March 12, 2020 by The Chronicle of Winston-Salem

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Volume 46, Number 25

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THURSDAY, March 12, 2020

Carver High School to hold its inaugural Academic Hall of Fame Banquet Submitted article George Washington Carver High School will celebrate its academic history during its inaugural Academic Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, March 21. Fifteen alumnae of Carver Nation and staff members of Carver High School will be inducted into the 2020 Academic Hall of Fame at the Salem Lake Marina. Entertainment will be provided by Case Closed Band. The committee chairperson of the Hall of Fame is DeWayne Tillman, assisted by Tonya Withers, director of student services. Tillman is proud to be a part of this esteemed celebration. “Carver High School has historically had an outstanding reputation for producing community leaders. Although this school has won many athletic accolades, Carver Nation has a fine slate of alumnae to be proud of,” said Tillman, also an administrator at Carver. Withers was quite impressed with the caliber of alumnae who have been nominated for the first induction ceremony. “We have students who have become entrepreneurs, some who have become champions in the medical field, others in the area of higher education, arts and entertainment, and some have distinguished themselves in their retirement years,” said Withers. “We want to show that Carver High School not only succeeded at athletics, we have a proven track

record that Yellowjackets are making a big impact in our communities and in other parts of the country,” said Dr. Montague-Davis, principal. Among the inductees are: *Judge L. Todd Burke, Resident Superior Court Judge, 21st Judicial District *Kimberly Campbell, instructional facilitator, Carver High School *Dr. Karrie GibsonDixon, chancellor of Elizabeth City State University

*Christopher Jeffords, Spanish instructor at Carver High School *Kay Landry, retired educator/student services director, Carver High School *Dr. Darian LaNeave, resident, SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology *Dr. Harold L. Martin, Sr., chancellor of North Carolina A & T State University *Micheal Lawrence, manager, Sherwin Wil-

purchase needed medical supplies, protect consumers from price gouging, and increase county health departments’ access to state funds. In addition to Governor Cooper’s emergency declaration, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) is making several recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the number of people infected. “The health and safety of North Carolinians is our top priority. We are taking the necessary steps to ensure that North Carolina is prepared and responding to this virus, and this order helps us do that,” said Governor Cooper. “Though we are still in the early stages in North Carolina, time is a valuable resource and we must work together to slow the spread

while we can.” Key provisions in the order are similar to those enacted in a natural disaster. The order will help with the cost burdens and supplies that may be difficult for providers and public health to access due to increased demand. It also increases the state public health department’s role in supporting local health departments, which have been tasked with monitoring quarantines, tracing exposure and administering testing. Today’s updated NC DHHS recommendations are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), current actions by other states, and the most up-to-date epidemiologic information available to protect the public’s health. Many of the recommendations are targeted at pro-

liams, licensed realtor with Keller Williams Realty *Annie Moye, retired educator, English and Theatre Arts, Carver High School *Dr. Daya Patton, director of Student Services, Paisley IB Magnet School, owner of DMP Consulting Service *Rev. Dr. Felecia Piggott-Long, English and Theatre Arts instructor, Carver High School, and creative director for The Imani Players *Dr. Kenneth Siming-

ton, retired as interim superintendent of WinstonSalem/Forsyth County Schools *Brittany Strachan, quality engineer at Red Hat *Sharon Strachan, retired educator, mathematics *Devonte Wells, dance instructor, Carver High School and Mineral Springs Middle, The Artist Circle creative director and regional actor. Tickets can be purchased in the Carver High

School Main Office from Ms. Jackie Coe. Only cash, money orders or checks will be accepted for payment. Members of the Hall of Fame committee include: Maurice Brown, Kimberly Campbell, La Tarra Darling, Patricia Horne, Ashlie Martin, Jana Minor-Oliver, Melvin Palmer, Heather Peterson, Felecia Piggott-Long, Chundra Sansbury, Cecelia Tolliver, and Tonya Withers.

Governor Cooper declares state of emergency to respond to coronavirus COVID-19 RALEIGH -- Governor Roy Cooper took the next step in the state’s coronavirus COVID-19 preparedness plan on March 10 and issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency. The declaration activates the Emergency Operations Center to help agencies coordinate from one location and makes it easier to

help us slow the spread of this virus and protect our more vulnerable neighbors,” said DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. “Let’s be guided by compassion and reason and work to support each other as a community.” The following recommendations pertain to persons and establishments STATEWIDE. HIGH-RISK PERSONS Submitted photo NC DHHS recomGov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order declaring mends that people at high N.C. a state of emergency on March 10. The order was risk of severe illness from issued in response to coronavirus. COVID-19 avoid large tecting people at high risk for residents of the Tri- groups of people as much of severe illness, which angle region. On March 9 as possible. This includes includes adults over 65 NC DHHS confirmed five gatherings such as conyears, those with under- new cases of COVID-19 in cert venues, conventions, lying health conditions Wake County, increasing church services, sporting including heart disease, the total in the county to events, and crowded social lung disease, or diabetes, six and statewide to seven. events. People at high risk or with weakened immune “We all play a role should also avoid cruise systems. in keeping our commu- travel and non-essential air Additional recommen- nities safe and healthy. See Roy on A4 dations are being made These precautions can

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OFFICE OF GOVERNOR ROY COOPER

M arch 12, 2020

T he C hronicle

Harris looks to lead Carter G. Woodson School into the future she saw in me, but we started talking and she put this bug in my ear about coming over to Carter G. Woodson.” Harris said when Ruth Hopkins, who was the executive director of the school at the time, initially asked, he wasn’t sure if he would do it, but she was very persuasive and he decided to take a position at the school and he’s been there ever since. “At the time, I was a young attorney and I was not trying to do that,” Harris laughed. “But Ms. Hopkins was convincing, so I decided to take a position over here in 2012 and I’ve been here ever since.” During his tenure at CGWS, Harris has served as high school director, school director, and a teacher. Last winter Harris added executive director/ principal to that list when he took over for Hopkins, who retired. When asked what made him stick around for nearly a decade, Harris said people like Ms. Mack and Ms. Hopkins are what inspired him to stay and try to make a difference. “When you see somebody that’s so dedicated to helping the community, it becomes like an infectious disease. It makes you

BY TEVIN STINSON THE CHRONICLE

If you would have told Greensboro native Ben Harris eight years ago that he would become the principal at Carter G. Woodson School (CGWS), he probably would’ve laughed in your face. At the time Harris, who has a law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law, was working as a practicing attorney with Legal Aid of North Carolina. Although he did have experience as a teacher, working in the field of education didn’t seem like something that intrigued him. Harris said one day Hazel Mack, CGWS founder and former attorney with Legal Aid of North Carolina, sent an email to all the attorneys looking for volunteers who would be willing to help with mock trials being held at the school. He volunteered. And the rest is history. What started as a one-time thing morphed into much more. “I came over here just to volunteer and we ran into Ms. Mack’s sister, Ms. Hopkins,” Harris related while sitting in his office last week. “I don’t know what

want to continue to work and continue to help the community,” Harris said. “Ms. Mack and Ms. Hopkins have been real leaders in this community and just seeing their passion and dedication is what really keeps me doing the work.” Under his leadership, Harris said his main goal is to maintain the rich history and legacy of CGWS. Harris said, “Carter G. has a legacy here in WinstonSalem and it has a standard and whoever is working here, we have to maintain that standard.” Carter G. Woodson is a public charter school that has been serving stu-

dents in grades K-12 since 1997. The school offers free tuition and bus transportation to and from any neighborhood in the city. Rooted in tradition and evolving to remain competitive for the 21st century, CGWS provides an academic standard of excellence that differs from the traditional classroom. Along with the major core courses of math, English, etc., CGWS also offers courses in art, liberal arts, culture, agriculture, and sustainable living. Harris said what sets CGWS apart from other schools is the focus they put on the human element

Learn. Enrich. Grow.

work of finding out who a person is and how we can try to make that person the best they can become.” When looking toward the future of CGWS, Harris said the best is yet to come. He said with the board he has behind him, he’s confident that CGWS will continue to grow and carry on the legacy. He said, “In five years you’re going to see an exploding student population, you’re going to see building expansion, a new cafeteria, upgraded technology and more student success.”

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of education. He said oftentimes in the traditional school setting, too much focus is put on test scores instead of making sure students have what they need to be successful. “For education to be what it can ultimately be, it involves understanding the human element,” Harris continued. “Sometimes the conversation can get really lofty about test scores and about curriculum. All these things matter, but it’s about the human being and what that person needs to be the best they can be, and I think at Carter G. Woodson, we attempt the very difficult

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The C hronicle

March 12, 2020

Report: Companies owned by women of color account for 89% of all new women-owned businesses SUBMITTED ARTICLE BY STACY M. BROWN

Crystal Etienne is a businesswoman, wife, and mother of two children. She’s also the founder of Ruby Love, a $10 million personal care company that she built in just four years. “My dream was to always work for myself,” Etienne, a New York native, stated in an email to NNPA Newswire. “However, I did have thoughts about going to law school. Understanding the political side of things, certain laws, and the rights of those around me always excited me, especially if I felt someone was wronged,” she said. “I ended up going a different route and landed a job in finance,” Etienne continued. “Math, equations, and anything that had to do with business was something I was always good at. It was my strong suit, which is ironic because I disliked accounting and finance as a student.” But her dreams have come true, she said. “The end goal was to always work for myself,” Etienne stated. Etienne’s success helps to underscore a growing trend highlighted in the most recent State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, which noted that women of color account for 89% (1,625) of the new businesses opened every day over the past year. The annual report, based on U.S. Census Bureau data adjusted by Gross Domestic Product data, found that women-owned businesses continue to trend above all others. Over the past five years, the number of women-owned businesses increased by 21%, while all enterprises increased by only 9%. Total employment by women-owned businesses rose 8%. At the same time, to all companies, the increase was far lower at 1.8%, and total revenue for women-owned businesses also rose slightly above all others: 21% compared to 20%, respectively. The State of WomenOwned Businesses Report also found that as work has trended toward side hustles and the gig economy, so had female entrepreneurship. Over the last five years, growth in the number of women “sidepreneurs” grew nearly twice as fast as the overall growth in female entrepreneurship: 39% to 21%. Minority women are responsible for a large portion of that growth from 2014-2019, where “sidepreneurship” among minority women-owned businesses was two times

higher than others: 65% compared to 32%. When looking at specific minority groups over the last five years, growth in sidepreneurship is up 99% among African American women, compared to 70% for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders, 63% for Asian Americans, 46% for Latina/Hispanic women, and 36% among Native Americans/Alaska Native businesswomen. The report concluded that women of color are starting businesses at 4.5 times the average rate, and, in nearly every category, women of color are leading the women-owned business charge. The rise in businesses owned by women of color could correlate to the power they’ve displayed at the ballot box. Since 2000, the number of eligible women of color voters has increased by 59% – a gain of more than 13 million potential voters, according to the Center for American Progress (CAP). Black, Latina, Native American, multiracial, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women voters are emerging as a collective powerhouse, CAP officials stated. In CAP’s “Women of Color: A Powerhouse in the U.S. Electorate,” report, authors Danyelle Solomon and Connor Maxwell used new survey data to explore the voter eligibility, electoral participation, and distinct interracial and intraracial policy perspectives of women of color. The report examined a host of issues from health care and economic inequality to public safety, racial and gender discrimination, and immigration. “In the past decade, the voter-eligible population of women of color increased six times faster than that of white women, yet candidates, journalists, and policymakers rarely acknowledge their ability to affect elections,” stated Solomon, the vice president of Race and Ethnicity Policy at the CAP, and coauthor of the report. “Women of color are the canaries in the coal mine. When you center them in your policymaking agenda, outcomes for all Americans will improve. Continuing to ignore the policy priorities of this powerhouse of voters will only further undermine the health of our democracy and further exacerbate racial and gender inequalities,” Solomon stated. “This report affirms what we already know: Women of color are an important – and growing – catalyst for change in our democracy,” said Aimee Allison, the founder and president of She the People.

Have a Story Idea? Let Us Know News@wschronicle.com

Submitted photo

According to the State of Women-Owned Business report, 89% of new businesses are opened by women of color.

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Help us make high-quality Pre-K accessible to every 4-year-old in Forsyth County. Forsyth County parents, educators and community leaders agree—accessible, high-quality Pre-K better prepares children for kindergarten and future success in school, work, and life. Currently, Forsyth County local government invests $0 in Pre-K education. Help us change that.

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Superintendent shares thoughts on HB 798 Proposed legislation would change how ‘low-performing’ schools are identified

BY TEVIN STINSON THE CHRONICLE

State lawmakers are considering a bill that will change how low-performing schools are chosen for the Innovative School District, the program that identifies which schools are in need of a third-party takeover such as a charter. The Innovative School District (ISD) initiative was created in 2016 by state legislation to improve student outcomes and low performing schools across the state. The legislation currently in place allows the state to identify schools that are “low performing” or “failing” and in need of a state takeover. Under ISD, schools are considered to be failing if they have a school performance score in the lowest 5% of all schools and did not exceed growth or meet growth in at least one of the prior three years. In cases where a takeover is needed, the state has the option to select a charter school operator to run the school. The state also reserves the right to implement a reform model that allows school districts to keep control of the school. Reform models usually come with programming changes as well

as changes to the teaching staff and administration. If House Bill 798 passes the N.C. Senate, ISD will be expanded to include middle and high schools; currently the ISD model only applies to elementary schools. There will also be changes to how schools are identified. Instead of considering all schools that score in the lowest 5% for a thirdparty takeover, under the new legislation the state will select the school with the lowest performance. Among several other changes, HB 798 will also create a new ranking system that will help determine which schools are at risk. Last week The Chronicle caught up with Dr. Angela Pringle Hairston, superintendent of the local school district, to discuss Innovative School Districts and the proposed changes. Hairston said when lawmakers make their decision, she hopes they consider some of the challenges these communities are facing. “A takeover process or creating districts of low performing schools is challenging when you’re attempting to lead from afar,” Hairston continued. “I truly believe schools are better served when

they are led and supported by local communities. I feel that local communities care about their children, they care about their teachers and oftentimes these schools need support and wrap-around services and doing those type of things from afar can be quite challenging,” she said. “I think a third party serves a district better and a school better when the third party provides support based on the community. You can’t treat every underperforming school the same. You have to really understand what’s happening in the community.” Hairston also mentioned the need for flexibility to give school districts options when it comes to school turnaround, such as implementing a reform model instead of going with a charter. She mentioned that Old Town and Ibraham Elementary schools were identified as “low-performing,” but the state allowed the district to go with a reform model. “Two of our schools were identified … but I think they felt we had the capacity and the energy from our board of education to make those internal changes here. So making those changes here will allow us to keep an eye on the progress and I appreci-

ated the confidence,” Hairston said. Before taking the reins of the local school district last fall, Hairston worked more than 30 years in public education in Virginia and Georgia, where she became known for helping to improve underachieving schools. Hairston said what makes the situation here unique is the community’s desire to help improve education. “Community members, the business community, various municipalities, they’re not just concerned about their neighborhood, they’re concerned about our county as a whole and that I appreciate. The resources here, believe it or not, are tremendous,” Hairston continued. “Collectively, I see this energy around supporting our children that I have not seen in other communities.” HB 798 has already passed the N.C. House of Representatives and the first and second readings in the Senate. When asked if she thinks the legislation will help or hurt the local school district, Hairston said, “As long as there is flexibility and recognition that local schools, using some flexibility, can be successful, I think we’ll be fine.”

WFU announces new online MBA program SUBMITTED ARTICLE

The Wake Forest University School of Business and Kaplan, Inc. today announced a partnership to add a new online MBA program designed to provide flexibility and convenience for working professionals to obtain market-relevant business skills and accelerate their careers. The MBA program will be offered fully online with curriculum designed and implemented by Wake Forest’s School of Business faculty and leadership. Kaplan will provide online and technological enablement and analytics to support enrollment and student success. This online program will build on the continued success of Wake Forest’s part-time MBA program for working professionals, ranked the No. 1 part-time MBA program in North Carolina and No. 30 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (March 2019). Wake Forest is No. 27 among national universities, and has ranked in the top 30 for over 20 years.

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travel. ADULT CONGREGATE LIVING FACILITIES NC DHHS recommends that all facilities that serve as residential establishments for highrisk persons described above should restrict visitors. These establishments include nursing homes, independent and assisted living facilities, correctional facilities, and facilities that care for medically vulnerable children. MASS GATHERING EVENTS NC DHHS recommends that event organizers: *Urge anyone who is sick to not attend. *Encourage those who are at high risk, described above, to not attend.

“By leveraging the latest in digital education tools and techniques, the online learning experiences delivered by our faculty will achieve an industryleading level of student engagement and learning. This will allow us to uphold our commitment to the highest levels of teaching and faculty-student relationships that continue to be essential elements of our on-campus MBA programs, and are the hallmarks of our School,” said Charles Iacovou, Sisel Distinguished Dean of the Wake Forest School of Business. Online students can customize their MBA to match their career plans with optional concentrations that offer highly marketable, in-demand skills in business analytics, finance, and strategy and leadership. Additionally, Wake Forest School of Business faculty will continually enhance and enrich the MBA curriculum, utilizing real-world scenarios to develop market-ready leaders. “We’re excited to evolve and expand the opportunity for business

professionals to reach their educational goals with the kind of scheduling flexibility designed to help them balance work, life, and school,” said Mark Johnson, assistant dean of MBA programs at Wake Forest. “We partnered with Kaplan because they have the online expertise to help us provide our students with an outstanding learning experience.” In Wake Forest’s current two-year, on-campus MBA programs, students can opt between taking classes evenings in Winston-Salem or evenings or Saturdays in Charlotte. The new online program provides the flexibility for students to begin classes at multiple times during the year, with terms starting in September, January, and May, and offer working professionals a chance to study from anywhere at times best suited to their schedules. The first cohort will begin in September 2020. Gregory Marino, CEO of Kaplan Higher Education, said, “We’re proud to partner with Wake Forest to provide an online option for its distinguished MBA

*Adopt lenient refund policies for people who are high risk. *Find ways to give people more physical space to limit close contact as much as possible. *Encourage attendees to wash hands frequently. *Clean surfaces with standard cleaners. ALL TRAVELERS NC DHHS recommends that all travelers returning from countries and U.S. states impacted by COVID-19 follow DHHS guidance on selfmonitoring: https://www. ncdhhs.gov/divisions/ public-health/coronavirusdisease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/ coronavirus Currently, NC DHHS is not recommending preemptive school closures. The recommendations should begin immediately

and extend through March 31, 2020. NC DHHS will monitor the situation closely to determine whether to extend the recommendations beyond March 31. These measures were announced at a press conference on Tuesday with Governor Cooper and members of the state’s Coronavirus Task Force. It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www. ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which will also include future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.

program that has a record of innovation and achievement. Our teams are excited to engage our bestin-class capabilities to advance the University’s mission and support the delivery of a world-class online educational experience for working professionals.” Those interested in Wake Forest’s online MBA program can find details and enrollment information at onlinemba. business.wfu.edu.

The C hronicle

March 12, 2020

BUSTA’S PERSON OF THE WEEK

Dr. Kendra Davis opens her heart and doors to Winston-Salem BY BUSTA BROWN FOR THE CHRONICLE

Dr. Kendra Davis is no stranger to the Winston-Salem community or to those of us who are weekly readers of The Chronicle. But something happened that caused Dr. Davis to step up more than ever, and very quickly. She had planned on opening a transitional house for women on April 1, 2020, but things didn’t go as planed. A young lady came to Kendra with an urgent situation that prompted her to open her heart and doors sooner than later. “I told her to come with the little that she has, her clothes and a mattress. She said if she had to live in a hotel, Dr. Kendra Davis, founder CEO of K*Metamorphosis she will. But me knowing the caliber of woman that “During my last two she is and her mental state, years in high school, I living in a hotel wouldn’t rented a room at Maxine’s have been the best thing house, and for those two for her.” years, it was that safe place So the Winston-Salem for me,” said Davis. State graduate stepped into Davis stepped out on action. Dr. Davis’ vision faith, shared her dream was to have the house ful- and desire on Facebook, ly furnished and in excel- and then God showed up lent shape before allowing and showed out. Due to the someone to move in. But urgency of her first client, she knew firsthand that Kendra opened the trantime waits for no one. sitional house for women “When I was in high two months early. With school, I experienced a the overwhelming suptime of being homeless. port from her Facebook We were living in a house friends, the house was with no lights, no water, fully furnished within 25 and no heat. And I didn’t days. There was plenty of have anywhere to go. I food and other resources didn’t have any children, as well. Lydia’s House beso as a teenager, DSS came a safe haven for her wasn’t my best option. I first two clients. Although reached out to a friend at the transitional house for a grocery store where I women is located in Winworked, and her mother ston-Salem, one of the allowed me to rent out one ladies came from Meckof the rooms at her house. lenburg County. “It’s here

statements that she shared with me was “With all of the degrees I have, school didn’t teach what it’s like to live through life. So, my desire is for these ladies to have a place to live, no less than what I would want to live in.” I got chills after she said that. Too bad Dr. Kendra Davis’ name wasn’t on the ballot for presidential candidates. My choice wouldn’t have been so difficult. This strong and intellectual woman is always on the battlefield, fighting for justice and equality, even within the religious sector. “I have a doctorate in ministry and I’m always asked to come preach at Submitted photo several different churches of Lydia’s House, senior pastor of Kairos Church, and locally. But even in 2020, there are some individuto help people from all the N.C. Problem Gam- als that don’t believe that walks of life. These ladies blers Program, and the a woman has the capacity need a second chance, and National Association of to lead a ministry. Some that’s what Lydia’s House Forensic Counselors. The churches admitted that provides. This is a place Winston-Salem State Uni- they’re not ready for a fewhere they can come and versity graduate is more male pastor. That was very I can help them move from than qualified and capable hurtful for me.” Davis refused to wait one place in their lives, to to head a transitional house the next. I share my life for women who are deal- on others for what she can do for herself. Over story with them, so they’ll ing with substance abuse. know that failure doesn’t This phenomenal the past six years, she had have to be an option. You woman also witnessed the already established a folcan choose to do some- negative effects personal- lowing on Facebook with thing different.” ly. “My parents were drug her Hour of Power. “EvDr. Kendra Davis’ addicts. My father went to ery Saturday morning at 8 story should be a lifetime prison. So, I’m not only a.m., I’m there preaching movie or a Netflix docu- able to help my clients with to people who are sick of mentary. It’s a true testa- addiction, but to break that church. They became my ment of starting from the cycle of crime and punish- congregation. My delivery bottom and moving to ment, keep them from get- was not traditional. Somethe top. Davis is an inter- ting out of prison and then times I’d sing R&B songs nationally certified Ad- doing the same thing over or hip-hop. I have a way of bridging the gap between vanced Alcohol & Drug again,” she said. counselor, licensed by the Kendra’s love for peo- the secular and sacred. I’m International Certification ple is very Christ-like. Like talking about gangbangers, & Reciprocity Consor- Jesus, whatever she does, hustlers, and drug addicts. tium, the N.C. Substance it’s so that others will have I’ve had two people high Abuse Professional Prac- life more abundantly. One out of their mind stop me tice Board (NCSAPPB), of the most praiseworthy to say they’re watching

WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY

Wake Forest University introduces the Face to Face Speaker Forum, a signature speaker series that connects our campus and surrounding community with world-renowned voices of influence and change. This Wake Forest speaker series offers an intimate perspective on some of the world’s leading thinkers in politics, arts and culture, business, and social justice. Season subscriptions are now available for purchase. Proceeds will support Wake Forest University student scholarships.

The Hour of Power. That’s what it’s all about.” Dr. Davis performed weddings, marriage counseling, and even funerals during her Saturday ministry. “Then the time came. The people said we want to see you. We want to be able to touch you. When are you going to start a church? I got together with a committee of people, and we established the Kairos Worship Center Church Without Walls. We do two services a month, on the first and fourth Sunday at 3:33 p.m. Then we depart and serve in the community. Our address is 4130 Oakridge Dr. in WinstonSalem.” Davis said she’s looking to reach the people the traditional church model doesn’t reach, “… the ones that clubbed all night, or the individuals that work 3rd shift and don’t want to get up to go to an early morning service. Every last Monday outside of the walls, we minister to the homeless. We sing, preach and then provide a meal. And we also do prison ministry as well. We bring them soap, toothbrushes, and other items they need, and give them a church service.” The senior pastor also has a counseling service. “When you find what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. I’m in my zone and enjoying life helping people.” My Person of the Week is Dr. Kendra Davis. To contact Dr. Davis, call 336-422-7729 or visit info@kendradavis.com.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR INAUGURAL SEASON PORTRAIT BY LAUREN BULBIN

September 1, 2020 A Conversation Between

General Colin Powell Secretary of State (2001-2005)

& Dr. Madeleine Albright Secretary of State (1997-2001)

October 14, 2020 Yo-Yo Ma

Multiple Grammy Award-Winning Cellist, Cultural Ambassador and United Nations Messenger of Peace

January 26, 2021 Malcolm Gladwell

Bestselling Author of “Talking To Strangers,” “Blink” and “Outliers”

SPEAKER FORUM

All events will be at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. For more information and to purchase a season subscription for all three events, please visit facetoface.wfu.edu.

M arch 12, 2020

T he C hronicle

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Guest Editorial The black vote will determine the nominee A sincere and open former Vice President Joe Biden spoke candidly to the Black Press during an interview with Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). The Democrat, who famously hails from Delaware, laid out an aggressive agenda that he said would undo the severe damage President Trump has inflicted upon communities of color and the poor. “I come from a state where we have the eighthlargest black population in America, and we have a lot in common with South Carolina in a sense that we were part of Brown v. Board of Education,” said Biden. “I got started in the African American community. I got involved in the Civil Rights Movement when I was a kid. I helped de-segregate a movie theater, that kind of thing,” Biden noted. “I was the only guy who worked in the projects on the East Side who was white. That’s how I got started, and the black community is the community that, as we say, ‘brung me to the dance.’ That’s how I got elected.” Biden opined that the black vote would likely determine the next president. “It’s going to be the determining factor in who the nominee is going to be, and I hope that means who the next president is going to be,” Biden pronounced. As president, Biden pledges to invest $640 billion over ten years to ensure everyone has access to affordable and stable housing and says that he would hold financial institutions accountable for discriminatory practices in the housing market. “Americans lack quality, affordable housing. Communities of color are disproportionately impacted by the failures in our housing markets, with homeownership rates for black and Latinos falling far below the rate for white people,” Biden stated. Biden will immediately move to undo many of Trump’s executive orders, including the current administration’s cuts to social services. “It’s immoral,” Biden stated. “Look what this president has done. Cut $1 billion from all social safety nets, reduced Medicaid and food stamps.” He said access to affordable health care is paramount and would be a primary goal of a Biden administration. Without affordable health insurance, Biden said every community is put in jeopardy, particularly the African American community. Health care is also personal for the Biden family, he noted. “I’ve been a significant consumer of healthcare,” he said, noting that his first wife and a daughter were killed in an automobile accident. Years later, Biden’s son, Beau, would die of brain cancer. “I know what it’s like. My son was dying … I will make sure that no insurance company can say ‘suffer in peace, you’ve run out of coverage.’ I guarantee you, I will treat your health care as if it were my own family. I had enormous help and I think of all the people who got up and put one foot in front of the other. They deserve the help. This is personal.” Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent

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, 1300 E. Fifth 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

Pastor comments on ‘Let’s Talk Religion’ To The Editor: My name is Luis Miro. I begin by saying thank you for getting back to me. In searching for ‘religious news,’ specifically for any positive news on pastors who have fallen but have gotten back on their feet, and sadly I didn’t find any. However I ended up on the “Let’s Talk Religion” page on the WS Chronicle website and though it wasn’t what I was specifically searching for, I did and I continue to appreciate your articles. Just in case you are interested in why I was searching for news on ‘pastors who have fallen and have gotten back up’ is because I was one of those pastors and at the risk of complete vulnerability, here is a quick blurb... As a senior pastor of a church in Mass., I became severely addicted to the pain medication given to me pre/post back surgery. I stood at the intersection

of should I confess or should I just commit suicide. By God’s grace, I chose confession. I sent an email to my family, friends, my staff and board members confessing to my “double-life.” I resigned from my church and went into detox, then away to a treatment center. I have an amazingly supportive wife, family and true-blue circle of friends who have stood by my side. It took work to get from 2016 till the present - but by God’s scandalous grace, and extravagant love, I am still standing. I completed the two-year restoration / disciplinary process of the Assemblies of God, the fellowship with whom I am ordained, and my credentials have been restored. My family and I now live in Pa. Thank you for writing great articles and thank you for taking the time to read my email. If nothing else, I hope this email gives you hope for someone you know who may be going through the same struggles. Luis Miro Pennsylvania

COVID-19 triggers an outbreak of fear and uncertainty Algenon Cash Guest Columnist The coronavirus has the stock market and country at-large roiling with government, non-profits, and the private sector all feeling the unexpected impact of the spreading of COVID-19. Stocks and oil trading have experienced the largest decline since the 2008 financial crisis. Consumers feeling a deep sense of uncertainty have emptied store shelves in preparation of a doomsday scenario. Global investors are fearful the coronavirus may lead to a worldwide recession. The outbreak has more than 120,000 cases worldwide, with countries such as China, Italy, and Israel under extreme quarantine measures. Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for North Carolina, while dozens of compa-

nies have cancelled events to further reduce potential spreading. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed seven cases of COVID-19, with none requiring hospitalization. The epidemic has left many questioning whether the reaction has been warranted or possibly excessive. COVID-19 is most dangerous for elderly people with chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, or heart conditions, and so far children are not high risk. Those diagnosed with coronavirus experience flu-like symptoms such as fever and coughing – most patients recover after two weeks. To put all this in perspective: coronavirus has killed just over 4,300 people since being first reported several months ago, but around 8,200 people in the United States have died from the flu this season and the World Health Organization estimates 650,000 people worldwide die annually. One significant contrast is that people have the option to help prevent the

flu with a vaccine, which surprisingly most decline every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than half of American adults got a flu shot last season, and only 62% of children received the vaccine. Nevertheless, there have been just around 15 million flu illnesses this season, and 140,000 hospitalizations. But for some odd reason, the flu never receives the media attention an outbreak like the coronavirus does, and Americans do not worry about the flu despite it killing more people each year than any other virus. Coronavirus originated in China and containment measures inside the country seem to be slowing the proliferation of COVID-19, while at the same time cases in other countries appear to be increasing rapidly. Undoubtedly, it’s important that people follow the lead and directions of experts working to curtail the perilous situation. Here are some tips to consider: 1. Clean your hands

often and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 3. Stay home if you’re sick. 4. Cover coughs and sneezes. 5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. Of course these are common sense practices that should be closely followed all year long, not just during a virus outbreak or flu season. Mass hysteria is a real possibility and it leads to people making uninformed decisions such as buying out all the hand sanitizer, facemasks, or toilet tissue – none of those behaviors actually prevent the spread of the virus. People should remain calm, but first and foremost, clean. Algenon Cash is a nationally recognized speaker and the managing director of Wharton Gladden & Company, an investment banking firm. Reach him at acash@algenoncash.com

The C hronicle

FORUM

March 12, 2020

Democratic presidential field narrows as candidates drop out Dr. James B. Ewers Jr.

Guest Columnist The number of candidates running for the Democratic presidential nomination has thinned out. As you recall, what seems like only months ago, there were 29 candidates running for the highest office in the land. Debates were held over two nights because of the large field. At times, there were simply too many people, all talking at the same time. Each of the 29 believed they could win. In my opinion, if they thought otherwise, they should not have entered the

race. Politics are not for the weak-hearted. If you have thin skin, then don’t bother to run for political office. Credit goes to each candidate for fighting the good fight. They had both courage and stamina and did their best. While most were unsuccessful at the end, I believe the American people benefitted from this crowded and diverse field. As time went on, I wondered how long this crowded field would remain crowded. Former Senator Mike Gravel was one of the first candidates to throw in the towel. He suspended his campaign on August 6. He has endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders. Will his endorsement carry any weight? Most recently, Senator Elizabeth Warren announced the end of her

presidential bid. I suspect her defeat in her home state of Massachusetts led to her demise. Joe Biden won that state and according to reports, did not spend any advertising dollars. With candidates leaving the race, we are left with three candidates. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is still in the field. She is a former Iraq veteran. She has not been an active campaigner so we will see what happens along the way. Most pundits opine the race will come down to Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden for the Democratic nod. It was only weeks ago that Sanders was leading the field so many thought he would be the guy. The South Carolina primary changed the atmosphere and the political

landscape. Congressman James Clyburn’s endorsement of Joe Biden was a defining moment. His announcement came three days before the people in the Palmetto State voted. Biden’s victory in that state gave him the muchneed push for Super Tuesday. He won the most states and now is poised to keep the momentum. I believe that Sanders is on his heels. He doesn’t think so, but public opinion says otherwise. Elizabeth Warren has yet to endorse a candidate. Her ideas align more with Bernie Sanders; however, I don’t think they can get along with each other. Sanders allegedly made some disparaging comments about her and Senator Warren has not forgotten them. The Democratic goal

must be singular and that is to defeat the sitting president in November. Mr. T and his group must exit stage left. The Democratic list of candidates has dwindled so it is now time for the party to develop a strategy. The overarching talking point must be to convince the American people that it is way past the time for a change. It is my thinking the country must decide between Sanders’ movement and Biden’s moderation. The Democratic National Convention will be held in Milwaukee, Wis. beginning Monday, July 13. The Democrats must go into the convention with one heartbeat and one voice. It can’t be a repeat of the last Democratic convention when the presidential nominee was uncertain. Being united is a must!

The person in the White House now poses a serious problem for those of us who believe in democracy. We must let the bells of freedom ring with our votes in November. Our mantra must be to go to the polls and cast your ballot. Hesitation in November will bring on stagnation for the next four years. Our country can’t afford it. James B. Ewers Jr., Ph.D., is a former tennis champion at Atkins High School and played college tennis at Johnson C. Smith University where he was all conference for four years. He is a retired college administrator and can be reached at ewers. jr56@yahoo.com.

Don’t shake hands, instead bow for health George H. Russell Guest Columnist Citizens of the world stand in fear waiting to see how far and how wide the coronavirus will spread and whether or not it will reach pandemic levels of infection. I believe that we could vastly improve the health of our citizenry and the citizenry of the world while saving billions of dollars in costs associated with new viruses, colds, flu, and other illnesses if we, as Americans, would adopt the practice of bowing when greeting one another rather than shaking hands. Millions of people at any given time are infect-

ed with various viruses - the symptoms of which are often concealed by the use of the vast array of medications available which allow sick people to continue working rather than staying home in bed where they are less likely to infect others. This fact was brought home to me recently when, after working in the cold and rain for several hours, I came down with bronchitis-like symptoms. I should have stayed in bed for a couple of days to avoid contact with the outside world, but an extremely heavy workload forced me to medicate myself to the point that I could continue working. I made a point of staying away from my aged parents’ home during the time that I might have been infectious, and further, made a point of

standing back from people when visiting with them. A few days later, even though I was feeling much better and felt that I would no longer infect others, I made a point of sitting at least two seats away from my family and guests at supper. The biggest problem that I faced was in avoiding shaking hands with friends, new acquaintances, and business associates during the period that I felt that I was somewhat of a danger to society’s health. When I would be approached with an outstretched hand, I would stand back a step and bow with my hands behind my back, or bow with my palms touching with my hands against my heart, as do the Hindus with the traditional greeting of NAMASTE. At first, several of the

people I encountered felt a certain degree of offense that I refused to shake hands with them for, in this country, refusal to shake hands is a sign of disrespect up to and including malice and even hatred. Some friends even tried to insist that I shake hands with them, in spite of my attempts at explaining why I preferred to bow, especially while as a potential disease carrier. I would say, “It is because I love you and care for you that I prefer to bow, not because I am mad at you or don’t like you.” If that explanation seemed to fail, I would continue with, “If you were my adversary, I would not only shake your hand with great gusto but would kiss you on the lips as well.” That further explanation would always do

the trick. After each explanation, the friends or associates would accept my polite bow and bow in return. They would even express gratitude when I explained how human hands are significant disease carriers due to natural, unconscious human mannerisms, such as sneezing against the back of one’s hand, coughing into the palm of your hand, or rubbing itching or watery eyes and nose. I believe that if enough prominent Americans, including celebrities and politicians, would begin to politely bow in public and when in front of the media rather than shake hands, that many, if not the vast majority of, Americans, and hopefully the rest of the world, would abandon the unhealthy practice in favor of the polite “bow

for health.” George H. Russell, an outspoken opponent of the death penalty, is a resident of Huntsville, Texas, known worldwide as “The City of Death.” He is founder of The Patriot Network and author of its 35+ web sites located at www.patriotnetwork. org, as well as founder of The Universal Ethician Church, an interfaith ministry with a worldwide following via the church’s 275+ web sites located at www.salvationnetwork. org. Russell, born May 22, 1945, is a film producer, educational video producer, environmental activist, historic preservation specialist, photographer, art and antique collector, philanthropist, American patriot and ethicist.

The meaning of Super Tuesday ROBERT C. KOEHLER

Guest Columnist A gush of corporate relief fills the airwaves as Super Tuesday, March 3, becomes history. A progressive wave was not electorally visible as the Democratic status quo consolidated itself behind Joe Biden and won 10 states. I was feeling a lot more hope when Super Tuesday began than I’m feeling a day later, so the need right now is to regroup. Freelance writer and organizer Kate Aronoff, speaking on a panel of observers at Democracy Now! as the election results unfolded, made an important point in this regard: “The Democratic establishment is going against the future … There is no normal anymore!” The national and global order is unhinging, via

climate change and endless war, the rise of authoritarianism, the enormous flow of refugees, the continued (insane threat) existence of nuclear weapons, coronavirus, the raging fires and melting polar ice — and so much more. Bernie Sanders is the candidate who addresses these matters with the most courage and clarity, and as Super Tuesday approached it appeared that maybe … maybe … a significant majority of the electorate understood this and would cast their votes for salvaging and reshaping the future. Now I’m not as certain, even though Sanders did reasonably well, winning California along with Colorado, Utah and Vermont, and finishing second to Biden in the other states. The two-person race continues. Part of what I had hoped would happen on Super Tuesday was that media analysis of the election would have to transcend its horse-race reductionism and begin facing and focusing on

real issues, simply because real issues seemed to be what mattered to voters. The practice of categorizing voters into abstract clumps, based on their ethnicity, income, education level or whatever, is excruciatingly tedious, e.g.: “The surge in turnout in Virginia was a function in part of suburban white voters coming to the polls to support Biden,” the Washington Post informed us in the wake of Super Tuesday: … Sanders’s argument for his electability in November is predicated on the idea that he will spur a surge in turnout, particularly among young voters and the working class. Again looking at Virginia, whites without a college degree turned out more heavily in 2020 than in 2016, according to preliminary exit polls — and Biden beat Sanders by 15 points. About half the electorate was voters without a degree, up from 2016, and Biden beat Sanders by a 2-to-1 margin, a wider gap than Clinton enjoyed four

years ago. And on and on and on. But how did Biden do among white voters who couldn’t find their car keys that morning (and started college but just didn’t finish it)? After reading an endless amount of such categorizations, it starts to seem as though a voter’s abstract grouping is a determining factor in how he or she votes: Attention, members! Whites Without a College Degree, or WWCD, officially supports Joe Biden. We urge 62% of you to cast your ballot accordingly. Here’s another category the media chooses not to use: Voters who waited absurdly long hours in line to cast their ballots, or even would-be voters who were unable to vote. I wonder how Sanders did among these categories? As Salon reported on March 3: Texas has closed 750 polling locations since 2012, the Leadership Conference Education Fund, a civil rights group, reported last year. The state had one

polling place for every 4,000 residents in 2012, but that number rose to 7,700 residents by 2018. The Guardian’s analysis found that the overwhelming majority of closures came in areas that saw the largest increase in black and Latino residents. The 50 counties that saw the highest growth in black and Latino population had 542 polling sites close between 2012 and 2018, while the 50 counties with the lowest black and Latino population growth saw just 34 closures. The closures came despite the population in the top 50 counties rising by 2.5 million while the 50 counties that had just 34 closures saw their population fall by 13,000. Fascinatingly, Texas is a state Sanders was predicted to win but didn’t. Could it be that the other candidate received help beyond merely the consolidation of centrists? The issue of voter suppression is a Pandora’s box across much of the country that the mainstream media usu-

Have an Opinion? Let us Know letters@wschronicle.com

ally chooses not to open. All of which intensifies my sense of frustration and uncertainty. “Is there a progressive wave reshaping the Democratic Party?” Intercept writer Lee Fang asked at the Democracy Now! panel Tuesday night. “We don’t know yet.” But I believe there is, even when it seems invisible. And so do millions of Americans — millions of global citizens — working for change on so many levels, including politically. We are not yet the nation we are struggling to become, but the Sanders campaign, however it fares in 2020, is helping to shape that future. It’s doing so one voter at a time, whether or not their vote is counted. Robert Koehler, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is an award-winning Chicago journalist and editor.

M arch 12, 2020

T he C hronicle

Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year recongnized SUBMITTED ARTICLE

On March 2 Big Brothers Big Sisters Services announced their local agency Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year, with their Big Sister of the year winning the state-level award. Big of the Year recognizes and illustrates how the mentoring relationship helps Littles (children matched with a Big) achieve their biggest possible futures and makes a long-lasting impact on the Big, too. Nominees must be Submitted photos matched for at least two Big Sister, Christy Respess, CEO of the YWCA, with years, be highly engaged Little Sister, Tarayah (matched 2 years). in the mission, and show of the only agency having excellence as an advocate identifiable way. The agency has had two national winners in its for Big Brothers Big Sistwo previous national winhistory. ters. Most importantly, ners who included Wanda “We are excited to their Little must show Starke (WXII) in 1999, announce our local Big progress in reaching their and Murray Miller (NCBrother of the Year, Jim potential and the Big has Works Career Center), Carros of Reynolds Amerhelped ignite, empower, or giving them the distinction ican, Inc. and our local defend that potential in an

and state Big Sister of the Year, Christy Respess of the YWCA,” says Shawan Gabriel, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Services, Inc. “We will submit Christy to our National Office for the opportunity to be named National Big Sister of the Year.” Jim, who lost his father when he was a young boy, learning lessons the hard way, said of becoming a Big Brother, James (Jim) Carros, Senior Finance ManBig Brother: “If I can pass ager at Reynolds American Incorporated, with Little along some knowledge Brother, Kyan (matched 4 years). that I gained to help some- will come from their of- org. Follow updates on one else on their path, then fice. Regardless, local rec- Facebook (@bbbsofwsfc), I’m happy to do it.” Chris- ognition is just as impor- Instagram (@bbbsnc) or ty, who experienced trau- tant to showcase what has Twitter (@bbbsnc). matic loss, says of becom- held true since 1977, oneBig Brothers Big Sising a Big Sister: “There is to-one mentoring changes ters Services, Inc creates one thing I wanted my Lit- the lives of children in our and supports one-to-one tle Sister to know, the im- community and beyond! mentoring relationships portance of giving back.” Learn more about that ignite the power and The agency will learn how to get involved or to promise of youth. by late April if yet another become a Big at bbbsnc. national Big of the Year

Coffee meetings focus on serving Gulf War and younger veterans SUBMITTED ARTICLE

Nike Roach M.S., owner of Sixth Sense Health and Wellness Center, and retired Marine Jessie Almanza found inspiration through Vietnam War veteran Don Timmons of Trellis Supportive Care, to begin hosting an educational coffee meeting to support Gulf War veterans. The coffee and conversation meetings hope to attract younger veterans to provide them with an outlet to address essential issues, such as Gulf War Syndrome. Gulf War veterans are considered part of the “Forgotten War,” and do not receive ample support, which often leads to isolation and other health issues.

Young Gulf War veterans, unlike many Vietnam War era veterans, are parents juggling stressful career ambitions while also raising school-aged children. It is very challenging for them to find enough time to seek guidance and support from like-minded members of the community, who share a mutual sense of respect and understanding. Events held by other organizations, such as the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and even military lodges, attract older veterans during business hours, which makes it difficult for young veterans to attend. There is a dire gap in the community that excludes young veterans due to a lack of flexibility, which

hinders their attendance and valuable contribution to society. Their inclusion is beneficial and necessary to ensure long-term wellbeing. These often therapeutic coffee meetings aim to provide a friendly and comfortable environment for veterans from Desert Storm, Afghanistan War, and current Gulf War conflicts to meet and share experiences over coffee and pastries. Younger veterans attending these coffees will also gain knowledge and share insights regarding news out of Congress, the White House, and the Veterans Administration, which addresses the Gulf War Syndrome, PTSD, and beyond. Gulf War Syndrome is

a chronic and multi-symptomatic illness affecting returning military veterans of the Persian Gulf War from 1990-1991. The unexplained symptoms include, but are not limited to, muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders, and cognitive or behavioral issues. Out of the nearly 700,000 troops, an estimated 25% to 32% reported symptoms and chronic unexplained health problems post-war. A follow-up study by the National Health Survey that was undertaken by Gulf War veterans and their families showed a substantial prevalence of symptoms experienced by the Gulf era troops, compared to older veterans. The war caused severe

stress and anxiety leading to a widespread dependency on opioids, with survivors battling long-term addictions. Younger veterans require a higher level of support to combat PTSD and the national opioid crisis than what is currently available. A friendlier environment while meeting for coffee has shown proven potential for supportive comradeship, while increasing community involvement. The ongoing coffee meetings will help beat loneliness, isolation, and depression that are contributing to addiction problems. Gulf War Veterans Coffee events also help veterans get direct access to the Department of Veterans Affairs representa-

tives, community partners, and local leaders so that it improves the lives of veterans and their families. The aim is to provide a safe and politics-free environment to help the veteran and their loved ones learn more about benefits, create friendships, and talk about current challenges. The events are open to ALL military veterans and those on active duty. The coffees are held on the second Saturday of each month at New Beginnings Church, 4555 Shattalon Drive from 8:3010:30 am. The next coffee will be held on March 14. For more information, visit https://gulfwarveteranscoffee.com/.

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March 12, 2020

Zion

From page B1

in the league and he is just getting started. Doncic, on the other hand, plays like a seasoned veteran. He is flashy, can handle the rock and can shoot from anywhere on the floor. We have seen many flashy players before in the league, but he does it with such control and ease, I must remind myself sometimes that he is only

21 years old and in his second year. Luka’s poise and play reminds me a lot of Magic Johnson mixed in with some Jason Kidd. At 6’7”, Doncic can get anywhere on the court he wants to and score. He also is one of the most gifted passers in the game as well. Based on his international experience as a teenager and his skillset, I had a feeling Doncic would be good, but not this good,

T he C hronicle right away in the league. It was hard choosing between the two players. If I had to select just one today, I would take Luke Doncic, just because his game is a little more refined than Williamson’s. My thoughts could change in a year or two as Zion continues to develop his offensive arsenal. I will just enjoy watching these two great players become even greater.

All-County JV basketball teams BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY THE CHRONICLE

The 2019-20 JV basketball season featured many up-and-coming ball players from around the county. The Chronicle wanted to honor these young men for their efforts on the court with an AllCounty Team to show our appreciation for their hard work. To be as objective as possible, The Chronicle asked all 12 WS/FCS JV head coaches to name who they thought were the top five players in the county, along with who they felt was player of the year. Once those ballots were received, the votes were tallied and here are the results. All-County First Team 1. Jordis Broadnax (West Forsyth) 2. O’Shae Fernanders (Mt. Tabor) 3. Jamarien “JP” Peterkin (Mt. Tabor) 4. Deaje Brown (Parkland) 5. Justin Covington (North Forsyth) All-County Second Team 1. Eli Calhoun (Reynolds) 2. Josh Scales (Glenn) 3. Jayden Penn (W-S Prep) 4. Armani Mock (Glenn) 5. Rashee Simms (Atkins) All- County Honorable Mention 1. Jahon Foster (W-S Prep) 2. Seth Reed (Reynolds) 3. Sterling McIntosh (Walkertown) 4. Michael Jordan (East Forsyth) 5. Jermaine May (Carver) Player and Coach of the Year Player of the Year: O’Shae Fernanders

Submitted photo

O’shea Fernanders voted Player of the Year (Mt. Tabor). Fernanders averaged 14.8 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists per game during his freshman year. He was named to the Lash/Chronicle All-Tournament team, had a triple double this season, scored over 20 points 5 times, and led his team to a 23-1 record overall. Coach of the Year: Kedrick Carpenter (Mt. Tabor). Carpenter led the Spartans to a 23-1 record overall, only losing to Dudley while three of his top players were sick with the flu. Carpenter also led the Spartans to the 2019 Lash/Chronicle Championship in the Lash bracket. He routinely has one of the top JV teams in the county every year, preaching defense and rebounding as his trademarks.

McDonald’s partners with Hoop It Up 3-on-3 Basketball Tour to host local tournament SUBMITTED ARTICLE

McDonald’s, along with the local organizing team, have partnered with the Hoop It Up 3x3 Basketball Tour owned by former NBA superstar Kevin Garnett, to bring an exciting, fun-filled, community-based weekend to Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. The 3-on-3 basketball tournament will be played at Forsyth Country Day School in Lewisville on August 15 and 16. Hoop It Up began in 1989 in Dallas as a grassroots basketball tournament and today is widely regarded as the most famous 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world. In 2019, former NBA superstar Kevin Garnett’s company, Big Ticket Sports, purchased the tournament and has since committed to expanding the Hoop It Up Tour coast to coast. Hoop It Up offers competition for men and women, boys and girls of all ages and levels of ability.

“We are excited to partner with Kevin and Hoop It Up to bring this amazing event to the Piedmont Triad,” said Cory Baker, local organizing committee member. “Players and fans alike will love what is sure to be one of the most unique basketball tournaments anywhere in the world.” Teams can register at hoopitup.com. Registration is $150 per team for adults, $125 for 7th thru 12th grade, and $100 for 3rd thru 6th grade. Teams will be guaranteed four games within their selected division, and the winner of the McDonald’s Elite division will take home a cash prize. Space in the McDonald’s Elite division is limited and teams are encouraged to register quickly to ensure admission. All participants will receive a custom Hoop It Up t-shirt. Organizers are looking for community partners for sponsorship opportunities,

food trucks and vendors as well. For more information, contact Cory Baker at 336-473-2884 or email 2020hoopitup@gmail. com. Founded in 1989, Hoop It Up is recognized as the most prolific grassroots basketball tour in the world with millions of participants having played in one of its city-based events. Hoop It Up is the original 3-on-3 basketball series that elevates the game with its focus on fundamentals, scale of the city courts, and speed, style and substance of the 3-on-3 format delivering participants a memorable experience. In 2020 3-on3 basketball will be introduced to the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, and Hoop It Up will be a key catalyst in the development of the game. Hoop It Up is owned and operated by Big Ticket Sports LLC, a company founded by NBA and Olympic Champion Kevin Garnett.

Thompson selected for 2020 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field National Championships SUBMITTED ARTICLE

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) senior Cierra Thompson earned her place as one of the best in the nation when she was selected to take part in the 2020 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field National Championship Meet. This marks Thompson’s second selection to the indoor track & field national Submitted photo championship meet, in ad- Cierra Thompson dition to her earning a trip dash at the national chamto the 2019 NCAA Divi- pionship meet after runsion II Outdoor Track & ning one of the top times in Field National Champion- the nation. She will enter ship Meet in May. the meet in the 11th spot Thompson earned a after running a 7.54 in spot in the women’s 60m the women’s 60m dash at

the Clemson Opener. In her last trip to the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field National Championship Meet in 2018, Thompson placed 20th in the women’s 60m dash with a 7.77. The 2020 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field National Championship Meet will be held on March 13-14 at the Birmingham CrossPlex in Birmingham, Ala.. For more information on Rams track & field, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.

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T he C hronicle

RELIGION

March 12, 2020

Elder Richard Wayne Wood Sunday School Lesson

Consequences For Injustice Scriptures: Habakkuk 2:6-14 By the end of this lesson, we will: *Recognize why injustice will be punished; *Appreciate the fairness of divine punishment of injustice; *Decide to follow God’s commandment to act with justice. Background: “Write the vision, make it plain.” The Lord answered me and said; - Habakkuk had questioned God as to why He was silent as wickedness and sin filled the land. After making his complaints to the Lord, Habakkuk decides to just wait on a response – to be clear God says, “Write the prophecy down, inscribe it clearly on tablets, so that it can be read easily.” (Habakkuk 2:2). Lesson: God responds to Habakkuk beginning in verse 6 saying that the people themselves at some point will use their own voices to speak on and against the injustices that they witnessed. The people will speak in a series of “woes.” Their series will include five “woes” listing the crimes for which the oppressor is to be punished including plundering, extortion, bloodshed, degradation of nations and peoples, and idolatry (verses 6-7). God tells how the tables will be turned in each instance to weigh out justice for injustice (verses 9-10). God wraps up by telling Habakkuk that through all the injustice, violence and oppression the enemy cannot and will not win. In the end God gets all the glory, He predetermines the end. “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as water covers the sea.”(verse 14). Just as there is no place in the sea without water, there will be no place on earth that will not be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. This is a not to the establishment of God’s millennial kingdom. (The Jewish Study Bible, The MacArthur Study Bible, and the UMI Annual Commentary 2019 -2020). For Your Consideration: What injustices and oppressions have you seen or experienced that God may be calling you to speak against? Application: Justice is not a cultural phenomenon but a biblical requirement. The application is simple, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

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The big misconception BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY THE CHRONICLE

We have all seen that preacher riding around in a flashy car, with nice suits and gaudy jewelry. That leads many to believe that most, if not all, pastors are living the good life from the pulpit. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. As a child I would see certain pastors on TV and hear the jokes from comedians about how good church pastors live, especially in the black church. Even into young adulthood, I had the misinformed idea since the black church was thriving, so were most of the individuals who lead them. As we age, most of us become smarter and wiser, as did I, which led me to

stop assuming or listening to gossip and hearsay, as I did in my youth. Once I had the opportunity to obtain this position at The Chronicle, it gave me access to those in the pulpit that many others do not have. I was able to see that many pastors have a fulltime job, while others don’t take a salary from the church at all. Now I know there are some pastors who are living well from the fruits of their labor in the church, but I have seen that they are the minority. In the city of Winston-Salem, the vast majority of the pastors I have spoken with are not fulltime pastors, but have a normal 9-to-5 job, while also completing all of the duties a pastor has on his/ her plate.

I think mainstream America has been fixated on what they see on television with these mega churches and they assume that most churches are doing the same. I also feel that the scandals that we see and hear about do not help, because those are the stories that stick in our minds for some reason. I feel blessed to have met so many men and women of faith who not only do what millions of other people do every day by going to work, but they also do the things that are not seen by many that make a big difference in people’s lives every day. That is not to discount what fulltime pastors do, because most of them are making tremendous impacts in the community on

a daily basis as well. My question is, why do we focus on the negative so much when it comes to those who lead our congregations? I am not passing judgment, because I have been guilty of this as well, by having preconceived notions about pastors. It is only through my position at The Chronicle that I have been given the opportunity to personally meet so many pastors that I was able to dispel some of those preconceived stereotypes. I feel it’s a blessing to have had the opportunity to meet many of these men and women who are unsung heroes in our communities. My only hope is that their stories are shared just as much as the gossipworthy ones are.

Mt. Olive renames fellowship hall to honor longtime pastor Dr. C.E. Gray has been the pastor at Mt. Olive Baptist Church for 41 years

BY TEVIN STINSON THE CHRONICLE

There’s an old adage that says “Give me my flowers while I can enjoy them,” and last weekend the congregation at Mt. Olive Baptist Church did just that when they recognized longtime pastor Dr. C.E. Gray by renaming the fellowship hall in his honor. During the special ceremony held on Sunday, March 8, several members spoke highly of Dr. Gray and his 41 years of service to the Mt. Olive congregation. Reggie Moore, a longtime member of the church, said although he wasn’t there when the fellowship hall was built, he was there for the restoration process, which was led by Dr. Gray, Moore and others. According to Moore, a pipe burst inside the church and caused major damage to the fellowship hall. Most of the original fellowship hall had to be replaced - walls, the kitchen, bathrooms, furniture and most of the floor. The only thing that could be salvaged was a panel of

the floor that reads, “Let God Be God,” which is the motto of the church. “When we came in here, we were ankle deep in water and all of this had to be replaced,” Moore continued. “The kitchen, the bathrooms, all this had to be replaced and repainted. This is even a new floor that we’re on, except for the middle part that says “Let God Be God” is still there. So we thank you (Dr. Gray) and today we honor and praise him and thanking God first of all, allowing him to be here.” Rev. Stimpson, who serves as an associate pastor at Mt. Olive, also thanked Dr. Gray for his vision to see the project through. She said, “Today Dr. Gray, we honor you and we thank God for the vision that you followed through to make this place where we will not only come to worship God, but have fun, food, and laughter.” After unveiling the wordage on the far wall that reads “C.E. GRAY FELLOWSHIP HALL,” Dr. Gray sat down with The Chronicle. Gray said

Photo by Tevin Stiinson

Mt. Olive Baptist Church unveiled the new name of their fellowship hall on March 8. several church members wanted to honor him by renaming the fellowship hall years ago, but he said he didn’t want any praise or glory for doing the work of God. “I didn’t want any glory coming to me,” Dr. Gray said while sitting in his office. “I said I didn’t want anything named after me, I wanted Jesus to get all the glory. And then as it got down through the years, the Lord said, you’ve been working in the vineyard, so give honor where honor is due.” When asked how it feels to go into the fellowship hall and see his name in bold letters, Gray said,

“I just look back and say the God I serve is a marvelous God, because he can take somebody off the streets, off of drugs, and midnight rambling and take them and make them somebody if you just turn your life over to him. “Not saying that I’ve dotted every “i” and crossed every “t” but God is a merciful God.” Mt. Olive Baptist Church is located at 1301 C.E. Gray Drive in Winston-Salem. For more information, visit www. letgodbegod.org or visit “Mount Olive Baptist Church - Winston-Salem” on Facebook.

RELIGION CALENDAR NOW - April 9 Lenten Revival Services Mount Zion Baptist Church, 950 File Street, will hold Lenten Revival Services at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings from March 5 thru April 9. The theme is “The Worthy Lamb.” Good Friday Service at noon on April 10 will feature “The Seven Last Words of Jesus.” *Thursday, March 5, Reverend James Clyburn, Red Bank Baptist Church *Thursday, March 12, Dr. C. Anthony Jones Jr., United Cornerstone Baptist Church *Thursday, March 19, Dr. Verenander Hughes, Genesis Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC *Thursday, March 26, Dr. Dennis Leach, Morning Star Baptist Church *Thursday, April 2, Reverend Clarence Cox, Hanes CME Church *Thursday, April 9, Dr. Paul Lowe, Shiloh Baptist Church March 13 Unity Fellowship service Holy Saints International Fellowship Southern District Winston-Salem Area will host its Unity Fellowship Service on Friday, March 13, at 7 p.m. The speaker will be Bishop Phillip McCloud and Fresh Fire Worship Ministry. Service will be held at Vessels of Honor Church Ministry, 3608 Ogburn Ave. Everyone is invited. For more information, call Pastor Cremedy at 336-624-9351. March 14-15 Women’s Day The Women of Excellence Ministry of Emmanuel kicks off its annual Woman’s Day celebration on Saturday, March 14 at 9:30 a.m. under the theme “I’m More Than Purses and Pumps”. Featuring Vendor shopping, youth and women sessions on “Self-Care: Mind, Body, and Soul”, a bonding and creativity exercise in hat designing, a Brunch Buffet and Dessert Bar, musical and

dance selections, and a causal fashion show. Registration fee of $10 required for attendees. Vendors fee is $10 and some applications are still available. For more information call the church office at 336-788-7023. The church is located at 1075 Shalimar Dr. March 15, 17-20 Men’s Revival Everyone is invited to the annual Men’s Revival at Life Changing Transformation Church Ministries. The guest speakers for this event are: *March 15 at 11 a.m. - Bishop Wade Bynum of Life Changing Transformation Church Ministries *March 15 at 4 p.m. - Dr. Michael Wood of New Bern, N.C. *March 17 – 18 at 7 p.m. - Dr. Willie G. Sanderfield, Life of Christ Ministries, Highland Park, Michigan *March 19 – 20 at 7 p.m. - Bishop Steven Copeland of Tuskegee, Alabama The church is located at 2001 N. E. 25th Street (corner of Ansonia and 25th on the hill). March 15 Worship services The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of WinstonSalem, 4055 Robinhood Road, will have worship services at 9 and 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 15. Keely Jordan will lead a period of sharing and reflection at the early service. At 11 a.m,. the Rev. Susan Archer will speak on “Raising World Citizens.” At the Forum, 9:15 a.m., Gus Preschle will present a report on the wonders of Chile and Argentina. For more see UUFWS.org. March 15 Missionary Day The Sarah Allen Women’s Missionary Society of St. James AME Church, 1501 N. Patterson, is celebrating our Annual Missionary Day Sunday, March 15. Our guest speaker will be our very own Western North Carolina Conference Branch President (and former 1st

Lady of St. James), Mrs. Nikki Walker Lyons. Sunday School starts at 8:45 a.m. with the morning service following at 10 a.m. We invite you to come join us on this grand occasion. March 20 Concert St. Andrews United Methodist Church will sponsor a mini concert on Friday, March 20, featuring the Gospel Persuaders out of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Male Chorus of Saints Home United Methodist Church, Joyful Noise and others. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and is free to the public. The church is located at 1840 Butler Street. Rev. Dale P. Sneed is the pastor. March 21 Teens of Purpose The First Waughtown Baptist Church (FWBC) Teens of Purpose college/career preparatory ministry will host Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough, Jr. at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21. Sheriff Kimbrough will discuss The Power of a Good Name: How important it is to be a person of integrity. TEENS AND PARENTS are invited and encouraged to attend. FWBC is located at 838 Moravia Street. Dr. Dennis W. Bishop is senior pastor. March 28 Jazz brunch The Piedmont Triad Alumni Chapter of Saint Augustine’s University will hold a Jazz Brunch on Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 810 N. Highland Ave. Reggie Buie and Friends will entertain. There will be door prizes and a silent auction. Cost is $25. Proceeds will benefit the university’s scholarship program. Contact Elnora Gore at 336-971-1450 or goreelnora7@gmail.com to purchase tickets.

March 12, 2020

T he C hronicle

Community Calendar March 14 & 29 – Earn community service hours High School students, consider helping the Happy Hill Cemetery Friends on the 2nd and 4th Saturday mornings. Weather permitting, join us 9:30 11:30 am. Bring gloves, your credit form and any lawn equipment you have. Dress appropriately and wear sturdy shoes. The location is 888 Willow St. For additional information, contact Mrs. Maurice Johnson, jmauricepj@aol.com or (336) 978-2866. Mar. 18 – Job fair Davidson County Community College hosts its annual Spring Job Fair Wednesday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Rittling Conference Center of the Davidson Campus. This event is free and open to the public. For more information on the Job Fair, including a full list of scheduled employers, visit DavidsonCCC. edu/JobFair. Mar. 20, 22 & 24 – Nia Franklin in “The King and I” Piedmont Opera and Arbor Acres announced that Winston-Salem native Nia Franklin (2019 Miss America) will join the cast of the production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King And I,” that will be produced at the Stevens Center of the UNCSA on March 20 (8 p.m.), 22 (2 p.m.) & 24 (7:30 p.m.). Tickets to Piedmont Opera’s performances are available at 336.725.7101 or at PiedmontOpera.org. Group pricing is available. Mar. 23 – Resident Organizer application Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN) is now accepting applications for ten Resident Organizer/Neighborhood Consultant positions based in specific neighborhoods of northeast WinstonSalem. Residents Organizers will serve their immediate neighborhoods ten hours weekly while building valuable skills in community organizing and civic engagement. For a job description and information about how to apply, please visit https:// tinyurl.com/NBN-ROJobs2020. Please apply as soon as possible, but no later than March 23. Inquiries may be directed to Megan Gregory, NBN Asset-Based Community Development Coordinator, at mgregory@nbncommunity.org or 336-661-5589. March 24 – Interest meeting The Forsyth County Democratic Party is launching the Ward Captains initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to increase voter engagement, education, and encouragement in Forsyth County. The initiative will divide Forsyth County into four quarters to increase the spreading of knowledge, information and voter participation to Democratic voters. For further information contact Arnita Miles (FCDP 2ndViceChair) at 336.724.5941 or fcdp2ndvice@gmail.com. This meeting is open to the public. Mar. 25 – SOAR application deadline The city is accepting

applications for its Successful Outcomes After Release (SOAR) program through 11:59 p.m. March 25, 2020. SOAR is a sixmonth program that provides gainful employment to former offenders while supplementing the city’s existing workforce. Participants work 32 hours a week for $13 an hour in routine labor and clerical jobs. An application link and more information are posted at CityofWS.org/ SOAR. Interested citizens can contact Troy Sneed at 336-306-4320 or troys@ cityofws.org. March 25 – 4 on 4th Join us at Bookmarks to hear from four local authors on Mar. 25 at 7 p.m. This month, authors will focus on themes of home & family. Our 4 featured authors are: Jess B. Moore (Guilt of a Sparrow), Neal Owens (Mirrors of Life), Jenny Bates (Visitation), Ann McMan (Jericho series). This event is free and open to the public. Mar. 27 – Brain Injury Awareness Event Come learn more about the brain, brain injury, and community resources on Mar. 27 from 3-7 p.m. The event will be held at Winston-Salem Foundation, 751 W. Fourth St. There will be vendors, food, music and more. For more info, contact Brain Injury Association of NC at 336-713-8582 or Kitty Barringer (kitty.barringer@bianc.net) Apr. 19 – “Writing Your Manuscript” series “Technique: Dialogue, Body Language, Reanchoring, Voice, and more,” part 3 of 4-part public series on Writing Your Manuscript from Triad Sisters in Crime at High Point Library, 1:45-4 p.m., 901 N. Main St., High Point. Stay to 5 p.m. to chat with authors and editor panelists. Apr. 28 – Community Forum Come to the FCSO Quarterly Community Forum and discuss what’s on your mind! Bring your questions and come prepared to interact with Sheriff Kimbrough and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Command Staff. The Quarterly Community Forum will be held Tuesday, April 28, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Lewisville Branch Library located at 6490 Shallowford Road in Lewisville. You do not have to be a Lewisville resident to attend – all community members are welcome. May 7 - 9 – Used book sale The Shepherd’s Center of Greater WinstonSalem will hold its 33rd Annual Used Book Sale on Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8 from 9 am to 9 pm, and on Saturday, May 9 from 8 am to 2 pm. (1/2 Price on all items!). The book sale is one of the largest in our state! Parking and Admission are free. May 17 – “Writing Your Manuscript” series “Finishing Your Manuscript: Revising, Rewriting, Beta-reading, and Reaching Your Goal,” part 4 of the public series on Writing Your Manuscript from Triad Sisters

in Crime, with Rase McCray, MFA, at High Point Library, 1:45-4 p.m., 901 N. Main St., High Point. Stay to 5 p.m. to chat with authors. Ongoing Every 1st Tuesday – Triad NOW meeting The Triad NOW chapter meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Parkway United Church of Christ, 2151 Silas Creek Parkway (entrance off Irving Street) Winston-Salem. Every 2nd Tuesday – Alumni membership Albert H. Anderson High School Alumni Association would like for each graduating member of Albert H. Anderson Senior High School to become a member of the Association. For more information, call Clyde A. Moore at (336) 971-6196 or email at cmpreacher48@yahoo. com. Meetings are held at New Light Baptist Church, 1535 15th Street every 2nd Tuesday in each month at 7 p.m. Every 2nd Tuesday – Black Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting The Black Chamber of Commerce will meet every 2nd Tuesday at The Enterprise Conference And Banquet Center, 1922 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The meetings start 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend. NOW – Volunteers needed R e a d • Wr i t e • S p e l l needs volunteers to serve as tutors to public school students and to help with Reading Parties. For more information, email emily@readws.org or call (336) 723-4391 ext. 1509. Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Pinochle fun and fellowship Pinochle sessions will be held on 1st and 3rd Tuesday from 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. at Sims Recreation Center, 1201 Alder St. Persons wanting to learn the game are welcome and can call ahead to get a guideline sheet. Call Maurice Johnson at (336) 815-8417 or the center at (336) 727-2837 for more information. NOW – Cultural Arts directory Triad Cultural Arts Inc. is compiling an online Triad Cultural Arts Directory. We would like to promote regional artistic organizations and independent artists, using our website and Coming Eventz e-newsletter. Post your event in our community news section of the Coming Eblast for free. To have a graphic/ flier posted there is a fee. For more information, visit www.triadculture.org or email info@triadculturalarts.org Every third Thursday of each month – Anti-Gun & Gang Violence Meeting Winston-Salem has had numerous recent acts of senseless gun/gang violence, becoming progressively worse. We need to unify and bring peace to our neighborhoods. There will be a meeting every 3rd Thursday to address these issues. The meetings will be held at Hanes Hosiery Recreation Center,

501 Reynolds Blvd. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact Corey McCann at (336) 602-9844 or email at cmccann1985@gmail. com. Every day – Donations of blankets, caps & gloves needed The Downtown Bicycle Patrol is soliciting donations of gently used or new blankets, gloves and knit caps to help the homeless this winter. The donation boxes will be placed in the lobby of the Public Safety Center, 725 N. Cherry St., in City Hall outside the Human Relations Department, 109 N. Main St. and outside the Bicycle Patrol Office at 414 N. Cherry St. across from the Marriott Hotel. The donations go toward assisting homeless people. Every Monday – Youth Program The program, “Making Proud Choices” meets every Monday from 4 - 5:30 p.m. at the Carver School Road Branch Library. The library is located at 4915 Lansing Drive in WinstonSalem. For more information, call (336) 703-2910. The program will focus on helping teens set and meet goals, making right decisions in their life, keeping proper values, dealing with peer-pressure, sexuality, sharpening communication skills and building healthy relationships. Monday, Wednesday and Friday - Food and clothing giveaway Love Community Development Corporation, 3980 N. Liberty St., serves those in need of food and clothes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 - 4 p.m. JobLink is also available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those needing resumes or who are looking for a job. For more information, call (336) 306-8119. Every Tuesday – East Winston Community Leaders’ meeting A call to all community leaders, advocates, organizers and crusaders of the East Ward to join the movement to make the East Winston community better. The first event is being planned. Meetings are every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the 14th Street Recreation Center. For more informa-

tion, contact M. Reid at (336) 997-2519. Every Tuesday and Sunday – Yoga classes Yoga classes are now being held in the Salem Lake Marina Center assembly room on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. Classes last one hour and are led by a certified yoga instructor. The fee is $10 per class or four classes for $36. Fees should be paid at the Marina Center office and may be paid with cash, credit card or check. A limited number of mats will be available; participants who have yoga mats are encouraged to bring them. Every Thursday American Legion Post 128 fish fry A fish fry is held every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at 4817 Old Rural Hall Road to support and serve the community. The funds also support the Post. 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 in party games created for maximum learning and enjoyment. Reading Party is a free parent-oriented seminar that will teach simple and effective multisensory strategies to parents and their children in a fun, laid-back atmosphere. After a short training, volunteers will help 2 - 8 hours per month, mostly nights and weekends. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, contact Tonya Nealon at (336) 723-4391 ext. 1507 or Tonya@readws.org. First Thursday of each month – Movie and Speaker Discussion TEEM (Temple Emanuel’s Environmental Movement) will have a free environmental movie and speaker series at Temple Emanuel, 201 Oakwood Drive. The series will be the third Tuesday and first Thursday of each month. For more information, contact Gayle Tuch at ggtuch@yahoo. com or call (336) 7662767. (There are no third Tuesday events during the months of June, July and

Aug.) 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. How to submit items to the community calendar: We appreciate your community news. Here’s how you can help us to process your news more efficiently: *Please give us complete information about the event, such as the sponsor and address, date, time and place of the event and contact information so that the public can contact someone for more information if needed. *Please submit items in document form in an email or Word or PDF attachment. *Submit photos as attachments to emails as jpegs at least 4 inches wide by 6 inches deep rather than sent on documents. Please send captions with photos. *Please do not send jpeg fliers only, since we cannot transfer the information on them into documents. The deadline is Sunday at 11:59 p.m. to have all calendar items submitted for that week’s paper. Send your calendar items to news@wschronicle.com. You can also drop them off, Monday through Friday before 5 p.m., or mail your items to Winston-Salem Chronicle, 1300 E. Fifth St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101; or send them via our website, www.wschronicle.com.

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March 12, 2020

Stepping Up program graduates three SUPER Women SUBMITTED ARTICLE

The Stepping Up Process to End Recidivism (SUPER) celebrated its fourth graduation on Feb.

men this year and is expected to have its first male graduates next year. SUPER is part of the Stepping Up Initiative. It’s based on a national model

Foundation. The Stepping Up Initiative also includes the county’s Mental Health Court, a pre-plea treatment program for both men and

Thanks For Your Support

PAID FOR BY THE JOINES FOR MAYOR 2020 COMMITTEE Photo provided by Forsyth County

Faye Woody, Melmilmar McCloud and Nadine Baldwin graduated from the Stepping Up Process to End Recidivism (SUPER) on Feb. 27 at a ceremony held at the Forsyth County Public Health Department 27, with three women marching down the aisle in pink capes to celebrate their success at the Forsyth County Public Health Department. The yearlong program provides support services after release to those with mental health and substance use issues who were incarcerated at the Forsyth County Detention Center. Initially SUPER worked with women as a pilot program, but has expanded to

that County Commissioner Whisenhunt learned about at a National Association of Counties (NACo) workshop. Whisenhunt, who serves on the board of NACo, brought the idea to county staff, who crafted the program, and to her fellow commissioners, who fund the program. It also receives grant funding from The WinstonSalem Foundation, and started with an initial grant from the Kate B. Reynolds

women, which results in the dismissal of charges for successful graduates. The graduation ceremony featured remarks from Stepping Up’s Amber Humble and Pam Goodine, retired Deputy County Manager Ronda Tatum, and taped remarks by Assistant County Manager Shontell Robinson and Commissioner Whisenhunt, who were attending the commissioner’s Winter Work Session.

Social Services celebrates Social Work Month SUBMITTED ARTICLE

Forsyth County Department of Social Services (FCDSS) celebrated its social workers with a

vices Director John Thacker. “Protecting the welfare of children is paramount, and you rise to the occasion every day.” The mission of Family

that can be both complex and challenging. He said the agency-wide vacancy rate has dropped more than 50% since he became director in April 2018. He

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Book Review “The Second Chance Club: Hardship and Hope After Prison” by Jason Hardy c.2020, Simon & Schuster

Photos provided by Forsyth County

Forsyth County Department of Social Services (FCDSS) celebrated its social workers in the Family and Children’s Services Division with a special appreciation luncheon held on Thursday, March 5. special appreciation luncheon held on Thursday, March 5. Family and Children’s Services Division held the event in recognition of Social Work Month, which is a time to spotlight social workers and their contributions to society. The event

and Children’s Services is to encourage and provide for the safety, well being, and permanence of children by supporting and enhancing family systems. It employs 117 social workers and its services include adoption and foster care, child protective services

said FCDSS is working hard to support and retain its social workers. “When our vacancy rate is low, what that means is that the work rigor is not as impactful because there are people working shoulder to shoulder, sharing the load,” said Isler.

Family and Children’s Services Division Director John Thacker and Forsyth County Department of Social Services Director Victor Isler chat with Senior Social Worker Particia Lutman during a social worker appreciation luncheon on March 5. was a lunchtime treat for the division’s many social workers with games, prizes, food and fellowship. “This is a small token of our appreciation for everything you do on a day-to-day basis,” said Family and Children’s Ser-

and family counseling. The division currently has 628 active cases through Child Protective Services and 248 children in foster care. FCDSS Director Victor Isler said that he knows it’s a rewarding profession

There are almost 700,000 social workers in the United States. March was first officially recognized as National Social Work Month in 1984 and this year’s theme is “Social Workers: Generation Strong.”

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Applause, applause. Give the man a hand. Clap like your life depended on it, tell him with noise that he did well and that you want more. Give him a hand, let him hear your approval; roar, if you want, and encourage him. Give the man a hand or, as in the new book “The Second Chance Club” by Jason Hardy, give the man a hand up. Jason Hardy didn’t quite know what to do. After graduating from college, he taught high school but he “lacked [the] aptitude for the work.” He returned to school to get a graduate degree, which “did nothing to improve ... job prospects ...” He tended bar, waited tables, sold watches, and made just enough money to pay utility bills when he heard that the City of New Orleans had job openings in probation and parole. The “barriers to entry were low,” he says, and he was hired. Being a PO (probation officer) fit with Hardy’s ideals then. He imagined himself making a difference in the lives of his fellow citizens, and the New Orleans judicial system was on the cusp of change. Rather than putting people in jail for minor offenses, POs were charged with doing “community supervision.” Drug possession no longer meant immediate jail time; in fact, POs were encouraged to try to keep offenders out of jail as much as possible through levelheaded judgment calls, home visits, an array of programs, and ample opportunities to go straight. People who “clicked out” got mental-health assistance. Drug addicts were offered treatment. Jail was a last resort. But funded programs and the human touch weren’t always enough – although they did help 18-year-old Sheila hold a job separate from her “ride-or-die” drugdon boyfriend. They helped Hard Head decide that he wanted to be clean. They helped Ronald get the funds he needed to stay at home. They helped Kendrick get the mental intervention he required. But they didn’t help Travis. Or Damien. Or even Hardy himself, when the system didn’t work ... Statistics, of course, show that mass incarceration of African American men is extremely high and common sense

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says that something needs to be done about it. The rate, says author Jason Hardy, is excessive even in New Orleans, which he mentions but doesn’t belabor because race is a factor but not the focus in “The Second Chance Club.” Indeed, there are times here when racial identity is untold and left to the reader to infer because the bigger issue – the reason for the book – is that of hope within a new kind of judicial system. That comes as a pleasant surprise, one that could spark change elsewhere. It’s a story that’s sometimes gritty, sometimes funny, often grateful and, while also frustrating and desperately sad, includes some good news, and real people you’ll genuinely pull for. Surely, this is a book you can’t look away from, and for justice reformers or anyone at any point within the court system, it’s impressive. For you, “The Second Chance Club” is one to get your hands on. The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a prairie in Wisconsin with one man, two dogs, and 16,000 books.

March 12, 2020

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Two Boy Scouts awarded Eagle Scout designation SUBMITTED ARTICLE

On Saturday, Feb. 22, two members of Boy Scout Troop 912 became Eagle Scouts. Patrick G. Cooper and Jaemon T. McCullum, both high school seniors, have been a part of Troop 912 at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church for almost a decade and are now enjoying the fruits of their labor. Both young men are 18 years old, college bound, honor roll students who look forward to being youth leaders at the same pack/troop in the future. Their Scout Master, Handy Douglas, was very proud to have a dual Eagle

Scout ceremony on this day. Troop 912 has had an Eagle Scout ceremony for one of their scouts for the last three years in a row. Scout Master Douglas remarked, “Our program here at St. Stephen Troop 912 works! If the boys come to meetings and work hard, they can be standing where these young men are today.” The percentage of Boy Scouts that attain the Eagle Patrick Cooper and Jaemon designation, the highest Scouts. honor in Scouting, is only grandparents and extendabout 5%. And it is an ed family were in atteneven smaller percentage dance at the ceremony. A for young African Ameri- large number of the crowd can boys to achieve this was members of St. Paul honor. United Methodist Church, A host of parents, where Patrick is a member.

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McCullum became Eagle The event was filled with laughter, tears, and standing ovations for the two new Eagle Scouts, Patrick & Jaemon.

Gingles joins WSSU as director of Communications and Media Relations SUBMITTED ARTICLE

Haley Gingles has joined Winston-Salem State University’s Office of Integrated Marketing Communications as the director of Communications and Media Relations. Gingles began her career in North Carolina state government working for the North Carolina Department of Commerce Division of Tourism, Film, and Sports Development. There she worked in public relations, served as the department’s public information officer, and was a travel writer for the state, covering tourist destinations from the coast to the mountains. Her work was featured in well-known publications such as Condé Nast, Travel, Budget, and Southern Living magazines. In 2005, Gingles moved to Winston-Salem and began a career in municipal government with the City of Winston-Salem. There she worked in marketing for the Recreation and Parks department and produced WePLAY Magazine and hosted WePLAY TV. While there, and with

the help of a great team, she received the Program of the Year award for the successful execution of WePLAY Family Field Day which brought hundreds of citizens together for a day of health and exercise. Gingles then transitioned to the WinstonSalem Chamber of Commerce where she served as director of marketing and communications. During her tenure, she was able to successfully promote chamber services, while serving as a counselor for small businesses to assist them with branding their products and services. After serving six years at the chamber, Gingles took on another comHaley Gingles munications role in the health and law enforce- responders. Gingles is a graduate ment industries as comof the University of North munications and governCarolina at Chapel Hill ment affairs director for and received her bachThe FMRT Group. There elor’s degree in commushe traveled North and nication studies. She also South Carolina educating holds a national accreditapublic safety organizations about mental health tion in public relations. For the past eight services. She also served years, Gingles has served as a lobbyist with the state as a corporate volunteer of North Carolina advofor the Winston-Salem cating for tougher mental health guidelines for first Forsyth County School

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System, helping kindergartners with reading proficiency. She has also been appointed by the mayor to serve on the city’s Public Assembly Facilities Commission, of which she is chairwoman. She is also a longtime active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

IFB Solutions opens Twenty200 Eyewear optical store SUBMITTED ARTICLE

IFB Solutions, a nonprofit organization based in Winston-Salem and the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the country, has opened its Twenty200 Eyewear optical store at 631 Coliseum Drive NW in Winston-Salem. IFB had previously operated an optical store on its North Point Drive campus. Purchases from Twenty200 Eyewear help IFB create opportunities for people who are blind across its organization. “Our new location on Coliseum Drive will make Twenty200 Eyewear more accessible to the WinstonSalem community and generate greater awareness for our mission of creating opportunities for people who are blind,” said Nicole Ducouer, senior director of corporate communications for IFB Solutions. “Each purchase of eyeglasses, sunglasses or contact lenses from Twenty200 Eyewear helps create local opportunities for people who are blind.” The Twenty200 Eyewear optical shop carries a wide range of popular eyewear brands including Ray-Ban, Costa, Hugo

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Twenty200 Eyewear optical store is located at 631 Coliseum Drive NW in Winston-Salem. Boss, Kate Spade and Ana Hickmann. Staffed by licensed opticians, Twenty200 Eyewear is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Most of the eyeglass orders are then fulfilled by IFB’s optical lab on its WinstonSalem campus. Additional information about Twenty200 Eyewear is available at www.twenty200.org. IFB Solutions operates an optical lab on its campus that supports the Twenty200 Eyewear optical shop as well as other commercial customers. The lab is staffed by individuals who are blind or visually impaired, using equipment that IFB has modified for use by indi-

viduals with limited sight, including magnified and high-contrast displays. The lab was built more than a decade ago to support IFB’s contracts with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. At its peak, the lab produced more than 1,200 pairs of eyeglasses per day for veterans and their families, as well as for commercial customers. In late 2019, IFB was forced to scale back operations in its optical lab because of a court order giving priority for VA contracts to veteran-owned businesses over AbilityOne nonprofit agencies like IFB Solutions that employ people who are blind or have other significant disabili-

ties. IFB is pursuing new commercial opportunities, including the move of its Winston-Salem location, which it hopes will generate more eyeglass orders. “Throughout IFB’s 84 years of serving people who are blind or visually impaired, the WinstonSalem community has been incredibly generous in supporting our mission through donations and grants, as well as by making purchases of our products,” said Ducouer. “We look forward to welcoming even more customers through the door at our new Coliseum Drive location and inviting them to be part of our mission through a purchase of eyewear or contacts.” Twenty200 is a brand of IFB Solutions that offers a range of eyewear in approachable styles with a focus on kind, patient service. The Twenty200 name reflects the mission powering the brand: helping people see perfect 20/20 vision while proceeds create opportunities for people with legally blind, or with 20/200 or worse, vision. The Twenty200 Eyewear optical shop is located at 631 Coliseum Drive. For more information, visit twenty200.org.

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March 12, 2020

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