July 27, 2017

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Painting the city purple and black W I N S TO N - S A L E M , N . C .

Volume 43, Number 47

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2017 National Black Theatre Festival comes next week

Winston prepares for visitors for NBTF

With the countdown until the 2017 National Black Theatre Festival (NBTF) set at four days, the North Carolina Black Repertory Company (NCBRC), and the city of Winston-Salem are preparing for one of the biggest festivals in history. According to the Southeast Tourism Society, the NBTF is one of the top 20 events in the South.

And every two years the festival is held, it seems to get bigger.

Over the weekend thousands of theater enthusiasts, and dozens of well-known celebrities will descend on what has become known as “black theater holy ground,” for eight days filled with plays, live performances, educational seminars, star-studded events, and other exciting events for everyone to enjoy.

Star comedian Sinbad will kick things off with the PreFestival Comedy Event on Saturday, July 29, at the Fairground Annex. The festival will officially begin with the Opening Night Awards Gala on Monday, July 31 inside the newly renovated Salem Ball Room of The Benton (formerly the Benton Convention Center).

Since the first festival held in 1989, the awards gala has been known as the most popular event. In 2015, more than 2,000 filed into the ballroom to get to see some of the biggest names in television, film, and theater. Earlier this year, Anna Maria Horsford and Obba Babatundé were announced as the celebrity co-chairs. The duo currently star on the day-time soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

Other celebrities expected to be in the city throughout the week include Louis Gossett Jr., Lamman Rucker, Ron

The Winston-Salem area is gearing up for visitors who will be attending the National Black Theatre Festival (NBTF). The festival, which will be July 31 – Aug. 5, attracts individuals who have a love for the performance arts by providing festivalgoers with plays, celebrity appearances, vendor’s markets and events that showcase the Winston-Salem area.

The visitors that will be in town for the eight days of festivities will get to explore the innovation, cuisine, local businesses and arts that Winston-Salem has to offer.

Visitors can expect a great reception upon arriving to Winston-Salem with festival-themed incentives such as special coupon codes, drink specials and dining incentives.

Richard Geiger, president of Visit Winston-Salem, reached out to hospitality and tourism partners to aide in providing visitors with a warm welcome.

“We encourage any attractions, dining establishments, and retailers to warmly welcome out-of-town guests into Winston-Salem. This helps to show solidarity throughout the hospitality community in appreciation of these events that have chosen Winston-Salem as their host city, staying overnight in our hotels and spending dollars to help boost our local economy. We have collected responses from more than 15 NBTF ‘special offers’ especially for theatregoers. We will print and distribute at NBTF host hotels, our Visit Winston-Salem guest information tables, and online through VisitWinstonSalem.com and our social media sites,” said Geiger.

To help prepare for the visitors’ arrival for the festival,

BY TEVIN STINSON THE CHRONICLE

See NBTF on A5

BY NIKKI BALDWIN FOR THE CHRONICLE

A Visit Winston-Salem sign welcomes those in town for the National Black Theatre Festival.

Photo by Nikki Baldwin

Redistricting hearing starts today in Triad

See Visitors on A5

BY CASH MICHAELS FOR THE CHRONICLE

Local NAACP connects with community

On Saturday, July 22, the local branch of the NAACP hosted a membership drive and community day which featured free food, health screenings, and other activities.

Photo by Tevin Stinson

BY TEVIN STINSON THE CHRONICLE

When Rev. Alvin Carlisle took the reins of the Winston-Salem NAACP Branch late last year, he vowed to build a relationship between the organization and the community it serves. And last weekend he did just that

when he invited residents to a membership drive and community day on Saturday, July 22.

The event featured free food, vendors and free health screenings from the Winston-Salem State University Rams Know H.O.W. Mobile Unit.

Cancer Services Inc., United Health Centers, and

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See NAACP on A3

GREENSBORO — Today in a U.S. Middle District courtroom before a special three-judge federal District Court panel, arguments began to determine when legislative districts that were originally racially gerrymandered in the 2011 redistricting by the Republican-led N.C. General Assembly will be redrawn, and if special elections can be held before the 2018 mid-term elections.

All briefs in the case were filed on Friday, July 21.

Both sides – plaintiffs (attorneys for Sandra Little Covington and others) and defendants (lawyers for the Republican-led N.C. General Assembly and the state Board of Elections) were scheduled to be given 90 minutes to present testimony by way of witnesses, and supporting evidence, to convince the court of the best remedy available.

Plaintiffs have filed a brief saying, in essence, that the moment the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed in June the three-judge panel’s August 2016 ruling that 28 of 100 legislative districts were unconstitutional because of racial gerrymandering, the Republican-led N.C. General Assembly had no authority to override Gov. Cooper’s vetoes because lawmakers were elected illegally, and cannot have that authority until all districts are redrawn, declared legal by the court, and special elections held.

Plaintiffs say state lawmakers can redraw the districts when they reconvene during their upcoming Aug. 3 special session, which starts next week. New maps could be enacted by Aug. 11, with a candidate-filing period

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Participants in the Kimberly Park Freedom School march through the streets of Winston-Salem to shine a light on childhood hunger on Wednesday, July 19.

Photos by Alphonso Abbott Jr.

( Right) Raziya Summerville and Joslin Clark, students who attend Kimberly Park Elementary School, march to Samaritan Ministries on Wednesday, July 19. The march was part of the Children’s Defense Fund National Day of Social Action.

China Richmond, a student at the Kimberly Park Freedom School summer program, leads fellow students during a march to end childhood hunger on Wednesday, July 19.

Students march to end hunger

Participants at local Freedom Schools join National Day of Social Action

By TeviN STiNSoN The ChroNiCle

every day in North Carolina more than 600,000 children go without eating a proper meal. last week children across the community marched through the streets of city to shine a light on the issue, and call for an end to all childhood hunger in the area.

According to the Children's Defense Fund, a private nonprofit that works to provide equitable opportunities for all students, 618,000 children go hungry every day in

our community. on Wednesday, July 19, children who participate in the Freedom School program offered at Kimberley Park elementary School carried empty plates and led administrators, teachers, parents and other community members to Samaritan Ministries, a local soup kitchen and homeless shelter that feeds hundreds daily.

Along the way, the group of more than 75 children, and adults bellowed several chants to let everyone know about the growing issue in our community. one person even stopped to make a cash donation to the cause. While speaking to students outside Samaritan Ministries on Northwest Boulevard, Kimberly Park Principal Dr. Amber Baker told the students they were fighting to help children just like them.

"For North Carolina to be as rich as it is, we should not have this many children going without meals,” Baker said.

Corrections

The Chronicle apologizes for an error made in the July 13 print edition of the paper in the page A1 article “New Freedom School comes to Winston-Salem.” Although the Anna Julia Cooper Center Freedom School is the first at Wake Forest University, it is not the first in the city. In fact, Kimberly Park Elementary School has held the Freedom School program since 2014. There is also a Freedom School operating at Anthony’s Plot, an urban monastery in Winston-Salem.

The Chronicle regrets any misunderstanding that may have resulted from this error.

The Editor

www.wschronicle.com

Main Phone Number: 336-722-8624 Advertising: Ext. 113

Circulation/Subscriptions: Ext. 100

Editor: Ext. 108

The Chronicle apologizes for an error made in the July 13 print edition of the paper in the page A1 article “Urban League: Black W-S lags.” Dr. Kimya Dennis was misquoted in the article. The statement printed in the paper says, “… this form of suicide is called auditor suicide.” The correct term is “altruistic suicide.”

The Chronicle regrets any misunderstanding that may have resulted from this error.

The Editor

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Kimberly Park Freedom School coordinator rashawn Meekins said the purpose of the march, and the programs' National Day of Social Action is to get the community involved. She said, "We need to get and let our elected officials know that we need programs that provide for children in need," she said.

Students who attend the Freedom School program offered on the campus of Wake Forest University, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winston-Salem also participated in the National Day of Social Action and the march to end hunger.

Freedom School is a literacy-rich summer and afterschool program offered across the county by the Children's Defense Fund. The program is developed to serve children in communities where quality academic enrichment programming is rare, cost-prohibitive or nonexistent.

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/WSChron icle Follow us on Twitter: WS_Chronicle

The Chronicle (USPS 067-910) was established by ernest h. Pitt and Ndubisi egemonye in 1974 and is published every Thursday by Chronicle Media Group, llC, 617 N. liberty Street, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101. Periodicals postage paid at Winston-Salem, N.C. Annual subscription price is $30.72.

PoSTMASTer: Send address changes to: The Chronicle, P.o. Box 1636 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-1636

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James Perry, CEO of the Winston-Salem Urban League, talks about data points in the “State of Black WinstonSalem” report on Thursday, July 20.

Leaders, public discuss ‘State of Black Winston-Salem’

Miranda Jones, a teacher at Main Street Academy, makes a point about the state of education in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools on Thursday, July 20 outside the Urban League Quality of Life Center on Patterson Avenue.

Photos by Alphonso Abbott Jr.

By TeviN STiNSON The ChRONiCle

One week after The Chronicle unveiled the findings in the “State of Black Winston-Salem” report compiled by local Urban league CeO James Perry, the organization’s young Professionals branch invited the community to sit down to discuss the final report and find ways to move blacks in the area forward.

The article, “Urban league: W-S Blacks lags,” printed in the July 13 edition of The Chronicle examines the report that shows how black residents compare to white residents in several categories; including education, health and wellness, and economic and asset indices.

Blacks in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County earn 62 cents for each dollar made by white residents. Blacks have a homeownership rate that is half that of whites, and blacks are half as likely to have access to healthy foods. in the local schools, black third-graders are 60 percent less likely to read at grade level and the reading scores for black high school students in the area isn’t much better.

Black residents have a death rate 1.25 times that of white residents and account for 48 percent of all traffic arrests, although they only make up less than 35 percent of the total population.

After briefly discussing the data outside the Urban league’s Quality of life Center on Thursday, July 20, Perry, sat down with local NAACP President Rev. Alvin Carlisle and more than 50 members from the community to discuss solutions to the problems plaguing the AfricanAmerican community. Perry said, “The first thing we want you to do is be active. if it’s not one of these organizations, then find another one, but get active because we need your support. it’s going to take this entire community to turn things around.” in the final version of the “State of Black WinstonSalem” report, Perry listed action steps that elected officials, organizations, and philanthropist should take to improve lives in this community. Perry said the Urban league will continue the conversation using the report as a guide. “in each one of these categories we’re already working and we’re going to be working going forward. As we take these actions steps, we’re going to rely on these data points to find solutions to the problems in our community,” he said. “help us to take the next steps.”

Several community members, including many educators who made suggestions to improve the local school system, kept the conversation going for over an hour.

Carlisle discussed several initiatives he has led with the NAACP and the Minsters’ Conference of WinstonSalem and vicinity (MCWSv) to fight some of the issues listed in the report. earlier this month, Carlisle and hundreds of others against the GOP health plan staged a protest outside the local office of Sen. Richard Burr. in his closing remarks, Carlisle also encouraged residents to join the fight. he said, “Find like-minded people like yourself and grow from there. Wherever you have a passion, network with people around you who believe in the same thing as you and get going. if you hold it down for our people in one area and somebody else is holding it down for our people in another area, then that’s where the call to action stems from.”

Following the discussion, N.C. Rep. evelyn Terry applauded the Urban league for its work in the community. She echoed Perry and Carlisle’s statements that it will take a group effort to make a difference. “it is important that we have these conversations,” she said. “it gives me great joy to see our people out having meaning conversations on how to build for the future.

Conversations like this are exactly what ignited the Civil Rights Movement.”

The full 29-page State of Black Winston-Salem report and the list of action steps can be downloaded from the Winston-Salem Urban league (WSUl) official website at wsurban.org.

NAACP from page A1

Today’s Woman were also on hand during the event.

Children enjoyed a bouncy house, games and other fun activities. While chatting during the event, Carlisle was all smiles as adults and children of all ages enjoyed the summer sun at the local

NAACP headquarters on Oak Ridge Drive.

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.

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Two state African-American projects yearn for funding A4

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BY CASH MICHAELS FOR THE CHRONICLE

Last March, when Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, submitted his proposed state budget, he appropriated $200,000 for “Freedom Monument Planning,” to provide, “…one-time funding for the African American Heritage Commission to complete the planning, construction, and related costs of the African American Monument on the southeast corner of the State Capitol grounds.”

Republican legislative budget-writers ignored the governor’s proposed appropriation, however, and now the Freedom Monument project, planning for which began over two years ago under Republican Gov. Pat McCrory, is officially idle, unless the GOP has a sudden, yet unexpected, change of heart.

But the Freedom Monument is not the only long-term project honoring African- American contributions to the state’s history that Republican leadership reportedly turned their backs on.

“Freedom Park,” also planned for near the state Capitol, is a creature of the North Carolina Freedom Project, a registered IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation.

Touted as “the public park celebrating freedom and the African American experience,” the planned park is slated to be developed on one acre of land between the state Legislative Building and the Governor’s Mansion on the corner of Lane and Wilmington streets in Raleigh.

With initial funding starting in 2002 from the Paul Green Foundation, named after the famed Pulitzer Prize-winning author and playwright, the private effort steadily attracted donors who shared the vision of a place reflecting the deep roots of black contributions to the state both in the past, and toward the future.

It attracted august leadership like historian Dr. John Hope Franklin, and famed civil rights attorney and educator Julius Chambers.

In 2004, the project, then known as the “Freedom Monument

Hearing from page A1

between Sept. 11 and Sept.

25.

Primaries could be held Dec. 5, 2017, and the special legislative elections held on March 6, 2018.

Absentee voting for both the primaries and special elections were built into the plaintiff’s plans when they were scheduled to introduce in court today, according to documents filed.

Six witnesses are listed for the plaintiffs, including Gary Bartlett, former executive director of the N.C. State Board of Elections; George Gilbert, former director of the Guilford County Board of Elections; and state Rep. David Lewis (R-Harnett), one of the 2011 redistricting leaders responsible for the racially gerrymander districts.

Per the defendants’ “witness designation” court papers, Kim Westbrook Strach, executive director of the N.C. Bipartisan State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement, is scheduled to be called. State Attorney General Josh Stein is representing the state.

Defendants say special elections cannot be held before the 2018 mid-term elections because it would be disruptive to legislators elected in 2016 to two-year

“We’re really trying to get a big donor to get the ball rolling for us.”

The North Carolina Freedom Park will honor the African-American experience and struggle for freedom in North Carolina.

–Dr. Goldie Frinks Wells, co-chair of the project’s Board of Directors

Project,” received its nonprofit status.

In 2008 -10, under the leadership of then state Rep. Alma Adams (DGuilford), the Democratled legislature awarded a $197,500 grant for planning and development.

Another $100,000 was donated by Paul Green Jr. and his wife, followed by various corporate donations.

Professional fundraisers were hired to develop a strategy, with the ultimate goal of a $5 million capital campaign.

In 2015-16, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation helped to redesign the original concept for what was now known as the “Freedom Park,” bringing onboard famed architect Phil Freelon (known for designing the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and

terms who would have their tenures unfairly cut short, only to have to run again in 2018.

Most legal and political observers say so much time has passed since Aug. 15, 2016, when the judicial panel originally ordered new maps by March 2017, followed by special elections in August-September 2017. But the U.S. Supreme Court later stayed that order, at the request of Republican lawmakers, until it agreed last month that the maps needed to be remedied, and ordered the three-judge panel to consider other options beyond its original order for special elections.

Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, ordered the legislature into a 14-day special session to immediately redraw the maps, but Republican legislative leaders ignored his order, saying it was unconstitutional, and that he could only do so on “extraordinary occasions.”

Prior to the federal hearing today, Republican legislative leaders called for two special sessions in August and September, adding that based on that schedule, new redistricting maps should be ready by Nov. 15, a date that gives no time for special elections this year.

Culture in Washington, D.C.). Freelon’s new design was unveiled in December 2016.

Led by a Board of Directors and an Advisory Board, the Freedom Park is slated for completion by 2020, assuming its $5 million fundraising goal is met. By all accounts, however, that effort has stalled.

Dr. Goldie Frinks Wells

of Greensboro is the cochair of the project’s Board of Directors. She confirmed Tuesday that private fundraising for the park has hit a ditch.

“We’re really trying to get a big donor to get the ball rolling for us,” she said, indicating that meetings with large corporations are ongoing. “We’re moving forward.”

But Dr. Wells also confirmed that two weeks before the just approved state budget was passed in June, Republican House Speaker Tim Moore met with representatives of the Freedom Park project, was very welcoming and “sounded so hopeful” about their request for state budget funding.

New park design concept art by Phil Freelon

But in the end, Dr. Wells says, they got nothing.

“We were left out completely,” she said.

Civil rights activist f Linda Sutton of WinstonSalem is a former member of the Freedom Park Advisory Committee. She noted how Republicans appropriated $5 million from the latest budget for the new Civil War Center in Fayetteville, and not a dime to the Freedom Monument, or neither, apparently, the Freedom Park project.

“I guess that was more important,” Sutton quipped.

f

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Trumpeter Joe Robinson will be featured at the Jazz Festival sponsored

by The Chronicle on Thursday, Aug. 3.

Photo by Bridget Elem

Joe Robinson to headline Chronicle Jazz Festival Robinson has been playing the trumpet more years than he can count.

BY BRIDGET ELAM FOR THE CHRONICLE

As part of the numerous activities for the National Black Theatre Festival, The Chronicle is hosting a Jazz Festival. And it only made sense to feature local jazz artist Trumpeter Joe Robinson.

The Jazz Festival will be on Thursday, Aug 3 at the Hawthrone Inn beginning at 10 p.m. Admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Robinson, a Winston-Salem native, has been part of the jazz community for more years than he cares to count. He said his love for music started when he found a bugle in the woods at Happy Hill Gardens as a young child. From there, he was introduced to Miles Davis, and the rest is history.

“When I heard Miles for the first time,

NBTF

I knew that was me,” said Robinson. “I gravitated to Miles because he was militant. At that time, jazz was the only real freedom I had in this country. When I picked up my horn, nobody could tell me what to play or how to play it.”

Robinson played for local school bands in middle school but they were not playing jazz music. As an eighth-grader, he was pulled in by adult musical groups to play at different spots in the area if they could get him in (because of his age). Even then, he played R&B music but added his own jazzy renditions when he was given a solo. Although, Robinson says he was influenced by legends like Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie, he has studied many jazz artists.

“I listened to everybody because everybody brings something different,” he said.

Robinson has recorded three albums and says that inspiration continues to come to him. However, he is quick to caution audiences about the difference between real jazz and smooth jazz.

“When people ask me to play a tune that Kenny G has recorded, I usually decline. That is not real jazz to me,” he said. “It’s really R&B with instrumentals.

I’ve lightened my music up a little bit to appeal to those audiences, but I want to make sure I keep the jazz framework,” he continued.

Robinson says that Winston-Salem has supported him very well throughout his career and that he has a rich history with the National Black Theatre Festival.

“I’ve been involved with every Festival, even when it was not considered a national event. I was involved when this whole thing was the North Carolina Black

Repertory Company and Larry Leon Hamlin later held the first National Black Theatre Festival,” Robinson said. “It’s wonderful to be included with the Festival this year. I thought people had forgotten about jazz.”

James Taylor, The Chronicle’s publisher, says that Joe Robinson was chosen to be featured this year because of his standing in Winston-Salem.

“He [Robinson] is a well-respected and popular artist in our community. He has been in this for years,” said Taylor. Taylor hopes that the audience will gain a respect for the jazz genre and that the Jazz Festival will add a little “flavor” to the event.

For more information on the Jazz Festival, call 336-722-8524.

from page A1

Simmons, Timothy Douglas, Dominque Morisseau, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Alia JonesHarvey, Antoniette Tynes and countless others.

During an interview in March, Babatundé, who attended the first festival hosted by festival founder Larry Leon Hamlin more than 30 years ago, said he was honored to be back at the festival carrying on the legacy.

He said, “It is important that we continue this legacy and educate the next generation on how important the arts can be.”

One of the many plays gaining a lot of early attention is “Little Girl Blue” produced by Onyx Qube Productions from right here in Winston-Salem.

The production is based on the life of Nina Simone and her journey to become a star singer, songwriter, pianist and activist.

Another play inspired by Nina Simone, “Black is the Color of My Voice,” also is being offered.

Onyx Qube isn’t the only local production company featured at the festival this year. The North Carolina School of the Arts, North Carolina A&T State University, and THE POINTE! Studio of Dance & Elise Jonell Performance Ensemble from Greensboro all have productions in the festival.

Visitors

from page A1

A sign across from The Benton tells people the direction to head in for National Black Theatre Festival venues.

Photo by Tevin Stinson

And of course, the NCBRC will present its original productions, “The Sting of White Roses,” and “Maid’s Door.” The two dramas take a closer look at health and religion in the AfricanAmerican community. In coordination with the plays, and a special event on Saturday, Aug. 5, NCBRC will present an initiative that will examine health disparities within the African-American community in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer.

The initiative will include talk-backs after certain performances featuring doctors and caregivers, as well as breast cancer screenings, Alzheimer’s listening par-

Visit Winston-Salem produced 250 window clings to be displayed in all host hotels as well as restaurants and attractions in the downtown and surrounding areas. When asked who will oversee the welcoming aspect, Geiger said the entire city unifies to help “paint the town purple.” Visit Winston-Salem also plans to use its front desk staff and by maintaining a “satellite” presence in the center of the action to assist visitors with any inquiries relating to the NBTF schedule. They plan to have three staffed Visitor Information tables inside The Benton (formerly the Benton Convention Center), Downtown Marriott and Embassy Suites hotels to help guide visitors during their time in the Winston area.

Geiger believes “The North Carolina Black Repertory Company and NBTF do an incredible job assembling and training dedicated volunteers well before the festival starts. Visit Winston-Salem is always proud to support by advertising and marketing the festival to group tours and consumers at least a year before the festival begins to help spread the word.”

The Winston-Salem Ambassadors, a fairly new organ-

ties and medical consultations. (See Editorial on page A8.)

Ashley Academy for Cultural & Global Studies students will have an opportunity to show their musicals skills during the festival as well. Students from the school will be performing at The Benton on Friday, Aug. 4.

Other production companies featured in the festival include, Kedron Productions, The Layon Gray American Theatre Company, and Blackberry Productions from New York, The Langhart Communications Group from Washington, D.C., Culture Odyssey, Jazz Lion Productions, Brightside

Lee Productions, and Ebony Repertory Theatre will represent the West Coast, while Tayo Aluko & Friends from the United Kingdom, and Spirit Sisters Productions from South Africa give the festival a global vibe.

Companies from Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are also represented this year.

“I can tell you that selection committee this year went above excellence when choosing the productions for this years’ festival,” said festival media relations director Brian McLaughlin.

If stage productions aren’t your cup of tea, some special events are

ization whose mission is to create and increase awareness of the city of Winston-Salem, do not have anything planned for the NBTF but are proud to have the worldclass festival happening in Winston-Salem.

Mackenzie Cates-Allen, president of Winston-Salem Ambassadors, believes the festival is a fantastic event. “I certainly hope that the attendees enjoy what WS has to offer, and we are certainly available to answer any question or offer suggestions, at 336-794-6050 or mackenzie@wsambassadors.org.”

Upon asking about the Business Improvement District, the Clean Team as Cates-Allen describes it, she explains that it is run by the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership with Jason Thiel as president of the DWSP. NBTF volunteer Manya Stewart, employee relations manager for ESR, when asked what visitors should enjoy while in Winston-Salem, said, “Visitors should explore the Arts district on Trade, such as the local shops and restaurants. I believe they should also take in the historic Old Salem Bethabara. They even have a visitor’s center with shops for visitors to enjoy.”

Stewart plans to do more than just volunteer for the festival; she plans to enjoy the live music, plays and movies that the a/Perture will show and suggest that visitors enjoy some of the great activities and events that will

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guaranteed to draw large crowds include the International Vendors Market, International Colloquium, Midnight Poetry Jam, the NBTF Film Fest, and the National Youth Talent Showcase.

Legacy Trolley Tours, theatrical workshops and insights into the future National Black Theatre Hall of Fame and Museum also will be provided.

TeenTastic, a program sponsored by the city and the Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Department is sure to be a hit as well.

For the more mature crowd, The Chronicle will be hosting two events during the festival as well. On

Thursday, Aug. 3, Joe Robinson will headline the Jazz Festival at the Hawthorne Inn & Conference Center and the next day, record producer 9th Wonder will be back in his hometown for “The Get Down” at the same location.

The festival is scheduled to end at on Saturday, Aug. 5 with the star-studded parade that will begin at the front of the Marriot Hotel on 425 North Cherry St. and end at the Steven’s Center on Fourth St. around midnight.

Mayor Pro Tempore Vivian Burke said, “we are so blessed to have this festival here in our city.

“Everybody knows my heart has nothing but warmness for the National Black Theatre Festival.

Every two years the city manager and his staff, the mayor, and all the elected officials know what this festival does for the revenue in our city, and we are grateful.”

The National Black Theatre Festival is the international outreach program of the North Carolina Black Repertory Company.

The festival was founded in 1989 by Larry Leon Hamlin, who died in 2007.

For more information on the festival visit ncblackrep.org and click on the NBTF tab.

be held.

Tamelia Pankey, kindergarten teacher for Guilford County, believes visitors should stop at Sweet Potatoes restaurant as well as Bailey Park while in town. “Sweet Potatoes is an amazing restaurant with great food and owners. Bailey Park is another great site because it is a great place to unwind, with food trucks from great eateries around the city parking there on most days.” Pankey, who is familiar with the festival, believes the festival literally breathes life into Winston-Salem.

Visitors who need help can contact Visit WinstonSalem directly or stop by the Winston-Salem Visitor Center upon their arrival for additional information.

Visit Winston-Salem is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Visitors can call 336-728-4200, toll-free at 866-728-4200 or email at info@visitwinstonsalem.com. Visitor information including Visitor Guide requests, can also be found at www.VisitWinstonSalem.com.

For performance tickets and questions about the National Black Theatre Festival, visitors can contact the North Carolina Black Reparatory Company (NCBRC) box office via phone at 336-723-7907 or email NBTF@bellsouth.net. They may also look online at www.NBTF.org

Prince Hall Masons host annual charity ride for families

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By Tevin STinSon The chronicLe

Last weekend, members of the Sethos Temple no. 107 Prince hall Masonic Lodge hosted the 4th annual Masonic Motorcycle charity ride to help raise funds to support families in the cleveland Avenue community.

More than three dozen men and women mounted their bikes and made the 90-mile trip to Mt. Airy and back to the lodge on 14th Street, where they met members of the community for a cookout and a day of fun and excitement.

Linwood Gerald, who grew up in east Winston, said the annual event is just the organization’s way of giving

T h e c h r on i c Le

back to the community.

"We all love to ride, but at the same time this gives us the opportunity to give back to the community. A lot of us grew up within rock-throwing distance of this community and there is still a need here."

Pre-registration for the event was $20 per rider. The day of registration for the event was $30. An unofficial count of the earnings topped $600.

Sethos Temple no. 107 was founded in WinstonSalem in 1946. it is an affiliate the Ancient egyptian Arabic order nobles Mystic Shrine inc., which is composed of more than 25,000 members worldwide.

(Above) More than three dozen bikers participated in the 4th annual Masonic Motorcycle Charity Ride on Saturday, July 22. The event is held each year to help families in the Cleveland Avenue Community.

New law partially settles stormwater fee tiff

By Todd Luck The chronicLe

legislation, but didn’t actively oppose it.

“The city always has to weigh its actions on when it invests its political capital and this wasn’t one that rose to the level of investing the political capital and trying to stop it,” said Assistant city Manager

ports in the state, exempts runways and taxiways from the fees as long as the savings are invested back into the airport.

Local stormwater fees go to the city’s Stormwater Management Program, which protects surface waters within the city from

stormwater management but would make a big difference to public airports. kaplan agreed, saying he’s glad to finally see airports getting some relief from the fees. “it’s a good thing, it’s proper and i’m sorry it took so long to get it done,”

A new law will exempt runways and taxiways at public and military airports from stormwater utilities fees statewide, partially settling an issue that’s been a source of contention between local city and county governments.

Forsyth county, which owns the Smith reynolds Airport, asked the city of Winston-Salem in 2015 for an exemption from stormwater fees on its runways and taxiways, arguing the money is needed to help develop the airport.

When the measure didn’t make it past committee, some commissioners considered de-annexing the airport out of the city to avoid paying the fees. The city and county reached an agreement last year to each give the airport $150,000 a year for eight years to help with capital expenses at the airport. even with the agreeFile Photo ment, the county has been The Smith Reynolds Airport is one of the many airports in the state that’ll beneasking its legislative dele- fit from a new law exempting runways and taxiways from stormwater fees. gation for legislation to exempt government entities from stormwater fees. during a meeting in January between state lawmakers and commissioners, county commissioner Ted kaplan suggested that they could start small with legislation just exempting airports and taxiways, and n.c. rep. debra conrad agreed. conrad’s bill passed Conrad Besse Davidson both houses of the General Assembly with nearly Greg Turner. pollution caused by said kaplan, who is also on unanimous bipartisan supcity council Member stormwater that flows from the Airport commission of port. it was signed into law dan Besse, who chairs the streets, parking lots and Forsyth county, which

by Gov. roy cooper on city’s Public Works com- yards. The program is runs Smith reynolds April 20 and will go into mittee, said he was disap- mandated by the Federal Airport. effect on January 1, 2018.

A 2015 report by airpointed with the new law clean Water Act for larger “i think everyone, because it reduced the municipalities, but cities port staff says that Smith regardless of if they were amount of revenue going have discretion on how to reynolds pays approxirepublican or democrat, to address the impact of fund it. Winston-Salem is mately $118,000 in were interested in utilizing stormwater. one of many cities that stormwater fees annually. our public airports to “We all contribute to pays for it with fees on Smith reynolds director increase the prosperity of the problem and we’re all impervious surfaces except Mark davidson estimated north carolina as far responsible for helping roads, which are exempt the exemption could save bringing in jobs and busi- manage it,” said Besse. the airport $60,000 annualfrom stormwater fees. nesses here,” said conrad. conrad was confident ly, though the city estiThe bill, which applies The city of Winston- to all 72 publicly owned that the money lost would mates the savings would be Salem didn’t support the airports and military air- have little effect on $46,000. Those savings

Photos by Alphonso Abbott Jr.

(inset) Members of the Prince hall Masonic Lodge take a photo before making the trip to Mt. Airy during the 4th annual Masonic Motorcycle charity ride on Saturday, July 22.

will help with capital improvements to attract new business, like an additional taxiway, that the Airport commission was planning to move forward on using matching funds from the Federal Aviation Administration and n.c. department of Transportation.

“For every dollar the Airport commission saves and invests in approved capital projects, the FAA and ncdoT invests 9 dollars,” said davidson. “This bill is critical in the success of the airport and the future looks very bright.”

Stormwater fees could be increased. Turner said the new law is one factor in why staff plans to ask for a fee increase. he said though the stormwater management fund has ample money now, services like street sweeping, annual catch basin cleanings and addressing erosion and flooding on private property will use it up within a few years.

“The fund will need an adjustment in its income to stay solvent,” said Turner.

Second Annual

The Gathering Place at Fairview Park

Saturday, July 29 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

1690 E. 19th St. Featuring inspiring and uplifting music from Red Bank Baptist Church, Union Baptist Church, Jeremiah Salter and Nu Elevation Worship, Stephen L. Williams and Favor and more!

• FOOD TRUCKS • MERCHANDISE VENDORS • KETTLE KORN • ITALIAN ICE

Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a day of joyous music!

PRESENTED BY THE CITY OF WINSTON-SALEM

T H E C H R ON I C LE

J U LY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 A 7

People on the Street

What will the upcoming season for the Carolina Panthers be like?

BY TEVIN STINSON THE CHRONICLE

The Carolina Panthers are coming off of a tumultuous 2016 season that totally fell short of expectations, says Chronicle sports columnist Timothy Ramsey. The team played in the Super Bowl the season before but had a 6-10 record last season.

One perplexing side note is the timing of the firing of

former general manager Dave Gettleman recently.

The Chronicle wanted to know what people on the street thought. Here are some answers:

Question: What are your thoughts on the upcoming season for the Carolina Panthers?

David Davis: “I’m a big Panthers fan, so I think they’ll be pretty good this year. If Cam comes back healthy, we should be the team to beat in our division.�

Charles Boston: “I think they will be very good. We had a rough season last year, but I think we’ll get back to winning this season. At least I hope so.�

Robert White: “They’ll have a pretty good season. I expect them to make the playoffs and hopefully they can make another trip to the Super Bowl.�

Charles Morgan: “I really can’t say because I’m not a Panthers fan, but I hope they do well.�

Desmond Thomas: “I think the running back they got in the draft will be able to help Cam Newton out a lot. They fell off last year, but I think they’ll be good this year. I expect them to contend for a playoff spot.�

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A8

J U LY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7

OPINION T H E C H R ON I C LE

J AMES TAYLOR J R .

Publisher

E RNEST H. P ITT

Founder, Publisher Emeritus 1974-2017

DONNA ROGERS

T IMOTHY R AMSEY

TODD LUCK

TEVIN STINSON

S H AY N A S M I T H

Managing Editor

Sports Editor/Religion Senior Reporter

Specialty Reporter

Our Mission ELISHA COVINGTON

P A U L E T T E L. M O O R E

Advertising Manager

Office Manager

Administrative Assistant

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.

Support NBTF as it provides health initiative

Winston-Salem is getting ready for the National Black Theater Festival next week, July 31-Aug. 5.

Of course, this is the weeklong festival produced by the North Carolina Black Repertory Company that showcases black theater. It comes to Winston-Salem every two years.

People can expect some things to remain the same with the festival each time it comes, such as a chance to see stars and quality theatrical productions, a star-studded gala that features award-winners, various artistic-related workshops and vendors selling all kinds of goods.

Some things are new this year, such as the Jazz Festival sponsored by The Chronicle on Aug. 3.

But an important new thing this year should catch everyone’s attention: an initiative that will examine health disparities within the A f r i c a n American community in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer ’s disease and breast cancer.

The initiative will include talk-backs after certain performances featuring doctors and caregivers, as well as breast cancer screenings, Alzheimer’s listening parties and medical consultations.

The N.C. Black Rep is presenting two plays at the festival that deal with those diseases. It presented the plays during its regular season, also.

“Maid’s Door” deals with Alzheimer’s disease, when an elderly woman who had been a maid shows signs of the disease. There will be a talk-back after the Wednesday, Aug. 2, 3 p.m. performance.

“The Sting of White Roses” deals with breast cancer, when a pregnant woman is diagnosed with the disease. There will be a talk-back after the Saturday, Aug. 5, 3 p.m. performance.

These two diseases greatly affect AfricanAmericans, especially breast cancer.

An initiative-dedicated event will be Saturday, Aug. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hanesbrands Theatre, 209 Spruce St. We applaud the N.C. Black Rep for uniting its productions to real-life helpful discussions and consultations. We should support the Black Rep in this health initiative, because we could be saving the lives of our loved ones, or even ourselves.

Some things are new this year, such as the Jazz Festival sponsored

by The Chronicle on Aug. 3.

We Welcome Your Feedback

Submit letters and guest columns to letters@wschronicle.com before 5 p.m. Friday for the next week’s publication date.

Letters intended for publication should be addressed “Letters to the Editor” and include your name, address, phone number and email address. Please keep letters to 350 words or less.

If you are writing a guest column, please include a photo of yourself, your name, address, phone number and email address. Please keep

guest columns to 550 words or less. Letters and columns can also be mailed or dropped off at W-S Chronicle, 617 N. Liberty St., W-S, NC, 27101; or sent via our website: www.wschronicle.com.

We reserve the right to edit any item submitted for clarity or brevity and determine when and whether material will be used.

We welcome your comments at our website.

Also, go to our Facebook page to comment. We are at facebook.com/WSChronicle.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Red Cross continues plea for more blood To the Editor:

After issuing an emergency call for blood and platelet donors in early July, the American Red Cross continues to face a critical blood shortage.

Eligible donors of all types are urged to give now.

As a special thank you, those who come out to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross through Aug. 31 will be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard.

People can help patients like Arthur Bourget. After being diagnosed with leukemia, he learned firsthand how blood shortages can affect patients.

Arthur’s story is available on Y o u T u b e [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= X8Wdese2Nyw] for embedding on websites and sharing via social media.

With your help, we can quickly respond to this emergency by informing people in our community about how they can help save lives.

To schedule an appointment to donate, use the Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-

RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce the time it takes to donate. Also, you can hold the power to save lives in the palm of your hand with the FREE Red Cross Blood Donor App. Text “BLOODAPP” to 90999 or download it from the App StoreSM or the Google Play store today.

Maya Franklin External Communications Manager American Red Cross Carolinas Red Cross Blood Services

U.S. Court to hear today arguments on new maps To the Editor:

Today in Greensboro, a district court will decide on a deadline for the North Carolina General Assembly to redraw their raciallygerrymandered legislative maps and when the first election to use them

will be.

On June 5 the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a request by North Carolina lawmakers to review a lower court's decision in Covington v. The State of North Carolina that struck down 2011 state legislative districts drawn as illegal racial gerrymanders. The Court sent the case back to the lower court to determine whether elections should be held in 2017 as initially ordered.

On July 27, today, the lower court will hear arguments on these maps and when the first election to use them will be, including the possibility of a special election in fall of 2017 or early 2018. This hearing will be open to the public, and you can attend.

Thank you!

Bob Hall Democracy North Carolina Durham

Note: Here are details on how you can attend the hearing today and observe the process: Today at 10 a.m. in Greensboro, a district court in the U.S. District Court, Courtroom #3, 324 W. Market St., will decide on a deadline for the North Carolina General Assembly to redraw its racially-gerrymandered legislative maps and when the first election to use them will be. This hearing on Covington v. The State of North Carolina will take place in Greensboro Courtroom #3 before a panel of three judges. The hearing is open to the public to observe.

There is no place like home, Explore North Carolina’ Algenon Cash

Guest Columnist

Most people want to fly all over the country or explore faraway places that boast about white sandy beaches.

But I prefer to visit places located right in my backyard - North Carolina.

We have many sayings in the South, but one of my favorite is, "There are no strangers here; only friends you haven't met yet." I receive pleasure from driving across the Tar Heel state, taking occasional breaks in small towns to discover new places and meet new friends.

Blue Ridge Parkway Named "America’s Favorite Drive" - the Blue Ridge Parkway is 470 miles of amazing views, hiking trails, picnic areas, campsites and recreational opportunities that connect the Great Smoky

Mountains National Park to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

My grandparents cherished Western North Carolina and we took long weekend drives so my grandmother could admire the altering colors during leaf season and other scenic moments. We visited Chimney Rock where we would take an elevator nearly 300 feet up the center of the mountain to the top of the rock.

But no trip to the mountains is complete without dropping by the Biltmore House, the luxurious estate where the Vanderbilt family once called home. My grandmother would stroll through the floral garden and spend hours snapping her Kodak Polaroid camera. I still adore the estate, but now spend most of my day at the winery – sipping their specially blended summer wine.

D o w n t o w n Wilmington Some years ago I acquired a small place in Downtown Wilmington one block away from the Cape Fear River and sur-

rounded by local restaurants and other attractions.

I spend weeks at a time in Downtown Wilmington during the summer and winter months – it's become a safe place for restoration, renewal and revitalization.

Most visitors choose to stay closer to the beach, but I personally like to be near the historic sites and venues where they host theatrical performances featuring local talent. Not to mention, a lazy ride on the Cape Fear River after Sunday brunch gives me life.

Chef & The Farmer I've developed into a "foodie" over recent years as I learned to appreciate quality food, not to mention chefs who are creative and innovative with their menus – but I remain a huge fan of down south culture and generally southern cuisine.

No other restaurant in the state combines both to capture the hearts and minds of their customers like Chef & The Farmer located in Kinston, North Carolina.

My best friend is Mayor BJ Murphy and many years ago he introduced me to the owner – Vivian Howard – I've been in love ever since. Now a trip to Kinston is not complete without the Brittany Ridge Pork Chop, braised carrots and charred green beans.

These are only highlights from a very long list of favored places peppered throughout North Carolina, but there are so many more – Pinehurst, Yadkin Valley Wine Country, Sanderling Resort, Bald Head Island and Blowing Rock.

If you have an experience in North Carolina that you would like to share, then please share and we may highlight the location for other readers to consider.

Happy Summer!

Algenon Cash is the managing director of Wharton Gladden & Company, an investment banking firm, he is also a national spokesperson for the oil and natural gas industry. Reach him at acash@whartongladden.c om.

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J U LY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 A 9

To fight the HIV epidemic, we need the Black Church Marjore Innocent

Guest Columnist

Black Churches are more than places of worship. They are the vibrant hearts of the AfricanAmerican community that bring the Gospel into our lives, inspire faith, grace, love and mercy and foster a deep commitment to service. For centuries, Black Churches and faith leaders have been at the forefront of the struggle for civil rights, including voting rights and the right to a quality education. And we need the Black Church's leadership for another adversary: HIV. Make no mistake: Our nation is facing an epidemic that is ravaging our community from coast to coast.

Today, HIV affects

African-Americans more than any other racial or ethnic group in the country.

While we represent just 12 percent of the population, we account for 41 percent of people living with HIV in the United States. This is truly unacceptable.

As part of The Black Church & HIV: The Social Justice Imperative initiative, the NAACP is asking churches across the nation to preach from the pulpit about HIV as a social justice issue.

AfricanAmericans must fully acknowledge the scope of this epidemic and recognize the hundreds of thousands of brothers and sisters it has taken from us. In fact, we account for more than half of deaths attributed to HIV/AIDS according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Like many who grew up in the Black Church, I look to my pastor for guidance in my faith and all

paths of life. It is vital that faith leaders take the lead in this fight, committing to educate, engage and motivate their congregations to take positive action to end the HIV epidemic, especially in our communities.

Overall, about one in 20 African-American men and one in 48 AfricanAmerican women will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetimes; and 44 percent of all new HIV infections are among African Americans. This crisis is not just about public and community health: It's about social justice and institutionalized racism.

The numbers are deeply disturbing but not surprising. Such is the scale of the epidemic that nearly all AfricanAmericans have a friend, family member, colleague or acquaintance that is impacted by HIV. I am no exception.

That's why in 2011 the NAACP partnered with

Gilead Sciences to create The Black Church & HIV initiative to develop a national network of African-American faith leaders who will address the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black Americans. The NAACP is committed to helping enlist faith leaders from around the country to break the stigma surrounding this disease, engage in meaningful conversation and education with their congregants, provide compassionate support and spiritual guidance to those living with HIV, and encourage Black Churches to take action through a social justice lens.

In 2013, we took an additional step to further the impact and reach of our efforts by making a Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) "Commitment to Action."

By 2018, our goal is to conduct 45 faith leader trainings in the 30 cities most highly-impacted by

HIV, obtain proactive resolutions from historically Black mainline denominations and integrate HIV as a social justice issue into required curricula in predominantly AfricanAmerican theological seminaries.

Thus far, we've reached more than 1,500 pastors.

But we need hundreds more before we can have the kind of transformative impact necessary to save us from continued, but avoidable, devastation and advance us closer to better health and true justice for our community.

As someone whose faith is central to her life, I ask our shepherds – our faith leaders – in the African-American commu-

nity to grasp this unique opportunity to have a significant, positive impact in the fight against HIV. We must break the silence about the dangers of HIV and the scope of the epidemic, educate our communities about prevention and advocacy and stop the growth of this disease once and for all. With the commitment of our faith leaders, I believe this is a fight we can win.

Dr. Marjorie Innocent serves as the Senior Director of Health Programs at the NAACP. Contact: Malik Russell, director of communications, mrussell@naacpnet.org, 410-580-5761 (office).

Just in case … Is that our anthem these days?

When I was coming of age in North Carolina, my James B. parents would kiss and off Ewers Jr. my father went to work. My mom also worked. I went to school and each evening both Guest of my parents returned home Columnist from work. There were times when one was late but it was rare.

This scene played out in my neighborhood all the time. If you are a baby boomer like me, you experienced the same thing. I never thought about my dad or mom not coming home. Knowing that fact always gave me a sense of peace and security.

Were there guns in my neighborhood during this time?

If there were, we kids didn’t know anything about them.

Quite honestly, I don’t think there were any gun owners on my block.

I can’t remember anyone getting shot in my neighborhood. Are you kidding me? That just didn’t happen.

Switch blades were around during my time and the bearers of them did more talking than cutting.

That was then, a different time and a different environment. People valued life more and settled their disagreements without killing one another.

Now in 2017, it is a different story.

When a man of color leaves home in the morning, there is no guarantee that he will return during the evening. When a young boy says, “See you later, Dad,” that may be the last time he sees him alive. When daddy’s little girl asks where her daddy is, sometimes the response is heartbreaking.

Black men in America walk a dangerous walk.

The relationship between black men and the police is problematic, at best. That is my opinion and an opinion shared by others, both black and white.

There are efforts made by communities and the police to develop codes of conduct and civility. Some have worked while most have not.

The problem, I believe, is the judgment some police officers use. For example, do you shoot someone who is on the ground when you have a backup officer standing next to you? Do you shoot someone who is following your specific instructions?

Black men are being shot by the police almost monthly. Does anyone care?

Those who disagree with this assertion are entitled to their opinion.

Unfortunately, color in America, especially for African-American men, has been and will always be a sticking point. That is the reality that men who look like me deal with every day.

Race trumps socio-economic status. Just ask James Blake, a retired tennis player who was assaulted by New York police last year. Or maybe you should ask Henry Louis Gates, a distinguished Harvard professor who ran into difficulty with the police in front of his Massachusetts home.

The good news is that neither Blake nor Gates was killed.

This was not the case for Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, who were killed in Louisiana and Minnesota, respectively. These black men, like countless others, didn’t have to be killed. They were simply confronted by the wrong type of police officer. There are good police

Take the locavore challenge Lynne Mitchell

Guest Columnist

Loca … what? August marks the 10-year anniversary of the word “locavore” being selected as the 2007 Oxford American Dictionary’s word of the year.

A locavore is a person concerned about where their food comes from and tries to only eat locally grown or produced food.

What better way to celebrate the anniversary of the word locavore than to have our own Locavore Challenge! The purpose of this challenge is to raise awareness about where our food comes from.

Can you be a locavore

for a meal, an entire day or a week? When eating out, can you find a restaurant that sources their foods locally? Locavore food and beverages products include locally grown vegetables, fruits, grains, beef, pork, chicken, eggs, cheese, baked goods, jams, jellies, fats and oils, salsas, beer, wine and fish caught in lakes, rivers, streams or coastal North Carolina.

You might be wondering … why in the world would somebody want to go to all this trouble?

First of all, buying locally grown foods supports our local economy. It is estimated that residents of North Carolina spend over $35 billion on food each year. If just 10 percent of North Carolinians food budgets were spent on N.C. grown or produced foods, $3.5 billion would stay in our state economy.

That is a lot of money!

It is good for our health! The less processed foods you eat, the better.

Fruits and vegetables should make up half of our plate at mealtimes, so why not buy local? Shop at your local Farmers Market or ask the produce manager at the grocery store what they carry that is N.C. grown. There is no need to buy blueberries from New Jersey in the summer when we grow them right here in N.C.!

Locally grown meats may cost a little more due to farming practices, but smaller portions of animal proteins on your plate is a good way to go, nutritionally speaking. Try eating more beans, lentils or nuts for your protein. Also, try to plan ahead and do more cooking at home with N.C. grown foods.

Eating a healthy diet prevents dis-

ease and helps people with chronic health conditions better manage their disease.

Make the challenge fun – ask your family, friends, book club, faith community, or other group to join you in the locavore challenge! Loop in your social media friends by “checking in” at farmers’ markets, Instagramming (#LocavoreForsyth) your local food finds, and sharing your local experience.

In celebration of this challenge, the public is invited to join the Locavore Challenge potluck scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Forsyth County Cooperative Extension Office,1450 Fairchild Road. Please bring a locavore dish to share.

You can find more information about the potluck by visiting the

officers.

Jaheim Hoagland, born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1978 debuted an album in 2001 titled “Ghetto Love.”

One of the songs off of the album is titled “Just In Case.” A part of the lyrics is, “just in case I don’t make it home tonight.” Jaheim is saying he wants to be affectionate because he is unsure if he will make it home tonight.

While I am not sure of Jaheim’s intent, this song could be the black man’s anthem because we are simply not sure if we will come home tonight.

Race is best authenticated by looking in the mirror each day.

I wake up every day black and male in America. That combination will create a certain set of challenges for me.

My perceived guilt takes a front seat to my innocence.

I am watched in stores and ignored by many simply because I am black. I am tried, tested and teased throughout my life always because I am black.

If you wake up not black, it is impossible for you to fully understand what black men like me encounter.

If you have an extreme view of race, then you will always say we’re guilty, undeserving and not approved.

So, if you are black like me, hug everybody before you leave home just in case you don’t make it home tonight.

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 ewers.jr56@yahoo.com.

Health department staff Lynne Mitchell, left, and Cassey Mapp-Ahmed show salads made with locally grown vegetables from the farmers market.

Photo submitted by Lynne Mitchell

Forsyth County website (www.forsyth.cc).

Lynne M. Mitchell MS, RD, LDN is Community Nutritionist with the Forsyth County

Department of Public H e a l t h ( w w w. f o r s y t h . c c / p u b lichealth). You can reach her at 336-703-3216 (direct line) or mitchelm@forsyth.cc.

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T H E C H R ON I C LE

JU LY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7

National Bla ack Theatter Festiv ival

FRE EE LIVE E ENTERTA TAINMENT! NT!

Old Sc choo o Blo oc o ck P Pa art t DOWNTOWN WINS W TON-SAL Merschel Plla aza, August 3

THURSDAY Y Big Ron Hunter

Comedian Tyyrone Davis

8:300 p.m. – Comedian Tyyronne Davis 9 p..m. – Big Ron Hunter & the t Have Mercy Band 11 p.m. – Otesha Creativ e e Arrts Ensem mble Otesha Creative Arts Ensemble

FRIDAY Y Envision

Darryl Little & Friends

8:300 p.m. – Comedian Comedian Tyyrone ne Davis 9 p..m. – Envision 11 p.m. – Otesha Creative Arts Ensem mble

SATURDAY S 8:300 p.m. – Comedian Tyyrone Davis 9 p..m. – Darryl Little and Friends 11 p.m. – Phase Band

Phase Band

7 pm m - mid dnigh ht OPEN TO MIDDDLE, HIGH SCHOOLL & COLLEGE STUDDENTS SATURD AATTTURD UR RD DAY AY N NIGHT IGHT H H HEADLINER! EAADLLINER R!

DJ LUKE L

WINSTON-SALEM FAIRG F GROUNDS ROUNDS FRIDAY Y,, AUG. 4

THURSDA AY Y,, AUG. 3 Teeentastic Spotlight with Colbyy Christina America's Got Taalent's “Inspire The Fire” Qaasim & The Juggernaut Waar Party Local Taalent Pefoormers Fairground Friday DJJ Show

TEENTAASTIC FAASHIONFEST “Street Lifee” Fashion Show Fairground Friday DJ Show

SAT TURDAY Y,, AUG. 5 Open Mic sign up “ aith Journey” by Teeen Ensemble of NCBRC “F DJ Lukee Perfoormance Open Mi Mic Ni Night ht

THURSDAY Y NIGHT

Inspire the Fire

SPORTSWEEK

Timothy Ramsey

Sports Columnist

Panthers: contenders or pretenders in 2017-18?

The Carolina Panthers are coming off of a tumultuous 2016 season that totally fell short of expectations.

Going into last year they were Super Bowl contenders that were beaten by the Denver Broncos in the previous year’s Super Bowl. Injuries, concussions and dissension in the locker room all contributed to a lack luster 6-10 record.

With training camp starting up for NFL teams in a few weeks, the Panthers are looking to return to their 2015 form and forget about last season.

Cam Newton is healthy once again after off-season shoulder surgery and Luke Kuechly is fully healthy after missing the final six games of last year dealing with concussions. The Panthers also fared well in this year’s draft by taking, by most accounts, the most versatile player in the draft, running back Christian McCaffrey, out of Stanford University in the first round.

The Panthers did not make a big splash in the off-season by spending on big named free agents but chose instead to sign home grown products Jonathan Stewart and Kawaan Short to contract extensions.

They even brought back one-time Panther and fan favorite Julius Peppers.

One perplexing side note is the timing of the firing of former general manager Dave Gettleman recently. The timing is odd because the team held on to Gettleman throughout most of the off-season allowing him to sign free agents and be a part of the draft process. Most front office moves are made earlier than later to establish stability going into free agency and the draft.

I don’t believe that the firing of Gettleman is a negative in this case as many former Panthers such as Josh Norman, Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams have expressed their dislike for how they were handled before leaving the franchise. This leads me to think that there may be more players inside the locker room that may feel the same way.

Even with the weird timing of the general manager situation, the Panthers should be poised to contend for a playoff spot and maybe the NFC South crown. Yes, I know the Atlanta Falcons are coming off a Super Bowl appearance and have probably the most explosive offense in the league with quarterback Matt Ryan, receiver Julio Jones and running back tandem of Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman.

If the defense plays with some consistency and Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess step up at the receiver position to compliment Greg Olsen, Newton will have open targets to throw to. The backfield looks to be the strength of the offense with the thunder and lightning combination of Stewart and McCaffrey.

McCaffrey should add a dynamic to their offense similar to what Darren Sproles does for the Philadelphia Eagles See Ramsey on B2

Also More Stories, Religion and Classifieds

Track club shines at regional AAU meet J U LY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7

Two young men from Lights Out Track Club work on their handoff for the 4x100 meter relay during practice last week.

Photo by Timothy Ramsey

2nd

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY THE CHRONICLE

The Lights Out Track Club (LOTC) is widely regarded as one of the best in the city of Winston-Salem. They routinely place high in many events whether it be sprints, distance or even field events. Recently they competed in the regional Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) track meet in Charlotte and brought home sec-

ond place overall as a team as well as a host of individual honors.

The meet, which took place on June 30 through July 2 at Olympic High School, was a tune up for the national meet to take place next month. While there, the LOTC not only finished second overall but had six athletes win MVP for their age groups.

DJ Moyer, Jahvaree Ritzie, Mason Ellis, Justen Burnette, Cyerra Cruise and Laila Hall

all took home MVP honors for LOTC. Hall, who competed in the shot put, discus and javelin for the 13-14 age group, says she just went into the meet knowing she was going to have to push herself to perform well. She finished third in the shot put, first in the discus and second in the javelin.

“I was pretty proud of myself because that See Track Club on B2

Josh Howard camp gives kids advanced training

Shooting was just one aspect of basketball that the young men and women worked on at the Josh Howard camp.

Photos by Alphonso Abbott Jr.

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY THE CHRONICLE

Winston-Salem legend Josh Howard has definitely made his presence known in the community with his free camps at various community centers along with his philanthropic work through his Josh Howard Foundation. Last week however, he held a pay camp at Piedmont International University where he coaches.

The camp was designed to give the kids a taste of what Howard learned while playing at Wake Forest and in the NBA. His free camps involve skills and training but he says his camp last week was

more intense and rigorous.

“This camp is a little more elite where I give them the opportunity to go through what I went through at the professional level,” he said.

“It’s a little more hard nosed and a little more nit picking because I want them to get an understanding of what professional players actually go through.”

“I have them going through shell drills, shooting situations, one-on-one drills and dribbling drills because it's kind of a lost art and a lot of kids forget they have to do that to get their shot off,” Howard continued. “I push them

New head coach seeks to reignite N. Forsyth volleyball program

A young man works on his ball handling during the camp.

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY THE CHRONICLE

The North Forsyth girls volleyball program has not fared so well on the court in recent years. Hoping to give the team a jump start, the Lady Vikings will be led by Kamika Mack next season. Mack, a former Viking volleyball player herself, is coming back to resurrect the girls team.

Growing up, Mack's first love was basketball, but once she was introduced to the game of volleyball in middle school, she was hooked.

She says her mother encouraged her to try out for the team and once she did, she fell in love

with it.

Once entering North Forsyth, she initially played under Mike Muse, East Forsyth boys basketball coach. Next she played under now North Forsyth Athletic Director Sean Vestal, whom she looks at as a mentor in her Mack life.

“I've always been able to go to Vestal for advice especially in the coaching realm,” she said. “He has consistently given me great advice over the years.”

See Camp on B2

While at North Forsyth, Mack played volleyball, basketball and track. Unfortunately she suffered a debilitating injury to her back while on the track team that derailed any dream of pursuing sports on the collegiate level. After graduating from North Forsyth in 2008, she had to re-evaluate what she wanted to pursue as a career and coaching was the decision.

She attended St. Augustine's University, graduating with a degree in Human Performance and Wellness in 2012. Upon graduation she worked a few jobs and realized a master’s degree is what she needed to further her career.

She entered Florida State See Coach on B2

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JU LY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7

Track Club

from page B1

was my first time getting it,” she said. “Just because I won it, that doesn't mean I'm going to stop practicing just as hard now. I am going to get ready for Junior Olympics and go for it.”

Cruise also competed in the shot put, discus and javelin for the 17-18 age group. She placed fourth in the javelin, first in the shot put and second in the discus.

“It was hot and hard to stay focused but when it came time to compete, I got in game mode and did my best,” she said. “I thought it was crazy that I won MVP because I know I didn't do as well as I liked but was happy I won. I can push myself more and because I won this award I know I can be a better athlete.”

Burnette is a sprinter who ran the 100- and 200meter dash at the regional meet in the 17-18 age group. He finished first in both events even though he had lost to the top qualifier in the 100 at a previous meet.

“My first thought was just thank you because I have wanted to be MVP for a long time,” Burnette said.

“I have been working hard and I will just keep doing what I am doing now and hopefully continue to set more personal records for myself.”

From left to right are the regional Most Valuable Players for Lights Out Track Club: DJ Moyer, Jahvaree Ritzie, Mason Ellis, Justen Burnette, Cyerra Cruise and Laila Hall.

“The training, kids both events and hopefully I time.”

For Ritzie, he finished himself. can continue to get faster.” pushing each other and the Ellis said he felt pretty first in the shot put, discus LOTC head coach coaches doing what they Moyer ran the 100- and and high jump in the 13-14 good going into the meet. age group. He says he He finished first in the shot 200-meter dash in the 15- DeCarlos West said he need to do makes us all wanted to set new personal put and discus while also 16 age group. He finished wasn't surprised by the come together as a team,” records for himself at the taking home third in the first in both events. He number of athletes that West said. “You have to says he was proud of him- came away with MVP hon- give all the credit to the meet but came up short. javelin.

“I was surprised self because of the level of ors. He says with all the kids because they are out He says even though he did not fulfill his desire he was because many times the competition that was at the hard work they put in they there putting in all the hard were deserving of their work. They are never satishappy with the result. Ellis field events are over- meet.

“After winning I just honors. He credits their fied and they all hate to also won MVP at the looked,” said Ellis. “At regional meet last year so this meet I wasn't expect- thought to myself that all success as a club to the lose. They are always he said he wasn't shocked ing anything but it means a the hard work I put in paid dedication of the coaches looking to be Number One, to win it again because he lot because we usually get off in the end,” he said. “I and the willingness of the and that's why they are so good.” has high expectations for overlooked, but not this know I can run faster in athletes to listen.

Photo by Timothy Ramsey

Ramsey

from page B1

Josh Howard brings the kids together for encouragement during his camp at Piedmont International University.

Camp

from page B1

Photo by Alphonso Abbott Jr.

and I tell my coaches to stay on them. Any little mistake they make is an opportunity for constructive criticism.”

Even with the intense atmosphere of the camp, Howard says he knows the kids understand that they are not there to hurt them but are there to make them get better.

He says he likes to tell the kids to “get better than the next kid at school that is better than you” to get in their minds the need for consistent hard work on the court.

Howard's camp was split into two different sessions. He held one for the middle school level in the morning and brought in the high school level kids in the afternoon.

Coach

“The high schoolers are a little bit older and you can tell they are used to doing whatever they want to do,” he said.

“Sometimes we have to force them a little bit more until they realize we are here for fun and learning.”

“The middle school kids get it,” Howard continued. “They are just here because they are amazed at the whole opportunity they have. Once they get out there and see it's all about basketball, they go 100 miles per hour.”

There were many parents in attendance watching their kids play in the camp. They all seemed impressed with what Howard had to offer and the training methods he was teaching to the kids. Jaime Foster, parent of a camper, says it was a no brainer for him to bring his son to the camp to

with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, spread out to the receiver position and returning kicks for special teams.

The Panthers will have some stiff competition within the NFC South this season as Atlanta and Tampa Bay will be formidable opponents as they both will vie for a playoff spot. New Orleans will never be a push over with Drew Brees at the helm, either. Even with that being said, the Panthers should be able to contend with any team in the division as they have kept much of their core together for the past several years.

The Panthers finished last year at 6-10 with many things going wrong and the ball not falling their way most often. With a little more luck, there should be no reason to not expect the Panthers to win double-digit games this season.

Health will also play a key role in their success as well.

If they can keep their star players upright for most of the season, Panther fans should have much to cheer for this season.

learn from a former NBA All-Star.

“Josh does a lot of good things and I felt my son needed to work out with other people who know what they're doing besides me,” Foster said. “Advise coming from a former NBA player and college coach was good for my son and he got a lot out of this week at the camp. It's a lot of things he does that I have never seen at other camps before.”

Foster's son, Deshon Byrd, added, “I like that fact that I had the opportunity to be worked out by a former NBA player and getting the chance to meet other guys and playing with them. We learned a lot from ball handing to shooting, which will help us all become better players.”

Howard says now that he is a coach he

somewhat approaches the camps the same way as before except he pays more attention to the little things.

“It’s the small things that made me better and that's what I try to force onto them,” said Howard. “The little things will help you get that extra two points or that rebound you need to win the game. A lot of people forget about the intangibles, so for me to teach that is awesome and for them to get it is even better and more satisfying for me.”

“The biggest thing I tell them is to not quit,” he said when asked what he hoped the kids took away from the camp. “There will always be someone out there that can compete with you but as long as you put forth your best effort, you will be good.”

from page B1

University's Sports Management master’s program and while there she realized teaching the sport of volleyball was her calling.

“At Florida State, there was a volleyball class that I assisted with in teaching,” said Mack. “That's really when I fell in love with teaching the sport to others along with coaching.”

Once graduating from Florida State in 2014 she took a job at Florida A&M University, which led to her first coaching job at a Tallahassee high school.

She says she learned a lot as this was her first experience being a coach on any level. Because of contractual issues, she left her job at FAMU and returned to Winston-Salem in July 2015.

Upon returning to Winston she began coaching basketball at WinstonSalem Prep along with being a volunteer volleyball coach at North Forsyth. She also coached a club volleyball team led

Submitted photo

Mack stands with her club volleyball team.

by Reagan head coach Doug Balser. That position led to her being hired as an assistant coach at Bishop McGuinness in 2016 as well as assistant athletic director.

“We had a great year last year at Bishop, probably one of the best years the junior varsity teams have had in 20 years, she said.

“I was the assistant varsity coach and head junior varsity coach and we did real-

ly well overall.”

After the season concluded, North Forsyth's head coach, Scott Bridges, resigned. Mack says Vestal gave her a call and she jumped at the opportunity to coach at her alma mater.

“I'm so proud to be back at our old gym, the place where I put in so much blood, sweat and tears,” said Mack.

“Honestly, I have always

wanted to come back to North because I've always wanted to come back and coach at a place where I have played. I feel like that's a way I can give back to the places that have helped me get to the place where I am today.”

She said once Vestal stepped down from coaching the volleyball team to focus on boys’ basketball, the girls’ volleyball team

went on a slow decline.

“Recently it's been a huge rebuilding process all across the board with the team,” she said. “I personally, being a product of this program, I did not like to see how far it had declined.

Now that I have the opportunity to turn it around, I am going to do everything I can to get it back to where Vestal had it, if not further than that.”

Mack says she knows it will be a lot of effort to get the team back to where she thinks it belongs but she is up for the challenge. She said she will start with the basics and build from there.

A successful season next year is not based on wins or losses but more on building a foundation for her program going forward.

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T H E C H R ON I C LE

JU LY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7

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Heartstrings opens registration for annual Walk for Remembrance & Hope

A 2016 team gathers during the Walk for Remembrance & Hope.

Photos by Liz Nemeth Photography

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Heartstrings announces the opening of registration for its upcoming 13th annual Walk for Remembrance & Hope at Triad Park in Kernersville on Oct. 14, opening at 9 a.m.

Every year, hundreds of community members come together at this event to share their journeys after the loss of a pregnancy or infant. It is an opportunity for parents to collectively acknowledge and remember their children, and through that togetherness, grow in the hope that carries them forward.

A 2016 team gathers during the Walk for Remembrance & Hope.

This important event is open to the community and includes a Time of Remembrance Program, a reflective memorial walk, reading of baby names and a balloon release. Presenting sponsor For-tune Personnel Consultants (FPC) of Greensboro, is supporting the event in memory of Isabel Martin.

Registration information can be found at www.heartstringssupport.org. Registration costs $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-17. Friends and family are also invited to create memorial teams to compete in the Walk Fundraising Competition. Team prizes will be awarded to

the top four fundraising teams. Team donations and registration fees directly support Heartstrings programs to provide healing and hope to parents who have lost children from conception to young adulthood.

Heartstrings is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides compassionate validation, berea-vement education and hope to Triad families who have suffered pregnancy, infant and child loss through peer-based support groups and one-to-one peer mentoring.

For information on Heart-strings programs, please call 336-335-9931.

Links chapter awards scholarship, hosts Kentucky Derby event

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONILE

The Winston-Salem Chapter of The Links Inc. awarded a scholarship to a high school graduate, Aquiria Bowens. She graduated this year from Parkland High School, where she earned both her high school diploma and an International Baccalaureate Certificate.

She plans to attend North Carolina A&T University, where she intends to major in psychology and minor in criminal justice. Bowens aspires to be a psychologist for juvenile delinquents and progress to counseling criminally insane patients.

The funds for this scholarship were raised during Links’ first Kentucky Derby event held on May 6. The event was a successful gathering at the Brookberry Farm Clubhouse with nearly 200 attendees. Avon Ruffin led a team of Link members in planning and executing the event that included appetizers, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and even a contest for the women who came adorned in their Kentucky Derby hats and fascinators.

The group gathered and watched the Kentucky Derby, with those who selected the prized horse as the predicted winner receiving a gift from the Chapter.

A Run For The Roses promo is shown.

Submitted photos

Link members Jacqueline Pettiford, president, and Stephanie Palmer present the scholarship award to recipient Aquiria Bowens.

www.wschronicle.com

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Community Briefs J U LY

27, 2017

Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine opens new satellite clinic Novant Health has opened an orthopedic & sports medicine location in the Hillcrest section of WinstonSalem. Located just off of Stratford Road at 2337 Winterhaven Lane, the location provides a convenient new option for orthopedic care. Mark Schweppe, MD, will see patients at the Hillcrest location on Fridays.

He will continue seeing patients at his established Robinhood clinic in Winston-Salem. Dr. Schweppe specializes in sports medicine as well as general orthopedic surgery. For more about the practice or the new Hillcrest satellite clinic, call 336-718-7950 or visit NovantHealth.org/Orthopedics.

Money Magazine ranks WSSU one of Best Colleges in South Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) ranks as one of the Best Colleges in the South, according to rankings released by Money Magazine. WSSU is one of only two historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) on the list, at Number 42. According to the magazine, those ranked “notched the best combination of educational quality, affordability and hiearning alumni in the South.” For the rankings, Money Magazine factors in the university’s performance after subtracting the impact of the average student’s test scores and percentage of low-income students, focusing on universities that propel low-income students into upper middle class. Also, Money Magazine ranks WSSU no. 2 in North Carolina for nursing and education degrees. This is one of several recent rankings that recognize WSSU’s success elevating the social and economic well-being of its graduates. In February, CollegeNET named WSSU a “Social Mobility Innovator.”

DCCC joins consortium dedicated to advancement of men of color Davidson County Community College has joined the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL) National Consortium on College Men of Color (NCCMC). The NCCMC is the first consortium dedicated specifically to advancing success of men of color in community colleges. The NCCMC facilitates an exchange of ideas between community colleges across the nation on how best to serve men of color in community colleges. Participating institutions convene to share their efforts and learn about new strategies for enhancing the success of men of color. As a NCCMC member, DCCC will receive the benefit of information sharing and learning opportunities with community colleges nationwide, assessment tools to help evaluate programs, and access to a network of institutions also seeking to close the achievement gap for underrepresented students. DCCC’s engagement with the NCCMC will also enhance professional development for faculty and staff, enable informed interventions for current programs serving men of color, and inspire new initiatives addressing challenges facing these students.

$41,000 State Department grant will create Afro-Cuban study abroad program at WSSU Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) has been awarded a $41,000 grant from the U.S. Department of State and Partners of the Americas to develop a study abroad program focusing on the African presence in Cuba. The program will be developed in partnership with the Fernando Ortiz African Cultural Center in Santiago de Cuba and is expected to begin with a pilot in May 2018. During the pilot, students and faculty will travel to key historical and cultural locations, attend lectures and engage in dialogues and experiential learning activities. Project leaders and a small group of faculty will prepare for the pilot through curriculum development and Spanish language learning seminars. Students selected for the program also will prepare for the program via Spanish language and Cuban history and culture classes. The grant will be matched with funding from WSSU. Dr. Uchenna Vasser, associate professor of Spanish, is the principal investigator (PI), and Sekhon and Dr. James Pope, assistant professor of liberal studies, are co-PIs. WSSU is one of only 11 universities to receive funding out of a pool of 94 applicants. To read more about the program and its past and current winners, visit www.partners.net/CBG

Forsyth Technical Community College offers new Foundations of HR Certificate Starting this fall, Forsyth Tech will be offering a new certificate program, Foundations of HR. Leaders with the program say it was born out of necessity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of human resources managers is projected to grow 9 percent through 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. The employment of human resources specialists is expected to grow 5 percent during the same time period. It’s designed for entry-level HR professionals who are exploring HR as a career field, professionals who perform HR tasks as part of their daily role, line managers who have HR responsibilities and HR professionals whose experience has been in a single functional area. Students could previously get an HR certificate from Forsyth Tech. The college changed it to a Foundations of HR certificate to realign the objectives of the program with the industry’s changing needs. The first course that’s part of the certificate requirement—Essentials of Human Resources—starts this fall. The certificate can be completed within a semester or two, and is made up of five courses. Students can register right now by calling the college. Prices for each course vary based on the number of hours. For more information, contact Rob Hinshaw, director of Corporate Education, at 336-757-3707.

N.C. Distillers name Jordan Keiper ‘N.C. Spirit Ambassador’ A consortium of some 20 North Carolina distillers has named Jordan Keiper of Winston-Salem the “N.C. Spirit Ambassador.” Keiper, formerly a manager/coowner of The Tavern in Old Salem, will promote the rapidly expanding distilled spirits industry in the state and work with restaurants, bars and employees to use to best advantage the North Carolina distilled spirits on their shelves. Among his duties, he will be arranging special events and tastings. Keiper is an experienced hospitality industry professional. He is a graduate of the culinary program at Guilford Technical Community College. While individual distilleries have representatives, North Carolina may be the first state to organize a consortium to advocate for a statewide spirits industry. North Carolina’s Spirit Ambassador can be contacted at Jordan@sippingnc.ws or by calling 336.287.4348.

Community Calendar

Today, July 27 – 14th Street Reunion Meeting The 14th Street School Alumni are preparing for a Talent Show/Karaoke Annual Reunion and want any and all that attended 14th Street School to polish up those talents and sign up to perform. The next meeting will be Thursday, July 27 at the 14th Street Recreation Center at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Alfred Harvey @ 336-414-9241 or Nate Williams @ 336-391-3556.

Today, July 27 – Workshop Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods will be hosting an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) workshop on Thursday, July 27 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. This workshop is an awesome way to establish a solid foundation in social innovation and sustainable community development. Meals and snacks are provided with registration. The workshop will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2400 Dellabrook Road, Winston Salem.

For more information, call 336-4738859.

Now – Aug. 6 – Summer Musical The Stained Glass Playhouse announces its summer musical: Annie. Performances will be held at Stained Glass Playhouse, located at 4401 Indiana Ave. in Winston-Salem.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors (60+) and teachers, and $12 for students. For more information about the show and the incredible cast, visit stainedglassplayhouse.org/annie/.

Performance dates and times are: Fridays, July 21, 28, and Aug. 4 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, July 22, 29, and Aug. 5 at 8 p.m.; Sundays, July 23, 30 and Aug. 6 at 3 p.m.

Today, July 27-29 – Music Festival The Moravian will hold a music festival on July 23-29. On Thursday, July 27, 7:30 p.m., Calvary Moravian Church will host the Festival Band and Chamber Ensembles Concert, in the sanctuary, 600 Holly Ave NW, Winston-Salem, ; Home Moravian Church will present the Festival Children’s Choir in concert on Friday, July 28, 2 p.m. Sing, O Ye Heavens! The Festival Chorus and Orchestra will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Williams Auditorium, WinstonSalem State University. Saturday, July 29, 9:30 a.m., there will be final performances of several instrumental groups, along with some hymn singing at Mit Freuden zart: Singstunde: The Festival Trombone Choir, Festival Handbell Choir, Chamber Ensembles at Home Moravian Church. The concerts will be free and open to the public.

For more information, visit www.MoravianMusicFestival.org.

Now- July 31 – Christmas in July MudPies will launch Give-AKid-A-Chance campaign during the month of July. Christmas in July will raise money for scholarships to be able to provide for children whose families may not otherwise be able to afford the best quality care. We are raising scholarship dollars and supplies of all kinds for teachers and children. Collection boxes will be available at the centers (Downtown East is at 251 E. 7 Street).

Now-Aug. 22 – Summer Kids Flicks series Southern Theatres will offer a Summer Kids Flicks series – a community outreach program designed to help families with out of school kids find fun, affordable entertainment during the summer months. In Winston-Salem, the Winston-Salem Grand 18, 5601 University Parkway, Winston-Salem, will carry the movies.

Summer Schedule: 8/1/2017 8/2/2017 Hotel Transylvania 2 8/8/2017 8/9/2017 The Secret Life of Pets 8/15/2017 8/16/2017 The Lego Movie 8/22/2017 8/23/2017 Lego Batman

Now - Sept. 7 – Caregiver Classes Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes will host 6-week classes for anyone caring for a loved one who is frail or ill. One class will take place on Wednesdays, July 12-Aug. 16, 4-6 p.m., at The SECU Family House, 1970 Baldwin Lane, Winston-Salem.

A second class will be held on Thursdays, Aug. 3-Sept. 7, 4-6 p.m., at Centenary United Methodist Church, 646 West Fifth Street, Winston-Salem. There is no charge, but donations are accepted.

Registration is required. To register or get information, call Linda Lewis

at 336-748-0217.

July 28-29 – One-Act Plays Spring Theatre will present two new one-act plays, Conversations by Grace Reasoner and Make A Wish by Abby Howell, at the Mountcastle Theatre, 251 N. Spruce Street in Winston-Salem. Performances will be held Friday, July 28 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, July 29 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased by calling the box office at (336) 7471414 or by ordering online at http://www.rhodesartscenter.org/mak e-a-wish-conversations/.

July 28 – Sethos White Party Sethos will host a White “with a Touch of Color” Party on July 28 at the Hawthorne Inn (this is a venue change). The party will be from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. Tickets are $10 per person and there will be a cash bar.

July 29 – Sethos #105 70th Anniversary Sethos #105 will celebrate its 70th anniversary on July 29 at 7 p.m.

Keynote speaker will be Congressman James Clyburn. The event will take place at the Hawthorne Inn. Tickets are $45 per person. Call Lisa Smith at 336-7881679 or Wyvonia Attucks at 336-7258071 for tickets.

July 29 – Summer Praise Benefit Concert Sister2Sister International Outreach Ministry Inc. will be holding its third annual “Summer Praise Benefit Concert” on Saturday, July 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. Admission is free, and a love offering will be collected. The benefit concert will be held at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 1046 Miller Street, WinstonSalem, and all proceeds will go to support Sister2Sister. For more information, contact Purity Ruchugo (336-655-0347) or Alfred Clemonts/Event Coordinator (336624-5577).

July 30 – Blood Drive Community Blood Center of the Carolinas will host a blood drive on July 30 at Robinhood Road Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 5422 Robinhood Road from 2- 5 p.m.

More public drives can be found at Community Blood Center of the Carolinas’ website www.cbcc.us.

CBCC has donation centers in Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Hickory, and Greensboro (http://www.cbcc.us/about/donorcenter-hours.php for center hours).

Aug. 1—Forsyth County Genealogical Society Meeting The Forsyth County Genealogical Society will meet Tuesday, Aug. 1, in the auditorium of the Reynolda Manor Branch of the Forsyth County Public Library, 2839 Fairlawn Drive, Winston-Salem, 27106. A social period will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the program will begin at 7 p.m. All meetings are free and open to the public.

Aug. 1-2 – Public Hearing The Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) will hold public hearings. During these hearings, the City, County, and HAWS will present key findings of the assessment and related fair housing goals, and accept comments on the draft. All meetings are open to the general public. The hearings will be held on the following dates and locations: *Aug. 1 at 5:30-6:30 p.m., 5th Floor Public Meeting Room, Stuart Municipal Building, 100 East First Street, Winston-Salem *Aug. 2 at 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Walkertown Public Library Auditorium, 2969 Main Street, Walkertown Aug. 1-2—Concert Drama The National Black Theatre Festival presents a Little Girl Blue on Aug. 1-2 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Little Girl Blue is a concert drama written & directed by Nathan Ross Freeman and will be at Ring Theatre, Wake Forest University, 834 Wake Forest Drive, Winston-Salem, . Tickets are $41. For more information, contact (336) 723-2266 or www.ncblackrep.org.

Aug. 3-- Coyote Workshop Forsyth County Agriculture Center, 1450 Fairchild Road, will host a coyote management workshop on Aug. from 6-9 p.m. The event is free, but pre-registration is required.

Register by email: coop-ext-registration@forysth.cc or by phone at 336703-2850.

Aug. 3—Fish Fry Delta Arts Center will have a "Fish Fry, Fixin's & Fun" on Thursday, Aug. 3, 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. during the National Black Theatre

Festival. Enjoy live music from Diana Tuffin & Company, good food and lots of southern hospitality. To purchase tickets, call 336-722-2625.

Aug. 3-4 — National Black Theatre Festival Feature Film The Last Revolutionary,” a new feature film directed by Michael Brewer starring John Marshall Jones (Bosch, Rectify, Call of Duty), Levy Lee Simon and celebrated actress, Marla Gibbs, with its’ striking musical track by two-time Grammy Award Nominee, Geri Allen, has been selected to showcase at the 2017 National Black Theater and Film Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The film will be shown at the Aperture Theater located at 411 W. Fourth Street on Friday, Aug. 3 and Saturday, Aug. 4. Both screenings will at 10 a.m. followed by director and producers Q&A.

Aug. 3, 10 & 31—Board of Equalization Meeting The 2017 Board of Equalization and Review will meet on Thursdays Aug. 3, 10 and 31 at 3 p.m. in the Board of Equalization and Review room, located on the first floor of the Forsyth County Government Center, 201 North Chestnut Street, WinstonSalem, North Carolina.

Aug. 5 – One-Day family camp at Old Salem Old Salem Museums & Gardens is hosting a One-Day Family Camp on Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This camp is suitable for children in grades 3–8 and their parents or grandparents. Discover the past and experience hands-on history with your child or grandchild at Old Salem and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Everyone participates in each activity. The pottery that you create will be fired, glazed, and ready for pickup in Sept..

For more information, contact Darlee Snyder at 336-721-7390 or dsnyder@oldsalem.org. The cost is $50 per person and $45 for Friends of Salem.

Aug. 7—Medicare Workshop Compass Financial Services will offer its informational “Lunch and Learn: Medicare” workshop on Monday, Aug. 7, at Bleu Restaurant & Bar, 3425 Frontis Street in Winston-Salem. The workshop begins at 11:15 a.m.; arrive 15 minutes early. There is no cost for the workshop and lunch, but registration is recommended. For more information or to register, call 336-768-5111.

Aug. 8 – NC 2282 NCEM Access and Functional Need course The NC 2282 NCEM Access and Functional Needs course will be offered in Forsyth County on Tuesday, Aug. 8 from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. The workshop will take place at the Forsyth County Public Safety Center’s EOC located at 301 N. Church Street in Winston-Salem.

Aug. 9 – Board of Social Services Monthly Meeting The Forsyth County Board of Social Services has been rescheduled and will meet on Wednesday Aug. 9, at 11:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Forsyth County Department of Social Services, 5th Floor Board Room, 741 North Highland Ave. Winston Salem, NC. Aug. 10-26 —10th Summerfest Music Carolina SummerFest (formerly the Carolina Summer Music Festival) celebrates its tenth season in Winston-Salem with an exciting array of concerts from Aug. 10-26.

Tickets for all Music Carolina SummerFest concerts besides those at Muddy Creek Music Hall can be purchased at musiccarolina.org after July 1, and remain extremely affordable, ranging from $5 to $24 with all fees and taxes included in the price.

For additional information, visit musiccarolina.org.

Aug. 11 — Marguerite’s Coffee House Marguerite’s Coffee House, a free monthly open mic event, that will be held on Aug. 11 from 7-9 p.m. This month features artist Julian Charles, a photographer, musician, and environmental activist who recently settled in North Carolina from New Zealand.

Performers of all kinds are invited to contribute solo acts and participate in a group jam and audience sing-along.

A light supper is provided (participants are welcome to bring appetizers and desserts). Contact coffeehouse@uufws.org for information.

Aug. 14-15 & 17 – Youth Choir Auditions The Winston-Salem Youth Chorus invites children 3rd-12th grade to audition for the 2017-2018 season, which begins on Aug. 28.

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R ELIGION T H E C H R ON I C LE

Elder Richard Wayne Wood Sunday School Lesson

The Call of Amos

Lesson Scripture: Amos 7:10-17

By the end of this lesson, we will *Appreciate Amos’s circumstance relative to God’s call. *Know that God’s call is not determined by our circumstances. *Understand that God’s call is a sovereign appointment.

Background: The time is 762 B.C. and takes place in Bethel. Amaziah was the priest of Bethel and led the people in idol worship … those golden calves again. God’s judgment against Israel was moderate in comparison to His first thought … without warning to first have locust destroy the crops and farmland and then burn it all down.

But, Amos’s plea of “Lord God, please stop! How can Jacob stand, for he is small?” (verse 7:4) changed God’s mind, and instead He separated the righteous from the unrighteous with a plumb line. Because of His message, Amos has been called “the burden bearer.”

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Pre-teen starts own nonprofit to help less fortunate

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY THE CHRONICLE

Kyndall Williams has always had a heart for giving back according to her mother April Reich. Not only does she give back through her nonprofit foundation, The Kyndall Project, but she has also written two books while only being a rising sixth grader.

The Kyndall Project, which was started January 2016, provides year round nutritional healthy snacks, gently used books, school supplies and backpacks to low-income families, schools and shelters.

Kyndall believes that children should never go hungry when they leave school See Project on B6

Kyndall Williams, left, stands with her mother, April Reich.

Photo by Timothy Ramsey

Church started in funeral home celebrates 40th year

Lesson: We open with Amaziah, the priest telling Jeroboam the King of Israel that Amos was prophesying that the king would die and the people would go into captivity. He also tells Amos to go back to Judah where he’s from and prophesy there; pointing out that Bethel is under the jurisdiction and authority of the king (verses 10-13).

Amos responds to Amaziah by first letting him know that he was not there by choice. He explained that he was perfectly happy as a shepherd and farmer, but the Lord bumped him up to prophet saying, “Go, prophesy unto my people Israel,” not Judah and speak the truth and call them to repentance (verse 15).

Amaziah refused to listen (bad mistake) to Amos’ message, causing Amos to be more explicit with the message and personal … including the future of his wife as a prostitute, the death of his children by the sword and his own death. Jeroboam would also die, ending with Israel in captivity. The temple at Bethel, a place of idol worship, would be destroyed completely. Contrary to Jeroboam and Amaziah’s belief, God’s jurisdiction and authority Photos by Timothy Ramsey extended far beyond Bethel and Israel. God’s judgment Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church was joined by Field of God for sin encompasses the entire world as we know it (The Outreach Ministries for its 40th anniversary celebration.

Mac Arthur Study Bible and UMI Annual Commentary 2016-2017).

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY sary service. His THE CHRONICLE message was that, For Your Consideration: Why do you think God even though people used a plumb line to judge His people? Is the divide as The big churches in a city normally get a lot of the may hear a mesclear today as God made it then? Why or why not? In a press and recognition for the things they do, and rightfully sage they may not real way Amos never stopped being a shepherd … how so. But the small community churches have and always have absorbed it, so will be the lifeblood of the community. Celebrating 40 sometimes the passo? years, Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church just held its tor has to reiterate the point at a later Life’s Application: Like Amos, often times we are anniversary on Sunday, July 23.

Greater St. Matthew was founded in June 1977 by the date.

He also called by God to situations unfamiliar and out of our scope of readiness and understanding. With that type sit- Rev. C. Harold Gill Sr. In July '77, the initial worship serv- touched on not letice was held at Hooper's Funeral Home. The church ting things set us The Rev. William J. Purvis Sr. uation comes backlash and even rejection, the only way to moved to their current location at 149 N. Wheeler St. a back from our survive it is to be secure in your call. God’s call “is” what year later. goals in life. qualifies you, not the training or past experience.

The Rev. William J. Purvis Sr., the current pastor, Purvis says over his 25 years as pastor of Greater St. Training is helpful, but the call keeps you going when became the pastor of Greater St. Matthew in May 1992. Matthew, he has seen peaks and valleys when it comes to everyone and everything is against you (UMI Annual Purvis' main focus was to get the church family to attend the numbers of the church and the faith of some members.

Commentary 2016-2017).

Sunday school and Bible study to learn the Word of God. He says they are now growing spiritually, which is most This continues to be his focus to this day. important.

The church was joined in its celebration by Field of “We all have to go through something, but thankfully God Ministries out of Winston-Salem, where Bishop God is growing us back,” he said. “This is the first time Donald Keaton is senior pastor. The service began with a our congregations have worshiped together, but the Word devotional period that lifted the spirits of many in the con- is something that has been spoken before.” gregation followed by a choir selection.

Bishop Keaton delivered the sermon for the anniverSee Church on B6

www.wschronicle.com

Today, July 27 Vacation Bible School Great Commission Community Church and Redeemer Presbyterian Winston-Salem are partnering for Vacation Bible Study 2017 on July 24-27. The theme this year is “Passport To Peru!” VBS is open to all children ages 4-11. A community dinner will be hosted each night from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. and is free and open to the public. VBS will take place from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. each night. For more information or to register your children, contact the church office at 336-577-3420. #GC3IsThePlaceToBe Now-July 28 Vacation Bible School Dr. Dennis Leach Sr. of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1400 Fitch Street, Winston-Salem, hosts the 2017 Vacation Bible School Monday, July 24 through Friday, July 28 from 5:15 p.m. until 8:05 p.m.

The theme for this year is “Glow for Jesus.” There are classes for everyone. For more information, contact the church office at 336-418-2003.

CALENDAR

July 29 Yard Sale and Car Wash Great Commission Community Church will be hosting a yard sale and car wash on Saturday, July 29 at 3733 Ogburn Ave., Winston-Salem. The yard sale will be from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. The car wash will be from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Cars will cost $10, vans and SUVs will be $15. Food vendors are welcome.

July 29 Gospel Singing The City of Winston-Salem will be hosting “Gospel in the Park” on July 29 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The event will take place at the Gathering Place at Fairview Park, 1690 E. 19th St. There will also be food trucks, merchandize vendors, kettle corn and Italian ice.

Residents are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. For more information call CityLink 311.

July 30 Family, Friends and Missionary Day

The Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 1905 N. Jackson Ave., will be having Family and Friends and Missionary Day on Sunday July 30 at the 11 a.m. service. Paul W. Hart, pastor of Pilgrim Rest, will be the speaker. All are invited to come.

July 30 Healing and Deliverance Crusade Mount Sinai Full Gospel Deliverance Center, 2721 Manchester St., will host a Healing and Deliverance Crusade on Sunday, July 30 at 7 p.m. Attendees will receive a consecrated bottle of anointing oil. For additional information, contact the church office at 336-7222624 or msfgdc@bellsouth.net. Rev. Yvonne H. Hines is senior pastor.

July 30 Worship Services Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of WinstonSalem, 4055 Robinhood Road, will have worship service

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Skit highlights playwright’s work

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SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Union Baptist Church women performed a skit titled "The Many Hats That Women Wear," by Sabrina Stowe and Dr. Felecia Piggott-Long.

Submitted photo

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and should always have access to books to enhance their learning and to expand their minds.

The 11-year-old is a soon-to-be middle school student at Forsyth Academy and wrote her first book at the age of 7.

She says everything started out as a school project but as she noticed the tremendous need of certain students, she and her mother decided to start the Kyndall Project, which took off at a rocket pace.

“I wanted to help kids with school supplies and book bags because I saw people in our community who did not have that, so I decided to make a school project out of it and out of that came the Kyndall Project,” Williams said.

“When I saw that some kids didn't have what they needed for school, I wanted to help them with that.”

Her books,”How Tara the Turkey Escaped Being

Thanksgiving Dinner” and “Sara's School HAIR Blues” came about after her mother challenged her to express her thoughts in a book that could help other students.

On Aug. 12, the Kyndall Project will hold its second annual “Back to School Jam” at Rupert Bell Park from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Last year they were able to bless 160 children with backpacks (with school supplies), healthy snacks, free food and ice cream and more.

This year the project is on track to increase the number of backpacks given away to over 400, along with free haircuts and hairstyles for little girls and boys to get them ready to start the new school year.

Kyndall's mother says she saw the potential in Kyndall as a young child.

She said Kyndall is a straight-A student with a heart for others. Reich, who is also the foundations executive director, says she put her career on hold to

make sure the Kyndall Project reaches its full potential. Reich says they pray every day and keep God in mind with everything they do with the Kyndall Project.

“Without God, we have nothing,” Reich said.

“Whatever we have going on, we always seek God first. People sometimes say we may not get as many donations because we are faith-based, but my God tells me anything can happen. If they don't like it, someone else will love it.”

Kyndall is also interested in acting as well as being an accomplished dancer. She dances with Positive Image Performing Arts (PIPA). She and her mother are thankful for the dance studio and the parents for their continued support of the Kyndall Project. They also say they are thankful for their sponsors for their contributions as well.

Williams says she wants to continue to grow the Kyndall Project to help

Rel. Cal.

Kyndall Williams has written two children's books: “How Tara the Turkey Escaped Being Thanksgiving Dinner,” and “Sara's School HAIR Blues.”

Photo by Timothy Ramsey

as many children as possible. She said it makes her feel good inside to know that she is helping another person. She and her mother eventually would like to include arts, travel and literacy all together to expose

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on July 30. At the 10:30 a.m. service, the Rev. Lisa Schwartz will offer a spontaneous “Question Box” sermon. At the Forum at 9:15 a.m., Dr. Eric Tomlinson, president of the Wake Forest University Innovation Quarter, will describe what’s going on down there. At Explorations at 9:15 a.m., Dr. Gloria Fitzgibbon will discuss Larry Rasmussen’s “EarthHonoring Faith: A New Perspective on Ethics.” For more information, visit UUFWS.org.

Aug. 2 Volunteer Training Faith in Action will conduct volunteer training on Aug. 2 from 9:30 a.m.-noon. The training will take place at The Shepherd’s Center, 1700 Ebert St. Call Drea Parker at 336748-0217 or email dparker@shepherdscenter.org to register for the Aug. 2 training and learn more about how you can support older adults in the Greater Winston-Salem area.

Bishop Donald Keaton steps down out of the pulpit during his sermon for Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church’s 40th anniversary.

Photos by Timothy Ramsey

Church

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“The Word continues to touch the faithful people that are still here,” he continued. “The worship service was a blessing and encouraging because no matter what, we have to go on. I can tell that it blessed everyone that was there.”

Purvis says he would love to see his congregation grow so there are no empty seats in the house. He says he wants to stay in the same building, though.

“Once we get filled, I want to send members to another church that needs their help,” he said. “I don't want to build a bigger church; I'd rather teach them to an empty church that needs help. Unless God instructs me to do something different, this is what I would love to see 25 years from now.”

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Dr. Felecia Piggott-Long, author of the book “The North Carolina Black Repertory Company: 25 Marvtastic Years,” and longtime participant with the N.C. Black Rep, is keeping her playwrighting skills in tact.

Women's Day at Union Baptist Church featured a skit titled "The Many Hats That Women Wear," by Sabrina Stowe and Piggott-Long.

Two events that were included in the skit the women performed featured two historical traditions from The South: the box supper and the silver tea.

The women of the church honored First Lady Kim Mack on Women's Day, also on Sunday, May 21. The pastor is Bishop Sir Walter Mack Jr.

Aug. 6 81st Church Anniversary Holy Trinity for Gospel Fellowship center will celebrate its 81st church anniversary on Aug. 6.

The guest speaker for the 11 a.m. service will be minister Richard C. Miller Jr. from Chesapeake Virginia.

At 4 p.m., the evening guest speaker will be Pastor Anthony Williams and the Love Fellowship Center from Charlotte. For more information, please contact the church administrative office at 336-784-9347.

Aug. 6-9 Homecoming and Revival Bethania A.M.E. Zion Church, 2120 Bethania-Rural Hall Road, will hold its annual Homecoming and Revival Services on Aug. 6-9. At 11 a.m., Rev. Dr. Karen Roberts Miller, pastor of Bethania A.M.E. Zion Church, will deliver the message. At 3 p.m., Rev. Dairl Scott Jr., pastor of Center Grove A.M.E. Zion Church will be the speaker. Speakers for Aug. 7- Aug. 9 are as follows: Aug. 7, Rev. Richard K. Watts Jr., pastor of Rickards Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church; Aug. 8, Rev. Dr. Calvin L. Miller, presiding elder of the Winston-Salem District; Aug. 9, Rev. Clarence Marlin, pastor of Fairview Heights Baptist Church, Salisbury.

All evening services will begin at 7 p.m. The public is invited. For more information, call 336-924-1706.

Beginning Aug. 7 Divorce and Grief Sessions

the kids in the foundation to more that what they see in their own communities.

“I really like helping people and when people tell me thank you, I like it,” she said. “I want the foundation to expand and con-

The Stephen Ministry of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 450 Metropolitan Drive, Winston Salem, will host 13-week sessions of DivorceCare from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and GriefShare from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. beginning Monday, Aug.7. The sessions feature biblical principles for healing. For additional information, please call 336-7611358.

Aug. 9 Open Enrollment Ephesus Jr. Academy, 1225 North Cleveland Ave., will open Aug. 9. The academy serves students in grades one through eight.

The academy offers a positive, challenging learning environment that emphasizes academic excellence, character development and a strong commitment to serving God and man. The academy accepts the N.C. Opportunity Scholarship @ www.ncseaa.edu/OSG.htm. For further information, call 336-723-3140 or email the administration at bbailey@sacsda.org.

Aug. 11-12 Social Justice Symposium An intergenerational group of faith leaders will be hosting a Social Justice Symposium titled "Dikaiosune" on Aug. 11-12 at Carver Road Church of Christ. The symposium begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening, and continues on Saturday with a full day of programming beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Aug. 12 Bishop Ordination Ceremony JC Hash Ministerial Alliance will host a Bishop Ordination Ceremony for nine pastors on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 2 p.m. It will be held at St. Peter’s World Outreach Center, Inc., 3683 Old Lexington Road, Winston Salem. The ordination ceremony is free and open to the public. There will also be a Commemorative Banquet Gala at 6 p.m. at the Benton Convention Center. Tickets for the banquet are $50. For more information, call 336-650-0200.

The Bishop-Elects to be consecrated and commissioned at the ceremony are the following: Pastor Rodney AshbyGenerations Church, Lewisville Pastor Simpson Baker-High Point Christian Center, High Point Pastor Sidney Beamer-Mt. Calvary International-English Church, Charlotte Pastor Quentin Boger-Word of Reconciliation Ministries, High Point Pastor Barry Camp-The Rising Church, Morganton, NC

tinue to help more people each year.”

Kyndall says she would like to become a dancer or a doctor when she grows up, but first wants to graduate from Harvard University.

Pastor Eric Gladney-Oak Springs Missionary Baptist Church, Stokesdale, NC Elder Reuben Hash-Reuben Hash Ministries, Winston-Salem Pastor Rick McLeod-Total Restoration Ministries, Thomasville Pastor Pam Phillips-Word of Truth International Life Center, Winston-Salem

Aug. 13-18 Annual Church Revival New Hope A.M.E. Zion Church of 7000 Shallowford Rd. Lewisville will celebrate its annual Revival/Reunion on Aug. 13-18. On Aug. 13, New Hope’s pastor, Rev. Dairl L. Scott Sr., will deliver the 11 a.m. message. Rev. Tyquan Alston of Swift Street A.M.E. Zion Church of Greensboro, will deliver the message at 3 p.m. Lunch will be served at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is cordially invited. The services for the week will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, contact 336-945-9083 or 336- 945-5618. The speakers for the week are: Aug.14- Rev. Marvin Harper of Tabernacle United Church of Christ of Yadkinville, NC Aug. 15-Rev James Grant of New Patterson Grove Faith Church of East Bend, NC Aug. 16- Rev. Daryl R. Napper, Sr. of First Baptist Church of Lexington, NC Aug. 17- Rev. Maurice Maxwell of Buncombe Baptist Church of Lexington, NC Aug. 18- Rev. Dairl L. Scott, Jr. of Center Grove A.M.E. Zion Church of Tobaccoville Ongoing

Sundays Free breakfast Love Fellowship Outreach Church, 205 E. 25th Street, offers a free community breakfast at 10:30 a.m. before Sunday morning Worship at 11 a.m. Family & Friends Day is every third Sunday, with a free fellowship dinner served immediately following worship.

Wednesday Night Bible Study is held weekly at 6:30 p.m. Apostle Antonio L. Johnson Sr. is the pastor.

Tuesdays Men Helping Men Be Men All men young and old are invited to fellowship with Calvary Hill Church of Greater Deliverance Inc., 4951 Manning Street, during Men Helping Men Be Men every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, contact 336-744-3012.

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The 2016 Veterans Service staff of Goodwill Industries of Northwest N.C. is shown.

Submitted photos

This is the AmVets 2017 Outstanding Veteran Employer Award given to Goodwill Industries of Northwest N.C.

Goodwill Industries ‘honored’ to receive veterans award

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, which serves 31 counties, has received AmVets 2017 Outstanding Veteran Employer Award. The award is given to companies who are dedicated to hiring and retaining veterans and their families.

"This is a huge honor for us,” said Sherry Carpenter, director of Workforce Development Services for Goodwill. "We pride ourselves on our service to and relationships with the Veterans in our community, and we are proud to be a resource for them."

Goodwill Industries of Northwest N.C. is engaged in a variety of essential programs and services for veterans, among them:

Operation: GoodJobs A national program that helps veterans and their families find meaningful work and gain financial stability. In May 2017, Goodwill Industries of Northwest N.C. was one of 10 Goodwill agencies nation-

wide selected to be part of “Operation: GoodJobs 3.0”, supported by a $5 million commitment from the Walmart Foundation. Each site commits to serving 500 veterans through April 2020.

NC Works Goodwill partners with other agencies that serve veterans in order to reach program participants and meet their needs.

The partners include N.C. Works, the Veterans Administration, N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and NC Military Affairs Commission.

Compensated Work Therapy In Asheville, Goodwill’s Veterans Services staff have partnered with the Compensated Work Therapy, or CWT, program at the Charles George Veterans Administration. CWT now requires the veterans in its program to enroll with Goodwill’s program, and devote time to computer job searching. Since implementing this partnership, job placements among CWT participants have increased from 35 percent to 70 percent.

VIEW In Salisbury, Goodwill staff work with both CWT and the VA to present VIEW – the Veterans Intake Employment Workshop. In addition to learning about Goodwill’s services, veterans can meet with Vocational Rehabilitation, N.C. Works, and other agencies. This model streamlines services and removes the transportation barrier that prevents so many from accessing the services they need.

Transitional Home In Statesville, Goodwill staff provide support to the Statesville Veterans Transitional Home (which opened last June). The Goodwill Veterans Services and Project Re-entry programs provide job training and placement services to its residents.

N.C. Serves Goodwill is a service provider for veterans through N.C. Serves, and can assist them with submitting service requests for

Marva Reid honored by African-American Democratic caucus

BY CHENITA JOHNSON SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Marva Reid is the 2017 recipient of the Jacquelyne B. Barber Excellence in Community Leadership Award.

The African American Caucus (AAC) of the Forsyth County Democratic Party Jacquelyne Barber Branch award was presented to her on Saturday, July 22, at the annual AAC Cookout at Winston Lake Park.

The award spotlights integrity and positive community leadership.

A community activist and advocate, Marva Reid is known throughout Winston-Salem for tireless work in her community.

She is unapologetic about helping to give pride and dignity to residents of the East Ward in WinstonSalem.

Her various community affiliations include working with the community to develop the East Ward Safe Coalition, an organization of various East Winston associations

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

a wide range of services, including: benefits, disability, education, employment, financial assistance, healthcare, housing and legal aid.

Walk-In Clinics Goodwill hosted quarterly VA Walk-in Claims Clinics, where veterans can meet face-to-face with VA representatives to learn about the status of their claims and, in many cases, resolve obstacles that had delayed their claims.

About Goodwill Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina is a nonprofit organization covering 31 counties in northwest North Carolina. It has been providing employment and training services since 1926.

Through the sale of donated items in its stores, Goodwill funds programs that help people find hope, opportunity and jobs.

Goodwill is recognized nationally as one of the most efficient charities - channeling 90 percent of revenues to mission and sustainability.

For more information, visit www.goodwillnwnc.org.

to work with police to combat the crime trying to creep into the East Winston neighborhoods; and The 14th Street Alumni, who will present an official historical marker for the 14th Street School and time capsule on Sept. 16.

Reid is also active with the M.L.K. Street Scape, which will display local art work along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and her passion for AfricanAmericans to support their community and strength by participating in the political process through their right to vote.

Her indomitable spirit never sees a problem, but always an opportunity.

This is what caused her continuous fight at City Hall until there is now a water park in the future of Submitted photo East Winston Salem.

Marva Reid is presented the Jacquelyne B. Barber Marva Reid was pre- Excellence in Community Leadership Award. sented her award with various community leaders, Harold Lee Hairston “Ike” Howard (2016).

Chenita Johnson is AAC members and friends (2011), “Hollywood Cuts” Barber Shop (2012), president of the African in attendance.

Prior recipients of the Bobby Wilson (2013), American Caucus FCDPJacquelyne B. Barber Larry Womble (2014), Jacquelyne Barber Branch.

S. Wayne Excellence in Community Attorney Patterson (2015) and Isaac Leadership Award are

Winston-Salem awarded grant to prepare for terrorist attacks

Winston-Salem has been awarded a $1.87 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop, implement and practice a sustainable, regional approach for responding to a coordinated terrorist attack.

The competitive grant for $1,868,050 was among 29 grants totaling $35.9 million to state, regional and local governments under the Program to Prepare Communities for Complex Coordinated

Terrorist Attacks. WinstonSalem’s was the fifthlargest grant overall and the largest awarded to a local government.

Officials will use the grant to address gaps in regional public safety resources for responding to a complex, coordinated terrorist attack. These gaps were identified during a 2014 training session for local officials at FEMA’s training facility in Emmitsburg, Md. Once this process is complete, the grant will fund a region-wide series of training exercises to practice the response plan.

The city’s grant application received heavy support from Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis and from Rep. Virginia Foxx.

On the local level, both the Winston-Salem City Council and the Forsyth County Commissioners were intimately involved in preparation of the grant application.

Council Member Denise D. Adams, who said, “It was important for me to attend the Emmitsburg training in Maryland,” led that effort.

“Cities and communities must be prepared to protect against and respond to coordinated attacks. This

grant will allow us to be prepared, and help us prepare other jurisdictions,” she continued.

Mayor Allen Joines said, “Ensuring that our citizens are safe and as fully protected as possible during these times of terrorist attacks and other violence is the highest calling of a local government. I am very pleased that WinstonSalem was chosen to receive this grant that will allow us to take our planning to an even higher level.”

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The kids at the community day enjoy jumping on the trampoline.

Photo by timothy Ramsey

Nonprofit holds community day

the hooPS4l.Y.F.e. nonprofit organization continues to spread its reach throughout Forsyth County. on Friday, July 21 it held a community day to enhance its presence in the community and provide a good meal for everyone in attendance. the organization also brought in Farm Fresh healthy living (FFhl), which is a local initiative to address the limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables among lowincome families through a program combining education and empowerment.

FFhl is based out of Wake Forest School of Medicine. hannah Kinzer and Augusta Groeschel, interns with FFhl, said they were excited to be a part of the community day. they said their goal is to expand their communication with the

lower income areas of Forsyth County that may be in need of their services.

“We were invited to come out to this community day to better know the community we will be working with,” said Groeschel. “through the Farm Fresh healthy living program, we work with five local organizations to try and improve nutritional access for families in the city that are being under served.

Brittany Ward, hooPS4l.Y.F.e. founder and director, says she was overjoyed to have the chance to share this experience with her surrounding community. “the purpose of today was to engage the neighbors and to make them aware of the resources that are available to them,” Ward said. “to have other agencies come into the neighborhood to meet and greet the people is great.”

SPeCiAl to the ChRoniCle

any blood donations for more than four days.

BY tiMothY RAMSeY the ChRoniCle

Nearly 70 people came out to enjoy the HOOPS4L.Y.F.E. Community day last Friday, July 21.

During the community day, the people were treated to music provided by a DJ, hamburgers and hot dogs from the grill along with free donated items to select from. Ward attempt-

ed to have Rakeem Jones come and speak to the kids at the community day but he was unable to attend.

Jones was punched in the face at a Donald trump rally in Fayetteville on

March 9, 2016, and wanted to speak to the kids about the importance of making smart decisions, as they can impact their lives forever going forward.

Ward says she was

pleased with the turnout of the event. She said it was great to see the community come out and support her as well as having the opportunity to support them.

Red Cross blood shortage continues thousands of people have responded to the emergency call for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July, but there continues to be a critical summer blood shortage. eligible donors of all types are urgently needed.

After issuing the emergency call, the Red Cross has experienced a 30 percent increase in blood donation appointments through mid-July. About half of the appointments were scheduled by donors using the free Blood Donor App or at redcrossblood.org. Despite this improvement, blood products are still being distributed to hospitals as fast as donations are coming in, so more donations are needed to meet patient needs and replenish the blood supply. “the blood supply is like a cell phone battery, it constantly needs recharging,” said Maya Franklin of the Carolinas Blood Services Region. “We sincerely appreciate those who have responded to the call to help save lives and encourage those who haven’t to consider rolling up a sleeve and give the gift of life. it only takes about an hour but can mean a lifetime for patients.” nearly 61,000 fewer blood donations than needed were given through the Red Cross in May and June, prompting the emergency call for donations in early July. the shortfall was the equivalent of the Red Cross not receiving

How to help

to schedule an appointment to donate, use the Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1800-ReD CRoSS (1-800733-2767).

Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce the time it takes to donate.

As a special thank you, those who come out to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross from July 26 through Aug. 31 will be emailed a $5 target eGiftCard.

Who blood and platelet donations help

Blood shortages could lead to delays in patient care, something Arthur Bourget learned firsthand after being diagnosed with leukemia in July 2007.

When he arrived for his second blood transfusion, he was told the blood he needed was not available. he waited eight hours for blood to arrive and to receive the transfusion he needed that day. “one thing that i committed to my wife was that i was going to beat leukemia, no matter what, and i was going to do that,” said Bourget. “But what i wasn’t going to be able to do was survive without the blood that i needed.”

Bourget went into remission following a successful treatment plan, which included 28 blood and 34 platelet transfu-

Kavitha Gadiraju gives a whole blood donation. sions. he has been a faithful advocate for blood donations ever since. “if it wasn’t for the generosity of volunteer blood donors, i would not be here today,” he said.

“My daughter would not have a father, and my wife would not have a husband. thank you and please give blood. You may never know the life you have saved, but i guarantee they will never forget you.”

Upcoming blood donation opportunities through-Aug. 15:

Clemmons 7/29/2017: 1 p.m. 5:30 p.m., Re/Max Preferred Properties, 3844 Clemmons Road Kernersville 7/31/2017: 8 a.m. 1:30 p.m., novant health Kernersville Medical Center, 1750 Kernersville Medical Parkway 8/7/2017: 2 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Kernersville Wesleyan Church/Family

life Center, 930 north Main Street Lewisville 8/2/2017: 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., lewisville Fire Station, 216 lewisvilleClemmons Road Pfafftown 7/30/2017: 12 p.m. 4:30 p.m., Brookstown United Methodist Church, 6274 Yadkinville Road 8/15/2017: 3 p.m. 7:30 p.m., Pfafftown Baptist Church, 4336 transou Road Rural Hall 7/29/2017: 9 a.m. 1:30 p.m., Rural hall Moravian Church, 7939 Broad Street Walkertown 8/4/2017: 2 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Morris Chapel Methodist Church, 2715 Darrow Road Winston-Salem 7/25/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 7/26/2017: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center,

Photo by Amanda Romney/American Red Cross

650 Coliseum Drive 7/27/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 7/28/2017: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 7/28/2017: 10 a.m. 3:30 p.m., College Park Baptist Church, 1701 Polo Road 7/30/2017: 10:30 a.m. 3 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 7/31/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 7/31/2017: 3 p.m. 7:30 p.m., Griffith Fire Department, 5190 Peters Creek Parkway 8/1/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 8/2/2017: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 8/3/2017: 1 p.m. - 7

p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 8/4/2017: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 8/6/2017: 10:30 a.m. 3 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 8/7/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 8/8/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 8/9/2017: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 8/9/2017: 2:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., harvest Bible Chapel Winston Salem, 1411 Plaza West Rd., Suite e 8/10/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 8/10/2017: 3 p.m. 7:30 p.m., Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller Street 8/11/2017: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 8/12/2017: 9 a.m. 1:30 p.m., Piney Grove Baptist Church of WinstonSalem, inc., 4633 Grove Garden Dr. 8/13/2017: 10:30 a.m. 3 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 8/14/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive 8/15/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive

Com. Cal. from page B4

Auditions will be held on Monday, Aug. 14, Tuesday, Aug. 15 and Thursday, Aug. 17. For more information and to schedule your audition time go to www.wsyouthchorus.org or contact our office at 336703-0001.

Aug. 15 & Sept. 19 – Franchise Seminar CHARLOTTE — 7Eleven® invites entrepreneurs to learn about business opportunities at Franchise Seminar. The world’s largest convenience retailer will hold a seminar on Thursday, July 20, at the 7-Eleven Regional Office, located at 5600 77 Center Drive, Suite 320, Charlotte, N.C. 28217, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Sign up at http://franchise.7e leven.com/franch is eopportunities/Charlotte2687. Upcoming seminars will be held at the same location on Aug. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m., and on Sept. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. More information on 7-Eleven franchising opportunities, including a list of available stores, is available at w w w. F r a n c h i s e . 7 Eleven.com.

Aug. 18 – Georgia O’Keeffe: Living Modern The exhibition opens at Reynolda House Museum of American Art, its only Southern venue, Aug. 18.

Admission will be based on timed entry tickets purchased in advance, and several entry times are available for each day. The museum will extend its hours until 8 p.m. each Thursday of the exhibition to accommodate visitors.

Admission tickets also include Reynolda House’s collection on view throughout the historic house, and access to Reynolda’s gardens, trails and greenspace.

Tickets are available online at reynoldahouse.org/livingmodern. Tickets are $18 for adults, plus North Carolina Sales Tax. Admission is free for children, students with identification and members of the military, but advance reservation of these tickets online is also strongly encouraged.

Aug. 18-20 & 24-27 – Theatre Alliance Musical The Theatre Alliance will perform Heathers: The Musical.

Tickets to Heathers are priced at $18 for Adults and $16 for students/seniors. There is also a $2 per ticket discount available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets to Heathers may be purchased in person at the Theatre Alliance Box Office (Fridays from 12:30-3 p.m.), online at www.wstheatrealliance.org or by calling Brown Paper Tickets at (800) 838-3006.

The performance dates and times are: Friday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m.; Thursday, Aug. 24 at 8 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 25 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 26 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 27 at 2 p.m.

Aug. 19 – Family Film Fest: Outdoor Movie Series Experiment in SelfReliance (ESR), in partnership with Forsyth County Public Library, and Great Commission Community Church will host Movie One of its three-part Family Film Fest: Outdoor Movie Series. This free admission, communitycentered series will be held Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Experiment in SelfReliance, 3480 Dominion Street NE. Hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be available for sale. Popcorn will be free. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. For more information about the Family Film Fest at Experiment in SelfReliance, call 336-7229400 or visit www.eisr.org/events.

Aug. 29 – Computer Training Program Neighborhood

Empowerment Through Technology or NETT will conduct a free computer training and job search class beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 29 with day and evening classes available. NETT, is aimed at residents within the 27105 zip code who upon completion of the 30 hour, twice a week class can purchase a refurbished laptop for $25.

Please call Ms. Harris at 336-717-1224 for more details. Space is limited.

Sept. 7 – The Make America Rock Again Tour The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds will host The Make America Rock Again Tour on Thursday Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.; doors for the event will open at 6 p.m. Tickets will go on-sale Friday, July 14, 10 a.m. Tickets range in price from $55 for pit area to $20 advanced general admission or $27 day of general admission. For more information, visit www.wsfairgrounds.com.

Sept. 9 – Black Family Day Rebuilding the Block Initiative, Muhammad Mosque No. 34, will host its 21st Anniversary Celebration of Black Family Day. The event will be observed Saturday, Sept. 9, at 2:30 p.m. MARKET SQUARE, 303 South Scales Street, Reidsville, NC. The celebration is open to the public.

Oct. 28 – Fashion Show PR Originals Designs by “Puccinni” announces a Benefit Fashion Show to support Cancer Services of Winston Salem, on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. This black tie event will be held at St. John C.M.E. Church, 350 NW Crawford Place, Winston Salem, NC 27105.

Ticket donation is $25. For more information, contact Puccinni Roseboro, 336995-2713 or Pr1sugarbear@hotmail.com.

Ongoing

Second Saturday A.H. Anderson Class of 1968 reunion meeting The Anderson Class of 1968 will be meeting monthly every second Saturday at Forsyth Seaford Café’ at 6 p.m. to continue to plan for its 50th Class Reunion to be held in 2018. For more information, contact Laura Hayes Allen at 336-624-8516 or Reggie Moore at 336-6717154.

Mondays – Senior Stretch class The Salvation Army Senior Center holds Senior Stretch Exercise at the LaDeara Crest Resource Center, 2531 LaDeara Crest Lane, on Mondays at 11 a.m. The chair-based class is designed to increase balance, flexibility, range of motion and endurance.

Tuesdays – Senior Tai Chi class The Salvation Army Senior Center, 2850 New Walkertown Road, holds Tai Chi for Falls Prevention (TCFP) on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Based on the Tai Chi for Arthritis program, TCFP is shown to prevent falls, improve balance and overall health, and reduce pain. TCFP consists of a series of gentle movements that can be done standing or seated.

Every day – Volunteers needed for Reading Parties The Augustine Literacy Project, Read.Write.Spell (READWS) is looking for volunteers for its Reading Parties. The program needs youthful, energetic people who are willing to lead students of party games created for maximum learning and enjoyment. After a short training, volunteers will help 2-8 hours per month, mostly nights and weekends. The next training is scheduled for late January. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, contact Tonya Nealon at 336-723-4391 ext. 1507 or Tonya@readws.org.

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We accept major credit card payment on all classfied Ads. Email us your ad by Monday...see it on Thursday: adv@wschronicle.com

LEGAL NOTICES NORTH CAROLINA FORSYTH COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 17 E 552

ESTATE OF: DARRYL E. HUNT EXECUTOR NOTICE TO CREDITORS

THE UNDERSIGNED having qualified as Executor under the Last Will and Testament of DARRYL E. HUNT, deceased, in the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Forsyth County, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the said Decedent to present the same to the undersigned at the law office of attorney David B. Hough on or before October 16, 2017 or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

This Notice is given pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 28A-14-l.

This the 13th day of July, 2017.

David B. Hough 301 North Main Street, Suite 2303 Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Larry D. Little 301 N. Main St., Ste. 2303 Winston-Salem, NC 27101

The Chronicle July 13, 20, 27 and August 3, 2017

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Daisy Reed Chambers (17 E 1350), also known as Daisy Mae Reed Chambers andDaisy R. Chambers, deceased May 1, 2017, 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 October 15, 2017 or 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 13th day of July, 2017.

Cheryl D. Johnson Executor for Daisy Reed Chambers, deceased 5322 Prosperity View Drive Charlotte, NC 28269 The Chronicle July 13, 20, 27 and August 3, 2017

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA GASTON COUNTY IN THE SUPERIOR COURT FILE NO. 16-CVS-3979

IN RE:

FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, vs.

TRUSTEE OF THE DAWYN MARIE LENNON IRREVOCABLE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST, ET AL., Defendants.

TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against Defendants Trustee of the Dawyn Marie Lennon Irrevocable Special Needs Trust and Laura Barnes was filed on October 26, 2016 in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: That the Court enter judgment against Defendants Trustee of the Dawyn Marie Lennon Irrevocable Special Needs Trust and Laura Barnes upon Plaintiff’s claims for declaratory judgment/quiet title, reformation of a deed of trust/constructive trust, purchase money resulting trust, unjust enrichment/constructive trust, and equitable lien.

You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than 40 days following, July 20, 2017, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought.

This the 14th day of July, 2017.

HORACK, TALLEY, PHARR & LOWNDES, P.A.

By: Zipporah Basile Edwards/State Bar No. 20838 Attorneys for Plaintiff 2600 One Wells Fargo Center 301 South College Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-6038 Telephone: 704/377-2500 Facsimile: 704/372-2619 E-Mail: ZEdwards@HorackTalley.com The Chronicle July 20, 27 and August 3, 2017

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE WINSTON-SALEM CITY COUNCIL ON PETITIONS FOR ZONING CHANGES

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to the requirements of Article 19 of Chapter 160A of the General Statutes of North Carolina, that the City Council of the City of Winston-Salem will hold a public hearing in the Council Chamber at City Hall, Room 230, 101 N. Main Street, WinstonSalem, NC at 7:00Jp.m. on Monday, August 7, 2017, on the following proposed amendment to the Official Zoning Map of the City of Winston-Salem, North Carolina:

1. Zoning petition of CCC Gallery Lofts, LLC and CCC Gallery Lofts II, LLC from PB-S and PB to CI-L (Residential Building, Townhouse; Residential Building, Multifamily; Combined Use; Arts and Crafts Studio; Food or Drug Store; Furniture and Home Furnishings Store; Restaurant (without drive-through service); Retail Store; Shopping Center; Shopping Center, Small; Banking and Financial Services; Bed and Breakfast; Hotel or Motel; Offices; Services, A; Services, B; Testing and Research Lab; Recreation Services, Indoor; Recreation Services, Outdoor; Recreation Facility, Public; Swimming Pool, Private; Theater, Indoor; Academic Biomedical Research Facility; Academic Medical Center; Adult Day Care Center; Child Care, Drop-In; Child Care, Sick Children; Child Day Care Center; Church or Religious Institution, Community; Church or Religious Institution, Neighborhood; Club or Lodge; Government Offices, Neighborhood Organization, or Post Office; Library, Public; Museum or Art Gallery; Nursing Care Institution; Police or Fire Station; School, Private; School, Public; and School, Vocational or Professional): property is located on the west side of Chestnut Street, between Sixth Street and Seventh Street and on the southwest corner of Sixth Street and Chestnut Street; property consists of ±2.05 acres and is PIN#s 6835-28-7502, 6835-28-8323 and 6835-28-8191 as shown on the Forsyth County Tax Maps (Zoning Docket W-3322).

2. Zoning petition of Waughtown Cemetery Inc. from RS9 to IP-L (Cemetery): property is located on the west side of Leight Street, between Waughtown Street and Sprague Street; property consists of ±0.79 acres and is PIN# 6844-56-6420 as shown on the Forsyth County Tax Maps (Zoning Docket W-3333).

3. An ordinance amendment proposed by Planning and Development Services revising Chapter B Article 4 of the Unified Development Ordinances to amend the Historic/Historic Overlay regulations to include additional small towns within Forsyth County (UDO-277).

All parties in interest and citizens are invited to attend said hearing at which time they shall have an opportunity to be heard in favor of or in opposition to the foregoing proposed changes.

During the public hearing the City Council may hear other proposals to amend the zoning of the above-described property or any portion thereof. At the end of the public hearing, the City Council may continue the matter, deny the proposed rezoning, in whole or in part, grant the proposed rezoning, in whole or in part, or rezone the above-described property or any portion thereof to some other zoning classification.

Prior to the hearing, all persons interested may obtain any additional information on these proposals which is in the possession of the City-County Planning Board by inquiring in the office of the City-County Planning Board in the Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building on weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00Jp.m.

All requests for appropriate and necessary auxiliary aids and services must be made, within a reasonable time prior to the hearing, to Angela Carmon at 747-7404 or to T.D.D. 727-8319.

BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL Melanie Johnson, Secretary to the City Council of the City of Winston-Salem The Chronicle July 27 and August 3, 2017

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Adminstrator of the Estate of Angela Marcella Pearson (17 E 1339), also known as Angela M. Pearson, deceased March 28, 2017, 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 October 8th, 2017 or 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 6th day of July, 2017.

John Willie Pearson Adminstrator for Angela Marcella Pearson, deceased 4103 Lee Street Ayden, NC 28513 The Chronicle July 6, 13, 20 and 27 2017

LEGAL NOTICES NORTH CAROLINA FORSYTH COUNTY

BEFORE THE COMMUNITY & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF WINSTON-SALEM HOUSING FILE NO. 2016071693 DEMO LETTER SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

In the Matter of Property located at: 4211 Shamel Street

Winston-Salem, North Carolina Known as Tax Block 3441 Lot(s) 008

You are hereby advised that on February 20, 2017 , the Winston-Salem City Council of the City of Winston-Salem adopted an Ordinance ordering the demolition of the above referenced structure within fifteen (15) days from said date.

Because you have failed to demolish or repair such dwelling within the prescribed time period, the City will proceed to demolish said dwelling pursuant to the ordinance adopted by the Council. You are hereby advised to remove any and all articles of personal property, fixtures or appurtenances found in or attached to the aforementioned dwelling within fifteen (15) days of receipt of this notice. If you fail to refuse to remove said items, they shall be deemed abandoned and shall be subject to sale by the City in accordance with Section (4-97(g) of the City Code.

The dwelling will then be demolished and the cost of demolition, less the proceeds from the sale, will be placed as a lien against the property.

Sharon Richmond, Housing Conservation Administrator The Chronicle July 27, 2017

REAL ESTATE

Spring/Wachovia Hill Apartments Managed by Community Management Corp.

1 Bedroom Units conveniently located in Winston Salem, 62 yrs of age or older Handicapped and/or disabled. Section 8 assistance available. Income restrictions apply. Call 336-251-1060. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. on Mon and Fri, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Wed. Equal Housing Opportunity

EMPLOYMENT

Cashier position at beauty supplies retail store in Winston-Salem, NC, Send resume to Beauty Touch Inc (c/o HR), 1131 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27127

Smart Start of Forsyth County, Inc. (SSFC) is looking for a bilingual professional to join our team as Program Assistant, Family Engagement and Operations.

This position serves as the first point of contact for families, providers, and visitors, in person and over the telephone; is responsible for providing general and program-specific information for initial inquiries; provides support for program enrollment; and assists with meeting and training preparation.

Qualified candidate must be able to work well under pressure, and display a friendly, courteous, satisfaction-focused attitude at all times. Candidate must have an associate’s degree in relevant field.

Four-year degree preferred. Equivalent minimum combination of education and experience will be considered.

Interested candidates may mail resume to Jackie Lofton, Deputy Executive, Program Operations & Impact, 7820 North Point Blvd., Ste. 200, Winston-Salem, NC, 27106; or email to JackieL@SmartStart-FC.org. Deadline for submission is 8/31.2017. SSFC is an equal opportunity employer.

Emmanuel Baptist Church

is receiving resumes for the position of Church Secretary. All high-school graduates (or those with two years or more of higher learning education) and a minimum of three to five years experience as an Administrative Assistant with strong computer skills including a command of MS Windows, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook are invited to apply.

This full-time position requires good people skills, excellent communication abilities and a full understanding of the importance of handling sensitive and confidential matters. Apply today and submit your resume by email toebcwstrust@gmail.com.

www.wschronicle.com

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T H E C H R ON I C LE

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MEET M MEE ET THEE TH RAAM RAM RA MS MS Sat atu turd tu uurda urday, rday, Au Augustt 119 • 1:30 1 PM PM WINSTTON-SALEM WI WINS TO M STA STATTE UNIVVERSITY - KK.R. R WILLI ILLIAMS LIAMS MS

O IGINS OR

The Historical Legacy cy of Visual Art at Winston-Salem State University

Be a part of the inaugural ugural

Terrryy & Yve ee Griffin Beneefit Benefit TTennis B fit

This year Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) celebrates its 125th year anniversary.

To commemorate more than one hundred years of visual art at WSSU and the legacy of preserving African-American history and culture, we will honor the artists of the past.

Opening reception • Thursday July 27, 2017 • 5:30 - 7:30pm

On view 7.27.2017 - 12.2.2017 Artists Romare Bearden John Biggers Francis Brown Beverly Buchanan Selma Burke Elizabeth Catlett

Special events

James T. Diggs Melvin Edwards Richard Hunt Glenda Wharton Little Hayward Oubre Jr. Roland Watts

10.19.2017 2nd Annual Gloria Diggs Banks Artist Talk with WSSU Alum & photographer Michael Cunningham. 6pm-7:30pm.

11.2.2017 Diggs Gallery Movie Night with refreshments.

6pm-8 pm.

August 5, 2017 8:30 am Taylor Tennis Center, 14221 Lewisville-Clemmons Road Clemmons, NC

All events are free and open to the public

Diggs Gallery Winston-Salem State Universitty

601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27110

www.wssu.edu/diggs 336-750-2458

Located on the campus of Winston-Salem State University, a Historically Black College, Diggs Gallerry is one the South’s leading institutions dedicated to the study of Africana and African American art. The gallery not only preserves and interprets the art of the African Diaspora and the unique collection of WSSU, but also maintains one of the nation’s finest collections of public art and artists including John Biggers, Melvin Edwards, Richard Hunt, Ty yrone Mitchell, Beverly Buchanan and more.

L L A B T FOO ASON SE TS dmgeisnseioranl $85 TICKE a parking $382250 0336-75

ALL-ACCESS CARD: $160 Admission to home football, basketball, baseball and the ACE AAwards. wards. This card is not valid for Championship Games or CIAA Tournament.

ALL-ACCESS CARD WITH THE PURCHASE OF RESERVED SEAATS: TS: $210

SU U PPOR RT WSSU TEN N IS To register/donate, visit: www.wssurams.com

UPCCOMING WSSU ATHLETIC EVENTS

SU UMMER CAMPS ALL SUMMER CAMPS ARE NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRAATION TION

For more m information: www w.wssurams.com/camps/camps-list

www.wssurams.cOm

]

GO RAMS!

This National Black Theatre Festival special publication is made possible by National Black Theatre Festival Special publication made possible by PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID HAYES PRODUCTIONS

PHOTOS BY HELEN L. COLLEN

WBTT PHOTOS BY DON DALY

EBONY REP PHOTOS BY CRAIG SCHWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PLAY THE SPOTLIGHT THEATRE

PHOTOS BY STEFANO BENITEZ

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE POINTE! STUDIO OF DANCE

Black Theatre ... for Everyone!

July 31-August 5

2017 National Black Theatre Festival ®

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WSChronicle.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE N.C. BLACK REPERTORY CO.

The Legacy Continues Black Theatre, a bedrock of artistic expression for a people who have endured so much, was in freefall in the late 1980s. Many of the oldest and most renowned Black theatre companies had fallen on hard times, and the ones that were hanging on lacked the support and connections needed to truly thrive. Enter Larry Leon Hamlin.

The charismatic founder and leader of the North Carolina Black Repertory Company, the state’s oldest and most-respected Black theatre company, had a visionary idea to start a festival featuring works by some of the nation’s — and later, some of the world’s-best black theatre troupes and playwrights.

Hamlin’s dream came to fruition in 1989 when the very first National Black Theatre Festival (NBTF) was held. With more than 10,000 attendees, 30 productions and special guest ambassadors like Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey, the inaugural Festival set the bar high, and every two years since then, organizers have worked to uphold that standard, a measure so high that the NBTF remains a world-class event.

Over the years, it became evident that the Festival was more than a never-ending party, more than a small-city arena for Broadway-caliber shows, more than a favorite venue for big-name celebrities. As Hamlin so eloquently put it, the NBTF became “Black Theatre Holy Ground,” a place where the best of the genre, past and present, is up-lifted and celebrated for its rawness, power and majesty.

Larry Leon Hamlin

Hamlin was the perfect ambassador for Black Theatre. A natural-born showman, he had a personality as colorful as his wardrobe. The Reidsville, N.C., shined in everything he did — from acting on stage to touting the magic and wonder of Black Theatre. That bright light was extinguished on June 6, 2007, just a few weeks before that year’s NBTF kicked off. Hamlin was only 58 when his earthly star ascended. With the NBTF and N.C. Black Rep, he left behind legacies that endure and continue to enrich the lives of countless people.

Nigel Alston

Every two year, the NBTF hosts nearly three dozen productions and special events that draw tens of thousands of people and generates millions of dollars and priceless positive word-of-mouth for Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. The event has also put a pep back into the step of the Black Theatre community, whose members long to perform on the Holy Ground consecrated by some of the most respected names in entertainment.

A team led by Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin, Larry Leon Hamlin’s widow, has maintained the high-quality of the NBTF. Sprinkle-Hamlin serves as chair of the N.C. Black Rep Board of Directors, Executive Producer of the NBTF and chief protector of her husband’s legacy. Nigel Alston, a former university administrator and business executive, was recently appointed executive director of the N.C. Black Repertory Company, which is charged every two years with producing the NBTF. Artistic Director Jackie Alexander is also a new hire, having joined the Black Rep a year ago. m

Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin

Jackie Alexander

National Black Theatre Festival

Special publication made possible by

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For Tickets

Tickets to all shows and the Opening Night Gala are available online at NBTF.org.

A $2 service fee will be applied to all online ticket orders. A 6.75% North Carolina entertainment tax is included in the ticket price. All tickets will be mailed by USPS Priority Mail at the expense of the purchaser, unless otherwise specified. Tickets will not be mailed after July 12, 2017.

During the Week of the Festival Tickets will be available at: N.C. Black Repertory Theatre Box Office (in the Arts Council Theatre at 610 Coliseum Drive): Monday 9 a.m. – noon Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Benton Convention Center: Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased at the venues one hour prior to the performance, depending on availability. There is a 10% discount for groups of 15 or more and members of the Marvtastic Society.

Go to NBTF.org or call 336-723-7907 for more information.

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James Taylor, Publisher Donna Rogers, Managing Editor T. Kevin Walker, Freelance Correspondent LinTaylor Marketing Group, Graphics & Design Shayna Smith, Marketing Communications Manager Paulette Moore, Administrative Assistant Contact us for advertising rates or subscriptions, call 336-722-8624, e-mail adv@wschronicle.com, or go to WSChronicle.com Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/WSChronicle Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/WS_Chronicle

From the Cover: A. The young cast of “The A Fantasy & Adventure of Oz,” (from left) Kierah Anderson, Avilon Tate, TaShara Slaughter, B C D Raevyn Frazier and Dasia Amos.

B. Kazoani Gonmiah F with Erica Philpot from “Something Like a E G Fairytale: The Musical.”

C. Apphia Campbell as jazz singer Mena Bordeaux from “Black is the Color of My Voice.”

D. Eric B. Anthony (front row) with Trevon Davis, Rogelio Douglas Jr. and Jacques C. Smith (middle row) and Octavius Womack (rear) from “Five Guys Named Moe.” E. The cast of “How I Got Over: A Gospel Musical” electrifies the crowd.

F. Melissa Joyner with Scottie Mills Scott from “Maid’s Door.”

G. The talented David Hayes as Sammy Davis Jr. in “Sammy: Celebrating the Legacy.”

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Contents The Legacy Continues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Midnight Poetry Jam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Ticket Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Awardees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Beyond the Stage Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Performance Locations and Downtown Winston-Salem Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

How I Got Over: A Gospel Musical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Gala Awards Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2017 Celebrity Co-Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Five Guys Named Moe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The Prequel to Othello, The Cause, My Soul . . . . . . . . . . 12 Black is the Color of My Voice Double-Billed . . . . . . . . . 14 Little Girl Blue Double-Billed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Women of Owu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Something Like a Fairytale: The Musical . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Black Magic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Power! Stokely Carmichael Double-Billed . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The Fannie Lou Hamer Story Double-Billed . . . . . . . . . . 25 Choir Boy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Maid’s Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Anne and Emmett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Gogo and Big Sister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Fully Awake & Facing Seventy: Heaven Betta Bea Honky Tonk Double-Billed . . . . . . . . . 32 ColorStruck: Surviving the Trumpocalypse Double-Billed . 33

Men of Soul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 An Evening with Two Theatre Divas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Funny Colored Women: Gettin’ the Last Laugh . . . . . . . 52 Storytelling Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 National Youth Talent Showcase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 The Fantasy & Adventure of Oz: A Dance Adaptation of “The Wiz” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 The Sting of White Roses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Just an Ordinary Lawyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 What I Learned In Paris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Sugar Ray Double-Billed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 We Love You Shirley Chisolm Double-Billed . . . . . . . . . 65 In the Red and Brown Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Beyond the Oak Trees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Sammy: Celebrating the Legacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Southern Boys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Keena Unbranded Double-Billed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Type/Caste Double-Billed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Miss Julie, Clarissa and John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Baltimore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Michael Colyar’s Momma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Black Men: Naked Truth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Mama, I’m Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Black Sparta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Performances are listed in bold.

National Black Theatre Festival

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Performance Locations A

Embassy Suites Arts Council Theatre

610 Coliseum Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27106

R.J. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium 301 Hawthorne Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104

Reese Theatre in the Pavilion Gaines Ballroom — Lower Level 460 N. Cherry St., Downtown Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Summit School

Loma Hopkins Theatre 2100 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106

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Hanesbrands Theatre

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The Benton Convention Center

Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts Mountcastle Forum Black Box 209 N. Spruce St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Salem Ballroom — Main Level Hamlin Theatre — Stage 1 & Stage 2 — Lower Level 301 W. Fifth St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Salem Academy & College Fine Arts Center

Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA)

Wake Forest University (WFU)

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU)

The Drama Workshop Theatre Shirley Recital Hall 500 E. Salem Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27101

McChesney Scott Dunn Auditorium 750 Marguerite Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27106

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Stevens Center of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) Fourth & Marshall Streets, Downtown Winston-Salem, NC 27101

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University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) 1 — The Gerald Freedman Theatre 2 — The Catawba Arena Theatre 1533 S. Main St. Winston-Salem, NC 27127

Scales Fine Arts Center 1 — The MainStage Theatre 2 — The Ring Theatre 1834 Wake Forest Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27106

K.R. Williams Auditorium Dillard Auditorium — Anderson Center 601 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27110

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Downtown Winston-Salem

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National Black Theatre Festival

*PLEASE PRINT THIS MAP IN COLOR

60 Willow’s Bistro 61 Jeffrey Adams 15 Senor Bravo In & Out L D& Bar 62 Miami Restaurant 16 The Grille ( 2 Cafeʼ Brioche Doree 63 B L&DProvisions S B L Washington Perk Katharine Brasserie 3 64 BurkeThe StreetTwin Pizza City 17 Hive B L D S LN L D LN S 65 Twin City Slice18Pizza Spring House 4 Bernardinʼs DS L D Carolina’s Vineyards 66 & Hops 19 Camino Bakery 5 Flashback Smoothies 67 -“The Art of the Taco” Crafted B L D LN S M LD

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1 The Tavern in Old Salem LDS

Embassy Suites)

6 Mozelleʼs Fresh Bistro LD

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8 West End Café LD 9 Thai Harmony and Sushi Bar LD 10 West End Coffeehouse LDS 11 Bibʼs Downtown

22 Tropical Smoothie L D LN S 23 Foothills Brewing Co. L D LN S M 24 Hutch & Harris LDS 25 Local 27101 LDS 26 Black Mountain

1 Corks, Caps,42&Café Taps Olé Coffee Shop BL Burke 2 Street Pub 43 Legendary Goat The Honey Pot LD 3 Gatsby’s Pub Coffee Shop BL Mission Pizza 4 H&H Side Bar 44 Metaʼs LD B LStreet TheIce Bar on 4th 5 Bumper Rusty Cream LDS 6 The Garage45 Subway BL Jimmy Johnʼs 46 Social Downtown Deli LD 7 Old Winston Club BL Kingʼs Shack Recreation 8 Crab Billiards 47 Small Batch Brewing & & Oyster Bar Burger Batch Restaurant LD M 9 LN STate’s Craft Cocktails

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10 Bongos BARS & CLUBS 11 Bull’s Tavern 1 Corks, Caps, & Taps 12 Silver Moon Saloon 2 Burke Street Pub Meridian 3 Gatsbyʼs Pub D S 13 Single Brothers 4 H&H Side Bar Camino Black Lodge 14 Brookstown BLDS 5 The Bar on 4th Street Second 15 & Green Tavern 6 The Garage Señor Bravo L D S16 Test Pattern 7 Old Winston Social Club Di Lisioʼs Italian 8 Recreation 17 Big Winston LoungeBilliards Restaurant 9 Tateʼs Craft Cocktails L D S18 Broad Branch Distillery

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While every effort has been made to provide accurate information, business info is subject to change and will be updated at regular intervals.

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Embassy Suites Hotel Hanesbrands Theatre MC Benton Convention Center Stevens Center

Please visit www.downtownws.com for a complete listing of all Shopping and Dining options in Downtown Winston-Salem.

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11 Bullʼs Tavern 13 Single Brothers

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49 Maryʼs Gourmet Diner BLS

62 Miami Restaurant & Bar LDS

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64 The Twin City Hive BLDS 65 Twin City Slice Pizza

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Gala Awards Ceremony Welcome to the 15th Biennial National Black Theatre Festival®

Celebrity Procession

Opening Night Gala

Monday, July 31, 2017 5:30 p.m.

The Opening Night Gala — the NBTF equivalent of Oscar Night — will feature an endless procession of celebrities; an awards ceremony honoring some of the giants of black theater; a performance of the acclaimed musical “Five Guys Named Moe”; and a Celebrity Reception offering fans a chance to hobnob with some of their favorites.

Festival-goers will be seeing stars in abundance on opening night of the 2017 NBTF! The Gala is a glitzy, celebrity-heavy celebration that ushers in a week of Marvtastic-ness. It is a star-studded black-tie international event that will be held on Monday, July 31, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets to the Gala are $265. Tickets for just that night’s performance of “Five Guys Named Moe” are also available for $100 (for a balcony seat).

M.C. Benton Convention Center Salem Ballroom 301 West Fifth St. Downtown Winston Salem

With NBTF Co-Chairs, Obba Babatundé and Anna Maria Horsford An hour later — after attendees have enjoyed dinner — African drummers and dancers will lead a procession of dozens of celebrities and local dignitaries into the banquet hall to begin the formal program.

Awards Presentation By 6:45 p.m., the awards presentation will start.

An impressive list of notables will be honored during this year’s gala. They include those who shine on stage and on screen and the men and women who work behind the scenes to create magic. Complete list of award winners are listed on pages 41-44.

Five Guys Named Moe About two hours later, the crowd will make its way a block over to the Stevens Center for a performance of “Five Guys Named Moe” at 9 p.m.

Celebrity Reception Opening Night Gala ticket-holders can gain access to the Celebrity Reception at the nearby Marriott Hotel at about 10:30 p.m.

Tickets to all Opening Night Gala events are $265.

Tickets just for the “Five Guys Named Moe” performance on this night are $100.

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WSChronicle.com

Both are titans and veterans of a fickle industry where longevity is tough to achieve; they are also longtime supporters of the NBTF. Native New Yorker Babatundé has appeared in more than 70 plays and musicals, including the original Broadway production of “Dreamgirls,” for which he received a Tony nomination for playing C.C. White; and “A Soldier’s Play,” which earned him an NAACP Theatre Award. He is pulling double-duty during the Festival, as he is also starring in “Five Guys Named Moe.” Babatundé is regularly seen on the big-screen. His film credits include “The Celestine Prophecy,” “Material Girls,” “After the Sunset,” “The Manchurian Candidate,” “The Notebook,” “John Q,” “That Thing You Do!,” “How High” (which also stars Horsford), “Philadelphia, “The Fallen Faithful,” “Trapped,” “Tension” and “Kinky.”

Television viewers know him from not only “The Bold and the Beautiful,” for which he won a 2016 Daytime Emmy, but also “Half & Half,” “The Young and the Restless,” “Boston Legal,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “NCIS,” “Cold Case,” “Strong Medicine,” “Any Day Now,” “Karen Sisco,” “Dawson’s Creek” and “Friends.”

CBS PHOTO

Obba Babatundé and Anna Maria Horsford, both stars of the daytime drama “The Bold and the Beautiful,” are the celebrity co-chairs of the 2017 NBTF with duties of serving as sort of goodwill ambassadors throughout Festival week.

CBS PHOTO

2017 Celebrity Co-Chairs

Babatundé had prominent roles in the HBO films “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge,” earning an NAACP Image Award for his portrayal of dance legend Harold Nicholas, and “Miss Evers’ Boys,” for which he received an Emmy nomination for his moving portrayal of a victim of the insidious Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment. He also played Berry Gordy in the hit TV movie “The Temptations.”

Babatundé, who is also an accomplished singer, director, voice actor and producer, can currently be seen in the new Netflix series “Dear White People” and Showtime’s “I’m Dying Up Here.” His latest film, “Labyrinth,” with Forest Whitaker and Johnny Depp, is slated for release.

Horsford is a first generation American, having been born and raised in Harlem by her West Indian parents. Her strong ties to her lineage earned her the title of Ambassador of Tourism of Antigua in 2011.

She has also flexed her talents on every entertainment medium possible.

On television, she became the breakout star of the long-running favorite “Amen,” playing the lovelorn Thelma Frye. Her other small-screen credits include “The Wayans Bros.” “The Shield,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Sparks,” “Moesha,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” “Girlfriends” and “Everybody Hates Chris.” Last year, she earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for her role as Vivienne Avant on “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

Fans of the classic “Friday” movies remember her as Ice Cube’s mom.

Her other films include “Tyler Perry’s A Medea Christmas,” “Our Family Wedding,” “Gridiron Gang,” “Broken Bridges,” “Street Smart,” “Minority Report,” “Along Came a Spider,” “Kiss the Girls,” “Set it Off,” “Presumed Innocent,” “St. Elmo’s Fire” and “The Fan.” Horsford’s stage credits include the Broadway production of the classic “For Colored Girls.” She also served as a producer for “Soul!,” a PBS show that aired from 1967 to 1973. Known for using her celebrity to uplift worthy causes, Horsford has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Department of Black Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the Commitment of Excellence and Humanity Award from Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, the Generations of Light Award from the American Bible Society and the Salute to Women in Leadership 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. m

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July 27-28-29 & Aug. 3-4-5

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3595 N. Patterson Ave • 336-767-0731

Five Guys Named Moe Obba Babatundé (front, center) with (from left) Octavius Womack, Rogelio Douglas Jr., Eric B. Anthony, Jacques C. Smith, and Trevon Davis.

FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE UNCSA Stevens Center

Mon, Jul. 31

9 p.m.

$265 (includes Opening Night Gala awards & reception) $100 (performance only, balcony seating) Tues, Aug. 1 8 p.m.

Fri, Aug. 4 8 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5 3 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5 8 p.m. $50

Soon after its London and Broadway debuts in the early ’90s, Clarke Peter’s “Five Guys Named Moe” regularly began to be mentioned in the same company as classic black musicals like “The Wiz” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”

EBONY REP PHOTOS BY CRAIG SCHWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

The Tony-nominated musical features the songs of singer/songwriter/ musician Louis Jordan, who sold more than 4 million records during the Swing era and duetted with legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. The crooners coming to the NBTF to star in the Ebony Repertory Theatre’s staging of the show have musical chops that are more than capable of handling Jordan’s rich, robust melodies.

The five Moes are on a mission: to teach musical life lessons to the show’s protagonist, Nomax, played by actor Obba Babatundé, one of this year’s NBTF celebrity co-chairs. Nomax is habitually inebriated and less than gentlemanly to his sweetheart, Lorraine.

The dapper Moes deliver showstoppers throughout the production. More than 20 Jordan songs are performed, including “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby,” “Let the Good Times Roll,” “Choo, Choo Ch’Boogie,” “Caldonia,” and the high energy title song. The Ebony Repertory’s production will come to the NBTF fresh from a well-received run in Los Angeles, the theatre company’s home-base, during which Stage Scene LA raved “musical revues don’t come any more tune-filled or excitingly performed than ’Five Guys Named Moe,’” and Theatre Los Angeles said Babatundé “holds the stage effortlessly in this eccentric celebration of songs.”

The Moes are: Octavius Womack (Big Moe), Trevon Davis (Little Moe), Rogelio Douglas Jr. (Four Eyed Moe), Jacques C. Smith (No Moe) and Eric B. Anthony (Eat Moe). Together, they harmonize effortlessly, but each singer gets his own individual chance to shine in the show, and shine they do!

The Ebony Rep’s Keith Young directs and choreographs. Abdul Hamid Royal, the music director for the original Broadway production, leads the live six-piece band that accompanies the singers.

National Black Theatre Festival

Obba Babatundé as Nomax.

The Ebony Rep was founded in 2007 by Wren T. Brown, an actor known for films like “Waiting to Exhale” and Eric B. Anthony (front row) with Trevon Davis, Rogelio Douglas Jr. and Jacques C. Smith small-screen roles in shows (middle row) and Octavius Womack (rear). such as “Charmed;” Israel Hicks is the artistic director.

The resident company at L.A.’s Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, the Ebony Rep’s mission is “to create, develop, nurture and sustain a world-class professional theatre rooted in the experience of the African Diaspora and shaped by a dynamic perspective that incorporates an understanding of, and respect for, the unique African-American journey to freedom.”

Learn more about the Ebony Rep at EbonyRep.org. m Special publication made possible by

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The Prequel to Othello, The Cause, My Soul

THE PREQUEL TO OTHELLO, THE CAUSE, MY SOUL

PHOTOS BY MARY LANGE

Hanesbrands Theatre — Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts Tues, Aug. 1

3 p.m.

Tues, Aug. 1

8 p.m.

Wed, Aug. 2

3 p.m.

Wed, Aug. 2

8 p.m.

$41 Lindsey Santefort as Desdemona and Thomas Anthony Jones as Othello.

On April 23, 2016, “The Prequel to Othello, The Cause, My Soul” was performed at The Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare.

Written and directed by Ted Lange, the play offers a beginning to the Shakespearean classic, while remaining true to the characters “The Bard” crafted. Lange’s play will explore questions left unanswered in “Othello:” How did Othello’s flirtation and courtship with Desdemona begin? Why does Othello promote Cassio instead of Iago? Were Othello and Emilia lovers? How did Roderigo and Iago meet? Why does Bianca want to marry Cassio? Was Othello a Muslim before he was a Christian?

Chrystee Pharris as Bianca and William Reinbold as Cassio.

brought to the 2015 NBTF, “The Journals of Osborne P. Anderson,” focused on abolitionist John Brown’s 1859 attack on Harpers Ferry. His previous NBTF offerings also include “George Washington’s Boy,” which centers around the president’s relationship with his slave, Billy Lee. Lange, who studied at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, was the first black actor to be featured in a film version of “Othello;” he played the role in a film he directed in 1989, six years before Lawrence Fishburne played the Moorish general on the big-screen. Among Lange’s many awards and honors is the NAACP Renaissance Man Theatre Award. m

The play is presented by Southern California-based Lange Productions, which Ted Lange runs with his producer wife, Mary. The cast for its most recent staging included Thomas Anthony Jones (Othello), Bruce Cervi (The Duke of Venice), Steve Ducey (Roderigo), Gordon Goodman (Brabantio), Paul Messinger (The Priest), Jessica Moreno (Emilia), Chrystee Pharris (Bianca), Michael Proctor (Cassio), William Reinbold (Cassio), Lindsey Santefort (Desdemona) and Stephen Spiegel (Iago).

Reviews for “The Prequel to Othello, The Cause, My Soul” have been stellar. Writing for the Los Angeles Post-Examiner, Ron Irwin raved, “So this most unique piece of theatre is pure magic combining as it does the classic elements of Shakespeare with a more modern sense of humor, all while holding up a mirror that reflects deeply into our souls. There is nothing else like it; it is compelling and brilliant and exquisitely performed.”

Lange is still probably best known as an actor and for his role on the long-running television series “The Love Boat,” but his success as a playwright and director very well may soon eclipse his on-screen fame.

He has written 25 plays; many of them shine light on little-known aspects of African-American history. The production that Lange

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Ted Lange

Gordon Goodman as Brabantio and Bruce Cervi as The Duke of Venice.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF PLAY THE SPOTLIGHT THEATRE

Black is the Color of My Voice Apphia Campbell as jazz singer Mena Bordeaux.

There has been a resurgence in the popularity of North

Carolina-born Nina Simone as of late. Earlier this year, a documentary about the late singer/activist vied for an Academy Award, and this year’s NBTF features two productions about Simone, whose classics include “Feeling Good” and “I Put a Spell on You.” “Black is the Color Of My Voice,” Apphia Campbell’s offering, is billed as a “one-woman show inspired by a poiniant time in the life of singing legend Nina Simone.”

Campbell wrote the show and stars as Mena Bordeaux, a jazz musician and civil rights activist who undergoes a spiritual cleansing following the untimely death of her father. Mena undertakes three days of isolation without cigarettes or alcohol. With just her thoughts to keep her company, she reflects on the journey that took her from a church piano prodigy to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. The reflections are filled with songs made famous

by Simone, and Campbell delivers each of them with spine-tingling soul and power.

The show, from Play the Spotlight Theatre of Edinburgh, Scotland, is well travelled; Campbell has literally performed it around the world, from the popular Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland to venues in

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Shanghai, China, where Campbell lives and works as a blues and jazz singer. Wherever she performs, praise has been heaped. The Edinburgh Evening Post said, “Apphia Campbell’s voice is the sort that inspires all the clichés about chills down your spine and hairs on the back of your neck,” while TimeOut Shanghai raved: “Her star power increases every time she belts out one of Simone’s hits, and as she makes her way from ‘See-Line Woman’ to ‘Feeling Good,’ audience members sing along under their breath and unwittingly dance in their seats.”

Campbell is an alumnae of Nate Jacobs’ West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, which has presented several popular musicals at the NBTF. She left her native Florida for New York to perform at regional and Off-Broadway theatres before relocating to China in 2009. Saying Campbell took Shanghai by storm is no understatement. At venues like the The Cotton Club, Park Hyatt, Le Meridian Hotel, she left audiences in awe and wanting more.

Campbell is the writer and producer of the modernday Motown Christmas story called “Josephina’s Holiday” and had an acclaimed starring role in “No Exit” for Blue Lane Theatre. “Black is the Color Of My Voice” is directed by Arran Hawkins, whose previous work as an actor includes work with the Grinning Gargoyle Theatre Company in England and roles in award-winning short films. m

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IMAGE COURTESY OF ONYX QUBE PRODUCTIONS

Little Girl Blue

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MARKEISHA ENSLEY

BLACK IS THE COLOR OF MY VOICE and LITTLE GIRL BLUE

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$41 Singer/actress Markeisha Ensley

Winston-Salem-based Onyx Qube Productions, headed by city resident Cheyenne Covington, is presenting “Little Girl Blue,” a “concert drama” about North Carolina native Nina Simone.

Attendees will get a double-dose of Simone, as this musical drama is double-billed with Apphia Campbell’s one-woman “Black is the Color of My Voice,” a show inspired by Simone, a versatile singer whose legend is still going strong nearly 15 years after her death.

“Little Girl Blue” features three characters: adult Nina Simone, young Nina and a piano, the instrument that Simone coupled with her voice to mesmerize the world. The show, written and directed by the aweinspiring Nathan Ross Freeman, made its New York City debut at the Metropolitan Room in March, when Markeisha Ensley and Bijan Mira Shaw earned rave reviews for playing Nina and young Nina, respectively.

As the show answers the questions, "How much of me am I still? and How much of me is still becoming?” it weaves together Simone’s sometimes tumultuous journey with engaging conversations between the two Ninas and songs — lots of songs! Twenty songs from Simone’s vast 50-year career are included, everything from blues, jazz to folk tunes.

Freeman told YES! Weekly that he wrote the play to give voice to Simone, who was born in Tryon, N.C., in 1933.

“Nobody can top telling her story more than she can,” Freeman said.

“I wanted to have a conversation between her younger and older self, rather than tell a story already told.”

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Nina Simone converses with her younger self in “Little Girl Blue.”

The unique vantage point from which the story is told is but one reason this production is a must see, according to Covington.

“Nathan’s writing is unbelievable. It’s a new genre, a concert drama.

What that means is there are 20 songs, but they’re woven in with dialogue. The music and the lyrics tell the story just as much as the dialogue does,” the producer told YES! Weekly.

The production, which was also staged last December at the Cuban Jazz Festival, is also brought to life by production designer Jennifer O’Kelly, costume designer and make-up artist Frenchie LaVerne and Mabel P. Robinson, who serves as dramaturge. m

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Breathe PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAZZ LION PRODUCTIONS AND GREENWAY ARTS ALLIANCE

BREATHE

Jazz Lion Productions and Greenway

Arts Alliance, both based in Los Angeles, will present “Breathe,” a powerful contemporary drama that focuses on two Chicago families — one black and one white.

UNCSA — The Catawba Arena Theatre

Written by Javon Johnson and directed by Levy Lee Simon, “Breathe” was hailed as “a brilliant work of theater” by Sheryl Aronson of Hollywood 360 when it was staged in L.A. recently. The families at the center of the play are brought together by a heartbreaking reality: their 17-year-old sons are in jail awaiting trial for murder.

The teenagers share a jail cell, which brings the families in direct contact with each other and gives them a chance to ponder issues of the day — gun violence, class, and race. The teenagers find their connection through spoken word poetry. All the language in the play is rich in texture and speaks to “a society that desperately needs to communicate — and breathe.”

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“Breathe” cast members (from left) Lyn Ross, John Marshall Jones, Dutch Hoffestetter, Naiqui Kamahl, Carrie Madsen and Walter Cox.

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The cast is led by John Marshall Jones, an actor well known for his work on television shows like “The Smart Guy,” “Rectify,” “Bosh” and “The Heart of Dixie.” He is also a celebrated stage actor who won the 2007 AUDELCO Best Actor Award for “The Guest at Central Park West.” Joining Jones are Lyn Ross, Bruce Lemon Jr., Carrie Madsen, Walter Cox and Dutch Hoffstetter.

Playwright Johnson is a native of Anderson, S.C., and a founding member of the Congo Square Theatre Company in Chicago. His awards and honors include the 2009 Black Theater Alliance Award for Best Play, the 2009 Black Theater Alliance August Wilson Award for Best Writing of a Play, the 2004 Black Theatre Alliance Lorraine Hansberry Award for Best New Play and the 2003 New Professional Theatre Playwriting Award.

Carrie Madsen with Dutch Hoffestetter.

Playwright Javon Johnson (left) and Director Levy Lee Simon.

Simon is a regular at the NBTF. He’s attended four times as an actor (“Do Lord Remember Me,” “Before it Hits Home,” “Same Train” and “The Last Revolutionary”); four times as a playwright (“The Bow Wow Club,” “Same Train,” “The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel” and “The Last Revolutionary”) and twice as a director (“Dutchman” and “Breathe”).

Greenway Arts Alliance is a community-based partnership of professional artists working with the community of Los Angeles for nearly 20 years. It was founded by Co-Artistic Directors Whitney Weston and Pierson Blatzes, professional artists committed to forging a deep connection with the surrounding communities, including public schools.

Learn more at GreenwayArtsAlliance.org. m

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Walter Cox and Carrie Madsen in “Breathe.”

John Marshall Jones leads a talented cast.

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Women of Owu WOMEN OF OWU

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY

R.J. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium Tues, Aug. 1 Tues, Aug. 1

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$27 The cast performs “Women of Owu” earlier this year at Ekiti State University.

Playwright Femi Osofisan

Ekiti State University in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, is set to make its NBTF debut with “Women of Owu,” an adaptation of Euripides’ “The Trojan Women” written by Femi Osofisan.

Earthly leader, Erelu Afin. The consequences of that decision play out on stage with sometimes tragic results.

Using dance, drama, rhythm and song, the production is a powerful rebuke of not only the bloody 1821 war against the Owu in Yorubaland, but of war in general and of the ugly consequences of war, like genocide.

For its most recent staging, the cast included Mofolwaso Akinbola (as Erelu Afin), Samuel Adelugba, Omodolapo Olaonipekun, Terhemba, Victoria Hanson, Busayo Adegboye, Oluwapemisire Olaiya Yusufand and Emmanuel Ogunmola.

Directed by Dr. Ade Adeseke, the production drew large crowds and earned stellar reviews when it was staged in Ado Ekiti earlier this year.

The Sun News called it, “a total theatre production that thrilled the audience in songs, dance and choreography.”

Toyin Bade-Afuye was the costume designer, Bamidele Esho designed the set, while Dr. Laide Nasir served as lighting designer. Samuel Akintade served as choreographer; Feso Oyebade was the props manager; and Tolu Owoola was assistant director.

The ladies of Owu are the nexus of the play. They are bereaved because the ravages of war have claimed their husbands and sons. The Owu’s ancestral god appears and promises to aid them, but the women are incredulous to that claim. They decide, instead, to band behind their

Established as Obafemi Awolowo University at Ado Ekiti in 1982, Ekiti State University enrolls about 25,000 students who are studying disciplines as diverse as the arts, law and engineering. Ado Ekiti is situated in Southwest Nigeria and has a population of roughly 330,000.

Learn more at EKSU.edu.ng. m

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Something Like a Fairytale: The Musical

SOMETHING LIKE A FAIRYTALE: THE MUSICAL

PHOTOS BY STEFANO BENITEZ

Embassy Suites — Reese Theatre in the Pavilion

Kazoani Gonmiah poses in between Erica Philpot and Talente Davis.

Erica Philpot with Melvin J. Cox.

The NBTF has always provided young

performers with a space to shine. “Something Like a Fairytale: The Musical” features a number of such performers, who, along with professional adult actors, will tell this poignant and exhilarating music-filled story.

It is billed as a story within a story. As a mother tells her young daughter the tale of how she and the girl’s father met, the mother turns the story into a fairytale so that her little girl can better relate.

“Through soulful music and fairytale magic, we hold a mirror to the realities of love in real-life,” playwright and director Lawrence Dandridge said.

Presented by Union City, N.J.’s Park Performing Arts Center, the musical’s fairytale world features a prince coping with the noble dilemma of whether to marry for love or to fulfill the wishes of his family and kingdom. Parental pressure is not the only relevant

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(From left) Melvin J. Cox with Erica Philpot and Talente Davis.

theme broached; others deal with love triangles, domestic disputes and divorce.

“This show takes us on a relatable journey that bridges the gap between the version of love we all long for and the version of love most of us actually get,” Dandridge said. “It also shines light on what it means to have a fairytale ending, specifically from the African-American perspective.”

The powerful and touching story is made all-the-more riveting by the music, which is influenced by a variety of genres, and the moves, choreographed by Izryel Mathis. The gifted cast includes Erica Philpot as Princess Alyse; Melvin J. Cox as James; Talente Davis as Prince Donovan; and Kazoani Gonmiah as Nicole.

Kazoani Gonmiah with Erica Philpot.

“Something Like a Fairytale” took home six awards at NYC’s Thespis Theater Festival earlier this summer, including Best Original Play, Best Score and Best Director. m

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Black Magic PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY JENKINS

BLACK MAGIC Can we disappear but still be here forever, be

Embassy Suites — Gaines Ballroom

born, buried and born again?

In the creative mind of writer/ director Tony Jenkins, the answer is a resounding “yes!” His “Black Magic” is billed as a celebration of life and love — from the perspectives of dead black men.

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Inspired by a climate in which young black men are far too often used as target practice by law enforcement officers, the play resurrects seven young black men who were shot down in their prime. They confront issues such as life, love, death and the system that killed them and then held no one accountable for their deaths.

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Elements of spoken word poetry, dance and “red-nose clowning” are incorporated throughout, as “Black Magic” tells the paradox that is often the African-American experience. The play debuted last year at the New York International Fringe Festival. At the time, Jenkins talked to the Gay City News about what inspired him.

“This play gives space for the voices that we never hear. These black men, after their deaths, are defined and criticized and picked apart by the news cycle and are never able to tell their own stories.

Corpses aren’t available for comment. The play argues that black lives are remarkable. That violence in the world is not the solution that lasts. That we are more connected than we allow ourselves to be. That sometimes we are the ones holding the gun. The play argues that love is the way. The play looks the audience in the eye and dares them to say otherwise.”

The men of “Black Magic.”

“Black Magic” is presented by the University of North Carolina School of Arts, where Jenkins studies, and is co-directed and choreographed

by Chessa Metz. Joining Jenkins in the cast are Justin Campbell, Malik Squire, Aaron Marshall-Bobb, Skyler James, Ibn Days and Evan Reiser.

UNCSA PHOTO

Tony Jenkins

A seasoned spoken word poet and orator, Jenkins has toured the nation and given keynote addresses at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the NAACP, the National At-Risk Educators Conference, The N.C. Arts Council and Family Services. Jenkins, who serves as music director for the Winston-Salem arts nonprofit Authoring Action, is the author of two books. His debut play, “Baggage Claim,” premiered at Lincoln Center through the Lincoln Center Education Fellowship.

Learn more at BlackMagicPlay.wordpress.com. m

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Power! Stokely Carmichael MESHAUN LABRONE PRODUCTIONS PHOTO BY DJ COREY

MESHAUN LABRONE PRODUCTIONS PHOTO

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Meshaun Labrone embodies Stokely Carmichael on stage.

Meshaun Labrone as Stokely Carmichael

“Before Black Lives Mattered, there was Black Power!

I wish ‘Power! Stokely Carmichael’ did not have to matter like it does right now,” so read the five-star review from DC Theatre Metro for Meshaun Labrone’s forceful and relevant one-man show.

Labrone was inspired to write the play after the 2012 murder of Trayvon Martin and by his experiences while working as a corrections officer at a Florida maximum security prison.

Members of the NSU Theatre Department in “The Brothers Size.”

He transports audiences to summer 1966, introducing them to multiple characters Stokely Carmichael encountered during the Civil Rights Movement and taking them into the mind of Carmichael, who was an unknown protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he was prepared to engage in a standoff with police in Canton, Mississippi, during the March Against Fear. In a production that is informative, heartbreaking, funny and all-around entertaining, Labrone chronicles Carmichael’s rise to the leading voice of the Black Power Movement.

The play, presented by Labrone’s self-named Silver Spring, Md.-based production company and directed by Jennifer Knight, has been staged at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, the Capital Fringe in Washington, D.C., and the New York International Fringe Festival. Labrone also regularly performs at colleges and universities. Earlier this year, he was well received at the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Labrone is a former member of the repertory theatre at the Miami Theatre Center, where he acted in such plays as “Two Trains Running,” “Body and Sold” and “The Tin Soldier,” under the direction of former Moscow Art Theatre director Slava Dolgochev. He received international acclaim in 2011 for his one-man show “Right to Remain ... Tupac Shakur,” which he staged at the Tara Theatre in London. In the play, Labrone draws parallels between the rapper and the Bard (Shakespeare). The groundbreaking show was credited with bringing the classical theatre community and hip-hop community together.

A Florida International University alumnus, Labrone earned a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate in 2006 in Prague, Czech Republic.

Learn more at PowerStokelyCarmichael.com. m

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Mountcastle Forum Black Box Theatre — Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts Tues, Aug. 1

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HEALING THROUGH THE SOUND OF MUSIC PHOTOS

POWER! STOKELY CARMICHAEL and THE FANNIE LOU HAMER STORY

HEALING THROUGH THE SOUND OF MUSIC PHOTOS

The Fannie Lou Hamer Story

Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye as Fannie Lou Hamer

Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye

Powerful monologues, video snippets and rousing

After Aimbaye saw Hamer on Gil Noble’s “Like It Is,” she discovered a role model who has shaped her acting and singing career.

“The Fannie Lou Hamer Story,” presented by Atlanta’s Healing Through the Sound of Music, pays homage to a woman who devoted her life to fighting for marginalized communities. Hamer rose from the cotton fields of Jim Crow Mississippi to become one of the most influential voices in American politics. She put herself in harm’s way throughout the turbulent 1960s, traveling throughout Mississippi and other parts of the South to register black voters. She often sang Negro spirituals like “This Little Light of Mine” and “Go Tell it on the Mountain” during those road trips.

“After she [Hamer] told how she was beaten, I still did not see one ounce of hate in the woman,” Aimbaye recalled. “That blew my mind.

I could not get how she could not hate the people who treated her that way. I had so much rage in me, racial rage, and I had not gone through anything like she had gone through. That rage was part of the reason I [moved] to Europe.”

songs are combined to tell the story of a Civil Rights giant.

Hamer helped to make Mississippi’s Freedom Summer possible and was vice chair of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, which she represented at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. She is well known for her outspoken opposition to Mississippi’s all-white, prosegregation Democratic National Convention (DNC) delegation. She gave one of her most powerful addresses before the Credentials Committee of the DNC in Atlantic City. Expressing her frustration with the status quo and a system that devalues black lives, Hamer equipped, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

Aimbaye said she channeled that anger into writing the show. The Patterson, N.J., native said she has been singing for as long as she can remember. She trained as an actress at HB Studio in New York City.

She has toured the United States and headlined nightclub shows in Paris and Rome. Her film credits include “Sankofa,” and her concert debut at Lincoln Center was hailed as a triumph.

But she says “The Fannie Lou Hamer Story” is her shining achievement thus far.

“This presentation in word and song captures a little known but very important moment in history and lays it at your feet,” she said.

Learn more at TheFannieLouHamerStory.com. m

Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye brings Hamer to life on stage. She wrote this one-woman play to show that educational art can also be entertaining.

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Choir Boy PHOTO BY NSU

CHOIR BOY WSSU — Dillard Auditorium, Anderson Center Tues, Aug. 1

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PHOTO BY NSU

The cast of “Choir Boy” in action on stage.

The Norfolk State University Theatre Company is returning to the NBTF with another production written by Oscar-winner Tarell Alvin McCraney.

Two years ago, during its Festival debut, NSU staged the “The Brothers Size.” This year, the Company is presenting “Choir Boy.” The story centers around Pharus Jonathan Young, whose homosexuality causes conflict at his school, the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys. Pharus wants nothing more than to lead the school’s prestigious gospel choir, but he knows that as a gay teenager, he will be judged for much more than his ability to carry a tune.

“Choir Boy” has been called a “stirring portrait of a young gay man finding the courage to tell the truth about himself” and hailed for its exploration of race and sexuality. Such themes are hallmarks in McCraney’s work. The openly gay playwright wrote the story on which Academy Award Best Picture winner “Moonlight” was based. The film also won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar, an honor McCraney shared with writer/director Barry Jenkins.

Anthony Stockard, who leads the NSU Theatre Company, directs. Since arriving at NSU in 2014, Stockard has directed several sold-out productions, including “A Raisin in the Sun,” “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf” and “Dreamgirls.”

When NSU staged the show last summer, the talented young cast included Reggie Lee Doles, who played Pharus; Derrick Moore, who played AJ James, Pharus’ supportive heterosexual best friend; Isaiah Roper, who played Bobby Marrow, a relative of the school’s headmaster; Mathew Jackson, who played David; Solomon Langley as Junior; Ron Newman as Mr. Pendleton; and Derek Savage as Headmaster Marrow.

Reggie Lee Doles as Pharus Young.

The award-winning, nationally recognized NSU Theatre Company has garnered widespread audience acclaim, multiple honors for excellence and presents an annual four-show season of plays and musicals.

Learn more at NSUTheatre.com. m

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PHOTOS BY HELEN L. COLLEN PHOTOS BY HELEN L. COLLEN

Maid’s Door MAID’S DOOR

Scottie Mills Scott gives an emotional performance.

Wake Forest — The MainStage Theatre Tues, Aug. 1

Melissa Joyner with Nate James in “Maid’s Door.”

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Melissa Joyner with Scottie Mills Scott.

The emotional “Maid’s Door” is returning to the NBTF after a successful run at the previous Festival. Director Jackie Alexander was the artistic director of New York City’s Billie Holiday Theatre when he brought the play to the 2015 Festival. He’s now the artistic director of the N.C. Black Repertory Co., which is presenting this year’s production and staged the play in Winston-Salem earlier this year as part of its current season.

Writers Guild Award winner and Emmy nominee Cheryl L. Davis wrote “Maid’s Door” and says it is semi-autobiographical.

“In high school, my family moved into an Upper West Side apartment, and I was intrigued with the fact that the kitchen had a second entrance door,” Davis said. “My grandmother, who had been a maid for a family that lived only blocks away, explained to me that my prized second door was in fact a ‘Maid’s Door.’ I immediately knew there was a story waiting to be told.”

The play, which goes back and forth in time, centers around Ida Farrell, who for decades supported her family as a domestic worker in the tony apartments of rich white families. Now, Ida is battling Alzheimer’s and dependent upon her adult children. Her illness puts a strain on her family, forcing them to confront some hard realities. For Ida, Alzheimer’s opens a floodgate of memories of her days as a maid. Combined, all

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these elements make for a story that is funny at times and then utterly heartbreaking, but audiences and critics agree, it is entertaining through and through.

“Maid’s Door” swept the 2014 AUDELCO Awards, winning seven honors: Dramatic Production of the Year, Best Lead Actress (Scottie Mills Scott), Best Supporting Actress (Melissa Joyner), Best Supporting Actor (Nate James), Best Set Design (Patrice Andrew Davidson), Best Playwright for Davis and Best Director/Dramatic Production for Alexander. Much of that award-winning cast, including Mills Scott and Joyner, a Wake Forest University alumna, is in the Black Rep’s show.

Davis, a Princeton alumna, is a former writer for the daytime drama “As the World Turns.” Her play “The Color of Justice,” about school desegregation, was commissioned by Theatreworks/USA, while “Winnie the Pooh KIDS,” another of her plays, is licensed by the Disney Theatrical Group. Her credits also include the stage production “Cover Girls,” an adaptation of the Bishop T. D. Jakes’ novel.

Alexander, who is also an award-winning actor, writer and producer, won the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame Best Feature Film award for his debut movie, “Joy.” He is the author of seven plays; they have been staged Off-Broadway and in regional theaters throughout the country.

Learn more at NCBlackrep.org. m WSChronicle.com

Anne & Emmett ANNE & EMMETT

PHOTOS BY LANGHART COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

UNCSA — Gerald Freedman Theatre

Janet Langhart Cohen

discovered in the Tallahatchie River.

Though his death is credited with adding fuel to the Civil Rights Movement, no one was ever convicted for murdering Till.

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Langhart Cohen, whose television journalism career included stints on BET and “Entertainment Tonight,” said she wants the play to help build bridges of understanding.

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“To help me understand and articulate the need to find tolerance and harmony in the world rather than hate, I have turned to an imaginary vision of two historic and tragic victims of institutionalized terrorism,” she said.

Anne Frank and Emmett Till meet in this acclaimed play.

Two of history’s most tragic victims of prejudice and hatred

meet in a critically acclaimed play by veteran journalist Janet Langhart Cohen.

“Anne and Emmett” recalls the deaths and painful, enduring legacies of Anne Frank and Emmett Till. Anne, of course, had not yet entered her teen years when Adolf Hitler came to power in her native Germany.

While many Jewish families were able to flee Nazi-occupied Europe, the Franks were forced for two years to hide in the attic of a building in Holland. When the family was discovered there in 1944, Anne was initially sent to the notorious Auschwitz concentration camp before being transferred to another camp, Bergen-Belsen, where she died at age 15.

The diary she left behind has been read by millions around the world.

Till’s story is not as well-known but just as tragic. The 14-year-old left his home in Chicago for a summer visit with relatives in Money, Miss. While there, he encountered a 21-year-old married white woman, Carolyn Bryant, who reportedly told her husband, Roy, that the boy flirtatiously whistled at her (a claim later proven to be false). Soon afterward, Roy Bryant and his brother abducted Emmett from his great-uncle’s house.

Three days later, the boy’s badly beaten and tortured body was

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In her story, the young Jewish girl and black boy “meet somewhere in time” and are “destined to remain locked in a conversation until the chain of mankind’s bigotry is broken by the grace of illumination and knowledge.” Presented by Washington, D.C.-based Langhart Communications Group, the play has earned rave reviews from critics and fans, including notable ones like Oscar winner Michael Douglas, who said, “Janet Langhart Cohen has written a play that is emotional, educational and inspirational. I thought it was a beautifully acted … fully directed. It was a real treat.” After seeing the show, longtime NBC/ MSNBC reporter Andrea Mitchell commented, “I am so moved and so shaken, and I was crying in there. I mean, the writing is powerful. The acting and directing are extraordinary … I am really overcome. I think it is timeless.”

Langhart Cohen’s husband, former U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen, joins her as a co-producer. The original music is by Joshua Coyne and William Knowles, who is also the musical director. The most recent staging of the production was directed by Thomas W. Jones II and starred Abigail Williams as Anne Frank, Enoch King as Emmett Till, Roz White as Mamie Till-Mobley and Roger Grunwald as Anne’s father, Otto — the only member of the Frank family who survived the Holocaust.

The behind-the-scenes team also included set/projection designer Robbie Hayes, costume designer Jane Fink, lighting designer John D. Alexander, sound designer Veronica J. Lancaster and stage manager lark hackshaw.

Learn more at JanetLanghartCohen.com/home. m Special publication made possible by

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPIRIT SISTER PRODUCTIONS

Gogo and Big Sister Thembi Mtshali-Jones with Hlengiwe Madlala.

GOGO AND BIG SISTER Salem College — Shirley Recital Hall Tues, Aug. 1

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(From left) Lillian Tshabalala with Thembi Mtshali-Jones, Hlengiwe Madlala and Ezbie Moilwa.

“Gogo and Big Sister” stars (from left) Lillian Tshabalala, Thembi Mtshali-Jones and Hlengiwe Madlala.

After leaving 2015 NBTF audiences with a lasting

impression, “Gogo and Big Sister” is returning this year. Presented by Cape Town, South Africa-based Spirit Sister Productions, the musical is one of several international shows that will be staged during festival week.

Thembi Mtshali-Jones is the playwright and the star of this musical journey, which centers around three generations of a talented family who are at various stages of their singing careers. Gogo (grandmother) is the matriarch. Having grown up in apartheid South Africa and under the influence of American singers like Diana Ross and Nina Simone, Gogo knows little about the musical history of her own country. She leaves South Africa to sing professionally but finds her dreams of success tempered by the reality of racial constraints.

She does not find her calling until she tours and performs with the legendary Miriam Makeba; she then realizes the sacrifices and hardships that South African musicians faced in order to make music for the masses. This realization leads her to discover that her true inspiration comes from the music of several legendary South African women.

Gogo is now determined to pass on that storied musical history to younger singers.

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The production has earned acclaim each time it has been staged. After seeing the show in 2014, noted South African actress Philisiwe Twijnstra raved, “‘Gogo and Big Sister’ is a simple, clean, cathartic storytelling.”

Helping Mtshali-Jones create that onstage magic are actress/singers Hlengiwe Madlala and Lillian Tshabalala and music arranger Ezbie Moilwa. The off-stage talent includes producer Heather Blumenthal and director Princess Mhlongo.

Mtshali-Jones is a popular actress in her native South Africa, having come to prominence with her role in the hit television comedy “Sgudi Snaysi.” Most recently, she starred in the drama series “Broken Vows.”

Earlier this year, she was recognized for her stage work with a lifetime achievement honor at the Naledi Theatre Awards.

Spirit Sister Productions was founded in 2006 to provide a platform to “train, develop and mentor women and youth within an industry that historically was dominated by men.” It facilitates mentorship programs and workshops in the performing arts, literary projects, business development skills, entrepreneurship and community development.

Learn more about at GogoAndBigSister.com. m WSChronicle.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CULTURAL ODYSSEY

Fully Awake & Facing Seventy: Heaven Betta Bea Honky Tonk DoubleBilled!

Rhodessa Jones shows the power of aging gracefully in her one-woman show.

Rhodessa Jones displays her musical talents

For the past four decades, San Francisco’s Cultural Odyssey

has been presenting performance art at its finest, and its New Performance in Black Theatre Series has been a staple at the NBTF since the Festival’s early years.

“Fully Awake & Facing Seventy: Heaven Betta Bea Honky Tonk” is one of two shows the company will stage this year.

Cultural Odyssey Co-Artistic Director Rhodessa Jones wrote and stars in this powerful theatrical experience. Billed as a cabaret-style celebration of Jones reaching 70 years young, the show asks the question, “Can the artist look back at her life as a way of seeing into the future?” If that artist is the incomparable Ms. Jones, the answer is a no-brainer.

On stage, she tackles the issue of aging with a hodgepodge of humor, insights, political banter and, of course, music. Through her vision, we see that aging gracefully can be joyous and effortless.

Theater-lovers of all ages have been wrapped up in Jones’ majesty.

She has perfected her style over a career that has stretched over a half-century. Her community activism is just as acclaimed as her talent.

Jones is the founder and director of the award-winning Medea Project:

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Theater for Incarcerated Women/HIV Circle, which is a performance workshop designed to achieve personal and social transformation with incarcerated women and women living with HIV. Along with Co-Artistic Director and Executive Director Idris Ackamoor, Jones has helped Cultural Odyssey fulfill its mission of “Art as Social Activism.” The company has collaborated with artists such as Bill T. Jones, Pearl Cleage, Ntozake Shange, Eve Ensler, and Chico Freeman and has toured throughout the United States, Africa, Japan, the Caribbean and Europe. (Ackamoor, in fact, will miss his first NBTF because he is touring Europe with his band, Idris Ackamoor and the Pyramids.)

Jones has been a Visiting Professor at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif., and an Interdisciplinary Artist in Residence at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her many honors include the 2015 Theatre Practitioner Award by Theater Communications Group, which recognizes “a living individual whose work in the American theatre has evidenced exemplary achievement over time and who has contributed significantly to the development of the larger field.”

Learn more at CulturalOdyssey.org. m

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ColorStruck: Surviving the Trumpocalypse FULLY AWAKE & FACING SEVENTY and COLORSTRUCK

PHOTO COURTESY OF DONALD LACY

DoubleBilled!

Salem College — The Drama Workshop Theatre Tues, Aug. 1 Wed, Aug. 2

8 p.m.

Wed, Aug. 2 Thurs, Aug. 3

8 p.m.

8 p.m.

$41 Donald Lacy is continuing his “ColorStruck” series with new show.

PHOTO BY AUINTARD

3 p.m.

The talented Donald Lacy is returning to the NBTF with “ColorStruck: Surviving the Trumpocalypse,” an insightful look at life for Black Americans under the reign of “45.”

The show is presented by San Francisco-based Cultural Odyssey and directed by Sean San Jose; the music and soundscape are by Tommy James Shepherd. “ColorStruck: Surviving the Trumpocalypse” is the latest in Lacy’s “ColorStruck” series, which he has used to artistically address issues of race and culture and to examine current news. Both entertaining and educational, “ColorStruck” has been touring around the United States for the past 10 years, mostly on college campuses, where it has helped to spark open dialogue about race. Often after his performances, Lacy leads discussions with his audiences about solutions. He says the primary mission of his work is to examine the need for more diversity and inclusion.

The writer, director, actor, comedian, and radio talk show host was inducted into the Bay Area Blues Society Hall of Fame in 2013; it was the latest in a long list of honors bestowed upon Lacy over his long stage, film and television career. He’s appeared in films like “About Cherry” (with James Franco), Francis Ford Coppola’s “Jack” and Taylor Hackford’s “Blood In, Blood Out.” On the small-screen, he’s appeared on “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper,” “Wolf,” “LA Heat,” “Comic View” and “Def Comedy Jam.” His stage credits include the August Wilson classics “Gem of the Ocean,” “The Piano Lesson,” and “Jitney.” Lacy has also directed for the stage and the screen. He started the LoveLife Foundation in 1997 to honor his daughter, LoEshe’, who passed away when she was just 16. The Oakland, Calif., Foundation provides an array of youth services, including computer training, vocational development, mentoring and youth-produced radio and television programs that affirm life.

PHOTO BY AUINTARD

Lacy used the barrage of current headlines as material to write the play. On stage, he fuses comedy, drama, spoken word, music and visuals to examine race in America under the racially-polarized President Donald Trump administration. The experience has been called “an unforgettable night of entertainment and enlightenment.”

Donald Lacy addresses many current topics in his show.

Learn more at DonaldLacy.com. m

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PHOTOS BY GAIL L. MANKER

Miss Julie, Clarissa and John MISS JULIE, CLARISSA AND JOHN

Kevin Brown and Chrystal Bates as John and Clarissa.

Summit School — Loma Hopkins Theatre Tues, Aug. 1 Wed, Aug. 2 Wed, Aug. 2 Thurs, Aug. 3

8 p.m.

3 p.m.

8 p.m.

3 p.m.

$41

Mark Clayton Southers

Kevin Brown (seated) with (standing, from left) Tami Dixon and Chrystal Bates.

Issues of class, race, status and power are explored in

“Miss Julie, Clarissa and John,” a riveting play from the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company.

Playwright Mark Clayton Southers’ tale is based on “Miss Julie,” an 1880s play by August Strindberg that was hailed for its examination of Sweden’s harsh class system. Southers’ story is set on a tobacco plantation soon after the Civil War. With the years-long battle finally over and their former owner, Captain Hodge, dead, Clarissa and John are both free; yet, they seem bound to the plantation, the only home they have ever known.

Clarissa can’t fully commit to a relationship with John. Her heart belongs to another — a love lost during the war — and she is depressed about not knowing the whereabouts of her mother, who was sold away. Their path to a possible union is further obstructed when Captain Hodge’s self-absorbed daughter, Julie, arrives to collect her inheritance. Julie is the Reconstruction Era’s version of a liberal white racist: she claims to be John and Clarissa’s friend, but freely uses racial slurs and regularly dismisses them as inferiors. That, however, does not stop her from

National Black Theatre Festival

Kevin Brown as John and Tami Dixon as Miss Julie.

making overt sexual advances toward John. Knowing that such a relationship between a white woman and a black man is illegal and could result in John’s lynching, does not phase Julie. The trio’s complicated dance exposes a number of relevant issues and ultimately ends with Clarissa holding all of the cards.

During its run in Pittsburgh, under the direction of Monteze Freeland, City Paper raved, “I could go on at length about their performances but — and not to slight them — the news here is that Mark Southers has written a play that is destined for greatness.”

Its run in St. Louis, when it was presented by the city’s Black Rep and directed by Andrea Frye, was also well received, with KDHX FM calling the production a “powerful and affecting … dramatic success.”

The cast — Chrystal Bates (Clarissa), Kevin Brown (John) and Tami Dixon (Miss Julie) — have been called Pittsburgh acting royalty for their long and distinguished careers.

Learn more about the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company at PGHplaywrights.org. m Special publication made possible by

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RAYLOC GROUP

Michael Colyar’s Momma

MICHAEL COLYAR’S MOMMA

Michael Colyar is wellknown for his work as an actor and comedian.

Benton Convention Center — Hamlin Theatre Tues, Aug. 1

8 p.m.

Wed, Aug. 2

3 p.m.

Wed, Aug. 2

8 p.m.

Thurs, Aug. 3

3 p.m.

$44

Michael Colyar began his career with the moniker “The

King of Venice Beach.” That is, after all, where his star began to ascend by making beachgoers laugh with his signature brand of comedy.

His talent won over judges on the iconic talent showcase “Star Search.”

Colyar won the show’s $100,000 grand prize for comedy in 1989. (He donated half of his winnings to a homeless shelter.) That victory launched a television, film and standup career that is still going strong today.

His latest project is a bit of a departure from the actor/comedian we all know and love. “Michael Colyar’s Momma,” presented by The Rayloc Group and a “Bunch of Folks with Money,” is a one-man stage experience that has been billed as a powerful tribute to God and Colyar’s late mother.

Colyar has written an autobiographical show that chronicles his humble beginnings in Chicago to his rise to stardom in Hollywood. That road was far from smooth, though. He freely spent his show business earning: “I’ve been rich three times and broke 17 times,” Colyar often says. His penchant for crack-cocaine played a part in his money woes.

On stage, he is open about his long struggle with addiction — a battle he ultimately won; Colyar has been clean for six years.

The show delves into some heavy subject matter, but fans can rest assured that Colyar’s comedy is well integrated throughout.

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“This show is for everyone,” he told Rolling-Out. “I’ll be talking about my momma, but there will be lots of funny moments that will make people think about their own mothers and the extraordinary impact they had on our lives as kids and adults. I hope everyone will come out for an evening of comedy and inspiration … and bring your Momma.”

Iona Morris directs the show. A well-known actress in her own right, Morris is a NBTF favorite. Colyar told the L.A. Sentinel that working with Morris was cathartic.

“She helped me find stuff out about by life I didn’t even remember or realize,” he said. “Now, I am just blown away by this whole experience, everything about it is exciting.”

“Michael Colyar’s Momma” is in the middle of a cross-country 100-city tour that kicked off in Los Angeles in April. Colyar is balancing the tour with his work on his syndicated talk show on American Urban Radio Networks’ “The Afternoon Rush” that airs in 25 major markets. He is the former host of “BET Live From LA.” His long list of film credits include “House Party III,” “Norbit,” “The Last Laugh,” “Poetic Justice” and “The Princess & The Frog.” His small-screen work includes appearances on “Martin,” “Black-ish,” and “The Parkers.”

Learn more at TheRealMichaelColyar.com. m

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IMAGE COURTESY OF PEGGY BLU

Mama, I’m Home MAMA, I’M HOME Performer Peggi Blu is set to electrify crowds with her one-woman show.

Embassy Suites — Gaines Ballroom Tues, Aug. 1

10:30 p.m.

Wed, Aug. 2

10:30 p.m.

Thurs, Aug. 3 10:30 p.m.

Fri, Aug. 4

10:30 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5

10:30 p.m.

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Peggi Blu is a singer’s singer whose voice has been

well seasoned over a decades-long career that has taken her to glorious heights.

When she brings her one-woman show “Mama, I’m Home” to the NBTF, it will, indeed, be a homecoming of sorts. Blu is a native of Lumberton, N.C., a city a couple of hours southeast of Winston-Salem. Billed as a requiem to her mother and all mothers, Blu wrote and stars in the musical showcase, which is being presented by California-based Caribbean American Repertory Theatre West; Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter directs.

Blu was the voice coach on the hit reality talent show “American Idol,” where she held contestants to such a high standard that host Ryan Seacrest dubbed her “the vocal coach from Hell.” Within the music industry, Blu was well known long before she signed on with AI. The vocal powerhouse has shared stages and recorded with notables like Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan and Luther Vandross and headlined concerts throughout Europe and Africa.

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It was Blu’s mama who sparked her love for music.

When she was a toddler, Blu’s mom would sit her little girl on the stage at church while she rehearsed and performed. By the time Blu was a teenager, she, herself had performed at churches and other venues throughout North Carolina. Before long, Blu stepped out on faith and headed to New York with hopes of becoming a professional singer. She landed a record deal with MCA in 1980, releasing the disc “I Got Love,” which yielded the Billboard dance hit “Dancing in The Streets.” Blu also co-starred in the Broadway musicals “The Wiz” (in 1983 with Stephanie Mills) and “Marilyn, An American Fable” (in 1984 with director Kenny Ortega and star Scott Bakula). Her career received a major boost in 1986 when she claimed the $100,000 grand prize for Best Female Vocalist on “Star Search.”

Her “Star Search” success led her to relocate to Southern California.

She released her second CD, “Blu Blowin’” on Capitol Records in 1987.

It reached #4 on the dance charts in England and featured the single “Tender Moments”, which peaked at #28 on the U.S. Billboard R&B charts. In recent years, Blu has recorded the disc “Blu Sinatra,” produced

by Grammy winner Ted Perlman, and performed sold-out shows singing classics made famous by “Ol’ Blue Eyes.”

She has also appeared in the “Diva Fever Revue” and “Old School Party” in Las Vegas, both of which were produced by her son, Eric Floyd. The latter showcase also featured Blu’s talented grandson, Siameze, whose signature voice achieved its range through his grandmother’s tutelage.

Learn more at PeggiBlu.com. m

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Spoken word has been a staple at the NBTF for several years. There’s no mystery why that is. The “Midnight Poetry Jam” has continuously been a popular attraction, a soothing nightcap for the Festival that never sleeps.

N.C. MUSEUM OF HISTORY PHOTO

Midnight Poetry Jam

This celebration of verse will be headlined by various guest celebrities throughout Festival week. Past star performers have included “The Cosby Show” actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who helped to mold the event in its early years; “Judge Judy” bailiff Patri Hawkins-Byrd; and Lamman Rucker of the “Why Did I Get Married?” films. Everyday folks also get a chance to shine. Attendees can sign-up each night to stand behind the open mic to perform. Poets will be selected via a lottery system.

The “Midnight Poetry Jam” is coordinated by Weusi Baraka and hosted

by Dasan Ahanu of BET’s “Verses and Flow.” Ahanu, who is also known as Christopher Massenburg, is a Raleigh, N.C., native who wears many hats: “public speaker, organizer, workshop facilitator, poet, spoken word performer, educator, songwriter, writer, emcee, and loyal hip-hop head.”

He is a founder of Black Poetry Theatre (BPT) and the Bull City Slam Team, which he twice helped to claim the Southern Fried Southeastern Regional Poetry Slam championship. The Team also has a pair of top-three finishes

National Black Theatre Festival

MIDNIGHT POETRY JAM Benton Convention Center — Salem Ballroom

Christopher "Dasan Ahanu" Massenburg reads from his book at the N.C. Museum of History

Tues, Aug. 1

Midnight

at the National Poetry Slam.

Wed, Aug. 2

Midnight

Ahanu has been featured on “News and Notes with Ed Gordon,” “State of Things with Frank Stacio” and in the documentary “Poet Son,” which aired on WUNC-TV as a part of the North Carolina Visions film series. He has three full-length books of poetry: “The Innovator,” “Freedom Papers” and “Everything Worth Fighting For: An Exploration of Being Black in America;” and two spoken word CDs — “The Darkest Eye” and “Catharsis.” m

Thurs, Aug. 3

Midnight

Fri, Aug. 4

Midnight

$7

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Awardees Sidney Poitier Lifelong Achievement Award

Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award

LOUIS GOSSETT JR.

RON HIMES

Emerging Producer Award RON SIMONS

Ron Himes is the founder and producing director of the St. Louis Black Repertory Company, which he founded in 1976 while he was a student at the city’s Washington University.

He has produced and directed more than 100 plays at the Company, helping it develop a national reputation for staging productions that elucidate the African-American experience.

Louis Gossett Jr. became an international superstar after earning a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for “An Officer and a Gentleman” in 1982, but the actor was already legendary in so many ways before that point.

The New York native’s acting career began on the stage in the 1950s with his Broadway debut in “Take a Giant Step.” By 1961, he had transitioned to film, playing George Murchison in “A Raisin in the Sun.” That year, he, along with Maya Angelou, Cicely Tyson, James Earl Jones and others, was a part of the original cast of Jean Genet’s “The Blacks,” which was the most popular Off-Broadway play of the era.

As Fiddler in “Roots,” he was a part of another all-star cast. He won an Emmy for the role, which is credited with introducing him to a national audience. Gossett’s long list of television credits also include the 1983 miniseries “Sadat,” in which he played the celebrated Egyptian president; “Backstairs at the White House,” “Palmerstown, USA” and “A Gathering of Old Men”; he earned Emmy nominations for all four roles.

On the big screen, Gossett is also known for the “Iron Eagle” movies, “Blue Chips,” “The Principal,” “Diggstown,” “The Punisher,” “Enemy Mine,” “Jaws 3-D” and “Daddy’s Little Girls.” At 81 years young, Gossett is still going strong. His most recent roles include parts in the acclaimed “Book of Negros,” “Madame Secretary” and “The Good Fight.”

National Black Theatre Festival

In 2003, Himes was appointed the first Henry E. Hampton Jr. Artist-in-Residence at Washington University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

He has received numerous honors and awards, including the St. Louis 2004 Heroes Pierre Laclede Award; the Arts & Education Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001; The Better Family Life’s Creative Artist Award in 1997; the St. Louis Black Repertory Company’s Woodie Award for Best Direction from 1994-1997; an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1993 and from Washington University in 1997; and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Life and Legacy Award from the National Pan-Hellenic Alumni Council. In 1993, the Ron Himes Scholarship Fund was established at Webster University in St. Louis.

The multi-talented Ron Simons has produced three Tonywinning productions: “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” (Best Musical), “Porgy & Bess” (Best Revival of a Musical) and “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” (Best Play).

Founder and CEO of SimonSays Entertainment, Simons is also a film producer and actor whose film projects include “Night Catches Us,” “Gun Hill Road,” “Blue Caprice” and “Mother of George,” all of which premiered at Sundance.

The former software engineer was a part of the cast that won the London Stage Award for Acting Excellence for the play “Boy Steals Train,” which he co-developed. His film and television credits include “27 Dresses,” “Mystery Team,” “Phoebe in Wonderland,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “As the World Turns” and “Nowhere Man.” Simons’ many philanthropic endeavors include supporting Harlem Stage, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Hudson River Performing Arts Center, the Technology Access Foundation and the University of Washington School of Drama.

August Wilson Playwright Award DOMINIQUE MORISSEAU Dominique Morisseau’s list of honors is long and varied. They include a Jane Chambers Playwriting Award, two NAACP Image Awards, a commendation honoree for the Primus Prize by the American Theatre Critics Association, the Barrie and Bernice Stavis Playwriting Award, the Weissberger Award for Playwriting, the U of M — Detroit Center Emerging Leader Award, a Lark/PoNY (Playwrights of New York) Fellow and the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama.

Her playwriting credits include “Detroit ’67” (staged at the Public Theater, Classical Theatre of Harlem/NBT and Northlight Theatre); “Sunset Baby” (staged at the Labyrinth Theater Co — NYC and Gate Theater — London); and “Follow Me To Nellie’s” (staged at the O’Neill and Premiere Stages).

“Detroit ’67,” about the city’s race uprising, is the first in Morisseau’s “The Detroit Projects,” a three-play cycle about her hometown. The second play in the cycle, “Paradise Blue,” was developed with Voice and Vision, the Hansberry Project at ACT, New York Theatre Workshop, McCarter Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival and the Public Theater.

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Awardees Living Legend Awards

ED WHEELER Ed Wheeler is an accomplished actor who has shined on stage and screen throughout his long and illustrious career. His film credits include “Broadcast News,” Presumed Innocent,” “Thinner,” “Godzilla” (the 1998 version), “Head of State” and “The Good Heart.”

On the small-screen, he has been seen on shows like “Blue Bloods” and “Hope & Faith” Wheeler’s stage career includes performances in Off-Broadway productions of “Two Trains Running,” “Zooman and the Sign,” “East Texas Hot Links,” “Burner's Frolic,” “Prince” and “Sally.”

THELMA POLLARD Thelma Pollard is Broadway’s go-to makeup artist for jobs that call for special skill and an eye for detail.

After the Barbados native moved to NYC and studied cosmetology, a chance meeting led to doing make-up for some of Broadway’s most acclaimed productions. Her list of credits include “The Wiz,” “Cats,” “Song and Dance,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” where she has served as production makeup supervisor since 1988. Pollard also worked on films. In 1980, she was a member of the first all-black female team to compete in the World Hair Olympics in Paris; the team earned a silver medal.

Lloyd Richards Director Award

MABEL ROBINSON Mabel Robinson retired as artistic director of the NC Black Repertory Company at the end of 2015.

There, she helped to create magic on stage, serving as both director and choreographer for a number of successful productions.

The Savannah, Ga., native is a graduate of the NYC High School of Performing Arts and the Juilliard School of Music. She has performed with a number of dance companies and earned an Emmy nomination for choreographing the Houston Grand Opera’s TV production of “Treemonisha.”

She has appeared in several films; among them are “Cotton Comes To Harlem,” “Funny Lady” and “The Wiz.”

ALLIE WOODS Allie Woods is a well-regarded actor and director whose long list of credits include roles in the original Broadway productions of “Mule Bone” and “The Little Foxes;” other stage roles have included parts in August Wilson's “Two Trains Running” at the Pittsburgh Public Theater, where in 1994 he also directed “Sing Black Hammer” and led a master class for the Kuntu Repertory Theatre.

Television viewers know him from his recurring role on “The Good Wife” and appearances on “Blue Bloods,” “Law and Order” and “Black Box.” He has been on the big-screen in films like “SherryBaby,” “Tower Heist,” “Before We Go,” and others.

Marvtastic Philanthropy Award

TIMOTHY DOUGLAS

WELLS FARGO

Timothy Douglas’ national and international directing credits include the world premieres of August Wilson’s “Radio Golf” for Yale Rep, Rajiv Joseph’s “The Lake Effect” for Chicago’s Silk Road Rising, “Dontrell Who Kissed the Sea” for Theater Alliance and Keith Josef Adkins’ “Safe House” for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, where Douglas is an associate artist. His other Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park credits include “Jitney,” “Buzzer,” “Clybourne Park” and “The Trip to Bountiful.”

The generous support of Wells Fargo has helped to keep the NBTF’s spotlight shinning for nearly 30 years.

Douglas is also an actor with a long and impressive list of television, regional theatre and Off-Broadway credits. The Marymount Manhattan College and Yale School of Drama alumnus has served on the faculties of Emerson College, the American Conservatory Theater, Shakespeare & Company, National Theatre Conservatory, University of Southern California, the Theatre School at DePaul University, New Zealand Drama School and Winston-Salem’s own University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

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The world’s second largest bank made a foray into the Carolinas when it acquired the Wachovia Corp. in 2008. Wachovia was among the original NBTF sponsors, and Wells Fargo retained that commitment to the Festival.

Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation are among the country’s top corporate cash donors, giving $281.3 million to 14,900 nonprofits in 2016 to support financial education, community development, affordable housing, education, disaster relief, clean technology, job training, environmental education, and other critical social, economic and environmental challenges around the world.

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Awardees Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design GREGORY HORTON

ANTOINETTE TYNES

Gregory Horton’s eye for style has taken him far in the aesthetics-centric world of theatre. An Associate professor of theatre at N.C. A&T State University, Horton teaches costume design, costume history, makeup and directing; he is also interim chair of Visual and Performing Arts.

His recent credits as a costume designer include “Crowns” and “Black Nativity” at the Barn Dinner Theatre in Greensboro, “The Satchel Paige Story” for Houston’s Ensemble Theatre, N.C. A&T’s “Radio Golf” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’” for Syracuse Stage.

Horton, an alumnus of N.C. Central University and Michigan State, is the recipient of the Black Theatre Network Honorary Lifetime Membership Award and a Gorgie Award for Best Costumes.

Theatre Arts & Humanitarian Award

Outstanding Achievement in Scenic Design CHRIS CUMBERBATCH

Actors are not the only ones who bring dramatic effect to stage productions. Lighting is key to telling any story.

Antoinette Tynes is a lighting designer who is called upon often to work her magic.

In an industry where women are still few and far between, Tynes has set a high standard with her work. The New Federal Theatre has turned to her often, including for its productions of “In Bed With the Blues: The Adventures of Fishy Waters,” “Dr. DuBois and Miss Ovington,” “The Fabulous Miss Marie,” “Dutchman” and “Sowa's Red Gravy.” Her other credits include “Yesterdays: An Evening with Billie Holiday” for both the Crossroads Theatre Company and St. Louis Black Repertory Company.

Chris Cumberbatch, a graduate of NYC’s Art and Design High School and Parsons School of Design, is an acclaimed scenic designer who has cultivated his creative skills for more than 30 years. His theatrical work, which includes several New Federal Theatre productions, including “For Colored Girls ... When The Rainbow Is Enuf” and “Bessie Speaks,” have received numerous AUDELCO Awards. He has also designed for films like Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X,” “Crooklyn” and “Jungle Fever” and Robert De Niro’s “A Bronx Tale.” His television credits include “Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” “Saturday Night Live” and “Guiding Light.” The founder and CEO of the decorative paint company Above the Surface, Cumberbatch also designs restaurants, residencies and commercial spaces.

Theatre Longevity Award PAUL ROBESON THEATRE

When the Black Rep, and its fearless founder Larry Leon Hamlin, took the ambitious step of launching the NBTF in 1989, Jenkins was there to lend his expertise, sitting on the original National Advisory Board. Jenkins and his wife, Mary, have also financially supported the NBTF, the N.C. Black Rep and other organizations. Their generosity and caring spirits are well-known and respected in the Triad.

National Black Theatre Festival

The Paul Robeson Theatre (PRT), based at Buffalo, NY’s African American Cultural Center, was founded in 1968 to nurture and showcase the talents of African-American playwrights, producers, directors, actors and stage technicians in the City of Buffalo and the surrounding western NY region.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PAUL ROBESON THEATRE

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NBTF

WILBERT T. JENKINS Wilbert T. Jenkins has been a steadfast friend and supporter of the N.C. Black Repertory Company and the NBTF for as long as both entities have existed. Jenkins has served as chair of the N.C. Black Rep Board of Directors, where his business acumen has been put to good use as he has helped the Company survive and thrive for decades.

Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design

Ossie Davis was one of the PRT’s early artistic consultants. Other artists who have performed, directed, produced or been featured there include Woodie King Jr., Reuben Santiago Hudson, Margaret Ford-Taylor, Phyllicia Allen Rashad, Richard Gant, Robert Stacker Thomas, P.J. Gibson, J.E. Franklin and Robert Earl Jones. Among the PRT’s many honors is the Governor’s Arts Award and several Artvoice Artie awards, which are Buffalo’s equivalent of the Broadway Tony. Its artistic director is Paulette D. Harris.

Outstanding Achievement in Stage Management ED DE SHAE Ed De Shae is a noted theatre stage manager and an educator who is teaching his craft to others. De Shae’s extensive credits on Broadway include “Having Our Say” and “Checkmates.” He has also worked extensively with the Negro Ensemble Company and the Pasadena Playhouse.

De Shae is also a director, with “Fences” at the St. Louis Black Repertory and “East Texas Hot Links” at the Hollywood MET Theatre among his credits. De Shae has lectured in the theater department at UCLA and has been a faculty member at the University of Trinidad and Tobago and the University of the West Indies.

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Awardees PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY AWARDS AND CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

Special Recognition Awards

STEPHEN BYRD AND ALIA JONES-HARVEY Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones-Harvey are rarities: African-American producers who have staged major Broadway productions. They run Front Row Productions and use the company to make the Great White Way more inclusive.

Their credits are impressive and include Danai Gurira’s “Eclipsed,” whose cast included Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o; an all-Black staging of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” starring James Earl Jones; and a multi-racial telling of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” All of these projects earned rave reviews and a slew of awards.

THE NEGRO ENSEMBLE COMPANY

CLEOPATRA SOLOMON

Corey Mitchell is a theater arts teacher at Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte, N.C. He has been sharing his love for the performing arts with young people for more than two decades.

Winston-Salem’s own Cleopatra “Cleo” Solomon has been steadfast in her support of the NBTF from the very beginning. Her loyalty was one of the reason’s the late Larry Leon Hamlin, founder of the NBTF, entrusted her with the ambitious Youth Celebrity Project.

Solomon was VP of Program Operations at the WS Urban League when she, and fellow Urban League employee Cynthia Mack, created the Youth Celebrity Project in 1993 to expose disadvantaged kids to the wonders of the arts.

Last year, Mitchell was the recipient of the first-ever Excellence in Theatre Education Award, a joint initiative of the Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University. He received the honor live during the 2016 Tony Awards broadcast, and his story and speech touched people around the world.

A Statesville, N.C., native, Mitchell has led his students in staging challenging productions such as “For Colored Girls ...,” “Rent,” “Hair” and “The Color Purple.” In 2007, he was named N.C. Outstanding Theatre Arts Educator by the N.C. Theatre Conference.

NEGRO ENSEMBLE COMPANY PHOTO

Bryd, a former Wall Street broker, and Jones-Harvey, a former Procter & Gamble executive, are also investors in Cirque du Soleil’s “Paramour.”

COREY MITCHELL

New York City’s Negro Ensemble Company (NEC) was founded in 1967 by actor Robert Hooks, actor/playwright/director Douglas Turner Ward and producer/director Gerald A scene from the Negro Krone. From the beginning, it has staged Ensemble Company award-winning ground-breaking works and served as a classic “A Soldier’s Play.” launching pad for some of today’s biggest names. In its first decade, the NEC staged productions by playwrights like Lonnie Elder III, Joseph A. Walker, Paul Carter Harrison, Leslie Lee, Philip Hayes Dean, Derek Walcott, Wole Soyinka, Lennox Brown, John Scott, Silas Jones, Judi Ann Mason, Steve Carter, Charles Fuller, Gus Edwards and Samm-Art Williams.

These productions were brought to life by performers like Moses Gunn, Francis Foster, Adolph Caesar, Denise Nicholas, Roxie Roker, Esther Rolle, Rosalind Cash, David Downing, Judyann Elder, Arthur French, Hattie Winston, Clarice Taylor, Allie Woods, Stephanie Mills, Cleavon Little, Richard Roundtree, Denzel Washington, Lauren Jones, Roscoe Lee Browne and Ron O’Neal. NEC has earned many honors over the years, including Tonys for Special Achievement and for 1973’s “The River Niger” and 11 Obie Awards, including honors for “Zooman and The Sign,” “Sustained Achievement” and “A Soldier’s Play,” the winner of 1982 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

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Through the program, local children have witnessed live theatre, met top-name celebrities and experienced the thrilling spectacle that is the NBTF. Solomon, now a human resources development specialist at FTCC, is an alumna of WSSU and a tireless community servant.

THE LATE WALTER MARSHALL Walter Marshall was a crusader for justice and a champion of the African-American community for all of his extraordinary life. A graduate of Winston-Salem State University and N.C. A&T State University, Marshall taught children with learning disabilities for several years. His experience in the classroom influenced his decision to make education a paramount issue in his life. He helped to push the local school system to desegregate and later took the helm of the local NAACP chapter.

He was elected to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education in the 1980s; he left the School Board after his appointment to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, where he served until his death in February.

Marshall was a longtime NBTF volunteer. He led the transportation division during Festival week, ensuring that celebrities and others had timely arrivals at their various venues. He is survived by his wife, Paulette; two children, Krista and Malcolm; three grandchildren: Ashanti, Ahmani and Khouri; and scores of friends and admirers.

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Beyond the Stage Events Festival Week has a lot more to offer than plays and musicals. Here is information about some of the other exciting events slated to take place; many of them are free or very low-cost.

International Vendors Market

Find black art, traditional African clothing and jewelry, books, scents and everything else your heart desires at the popular International Vendors Market, which will take over the main level of the Benton Convention Center for much of Festival Week.

Bern Nadette Stanis, best known as Thelma on “Good Times,” was among the authors at the International Vendors Market at the 2015 NBTF.

Coordinated by The Main Event Inc., this large marketplace will also feature live entertainment and food, and it is quite common to see celebrities browsing through the aisles.

Sinbad

International Colloquium

National Black Theatre Pre-Festival Comedy Kickoff

The Opening Night Gala has traditionally kicked off Festival Week, but this year, another high-caliber event will predate it.

Actor/comedian Sinbad will headline the National Black Theatre Pre-Festival Comedy Kickoff at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex, 421 27th St. N.W., on Saturday, July 29 at 7 p.m.

Perhaps best known for his breakout role in the series “A Different World,” Sinbad has been lauded for his clean comedy and infectious stage persona.

His big break came when he made it all the way to the standup comedy finals on “Star Search.” That feat opened the door for him to take his comedy routine to venues across the nation.

Sinbad has starred in his own HBO comedy specials and appeared in films like “Necessary Roughness,” “Houseguest,” “First Kid,” “Jingle All the Way” and “Good Burger.”

Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased at WSFairgrounds.com.

National Black Theatre Festival

The theme of this year’s International Colloquium – a collaborative effort between the National Black Theatre Festival, WinstonSalem State University and the Black Theatre Network – is “The Black Theatre: Reflections of Citizenship, Access, Freedom and Criminal Justice.” The theme will be explored in myriad ways over the course of four days (Tuesday, Aug. 1 through Friday, Aug. 4) at the Dr. Sope Oyelaran Embassy Suites Hotel. (Check the information desk in the lobby of the Marriott Hotel for exact locations.) The keynote address will be delivered on the opening day by Professor Badfemi Adeyemi Osofisan (Femi Osofisan), a celebrated Nigerian writer and educator who is known for addressing societal problems in his work. He has written more than 50 plays, one of which, “Women of Owu,” is being staged at this year’s festival.

Osofisan has several volumes of poetry and prose and is well known for his newspaper and magazine columns, which he uses as a weapon for “public enlightenment and socio-political transformation.”

The International Colloquium is coordinated by Dr. Olasope' “Sope” Oyelaran, a noted linguistics scholar who has taught at universities around the world, including Winston-Salem State and Western Michigan University. The International Colloquium is free and open to the public.

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Beyond the Stage Events National Black Theatre Hall of Fame and Museum

The Sawtooth Center for Visual Art, 251 N. Spruce St., is hosting a preview of the National Black Theatre Hall of Fame and Museum, featuring images, artifacts, video and installation pieces tied to the nearly 30-year-old NBTF. For many years, city leaders and arts advocates have lobbied for a permanent museum to honor the NBTF and the “cultural contributions of black actors, playwrights, directors and others of significance.” Plans are to make this longtime dream a reality with an interactive museum in the heart of downtown WinstonSalem. Admission to the exhibit is free. For hours and/or other information, call the Sawtooth at 336-723-7395.

Artists Career Networking Showcase

If you are an artist of any kind, the NBTF could land you your big break. The Artists Career Networking Showcase provides an opportunity for actors, directors, playwrights and costume, lighting and sound designers to audition and interview with arts presenters, casting directors and theatre companies from across the US. Coordinated by Darsell B. Brittingham, it will be held Thursday, Aug. 3 and Friday, Aug. 4. Sign-ups begin on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Embassy Suites.

Workshops and Seminars

Free workshops and seminars are on tap throughout the week at both the Marriott and Embassy Suites hotels. Vera Katz, master acting coach to stars, will host an exercise on character development.

Broadway make-up queen Thelma Pollard will give a make-up demonstration, and representatives from Kathryn Mobley Norwegian Cruise Line will be scouting performers to entertain their guests at sea. Coordinated by Kathryn Mobley. Times and details available at the information desk in the Marriot.

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Garland Thompson Sr. Readers’ Theatre of New Works The popular Readers’ Theatre has been renamed the Garland Thompson Sr. Readers’ Theatre of New Works — an ode to Mr. Thompson, an actor, theatre professional and longtime NBTF supporter who died more than two years ago.

About 30 original works by both established and aspiring playwrights will be read during the week.

“New Plays at High Noon” will start in the Marriott Hotel on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 11:30 a.m.

Garland Thompson Sr. “Theatre Conversations at Midnight” will begin that night, also at the Marriott, at 11:30 p.m. The Readers’ Theatre attracts a good mix of actors, directors, producers and just regular lovers of theatre and well-written prose. Garland Lee Thompson Jr., the executive director of the Frank Silvera Writers’ Workshop in Brooklyn, is the event’s coordinator.

Legacy Trolley Tours

New this year are Legacy Trolley Tours of some of Winston-Salem’s many African-American historical locations.

From Wednesday, Aug. 2 through Friday, Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., tours will take guests to landmarks such as galleries, home sites and NC’s oldest African-American church, St. Philips. Tours will end with wine tastings featuring NC wines. On Thursday, Aug. 3, from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., the “Hands On History” tour will take guests back in time at historic Old Salem. In addition to a guided tour, there will be hands-on activities. To register for these trolley tours or for a tailor-made experience, visit TriadCulture.org.

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Beyond the Stage Events NBTF Film Fest

a/perture Cinema, 311 W. Fouth St., will be home-base for this year’s NBTF Film Fest, a celebration of independent, visionary filmmakers. “The Example,” from filmmaker Wyatt Cagle, screenwriter Gordon Williams and producer Kenneth Dupuis, will be screened. It tells the true story of the littleknown race riot that took place in Beaumont, Texas, in 1943. Other features include Anthony Hackett’s “Love Different” and Jeremy Ungar and Ivaylo Getov’s “Soy Cubana.” Kathryn Mobley is coordinator. Find times of screenings and events at the information desk in the lobby of the Marriott.

Health Initiative

With productions tackling issues like breast cancer (“The Sting of White Roses”) and Alzheimer’s (“Maid’s Door”), the NBTF has launched a Health Initiative to examine health disparities within the African-American community, especially as they relate to the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

The health initiative will be centered around the two plays, both of which are produced by the North Carolina Black Repertory Company. Special “talk-backs” will follow select performances of the plays, with doctors and caregivers on hand to answer questions.

A special event featuring breast cancer screenings, Alzheimer’s Listening Parties and medical consultations is slated for Saturday, Aug. 5 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Hanesbrands Theatre, 209 Spruce St.

Youth / Celebrity Project and Teentastic

As this year’s NBTF, Teen Co-Chair, Actress Colby Christina, will play a major role in the Youth/Celebrity Project and Teentastic, both of which are designed to get young people engaged in the Festival. More than 6,000 kids and teens from across the country will get the chance to interact with celebrities and theatre professionals. Highlights will include a youth talent show, a storytelling festival and several youth-themed productions.

In addition to Christina, other young celebrities slated to take part include Mychal-Bella Bowman (“Have and Have Nots”), Khalil Middleton (“The Get Down”) and “American Idol” performer Qaasim Middleton. For additional information, call 336-723-2266.

Teentastic, a collaborative effort between the NBTF, the City of Winston-Salem and Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks, is specifically designed for those between the ages of 13-17. Activities, coordinated

by Demetria Dove Nickens, will be held throughout the week at the Education Annex at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, 421 27th St. N.W. Events slated include presentations of “Faith Journey: Untold Stories of Courage, Strength and Power” by the North Carolina Black Repertory Company’s Teen Theatre Ensemble and “Black Girls (Can) Fly!” by the Tofu Chitlin’ Circuit of Chicago. A teen fashion show, spoken word performances and live music are also on tap.

National Black Theatre Festival

Colby Christina

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The cast of “How I Got Over: A Gospel Musical” electrifies the crowd.

HOW I GOT OVER: A GOSPEL MUSICAL

WBTT PHOTOS BY DON DALY

How I Got Over: A Gospel Musical Neyce Pierre performs.

Arts Council Theatre Wed, Aug. 2

8 p.m.

Thurs, Aug. 3

8 p.m.

Fri, Aug. 4

8 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5

3 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5

8 p.m.

$50

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) has never disappointed NBTF audiences, and the Sarasota, Fla.-based stage company will assuredly keep that stellar reputation with its latest offering.

“How I Got Over: A Gospel Musical” will make a joyful noise with a cast of singer/dancer/actors that will take theatre-goers on a journey of gospel music’s inspiring past and present.

Southwest Florida audiences have already been blown away and swept up in the energy of the show, which a reviewer for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune described with adjectives like “rousing,” “refreshing” and “powerhouse.” WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs created and adapted the show. In its first iteration in summer 2016, the show focused heavily on the music of gospel icon Mahalia Jackson. Songs popularized by the late Ms. Jackson remain in the show, but tunes by other gospel greats have been added.

The repertoire delivered by the talented cast includes more than two dozen songs — from traditional standards like “Travelin’ Shoes,” “Amazing Grace” and “When the Saints Go Marching In” to more contemporary fare like “Elijah Rock,” “Oh Happy Day” and “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.”

The cast includes Ariel Blue, Brian L. Boyd, Ashley Brooks, Earley Dean, Derric Gobourne Jr., Tarra Conner Jones, Elaine Mayo, Michael Mendez, Neyce Pierre, Joshua Thompson and Topaz von Wood. Music Director Robert Henderson will helm the live band, made up of musicians such as Jamar Camp, Matthew McKinnon and Donald “Snoopy” Watts.

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The cast shows off its dance moves.

Jacobs and WBTT are no strangers to Winston-Salem and the NBTF. More than 15 years ago, Jacobs, a singer and actor in his own right, brought his one-man comedy Nate Jacobs show “Aunt Rudele’s Family Reunion” to the Festival. During more recent Festivals, WBTT’s “Soul Crooners” series has packed audiences in.

“We could not be more thrilled to be invited back to the National Black Theatre Festival and to bring our third original production,” said Jacobs.

“In 2013, all four performances of ‘Soul Crooners’ were sold out. In 2015, we performed four shows of ‘Soul Crooners 2’ in a larger auditorium and, again, all were sold out. This year, we get five performances in a 600-seat venue, and our goal is to show the whole world what our theater can do; we aim to do Sarasota very proud!”

WBTT is the only professional black theatre company on Florida’s West Coast. Its productions promote and celebrate the African-American experience and have been credited with developing the area’s wide pool of black talent.

Learn more about WBTT at WestcoastBlackTheatre.org. m WSChronicle.com

Men of Soul

MEN OF SOUL

BE PHOTOS BY DANNY NICHOLAS

WSSU — K. R. Williams Auditorium Wed, Aug. 2

8 p.m.

Thurs, Aug. 3

8 p.m.

Fri, Aug. 4

8 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5

3 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5

8 p.m.

Kevin Pollack sings a Joe Cocker classic.

$50

Rashawn Thompson plays Ray Charles.

The cast of “Men of Soul.”

Kyle Smith as Prince.

Chicago’s Black Ensemble Theater (BE) has brought

the lives of music legends like Etta James, Jackie Wilson, Dionne Warwick and Teddy Pendergrass to life at previous NBTFs. That tradition continues this year. With its “Men of Soul,” though, the stories and songs of a litany of popular artists are presented during a toe-tapping musical journey that’s sure to become an instant NBTF classic.

Written and co-directed by BE Associate Director Daryl D. Brooks, the musical shines the spotlight on more than a dozen musical greats, including Prince, Elton John, Freddie Jackson, Billy Joel, James Brown and Bill Withers.

“This is a fascinating musical journey featuring the music of some of the greatest soul singers of all time,” reads a BE press release. “The story focuses on their struggles and the strength that it took each one to find their soul, the power, the tenacity and the passion that it took for these singers to become successful.”

The musical debuted in Chicago in summer 2015 with a talented cast that included Daniel Phillips, Matthew Hunter, Matthew Payne, Rueben Echoles, Lyle Miller, Kevin Pollack, Rashawn Thompson, Kyle Smith,

National Black Theatre Festival

Dawn Bless, Cherise Tomas and Rhonda Preston. (Yes, female vocalists are also among the cast and deliver wow-worthy duets with the guys on classics like “Endless Love” and “Feel the Fire.”) The show was hailed by the Chicago Tribune for having “bravura performances, a warm heart and a big dollop of self-referential humor.” The Sun-Times praised the performers for their “breathtaking effect” on stage, while Around the Town Chicago said the “Black Ensemble Theater is doing what it does best.”

Jackie Taylor, the musical’s other co-director, founded BE in 1976. Over the decades, it has evolved from a small community arts organization into an internationally renowned arts institution. Regularly recognized as one of the nation’s best musical theater companies, BE’s mission is “to eradicate racism and its damaging effects upon our society through the utilization of theater arts.”

Brooks’ directing credits include BE’s “One Hit Wonders,” “The Sammy Davis Jr. Story” and “Black Pearl: A Tribute to Josephine Baker;” he also wrote the latter two.

Learn more about the Black Ensemble Theater at BlackEnsembleTheater.org. m Special publication made possible by

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PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACKGOLD PRODUCTION

An Evening with Two Theatre Divas

AN EVENING WITH TWO THEATRE DIVAS

To call Ebony Jo-Ann and Vivian Reed “singers” would be a vast understatement. These divas, after all, don’t simply deliver pitch-perfect notes from a microphone; they command the stage, holding every eye and ear in the crowd captive with presences that are near hypnotic.

In what is sure to be one of the hottest tickets at this year’s NBTF, this dynamic duo will perform back-to-back concerts, or “theatrical experiences,” rather; that’s how “An Evening with Two Theatre Divas” is being billed.

SECCA — McChesney Scott Dunn Auditorium Wed, Aug. 2

8 p.m.

Thurs, Aug. 3

8 p.m.

Fri, Aug. 4

8 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5

3 p.m.

Jo-Ann’s set, “Please Save Your Love for Me,” shares the same name as her most recent CD. She released the collection of original and classic Blues tunes on her own independent label, Blackgold Production; that same company is presenting her NBTF show. Themes of love, passion and even resistance are present on the disc. (Her cover of Syl Johnson’s “Is It Because I’m Black” falls into the latter category.) The original tunes include the Ashford & Simpson-penned “Just Rain” and “Nosybody,” written and co-produced by Miles Jaye.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEDRON PRODUCTIONS

Ebony Jo-Ann

The disc, produced by Danny Kean, has earned positive reviews all-around. Writing for Blues Blast Magazine, Rainey Wetnight gushed, “The blues is steak and potatoes: nourishing food for the soul. With rich flavor and instrumentation that’s filling — not filler — New York’s Ebony Jo-Ann provides listeners a ten-course gourmet meal on her newest album.”

Jo-Ann is also expected to perform songs connected to her more than 40-year-old show business career. Her Broadway credits include “Gem of the Ocean,” “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom,” “Drowning Crow,” “The Sunshine Boys” and “Mule Bone.” On the big screen, she can be seen in films like “Grown Ups,” “Grown Ups 2,” “Noise,” “Kate & Leopold,” “Marci X,” “The Orphan King,” “Pootie Tang” and “Eddie.” She is also a frequent presence on television, in shows like “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “New York News,” “The Jury” and “New York Undercover” and in commercials for products like Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Bing.com and Asthma.com.

Vivian Reed

National Black Theatre Festival

Reed’s portion of the show, “Standards and More,” is also named for her latest CD. The two-time Tony nominee is known for making classic songs her own. She does just that on the disc, adding her signature vocal stylings to “My Funny Valentine,” “Take the A Train,” “Just One of Those Things” and seven other tunes.

$44

Her recorded voice is pure gold, but nothing is quite like hearing the cabaret and Broadway veteran live. After she performed songs from the CD at NYC’s Metropolitan Room, critic Marc Miller of TheaterScene.com said Reed “displays an amazing, rangy voice, dances, growls, exhibits effusive body language, dishes not-terribly-revealing anecdotes, and gives her able four-piece band plenty of opportunity to shine. Her fans, a refreshingly diverse and effusive bunch, cheer and whoop and talk back to her and give her standing O’s. She’s magnificent.”

Reed’s show is being presented by Kedron Productions Inc., and promises to show new dimensions of this multi-faceted entertainer. She took Broadway by storm in 1976, playing Marsha and Young Irene in the original production of “Bubbling Brown Sugar.” Her show-stopping number of “God Bless the Child” is still her signature song. Her other stage credits include “Sophisticated Ladies,” “Roar of the Greaspaint,” “Smell of the Crowd,” “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” and “Show Boat.”

The winner of the Drama Desk, Theatre World, Outer Critics Circle and NAACP Theatre awards, Reed’s most recent Broadway appearance was in Michael John LaChiusa’s “Marie Christine,” starring Audra McDonald. m

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Funny Colored Women: Gettin’ the Last Laugh FUNNY COLORED WOMEN: GETTIN’ THE LAST LAUGH Benton Convention Center — Hamlin Theatre Wed, Aug. 2

10:30 p.m.

Thurs, Aug. 3 10:30 p.m.

Fri, Aug. 4

10:30 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5

10:30 p.m.

$41 Rhonda Hansome

Hermine Wise PHOTO BY TYREESE BURNETT

Mariann Aalda

“Funny Colored Women: Gettin’ the Last Laugh” is making history as NBTF’s first-ever standup comedy showcase.

Billed as “80 minutes of edgy, uproarious standup comedy with a decidedly estrogen- and melanin-centric point-of-view,” the show features five funny ladies, each with her own unique comedic style.

Joining emcees Mariann Aalda, a veteran actress who starred in the daytime classic “Edge of Night” and films like “Class Act,” and Rhonda Hansome, who appeared on “The Arsenio Hall Show” and has opened for Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross, are Roxanne Reese as “Miss Shirley DuPree,” a character she made famous on the hit shows “Martin” and “In Living Color;” Holly Lynnea, a seasoned comedienne who has already performed more than 100 shows this year at top comedy clubs across the U.S. and Canada; and “Senior Citizen Comic” Hermine Wise, who regales audiences with homespun wit and hilarity about becoming a first-time mom at an age when most are just about to retire.

The show is produced by Aalda and Hansome under Aalda’s company, SitMyAssDown Comedy Productions. Aalda and her sister, former banking and advertising executive Kathy Coley, conceived the idea for the show in response to what they saw as a lack of inclusion of women of color, especially those “of a certain age,” in the entertainment industry. Aalda and Coley have also produced several standup comedy fundraising events, Aalda’s solo show “Occupy Your Vagina!” and the web series “Talk to Me, Ginger!,” both of which are based on Aalda’s performance art character Ginger Peechee-Keane, an “Adult Sex-Ed Evangelist & Mojo Motivato.”

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Holly Lynnea

Roxanne Reese

Regular festival-goers will fondly recall the character from previous NBTF productions “M.O.I.ST!,” “Herotique-Aahhh” and “3 Blacque Chix.”

Aalda, who’s been focusing on standup for the past several years, has alluded that Ginger will make a guest appearance during the “Funny Colored Women” show.

Learn more at FunnyColoredWomen.com. m

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National Black Theatre Festival

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Storytelling Festival Members of the North Carolina Association of Black

Storytellers (NCABS) are the writers, actors, producers, directors, sound designers and musical directors of the “Storytelling Festival: Stories for Young People.”

STORYTELLING FESTIVAL: STORIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Embassy Suites—

Members have the God-given talent Gaines Ballroom of holding audiences, of all ages, Thurs, Aug. 3 10 a.m. rapt with engaging tales wrapped Fri, Aug. 4 in history and sprinkled with life 10 a.m. lessons. Their only props are $8 intonation, facial expressions, hand gestures and, sometimes, musical instruments. The “Storytelling Festival” has become a popular feature at the NBTF. Though the event is designed to give kids a piece of the Festival experience, it has attracted NBTF-goers of all ages.

The NCABS aims to promote Black storytelling, an art form that embodies the histories and cultures of both Africans and AfricanAmericans. The Association preserves, protects, and passes on essential historical truths, folklore, legends, myths and fables.

Black storytellers from throughout the state make up the Association.

Members include teachers, ministers, stay-at-home parents, musicians, librarians, flight attendants, students and retirees. NCABS members are frequent performers at schools, libraries, conferences, festivals and Juneteenth and Kwanzaa celebrations.

NCABS was formed in 1995 as one of the more than a dozen affiliates of the National Association of Black Storytellers, which was founded in 1982 by Linda Goss and the late Mary Carter Smith.

Learn more at NCABSTellers.org. m

Members of the North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers.

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National Youth Talent Showcase NBTF PHOTO

NATIONAL YOUTH TALENT SHOWCASE Benton Convention Center — Salem Ballroom Thurs, Aug. 3 Fri, Aug. 4

12 noon 12 noon

$11

Dancers gear up for the 2011 “National Youth Talent Showcase.”

The “National Youth Talent Showcase” is back to serve as a springboard for the next generation of musical, dancing and performing talent.

Kids and young people have been an integral part of the NBTF from the beginning. The N.C. Black Repertory Co., which produces the NBTF every two years, emphasized its commitment to youth with the formation of the Black Rep Teen Ensemble. Some members of the acclaimed troupe are alums of the National Youth Talent Showcase.

But this talent competition is not just for Triad (Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point) area youngsters; talented performers from across the nation and beyond are expected to flex their creative skills.

A call for contestants went out several months ago. Would-be participants had to submit a videotaped snippet of them singing, dancing, acting, reciting poetry or entertaining in some other form.

The best and brightest have been invited to compete during the two-day showcase. Celebrity judges will critique the performers, and audiences will vote with their applause and cheers.

The family-friendly event, coordinated by educator, actress and stage director Dr. Stephanie “Asabi” Howard, has grown in popularity, thanks, in part, to the high level of talent. Standing ovations are frequent, and many alumni of the Showcase have gone on to acclaim, including Alyssa White, who has been featured on the Best of the Best show on “Showtime at the Apollo;” Qaasim Middleton, who had a stellar run on “American Idol;” and rising star Colby Christina, this year’s celebrity teen co-chair. m

National Black Theatre Festival

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The Fantasy & Adventure of Oz: A Dance Adaptation of “The Wiz”

R.J. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium Thurs, Aug. 3

3 p.m.

Fri, Aug. 4

3 p.m.

Fri, Aug. 4

8 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5

3 p.m.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE POINTE! STUDIO OF DANCE

THE FANTASY & ADVENTURE OF OZ

The young cast of “The Fantasy & Adventure of Oz,” (from left) Kierah Anderson, Avilon Tate, TaShara Slaughter, Raevyn Frazier and Dasia Amos.

TaShara Slaughter as Dorothy and Raevyn Frazier as Toto.

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Chanelle Turnbull as Glinda; “Sleeping” Dorothy & Toto.

Chandler Davidson as the snazzy Wiz.

The group plots its trip to Oz.

“The Fantasy & Adventure of Oz: A Dance Adaptation of

‘The Wiz,’” presented by Greensboro, N.C.-based THE POINTE! Studio of Dance and the Elise Jonell Performance Ensemble, is a high-energy dance adaptation of the film “The Wiz,” which was a blockbuster stage production before superstars like Diana Ross and Michael Jackson starred in the big-screen version.

“Theatrical ballet” is how the dance companies describe the performance style audiences will witness. A cast of mostly children bring the well-known storyline to life with the artistry of acting and dance, a combination of ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and hip-hop.

One of several NBTF shows that the whole family can enjoy, “The Fantasy & Adventure of Oz” is the second consecutive NBTF show presented by the THE POINTE! and the Elise Jonell Performance Ensemble. They offered their unique take on the movie version of “Annie” with 2015’s “It’s a Hard Knock Life.” “Cindy and the Glass Slipper,” a dance adaptation of “Cinderella,” is also among their repertoire.

The cast of “The Fantasy & Adventure of Oz” includes Kierah Anderson (Lion), Avilon Tate (Scarecrow), TaShara Slaughter (Dorothy), Raevyn

The Munchkins shine on stage.

Gina Tate

Robin T. Rich-McGhie

Frazier (Toto), Chanelle Turnbull (Glinda), Chandler Davidson (the Wiz) and Dasia Amos (Tinman).

THE POINTE! Studio of Dance’s mission is to promote “superior dance instruction and training” to people of all ages in a variety of dance forms. Executive Director Gina Tate studied dance at the University of Akron in Ohio. She choreographed and performed for K Sharock, a Charlotte, N.C. rapper, which gave her the opportunity to open for professional artists like Mary J. Blige and Montell Jordan. She calls the notable distinction of being in the inaugural class of the Carolina Panthers’ TopCats a highlight of her life.

Robin T. Rich-McGhie is the executive producer and production director of the Elise Jonell Performance Ensemble. An accomplished singer, actress, producer and director, she is the former talent director for the “The Busta Brown” television show and segment producer of “Talent Tuesday” for “Busta Brown’s Afternoon Thang” on Greensboro-based WQMG-97.1.

She was also the music supervisor on the local Civil Rights documentary “Wall That Bleed.” Her stage directing credits include “12 Angry Men,” “Black Mama Monologues,” “Fences,” “Crowns” and “Miss Ever’s Boys.”

Learn more at ThePointeStudioOfDance.com. m

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(From left) Brandon Jones, Eboni Flowers, Jalila A. Bowie and Perri Gaffney in “The Sting of White Roses.”

PHOTO BY B.W. BANKS

N.C. BLACK REP PHOTOS BY LARENTE HAMLIN

The Sting of White Roses

Playwright Angelica Chéri

Actors Derrick Powell and Perri Gaffney.

THE STING OF WHITE ROSES Hanesbrands Theatre — Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts Thurs, Aug. 3

8 p.m.

Fri, Aug. 4

8 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5 3 p.m. followed by audience discussion Sat, Aug. 5

8 p.m.

$41

Brandon Jones and Eboni Flowers as David and Mina.

Angelica Chéri's “The Sting of White Roses” is personal.

a loved one to illness,” Chéri said. “The play offers no answers as to why these tragic things happen, but rather it presses in on the importance of maintaining one’s faith during these battles.”

The emotional play is coming to the NBTF after a successful run in Winston-Salem last year, when the North Carolina Black Repertory Company kicked off its 37th season with a powerful staging. Black Rep Artistic Director Jackie Alexander returns as director.

Triple-threat (actor/writer/musician) Brandon Jones plays David. His wife, Mina, is played by “edu-tainer” Eboni Flowers; actress/playwright/ author extraordinaire Perri Gaffney plays Thea, David’s mama. Derrick Powell and Jalila A. Bowie round-out the cast. The score is composed

by Edward Anderson and Darrell Lavigne. Legend Arthur Reese is the set and lighting designer. Costume Designer Frenchie Laverne and Stage Manager Taylor Murrell also help bring the story to life.

The playwright based the story on the trials she herself faced after her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis.

The story centers around David Seed, a minister with a gift for song, who comes back to his mother’s home as his wife is about to give birth to the couple’s first child. But what should be a joyous time for the family becomes a painful period after David’s wife’s health fails, forcing him to confront not only her illness but fears of mortality as well.

During her own ordeal, Chéri said her faith gave her strength, even after her mother ultimately lost her battle. Writing this story of a family coping with the effects of breast cancer was also cathartic for the playwright.

“I wrote ‘The Sting of White Roses’ because I needed to explore the painful intricacies of my mother’s passing from breast cancer, both for my own personal healing and the healing of other people who have lost 58

Chéri, an I AM SOUL Playwright Fellow at Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s National Black Theatre in New York, says “The Sting of White Roses” is the second play in her Prophet’s Cycle. The first play in the cycle, “The Seeds of Abraham,” was produced at New York City’s Billie Holiday Theatre and workshopped at the Pershing Square Signature Center under the mentorship of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage.

Learn more about Chéri at AngelicaCheri.com; more info about the N.C. Black Rep is available at NCBlackRep.org. m WSChronicle.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAYO ALUKO & FRIENDS

Just an Ordinary Lawyer JUST AN ORDINARY LAWYER Wake Forest — The Ring Theatre Thurs, Aug. 3

8 p.m.

Fri, Aug. 4

8 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5

3 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5

8 p.m.

Tayo Aluko in character as Tunji Sowande.

“Just an Ordinary Lawyer” is a rousing one-man show about trailblazer Tunji Sowande, the United Kingdom’s first black judge.

$41 Tayo Aluko delivers a powerful performance in “Just an Ordinary Lawyer.”

Written by and starring the incomparable Tayo Aluko, the play, presented by U.K.-based Tayo Aluko & Friends, was hailed as “a fascinating show” in The Guardian’s four-star review. As Sowande, Aluko muses on imperialism, colonialism and Black people’s struggles for freedom, justice and human rights in Africa and around the world.

Sowande arrived in London from his native Nigeria in 1945 to study law. The talented baritone was also interested in pursuing his interest in music. As he rose up the legal ranks, he also performed solo concerts for charities and residents of senior citizens’ homes. A true renaissance man, Sowande, who died in 1996, was also an avid cricket player who eventually became a member of the famed Marylebone Cricket Club in London.

On stage, Aluko, who is also a native of Nigeria, shows all of Sowande’s layers and nuances. He also has a powerful, rich voice that is displayed throughout the play, which Amanda Huxtable directs. Aluko worked as an architect and property developer in Liverpool, England up until 2009. He took the theater world by storm with “Call Mr. Robeson,” which he wrote and starred in. He has claimed a long list of honors for that musical play, most recently the coveted 2016 Fringe Review Outstanding Theatre Award at the Brighton (England) Festival Fringe.

Audiences all over the world have witnessed Aluko’s portrayal of Paul Robeson. He sold out all 18 performances at the New Zealand and Adelaide Fringes. Crowds in Nigeria, Jamaica and New York’s Carnegie Hall have also been treated to the show.

Aluko’s other stage credits include “Nabucco,” “Kiss Me Kate” and “Anything Goes.” He researched, wrote and narrated a film on the history of West Africa, pre-the TransAtlantic Slave Trade, that is part of a permanent exhibit at the National Museum Liverpool’s International Slavery Museum.

He has also written and performed a lecture/concert, “From Black Africa to the White House,” that deals with African History, particularly Black Resistance to White domination, and includes powerful live renditions of Black Spirituals performed by Aluko.

Learn more TayoalukoAndFriends.com. m

National Black Theatre Festival

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What I Learned In Paris ENSEMBLE THEATRE PHOTOS

WHAT I LEARNED IN PARIS

Cast members (clockwise from left, rear) Yunina Barbow-Payne, Cynthia Brown Garcia, Kendrick "KayB” Brown, Detria Ward and Mirron Willis.

UNCSA — The Catawba Arena Theatre

Detria Ward as the free-spirited Eve.

Thurs, Aug. 3

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Performers Yunina Barbow-Payne and Kendrick "KayB” Brown.

“What I Learned In Paris” will transport audiences, not to

the City of Light, but to Atlanta in the early 1970s as Maynard Jackson is poised to make history as the city’s first black mayor.

Attorney JP Madison has gathered with a small group to watch election results. A Jackson victory could mean an appointment as City Attorney for Madison. The goings-on at the watch party are much more dramatic than the incoming election tallies. JP’s young and naïve wife, Ann, has a thing for her husband’s protégé, John. Lena, an ambitious campaign worker, tries to alert JP of this fact, but with varying levels of success. And to take the cake, JP’s bohemian ex-wife, Eve, is in town, fresh from a sojourn in Paris.

The storylines collide with a result that could derail JP’s career ambitions.

“This play is very funny, [and] even though it’s set in 1973, the issues are still current,” Director Eillen J. Morris told the Houston Press. “It has the stuff of a good scandal. Everyone loves scandal.”

The Ensemble Theatre of Houston is presenting the play, continuing its long and successful string of cast-intensive productions at the NBTF. Morris is the artistic director of Ensemble Theatre. The play is written by best-selling writer Pearl Cleage, who makes her home in Atlanta and was a volunteer for Jackson’s history-making mayoral campaign.

The play’s talented cast is made up of Mirron Willis, who plays JP; Detria Ward as Eve; Kendrick “KayB” Brown as young attorney John Nelson; Cynthia Brown Garcia as campaign worker Lena Jefferson; and Yunina Barbour-Payne as Ann. The oldest and largest professional African-American theatre in the southwest, the Ensemble Theatre was founded in 1976 by the late

National Black Theatre Festival

George Hawkins to “preserve African-American artistic expression and enlighten, entertain and enrich a diverse community.” Morris worked side-by-side with Hawkins from 1982 until his death in 1990.

As artistic director, she has produced more than 78 productions, including four world premieres and 57 regional premieres. Morris calls directing, producing and acting her “ministry.” Among her many honors is the 2016 Houston Press Theatre Award for Best Director for “Fences.”

She has directed seven other August Wilson plays. In fact, she holds the distinct privilege of being the only woman in the country to have directed eight of the 10 plays in Wilson’s “Pittsburgh Cycle.”

“What I Learned In Paris” is the second Cleage play the Ensemble Theatre has brought to the stage; in 2012 it earned acclaim for its production of “The Nacirema Society.” Cleage’s debut novel, “What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day,” was an Oprah Book Club pick and spent nine weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Her subsequent titles, including “I Wish I Had A Red Dress,” “Some Things I Never Thought I’d Do,” “Babylon Sisters” and “Baby Brother’s Blues,” have also been bestsellers. As a playwright, she has been equally successful; her “Flyin’ West” was the most produced new play in the country in 1994.

She said “What I Learned In Paris” is not just meant to be entertaining.

She also wanted to recall a glorious period of hope for black Americans.

“This is a play I’ve wanted to write for a long time,” Cleage said in her Playwright’s Notes. “1973 was a time of great transitions in Atlanta, and the election of Maynard Jackson as the city’s first African-American mayor signaled the beginning of a new era.”

Learn more at EnsembleHouston.com. m Special publication made possible by

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Portraits of Love PORTRAITS OF LOVE Embassy Suites — Reese Theatre in the Pavilion Thurs, Aug. 3

8 p.m.

Fri, Aug. 4

8 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5

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Sat, Aug. 5

8 p.m.

$41

Roxanne Reese shows that she is indeed a rare talent in her one-woman show “Portraits of Love.”

A mix of comedy, life-affirming stories and soul-stirring musical numbers, the show has been billed as a “sincere expression of love, joy, friendship and family.” Reese created the show as her testimony after illness sidelined her budding show business career. The singer/actress/ comedienne gained fame playing the “Drunk Lady” on “Martin” and with her appearances on “In Living Color,” but health challenges led to major surgery and a long period of recovery.

“After seven years, I vowed to return to my true love — live performance — (and) to give my audiences an exhilarating appreciation show that tells the perils of my journey. ‘Portraits (of Love)’ is my official come back, my phoenix rising,” Reese said.

“Everybody must see this show!” actress/singer Jenifer Lewis said.

Singer Freda Payne dubbed Reese the “little lady with a big voice” after catching the show in Los Angeles.

“Portraits of Love” is written by Reese and Anna Sandor and directed

by Bonita Brisker. The musical director is Eric Butler, and the costume designer is Ketren Swearingen. The show is being presented by L.A.-based Roxy Productions & Brisk.

Reese will be pulling double-duty at the NBTF. She is also one of the stars of the comedy showcase, “Funny Colored Women: Gettin’ the Last Laugh.” m

Reese’s performance has left audiences laughing, crying and swaying to the sound of her sweet melodies. Her celebrity friends are among her biggest fans.

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PHOTO BY FARNAZ TAHERIMOTLAGH

Sugar Ray Last year, Reginald L. Wilson gave a

dinner-theatre presentation of the acclaimed one-man biographical play “Sugar Ray” at the New Harlem Besame Restaurant on Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard in New York City. The site was significant. The play pays homage to boxing great Sugar Ray Robinson; in the ’50s and ’60s, the restaurant used to be a part of a series of buildings that housed Robinson’s various business ventures.

Reginald L. Wilson as Sugar Ray Robinson.

PHOTO BY REMYS

DoubleBilled!

PHOTO COURTESY OF FAITH STEPS PRODUCTIONS

Robinson was dubbed the “King of Harlem” for his power and flamboyance. Wilson perfectly captures the boxing great’s personality in a performance that has been called a “knock-out.”

Written by Laurence Holder and directed by the legendary Woodie King Jr., “Sugar Ray” shines light on a sports giant whose career peaked in the late 1940s, before the advent of television helped to turn boxers like the great Muhammad Ali into legends. Robinson was a legend, still, becoming the first boxer to win five divisional championships over the course of a career that spanned 25 years. His excesses of drugs, women and free-spending were also legendary.

Wilson lays it all bare on the stage, embodying the largerthan-life champ — the good, the bad and the ugly. The University of Florida School of Theatre and Dance alumnus won the 2016 AUDELCO (Audience Development Committee Inc.) award for Best Solo Performance for “Sugar Ray,” which is being presented by New York-based Faith Steps Productions.

It was Wilson’s second “Viv” award, having claimed a 2012 AUDELCO for the New Haarlem Arts Theatre Production of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” When Wilson is not garnering applause and good reviews on the stage, he is sharing his craft with others as a drama professor and acting coach.

King, of course, is the esteemed founding director of NYC's New Federal Theatre, whose endless list of notable alumni include Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad and Samuel L. Jackson. For his work as a producer, director and playwright, King has collected a long list of honors, including an Obie, NAACP Image Award and induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame. m

Reginald L. Wilson performs “Sugar Ray” at the New Harlem Besame Restaurant.

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Reginald L. Wilson points to a photo of the real Sugar Ray Robinson.

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Mountcastle Forum Black Box Theatre — Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts Fri, Aug. 4

3 p.m.

Fri, Aug. 4

8 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5

3 p.m.

Thurs, Aug. 3

3 p.m.

DoubleBilled!

PHOTO BY JAMES ALEXANDER NY

SUGAR RAY and WE LOVE YOU SHIRLEY CHISOLM

HOPE PRODUCTIONS PHOTO

We Love You Shirley Chisolm

$41

Sharon Hope as political legend Shirley Chisholm.

Director Jeffrey V. Thompson

Sharon Hope steps into a very big pair of shoes each time

she takes to the stage and transforms into Shirley Anita Chisholm, the trailblazing politician who helped to pave the way for President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris and countless others.

“We Love You Shirley Chisholm” is a celebration of an American icon who does not get all the credit she is due. Written by Hope and presented by her NYC-based Hope Productions, the one-woman show chronicles Chisholm’s journey from Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn to Capitol Hill and her history-making bid for president.

The child of immigrant parents from the Caribbean, Chisholm served in the New York State Assembly from 1965 to 1968 before the residents of the state’s 12th District elected her to seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she was a champion for the poor and disenfranchised. A founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the National Women’s Political Caucus, Chisholm launched a bid for the presidency in 1972, becoming the first black woman and first African-American to seek the nomination of a major political party.

National Black Theatre Festival

Hope’s long list of stage credits include a national tour of the acclaimed “Having Our Say.” She has appeared in films like “Newlyweeds,” “The Cycle” and “Little Senegal.” She has a recurring role on the television hit “Power” and has appeared in a number of other small-screen shows, including “Girls” and “Law and Order.” Jeffrey V. Thompson directs.

Thompson is best known as an actor, with such Broadway credits as “Amen Corner,” “Uptown ... It’s Hot!” and “Eubie!”

“We Love You Shirley Chisholm” has been praised for both its entertainment and educational value. Last year, the Actors’ Equity Association's National EEO Committee hosted a staging of the play in New York City to celebrate Black History Month. Hope’s powerful portrayal has been credited with helping to give Chisholm, who died in 2005, her long overdue accolades. m

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N.C. A&T THEATRE PHOTOS

In the Red and Brown Water IN THE RED AND BROWN WATER WSSU — Dillard Auditorium at the Anderson Center Fri, Aug. 4

3 p.m.

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8 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5

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8 p.m.

$27 Dr. Darius Omar Williams

April Davis as Oya and Joseph Johnson as Shango in “In the Red and Brown Water.”

N.C. A&T State University’s acclaimed Theatre Arts Program is returning to the NBTF with “In the Red and Brown Water,” a heart-wrenching tale of a young woman driven to a horrific act by circumstances that are out of her control.

One of two 2017 NBTF productions written by Oscar-winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Norfolk State University is presenting “Choir Boy.”), the play centers around promising high school track star Oya. She once dreamed of running track in college, but sacrificed her chance at a scholarship to care for her ailing mother.

Oya’s love life is complicated, to say the least. She develops an obsession with having a baby, initially turning to chauvinist soldier Shango to make her dreams come true. She later starts a relationship with the timid Ogun, again, with the goal of becoming pregnant.

Eventually, her hopelessness leads to a climax that is surprising, yet seemingly inevitable.

Set in the Louisiana Bayou, “In the Red and Brown Water,” like much of McCraney’s work, is steeped in West African myth and Yoruba spiritualism. Dr. Darius Omar Williams directs. The professional equity actor, acting coach, director, poet, novelist and playwright was recently appointed associate professor in A&T’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts and program director of the Bachelor of Fine Arts Professional Theatre Training Program. He is also executive director of the university’s Paul Robeson Theatre.

Cultural Center in Jackson, Mississippi. His latest play, “Mississippi Born and Bred,” has received staged readings at Victory Gardens Theatre in Chicago, Lehigh University and the 2015 NBTF. Before coming to A&T, Williams was assistant professor of Theatre and Africana Studies at Lehigh.

“My goal as Theatre Arts program director is to ensure our students are provided cutting-edge training that will prepare them to compete with the best artists in their field,” Williams said. “Our most recent production of ‘In the Red and Brown Water’ is a testament to the need for young actors to be challenged by language that is not only lyrical and compelling, but also plays that are artistically engaging and tell a great story.”

A successful run of the play kicked off the Theatre Arts Program’s 2017-2018 season in April. The cast included April Davis as Oya, Joseph Johnson as Shango and Latrice Richardson as Mama Moja.

Learn more at NCAT.edu. m

Williams is the founding artistic director of the Mississippi Black Theatre Festival, which is housed at the historic Smith Robertson Museum and

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Beyond the Oak Trees BLACKBERRY PRODUCTIONS/CROSSROADS THEATRE PHOTOS

Even today, more than 100 years after her death, Harriet Tubman is still the stuff of legend.

Wake Forest — The MainStage Theatre

The famed abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor has been celebrated in films, books and on television, and in a few years, her likeness will grace $20 bills. The stage has also celebrated Tubman’s life and legacy.

With “Beyond the Oak Trees,” festival-goers will see Tubman’s accomplishments through a different lens.

Blackberry Productions Inc. of New York City and New Brunswick, N.J.-based Crossroads Theatre Company are presenting the play, which is written by Kisha Bundridge and directed by Marshall Jones III. It has been praised for creatively and powerfully chronicling Tubman’s life, while also tying her legacy to today’s enduring struggles. This connection between past and present is done by three top-notch performers who effortless switch between characters and eras.

BEYOND THE OAK TREES

Cast members (from left) Ademide Akintilo, Abigail A. Ramsay and Elijah J. Coleman.

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In the most recent staging of the play, Abigail A. Ramsay played Tubman, Ademide Akintilo played Sampson and Elijah J. Coleman played Jasper. The play starts with Tubman attempting to lead the two fugitive slaves — Sampson and Jasper — to freedom.

Playwright Kisha Bundridge told the Times of Trenton that Jones, who is also the artistic director at Crossroads, encouraged her to adapt the Tubman story she was working on into a stage play.

Abigail A. Ramsay with Ademide Akintilo and Elijah J. Coleman (far left).

“I found the life and work of Tubman so fascinating that I did not want to write something that would be just another dry history lesson, but something that would show the range of Tubman’s achievements and who she was as a person,” Bundridge told the paper.

Jones, who also heads the undergraduate theatre program at Rutgers, told the (Morristown, N.J.) Daily Record that the play succeeds in showing a nuanced Tubman.

“This play gives a very intimate account of the humanity and burdens that Ms. Tubman carried,” he said. “It also offers a unique glimpse of history from a modern perspective.”

Aptly, the play had a successful run in New Jersey in February — National Black History Month. Audiences and critics praised it for its powerful storytelling and high entertainment value. CentralJersey.com critic Bob Brown wrote, “What an intriguing and imaginative play this is. Despite its small scale, it’s entertaining, provocative, educational, and dazzling to see — everything you could want in a theatrical event and more.”

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Playwright Kisha Bundridge Ademide Akintilo (from left) with Abigail A. Ramsay and Elijah J. Coleman.

The Crossroads Theatre Company won the 1999 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. It was the first African-American theater to receive that honor. Co-founders Ricardo Khan and L. Kenneth Richardson started the company to create a space where they, as actors, could work on substantive, non-stereotypical roles. Their vision expanded into a world-class institution that leads the nation with its commitment to literary works that examine the African-American experience.

Learn more at CrossroadsTheatreCompany.org. m WSChronicle.com

Sammy: Celebrating the Legacy PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID HAYES PRODUCTIONS

SAMMY: CELEBRATING THE LEGACY UNCSA — Gerald Freedman Theatre Fri, Aug. 4

3 p.m.

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The talented David Hayes as Sammy Davis Jr. David Hayes poses with his idol, Sammy Davis Jr.

No one quite does Sammy Davis Jr. like David Hayes. Just

ask the critics.

“David not only captures Davis’ look, but he’s got virtually every stage mannerism of the late performer and measures up to Davis’ distinctive vocal style,” stated the Atlantic City Weekly. The Salt Lake Tribune proclaimed, “David Hayes’ vibrant Sammy Davis Jr. … offers a hammy dead-on impersonation, the perfect fit of actor and role. And Hayes can really dance, a standout in tap and soft-shoe numbers, equally matched by his lead vocals.”

Hayes has had plenty of time to perfect the larger-than-life persona of the late singer/dancer/actor; he has been portraying Davis on stage since the late 1980s and even had the chance to meet his idol.

“That was the best singing impersonation of me that I’ve ever heard,” Davis told Hayes after seeing Hayes perform in Atlantic City.

NBTF audiences will get a Las Vegas Strip-caliber performance with Hayes’ “Sammy: Celebrating the Legacy,” which his Reno-based, self-

National Black Theatre Festival

named production company is presenting. Hayes is a crowd favorite in not only Vegas and Reno, but Atlantic City, Lake Tahoe and on some of the world’s premier cruise lines.

Hayes performs Davis classics like “Once In A Lifetime,” “Old Black Magic,” “What Kind Of Fool Am I,” “Candy Man,” “Mr. Bojangles” and “Birth Of The Blues;” executes Davis’ high-energy dance moves; and regales the crowd with Sammy-esque stories and jokes.

Fun & Gaming magazine bestowed its “Best Performer in a Production Show” honor to Hayes four years in a row; he has also claimed the magazine’s “Best Act” honor.

When Hayes is not performing, he is teaching as a vocal and performance coach. His revue credits include “Reflections of the Rat Pack,” “Escape with David Hayes,” “Work That Skirt” and “American Superstars,” and he has toured the world, including performing shows in London’s West End (Europe’s Broadway). Hayes has opened for George Lopez, The Temptations, The Four Tops, KC & The Sunshine Band, Herbie Hancock, Tower of Power and Florence Henderson, among others. m Special publication made possible by

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Southern Boys SOUTHERN BOYS

“Southern Boys” focuses on a group of young sharecroppers who dream of new lives in the North.

Salem College — Shirley Recital Hall Fri, Aug. 4

3 p.m.

Fri, Aug. 4

8 p.m.

Sat, Aug. 5

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DIVERSITY YOUTH THEATER IMAGE

$41

Kathy D. Harrison

After Emancipation, slaves were not free. Their physical

chains were merely supplanted by economic ones, via a sharecropping system that kept them working on plantations for decades more.

Orange, N.J.-based Diversity Youth Theater’s musical play “Southern Boys” explores the lives and dreams of young sharecroppers in Mississippi. The story takes place in the Reconstruction Era, after the Civil War, when many blacks were still living on and working at the plantations where they were enslaved. The sharecropping system was designed to keep black people perpetually in debt, and, therefore, tied to plantations.

The young men of “Southern Boys” have dreams of leaving behind the plantation and the Jim Crow South. Though their families have decided to remain in Mississippi, the young men make a pact to seek opportunities in the North. The cast includes Jermaine Sellers, a talented vocalist who competed on both “American Idol” and “Sunday Best;” Vincent K. Michael; Aron W. C. Cobbs; Tracy Carter; and Cynthia McCoy.

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Diversity Youth Theater Founder and Artistic Director Kathy D. Harrison wrote and directs “Southern Boys,” which aims to educate while it entertains. A multi-disciplined performing artist, songwriter and playwright, Harrison has a passion for developing works that spotlight aspects of African-American history. “The Movement,” the production she brought to the 2015 NBTF, was about young activists who played pivotal roles in the Civil Rights Movement.

In May 2015, Harrison was awarded the Jubilation Foundation Artist Fellowship Grant, funded by Tide Foundation. She is also a recipient of a City of Newark Proclamation that was presented by then-Mayor Cory Booker.

Founded in 2006, Diversity Youth Theater has been praised by students, parents, educators and theater professionals for the quality of its original theatrical projects. It has become the creative home for many young performers in New Jersey and New York.

Learn more at KathyDHarrison.com. m

WSChronicle.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEENA FERGUSON

Keena Unbranded Journey into life of actress/playwright

DoubleBilled!

Keena Ferguson with her acclaimed one-woman show “Keena Unbranded.”

She’ll introduce you to people, places and situations that have shaped and defined her young life. Along the way, she hopes audiences find some commonality with her experiences and feel empowered to break out of the box, as she has, and face life’s challenges fearlessly.

“I believe in fairytales. No labels, no brands — just me,” reads the play’s inspirational tagline.

Ferguson wrote the play, which is directed by Tanya Alexander and presented by Pamela Goodlow Green’s Brightside Lee Productions of Los Angeles. In addition to acting and playwrighting, Ferguson is a talented dancer who shook a tail-feather with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the film “The Rundown.” She has also danced alongside Keena Ferguson performs her award-winning one-woman show. notables like Kelly Rowland, Marc Anthony, Snoop Dogg and Jay-Z. Keena Ferguson

The Jefferson City, Mo., native and Ohio State University alumna got her big break when she landed the co-hosting job, opposite Rickey Smiley, on the BET series “The Way We Do It.” She has appeared in commercials for Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Bud Light and Android and on popular television shows like “Two and a Half Men, “Boston Legal,” “Victorious” and the Steven Spielberg-produced “On the Lot.” On the big screen, Ferguson has had roles in films such as “Red Line,” “Daughter of Fortune” “American Hero” and “Forever No More.” Her stage credits include the Will Smith-produced “The Bachelorette Party.”

Most recently, Ferguson starred in NBC’s “Game of Silence,” Amazon Prime’s “Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street” and the film “Trew Calling.” Her work in “Keena Unbranded,” in which she displays her dancing talents and plays about 10 different characters, was honored at the 2016 NAACP Theatre Awards, claiming the Best One-Person Show honor.

Learn more at KeenaFerguson.com. m

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Type/Caste

Salem College — The Drama Workshop Theatre Fri, Aug. 4

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TYPE/CASTE and KEENA UNBRANDED

PHOTO BY SHOT IN THE CITY PHOTOGRAPHY

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Rotimi Agbabiaka Rotimi Agbabiaka takes on many personas in “Type/Caste.”

“Agbabiaka can do it all … he has an astonishing range.”

That was the conclusion of San Francisco Weekly reviewer Jeffrey Edalatpour after seeing Rotimi Agbabiaka’s electrifying performance in “Type/Caste,” a one-man show based on his own life.

The actor/singer/writer/director/teaching artist holds the audience captive as he shape-shifts from character to character while using monologue, song, dance, and drag to tell the story of a young boy in Lagos, Nigeria, who tries on his mother’s wedding dress and discovers a liberating world of make-believe. His dreams of a dazzling theatrical career bring him to America, where he discovers that he’ll first have to leap over obstacles placed by an industry that isn’t always welcoming to performers who are neither white nor straight.

The show’s fast-paced and humorous journey into the peaks, pitfalls, and hallucinations of a young artist has been hailed as “spectacular, neon-drenched coup-de-theatre.” Agbabiaka perfected his unique performance style as a member of the San Francisco Mime Troupe and Beach Blanket Babylon musical revue. His stage credits include

National Black Theatre Festival

“Bootycandy,” “Schooled,” “Sojourners,” “Hair,” “Choir Boy,” “The Amen Corner” and “Homeless,” a show he wrote and starred in that won Best Solo Performance at the SF Fringe Festival.

As a director, he helmed the world premiere of “VS.” at TheatreFIRST. He also teaches youth theatre with Each One Reach One, SF Shakespeare and the SF Mime Troupe Youth Theatre Project, and is the Features Curator for Theatre Bay Area’s online magazine. He studied at the Moscow Art Theatre and earned his MFA from Northern Illinois University.

“Type/Caste,” presented by Agbabiaka’s eponymous San Franciscobased production company, is directed by Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe, the award-winning founding artistic director of Black Artists Contemporary Cultural Experience, a resident company at Brava! For Women in The Arts in San Francisco. Sound design is by Jason Hannan; Agbabiaka and Brontez Purnell are behind the show’s original music.

Learn more at RotimiOnline.com. m

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Baltimore UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE PHOTOS

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Bridget Kim (standing) and Danielle Smart share the stage.

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The large, diverse cast of “Baltimore.”

The University of Louisville, home to one of the nation’s most robust

black theater programs, is returning to the NBTF with a timely tale. “Baltimore” tells the story of Shelby Wilson, an African-American resident adviser for a diverse group of freshmen at a New England college. After a racist caricature is drawn on the door of a black student’s dorm room, Wilson is forced to confront her belief that she lives in a post-racial society as she finds the courage to facilitate honest conversations about painful subjects.

The student/actors have been widely praised for their treatments of such delicate subject matter. MFA student Danielle Smart leads the cast as Wilson. Smart teaches undergraduate students as part of her master’s program and said the play’s material is an accurate reflection of the kinds of conflicts and conversations that are taking place on campuses.

“There have been times in the classroom when I encounter [students’] opinions on Black Lives Matter, and All Lives Matter, and these students explain their perspective,” she told Insider Louisville. “I try to spark them … so they can have them outside of the classroom because if you have the conversation inside the class, it’s not as impactful as sparking something that’s going to spread outside.”

Nefertiti Burton The ensemble cast also includes Bridget Kim, James Stringer, Bridget

The theme of play, written by Kirsten Greenidge, provides a springboard for the discussion of topics like the Black Lives Matter movement and the high-profile killings of Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice and Freddie Gray, whose 2015 death while in police custody sparked an uprising in Baltimore. University of Louisville (UofL) Theatre Arts Department Chair Nefertiti Burton directs.

She told Insider Louisville why she was drawn to the project.

“I was particularly interested in ‘Baltimore’ because it has such an inclusive cast. The students in the play are African-American, white American, Latino, Asian,” she said.

National Black Theatre Festival

Student/actors Bridget Thesing and James Stringer.

Thesing, Brittany Patillo, LaShondra Hood and Kristi Papailler.

Greenidge penned “Baltimore” as part of the Big Ten Theatre Consortium’s New Play Initiative, which is dedicated to commissioning works by female playwrights to be produced at universities across the country.

UofL’s African-American Theatre Program was founded in 1993 to stage works by new and established black dramatists; to develop a broad audience for African-American theatre; and to offer an in-depth curriculum that focuses on the theory and craft of acting, directing, and designing for black theatre.

Learn more about UofL’s Theatre Program at Louisville.edu/theatrearts. m

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANGE A MAN MEDIA

Black Men: Naked Truth

Egypt delivers a powerful performance in “Black Men: Naked Truth.”

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Devin T. “Egypt” Robinson X

World-class poet Devin T. Robinson X has a lot to say about

the world around him, and he has a captivating and unique way of saying it.

He goes by the moniker “Egypt” (because he “plans to influence the world just as the great African empire has influenced the Earth”) and has won over a legion of fans with his intellectual brand of spoken word and commentary, a style he has displayed on MTV, NBC, CBS, BET and at the world-famous Apollo Theater.

For his one-man show “Black Men: Naked Truth,” Egypt employs a performance technique he calls “confessional narration,” a mixture of acting, motivational speaking, poetry and comedy. With this fluid and powerful style, he addresses an array of issues, everything from black history to HIV to relationships. The seven characters he portrays “illustrate healing truths many brothers want to say but cannot or will not articulate [because] society considers a man who speaks openly about his troubles as weak, effeminate or soft.”

“Black Men: Naked Truth” is entertaining — critics and fans have attested to that — but Egypt wants the show to go much further, by uplifting, educating and informing audiences so that they can “bridge a gap between conscious ignorance and common-sense answers.”

National Black Theatre Festival

A native of South Florida, Egypt did not have an easy childhood. His mother and father died within one week of each other. He was raised by his older sister, who supported them by doing hair by day and stripping at night. Selling drugs, fighting, stealing and getting arrested were routine for Egypt. He somehow pulled it together, receiving high marks while earning degrees from Florida Atlantic University and Palm Beach State College.

He used his natural gifts as an orator to become one of the nation’s foremost HIV educators; his advocacy work landed him on the BET special “Pos or Not?” and in the pages of Seventeen, HIV PLUS and POZ magazines. Love, relationships and history were among the issues he broached in his popular TEDx Talk, which he gave in Amman, Jordan.

He has also shared his exceptional storytelling in Johannesburg, South Africa and Doha, Qatar, and on stage with celebrities like John Legend, Alicia Keys and Magic Johnson.

“Black Men: Naked Truth” is presented by Snellville, Ga.-based Change a Man Media LLC. Learn more at RobinsonX.com. m

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New York-based Layon Gray American Theatre

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAYON GRAY AMERICAN THEATRE COMPANY

Black Sparta Aixa Kendrick

Company is keeping its NBTF winning streak going with its latest offering, “Black Sparta.”

The company behind past NBTF hits “Webeime” (2007), “Black Angels Over Tuskegee” (2009), “All-American Girls” (2011), “Searching for Willie Lynch” (2013) and “Kings of Harlem” (2015) is known for bringing to life untold stories of Black history. “Black Sparta” continues that tradition, as playwright and director Layon Gray tells of the Dahomey Warriors, young black women who defended West Africa against a French invasion.

Over their more than 250-year history, the Dahomey Warriors battled many foes to defend the Fon people of the Kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Republic of Benin). From daughters to soldiers, from wives to weapons, they remain the only documented frontline female troops in modern warfare history. Europeans dubbed them the Dahomey Amazons because their sheer strength conjured mythology’s formidable and towering Amazon women.

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Jessica Brittany Smith

Gray named the play “Black Sparta” because he says these women, who have been ignored by history, were just as fierce and feared as the well-known Spartans of ancient Greece.

“They were feared not only for their fanatical devotion to battle, but for their utter refusal to back down or retreat from any fight,” he said. “This is by far the most challenging and most exciting play I have ever written. Just doing the research alone and reading about how these women fought was truly mind blowing. They were more feared than the men soldiers.”

Setor Attipoe

The action-filled, 90-minute play features four women who are more than capable of bringing Gray’s story to life. Aixa Kendrick plays Oni; Jessica Brittany Smith is Thema; Setor Attipoe is Kunto; and Vongai Shava plays Ebele.

Gray has been developing, writing, producing and directing plays for more than two decades. His work fills theaters and his trophy case. His honors include a 2012 NYC Inspire Award, the Al Sharpton Man of Vision Award, the 2010 NY AUDELCO Achievement Award for Excellence, the 2009 NAACP Theatre Best Ensemble Award, the 2008 MATCHLIFE Artist of the Year Award and 2007 MITF (Midtown International Theater Festival) awards for Best Play, Best Writer, Best Director and Best Producer.

“Black Angels Over Tuskegee,” perhaps his most acclaimed work, is in the eighth year of a successful Off-Broadway run.

Layon Gray

Vongai Shava

“I have been chosen to tell stories that erupt the soul and shed a beacon of light on those people or things that have been forgotten, [and] to be a conduit from the past to the present; I accept that challenge,” Gray says.

Learn more at LayonGray.com and BlackSparta.com. m

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