September 10, 2020

75 cents

• See Opinion/Forum pages on A4 &5 •

Volume 47, Number 1

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

• See Sports on page B1•

THURSDAY, September 10, 2020

Thousands attend Trump rally, few wear masks as COVID-19 related deaths continue to soar

Protestors standing near the Smith Reynolds Airport while President Donald Trump held a campaign rally on Tuesday, Sept. 8 here in Winston-Salem.

Despite there still being restrictions on large gatherings across N.C., there were few masks and even less social distancing at the Smith Reynolds Airport on Tuesday where President Donald Trump held a campaign rally.

Under Safer At Home

Phase 2.5, which was part of an Executive Order signed by Governor Roy Cooper last week, masks are required in all public places and there is a 50-person limit on all outdoor events - a far cry from the thousands of barefaced Trump supporters who showed up for the rally.

The line of supporters began to form more than five hours before the gates were officially scheduled to open. While waiting, Courtney Miller, who made the trip from Virginia for the event, said she was confident that Trump would be re-elected in November. “I know he’s going to win because he’s the best man for the job. Just look at how he’s turned

this country around since he’s been in office,” she said.

When discussing the Safer At Home order, Trump said the state should be open without any restrictions. He mentioned if Governor Cooper drops restrictions, N.C. would “probably” have the best economy on record. “Your state should be open,” he continued.

“When you just take a look at what’s going in North Carolina, they want to open ... and it’s a shame what’s going on. And I’ll tell you what, on November 4 everyone of those states will open.”

Although COVID-19 numbers are trending down, to date (Sept. 8) in

North Carolina, there have been 178,635 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,909 virus related deaths, the ninth most in the country. In the past week, nearly 10,000 positive COVID-19 cases have been reported and close to 200 North Carolinians have died due to the virus.

Here in Forsyth County, to date there have been 6,457 confirmed cases and more than 80 deaths.

During the rally, Trump said he’s running for reelection to keep jobs in America and to put criminals behind bars, protect our boarders and strengthen the economy. He also took several shots at his challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden and

his running mate, Senator Kamala Harris. Trump referred to Biden and Harris as “far left wing extremists who have no idea what they’re doing.”

“If our foreign adversaries were devising a scheme to cripple America, they could hardly do better than Biden-Kamala Harris,” he said. “In exchange for his party’s nomination, Biden has now formed an unholy alliance with the most extreme and dangerous elements of the radical left.”

In response to Trump’s visit to the City of Arts and Innovation, Biden said Trump doesn’t have solid plans to address the COVID-19 pandemic or how to restart our economy and

provide relief for struggling Americans and small businesses owners.

“President Trump’s mismanagement has cost too many North Carolinians their lives and livelihoods, with communities of color bearing the brunt of the devastation.

He has looked away from North Carolinians in need of a lifeline, even as his wealthy corporate donors get ahead,” Biden wrote in a statement. “As President, I will fight for your family like it’s my own. I will bring our country together to defeat this pandemic and build our economy back better so that it works for all North Carolinians and leaves no one behind.”

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BY TEVIN STINSON THE CHRONICLE

Photo by Alphonso Abbott Jr.

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S eptember 10, 2020

The C hronicle

McCoy files lawsuit against Forsyth County Board of Elections

BY TEVIN STINSON THE CHRONICLE

Paula McCoy, the unaffiliated candidate running for a seat on the Winston-Salem City Council, has filed a lawsuit against the Forsyth County Board of Elections for their handling of the petition process.

To appear on the ballot during the Nov. 3 election, McCoy had to secure 281 signatures from registered voters in the Northeast Ward. Initially McCoy was told that she had enough signatures to appear on the ballot, but all that changed. Just minutes before the deadline on Aug. 5, McCoy received word that some of her signatures were invalid.

In the lawsuit filed on Thursday, Sept. 3, McCoy says the decision to de-certify her petition was based on Barbara Burke, the Democratic candidate for the ward, visiting the board of elections office and challenging some of the names. McCoy argues that in response to Burke’s “unlawful challenge,” a formal hearing should have been held. In the suit, McCoy has asked that a preliminary hearing be held and that she is re-

Submitted photo

Paula McCoy certified and added to the ballot.

When first contacted by the board of elections, McCoy was told that she was only one signature short of reaching her goal of 281, and she asked if she could have time to get a valid signature. Although she was told ‘Yes,’ McCoy said when she submitted the names to the county attorney, she was told that the rules had changed. “I was informed that the rules had changed.

I now had 15 days in order

to recertify all of my petitions,” McCoy said. In the end, the board of elections reported that McCoy had 261 signatures.

According to Tim Tsujii, director of the Forsyth County Board of Elections (FCBOE), the software used to verify the signatures didn’t have the capability to determine in which ward someone lived, but they didn’t know that at the time. Although the FCBOE has admitted to errors on their part concerning the petition

process, there is no appeal process in place, so there is no recourse for McCoy except to run as a write-in candidate.

When discussing the lawsuit with The Chronicle last week, McCoy said the process is flawed and she was amazed at how people can just make up rules as they go and change those rules whenever they get ready. She said, “I am challenging the process that they went through because based on statute, that should have been handled totally different.”

McCoy said she has submitted a notice of the lawsuit filed to the Forsyth County Board of Elections, Forsyth County Commissioners, and the N.C. State Board of Elections.

“I have been disenfranchised and the voters in this ward have been disenfranchised,” McCoy continued. “They need a choice, too, and removing me from the ballot does not give them a choice. I believe that the constituents in this ward don’t believe that someone should just walk in and take a seat based on a name. That seat does not belong to a family.”

Theatre Alliance to perform outdoor production of The Doyle and Debbie Show SUBMITTED ARTICLE

Theatre Alliance continues with its outdoor performances with the upcoming “The Doyle and Debbie Show” in the parking lot of their original venue: 1047 W. Northwest Blvd.

After failed marriages and tabloid scandals, Doyle Mayfield recruits a new singing partner – also his third Debbie – in an attempt to regain his former stardom. But when Debbie’s star starts to rise, the comeback becomes a setback for this has-been legend. Featuring original songs – “When You’re Screwin’ Other Women (Think of Me),” “Barefoot and Pregnant,” and “ABCs of Love,” this brilliant parody is a hysterical tribute to country music and its

beloved iconic duos.

“Put on your cowboy boots and two-step your way to the theater, where you will never think of country music in quite the same way again ... the audience was laughing at every number.” — Houstonia “THE DOYLE AND DEBBIE SHOW is a kick-up-your-heels, don’tbe-afraid-to-laugh, toetapping good time ... It’s laugh-out-loud funny, an over-the-top satire that both harks back to a great era of country music – and artists like Wagoner, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty and more – while affectionately skewering it all.” — Houston Press “90 minutes of goofy perfection—clever, hilarious, wacky and [bril-

liant] …” —Chicago SunTimes.

“It is akin to George and Tammy doing a night at the Grand Ole Opry— only on mescaline.” — AustinOnStage (Austin, TX).

“THE DOYLE AND DEBBIE SHOW is like Spinal Tap with a twang, and it manages to tweak and tickle without ever denigrating country music.” —The Tennessean (Nashville, TN).

Starring Gray Smith and Jaye Pierce, the show will be performed outside at Theatre Alliance’s original venue: 1047 W. Northwest Blvd., with free parking. Seating begins 30 minutes prior to showtime.

Performances will be held: *Sept. 11-13 at 8 p.m. *Sept. 16-19 at 8 p.m.

Lawn Seating: Maxi-

mum 25 attendees. Tickets are $25 per person and attendees must bring their own chair, blanket, tent, umbrellas, etc. For reservations, visit https://www. theatrealliance.ws/.

For questions, call the theatre box office at 336-7237777. Follow Theatre Alliance on Twitter at http:// twitter.com/wstalliance, Facebook at http://www. facebook.com/WSTheatreAlliance or Instagram at http://www.instagram. com/wstalliance.

www.wschronicle.com

Drive-thru school supplies event

Submitted Photo

Members of Forsyth County Democratic Women retrieve a school supplies donation at their drive-through event held on Saturday, Sept. 5. They received donations valued at over $1,000 to go to the Educator’s Warehouse and for school CARES Teams.

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T he C hronicle

S eptember 10, 2020

A3

The Carolina Blues Festival reveals plans for 2020 festival Festival remains the longest continuous running Blues Festival in the Southeast.

SUBMITTED ARTICLE

The Carolina Blues Festival (CBF), organized by the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society (CBPS), has adapted their traditional on-site festival to an online event that will include a series of events to please fans who are used to their traditional concert weekend. CBF is reminiscent of a family reunion that invites diverse communities to gather in Vanessa Ferguson the spirit of Black arts culture.

Headline performers PBPS has organized a are: headline concert featuring Vanessa Ferguson stage veteran Vanessa Fer(Rhythm & Blues + Jazz). guson. The concert will air Vanessa Ferguson has perSept.12 at 8 p.m. EST, diformed from Beijing, Chirectly following the show na and around the world of their collaborator, the with B.B. King’s Blues North Carolina Folk FesClub All- Star Band. She tival. came into America pop-

Author works to dismantle racist biases against Black children Nationwide (BlackNews.com) - At a time when the state of the world is extremely uncertain and fragile, Patrice McLaurin is providing a silver lining by dismantling racist biases against Black children, with a current emphasis on Black boys. Owner of Khemrah Publishing, a boutique publishing house located in Buford, Ga., McLaurin uses this platform to serve as an author and image activist. Her literary works are cultivating the brilliance of Black children, one book at a time.

According to McLaurin, some of the most important work that needs to be done in the Black community is the shifting of racist and biased propaganda against Black people. “Unfortunately,” states McLaurin, “any disparaging caricature that can be placed upon a person has been used as an identifying persona

Author Patrice McLaurin against Black folk.”

Part of McLaurin’s cause as an image activist is to dispel these effigies by reinforcing positive imagery. After the violent deaths of Trayvon Martin, Jordan Davis, Michael Brown, and Tamir Rice, McLaurin’s passion was amplified and it birthed literary works that would give Black children and their counterparts, an opportunity to see the value in their existence. “Oftentimes, a book is a child’s first introduction to an outside world,” states McLaurin, “so it is important that their books humanize all of those who exist in it.”

McLaurin’s first children’s book, “Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?,” chronicles the school day of a little boy as he uses the inventions of Black people throughout his day. It provides the practical perspective that we all utilize the genius of a Black mind daily and affords ALL of its readers an opportunity to learn about the rich contribution of Black people to this nation. It includes brief biographies about each inventor as well as activities that promote reading comprehension and retention.

“Have You Thanked

a Kidventor Today?” is the second installment in McLaurin’s image activism, as it highlights inventions created by a group of inventors who are rarely discussed, children. This book includes a glossary and fun science experiments that promote innovation and higher-level thinking.

McLaurin’s latest title, “I Am Because I Choose,” is a wonderful social-emotional learning tool that encourages children to take ownership of their choices and behavior.

One of the most dynamic elements of the book is its cover, which boasts a little Black boy who stands tall as an audacious superhero!

McLaurin’s books also provide an alternative to a disturbing trend in children’s book diversity that quite possibly contributes to the literacy gap that exists between Black boys and their peers. According to the most recent

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statistics released by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, only 11.9% of children’s books have Black children as their protagonists. Moreover, of the books that are written about Black children, historically, very few of them have featured Black boys. Rather than complain about this problem, McLaurin decided to provide a solution. “If you want to help bridge the literacy gap that exists for Black boys, allow them to see themselves positively reflected on the pages of a book,” she says.

While the work that McLaurin produces for children is admirable, her existence as a Black woman and author of children’s books is quite the defiance to the status quo based on diversity statistics. In keeping with that defiance, she continues to champion her overarching goal, “To raise the vibration of our children and this nation, one book at a time.”

McLaurin’s books are available at PatriceMcLaurin.com or anywhere that books are sold. Follow her on social media: Facebook - @thankaninventor, Instagram - @patricemclaurin, Twitter - @ mclaurinwrites.

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culture as a contestant on NBC’s “The Voice” where she competed as a member of Alicia Keys’ team. A graduate of NC A&T University, Vanessa stands on the shoulders of artists before her, including a special relationship she has developed with the works of Nina Simone. She will

perform two 45-minute sets spanning a wide range of styles.

Veronika Jackson (Blues) – Presented by the 34th annual Carolina Blues Festival: Women of the Blues, Veronika will perform a tribute to N.C. blues legend, Elizabeth “Libba” Cotton, during the N.C. Folk Festival. Live links will be available on piedmontblues.org and ncfolkfestival.com.

Awards to be presented are: Mike Carr Junior Bluesman Award: Brendan Hinch. Brendan Hinch, a freshman at Grimsley High School, is a 14-yearold native of Greensboro and the winner of the 2019 PBPS: Road to Memphis Blues Challenge, where he qualified to perform in the

2020 International Blues Challenge. This award is presented each year to one regional up and coming youth blues artist. The award recognizes emerging young artists for keeping the blues alive through their music and public displays of talent. Brendan will also showcase his talent live.

Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Irish Spencer (aka Wild Irish Rose). Dr. Irish Spencer is an award-winning and highly skilled communications and management specialist with 30plus years of experience in the field of broadcast and management. Based in Greensboro, she started her radio career at Murryhill broadcasting (Power

97 and WEAL Gospel).

Throughout her career, she has worked, consulted, and managed several radio stations. This award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the blues culture through their work, volunteerism, or investment.

Learn more about the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society (https://piedmontblues.org/) and the Carolina Blues Festival (https://carolinabluesfestival.com/). The Piedmont Blues Preservation Society will continue to post updates on its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ PBPS85/), and on Instagram (instagram. com/piedmont_blues/).

FALL IN LOVE with EVERYTHING PUMPKIN Your favorite Limited Time Fall Favorites are back with a couple new items we know you’ll love! Pick up yours today before they’re all gone!

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S eptember 10, 2020

The C hronicle

OPINION

James Taylor Jr. Publisher Bridget Elam

Managing Editor

Judie Holcomb-Pack

Associate Editor

Timothy Ramsey

Sports Editor/Religion

Tevin Stinson

Senior Reporter

Shayna Smith

Advertising Manager

Deanna Taylor

Office Manager

Paulette L. Moore

Administrative Assistant

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

Guest Editorial

Black voters: We are top targets of voter suppression ‘information warfare’ Black voters have a powerful role to play in this year’s elections. That’s why we are being targeted by disinformation campaigns that are meant to discourage and suppress our turnout. We can’t let them succeed.

Black voters are still targeted by old-school voter suppression strategies like restricting registration, closing polling stations, and limiting early voting. On top of all that, we are now top targets in “information warfare” campaigns designed to drive down Black turnout by any means possible.

Robert Mueller’s investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election reported that no group of Americans was targeted by Russian intelligence more than African Americans.

In August, right-wing political smear agents sent robocalls to Black voters in Detroit, spreading false information about voting by mail. There is absolutely no truth to claims that voting by mail would allow credit card companies or police to get access to personal information. Why spread these lies in Michigan? Because every vote counts. In 2016, 90,000 people who went to the polls decided not to vote in the presidential election—more than Trump’s margin of victory in the state.

Racist attacks are also being aimed at Sen. Kamala Harris, who made history by becoming Joe Biden’s running mate. Harris is a graduate of Howard University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, two of the Black community’s most prominent institutions. But almost immediately, the “information warriors” of the far right started spreading lies about her not being Black—attacking her identity as the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants—and spreading a new version of the birtherism they used against Barack Obama, falsely claiming that she is not eligible to be vice president.

The attacks on Harris are a shameless effort to suppress the excitement that so many Black Americans— especially Black women—have about her candidacy.

As one report about such efforts recognized, “Black women don’t just go vote, they make sure they get others to vote.” That’s why they are major targets.

We are less than two months from an election in which the gains of the civil rights movement and the future of our freedom are on the line. Political, religious, and community leaders need to sound the alarm.

We cannot let ourselves get played. We need to get good information about where and how to vote from our state election officials or trusted resources like https://www.ncvoter.org/. Make a plan to vote and do it as soon as possible. Black people have overcome efforts to stop us from voting for more than 150 years since the Civil War. We won’t stop now.

For reliable information on voting, visit https:// www.vote411.org/ (League of Women Voters) or https://866ourvote.org/state/ (Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights under Law).

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation. In 2008, he was chosen as the youngestever president and CEO of the NAACP.

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Return to decency Bob Topper Guest Columnist I had always been proud to be an American.

During my career, I spent a lot of time working in Europe. Protocol said that casual conversation should avoid politics and religion. That was not always possible and I had many political discussions.

I was always able to advocate for the American position.

I could not do that today.

The positions that the Trump administration has taken on too many issues are, to my mind, indefensible. He shows too little regard for the things that define America, the things that made America great - freedom, democracy, equality and justice - the things that are guaranteed by our Constitution.

Because we valued these principles, the United States became the leader of the free world.

But with Trump’s capitulation to Vladimir Putin, we have lost that leadership role and the United States no longer commands the respect of our NATO allies. This is only one of the many reasons I implore you to vote for Joe Biden.

I want to appeal especially to my family members and friends and all who are Christian, for Christians have been

among Trump’s most ardent and loyal supporters.

And I ask you to appreciate why the U.S. Constitution is a secular document.

It could not be any other way.

The Founders supported Christianity, but Christianity did not support the ideas they envisioned for America: individual freedom, equality, and democracy. These ideas came out of the enlightenment, the age of reason. They were foreign to Christianity.

Christianity demanded conformity and strict adherence to doctrine, and so opposed the idea of individual freedom. Christianity supported the divine right of kings, and so opposed the idea of selfgovernment. And Christianity taught that some are chosen and others are condemned, and that slaves should be faithful to their masters, and so opposed the idea of equality.

So the Founders, many of whom were Christian, chose reason over revelation. They believed that humans’ ability to reason offered the best hope for a just society. And so I ask my Christian kin to follow the Founders’ example.

Choose reason and our Constitution. In the end, only a secular Constitution can guarantee our right to believe in Jesus or Krishna, or Buddha, or Allah, or Yahweh, or the Great Spirit, or to not believe at all.

Our society assumes that good and honest people will be nominated and elected to public office and when in office they will

use reason and compromise to govern and legislate in ways that benefit our society. Unfortunately, Trump is neither a good nor honest person.

Aside from his personal history of philandering, cheating, graft and corruption, he has defied our system of justice, is attempting to subvert our democracy, restrict our individual freedoms, and he encourages lawlessness.

He promotes white supremacy and admires authoritarian rulers like Putin and Kim Jong-un, and believes that soldiers who lost their lives fighting for our country were losers.

Trump’s corruption is worsened by his refusal to reason. Reason demands, for example, that he and we accept science, the same science that explains how gravity causes the earth to revolve around the sun, and how hundred-ton airplanes can be supported by nearly weightless air.

Medical science has given us kidney transplants, cancer radiation therapies, and a host of other scientific discoveries has made our ubiquitous cell phones possible.

Yet Trump refuses the medical science that could have minimized the impact of COVID-19. And when we see the incompetence in handling the pandemic, with the U.S. embarrassingly ranking last in the world, and the loss of nearly 200,000 innocent Americans, how can one believe that God is guiding his administration?

Many of us think there

is much wrong with our government. Things need to change. But the change has to be more than shaking up and tearing down.

We need change that improves government in ways that benefit the majority of Americans, not just the wealthy.

Trump has done a remarkable job of tearing down, but very little to improve government or the lot of the average American. Edmund Burke said, “Rage and phrenzy will pull down more in half an hour than prudence, deliberation, and foresight can build up in an hundred years.” We need less rage and frenzy, and more prudence and foresight.

Biden will not be a perfect president, but at heart he is a much, much better man. He will give us prudence and foresight, protect our constitution and bring decency back to government. What is more, he actually does believe in God. His religion has been his anchor, and has given him the strength and hope needed to bring him though his life’s crises … the tragic loss of his wife and 13-month-old daughter in a car crash and the loss of a son to cancer.

I’ve had enough of the fear and hate mongering, and trust that you have too.

Please join me. Cast your vote for Joe Biden. Character and decency matter.

Bob Topper is a retired engineer and is syndicated

by PeaceVoice.

Have an Opinion?

Let us Know letters@wschronicle.com

T he C hronicle

FORUM

S eptember 10, 2020

A5

The fierce urgency of now is to vote in November Dr. James B. Ewers Jr.

Guest Columnist

“One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

That was our country’s pledge. Now more than ever we have the fierce urgency to live it by voting in the coming weeks.

We have had times in life where choices that we made determined the outcome. All of us can name enough occasions where our direct actions had an impact.

America has come to another watershed moment in its history. The month of November looms

large. Yes, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends. And of course, Black Friday sales will be running non-stop in stores and online.

While important and time-honored, nothing will be more important than us voting in November. This moment must not find us lacking or making excuses.

Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP, said, “We have racism emanating from the White House.” We know this to be true, but will that compel and propel Americans to vote? For example, Mr. Johnson wants Black voter turnout to increase 5% over 2016.

It is a well-documented fact African Americans had a low voter turnout in the last election. Did we not vote for Hillary Clin-

ton because we thought she did not need our votes?

I believe that was the case for some of us.

Everyone must vote!

For example, 61% of the naturalized citizens live in just five states. Those states are California, New York, Florida, Texas and New Jersey.

It is the thinking of many pundits that Florida is a battleground state. If you are an immigrant having come to America, you have a birds-eye view of what is happening here. It is my opinion that you may have a loved one or friend who has been caught up in immigration mania.

This is all the doing of Mr. T, president of the United States of America.

Another group that will have a defining role in this year’s election will

be independent voters. Jeffrey Jones, Gallup Poll’s senior editor, says, “There are the people who don’t change their votes, no matter what, but the country is not as polarized as people think. Independents make up the largest group of Americans, and these people are people who can be more easily swayed. They are open to persuasion.”

This block of voters will carry weight. A closer review of independent voters shows that 35% of Americans under the age of 30 say they are independent, according to the Spring 2020 Harvard Youth Study.

Ellen Moorhouse, deputy director of a political action group, said, “Personally, I have never really felt either major party represented my interest.”

The prognosticators and fortunetellers have a prediction on who will win the 2020 presidential election. They have convinced some of us already about who will win.

I know this, and that is, we must vote in November.

Another four years of what we already have is unacceptable. Our standing in the world community is a mess. The nation’s economy is a hot mess.

Race relations in America are at their lowest point.

We are being laughed at by the world, we cannot find a job and we are afraid to leave our homes.

America, turn off the snooze button and sound the alarm. The upheaval that we find ourselves in these days is because of the current administration.

I believe that there are enough Americans who voted in the dark the last time and now will vote for the Biden-Harris ticket.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr said, “I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the way our world is made.”

So, can we depend upon each other to vote on November 3?

Yes we can!

James B. Ewers Jr. is a former tennis champion at Atkins High School and played college tennis at Johnson C. Smith University where he was allconference for four years.

He is a retired college administrator and can be reached at overtimefergie.2020@yahoo.com.

Plastics pollution: Is there life beyond plastic?

ROBERT C. KOEHLER

Guest Columnist “Plastics!”

Yeah, it’s everywhere ... not just in grocery store aisles and department stores and every other commercial outlet you can think of, not to mention your own cupboards and closets and trashcans, but on the grass and on the sidewalks, in the landfills, in the lakes and rivers, in the oceans. And it doesn’t go away. Ever.

It doesn’t biodegrade.

And “the vast majority of all plastic made up to now, will likely not be recycled,” Zoë Schlanger writes at Quartz. “And it will exist virtually forever, crumbling into microplastics that show up most everywhere scientists look for them.”

That would include, according to the Center for Biological Diversity, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch: “a gyre of plastic

debris in the north-central Pacific Ocean” about double the size of Texas. And even that’s just a small part of it: “At current rates plastic is expected to outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050.”

Plastics pollution has a direct and deadly effect on wildlife. Thousands of seabirds and sea turtles, seals and other marine mammals are killed each year after ingesting plastic or getting entangled in it.

“Dead seabirds are often found with stomachs full of plastic. … Dead whales have been found with bellies full of plastic.”

And, oh yeah: “In the first decade of this century, we made more plastic than all the plastic in history up to the year 2000.

And every year, billions of pounds of more plastic end up in the world’s oceans. Studies estimate there are now 15-51 trillion pieces of plastic in the world’s oceans — from the equator to the poles, from Arctic ice sheets to the sea floor. Not one square mile of surface ocean anywhere on earth is free of plastic pollution.”

All of which sets the context for another piece of news. Big Oil, you might say, has become the new Benjamin Braddock.

I refer, of course, to that iconic moment in the 1967 movie “The Graduate,” in which Dustin Hoffman’s character, a recent college graduate, gets a shocking poke of career advice from an older guy: “Plastics!”

The sarcastic humor of this iconic anti-establishment movie at the dawn of the late ’60s has, you might say, biodegraded somewhat more than the actual subject of the sarcasm. Plastic is too all-pervasive now to be as funny as it used to be. It’s simply part of life — not just our lives but the lives of every being on the planet. All of which sets the context for a recent bit of news, which has pulled my attention beyond the simmering social issues of the day, including the violence and racism that seem so impervious to change. Suddenly I find myself in a state of gasping incredulity that our long-term future seems to matter far less than shortterm profit for some.

Plastics! For Africa!

“Confronting a climate crisis that threatens the fossil fuel industry, oil companies are racing to make more plastic. But they face two problems: Many markets are already awash with plastic, and few countries are willing to be dumping grounds for the world’s plastic waste.”

So the New York Times informed us a few days ago, in a potpourri of ironic reporting. The climate crisis is “threatening” the fossil fuel industry? Not like the rest of us are threatened by it — by the planet becoming increasingly less habitable — but by the “inevitable decline” in the demand for fossil fuels. So the industry is “pivoting to plastics” to use up their oversupply of oil and gas, but faces two problems with this: Most markets are “awash” in plastic and, beyond that, we’re running out of countries to dump the plastic when it’s time to throw it away.

Before we go on, at least one question resonates like “a gyre of plastic debris.” Recycling stuff, which we claim to

be doing, doesn’t actually mean ,,, recycling it. It means shipping it to other countries to do whatever they want with it, which primarily means discarding it. So the question sits there. Why can’t the richest, most dominant country on Earth deal with — by which I mean, actually recycle and reuse — its own trash?

Again, from the New York Times: “In 2019, American exporters shipped more than 1 billion pounds of plastic waste to 96 countries including Kenya, ostensibly to be recycled, according to trade statistics. But much of the waste, often containing the hardest-to-recycle plastics, instead ends up in rivers and oceans. And after China closed its ports to most plastic trash in 2018, exporters have been looking for new dumping grounds.

Exports to Africa more than quadrupled in 2019 from a year earlier.”

So Big Oil, focusing on Kenya as the hub, sees Africa as the place that will save it, both as marketplace and dumping ground. But there are

a few problems with this.

Kenya has recently enacted some strict regulations, banning plastic bags and other single-use plastic.

And something known as the Basel Convention, an international treaty — unratified by the United States — puts restrictions on the ability of rich nations to ship unwanted trash to poor nations. But lobbyists for the oil industry are hoping to influence a U.S. trade agreement to pressure Kenya to ease up on its plastic restrictions and open the continent to both the industry’s products and its waste.

What are we doing to ourselves? Is there life beyond plastic? I certainly have no answers, but the questions flow without stop. And they won’t break down.

Robert C. Koehler (koehlercw@gmail.com), syndicated by PeaceVoice, is a Chicago award-winning journalist and editor.

He is the author of “Courage Grows Strong at the Wound.”

Be a viral superspreader Dr. Tom H. Hastings

Guest Columnist I’m hoping you’ll agree to be a viral superspreader—in a good way, in a way that actually defends democracy and keeps America free.

Trump has again said that he might not abide by the results of the upcoming election if he doesn’t like those results, that is, if he loses.

He will lose.

Trump won in 2016,

thanks to the antiquated, obsolete electoral college, which gave him the bizarre victory despite losing by nearly three million votes.

This time we will vote him out.

In the summer of 2016 I told my university president that Trump would win. He scoffed and said, “Never.” Yeah, never didn’t last that long, to paraphrase the old country song.

Trump is trying every dirty election-rigging method he can think of, even suggesting his people commit felony vote fraud themselves by voting twice! He said, “send it in early and then go and

vote.”

But despite all the mischief coming from Trump, from Russian trolls, and from Republican governors and legislatures who have done their level worst to break the voting process for many who might not vote their way, Trump will lose this time.

We will vote. And we will use all nonviolent means to defend that vote.

To take the pledge to join us, please sign on at https://choosedemocracy. us/#pledge and tell everyone you know.

When Michelle Obama described what we might need to do, that was a wakeup call. In some states we

may need to stand in line for hours, even overnight, to vote. Those of us with mail-in ballots should get them right in the mail very early or, even better, find an official ballot drop box and physically put our ballot into it. In some states, public libraries offer that service.

When the people knew that they had voted out Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines in 1986, they did not put up with his attempt to steal the election.

When the people of Chile knew that they had defeated General Pinochet at the ballot box, they did not allow him to carry through with his attempt to

steal the election.

When the Serbian people knew that they had voted dictator Slobodan Milosevic out in 2000, they went on general strike until he stepped aside.

All these defenses of democracy were nonviolent, all were entirely unarmed, all faced wellarmed troops and police, and all were victorious.

They all showed respect and even fondness for police and soldiers, but stood in the gap very publicly and refused to allow the dictator to steal their democracy.

We can do this, if we remain nonviolent, committed, and unified. Please

Have an Opinion?

Let us Know

letters@wschronicle.com

join in this open commitment to use peaceable methods to achieve the election protection we need and deserve.

Spread the word, sign on, join millions of Americans determined to stop any election fraud and assure a peaceful transition of power.

Dr. Tom H. Hastings is coördinator of conflict resolution BA/BS degree programs and certificates at Portland State University, PeaceVoice director, and on occasion an expert witness for the defense of civil resisters in court.

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BUSTA’S PERSON OF THE WEEK

Music icon Prince called Shelby Johnson ‘The Bald Beauty with a Powerhouse Voice’

BY BUSTA BROWN FOR THE CHRONICLE

Music icon Prince calls her the “Bald Beauty with a Powerhouse Voice” and she loves it.

“It makes me feel very empowered and proud, especially as a Black woman, with my baldness as my crown. I didn’t tell Prince I was cutting all of my hair off, so when I showed up for rehearsal at Paisley, I didn’t know if he was going to say’ Go home or put on a wig.’ He walked around with that look like he was inspecting me and just stared. Then he smiled and said, ‘I see you.’ Along with my hair, I got rid of everything that was distracting and Prince said, ‘Now I just see you.’ He said, ‘I really see you.’ I feel my trustiest self being bald,” said Shelby Johnson with a huge smile.

Prince is 100% correct.

Shelby J’s voice and beauty are absolutely stunning.

When she smiles, everything and everyone in her presence is brighter.

So, how did this Greensboro native meet His Royal Badness? It all went down in 2006 in Las Vegas, during a sound check with the legendary Larry Graham. Shelby brought the house down while singing Stevie Wonder’s 1973 classic “Higher Ground.” “It was God and his perfect timing putting me where I was supposed to be. I had sung for D’Angelo, Anthony Hamilton, Mary J. Blige, Carlos Santana, jazz legend Roy Hargrove and others. So, during my two week break from touring with Anthony Hamilton, I was blessed with the opportunity to sing background for Larry Graham.”

To Shelby’s surprise, her performance with Graham was at Prince’s 3121 Club in Las Vegas. Prince was doing a residency there at The Rio. A residency is a series of concerts, similar to a concert tour, but only performed at one location. Shelby J had Graham and his band members mesmerized, unaware that Prince was watching her every move.

“The sound guy said, sing it again. So, I sang again.

Then he asked me to sing it again. Little did I know that the voice that asked me to sing over and over again was Prince. He came from the back and he looked good. He was so clean, he was sparkling!”

While Shelby was talking, I was in a straight-up daze. I was imagining that moment when Prince was walking from the back and the expression on her face.

That had to be a “Thank you, God” moment. “It was amazing! He looked at me with that Prince smile and said, ‘You are a great singer.’ And it was like he floated away. I just stood there and said, what just happened?” she said while still in amazement.

The night of her show with Larry Graham, Prince joined Shelby on stage while she was blowing the audience away performing Ann Pebbles’ 1974 classic, “I can’t stand the rain.” The moment was pure magic and unforgettable for both singers. “He walks up right to my microphone, the one I was singing on, and we were cheek to cheek. And he started harmonizing with me. And I was like, ‘Did I have a Tic Tac?’ All kinds of thoughts were going through my head,” said Johnson.

I’ll assume her breath was fine, because two days after Christmas in 2006, while shopping with her sister Lynn at Walmart, her phone rang. ”It was Larry Graham. He said, ‘Listen, you’re going to get a call from a number that looks crazy, but answer it.’ The call came and I answered it. It was Prince’s team saying he wanted me to sing with him at a New Year’s Eve concert. They sent me some songs that he wanted me to sing with him on-

Submitted photo

Shelby J, singer, songwriter, and former member of Prince’s ‘New Power Generation.’ stage. And I’m walking through Walmart with my sister, speechless,” said an excited Shelby J. I’ve seen Shelby’s performance, so I know what Prince felt after his experience watching her in Vegas. He was equally in awe, because to hear the Bald Beauty sing is heavenly. Her voice is a mixture of Nina Simone, Gladys Knight, and Roberta Flack. Shelby J is not just one of my favorite North Carolina singers and performers; she’s one of the best in the world. So, it’s no surprise that when Prince asked her to join his band, the journey and true friendship lasted over a decade. The proud Appalachian State graduate is one of the kindest, sweetest, genuine, intelligent and absolutely hilarious people I know. She’s the complete package.

The bond between Shelby and Prince grew quickly and they became the best of friends. A year after they met, he spotlighted Shelby during his historic 2007 Super Bowl halftime performance.

She became the face and voice of his New Power Generation band. As a background singer and band member, her presence and performance commanded attention and unselfishly dominated the stage. You could hear that powerhouse voice coming through the speakers at times like a thunderous instrument and at other times like a quiet storm.

As a breast cancer survivor, she believes in promoting early detection and prevention, by advocating for organizations like Earlier.org. She wooed the audience during halftime at Novant Health’s and Charlotte Hornets’ Breast Cancer Awareness Night at the Spectrum Arena in 2019. She lends her voice to United Way of Greater Greensboro and Culture Pushers to bring awareness to homelessness in the Triad, and is a strong advocate for autism. Shelby J is a powerhouse on and off the stage.

She’s a phenomenal sister and daughter and a new entrepreneur. Her company is called Crochet

by Shelby J. She crochets personalized blankets. One of her biggest and most loyal clients was Prince.

“He loved my blankets.

When you visit his Paisley Park Manson in Minneapolis, the blanket is on the couch in one of the same spots that I last saw him,” she said softly. You could feel it in her voice that she truly loved Prince beyond his fame and fortune.

I asked, what would Prince want us to know that the media never shares? “He cares about people. All people. He was an advocate for education as well, and he had a heart to heal the Black communities. Prince donated lots of money and time to fight racism, injustice, poverty, homelessness, and to build better schools for Black youth. He always reminded me of the power we have inside of us, that we come from kings and queens, and gave me books to read and movies to watch so I could educate myself more about our history. He was extremely intelligent.”

I asked about the last

time she saw Prince. Shelby took a very deep breath, doing her best to hold back the tears. It took her a few minutes, and of course I waited patiently. She exhaled, “Man!” Then shook her head as she gathered her composure. “We were at Paisley rehearsing for a small intimate concert. Afterwards, he said I want to show you something. We watched the documentary ‘Muscle Shoals, Alabama’ on Netflix. It’s a town where a lot of great music came out of. We were lying on the floor with a zillion pillows, like sister and brother. He would pause it and then share wisdom about connecting to your roots as an entertainer. He loved educating everyone around him. He said, ‘Shelby, you’re from North Carolina and there’s something in the water there. And when you connect with that, that’s when you’re going to get the truest Shelby.’ He showed me a part in the documentary when Aretha Franklin visited Muscle Shoals, and that’s when she found her voice and her sound.

“Prince was an amazing teacher. He gave me advice about my love life as well. At that time I was going through something personal. He always asked about my family as well, and I’m so grateful that he cared for and about me.

The next day it snowed and I ran outside to make a snow angel and he was in the window cracking up.

He said, ‘Don’t ever lose that childlike joy.’ Later that day as I was leaving, he told me that he loved me and gave me a few priceless gifts that very few people have. Then he gave me a hug, and that was the last time I saw him,” she said.

When I asked about the moment she heard he had passed, her heart was extremely heavy. I wanted to reach through my Zoom to give her a big hug. That speaks volumes about her character. Shelby remains very close to Prince’s family.

Shelby’s parents, Ernest and Mamie Johnson, laid the foundation of strength and faith. “My mom and dad are so special to me because they always taught that where I go, I’m going to take myself with me. So, like who you are, be a good person and keep God first. That way you’ll always walk with a kind heart and spirit.”

Her parent’s wisdom has groomed her into a superstar in her own right, both in and out of the recording studio. She teamed up with Anthony Hamilton to record the number one R&B hit “North Carolina” and wrote and performed the song “How I know’ on Roy Hargrove’s jazz classic and Grammy nominated CD “The RH Factor.” In 2021, she’ll release a live concert DVD performing with Prince at the famous Capri Theater, and her highly anticipated sophomore album.

For more info and to contact my phenomenal Person of the Week, she’s easy to find @ShelbyJ on all social media platforms and you can find her music on all streaming platforms.

Happy Birthday Shelby J!

VIRUS STOPPER BUG KILLER

DIVIDE & CONQUER 6 FEET

FIGHT THE SPREAD

THURSDAY, September 10, 2020

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

Why do people get upset with athletes when they stand up for social justice?

Black professional athletes have been speaking out against social injustice since they have had the platform to do so.

Jim Brown, Muhammad Ali, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, and others spoke out during the Civil Rights Movement and before them, Jackie Robinson spoke out once he broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. My question now is, why are so many people upset about how the modern-day athletes are using their voice like the pioneers that came before them?

Just so everyone is clear, I think it’s a very good thing that our athletes of today are speaking out about police brutality and social justice issues that plague this country. They have the biggest platform and influence millions of kids and young adults with their words. Many of these athletes also contribute their time and money to their communities as well.

I don’t quite understand the anger and resentment that has been hurled toward athletes from some of these people. “Shut up and dribble,” “Just stick to sports” and “What do they know, they don’t even have a college degree.” These are some of the dumbest comments I have ever heard from the pundits. When did a college degree become the only determining factor for intelligence?

It bothers me that so many people have this elitist mentality to think that just because they have a college degree, they are more intelligent than the next person.

Couple that with the fact that many people believe that “shut up and dribble” ideology; it seems to be a can’t-win situation for these athletes.

What a lot of people fail to realize is many of these athletes are very articulate and intelligent individuals who in many cases have done their research on the topic of social injustice. In other cases, many have either lived through or know someone who has suffered from it or police brutality, or both. You don’t have to be a political activist to speak out on things that are wrong in your community, and that is what many of these individuals fail to realize.

When I hear or read some of these vile comments, it’s like people See Justice on B4

Wake Forest University will host ESPN College GameDay for the first time in the show’s history

SUBMITTED ARTICLE

Deacon Nation, it’s our time! ESPN College GameDay is headed to Winston-Salem for Wake Forest’s season opener against No. 1 Clemson.

The show will air on ESPN and is set to start at 9 a.m. on Sept. 12 live from Truist Field.

This marks the first time in program history the Demon Deacons will host College GameDay as Winston-Salem becomes the 90th city to host the show.

“We are thrilled to be hosting College GameDay for the first time in Wake Forest Football history,” Coach Dave Clawson said.

“Our players have done all the right things since we returned to campus in midJune and having our brand showcased on these national platforms is a reward for their discipline and for the recent accomplishments of the program.”

“This is truly an outstanding opportunity for Wake Forest and our football program,” President Nathan O. Hatch said. “I am grateful to ESPN for keeping the health and safety of our community a top priority. I know Wake Forest fans will be watching on television and contributing to the GameDay experience on social media and in safe gatherings around our campus.”

The College GameDay broadcast will originate live from Truist Field with the show’s iconic set sitting on the 50 yard line with background views of McCreary Tower and Deacon Hill.

“Nothing signals the start of the college football season like the opening week of College GameDay,” Director of Athletics John Currie said.

“While I wish our enthusiastic and passionate student body and fans could attend in person, I know Deacon Nation will still

cherish this opportunity to showcase our outstanding student-athletes, the University and the city of Winston-Salem for a national audience.”

This is the first time an ACC school will host the show in the opening week since 2013.

This season’s matchup with Clemson marks the 86th game in series history.

It is also the ninth time the Demon Deacons will play against the No. 1 team in the country. This is just the second time in program history Wake Forest will host the nation’s top team, the only other time coming against Virginia in 1990.

In accordance with N.C. Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Phase 2.5 guidance, fans will not be permitted to attend the show and tailgating or parking in any lots off of Deacon Blvd, including Lawrence Joel Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum, is prohibited.

However, Wake Forest has created the following unique opportunities for fans to be involved and experience the show.

Do you want to see your face and sign live on College GameDay? ESPN setup will be positioned within Truist Field to allow

for cutouts and homemade submitted signs. Demon Deaclone fan cutouts are on sale for Truist Field for the 2020 season, and any fans who purchase before Wednesday, Sept. 9, will have their cutout used as a part of the Demon Deaclone fan pit located directly behind the College GameDay set on Saturday morning.

Fan cutouts are available for purchase at two price points. The premium locations close to the field are available for $120, while standard seating cutouts cost $60. Visit GoDeacs.com/cuotut to purchase.

Fans who are Deacon Virtual Season Ticket PRO-Level members receive a 20% discount on their purchase. DVST members will also receive access to exclusive College GameDay content throughout the week and on Saturday. Interested fans may register and purchase their membership at GoDeacs.com/virtualticket or call the ticket office at 336-758-3322 ext.

1.

Interested in seeing your homemade sign on College GameDay? Fans may drop off signs beginning Monday, Sept. 7 be-

tween 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at two locations in WinstonSalem, the Bridger Field House adjacent to Truist Field, or at the picnic shelter at Bailey Park in Innovation Quarter. Fans who are unable to drop off a sign in person may mail their sign to Wake Forest Athletics at P.O. Box 7426, Winston-Salem, NC 27109.

All signs must be received by Noon on Friday in order to guarantee their placement for the show.

Wake Forest maintains full discretion in choosing which signs will be approved for placement in the Demon Deaclone pit.

Wake Forest is finalizing details to create a unique opportunity to safely experience College GameDay in Winston-Salem, with the Truist DriveIn watch party. This unique experience will be located near Truist Field and will be exclusive to Wake Forest students, faculty, and staff, season ticket holders, Deacon Virtual Ticket Holders, and Deacon Club members. There will be limited spaces for this experience and it will be first come, first served. Those attending will be required to decorate their cars to proudly display their Wake

Forest pride on ESPN and social media using #WFGameday. Live cameras will show the crowd throughout the show.

More information, including how to register to attend and public health guidelines for this event will be forthcoming.

Wake Forest and ESPN staff members will be at all the stops to ensure fans are social distancing and wearing masks. #WFGameDay Video Wall. Fans are encouraged to tweet on Saturday morning using the hashtag #WFGameDay in order to see their photo populated on the Truist Field video board located behind the College GameDay set.

Photos using that hashtag will be monitored by Wake Forest athletics staff members and will rotate throughout the broadcast on the stadium’s video board.

Wake Forest Athletics and ESPN are still working on many other opportunities to maximize fan opportunities for engagement with the show. Additional details on the show to allow fans to interact and be engaged are forthcoming.

Hilliard-Gray elected vice-president of CIAA SWA Association CHARLOTTE Winston-Salem State University Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) LaTaya Hilliard-Gray’s busy schedule just got a bit busier as she was elected as the vice-president of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) SWA Association. Her election as the vice-president adds another accolade to an already impressive resume for Hilliard-Gray, who also serves as the head coach of the defending CIAA champion Rams softball team.

“The CIAA SWAs invest a lot of time behind the scenes to enhance the student-athlete experience beyond their athletic performance; we truly do not take the title or re-

LaTaya Hilliard-Gray

Submitted photo

sponsibility of our designation lightly,” HilliardGray said. “I appreciate the nomination and the votes of my colleagues that will afford me the opportunity to support and work more closely with our CIAA SWA President, Kisha Middleton, and Suzette McQueen, the CIAA Conference Office SWA. I am excited about the work ahead.”

The mission of the CIAA SWA Association is to clarify and articulate the role of the SWA on individual campuses in the conference; enhance the level of institutional support for SWA’s to ensure gender equity on their respective campuses and across the conference; provide edu-

cational opportunities to student-athletes, coaches, staff administrators and to offer a collective voice on DII issues of significance to the CIAA and its individual campuses.

As vice-president of the CIAA SWA Association, Hilliard-Gray will carry out duties as requested by the president of the association as well as assuming the responsibilities of the president in her absence. Each officer will serve a two-year term.

Each term will begin on July 1 and will end on June 30.

For more information on Winston-Salem State University athletics, log on to www.WSSURams.com.

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RELIGION

Elder Richard Wayne Wood Sunday School Lesson

God Rewards Obedience Scriptures: Genesis 41:25-33, 37-40,50-52 By the end of this lesson, we will: *Discover how Joseph’s love for God and faithfulness helped him find success in Egypt; *Aspire to remain steadfast in love and obedience to God when facing extreme hardships; *Celebrate God’s providential care in times of suffering.

Background: Dreams are what got Joseph in trouble and they are what bring him out. Joseph’s first two dreams took him literally to the pit. Pharaoh’s two dreams took him to the palace. The Hebrew Bible seems very concerned with Joseph’s apparel in each episode of Joseph’s life. There are five changes of attire to fit Joseph’s situations. His final garments came from Pharaoh “… and he had him dressed in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck (41:42). Pharaoh also changed Joseph’s name to Zaphenath-paneah, which means “God speaks and lives,” then gave him a wife to match his new name.

Lesson: Two years after interpreting dreams while in prison for fellow prisoners, chief baker and chief cupbearer, they are released while Joseph remains in the pit; well, the chief cupbearer is free. Joseph is finally remembered after Pharaoh has exhausted all his resources in an attempt to have his two dreams interpreted. All of Pharaoh’s experts proved incapable of the task. Their failure however, causes the chief cupbearer to remember Joseph’s interpreting his own dream and recounting it to Pharaoh. Brought before Pharaoh and his court, Joseph is informed – “I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it. Now I have heard it said of you that for you to hear a dream is to tell it’s meaning.” Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying “Not I! God will see to Pharaoh’s welfare.” (verses 15-16). Joseph has faith that God will not only interpret, but also provide a solution.

Joseph informs Pharaoh that his dreams, though one has cows and the other corn, they are the same dream. Pharaoh’s dreams are one and the same: God has told Pharaoh what He is about to do. (verse 28). Joseph shares that the fact that Pharaoh dreamed the same dream twice means that God has determined what will happen and is giving Pharaoh time to prepare. Joseph’s interpretation of the dream includes a plan for success (verses 33-36).

Pharaoh concludes after hearing Joseph’s interpretation of his dream, that he is “a man in whom is the spirit of God” (verse 38). Through his successful interpretation of the dreams, great foresight and prudence, God elevates Joseph. He becomes second in rank (verse 40).

Joseph will rule as his two dreams predicted. His rule, however, will be one that will benefit all of Egypt and especially the less fortunate. The coming famine will affect the whole world and they will all come to Joseph for assistance.

Joseph was not only elevated, but he was also rewarded by Pharaoh with an Egyptian wife, Asenath, meaning “the one who belongs to Neith, (goddess).” Joseph and his wife had two sons before the famine. They were named Manasseh, meaning “God has made me forget completely my hardship and my paternal home,” and Ephraim, meaning “God has made me fertile in the land of my affliction.” In other words, Joseph is recognizing that God has been with him through all his circumstances and has rewarded his obedience. “What the enemy meant for evil …” Genesis 50:50, “All things work together …” Romans 8:28. Joseph was 17 when his dreams landed him in the pit – 13 years later at age 30, Pharaoh’s dreams have lifted him from the pit and made him Prime Minister of Egypt. Obedience rewarded. (The UMI Annual Commentary 2020-2021, The MacArthur Study Bible, The Jewish Study Bible, The Oxford Bible Commentary).

For Your Consideration: Does God speak through dreams today? Joseph used the power of his gift – have you recognized your gift’s power?

Application: Think of ways to encourage those around you who may have situations that seem bleak.

You may even be down in spirit yourself, but faith in God tells us that He works in every aspect of our lives.

We must remember the promises of God and hold on to unfulfilled dreams, remain confident that what God has spoken, He will bring to pass. “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).

Worship’s ‘new normal’

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY THE CHRONICLE

The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted a lot longer than most of us thought. It continues to affect all aspects of our lives, especially our social interactions. One of the most important places people convene is the church.

With most gatherings happening virtually now, I think this will be our reality for the foreseeable future.

For many Americans, the weekly outing to church is a family affair. With social distancing guidelines in place, many churches have chosen to close their doors for services and hold everything virtually, which I’m sure is a big adjustment for most.

When the pandemic hit and gatherings were canceled, I was curious how churches were going to change. I found the churches with a younger congregation quickly found a way to continue having some form of worship service, while it took a few weeks for many of the churches with an older demographic to find their

way.

I spoke with one young man who stated his congregation quickly went with online services at the start of the pandemic. Since most of the congregation was familiar with modern technology, they were able to set up a virtual service for the church almost overnight. On the flipside, the older demographic is not as familiar with today’s technology.

For the elder church goers, I know there was a big learning curve. Not only are they not familiar with the applications such as Zoom or Skype, but many don’t even have devices capable of utilizing these apps.

Besides going virtual, other options for the church were to have service outside and having services in the car. Now that things are starting to open back up and services are resuming, churches are doing a balancing act between inperson and virtual.

Things are not going back to how they used to be any time soon and to be honest, I am not sure if they ever will. Even with buildings opening back up,

many people are not comfortable being in a public place with so many other people. With no cure or vaccine on the horizon as of yet, I think people are using the better safe than sorry method of living.

I visited several churches throughout the pandemic and many of them have marked seating where people are allowed to sit to make sure they are maintaining six feet of distance between everyone.

These churches are also requiring face coverings and providing hand sanitizers as well.

I think by this point most of us have adjusted to the status quo of social distancing, but I think I can speak for us all and say we are ready for things to get back to normal. The problem is, I don’t think we will get there anytime soon.

Churches have found creative ways to get their message out via television, social media or video conferencing, but there is something about being in the house of the Lord every now and again. I don’t know about anyone else, but sometimes I just need

to be inside the walls of the church.

Sometimes I just need to be there to hear singing, congregating with others, or just hear a message in person that I probably needed to hear. Sometimes I need to pray in the midst of others, maybe because I am going through something, or I need a pick-meup.

I am not sure why, but when I think about virtual services, I sometimes think about something my grandmother routinely said. “For where two or more are gathered together in my name, there am I with them.” As a kid I never knew where that scripture came from, but later learned that it was from Matthew 18:20.

I think about that often when I have not been to church in a while. As the religion reporter, the pandemic has truly halted most of my visits to churches in the area and I can’t wait to get over this. I can’t speak for other Christians, but I need in-person services every now and then. If we don’t have them, I guess I will have to adjust just like everyone else.

New church moves into the old Greater Church building

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY THE CHRONICLE

The Shekinah Glory Christian Church held their grand opening on Aug. 23.

The new church is located at 5095 Lansing Dr., which is the former location of The Greater Church. Shekinah Glory is eager to introduce themselves to the community through spirited fellowship and community initiatives.

Prior to coming to Winston-Salem, the main church was located in Durham. Apostle Mark Spell is the senior pastor of Shekinah Glory and says it will serve as the new headquarters church.

“We are looking to grow by way of not just individuals joining the church, but by way of churches joining the ministry,” said Spell. “What we are about is connecting people to God and community and encouraging spiritual growth and to serve with the heart of the evangelists.

“This is a people’s ministry, that’s what we are about. One of our main focuses at this point is to-

Submitted photo

Shekinah Glory Christian Church has moved to the old Greater Church building. tally around understanding the need of the community as perceived by the community itself. One of the mistakes oftentimes made by ministries is we assume what’s needed and we step into a space offering the very obvious without actually having conversation with the community at large to get an understanding of what part they perceive the church should play in the community.”

Spell, a Wilson, N.C. native, said they chose Winston-Salem as the site of their new church because it “mirrors” a lot of what Wilson looks like.

“It looks a lot like Wilson in terms of where I come from,” he said. “As I began to explore and look around the area for a new facility, I also saw an opportunity for our church to be a positive in the area.”

One of the first things

Spell wanted to do once he arrived in town was to connect with local community leaders so they have an opportunity to utilize the vast number of amenities the church has to offer outside of the sanctuary, such as the on-site recreation center.

“We want our ministry to be exemplified in what we do,” Spell said. “We See Pastor on B4

RELIGION CALENDAR

*Please call ahead to make sure your event is still happening. We will post cancellations/postponements announcements when received.

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

NOW Zoom services New Birth Worship Center (NBWC) in East Bend has gone virtual. Please join Dr. James L. E. Hunt, Senior Pastor on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. on Zoom webinar. The link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84789021891 or Dial-In: 1 301 715 8592 ID Mtg. #: 84789021891.

In addition, Sunday School is taught by Deacon James Henry at 9 a.m. via telephone conference call #: 1 917

900 1022 ID#: 868433#.

All are welcome to join us for Zoom (virtual) Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Our Pastor, Dr. Hunt, will be the teacher. The Zoom Link: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/89195349778 or Dial-In Mtg #: 1 301 715 8592 ID#: 89195349778#.

For additional information, please call 336-6993583 or visitwww.newbirthworshipcenter.org or visit our Facebook page.

Sept. 13 First Waughtown Baptist Church Live Stream Senior Pastor Dennis W. Bishop will deliver the sermon, On Fire with Compassion Concerning Evangelism, at 10 a.m. Sunday, September 13. Please join us on Facebook Live, https://www.facebook.com/FirstWaughtown/ or the First Waughtown website, https:// www.firstwaughtown.org and click on MEDIA. Sept. 16 Dinner plate sale Wentz Memorial United Church of Christ, at 3435

Carver School Road, will continue its Wednesday bimonthly dinner plate sale on September 16, from 4:306:30 p.m. The sale is held the first and third Wednesday of each month. The cost will be $10 per plate. Proceeds from the plate sale will be used to help offset the expenses and costs of the church’s 100th anniversary celebration.

Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, plates will be available as a drive-through/pick-up item or in special situations as a delivery within a five-mile radius.

Contact Reginald Gaither at 336-391-8586 to place orders or for more information. Or you may contact Wentz Church at 336-722-0430.

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

T he C hronicle

S eptember 10, 2020

B3

Community Calendar Please call ahead to make sure your event is still happening. We will post cancellations/postponements announcements when received.

NOW – Volunteer Center of the Triad The Volunteer Center of the Triad is responding to COVID-19 by bringing the volunteer community together. We have designated a portion of our website www.volunteercentertriad.org to assist our non-profit community as their needs arise around the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are interested in volunteering, visit www. volunteercentertriad.org, click COVID-19 Response and search volunteer opportunities available.

NOW - Oct. 4 – Artist support grants The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is seeking applications for its new Artist Support Grants program (formerly the Regional Artist Project Grant), which will help artists in a five-county region further their professional and artistic development. Committed, gifted individual artists and collaborative groups in Forsyth, Davidson, Davie, Guilford and Randolph counties are eligible to apply. Deadline for applications is Sunday, October 4, 2020 by midnight. Grants will range from $500 - $2,000.

Guidelines, application and online information sessions are available at www.intothearts.org.

Sept. 11-13, Sept.

16-19 – Outdoor performance Theatre Alliance will perform outdoor production of The Doyle and Debbie Show.

After failed marriages and tabloid scandals, Doyle Mayfield recruits a new singing partner – also his third Debbie – in an attempt to regain his former stardom. But when Debbie’s star starts to rise, the comeback becomes a setback for this has-been legend. Featuring original songs – “When You’re Screwin’ Other Women (Think of Me),” “Barefoot and Pregnant,” and “ABCs of Love”, this brilliant parody is a hysterical tribute to country music and its beloved iconic duos. Gary Smith and Jay Pierce are starring in the show. All performances will be outside at Theatre Alliance’s original venue: 1047 W Northwest Blvd, with free parking. Seating begins 30 minutes prior to showtime. All performances are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

Lawn Seating: Maximum 25 attendees ($25 per guest—must bring own chair, blanket, tent,

umbrellas, etc) Reservations via https://www. theatrealliance.ws/. Show dates are: Friday, Sept. 1, Saturday, Sept. 12 Sunday, Sept. 13 Wednesday, Sept Thursday, Sept. 17 Friday, Sept. 18 Saturday, Sept. 19 Sept. 16 - Oct. 28 – Powerful Tools for Caregivers Registration is now underway for a virtual Powerful Tools for Caregivers class. This is a 7-week course for anyone caring for a loved one who is frail or ill. Classes will take place by Zoom on Wednesdays, 2 -3:30 p.m., Sept. 16 – Oct. 28. There is no charge, but donations are accepted. Registration is required. To register or get information, call Carol Ann Harris at The Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem, 336-7480217. Class size is limited, so early registration is suggested.

Sept. 22 – Medicare workshop The Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem in conjunction with the Kernersville Senior Enrichment Center is offering a virtual Welcome to Medicare workshop for individuals turning 65 (as well as those who already have Medicare) to learn about the different insurance options available.

The session will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 3 - 4:30 p.m. through computer and telephone access. The session is provided at no cost. Because space is limited, reservations are required. Contact the Shepherd’s Center at 336-748-0217 or Info@ shepherdscenter.org for more information or to reserve a seat.

Sept. 23, Oct. 21, Nov. 12 & Dec. 16 – Read to Right Wrong The Forsyth County Public Library system is holding a series of community conversations around complex subjects to launch its new Read To Right Wrong initiative.

Read To Right Wrong (RTRW) is an effort to provide information around the many topics that the community is wrestling with, through programs, reading recommendations, outreach efforts and more. *Wed., Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. Policing Matters *Wed., Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. Racial Equity in Housing *Thur., Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. Food Disparities in

Forsyth County *Wed., Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. Health Equity Sept. 24 – Virtual Story Slam The Willingham Story Slam @ MUSE WinstonSalem, a recently launched local storytelling community, will host its first virtual event on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 7 -9 pm. We all know the world today is not as most of us envisioned it; the theme of this program will give storytellers a chance to expound upon these issues, riffing on the prompt “The Masks We Wear.”

Advanced registration for our free community event will be required for both storytellers and observers. Donations are welcome.

Tickets available at: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/the-willingham-story-slam-muse-winston-salem-the-masks-we-weartickets-117772162709.

Here are online Bookmarks events for the month of September Contact: info@bookmarksnc.org URL for info on all events: https://www. bookmarksnc.org/calendar Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.

Bookmarks Presents Yaa Gyasi Bookmarks is excited to host bestselling and award-winning author Yaa Gyasi on virtual tour for her second novel, “Transcendent Kingdom.” This event will be held virtually. There are three ways to attend this event: you can purchase a copy of Transcendent Kingdom, join our Signed First Editions Club (members will receive free entry to this event because Transcendent Kingdom is our September pick), or make a donation to Bookmarks.

Email info@bookmarksnc.org with questions.

Sponsored with support from Wake Forest University.

Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.

Bookmarks Presents Fredrik Backman Bookmarks is excited to host international bestselling author Fredrik Backman on virtual tour for his new novel, “Anxious People.” This event will be held virtually on Crowdcast. This is a paywhat-you-can event. Attendees can either purchase a copy of Anxious People or make a donation to Bookmarks. Email info@bookmarksnc.org with questions. Sponsored with support from Wake Forest University.

Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.

Dara Kurtz Book Launch Join us for WinstonSalem author Dara Kurtz’s book launch of “I am My Mother’s Daughter: Wisdom on Life, Loss, and Love.” This event will be held virtually on Crowdcast. This is a free event but copies of “I am My Mother’s Daughter” purchased from Bookmarks will be signed and may be personalized if desired.

Bookmarks will have the only signed copies available for purchase. Register for the event here: https:// www.crowdcast.io/e/darakurtz-book-launch Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.

Reader Meet Writer: Margaret Kimberley Reader Meet Writer is an event series hosted and produced by SIBA, the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance. This event will feature author Margaret Kimberley and her book “Prejudential: Black America and the Presidents.” Free to attend but registration is required.

Info@bookmarksnc.org.

Sept. 20 at 4 p.m.

LGBTQ Book Club Join us to discuss God in Pink by Hassan Namir.

All are welcome. Email info@bookmarksnc.org to register.

Sept. 21 at 6 p.m.

Middle Grade Book Club Join us to discuss Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia. All are welcome.

Email youth@bookmarksnc.org to register.

Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

Charlie Lovett Book Launch Join us for WinstonSalem author Charlie Lovett’s book launch of “Escaping Dreamland,” a novel steeped in nostalgia of childhood literature and an immersive experience of New York through time.

This event will take place virtually on Crowdcast and will be broadcast live from Bookmarks. An in person book signing experience will take place earlier in the day. This is a paywhat-you-can event. For details, visit bookmarksnc. org. All books purchased will be signed or personalized by Lovett.

Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Romance Book Club Join us to discuss You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria. Meet the author at this virtual event on Zoom. Email beth@bookmarksnc.org to register.

All book club members receive a 20% book club discount on selected titles.

Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.

Bookmarks Presents Natalie Zina Walschots in Conversation with Becky Chambers Bookmarks is excited to present Natalie Zina Walschots on virtual tour for her new novel, Hench.

Natalie will be in conversation with past festival author Becky Chambers.

To register, go to https:// w w w. c r o w d c a s t . i o / e / hench.

Sept. 26 at 6 p.m.

New Adventures Book Club Want to try something new, but aren’t sure where to start? Many readers are looking for a comfortable book to help them ease into a new genre or new type of reading. Our New Adventures Book Club will help introduce readers to new genres each month by selecting welcoming “first reads” into new genres. This will be a virtual book club and following the initial meetings, the books will be selected by the whole group.

This book club will be led

by Bookmarks’ Bookseller Cat. This month, we will be discussing The Alienist

by Caleb Carr. To register, visit https://www.bookmarksnc.org/event/newadventures-book-club-2.

Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.

Ron Rash & Wiley Cash in Conversation Originally scheduled for our 2020 Festival of Books & Authors, we’re excited to produce this event virtually! Ron Rash’s new book, “In the Valley” is a collection of stories and a novella based on his previous bestseller Serena. Wiley Cash’s books include “The Last Ballad,” “This Dark Road to Mercy,” and his bestselling debut “A Land More Kind Than Home”.

This is a pay-what-youcan event. Signed copies of In the Valley are available. Information at bookmarksnc.org.

Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.

Book Trivia Join us for our monthly book trivia with Caleb!

Email caleb@bookmarksnc.org to register.

Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Bookmarks Book Club Join us to discuss God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. Email jamie@ bookmarksnc.org.

Sept. 30 at 6 p.m.

Well-Read Black Girl Book Club Bookmarks is proud to host the Winston-Salem chapter of the Well-Read Black Girl Book Club.

Our Well-Read Black Girl Book Club discussions will always be hosted by women of color, but people of all colors and genders who would like to reflect upon the reading and writing of women of color are welcome. This month, we will be discussing Luster by Raven Leilani. Register at https://www.bookmarksnc.org/wrbg.

za!

Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.

Penguin Parapaloo-

Hear from eight authors with new books recently released or coming soon from Penguin Publishers. Bookmarks’ Parapalooza! Events feature authors reading one carefully chosen paragraph from their newest book. Attendees get to hear a sample from each book and ask questions of each author. This event is free to attend but requires registration. Email info@ bookmarksnc.org.

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

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

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

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B4

S eptember 10, 2020

The C hronicle

Sorority donates school supplies

Submitted photos

Beta Lambda Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., recently donated book bags filled with school supplies, books, and hand sanitizers to Parkland High and to Ashley Academy Elementary School through their community service program.

Justice From page B1

think a professional athlete should not be allowed to speak on social justice issues because of their annual salary. “Spoiled,” “brats,” or “entitled” are some of the most common words I see thrown around when athletes speak out.

What these people fail to realize is many of these young men and women come from backgrounds where they more than likely witnessed these injustices growing up.

I thought when I read all of the hatred spewed toward Colin Kaepernick, that was over the top. But the things I am seeing and reading now about some of these athletes is appalling.

It seems some of the people making these hateful comments have been personally affected in some way by the words that come out of the athlete’s mouths when in fact, they have not.

Some of these comments have been fueled by our president, unfortunately. Last week he attacked the NBA on Twitter by saying, “People are tired of watching the highly political @NBA. Basketball ratings are WAY down, and they won’t be coming back. I hope football and baseball are watching and learning because the same thing will be happening to them. Stand tall for our Country and our Flag!!!”

Obviously, that was a

shot at the players in the NBA and WNBA kneeling for the national anthem.

Dating back to Kaepernick, we all know how the president feels about kneeling for the anthem.

Even though the lower ratings for NBA games can relate to other issues like earlier start time for games and declining subscriptions to cable networks due to illegal streaming, but if the president prefers to strictly blame it on the leagues’ political stance then so be it.

Legends like Brown, Abdul-Jabbar, Russell and Ali set the stage for the players of today to have the voices they currently have. With the reach these players have on social media and television, the impact they have on the impressionable youth is great. I think that is one of the major reasons why this new movement has and will continue to be led by the younger generation.

Seeing their sports idols standing up for what is right on the biggest stage has to inspire many youths to follow suit.

What makes this movement even better is the participation of other races. Players from the NHL and MLB have also joined in the movement by making public statements, kneeling for the anthem, or boycotting games. I know that has to drive some of these so-called “patriots” insane. The inclusion of other races has a more pro-

found impact, but may not be seen or noticed until the next generation of kids and young adults grow into adulthood.

I don’t want to paint everyone who objects to professional athletes speaking out with the same brush, but one question continues to come to mind: How come it’s only athletes that are attacked with such veracity? Actors, musicians, politicians and even reality stars routinely have spoken out about the issue, but have not received the same backlash; why is that? I don’t want to directly blame race as the major contributor, but I call a spade, a spade; it just is what it is.

What I love seeing the most are the comments that resemble “The NBA just lost me,” or “I’ll never watch another game.” To all those who have uttered those words, I have two more for you: WHO CARES? These leagues have survived for a century, in some cases, and if a few thousand or even a hundred thousand fans decide not to attend games or watch, the leagues will survive.

My hope is these players continue to press the issue more and more, because the fight for equality and justice is far from over. The people who attempt to bash these players will continue to yell their negative words, but as always, their ignorance will be ignored, as it should be.

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Members pictured are: Hub Parent, NeKeyda Wimbush, Eastern Region Director Dr. Patsy O. Squire, Renae Giles, Beta Lambda President Donna Mickens, Anita Hooker, AP, Magnet Coordinator Sheryl Sessions, Principal Joanell Gatling, Ms. Eastern NSPDK Valeria Edwards, and Joyce Irby. Seated are: Arianna Jackson and Karisalyn Wimbush. Not pictured are Kudos Mitchell Wimbush and Theresa Scott, chairperson, and Ann Moye.

Let Us Know News@wschronicle.com

Winston-Salem native receives ECU’s most prestigious scholarship GREENVILLE—A Winston-Salem native at ECU’s Brody School of Medicine has been awarded the university’s most prestigious scholarship.

Heerali Patel has been chosen for the Class of 2024 Brody Scholar award, valued at approximately $115,000. She is one of three students selected for the award this year.

As a Brody Scholar, Patel will receive four years of medical school tuition, living expenses and the opportunity to design her own summer enrichment program that can include travel abroad. The award will also support community service projects she may undertake while in medical school.

Since the program began in 1983, 146 students have received scholarships. About 75% of Brody Scholars remain in North Carolina to practice, and the majority of those stay in eastern North Carolina.

Patel, the daughter of Sandip Patel and Kirti Patel of Winston-Salem, graduated from Mount Tabor High School. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and minor degrees in chemistry and neuroscience.

While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Patel worked as a tutor for the UNC Learning Center and served as a member, co-publicity chair and copresident of the NC-HCAP Health Careers Club, a health disparities organization that helps students become applicants for health profession programs.

When her mother, at

Submitted photo

Heerai Patel age 40, battled stage three colorectal cancer, Patel’s interest in medicine was ignited.

“The patient-physician relationships built with my mother strongly resonated with me and showed me how compassion and empathy can truly benefit patient outcomes, even in the darkest of times,” she said.

“I knew I wanted to become a physician in order to not only support my patients through their worst times, but also commit to helping them improve

their lives so that they can pursue their passions.”

Patel said the areas of pediatrics and family medicine appeal to her most right now, but she’s also very passionate about molecular biology and genetics due to their widespread relevance in all fields of medicine.

“I would like to be a supportive and competent figure for my patients, continue giving back to the community, and either teach or mentor future physicians,” she said.

Patel said her life has been changed by the Brody family and their incredible support of the Brody Scholar award.

“Being a Brody Scholar allows me to pursue my passions and focus on my studies without worrying about student debt,” she said. “This honor enables me to focus on developing critical skills to provide my future patients with detail-oriented and compassionate care.”

Pastor

From page B2

recognize what we have been given is an opportunity to share and help people with the same token.”

COVID-19 was alive and present throughout the searching process for Shekinah Glory. Spell stated he has a laundry list of things he would like to do, but understands he has to abide by the city’s guidelines and restrictions. He said he will have to tailor his plans around the pandemic.

The church held their first service during the grand opening and Spell said it exceeded his expectations, considering we are in the middle of a pandemic. Over 200 people came out for that first service and the church was able to maintain social distance guidelines as well.

“It was very successful in terms of introducing ourselves from a more aesthetic standpoint,” Spell said about the first service.

“I don’t think it’s not hard to do, but I am anxious to have an opportunity to dig in the community and people seeing what we do on a consistent basis.”

Helping the youth is one of the big ministries Spell wants to get off the ground first. He said it is important to instill hope in the younger generation about the church, because he realizes that some of them have fallen back from the traditional church setting.

“My heart bleeds for people that have not really been introduced to the true love of Christ and for whatever reason feel vulnerable or taken advantage of,” said Spell.

Spell wants to utilize all of the space the church

has to offer to assist as many young people as he can.

“My idea of how you reach out is you have to become astute in terms of what it is people are looking for, what people need and be prepared to provide that,” he said. “For me, the recreational opportunity we have is one of the best points of touching the community we have, because it affords us the opportunity to not be predictable.”

Along with the facilities already on site, Spell sees an opportunity for growth as the property sits on a large plot of land that may include a track or an aquatic center in the future.

“I absolutely want to give this community something to be proud of, whereby you don’t have to get in your car and travel west and wave bye-bye to some arches before you see something that’s worth being proud of,” he continued.

Spell said he feels compelled to reach out and help the community because he remembers his humble beginnings.

“My level of thankfulness puts me in a position where I am never far removed from how I came up,” he said about his upbringing. “I am never absent from what it took, and the people God strategically placed in my life to help me to at least get to the place where I could escape the confides of Wilson, North Carolina.”

Spell said he is looking for like-minded individuals to connect with to expand his reach. He realized there are people out there that need assistance and needs the community to help him reach those people.

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S eptember 10, 2020

The C hronicle

Forsyth County Public Library extends hours beginning Monday limits of 10-30% will remain for the time being.

Each of the nine branches will be closed for roughly an hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays for deep cleaning. Customers are advised to call ahead to verify hours of operation on those days. Central Library receives ongoing cleanings and will have deep cleanings as schedules or other factors permit.

SUBMITTED ARTICLE

In response to the community’s enthusiasm for increased library services, the Forsyth County Public Library system is increasing its hours of operation.

Beginning Monday, Sept.

14, all 10 libraries will be open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All libraries will remain closed on Sundays.

The To-Go Library will operate on a slightly different schedule: Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We appreciate the support our customers have shown our Libraries,” said Director Brian Hart.

“We’re glad to know that we’re an essential part of your lives and a source of comfort during such trying times. We’ll continue to

look for ways to be helpful and to earn your support.”

The Library asks that customers follow Gov. Roy Cooper’s new directive on face masks which requires masks for children ages 5 and up as well as all adults.

Current building capacity

Hart said that the library will be surveying its customers continuously over the next six months in-person, online and through social media to determine the hours and types of services that are most popular with customers.

SECCA galleries and grounds opening to the public on Sept. 16 SUBMITTED ARTICLE

The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) will welcome visitors back to its grounds and galleries starting Wednesday, Sept. 16, with increased health and safety procedures, including required cloth masks.

“We are excited to be welcoming back our friends and neighbors to SECCA; it’s been much too long between visits,” said Executive Director William Carpenter. “Our exhibitions, facilities, and grounds provide both excitement and respite, a chance to see the world differently and to recharge our supplies of wonder and hope. Visitors will find a safe, clean, and welcoming space as we follow all state safety guidelines.”

SECCA will resume normal operating hours, open Wednesday through Sunday. To encourage social distancing in SECCA’s 6000+ square foot galleries and facilities, capacity will be limited to 50 guests per half hour.

Visitors are encouraged to follow the “ThreeWs” as outlined by the North Carolina Department of

Health and Human Services: WEAR a cloth mask over your nose and mouth, WAIT in line at least six feet away from others and avoid close contact, and WASH hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. If experiencing symptoms of illness, visitors are asked to postpone their visit.

The re-opening of SECCA’s facilities also marks the opening of “DRAWN: Concept & Craft,” an expansive new exhibition on view in the Main and Potter Galleries. Inspired by the discovery of forgotten sketchbooks by the late LeRoy Neiman, DRAWN brings together works by more than 60 artists from around the world in an exhibition that provides a rare, revealing look into the creative process and artists’ unique relationship with the art of drawing.

As part of SECCA’s ongoing digital strategy, users may explore the DRAWN virtual exhibition (http:// secca.org/drawn) with gallery tours, artist interviews, installation videos, and more. New content updates are planned to arrive on a regular basis. SECCA has also launched a series of new virtual learning initiatives designed to help teach-

ers and parents address the unique educational challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. TheVirtual Learning Newsletter signup form can be found at https://forms. gle/24CGZvvD9UjNGSqd7.

When visitors return to SECCA, they may notice some improvements to the grounds and buildings. New LED light posts have been installed in SECCA’s parking lot, providing greater visibility for visitors during evening hours. The roof of the historic James G. Hanes House, which houses SECCA’s Preview Gallery, offices and meeting spaces, has been replaced. And a new stage has been constructed near the lake behind the James G. Hanes House, courtesy of Sunnyside Millwork and Lynnwood Builders. More information about upcoming performances and programming will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art is located at 750 Marguerite Drive in Winston-Salem.

For more information, visit www. secca.org.

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United Way of Forsyth County announces, “Driving Forward Together” car giveaway SUBMITTED ARTICLE

One lucky person will win a brand new car from any one of the participating dealerships, valued up to $25,000, in the United Way of Forsyth County’s ‘Driving Forward Together’ car giveaway.

Sponsoring dealerships are: Bob King Hyundai, Bob King Kia, Bob King Mazda, Bob Neill Mercedes, Crossroads Ford of Kernersville, Flow BMW-Mini, Flow Chevrolet-Buick-GMC-Cadillac, Flow Honda, Flow Lexus, Flow VW-AudiSubaru, Kernersville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Modern Chevrolet, Modern Infiniti of Winston-Salem, Modern Nissan, Modern Toyota, NorthPoint Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Jeep, Ram, Parks Chevrolet Kernersville, Parkway Ford, Vestal Buick GMC, Volvo of Winston-Salem President and CEO Cindy Gordineer notes, “We are very excited to have the support of so many local car dealerships who have truly united to make the Driving Forward Together contest possible. Their support and generosity is what makes our community so special.”

To enter the giveaway, make an undesignated gift of $100 or more to United Way of Forsyth County’s 2020 Annual Campaign between Aug. 15, 2020, and April 30, 2021. Please note a gift to the Tocqueville Leadership Society, Leadership Circle, Women’s Leadership Council or Young Leaders United is considered undesignated.

Provide a personal email address to United Way of Forsyth County. Turn in your pledge form to United Way of Forsyth County no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 30 for the Nov. 30 drawing. Qualified entries are eligible for subsequent drawings on Feb. 26 and/or May 28, 2021. Jan. 29, 2021, is the deadline for the Feb. 26 drawing, and April 30 for the May 28 drawing.

Donors may make a gift online at www.donateunited.org, pledge through their company’s online pledge system, or complete a paper pledge form. Completed pledge forms must be given to the company’s employee campaign champion, who will turn them into United Way of Forsyth County at the conclusion of their campaign. United Way of Forsyth County will not be responsible for companies that

fail to submit their employees’ pledge forms prior to the cutoff date. United Way of Forsyth County will not be responsible for lost or misdirected mail. Donors may elect NOT to enter the Car Giveaway.

United Way of Forsyth County reserves the right to redirect any designated gifts to the general investment fund if you enter the Car Giveaway.

Any North Carolina resident who is 18 years or older, possesses a valid driver’s license, provides proof of auto insurance prior to accepting the car, makes an undesignated gift of $100 or more to United Way of Forsyth County’s 2020 Annual Campaign, and provides a personal email address, is eligible to win. United Way of Forsyth County reserves the right to determine the validity of all entries. The Car Giveaway is void outside North Carolina.

Contributions of the following amounts qualify for the number of entries referenced below: $100-$199.99 One Entry $200-$299.99 Two Entries $300-$399.99 Three Entries $400-$499.99 Four Entries $500-$599.99 Five Entries $600-$699.99 Six Entries $700-$799.99 Seven Entries $800-$899.99 Eight Entries $900-$999.99 Nine Entries $1,000.00 or more Ten Entries No more than ten entries per person.

Odds of winning the Grand Prize are variable and depend on the amount of pledges received resulting in qualified entries.

For more information, call 336-7233601. For complete rules, visit www.forsythunitedway.org. For information about United Way of Forsyth County, please contact Kim Thore, chief marketing officer, at United Way of Forsyth County.

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