Kwanzaa celebration with a night of Unity! Join us for an engaging speaker and cultural art as we celebrate the joys of our culture. This will be a hybrid event - both virtual and in person.

Sponsor: Winston-Salem Urban League Monday, Dec. 27 Kujichagulia (Self Determination) Winston-Salem Delta Fine Arts will use the Kwanzaa platform to officially announce the 50th

Anniversary Celebration of its founding in 1972.

The Kujichagulia principle of self-determination – defining ourselves, naming ourselves, creating for ourselves, speaking for ourselves - epitomizes Delta Fine Arts’ mission to recognize, nurture and expand African American artistic creations. Program participants will be: Legacy Honoree – Brandon Coley, winner of the Delta Fine Arts 50th Anniversary Logo Design Competition and TrailBlazer award co-recipients Marvette Aldrich and Barbara Eure, first exhibitors at the original Delta Arts Center in 1982. Otesha Creative Arts Ensemble will offer the Cultural Expression, Dr. Felicia Piggott-Long will present the Libation and the Honorable Judge Denise Hartsfield will give the Charge to the Community. Other Delta Fine Arts’ board members will round out the remaining program presentations.

Sponsor: Delta Fine Arts, Inc. Tuesday, Dec. 28 Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) An Old School Talent Show The Big 4 schools produced outstanding vocalists and musicians who went on to become professional recording artists, entertaining audiences throughout the Triad and beyond. During this Kwanzaa Celebration, The Big 4 Alumni Association takes you back to those “glory days” to relive the talent shows with some of the artists who lit up the stages in the auditoriums of Anderson, Atkins, Carver, and Paisley.

We proudly present to you the incredible sounds of the Big 4 high school’s own legendary Napper Gospel Singers, renowned jazz artist Joe Robinson, the sensational R&B group of Sylvania Wilder, Carlotta Samuels, and Jackie Sinclair, and the inspira-

tional soul-stirring sound of Rev. Sam Hickerson.

Sponsor: The Big 4 Alumni Association of Forsyth County Wednesday, Dec. 29 Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) The Winston Salem Black Chamber of Commerce will participate in this year’s Kwanzaa Celebration. The WSBCC members will present a skit that will focus on supporting African Americanowned businesses. This skit will show how spending in the community where we live creates jobs, broadens the resource base for entrepreneurs, and creates opportunities to network that will help grow small- and medium-sized businesses. The skit will be between 15-20 minutes and will be virtual.

A Speed Vendor Fair with local Black business will be available during the virtual program.

Sponsor: Winston-Salem Black Chamber, the Piggott Family, Thursday, Dec. 30 Nia (Purpose) Brown and Douglas Active Adults Recreation Center invites you to join us in person or to stream the celebration of the Kwanzaa principle, Nia, via the City of WinstonSalem's YouTube page.

We will have a live performance by Otesha Creative Arts Ensemble. Keynote address, Reverend Dr. John Mendez. Inspiration Award recipients: Frankie L. Gist, HOPE Dealers Outreach, and Terrence Petree, TP is my Hero Foundation.

Sponsor: Brown and Douglas Active Adults Recreation Center and Otesha Creative Arts Ensemble Live on City of Winston-Salem’s YouTube channel. https://www. youtube.com/c/CityofWinstonSalem-TV Friday, Dec. 31 Kuumba (Creativity) Celebrate Kuumba

(Creativity) with Forsyth County Public Library by learning how to make a Kwanzaa drum, discovering some diverse book recommendations, and learning how to make a Collard Green Salad as part of your Karamu (Kwanzaa feast).

Pick up a craft kit from any of our Forsyth County Public Library locations to make a Kwanzaa drum, necklace, and/or bracelet from Dec. 20 - Dec. 30.

Kwanzaa craft kits are limited, so please contact your local branch for availability: Carver School Road Branch Library, Central Library, Clemmons Branch Library, Paddison Memorial Library, Lewisville Branch Library, Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center, Reynolda Manor Branch Library, Rural Hall Branch Library, Southside Branch Library, and Walkertown Branch Library.

Sponsor: Forsyth County Public Library Saturday, Jan. 1 Imani (Faith) 12 noon The Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Emancipation Association will host their annual Emancipation Day Celebration. The guest speaker is Reverend Dr. Dwight Hash Sr., pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Attorney Reba Warren will perform the annual reading of The Emancipation Proclamation and scholarship awards and recognitions will be conducted

by Daniel Piggott. Other program participants are Senator Paul Lowe, Jr., Representative Evelyn A. Terry, and Forsyth County Commissioner Fleming El-Amin. Triad Cultural Arts will close out the citywide Kwanzaa Celebration by lighting the 7th candle at this program in honor of the principle, Imani (Faith).

bility for individuals and adversely affects the local economy as a whole.

Forsyth Tech is an engine for the local economy, helping residents achieve their dreams. Easing the college’s transportation to school is crucial. Forsyth Tech, a leader in local economic mobility efforts, realizes that and has a task force that, working from the research, is reviewing options to ease the transportation issue, including a campus bus loop and working with WSTA on more direct routes to its campuses.

The college is adversely impacted by urban sprawl and the transportation costs that come with it, just like so many other institutions and individuals here and nationwide.

“Students tell us that in some cases, they miss classes offered for their major, take fewer credits, and have less access to professors than desired due to transportation challenges,” Blizard and Richardson write in their commissioned report: A Study of Forsyth Technical Community College Students: How Do Transportation

Challenges Impact Their Educational Experience?

The research is paid for by The Winston-Salem Foundation, which set up a round of grants to innovative transportation initiatives. The foundation enacted its program in large part because of CSEM’s earlier research into local transportation challenges.

Forsyth Tech secured one of the foundation grants and enlisted CSEM to do the research.

Cruz and another busriding student, Letroya McCray, welcome the research. “If it could make the bus system better, that would be great,” said McCray, who is 24 and is studying graphic arts and imaging. Riding the bus to Forsyth Tech takes her 30 to 45 minutes. When she catches a ride in a car, it takes 15 to 20 minutes, she said. “Taking the bus most definitely takes up a lot of time.”

Slade

a lively person who had a way of connecting with people. “He would always say a day is not promised to you so he enjoyed every day,” she said. Slade said she knew a lot of people knew her brother, but seeing the outpouring of support has been immense. “It has just been overwhelming and we thank everybody. Everyone that had a comment, that met him and reached out, we appreciate each and every one of you,” she said.

“I just hope he knew how many people loved him.”

The Winston-Salem Police Department and Slade’s family are still searching for answers.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700, or Crime Stoppers at 333727-2800.

Beverly said she hopes the person who is responsible turns themselves in.

“We wish whoever did this that took him away from us would turn themselves in because it was tragic,” she said.

The funeral service and visitation for Gregory “The Pointer” Slade will be open to the public. Visitation will be held Monday, Dec. 20, from noon to 5 p.m. at Russell’s Funeral Home. The funeral will be at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at Russell’s Funeral Home. A GoFundMe has been started to help the family with funeral and medical expenses.

From page A1

sponded to the 4100 block of North Patterson Ave., where they found Slade with injuries from being hit by a vehicle. According to police, the driver involved failed to stop and kept going. Slade was taken to the hospital and died the next day.

Slade was on his way to watch Wake Forest take on USC Upstate at the coliseum when he was hit.

By Monday afternoon, word of Slade’s untimely death was spreading like wildfire on social media, with hundreds of people sending their condolences to his family and sharing moments they shared with Slade, including dozens of athletes and students from Wake Forest. TyKeia said it’s been overwhelming to see how many people who had a connection with her uncle.

“It’s overwhelming to read the comments …

I’ve been trying to read as many of them as I can, but I promise I’m going to read every single one. But just to see them say he was Winston-Salem means a lot because that’s my Uncle Greg,” she continued.

“There have been people who don’t even live here but said every time they came to town they look forward to seeing him. He just meant so much to so many people and to see the impact he had has just been overwhelming.”

Slade’s sister, Beverly Slade, said her brother was

John Railey, raileyjb@ gmail.com, is the writer in residence for CSEM, www. wssu.edu/csem.

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THURSDAY, December 16, 2021

Also Religion, Community News, and Classifieds Timothy Ramsey Sports Columnist

Time for Dillard to get out of Portland My favorite player in the NBA has to be Damian Lillard. He has been putting up eye-popping numbers at the point guard position for the Trail Blazers since 2012. At 31 years of age, I don’t see a championship coming Portland’s way any time soon and it may be best for Dame and Portland to part ways now, rather than later.

Lillard is statistically having one of his worst seasons shooting the basketball that he has ever had. Twenty games into the year, Lillard is only shooting 39% from the field and only 30% from three-point range. He is also only averaging 21.5 ppg., the lowest since his third year in the league.

Even though Portland is not a highly soughtafter place for free agents to sign, Lillard has stayed committed to the franchise. He has gone as far as to ask for a two-year, $107 million contract extension this upcoming offseason.

“I’m not asking for a trade,” Lillard told reporters last Wednesday.

“I don’t know how many times I have to say it. It’s gotten to a point in the era that people can write stories and say things and ‘I heard this and I heard that’ and because of who they are, people take as, like, this is credible, this is probably true Me, on the other hand, I don’t feel like I have to defend myself against that and come out and challenge everything that people say until I’m asked about it because I know the truth, you know what I mean?

“I sit in the office with Chauncey every day, and we’re trying to find solutions, and dealing with these people every day when I walk in this practice facility trying to find solutions. Why would I be a part of trying to find solutions if I’m planning on an exit, you know what I’m saying? That’s not what’s going on.

“But people want that so bad. It’s a good story and it’s a good thing to talk about that and they know people are going to entertain it, so they continue with it, but my intentions are to be in Portland and figure it out. That’s as far as I know all of our intentions, and I also know that people are going to continue to have these same conversations because it’s fun to talk about, but that s#@t is not accurate.”

Lillard has commented time and time again that he does not want to join a super team in order to win a championship. He had the opportunity to leave Portland, but has signed two contract extensions since being drafted by Portland.

Many other star players have joined forces over the last decade, but Dame continues to stay loyal to the Blazers.

“I would never do that,” Lillard said on an episode of Million $ Worth of Game podcast See Dillard on B4

Photos by Alphonso Abbott Jr.

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY THE CHRONICLE

Now that we have crowned the champi-

ons of the four levels of football in the state of North Carolina, it’s now time to transition to the basketball season. Many teams around the county are still figuring themselves out. This

early part of the season is used for a tune-up to conference play. Last week, the Reagan Raiders squared off against the Carver Yellowjackets with the Raiders winning 58-13.

Local organization helps to eradicate violence among young people

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY THE CHRONICLE

Founded just over a year ago, Youth Collaborative Inc. (YCI) has been actively tackling the problems of at-risk youth in Forsyth County. Their Project X initiative is giving teenagers a way out of the street life and into the world of being productive young adults.

Project X is an integrative program providing services to youth ages 13-18 who are at high risk of gang involvement. After conducting an assessment, youth will receive services to improve problem behaviors through coaching from their outreach coordinator. Participants will also work toward education and employment goals, as well as participating in pro social activities. Services provided will target individual needs using the Comprehensive Gang Model.

YCI was founded by Terra Lataille, Kayla Steele, and Lloyd Leonard Jr. The three of them aim to change the path for some of the at-risk youth in the city. Previously the three co-founders worked for a non-profit, but they wanted to start their own organization to go more in depth with the youth in the work they do.

“We definitely want to try and reduce the gun violence for sure,

Submitted photo

Lloyd Leonard, co-founder of Youth Collaborative Inc., stands with Steve Nivens of the Josh Howard Foundation. but also provide resources for the youth within Forsyth County,” said Leonard. “We offer a GED program for the kids. I would say a little bit over half of our kids have already dropped out of school and the other half are still in school, but definitely struggling. We offer the GED program through Forsyth Tech, which we are partners with.

“We also offer tutoring for our youth. We also offer job placement to assist them in getting employment, which gives them another opportunity to get off the block and stop the gang banging and earn legal money. We also have

interpersonal skills classes.”

According to Leonard, the interpersonal classes include healthy communication, being able to recognize toxic and unhealthy communication.

“What makes our program stand out amongst all of the rest in Forsyth County is that we utilize an evidence-based curriculum in our interpersonal classes,” he stated.

It is not easy to connect with at-risk youth, but Leonard says YCI likes to “meet them where they are” and show them a better way to live.

“We are not trying to actually convince them to get out of gangs, because that’s the last thing they want to hear,” he said. “They are going to continue to be in gangs if you try to convince them to get out of gangs. What we do is we approach them from a different direction.

“We actually give them the resources and provide the resources, because what we realize is, they feel like there is no hope when they are joining gangs. When they join gangs, they are looking for love that they possibly may not be getting. They are looking for structure, which they are not getting.

They are looking for consistency, which they are not getting. By joining gangs, they feel like they can get those things from joining them. It’s the wrong mindset, because they are not getting that at all. What they are getting is a lot of manipulation and fake love.”

Currently, YCI has a little over 30 kids in the program. They hold their interpersonal skills classes Monday through Wednesday. The past year has seen some change in their kids, but they know there is much more work to do.

“They waver and it fluctuates from time to time,” Leonard says about the kids wanting to leave the See Project on B6

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The C hronicle

Spartans off to a hot start to the season

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY THE CHRONICLE

Mt. Tabor had a great season last spring, posting a 13-3 record and going all the way to the third round of the state playoffs, eventually losing to Weddington 61-48. This year, it’s looking like the Spartans are poised to make another deep playoff run as they are off to a 6-0 start to the season.

“We came off a 13-3 season and went to the elite eight in 3A and now we are stepping back up to the Central Piedmont in the 4A,” said Andy Muse, Mt. Tabor head coach.

“We have all of our players back except for two, so we are very excited.

“We still have a young group. We have two freshmen and three sophomores still on the team, so we still have a young group and I am very excited about Mt. Tabor basketball. We started out 5-0 this season and we are averaging 82 points a game and it has been a great start to the season.”

Not only has Mt. Tabor started the year undefeated, they have dominated most of their opponents on the court. Of their six victories at the time this article was written, the Spartans have won five of those games by 20-plus points.

“We knew we were going to play at a fast pace and up-tempo this year, a whole lot faster than the last two years,” Muse said.

“We knew we were going to have high scores, but our defense has been tremendous in our first five games and our offense has

been coming from our defense.

“We probably have the quickest team I’ve had since I’ve been at Mt. Tabor. I didn’t say the best, I said the quickest. We got six shooters that really shoot the ball. They are playing together, they’re sharing the basketball, and right now they’re putting the team first.”

So far this year, Jamarius “JP” Peterkin, Finley Simmons, Vonn Campbell, O’Shae Fernanders and Shamarius Peterkin, among others, have really stepped up for Muse and the Spartans. Muse feels he has a good mixture of veteran leadership and freshman talent.

With a full offseason this year, Muse was able to get in some good work with his team in preparation for the year.

“We did a lot of fundamentals,” he said, “shooting, dribbling, passing and footwork, and I think that’s really helped out with this year’s play on the court.”

Coming back to the 4A level is not a problem for the Spartans, Muse said.

They were in a tough conference last year, so they are used to the high level of play to come this year.

“The league that we were in last year was one of the best leagues in the state of North Carolina, it didn’t matter 1A through 4A,” Muse said about last year’s conference. “With Greensboro Smith, Southwest Guilford, Greensboro Dudley, and Mt. Tabor, it didn’t get any better than that athletically.

“I know that the coach-

es in the Central Piedmont are some of the best coaches in the state and it will be a tough conference race.”

Muse says he wants his team to take it one game at a time and not look ahead to the Frank Spencer Tournament.

“We want to get by these first three conference games first,” he said. “We got West Forsyth, Reynolds, and East Forsyth back-to-back-to-back, and then we will think about the Frank Spencer.

“It’s a time where everybody in Winston, you’re going to see the best of the best and everybody plays well in that tournament. Nobody is going to have a letdown and we will see who is one of the best teams in Winston.”

Keeping his team level headed has been the goal for Muse and his staff for the past week. He knows they are off to a good start, but wants his team to remember there are bigger goals ahead.

“That’s all we have been talking about the last three days,” Muse said about keeping his team’s ego in check. “We just got to bring energy, and bring desire, and just play hard.

If we play hard, have fun, and try to execute and play together, everything will work out for the best.”

Even though they suffered a tough loss in last year’s playoffs, Muse feels his team learned valuable lessons that will assist them in their efforts this season.

“I think they probably See Mt. Tabor on B6

Top 15 Area Football Teams

Jamaal Fowler

PICKS BY JAMAAL FOWLER

Points For Points Against 1. Dudley (15-1) (Best team in the Triad) 792 127 2. Mt. Airy (13-1) 670 46 3. E. Surry (13-1) 585 197 4. Grimsley (11-1) 513 209 5. Salisbury (11-1) 636 65 6. Reidsville (11-1) 568 185 7. Eastern Randolph (10-1) 429 143 8. E. Forsyth (11-2) 558 161 9. Eastern Alamance (10-2) 422 176 10. Cummings (9-2-1) 436 236 11. Northern Guilford (9-2) 481 165 12. Glenn (9-3) 429 239 13. Thomasville (9-3) 523 153 14. Ledford (8-4) 355 164 15. Reagan (7-4) 344 220

Honorable Mention: N. Davidson (8-4), N. Rowan (8-4), Starmount (8-5), Providence Grove (8-3), Central Davidson (7-3)

T he C hronicle

D ecember 16, 2021

B3

Advent - an expectant season

Elder

BY LYNDA ROZELL

Richard Wayne Wood Sunday School Lesson

Justice and Righteousness Reign Scriptures: Isaiah 9:2-7 By the end of this lesson, we will: *Analyze the importance of this prophecy for the people of God in Isaiah’s time and today; *Celebrate the justice, righteousness, and peace that Jesus brings to God’s people; *Share with others the hope of eternal peace and justice found in Jesus’ reign.

Background: Isaiah’s message is one of hope and assurance in God’s everlasting faithfulness. This week’s lesson Isaiah shares that hope in a prophecy that would take seven hundred years to fulfill. In Isaiah 9:1-6, the verbs are in the past tense and are interpreted as examples of the “prophetic past,” which predicts future events using the past tense because they are as good as done.

Isaiah encouraged the people that in spite of their persistent rebellion and idolatry, they could maintain hope.

Point of interest: Newly-crowned kings during biblical times were given four throne names. This introduces not only the deity of Christ, but also His royalty.

Interesting also is that Semitic names often consist of sentences that describe God. So, in the Jewish Bible, instead of the four throne names, there is: He has been named “The mighty God is planning grace; The Eternal Father, peaceable ruler” – (verse 5). In traditional Judaism, these oracles were applied to Hezekiah. That changed in the New Testament.

Lesson: End of the Darkness (Isaiah 9:2-5). Isaiah describes liberation from some sort of adversity. Judah is described as a people who walked in “darkness” and dwelled “in the land of the shadows of death” – sin (verse 2). Yet God promised to send a “great light” upon them. God’s presence is equaled with light. God would bring light to the people in darkness - His life and wisdom – in the midst of chaos and confusion. They would see light dawning and bringing joy instead of gloom to their lives. Jesus would be that light – but it would take seven hundred years (verse 3). Verses 4 and 5 contain promises – “You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressors …” All of this is a reference to the complete victory over all enemies that will be made possible by the spiritual application of the work of the promised Messiah. Isaiah states that the “warrior’s garments” would be “rolled in blood,” indicates that the battle is over. The world will no longer need accessories of warfare because a time of universal peace will come (verse 5).

Gift of Forthcoming Peace (verses 6-7). Isaiah introduces a gift to us from God himself – “for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; …” – (Jesus, the human and the divine). Isaiah stresses that he will “be given,” but the announcement can be understood as God announcing the coronation of His son as earthly king, in light of the “four throne names” and the fact that He will rule all nations of the world – “and the government shall be upon His shoulder … And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor (speaks to the potential achievement to rule with infinite wisdom), The Mighty God (divine kingship, omnipotence and absolute deity), See Justice on B4

One thing I’ve learned on the road towing my travel trailer is to slow down. Savor the moment and the experience. Don’t rush toward a goal so that you miss the small delights and surprises you find along the way.

As we barrel ahead into Advent, already Christmas seems to have overtaken us. Like the swoosh of a truck passing in the left lane, stream-

lievers, this prospect fills us with joy but also fear of the Lord. We will be judged at the end of time, at the Second Coming. Yet our God is a God of mercy. God who made the universe, the complexities of physics, the delicacy of a fern sprouting in spring, the majesty of lightning exploding over stormy seas – it is He who comes to be with us, as a baby, as true food, as a healer, as a preacher, as our salvation hanging bloody on the cross.

How much He loves us. It is beyond

Submitted photo

Lynda Rozell ers of tinsel, snippets of holiday songs, and shopping deals seem to pick us up and carry us along.

Wait and be still.

Advent songs like “O Come Divine Messiah,” “On Jordan’s Bank,” “People Look East,” “My Soul in Stillness Waits,” or “A Voice Cries Out” just don’t have the same popularity as “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Away in a Manger,” or “Silent Night” - much less that of “Jingle Bells,” “Santa Baby,” or “Last Christmas.” Why the short shrift given to a season of expectation?

Is it cultural? We like to do more than to be. We seek accomplishments – presents purchased and wrapped, cookies baked, cards sent.

Meditation before a candle in a silent church or by a cold and starry campfire doesn’t quite measure up the same way.

Likewise, fundraising for a good cause or filling up the wish lists hanging on a barren tree in church are concrete and realizable indicators of charity, not unseen prayers for those around us, the lonely, and the lost. Certainly, physical needs must be met to meet spiritual needs.

Witness the Lord feeding the crowds with multiplied loaves and fishes.

But it is both/and, not either/or.

In part the answer may be that Advent looks beyond the birth of Christ to His Second Coming. This is a disturbing prospect for many. The baby in the manger gives way to the King coming in all His glory. For be-

for his goodness and trust His plans for the future. God continues to call me to go to places I never expected, both spiritually and in my travel trailer. In this Advent season of expectation, I’m taking more time to read and reflect on Scripture, to pray for those I meet and those I’ve met, and to find peaceful moments even when traveling busy highways.

May God bless you and keep you and your families as we joyfully sing “O Come Divine Messiah!”

comprehension and calls for trust.

What rewards lie in that trust!

So, in this season of expectation, remember to trust Him and to look forward not just to His birth but to His return. He will come again in glory, to judge the living and the dead, and there will be no end to the Kingdom of Peace and Love that He brings. This Advent season is precious in being set aside to contemplate the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament revelations and Words of the Lord about our future with Him. Meanwhile, as we wait in silent expectation, I’m recalling past Advents. I remember when I was pregnant with my first child, due near Christmas. Every discomfort or kick made me think of Mary in her ninth month of pregnancy, anticipating the birth of a child who is the Savior of the world. Did Mary wonder how she would be a good mother or did she simply trust that God would provide whatever she needed? And Joseph too, as Jesus’ foster father, was making plans that probably included a handcrafted crib for the holy baby.

Surely, Mary and Joseph made their home secure and welcoming for Him, not realizing His plan would have His birth be in the most meager of circumstances in Bethlehem.

With this Advent frame of mind, let us – like Joseph and Mary – place everything in God’s hands. As I review the start of my fourth year of full time Airstreaming, I thank God

Lynda Rozell retired, moved to Florida, and embarked on her marvelous adventure as a full-time nomad, living in an Airstream travel trailer. She started a travel blog in 2019, www.tincanpilgrim.com.

This book chronicles her transformation from her previous life to that of a Tin Can Pilgrim, including her ongoing growth in her faith and in the practical skills needed to live in and tow her Airstream trailer. She invites others into the community of nomads and wanderers that she has found on the road and shares the signposts that continue to lead her to radical trust in God. The Tin Can Pilgrim travels by faith can be also referenced in the 2021 Oscar-winning film “Nomadland,” with her lifestyle as a fulltime nomad in her Airstream RV. This book talks about healing as her trailblazing journeywoman of God finds peace through many storms of life. Also, the Tin Can Pilgrim has been featured by many news outlets nationwide, speaking to mental health, finding healing from depression, and having eternal hope.

Today, you will find Rozell driving her Airstream across the United States as her book and life is featured on the national stage.

“Journeys with a Tin Can Pilgrim” has topped the best-selling ratings on Amazon in #4 Business Travel Reference, #6 Travel Tips, and #9 Solo Travel.

RELIGION CALENDAR

Thursdays and Saturdays Free Meals Christ Rescue Temple Church, 1500 North Dunleith Ave., will serve hot meals as part of the People Helping People Feeding Program. Meals will be served every Thursday and Saturday from noon until 1 p.m. at the church’s location. For more information, call 336-7229841.

Month of December Services at Green Street United Methodist Church Green Street United Methodist Church, 639 S. Green St., Winston-Salem, invites you to join online and in-person worship services on Sunday mornings as we celebrate Advent and Christmas. In addition to our regular Sunday morning services, Green Street will hold a Longest Night service at 7 p.m. on December 21 to hold space for grief and loss during the holidays, and a Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. on December 24. On Sundays, Green Street meets in-person at 8:45 a.m. and holds a hybrid online/in-person service at 11 a.m. Masks

are required in the building for anyone over age 2. The 11 a.m. service, which is held in-person and is streamed online via Facebook and YouTube, is a celebration of the diversity of the human family. Learn more at www. greenstreetumc.org.

Each Sunday Sunday service Transformation Ministries will have service every Sunday at 10 a.m. We are located at 4880 Burnette Drive. Masks are required.

Dec. 19 First Waughtown Baptist Church (FWBC) Online Senior Pastor Dr. Dennis W. Bishop will continue The Vivid Covenant series at 10 a.m. Sunday, December 19, drawing upon the following base and reference scriptures: Genesis 1:28 (The Cultural Mandate), Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission), and 1 Peter 5:8-11.

Join us for the service on these sites: YouTube, https:// www.youtube.com (First Waughtown); Facebook Live,

https://www.facebook.com/FirstWaughtown/; and the First Waughtown website, https://www.firstwaughtown. org. FWBC will worship virtually through December 26 and assemble for in-person service at 10 a.m. Sunday, January 2, 2022. Details of the re-entry service will be posted on the FWBC homepage and Facebook site. First Waughtown Baptist Church is located at 838 Moravia Street in Winston-Salem.

How to submit items to the Religion calendar: The deadline is Sunday at 11:59 p.m. to have all calendar items submitted for that week’s paper. Send your calendar items to news@wschronicle.com. You can also drop them off, Monday through Friday before 5 p.m., or mail your items to Winston-Salem Chronicle, 1300 E. Fifth St., Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101; or send them via our website, www.wschronicle.com.

B4

D ecember 16, 2021

The C hronicle

Community Calendar NOW – Jan. 2, 2022 Writing contest The Jacobs/Jones African-American Literary Prize honors Harriet Jacobs and Thomas Jones, two pioneering AfricanAmerican writers from North Carolina, and seeks to convey the rich and varied existence of Black North Carolinians. The contest is administered by the Creative Writing Program at UNC-Chapel Hill. The winner receives $1,000 and possible publication of the winning entry in The Carolina Quarterly.

To submit online, go to https://ncwriters.submittable.com/submit.

Submittable will collect your entry fee via credit card ($10 NCWN members / $20 nonmembers). (If submitting online, do not include a cover sheet with your document; Submittable will collect and record your name and contact information.)

Entries will not be returned. The winner will be announced in February.

For additional information, visit www.ncwriters.org.

Dec. 16 Tour for caregivers On Thursday, December 16, at 10:30 a.m., family caregivers are invited to join other caregivers for a holiday tour of Reynolda House. A hands-on art experience is included, along with a lunch option.

Deadline for registration

Dillard

From page B1

back in February. “I mean, I don’t control – if the team decides to trade me somewhere, I can’t control that, but it ain’t for me.”

Lillard seems content with doing things the hard way and knows all-time great players like Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley and Karl Malone are sometimes criticized for never winning a championship during their careers.

“It’s forcing dudes to be like well, I’m going to play with this person or if I get with this person,” said Lillard. “But to me, like, if that’s what they want to do, I don’t got no problem with it. it’s whatever …

“But for me personally, that’s just not something I can do. I’d rather go out there and put my best foot forward and lose before I do that, because I know I can win if I do that.”

Lillard’s attitude toward super teams is admirable. Players like Dirk Nowitzki and Giannis Antetokounmpo have led their respective teams to championships without having a super team, but they are the exception and not the rule, so to speak.

Nowadays, you have to at least be paired with another All-Star caliber player to compete for a champi-

Justice

From page B3

Everlasting Father (protector of His people, Father of His people, showing eternal tenderness and protection, compassion and provision for His children who love, fear, and obey Him), Prince of Peace (He will not only bring, but will rule in peace with freedom from warfare and prosperity (verse 6). Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end …” The Lord promised David a kingdom without end, that promise is fulfilled through Jesus.

Yet Jesus was not mere-

is December 9. Limited respite care available. For more information, or to register, contact Carol Ann Harris,charris@shepherdscenter.org or 336-7480217. This event is provided by the It’s All About You Caregiver Program, sponsored by The Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem, ComForCare Home Care, Trinity Presbyterian Church, and the Family Caregiver Support Program.

val

Jan 20 & 28-30, 2022 Sundance Film Festi-

a/perture cinema and the Sundance FIlm Festival have partnered to bring selections from the 2022 Sundance Film Festival to Winston-Salem as part of the Festival’s Satellite Screen program running January 28-30. Local audiences will also be able to participate in the full festival experience via its online platform beginning January 20.

Tickets for the Festival films at a/perture cinema are exclusively available beginning January 6, 2022, at https://aperturecinema. com. Information on films and other events can be found at https://aperturecinema.com/sundancesatellite. To participate in the Sundance Film Festival online, package sales begin on December 17 and single film tickets become available on January 6 at sundance.festival.org.

How to submit items to the community calendar: We appreciate your community news. Here’s how you can help us to process your news more efficiently: *Please give us complete information about the event, such as the sponsor and address, date, time and place of the event and contact information so that the public can contact someone for more information if needed. *Please submit items in document form in an email or Word or PDF attachment. *Submit photos as attachments to emails as jpegs at least 4 inches wide by 6 inches deep rather than sent on documents. Please send captions with photos. *Please do not send jpeg fliers only, since we cannot transfer the information on them into documents.

The deadline is Sunday at 11:59 p.m. to have all calendar items submitted for that week’s paper.

Send your calendar items to news@wschronicle.com. You can also drop them off, Monday through Friday before 5 p.m., or mail your items to Winston-Salem Chronicle, 1300 E. Fifth St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101; or send them via our website, www.wschronicle.com.

onship.

Don’t get me wrong, C.J. McCollum is a borderline All-Star caliber player, but he has never made an All-Star team his entire career and he is not enough to pair with Dillard to make a serious run in the western conference.

There have been plenty of rumors swirling around about Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard Ben Simmons being on the trade block. Portland has been reported as one of the possible destinations. The Trail Blazers’ front office has made it clear that Lillard is not available and won’t be a part of any trade for Simmons.

If I am Portland, I may have to seriously consider this offer, as it may be mutually beneficial for both sides. As I stated earlier, Lillard is 31 years of age and in the prime of his career, but no one really knows how much longer he will be able to play at this level. On the other hand, Simmons is only 25 and is nowhere near his prime. He has some issues with his game, but I think his shooting woes can be corrected.

Lillard in Philly with Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris would be an interesting trio. Lillard would bring that extra scoring punch the Sixers need to

challenge for the top spot in the Eastern conference.

They would immediately become serious contenders in the east, along with Milwaukee, Brooklyn, Chicago and Miami.

When it comes to Portland, they would have a player six years younger with a tremendous upside.

That would give them a longer window to try and compete in the west. With Simmons and McCollum as a pair, they would have a nice foundation to try to attract a quality free agent.

I know that sports is a business, but I kind of think the Blazers owe it to Lillard to trade him to a quality team, or a team he wishes to play for. I think the team is betting on Lillard wanting to stay with the Blazers his entire career and not chase championships, which I don’t think is a smart move.

It would be a shame if Lillard finishes his career without a championship.

At 31, I am not sure how much longer he will be able to play on this level.

He has been injured and missed games the last few years and there is only one LeBron James that can be one of the best players on the planet at 37 years of age. So I hope Lillard changes his mind and realizes that leaving Portland might be his best move.

ly the Son of David but was the Son of God, who came to establish the kingdom of God. He will one day be crowned King of Kings and Lord of Lords and the royal qualities of justice and righteousness will reign forever. Earthly kingdoms advance through greed, war and oppression; God’s kingdom advances through righteousness and peace (verse 7). (The UMI Annual Commentary 2021-2022, The Jewish Study Bible, The MacArthur Study Bible, The Jesus Bible, The Modern Life Study Bible and The Oxford Bible Commentary).

For Your Consideration: Why does Isaiah use so many different expressions to describe the Messiah? Do you wonder why it took seven hundred years for Isaiah’s prophecy to be fulfilled?

Application: Many people are stressed and feel powerless, hopeless, and helpless. Similar to Isaiah, reach out to someone and let them know that God is still in charge.

Speak words of comfort to them and let them know that God knows and He cares (Jeremiah w9:11).

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noTiCe To CreDiTorS

Property Located at: 219 Parkwood Avenue Winston-Salem, North Carolina Known as Pin No. 6837-13-1620.00 On City County Tax Map This Complaint and Notice of hearing is drawn and given under the provisions of the Housing Code of the City of WinstonSalem. It appears that the house located at 219 Parkwood Avenue, the property being known as Pin no. 6837-13-1620.00 is unfit for human habitation under the standards-of-fitness prescribed in the Housing Code of the City of WinstonSalem.

You are hereby notified that a hearing will be held before the undersigned or his designated agent in City Hall South, 100 E. 1st Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, at 1:30 pm on the 27th day of December, 2021, when and where all parties owning or having a interest in the aforesaid property may show cause, if any they have, why an ORDER should not be entered finding said housing to be unfit for human habitation and directing that it be repaired or demolished.

You are further notified that the owner of the aforesaid property and all parties in interest have a right to file an answer to this Complaint in the Office of the undersigned at any time prior to, or at the time set for, the hearing of this matter, and, also, to appear in person, or otherwise, and give testimony at the time and place above fixed.

This notice applies to all next of kin of the property owner(s) of the address at 219 Parkwood Avenue including known or unknown heirs, devisees, successors, transferees, legal representatives, (deceased) or any other assigns whether in being or not in being, or en ventre sa mere, including those under mental disability, in the military service, minors, the spouse of each, if any, the beneficiaries or trustees of each, if any, all other persons, firms, or corporations, active or dissolved, foreign or domestic, who now have, or might in any contingency have, or claim, or may hereafter claim, any right, title or interest or estate this property.

Bruce Bailiff, Code Enforcement Senior Project Supervisor Date Issued: December 6, 2021 The Chronicle December 16, 2021 noTiCe To CreDiTorS

This the 25th day of November, 2021.

Tichina Vaughn Administrator for Lucinda Coretha Vaughn, deceased 2731 Waldolf Circle Winston-Salem, NC 27106

noTiCe To CreDiTorS Having qualified as Adminstrator of the Estate of Vincent Edward McRae, Sr. (21 E 2653), deceased October 6, 2021, Forsyth County, North Carolina, this is to Notify all persons, firms, and corporation having claims against the Estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before[March 1, 2022 this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery.

All persons indebted to the said decedent or estate shall please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 25th day of November, 2021.

Chenetta L. McRae-Ebe Administrator for Vincent Edward McRae, Sr, deceased 6513 Spanish Oak Drive Rural Hall, NC 27045 The Chronicle november 25, and December 2, 9, 16, 2021 noTiCe To CreDiTorS Having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of Joshua Roberson (21 E 2598), also known as Joshua Roberson, Sr., deceased October 3, 2021, Forsyth County, North Carolina, this is to Notify all persons, firms, and corporation having claims against the Estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before March 9, 2022 this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons indebted to the said decedent or estate shall please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

Linda Gordon Executrix for Joshua Roberson, deceased 6083 Brookstone Ridge Dr. Winston-Salem, NC 27107 Janice Roberson Executrix for Joshua Roberson, deceased 153 Ellery Ave. Newark, NJ 07106

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This the 16th day of December, 2021.

Phyllis T. Warren Fiduciary for Gracie P. Richardson, deceased 4492 Tise Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27105

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Having qualified as Fiduciary of the Estate of Gracie P. Richardson (21 E 2297), deceased September 4, Forsyth County, North Carolina, this is to Notify all persons, firms, and corporation having claims against the Estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before March 21, 2022 this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons indebted to the said decedent or estate shall please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

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Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Lucinda Coretha Vaughn (21 E 1500), also known as Luci Vaughn , deceased March 7, 2021 Forsyth County, North Carolina, this is to Notify all persons, firms, and corporation having claims against the Estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before March 1, 2022 this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons indebted to the said decedent or estate shall please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

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B6

D ecember 16, 2021

The C hronicle

Local organizations gather Triad International Ballet community around Southern love bringing hopes and dreams to life for sweet potato pie SUBMITTED ARTICLE

SUBMITTED ARTICLE

Flavor Maxx Life Group, Infusion Worship, and Propel Forward Inc., want to know who makes the best sweet potato pie!

In their quest to create engaging and recreational community events, they are hosting the Bonafide Battle of the Sweet Potato pie and offering an impressive $200 grand prize wager to find out.

The event judges include several renowned chefs in their own rights including beloved Mark “Pig Daddy” Little, who is a world-renowned award winner from BBQ Pit Master and former co-owner of Bib’s Downtown. Lorenzo Espada of eatwitzo, a renowned cookbook author and celebrity chef, is also looking forward to being a judge at this event.

Eatwitzo has almost 1 million social media followers because of his delectable cuisines. Additional judges include Flavor Maxx Life Group lead, Chef Joseph Abraham, who has his own seasoning and soup lines. Last but not least, a celebrity all the way from Los Angeles is flying in

Project From page B1

gang life. “To be honest with you, we are getting consistent participation from the bulk of our kids to come to class.

“It was a battle to get them to actually come.

They are court ordered to come to our program, so this is their last opportunity to keep those pending charges from becoming permanent charges on their juvenile record.”

YCI receives many of their referrals from the juvenile court system or the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System.

Occasionally they will receive a request from a parent or court counselor about a child.

To attack the problems plaguing some of our youth in the city, Leonard and YCI are hoping for total buy-in from city officials, including the mayor and sheriff’s department.

“We need a whole village,” he said. “We need

Mt. Tabor From page B2

learned from it and to be much more cohesive this year with sharing the ball,” he continued. “The ball is really moving and not sticking in anyone’s hands and I think they learned from last year’s Weddington game to help us to start this season.”

Since Muse has been at Mt. Tabor, they have continually been one of the best teams in the city and perineal playoff contenders.

“We have just been blessed with athletes that buy in and leadership from our seniors that pass on the torch year after year to the next group,” Muse said about his success at Mt. Tabor. “We just work hard, work on fundamentals and we work on playing together. We have been very blessed at Mt. Tabor to have good people and good players.”

to serve as a chief judge: Deaconess Margaret, who is a church character that was created for the Infusion.TV new comedy web series “Why I Don't Go to Church,” whose acting skills are taking social media by storm. There will also be a people’s choice winner, so please bring the entire family for pie tasting and lots of fun.

Social distancing and COVID safety precautions will be in place.

Infusion Worship Church is a monthly supporter of Propel Forward, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose vision is to influence communities to consistently invest in the success of people.

The two entities share a passion for helping people become the best versions of themselves to create stronger individuals and families through personal development. Since one pillar of personal development is recreation, Infusion Worship Church, the Flavor Maxx Life Group, and Propel Forward, Inc. collaborated to bring the community together in the spirit of fun and recreation.

“We are excited to host

this community event during the holidays to bring community members together. The pandemic has brought on so much stress, but we know that the spirit of joy still prevails. I have a cousin that makes a sweet potato pie so good, you end up eating multiple slices at once. We all have a family member or friend that can throw down on the sweet potato pie and they’re invited to show what they got. The entries from the community have been amazing and we look forward to meeting the bakers and community members on Dec. 30 at 6 p.m. in the Forsyth County Central Library Auditorium,” said Pastor Mike when asked about the purpose of the Bonafide Battle of the Sweet Potato Pie. Infusion Worship Church is located in Winston-Salem, but has global impact reaching many as far away as Kenya, California, and the Netherlands through their community outreach and engagement.

For more information on the sweet potato pie event, visit infusionworship.com.

all the community stakeholders to come on board so we can try and battle this thing, because this thing isn’t going away anytime soon. If anything, it’s going to continue to increase. Right now, they are recruiting heavy right now in gangs.”

Leonard says every child in their program is either African American or Hispanic and feels that is a major problem. He feels the family dynamics in many minority families are a major cause for a lot of young minority children turning to gangs. He knows there are Caucasian gangs, but those are not highlighted as much in mainstream media.

To be a part of the solution is one of the biggest joys for Leonard and YCI. “Just to see them succeed and for them to recognize that there is hope,” said Leonard about what he likes to see from the kids in the program. “To get their diploma or GED, or get a job, or even to re-

alize that they don’t have to join a gang.

“We notice that a lot of this stuff is modeled. Some of them are born into this lifestyle. They have normalized the gang banging and the hustling, so they don’t really realize that it is abnormal. For them to succeed and to realize that there is another way is gratifying for all three of us. It may not be a change overnight, but it’s a change in the right direction.”

YCI is always looking for donations and Leonard wanted to reiterate that all donations are tax deductible as they are a 501C-3 non profit organization.

For more information on Youth Collaborative Inc and Project X you can visit their website at www. youthcollaborative.org, or you can email the founders at Lloyd@youthcollaborative.org, Terra@youthcollaborative.org or Kayla@ youthcollaborative.org.

Throughout the years, there have been several coaches from Muse’s coaching tree that have moved on to be the head coach or assistants at other programs.

“I have had great assistant coaches over the years,” said Muse. “I want assistant coaches that want to be head coaches. I don’t want yes men on my staff, and I think we have surrounded ourselves with some of the best assistant coaches around. I think that’s why they move on and they’re successful in other programs.”

“Number one, they are good people and I think you have to be a good person to know how to relate to kids and adults to be a good head coach and assistant coach.

I think that’s where it starts, just surrounding yourself with good people.”

With most of last year’s team back in the fold this year, another deep

playoff run is not beyond the realm of possibility for the Spartans, Muse stated.

“I think we can go deep in the playoffs in 4A and we will see where we go,” he said. “I like this group and if we can sustain our defense and unselfishness, I think we can go a long ways.”

Muse stated he has seen some of the talk about the supposed dominance of the Charlotte area teams in sports, but feels there are several Triad area teams that can compete with anyone in the state.

“The cream always rises to the top,” he stated.

“Regardless of what comes out in social media or media, the cream is going to rise to the top no matter where they are from.

“We have a good brand of basketball in the Triad and I think the teams have always represented the Triad very well in the state playoffs over the years.”

Triad International Ballet – a new professional ballet company serving the Piedmont Triad area – believes it’s never too late to discover the magic of ballet.

Alexia Maas, Triad Ballet’s executive director, knows how powerful its impact can be.

“My success as an international corporate lawyer and business leader can be traced back to the dedication, discipline, and focus I learned in the ballet studio.”

Triad International Ballet invites you to explore a range of new opportunities to dance, meet others, learn new skills, and be inspired at a variety of teaching and performance events in Winston-Salem next year. Winston’s youth community are the first to benefit from this new program. Through a collaboration with The Center for the Study of Economic Mobility (CSEM) at Winston-Salem State University, My Brothers’ and Sisters’ Keeper Winston-Salem (MBSK-WS), and the Guiding Institute for Developmental Education (GIDE), Triad Ballet is providing free weekly ballet classes at the Win-

ston Lake YMCA in 2022.

In keeping with the message that it’s never too late to start (or start up again), classes are open to all age groups, including high school students.

“We’re also on a talent hunt!” says Maas. “One of the kids here may go on to join our company one day; one of them might be the first scholarship recipient for our professional ballet school; or join us on one of our international exchange programs. And we’re looking for more than one to join us on stage at next year’s Christmas for the City Event.”

Triad Ballet is deeply engaged with all sectors of the local community and audience. In addition to supporting the local youth community, they’re also exploring ways to bring the beauty of ballet to older adults, including those with dementia and

Alzheimer’s disease.

Executive Director Alexia Maas is in discussions with relevant local charities to do just that. Although dementia eventually stole her own mother’s life, music and dance remained the connecting thread to the world, even after the disease progressed. “I am so excited that we have plans underway to bring ballet performances to some of Winston-Salem's local care homes and community facilities in the New Year.”

Whether your destiny is to become a dancer or simply to embrace a positive slice of life, Triad Ballet is for you.

To find out more and learn how you can get involved with this bighearted and inspiring local nonprofit organization, go to www.triadinternationalballet.org.

Omegas distribute toys throughout community SUBMITTED ARTICLE

Members of the social action committees of Psi Phi Chapter, Lamba Eta Chapter at Wake Forest University, and Mu Epsilon Chapter at Winston-Salem State University, delivered toys to daycares, el-

for everyone.

We realize during the pandemic that families have had a difficult time finding ways to make Christmas brighter for their children. Psi Phi Chapter distributed toys to the various organizations to give out to children and parents for Christmas.

Submitted photo

Pictured from left to right: Brother Emory Jones, Ms. Carol Wilson, Brother Robert McCollum, Ms. Wanda Russell, and Brother Kenny Faulkner, social action committee chair. ementary schools, homeless shelters and other organizations throughout WinstonSalem.

One of the fraternity’s cardinal principles is to uplift. Brothers in all three chapters during the year reach out to the community in an effort to make life better

We want to thank Operation Homefront and Dollar Tree Stores for the toys.

Psi Phi Chapter continues to “paint the city of Winston-Salem purple.”

Brother C. Andre Crawley is Psi Phi Chapter Basileus and Brother Kenny H. Faulkner is social action committee Chair.