October 2008 - Spectacular Magazine

ENLIGHTENING, EMPOWERING & ENTERTAINING
October 2008
Vol. IV, Issue X
IN THIS ISSUE
CLERGY
APPRECIATION
PAGE 17
REV. JAMES W SMITH: DEAL BY ME
Page Two
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Three
EXCLUSIVE
NC NAACP UNVEILS “MILLIONS VOTING MARCH”
By Cash Michaels
Special from The Carolinian
Newspaper in Raleigh
RALEIGH - As part of an
unprecedented, statewide nonpartisan early get-out-to-vote
effort that honors the civil
rights legacies that have built
the foundation for this historic
election year, NC NAACP Pres.
Rev. William Barber II has
unveiled plans for the October
16th "Millions Voting March"
(MVM).
The project will be formally
endorsed by newly-appointed
national NAACP President/CEO
Benjamin Jealous during a
press conference Friday,
October 10th at the 65th
Annual
NAACP
State
Convention in Raleigh.
"In this season of epic political consequence and history,
Rev. Barber says, "I have but
one message for those who
seek justice and equity, and
that is, you better vote."
"Considering its only been
forty-three years since the
blood, sweat and tears of
courageous civil rights pioneers
- black and white - saturated
the soil of our democracy, and
produced the 1965 Voting
Rights Act, my message to
every African-American and
person concerned about justice,
the serious issues confronting
us, and the future of our state
and nation is, you better vote."
"This is why we need to
embrace the notion," Rev.
Barber continued, "of the
Millions Voting March."
On October 16th, the first
day of the One Stop Early Voting
and same-day registration period in North Carolina prior to the
November 4th general election,
local organizers in counties
across the state from Murphy to
Manteo, in the spirit of the
Millions Voting March, will
mobilize African-American and
other people/communities of
conscience to either march, carpool or church vanpool en masse
to their local county Boards of
Election or satellite early-voting
locations to cast their ballots.
Not only is the inspiration
for the Millions Voting March on
October 16th the commemoration of the proud legacies of
past civil rights triumphs like
the 43rd anniversary of the
Selma to Montgomery March
(March 7th, 1965); the 45th
anniversary of the March on
Washington
(August 28th,
1963); and the thirteenth
anniversary of the historic
"Million Man March" (October
16th, 1995)," Rev. Barber says,
but also the leadership of historic icons like Mrs. Rosa Parks,
the "mother of the civil rights
movement"; Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr., who delivered his stirring "I Have a Dream" speech 45
years ago; and other civil and
human rights pioneers that,
through their courage, vision,
leadership and sacrifice, laid
the critical foundation that
made this historic election year
possible.
It is in the memory of their
sacrifice and service that on
Millions Voting March Day, not
only will thousands of elderly
citizens, college students,
church goers, educators, public
housing residents, business
people, clergy, shift workers,
mothers with children, and
whomever else that can join in
the march or caravan come
together and vote on the first
day of One Stop Early Voting,
but out of honor and respect
Millions Voting March continues on page 33
Page Four
SPECTACULAR
TALKBACK 2
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Substance abuse has
touched everyone's life in
one way or another and in
the legislature we have
tried to find ways to
improve treatment for people who can't afford private
recovery services.
the money because it wasn't enough for the services they needed and couldn't be used for anything
other than substance
abuse treatment. A
change in the law last
year required that the
state use at least $8 milOver the past two sessions,
lion over the next two fiswe have made changes in
cal years for regional subthese programs that allow
stance abuse services. The
more efficient use of state
local groups can now pool
money and set up a study
their money to buy servicLarry D. Hall
group that continues to
es that they couldn't afford
examine issues surroundon their own. The General Assembly has
ing substance abuse services in North given the program $12 million over the past
Carolina.
two years.
We have also expanded substance abuse TASK FORCE - The General Assembly also cretreatment programs for our inmates in our ated a task force within the North Carolina
attempt to reduce the numbers of people Institute of Medicine to study substance
who return to prison. A recent study in Iowa abuse services in North Carolina. Among
found that up to 90 percent of the inmates other items, the task force is required to:
there had a history of drug and/or alcohol
abuse and that treatment programs in prison _ Identify models of care or promising praclowered the chances of recidivism. Another tices for the prevention and treatment of
study found that prisoners in California who substance abuse and develop recommendaparticipated in substance abuse treatment tions to incorporate these models into the
had a recidivism rate of 27 percent, com- substance abuse service system of care.
pared to a rate of 76 percent for other pris- _ Examine different financing options to pay
oners.
for substance abuse services at the local,
regional and state levels.
I have some additional information about _ Examine the adequacy of the current and
some of our substance abuse treatment ini- future substance abuse workforce.
tiatives below. Thank you for allowing me to _ Develop strategies to identify people in
share this information with you and please need of substance abuse services, including
let me know if you have questions or if I can people who have both mental health and
provide any additional information.
substance abuse problems.
REGIONAL PROGRAMS - The General _ Examine barriers that people with subAssembly has restructured the way the state stance abuse problems have in accessing
funds and provides substance abuse pro- publicly funded substance abuse services
grams. Previously, the state had divided the and explore possible strategies for improvmoney among the 24 local groups that pro- ing access.
vide substance abuse and mental health _ Examine the economic impact of subservices. Sometimes, the groups couldn't use stance abuse in North Carolina.
October 2008
The task force issued a preliminary report ers of the measure argued the materials
and is required to issue a final report by the shouldn't be taxed twice.
_ School buses that use diesel fuel must be
end of this year.
able to operate with B20, fuel that contains
PRISON PROGRAMS - The General Assembly at least 20 percent of biodiesel. The bill
has spent about $3.4 million over the past (S1452) also requires that at least 2 percent
two years to start a 50-bed substance abuse of the fuel purchased annually by local
treatment program for female parolees and school districts for school buses must be a
probationers. The program at the Black minimum blend of B20. Another bill (S1277)
Mountain Correctional Center for Women requires that new state-owned vehicles that
offers 28-day and 90-day programs, allowing run on diesel fuel must carry a warranty that
300-360 women a year to receive treatment. assures they are capable of running on B20.
Demand for the service is estimated at _ As part of the state budget, we improved
4,725 women a year.
the tax credit we have given since 2004 to
_ The legislature has appropriated $480,000 companies that build renewable fuel producto add 10 bed spaces for male inmates tion plants. The changes allow more flexibilreceiving intensive treatment for alcohol ity in the credits and are expected to attract
abuse and addiction.
more such plants to the state.
ENERGY - The rapid increase in gas prices RENEWABLE ENERGY- North Carolina has
when Hurricane Ike threatened the Gulf established a requirement that North
Coast underscored the need to find new, Carolina power utilities get at least 12.5 peralternative fuels. In North Carolina, we have cent of their power from renewable sources
made this effort a priority over the past two and energy efficiency by 2021. The bill (S3) is
years, investing millions of dollars in biofu- expected to help cut pollution and our
els research and updating our laws to
Talkback 2 continues on page 47
require more use of biodiesel fuels. The
General Assembly has also adopted other
IN THIS ISSUE
innovative energy-saving initiatives and set
Another Perspective
13
plans in place to reduce energy consump- Business & Finance
39
tion. In all, we have developed a very bal- Business of Month
40
anced approach to helping the state and our Coach’s Corner
36
45
residents move away from dependence on Entertainment
fossil fuels. This week, I will update you on Features Milton Jordan
11
some of the highlights of our energy
Mechelle Lewis
9
reforms during the past biennium.
Rev. James W. Smith
7
_ Fuel - Last year, the state created the From The Publisher’s Desk
5
Biofuels Center of North Carolina and in our FYI
26
34
past two budgets we have given the center a Granville County
41
total of $10 million. The center was estab- Health
In
The
Spotlight
23
lished to help universities, companies and
Legal Eagle Advisor
31
agencies encourage the growth of biomass Lifestyles
43
that can be converted to biofuels and to Living Your Faith
14
encourage and fund research. The center will News Briefs
28
39
also try to attract federal money and coordi- Not Just Your Business
Orange County
37
nate the state's biofuels initiatives.
Political
Affairs
31
_ Biodiesel fuel produced by an individual
Profile
16
for their personal use in a private vehicle is Religion
12
no longer subject to the motor fuel excise Rejoice
15
tax under a bill (S1272) we approved. Such Rightchus Truth
6
4
fuel is sometimes made from discarded Talkback, Too
cooking oil or similar products and support- COVER PHOTO BY MAURICE NOBLE
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
From The Publisher’s Desk...
THE PREPARED FOODS TAX - THE REAL DEAL
The Prepared Food Tax (PFT) is coming at an inconvenient time
for most. The issues about the fairness and impact of the tax
are ones to be explored. But in all honesty, in light of layoffs, cutbacks, the $7 Billion bailout, bank failures, retirement
funds collapses, etc. of the past week, that any estimates or figures of income to be raised by visitors or people who once
would have come from outside of our community, unless made
within the last few days, are CORRECT. Frankly, I think the
same people who initially provided those numbers now should
have an affirmative duty to give us the updated CORRECT numbers. However, it appears that will not be the case and the
beat will go on.
"indulge" will be hit most frequently. For the school child who
will eat breakfast on the way to
school or leave campus at lunch
time; bang, put in you daily contribution. For the minimum
wage worker who cannot afford
Phyllis D. Coley, Publisher
to eat off the regular menu, but
can only afford dollar menu items; cha-ching, make your contribution. For the newly unemployed due to lay-offs; bingo, you
got to pay up.
Maybe it is escaping many of us as to what the change of the
economy really means and you are fortunate if it has. For those
newly unemployed, those newly devastated retirement plan owners, those newly homeless the change has already hit home all
across the state and the region.
Let me be the first to say that many of the projects announced
as "on the potential list" are worthy of consideration and in
many instances completion. However, only a few are new and
many of the old ones were refused funding at their current
levels in our most recent city/county budgets and budget hearings. Now the supporters of those projects openly state they Those advocates of economic fairness are able to say the
support the tax because it will "potentially" support their own wealthy household would pay the same rate as the working
class. But of course the wealthy will pay a smaller percentage
individual project.
of their income while the working class and poor will pay a
And we thought the lobbying was bad in Washington. Whether larger percentage of their income. It will not make a critical
we can acquire the potential projects in a more fair and cost difference to most households until you reach those most at
effective way is a question that we as citizens have a respon- risk. That is where it will take the toll.
sibility to ask and answer.
Paying for the list of worthy projects could be done in a numThis is what the referendum is about. We also must remem- ber of ways, an increase in property tax is one. Durham already
ber that once the PFT is put in place is it can never be has one of the highest property tax rates in the state. So you
removed. From the very beginning the reason the tax was have to consider that these projects are going to get funded
attractive was that it was going to be 40% free money. In one way or the other. Which way seems more bearable? Paying
other words it was projected, before this recession and stock a PFT (when eating out is probably one of those things you
market crash, that 40% of the taxes paid would be by visitors will be cutting back on anyway) or having an increase in your
to the city. Now there is likely to be many fewer people who property tax that you will have to pay?
will be coming to Durham since they will not be able to afford
to go anywhere. Automobile repossessions are more than twice You know I support tourism and encourage it by many of the
the rate of a year ago, mortgage foreclosures continue to set events and functions I sponsor and coordinate. But above all
new highs with each passing month, businesses are laying off I support Durham doing it right the first time because in this
workers. That means our 60% share just went up and that case we may not get a chance for a 'do over'. I hope you
will get the current information about what this will mean for
has to be considered.
both now and in the future.
The Prepared Food Tax (PFT) has a specific name, but it generally covers virtually anything purchased to eat immediately Above all VOTE for your and our future.
by anyone once you leave home. In a time of economic stress TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!
[email protected]
those who are in situations where they are more likely to Phyllis Coley
Page Five
SPECTACULAR
MAGAZINE
www.spectacularmag.com
PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN- CHIEF
PHYLLIS COLEY
FEATURES EDITOR
GRACE GRAHAM
HEALTH EDITOR
DR. SHARON ELLIOTT-BYNUM
COLUMNISTS
STELLA J.ADAMS
GENEVIA GEE FULBRIGHT, CPA
LARRY HALL, ESQ.
LAMONT LILLY
IRVING JOYNER, ESQ.
DR. ARCHIE D. LOGAN
DEL MATTIOLI
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
MAXINE GARLAND
KATINA RANKIN
KIMBERLE WALKER
VALERIE WHITTED
PHOTOGRAPHERS
ROBERT LAWSON MAURICE NOBLE
LAYOUT/DESIGN
PHYLLIS COLEY
LAWRENCE DAVIS III MAURICE NOBLE
DISTRIBUTION
LAWRENCE DAVIS III
LELIA ROYSTER
CHARLES STREET
Spectacular Magazine enlightens, empowers and entertains African Americans in
Durham, Wake Orange, Granville, Vance
and Person counties with features,
columns, commentaries and calendars.
Spectacular Magazine is published monthly and distributed free in Durham, Wake,
Orange, Granville, Vance and Person counties. Deadline for all submissions is the
22nd of each month.
Contact us at:
[email protected]
or by mail at:
Post Office 361
Durham, NC 27702
919-680-0465
Mail subscriptions are available for
$25.00 per year. Second class postage is
paid in Durham, N. C.
Page Six
SPECTACULAR
The Rightchus Truth
One of the most tragic losses in this
shuffle was the female MC.
Lyrically powerful sisters such as
Queen Latifah, Monie Love, and MC
Lyte were just beginning to bust
down the doors of hip’s hop patriarchy. However, they were booted
and replaced by the images of
groupies and video vixens who seek
tip drills and “approve” of credit
cards being slid down the cracks of
their behind.
by Lamont Lilly aka ‘Rightchus’
WHO STOLE THE SOUL?
HIP HOP 101
The following three part essay series was developed that
the truth be brought forth regarding hip hop’s glorious
past, nostalgic present, and its hope toward a brighter
future. I give honor and reference to all the past and
present gods of hip hop; hoping that the following words
shed a fluorescent light of sincerity toward their
American contributions.
distorted educational system that
favored the “haves” over the “havenots.” However, they were vilified
by the media as America’s most
dangerous preachers of hate and
black rage.
Part II of III:
It’s no accident that a good portion
of classic hip-hop was emotional,
angry, and raw. That’s because it
was real! They weren’t actors; their
lyrics were being lived. And though
their financial compensation was no
where near the equivalent of
today’s average figures; their level
of artistic integrity would not allow
them to take on the persona of the
hip hop minstrel. The artists then
took pride in vividly painting the
images of a forgotten race and
battered class of people who built
this country, but were restricted in
pursuing the benefits of its so called
liberty.
THE TAKE-OVER
Just for the record, such sociological
constructs as male cynicism, materialism, the pursuit of fast money,
gang-life, and the degradation of
the female species are no new phenomenon. Though hip-hop may currently over-perpetuate these ideas,
no one can blame their existence on
hip-hop!
The aforementioned
abstracts were all well, alive, and
constructed long before hip-hop
was even conceptualized. As a matter of fact, these were some of the
very principles that helped to found
this country.
The point of notation is that hiphop’s classical school, when we
owned it, possessed a certain
degree of respect for the community and the people their art represented. Not only did the artists
clearly understand the potential
power of a microphone, they
embraced the ability to positively
influence others. For example, most
black Americans had no quarrels
with Public Enemy. Most of us
understood that they were just
being real…harsh, but real. They
were simply reflecting upon and
rhyming about the truths they had
observed or experienced at that
time - the gang-life, violence, police
brutality, poverty, a justice system
that wasn’t just to us, and a highly
True hip hop was and still is the
urban voice of frustration, expressing the fact that all that singing, all
that marching, and all that begging
in retrospect did nothing for us.
Underneath the blanketed mirage
of a Mercedes, suburban home, and
some token Negro job, the black
masses were and still are hungry,
uneducated, and further behind the
political and economic power curve
than ever before. The brothers and
sisters, who sat at the bottom of the
American caste, recognized that
those of ‘us’ who were able to
assimilate and slowly matriculate up
the social ladder had forgot them
not only by white America, but also.
As major white-owned labels saw
the potential earning power, they
began to move in, capitalize and
October 2008
Lamont Lilly aka Rightchus
popularize.
My challenge to the sisters is to ask
themselves and each other, “How
did we go from being treasured
queens, community organizers, and
the world’s best mothers, to vixens
whose special quality is ‘making it
clap’?” Today’s rap game or what I
call “pop rap,” is absolutely despicable. I would compare most of it to
the likings of a poisonous communicable disease. Ignorance can be
contagious, you know. Whether blatant or obscure, the general content
is normally based around sex,
drugs, violence, materialism, or
female degradation.
One by one, hip-hop artists began
selling their souls to MTV’s
Hollywood upward mobility. The
old codes of respect and honor
were denounced. No longer did we
control and dictate our creative
influences. No longer was it about
the people’s story. The acquisition
of big money and mainstream fame
was now the goal by any means
necessary. Just like the old Jazz
crave, white America took a particular liking to the new sound of hiphop’s eclectic beats and rambuncUnfortunately, our oppressors
tious rhythms.
understand us better than we do.
They enjoyed the mainstream Black folks have always been a spirgroups like the Beastie Boys or Run itual people who relied on music,
DMC, but couldn’t relate to nor whether Gospel, Jazz, R&B, or Hip
appreciate the content of black Hop, to ignite, motivate and speak
pride and conscious anger shouted to our emotions. No matter your
loudly by artists such as P.E. or preferred brand of music, none of
today’s Dead Prez and Immortal us can negate the fact that it was the
Technique. Hip hop went from old Negro spiritual that helped us
being a form of out-of-the-trunk persevere as a people through the
underground activism to today’s greatest atrocity of modern man—
younger artists; whom are stereo- the Middle Passage. Yet today we
typically paid to depict themselves have allowed our music, particularly
as unintelligent clowns, fake thugs, hip hop to be manipulated as a tool
and gangster pretenders who sim- owned and used by the grand sysply promote and help to replicate tem of oppression to recycle and
ignorance. The record companies maintain conditions of mental slavtoday are simply masters at config- ery and utter ignorance.
uring illusions to distract the minds of
the people from focusing on the real Rightchus Truth
issues at hand, like culture, econom- [email protected]
ics, education, and group solidarity. CONTINUED NEXT MONTH: PART III
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Seven
COVER STORY
REVEREND JAMES W. SMITH:
DEAL BY ME: A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY BLOWN…AND REGAINED
Reverend James W. Smith
By Grace Graham
Features Editor
CREEDMOOR - Once a prominent
attorney practicing law in
Henderson, NC, Reverend James
W. Smith’s gambling habit was the
source that caused him to loose
everything, including his first wife,
and eventually gambling caused
him his freedom. He only holds
himself accountable for his downward spiral, and has penned his
memoirs, Deal by Me: A Golden
Opportunity Blown.
An excellent storyteller, Rev.
Smith expertly describes his horrendous hard times when a window
closed during those dark days, but
as one of God’s faithful servants the
book conveys how a new door
opens, and his life is turned completely around.
The beautifully written book
has been recommended to all
libraries within the nation’s Federal
Corrections Centers. Rev. Smith
said he wrote the book for three reasons:
1. To say crime does not pay.
2. To say that whatever consumed
you, step back from it.
3. If you hit rock bottom, you can
come back with hard work,
perseverance and most of
all faith in God.
Rev. Smith is the Pastor of
Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist
Church in Bahama, North Carolina.
In additional to his pastorate, he is
self-employed as a Church
Consultant and is constantly called
upon to mediate, moderate and consult with Pastors and churches. He
also conducts seminars and workshops on Pastors’ and Deacons’
Relationship, Church Conflict and
Legal Awareness Issues.
His book explains how his gambling habit started early in life when
he played cards with family and
friends for fun or used nickels and
dimes. The habit escalated and he
gradually became a compulsive
gambler. He recounts how the dayto-day routine of being in court
started to wear on him, and he
began to look forward to Saturday
afternoons when he could play pool
at the local pool-hall, and place bets
on games. At first he was able to
break even most of the time:
“Sometimes, I would lose $50 or
$100 dollars, but then the next
Saturday I would win $25 or $50.
In the early 70s, that would be considered big money,” explained Rev.
Smith.
Eventually, he began betting
increasingly large amounts of
money and would have to borrow
money to pay his debt. He fell
behind in his rent and his marriage
began to suffer. Rev. Smith saw that
his personal life was being affected
and stopped gambling for a while.
Over the course of the next few
months he focused on getting his
life back on track.
The Pastor
writes, “I knew that I was on the
road to success. I had a law partner,
I was in a new office, I was married,
had a new home and I was still
young (36). The whole world
seemed to be open to me.”
Shortly after Rev. Smith and his
partner moved into a new office, he
found himself faced with his gambling demons again when he was
invited to play poker with his colleagues. Once he joined these
weekly games, he became involved
in the world of high-stakes poker,
winning and losing thousands of
dollars. Then one day, depressed
with nowhere to turn Rev. Smith
made a choice that would become
his downfall. He committed a serious crime that landed him in a
Federal Correction Center. In the
book, he vividly describes the criminal act, the arrest and the heart
wrenching emotions that followed
the crime.
To reiterate the words of Rev.
Smith that much can be accomplished by hard work, perseverance
and faith in God, his many accomplishments demonstrate that he
practice what he preach. Rev. Smith
was born and reared in Louisburg
(Franklin County) North Carolina
where he attended public schools.
He graduated from the former
Perry’s High School and later
attended North Carolina Central
University and NCCU Law School
where he earned both degrees, a
Bachelor of Science in Commerce
and a Juris Doctorate. He received
Rev. Smith continues on page 8
Rev. James W. Smith (center) at the book release party for his memoirs, “Deal by Me: A
Golden Opportunity Blown.” The book describes his horrendous hard times when a window closed during those dark days, but as one of God’s faithful servants the book conveys how a new door opens, and his life is turned completely around.
Page Eight
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
Rev. Smith continues
his seminary training from
Southeastern Baptist Theological
Seminary, Wake Forest; Shaw
Divinity School, Raleigh; and
earned a Master of Divinity degree
and a Doctorate of Ministry degree
from Andersonville Theological
Seminary, Camilla, Georgia.
He serves on the United Negro
College Fund Steering Committee,
in Durham, the General Board of
the
General
Baptist
State
Convention of North Carolina and
the Durham Committee on the
Affairs of Black People. He is a
columnist for the Baptist Informer
of the General Baptist State
Convention of North Carolina and
Spectacular Magazine.
He has
received numerous awards including the North Carolina Central
University
Law
School
Distinguished Alumni Award, and
has traveled extensively. His travels
have taken him to Great Britain,
Mexico, France, and Israel.
Rev Smith with his wife, Barbara Wess Smith (right) with their two adult children. Rev.
Smith is the Pastor of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Bahama, North
Carolina.
The Pastor is the founder and
president of Vance County Black
Leadership Caucus. He is an InPrison Seminar Instructor and has
taught seminars to inmates on
Moderators for the General Baptist
State Convention of North
Carolina, Inc. and President of the
Interdenominational Ministerial
Alliance of Durham and Vicinity.
Rev. Smith has also served on a
number of For-Profit and NonProfit Boards, including Operation
Breakthrough, Durham, FranklinVance-Warren Opportunities, Inc.,
Henderson; and Central Children’s
Home, Oxford.
Rev. Smith and his wife,
Barbara Wess Smith, who is a
teacher with the Durham Public
Schools, reside in Creedmoor,
North Carolina and they have two
adult children.
Rev. Smith says of his memoirs,
“It is about unwise choices… sharing how Christ can transform a life
of misplaced values and hopelessness into a caring and useful servant. In this book, you will find
every imaginable emotion that one
can possess. The conclusion to this
life story is a real victory and to
God be the glory.”
Death Row at Central Prison,
Raleigh; the Federal Correctional
Institution, Butner, and the Federal
Maximum Security Prison in
Leavenworth, Kansas. He has
served as Vice Moderator at Large
and Moderator of the East Cedar To purchase the Pastor’s book or for addiGrove
Missionary
Baptist tional information Rev. Smith may be
Association, Inc., Moderator of reached at: www.jwsmithconsultant.com.
Rev. Smith signs a copy of his book, Deal by Me: A Golden Opportunity Blown. The book,
about how he transformed his life after spending time in prison, has been recommended
to all libraries within the nation’s Federal Corrections Centers. In October, Rev. Smith
will embark on a speaking and book signing tour to churches and prisons in New York.
www.spectacularmag.com
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Nine
OLYMPIAN MECHELLE LEWIS…
HITTING HER SPIRITUAL STRIDE
Barely one day returning from Bejing,
Mechelle Lewis shares her Olympic experiences with North East Baptist Church
members following Bible Study on August
27th.
Photos: Ivan Watkins
By Kimberle W. Walker
Contributing Writer
prise reception North East Baptist
Church (Durham) held in honor of
Lewis who is a member. The fact
that Lewis beat the odds to qualify
for the USA Olympic Team, that
she earned a spot in a relay of pool
of six runners and ultimately was
the only Olympic rookie among the
foursome selected to represent
Team USA in the Women’s 4 x 100
meter relay race were reasons
enough to celebrate God’s grace
and favor working in her life. Of
course, Lewis admits that earning
an Olympic medal would have been
ideal, but she triumphantly touts
God’s faithfulness above all else.
“Although I did not return with
a medal as I thought I would, God
still came through with what he told
me was for me - and that was being
an Olympian,” Lewis says. Then
she jovially adds about prayer, “I
think next time I will be more specific!”
Certainly divine intervention
could have prevented the drop of
the baton between teammates Torri
Edwards and Lauryn Williams in
the relay race. But Lewis, who ran
an impressive second leg following
teammate Angela Williams, always
refers to the team as dropping the
baton.
“I say WE because no matter
who dropped the baton, the team as
whole is affected. I say WE because
Team USA was disqualified, not
just the girls who dropped it. You
must have that mindset when
approaching a team situation,
because no matter the cliche, you
truly are only as strong as your
weakest link,” Lewis says.
The relay race taught her priceless life lessons. “I learned to not
just focus on myself in my prayers
when it comes to a situation like
that. I learned to consider the situation as whole when I have a part in
something instead of just my role,”
she says. “We did lose money, a
medal, the tangibles in this opportunity. However, I gained trust,
respect, demonstrated faith and
God's love - the intangibles that
mean so much more.”
DURHAM - “Two years ago I was
Mechelle Lewis continues on page 10
sitting in a cubicle and now I was
an athlete representing the USA at
the Olympic Games. WOW!” says
sprinter Mechelle Lewis. Hers is a
testimony of marathon proportions.
From physical setbacks to celestial
comebacks, Lewis recalls with
great joy and thankfulness her journey to, and experiences in, Bejing,
China.
“The moment I will always
hold on to was the moment I
walked onto the track and looked
around the huge stadium and took
in the moment,” states Lewis. “I
was really about to run at the
Olympics. No matter the result, that
was something that can't be taken
away from me and I truly thank
God for that.”
Lewis receives symbolic gold medal from North East member Velma Futrell. In all, Lewis
That was the spirit of the sur- received 10 from North East members - each accompanied by a scriptural message.
LEWIS’S TRACK RECORD
2007 World Outdoor 4x100m gold
medalist; 2007 Pan Am 100m silver medalist; 2007 NACAC 100m
champion. Lewis made her firstever mark on the world stage with
her silver medal winning performance in the 100 meters at the
2007 Pan Am Games in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil. Lewis finished the
race in 11.24 seconds as she and
Miki Barber finished 1-2 in the
race. It was the sixth time in 15
Pan American Games that
American women have claimed
the top two spots in the 100
meters. Lewis also picked up a silver medal at Pan Ams in the
4x100m relay. As a prep star in
Maryland, Lewis set the state
record in the 55m where she was
the state champion in her senior
year. Lettered in soccer and track
in high school; Team was third in
the county three times and won
the state championship twice;
4x400m relay was third at Junior
Nationals.
2008: 7th at Olympic Trials
(11.08), 2nd in semifinals
(10.97PR)…2nd at Adidas Track
Classic 100m B race (11.23); 1st in
100 and 200 at Provo (11.19,
23.01)
2007: 5th at USA Outdoors
(11.26); 2nd at Pan Am Games
(11.24); 5th in semi's at World
Outdoors (11.16), 1st in 4x100m
semis (42.24 - 2nd leg); 2nd in
4x100m relay at Pan Am Games
(43.82); NACAC champion (11.37).
2004-2006 did not compete
2003: 3rd in 200m at Atlanta
(24.06); 3rd at Jesse Owens
(23.91w); best of 24.06.
2002: 8th in heats at GT Invite
(11.84w)
Source: USA Track & Field, Inc.
Page Ten
Mechelle Lewis continues
Faith and church lifted Lewis
over many hurdles along the way
including physical injuries and
losses. “It was very important to
have a strong faith to say encouraged and be reminded of the
strength of God and that He really
can do all things! As a human we
naturally have I limitations in our
thoughts, but I have to always
remind myself that God is way
Greater than we can even know,”
says Lewis.
She adds, “The church has
been important in providing fellowship, allowing me to be encouraged
through others' testimonies and to
be around others who strongly
believed in the power of God as
well. I am really blessed to have a
foundation and support group with
my church. It is very encouraging
to hear Pastor [Elam] personally
encourage me, as I have such a reverence for Him. For North East to
take the time to honor me shows
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
utive employed at Young and in a movie. Anything that would
Rubicam agency in Manhattan keep me focused on moving forfrom 2004
ward
I
to 2006. In
p l a c e d
2006, she
inside. My
put her marfavorite
keting crescripture for
dentials all
this moment
on the startin my life is
ing line, so
Philippians
to speak, in
4:6-7: Do
order to purnot be anxsue her lifeious for anylong dream
thing. But in
to be an
everything,
Olympian.
through
“I have
prayer and
been jourpetition,
naling since
present your
I left my job
request to
in
New
God and he
York,” says
will give you
Lewis. “As
p e a c e
this was a
beyond all
big ‘faith
understandmove,’
I
ing; it will
wanted to
keep your
have a place Commemorative sign announcing surprise reception heart
and
where
I in honor of Lewis
mind. This
could docuscripture
ment progress, write motivating reminded me that don’t panic in
things I may come across, such as anything with this endeavor. God
scriptures, passages from books I has my back as long as I let Him
read, something I may have heard know what I need.”
how much I am thought about and
loved and motivates me to compete
well and live my life as an example
for others, especially kids.”
Lewis, a native of Oxon Hill,
Maryland, began running track in
the ninth grade. After graduating
from Oxon Hill High School in
1998, she attended the University
of South Carolina in Columbia on
an athletic scholarship. An AllAmerican athlete and a member of
the women’s 2002 NCAA championship team, Lewis majored in
advertising and graduated in 2002.
In 2007, she earned a gold medal in
the World Championships in
Osaka, Japan. Following her
Olympic debut in August of this
year, Lewis traveled to Europe to
compete in different meets that are
a part of the International
Association
of
Athletics
Federations (IAAF) professional
track and field circuit.
Off the track, Lewis was establishing herself as a marketing exec- Lewis surrounded by North East Baptist Church youth who learned a little Chinese from
Lewis during the rap session.
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Eleven
MILTON JORDAN: THE TREK FROM CRIME
TO CONTRIBUTION
By Grace Graham
Features Editor
DURHAM - December 2008 will
mark the 40th anniversary of
Milton Jordan’s release from
prison. His accomplishments over
the past four decades are amazing.
He is the father of two outstanding
sons; a member of the ministerial
staff at St. Joseph A.M.E. Zion
Church in Durham; has spent more
than thirty years as a professional
writer; more than ten years as an
adjunct college professor and guest
lecturer; more than ten years as a
radio station manager; he has
served as a television talk show
host and producer; a contract
researcher and writer for a program
on UNC TV system, and currently
operates successful Home Based
Businesses Opportunity. He started his first HBBO 29 years ago.
While working as a janitor after
his final release from prison in
1968, Jordan sought to become a
professional writer. His work place
was in proximity with the Durham
Morning Herald and he applied for
a position.
However, the editor
refused to hire him, but gave him
the opportunity to come in after
work to observe and ask questions
of the reporters and writers when
they were not busy. Jordan learned
his craft well.
Today, an accomplished writer,
Jordan’s work has been published
in Newsweek, New York Times,
Sepia Magazine, the Afro
American Newspaper, American
Education
Magazine,
Jet
Magazine,
Black
Enterprise
Magazine,
Business
North
Carolina Magazine, the Weekly
Independent,
Spectacular
Magazine and scores of other local,
regional and national publications.
Jordan has worked for several
newspapers
to
week. She bought
include
the
the idea; the lack
Carolina Times in
of a college degree
Durham,
The
was not an issue
C a r o l i n a
for her, she said: “
Peacemaker in
‘ Our favorite
Greensboro, (NC)
teachers are people
Star-News and
who have done it
the
Charlotte
and who do it.
Observer.
They bring a realiOne
of
ty to their courses
Jordan’s
most
that academicians
daring challenges
lack.’ “
came in 1983
After
two
Milton
Jordan
when he applied
years teaching at
for a position as an instructor at Duke, he taught several sessions of
Duke
University
with
the the Write for Profit course at comContinuing Education Department. munity colleges in Raleigh and
He was hired, and the first time he Durham. In 1987, he became an
entered a college classroom it was adjunct instructor in Professional
as an instructor. Jordan did not have Writing at Campbell University, a
a college degree. When asked if he prestigious institution in Buies
had doubts about his ability to per- Creek, NC, and taught there for ten
form his new tasks? He answered: years. During the same period,
“I was not discouraged because I 1989-1999, he also taught at North
was dealing with a God who had Carolina Central University.
demonstrated what he would do. I
Jordan has come a long way
have such implicitly trust God it from the little boy growing up in
never occurs to me that God would Durham who stole five dollars from
let me down.”
his adopted aunt’s purse at the age
Jordan shares his reason for of five, and continued to commit
applying to teach at Duke: criminal acts almost daily for near“Because, this new me explained, ly twenty years. He was arrested for
as the Apostle Paul had written the first time at age eleven. During
about Abraham in the letter to the his last incarceration, he describes
Romans that Abraham, though he the day when he encountered God
faced the fact that his body was and began to make life-changing
dead did not waver in his faith decisions. He had been confined to
because he knew that God is able to the hole (away from the general
do what He promised. God had population) because he defied a
promised in writing that He would prison policy by refusing to work.
give me the desires of my heart.
The time limit in the hole was
And my desire was to become a any where from three to thirty days.
successful and effective teacher.”
He asked the Superintendent if he
He wrote a proposal to teach a would allow him out of the hole on
course called Write for Profit. Christmas day, though he would not
Jordan said, “I knew how to get have served all of his time; the
paid to write. I had been doing that Superintendent said yes. At that
for fifteen consecutive years… An time, Christmas Day was a big day
administrator called the following in prison with family visitation, and
sharing of food from the outside.
On Christmas he discovered the
Superintendent had left for the holidays with plans to return after the
New Year, and had not left instructions to release him from his current station.
Jordan said, “I threw my plate
of food at the guard, tried to tear up
the foam mattress in my cell. After
quieting down I heard a voice saying, ‘Why don’t you pray?’ I
thought someone was playing a
trick on me. I looked down the hall
but saw no one. A few minutes
later I heard it again. At the time I
believed the voice was audible, but
as the years passed discovered it
was inside my head. Almost against
my will I was on my knees pouring
out my heart to God. I specifically
asked, if You exist, let me out of
this hole today. I turned to find the
door open; then a guard entered and
said the superintendent had called
with orders to release me. I did not
process it at that time, but God did
exactly what I had asked. The reason we sometimes do not receive
answers to our prayers is we are not
always specific in our requests. It
would be years later for me to realize that it was no coincidence that
the Superintendent made that phone
call. On that day, Jordan made his
first step on a new journey, and
said:
“How I made the arduous trek
from crime to contribution features
learning to master forty amazing
principles.” And Jordan is willing
to share the forty principals with
others. “I have trusted God's favor,
and walked in His faith. I have been
willing to be held accountable for
my decisions and actions. I have
listened and responded to the directions of the Holy Spirit….”
Jordan may be reached at: [email protected]
Page Twelve
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
RELIGION
HISTORIC DURHAM CHURCH
DEDICATES NEW BUILDING
WOMEN IN
THE PULPIT:
THE
DEBATE
CONTINUES
By Katina Rankin
Contributing Writer
DURHAM - Wearing all black with
huge smiles on their faces, five
female senior pastors adorn the
cover of the September/October
issue of Gospel Today Magazine.
Despite the appeal, the cover is at
the center of a huge controversy:
women in the pulpit. What was
supposed to be a story on an emerging trend in churches – female senior pastors sharing their joys, struggles, and victories – quickly turned
into a heated debate after LifeWay
Christian Bookstores yanked the
magazine issue in all of their 150
stores across the United States.
LifeWay has thirteen Christian
bookstores in North Carolina.
Gospel Today publisher and
founder, Dr.
T e r e s a
Hairston, said
this issue of
her magazine
is being handled
like
pornography.
“It (the magazine) is being
treated like
something
Dr. Teresa Hairston
that is so bad
and so reprehensible that it can't be
displayed. It's suppressive and
oppressive and unjust,” said Dr.
Hairston.
Hairston, who is a minister, said
LifeWay neither informed her of
Cover of the September/October issue of
Gospel Today Magazine that LifeWay
Christian Bookstores has pulled from their
shelves because it features five female senior pastors.
their decision to pull the magazine,
nor have they returned any of her
telephone calls. “We received an
anonymous tip. That’s how we
found out,” said Hairston.
LifeWay Christian Resources
Spokesperson Chris Turner said,
“We carry it (the magazine) behind
the counter. So, we are trying to
accommodate the request. For us,
since we are affiliated with the
Southern Baptist Convention,
according to our denomination faith
and Baptist message statement, article six, we simply could not promote that (the magazine) and have
it out on the shelves.”
The
Southern
Baptist
Convention (SBC) owns LifeWay.
SBC does not believe women
should be in the pulpit. They
believe that’s a role reserved for
men.
The five women on the cover
disagree. Durham, NC Pastor
Sheryl Brady is featured on the
cover. Brady is senior pastor of
The River Church.
“Hillary
Female Pastors continues on page 13
DURHAM ministers,
On Sunday,
local digniOctober
taries and
2 6 t h ,
t
h
e
Emmanuel
Emmanuel
African
A M E
Methodist
Church famEpiscopal
ily will parChurch will
ticipate in
witness its
the service
proud past
that will be
and
cele- Emmanuel AME Church’s new 400 seat sanctuary officiated by
brate
its
The Right
exciting future with the dedication Reverend
Adam
Jefferson
of new church facilities. The dedi- Richardson, Presiding Prelate of the
cation services mark the culmina- Second Episcopal District of the
tion of a four A.M.E. Church.
year capital
Bishop Richardson is the Chief
campaign and Pastor and Episcopal leader for
two
year
churches in
building projN o r t h
ect
began
Carolina,
under
the
Vi rg i n i a ,
leadership of
Maryland,
the current
a
n
d
Pastor, Rev.
Washington,
Shelton
T.
DC. He is a
Miles,
Sr.
f o r m e r
Rev. Shelton T. Miles, Sr.
The new ediPresident of
fice houses a 400 seat sanctuary,
the Council
administrative offices and fellowof Bishops, a
Right Reverend Adam
ship facilities to accommodate the Jefferson Richardson member of
growing congregation and expandthe
World
ing ministries at the church.
Methodist Council and previously
Founded in 1880, Emmanuel served as the Presiding Bishop of
AME Church is one of the oldest the 19th Episcopal District headAfrican American churches in quarter in Johannesburg, South
Durham County. The church’s first Africa. Prior to his election as a
location, 705 Kent Street has been Bishop, he was senior minister of
designated a Durham historic site. the Bethel A.M.E. Church in
The church moved to its current Tallahassee, Florida.
location, 2018 Riddle Road, near
The public is invited to attend
North Carolina Central University, this momentous occasion in the life
in 1971 when the Rev. J. R. of
the
Emmanuel African
Crutchfield was Pastor.
Methodist Episcopal Church conThe
Church
Dedication gregation.
Worship celebration is set for For additional information, contact the
October 26th at 3:30 pm. Area church office at (919) 361-5717 or Sister
Shirley L. Smith at (919) 688-5638.
October 2008
Female Pastors continues
Clinton can
put 18 million cracks
in the glass
ceiling
politically,
and Sarah
Palin can
be chosen
as a vice
presidential
candidate;
and
yet,
there are
certain
denominaPastor Sheryl Brady
tions that
think we (women) can't run the
local church,” said Brady.
Pastor Kimberly Ray of The
Church on The Rock in Chicago, IL
echoed
Brady’s
sentiments.
“Given the struggle of our economic times and family problems and
addictions - where people are
searching for hope - it’s surprising
that LifeWay would be focusing on
gender biases instead of real life,
everyday issues.”
Every featured pastor said they
respect LifeWay’s decision, but
said they are disappointed. “It
was the principle of how LifeWay
handled the situation. It was cowardly and not done in a Christian
manner. LifeWay, you stole this
positive story from the world. You
treated it like witchcraft. That was
appalling,” remarked Tamara
Bennett. Bennett, the pastor of
Pentecost Fellowship Ministries in
Sacramento, California, is also on
the cover issue.
This is not the first time that
Gospel Today, the largest urban
Christian magazine in the United
States, has featured a female pastor
on the cover. Paula White once
graced the cover. That issue was
not pulled from LifeWay’s shelves.
“We probably should have
looking at it in hindsight. But,
nothing raised a red flag. The article itself (the new one with the five
SPECTACULAR
pastors) around the sixth or seventh
paragraph is in direct conflict with
our belief,” Turner explained.
“All of these women emerged
geographically, psycho-graphically
and socially as a representation of
young and seasoned, denominationally diverse and spiritually solid
senior pastors,” Hairston explained
of her decision to put the women on
the cover.
Philadelphia based Pastor
Millicent Hunter is the senior pastor of Baptist Worship Center
Church. Hunter, also seen on the
cover, said she has always faced
challenges since she accepted her
call to preach the gospel. Hunter
said LifeWay’s actions would not
deter her actions. “Anyone who
did anything notable has gone
through opposition. I see opposition as an opportunity to make
something
positive
happen.
Saving souls is positive,” Hunter
commented.
“I’m white. You can’t tell me
that I’m not. And, you can’t tell
me I’m not a pastor either. I feed
my congregation. I cry with them.
I pray with them. I bury them. I
marry them,” Brady added.
It is uncertain whether or not
LifeWay will continue to carry
Gospel Today Magazine in its
stores after the controversy dies
down. “To this point, I haven’t
heard any conversation about
pulling it permanently. I just know
that this single issue rubbed against
our faith statement,” Turner told us.
Dr. Hairston said she wasn’t
looking for controversy when she
put the women on the cover; but
now that the magazine has been
yanked from the shelves, she is
ready to fight for women pastors.
“I hope that women across the
world, as well as men, who love
women, will realize that this is an
affront to daughters, mothers, sisters and aunties. We must turn this
oppressive action into a positive.
This is a battle we must fight and
win,” declared Hairston.
Page Thirteen
ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE
by
Reverend Dr. James W. Smith
A BRIDGE TO NOWHERE
Since the selection of Governor
have the right to make that
Sarah Palin as the Republican
personal decision that affects
Vice-Presidential nominee, it
their bodies. But more than
seems that all I have been
that, I do not believe that we
hearing from her and the camas a people can be a one-issue
paign lately is talk about this
voter. We need to look at the
“bridge to nowhere.” You know,
totality of the issues and conthe one that she was for before
clude what is best for America.
she was against it. You know
Think about it.
the one that she said “thanks
How can we argue what is
but no thanks” to. You see I Dr. James W. Smith more important, one abortion
had always been taught that a bridge or thousands dying from malnutrition or
ought to get one from point A to point B. In HIV Aids. Matthew 25:35&36 says, “When
the Christian vernacular, it is what brought I was hungry, you gave me something to
us over trouble waters.
eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me
Some weeks ago I was having lunch with
some friends of mine and we were discussing everything from religion to politics
and especially the presidential race. All of
them were Christians and to be perfectly
honest, I believe all of us were Obama –
Biden supporters. We were all giving our
opinions on what should and should not be
said, whether negative ads work or should
the candidates just stick to the issues.
In the midst of this conversation, one of
my friends stated that he had visited an
African American church and the minister
was encouraging his congregation not to
vote for the Presidential Democratic ticket.
His reasoning was based on morality and
primarily the issue of abortion. Of course,
my friends and I were very upset that this
minister would be encouraging his membership not to vote for the Democratic ticket because of that one issue; specifically,
abortion.
something to drink. When I was a stranger,
you welcomed me, and when I was naked,
you gave me clothes to wear. When I was
sick, you took care of me, and when I was
in jail, you visited me.” Why isn’t this
scripture just as important as “Thou shall
not kill?”
Frankly they are all important and what
voters and especially the Christian community should be concerned about is whether
the next President will implement policies
that will help eliminate unwanted pregnancies and folks dying from malnutrition and
HIV Aids. What voters need to concern
themselves with is whether the next
President will deal with issues such as,
energy efficiency, poverty, rising gas
prices, education, health care, etc.
As voters, we need to concern ourselves
with the issues and not the personalities.
The personality strategy will get us sidetracked and if we are not careful we will be
As a minister, I must confess that I am on the “Bridge To Nowhere.”
against abortions. I wish that mothers Dr. James W. Smith
would choose to have their babies but I Consultant - Missionary Baptist Churches
also realize that individuals should also Pastor, Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
Email: [email protected]
Page Fourteen
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
LIVING YOUR FAITH
PRACTICAL PIETY
By
Rev. Dr. Archie D. Logan
2008 CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH
Remember them which have the rule over you, say thank you to our church leaders during
who have spoken unto you the word of God: Clergy Appreciation Month October 2008.
whose faith follow, considering the end of their
PRAY DAILY FOR THE CLERGY
conversation. (Hebrews 13:7 - KJV)
Take time during Clergy Appreciation Month to
Greetings, October 2008 pray for clergy-leaders. Call their names and
is observed as Clergy ask God to anoint them with an abundance of
Appreciation
Month. stewardship blessings, love, hope, joy, faith,
Many churches will honor peace, power, wisdom, and courage. Pray that
their
clergy-leaders, our spiritual leaders use maturity and growth
Sunday October 12, 2008; in the faith to meet the darts of evil that conothers use the entire stantly are thrown at them. Ask members of
month to say thank you the congregation to join you and others in
in a special way to their prayer for the pastor and their families.
Rev. Dr. Archie Logan
clergy-leaders. During During Clergy Appreciation Month have prayer
Clergy Appreciation Month Paul's admonition to focus groups for your clergy-leaders. Do not
"serve one another in love", Galatians 5:13 be ashamed to speak goodness into your
encourages us to remember our pastor, shep- Clergy-leader’s life. Ministers and their families
herd, priest, rabbi, elder, overseer, apostle, bish- need prayer.
op and clergy-leaders.
EXPRESS
One of the most difficult jobs on the planet is
to serve as a clergy-leader. People often have
unrealistic expectations of their church leaders:
they must be holy, sanctified, anointed, and set
apart from other sinners who are also SAVED
by GRACE. We expect the preacher to talk the
talk; walk the walk; and, be an example of
Jesus Christ. To lead people in ministry and
Kingdom Building is often stressful, lonely and
difficult. Many clergy-leaders often work
extremely long hours with minimal pay and
compensation for their efforts. It is also difficult to please all factions of a congregation.
Many of my clergy friends say they have come
to believe that we must serve our churches
and try to the best of our ability to please
God. Current statistics indicate that ministers
are leaving the pastorate at an alarming rate.
Over 70% of all clergy-leaders have at one
time or another in their ministry considered
other professions. Yet GOD continues to “CALL”
clergy-leaders and they cannot help but heed
His “CALL..”
APPRECIATION FOR YOUR CLERGY-LEADER
IN WRITING AND GIVING
A spoken compliment or warm greeting is
always welcome by your pastor or church minister. At sometime during Clergy Appreciation
Month take time to send a nice card to your
minister or take an ad in the special section
of Spectacular Magazine. Also include a “monetary gift” in the card or note of appreciation.
This is a wonderful way to let your Clergyleaders know you do realize how difficult ministry can be. We all like to hear and receive
“THANK YOU’” every now and then. Work with
the officers and auxiliaries of the church and
organize a SPECIAL LOVE OFFERING FOR YOUR
PASTOR. Give it in a spirit of love and appreciation. God will bless your gifts and seed
back into your lives.
STOP
THE GOSSIP
Clergy-leaders, along with other public figures,
are constantly talked about; criticized, passed
judgment on and gossiped about. We cannot
stop others from gossiping but we can squelch
it. If you hear a negative comment about your
Let me suggest several ways we can honor and pastor or clergy-leader, respond with a positive
one. If gossip and misinformation are being
spread about your pastor and church, correct it
with the accurate information. James 1:26 says
and Psalm 34:13 remind us that “our tongues”
must be controlled. And if you are a “gossip-carrier” refrain and repent during Clergy
Appreciation Month. If you have issues with
your pastor or clergy-leaders Clergy Appreciation
Month is the time to resolve your concerns.
REJOICE
IN WORSHIP AND MINISTRY
NEW BEGINNINGS
Finally, Clergy Appreciation Month is a time
that the entire church family can have NEW
BEGINNINGS with the Pastor and Ministry
Leadership Team. Join the Pastor and clergy
staff in Kingdom Building, Witnessing and Soul
Saving. Spend time with God and ask for
greater understanding of the Pastor’s Vision for
your congregation. Let the past be past. Do
not expect your present spiritual leaders to do
things the same way their predecessors did. Lay
aside your personal agendas and preferences.
Instead, focus on how your leaders are being
used by God to do effective ministry now. By
serving your clergy-leaders, you will ensure
that they will not only be encouraged but will
feel appreciated and continue to minister with
enthusiasm and spiritual energy.
During Clergy Appreciation Month identify the
positive, the good, and the best in your preacher/pastor/clergy-leader ministry. Witness when
the WORD of GOD is preached; recognize their
work and sacrifice. Work on your attitude
towards your pastor and church: Be supportive
of the work of your church and ministry. Thank
God for your church. Invite others to fellowship
with you at your church and to meet your pas- Rev. Dr. Archie D. Logan, Jr.
Executive Vice Pres. - Apex School of Theology
tor.
[email protected]
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Fifteen
SPONSORED BY
rejoice
Church of the Remnant
@ West Oxford Elem. Sch.
412 Ivey Day Road
Oxford NC
6TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY
October 5 - 3:30PM
Church of the
R e m n a n t
invites everyone to Pastor
Jeffrey
L.
Allen's
6th
P a s t o r a l
A n n i v e r s a r y.
The
Guest
Speaker
will
be
Pastor
B r e n d a
Pastor Brenda Timberlake
Timberlake of
Christian Faith Center, Creedmoor NC.
For more information, contact (919)
693-5061.
Mt. Calvary Word of Faith
Church
3100 Sanderford Rd.
Raleigh, NC
18TH
PASTORAL
ANNIVERSARY
& BIRTHDAY
CELEBRATION
FOR DR.
SHIRLEY
CAESARWILLIAMS Dr. Shirley Caesar-Williams
OCTOBER 7-10 7:30 PM NIGHTLY
OCTOBER 12 - 11:00 AM
Mt. Calvary Word of Faith Church
invites you to the 18th Pastoral
Anniversary & Birthday Celebration
for Dr. Shirley Caesar-Williams taking
place Oct. 7 - 10 nightly @ 7:30 pm
and continuing Sunday, Oct. 12 at 11
am. Guest speakers include: Bishop
George Bloomer, Bishop Ernestine
Rheems Dickerson, Apostle Antoine
Obrey, Evang. Dorothy Norwood, and
Prophet James Broadnax. All are
invited to share in this glorious occasion!
tickets. Ticket will be on sale until
October 7th.
Ledge Rock Baptist Church
Redwood Road
Durham, NC
Nehemiah Christian Center
514. N. Mangum Street
Downtown Durham, NC
8TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY
BANQUET
NEHEMIAH CHRISTIAN CENTER
PRESENTS
DINNER THEATRE 2008
OCTOBER 11 - 6:00PM
OCTOBER 25 - 6:00PM
You are cordially invited to join Ledge
Rock Baptist Church in honoring our
Pastor Nathaniel R. and First Lady
Angela T. Fuller at their 8th Pastoral
Anniversary
Banquet
at
the
Millennium Hotel 2800 Campus Walk
Ave., Durham, NC. This is a formal
event! Tickets are $40-Adults and
$20-Children under 12. Contact
Shawana McCall (919)824-4553 or
Angela Upchurch (919)724-1654 for
Come join us for an exciting evening
of food, fun and fellowship including
Gospel/Jazz musical entertainment,
dinner and the play "Broken". Come
dressed to impress! This year's theme
is the 1920's Harlem Renaissance.
Childcare services are provided - call
for
details.
For
more
information/reservations, please call
(919) 688-4203 or email [email protected].
APEX SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
2945 South Miami Blvd. Suite 114 Durham, NC 27713
919-572-1625 919-572-1762 fax
“Training Church Leaders for the 21st Century”
THE PEAK OF THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION
AT APEX SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY DISTANCE LEARNING ONLINE (APEXDL),
YOU CAN EARN YOUR THEOLOGICAL DEGREE 100% ONLINE. YOU CAN DO
YOUR COURSE WORK WHENEVER AND WHEREVER YOU WANT - AT YOUR
CHURCH OFFICE; AT HOME IN THE EVENINGS; AT WORK DURING LUNCH; OR
WHILE TRAVELING ON BUSINESS. YOU JUST SIGN-ON INTO CLASS WITH ANY
COMPUTER. APEX IS ACCREDITED AND OFFERS FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID.
DEGREES OFFERED:
Associates of Arts Degree In General Education
Associates Degree In Christian Education
Bachelor of Theology Degree
Master of Christian Education Degree
Master of Arts In Christian Counseling Degree
Master of Divinity Degree
(Also Independent Study Continuing Education Courses)
Dr. Joseph E. Perkins
President & Founder
FOR INFO CONTACT APEX SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.Apexsot.edu
FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE
Henderson Grove
Missionary Baptist Church
2806 Page Road
Morrisville, NC
HOMECOMING AND CHURCH
ANNIVERSARY
OCTOBER 26 – 11:00AM &
3:00PM
The afternoon guest will be Reverend
Fredrick L. Johnson and the First
Baptist Church family of Louisburg,
NC. You are invited to come and help
us celebrate this awesome occasion.
Please call (919) 596-6750 for additional information.
Tally Ho Missionary Baptist
Church
1637 Tally Ho Road
Stem, NC
125TH CHURCH HOMECOMING
ANNIVERSARY
OCTOBER 22-24 7:30 NIGHTLY
OCTOBER 25 - 10:00AM-2:00PM
OCTOBER 26 - 11:00AM
Guest
speaker
nightly
are:
Wednesday: Rev. Terry Taylor, Pastor
- Stovall First
Baptist Church,
Stovall,
NC;
Thursday - Rev.
Harold
Trice,
Pastor - Union
Chapel Baptist
Church, Butner,
NC; Friday Rev.
Louis
Cash,
Pastor,
Clegg’s Chapel
Rev. Moses Fletcher
Baptist Church,
Roxboro, NC. Saturday is Fun Day
that includes horseback riding,
games, facepainting and food.
Sunday speaker is Rev. John Gooch,
Pastor - Jerusalem Baptist Church,
Warrenton, NC. Dinner will be served
immediately following the service.
Rev. Moses Fletcher is the Pastor.
Page Sixteen
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
PROFILE
THELMA BASS & THE FAITHFULAIRES
Group will celebrate 13th
Anniversary on October 18th
DURHAM
–
The
Dixie
Hummingbirds, The Mighty Clouds
of
Joy,
The
Sensational
Nightingales – a few of the mainstays in the world of quartets. And
although most of the quartets
were male, one of the most enduring of groups, the Caravans, provide examples of excellent and
popular women groups.
The Caravans at one time or
another included such luminaries
as Albertina Walker, Dorothy
Norwood, Cassietta George,
Bessie Griffin, Inez Andrews,
Shirley Caesar and Delores
Washington - a stellar line-up on
anybody's program.
Another stellar female quartet
is joining the ranks of enduring
groups. Durham’s own Thelma
Bass & The Faithfulaires will celebrate their 13th Anniversary on
Saturday, October 18th at 6pm
at Antioch Baptist Church (1415
Holloway Street – Durham).
The daughter of a minister,
Thelma organized the quartet in
November 1995. Previously she
sang with her family group – The
Gospel Singers. After the death
of her mother, Thelma did not
have the desire or will to continue
singing with her family group.
Thelma
Bass
&
The
Faithfulaires consists of 7 members. In addition to Thelma Bass,
1st lead singer, the other members
are: Dinah Brower (lead singer),
Min. Gwen Chamber (keyboard),
Vernon Garner (lead quitar),
George A. McNeal (drummer),
Sharon Terrell (alto singer) and
Fula Wilds (lead singer).
With their unique style, the
roup has been able to reach an
Thelma Bass & The Faithfulaires members are: (standing-left to right) Vernon Garner-lead
quitar, Thelma Bass- manager & organizer the group-1st lead singer, George A. McNealdrummer; (seated-left to right) Min. Gwen Chamber-keyboard, Dinah Brower-lead singer,
Fula Wilds-lead singer, and Sharon Terrell-alto singer.
Photo: Silas Mayfield
array of audiences. They have been
blessed to travel throughout the
United States and share the
stage/sanctuary with many fine
artists.
Groups joining them for their
13th Anniversary Celebration are
Willis Pittman & The Burdens Lifters,
Richmond, VA; BT Green & The
Christians Harmonettes of Durham;
The Heavenly Angels of VA Beach,
VA; Perry Parker & The Gospel
Jubelairs of Fayetteville, NC; God's
Sons of Clio, SC; God's Boyz of VA
Beach, VA; Lil Cedric & The Spiritual
Voices of Oxford; and Gennie Perry
of Henderson.
born in Person County, NC. She is
the daughter of the late Rev. Victor
Newman, Sr. and Roxie Jacobs
Newman. She has two brothers and
one sister - Victor Newman, Jr.
(deceased),
William
Henry
Newman, and Callie Raye Newman
Williams.
Thelma graduated from Little
River High School in Durham County
in 1965. In 1968, she married
Bobby L. Bass. They are the parents
of four children, Giovanni A. Bass,
Gustavus Bass, Rowena E. Bass
Carney, and Philander D. Bass.
The couple is blessed with two
daughters-in-law, Dawn Carter Bass
and Aleicia C. Holt Bass, and one
About Faithfulaires’ Organizer son-in-law Harold Carney, five
– Thelma Bass
grandchildren,
Gian,
Lana,
Thelma L. Newman Bass was Giovanni II, Kynnedi Anne, and Kelci
Alisa.
She earned a BA Degree in
Elementary Education and Mental
Retardation from North Carolina
Central University in Durham in
1980.
After graduating from NCCU,
Thelma taught school for several
years, before going into management for major hotels, where she
worked until her health declined.
Thelma is a member of
Antioch Baptist Church, where her
pastor is Rev. Michael Page. She
sings in the Mass choir, ushers,
teaches Sunday School on 4th
Sunday and does other related
church work.
She is also a member of the
WAITT community gospel organization, where she holds the office
of Vice President. A member of
Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, where
she holds the office of Local and
National Chaplain and the Dean
of Pledgees, and is the manager
of Thelma Bass and the
Faithfulaires.
Thelma had the pleasure,
along with Bernice Moody, to
travel to Italy for 21 days to sing
backup for the North Carolina
Supreme Voices.
She says, “The people overseas are different than the people in the United States. They love
good gospel and they come out to
support every concert in a big
numbers. Everyone is in harmony
with each other. My hope is that
one day soon, the people everywhere will realize that if we come
together and help each other then
God will bless us to have more
and more.”
“We invite everyone to come
out and enjoy an evening of good
‘Ole Gospel’ music,” Thelma
adds.
October 2008
S
P
E
C
I
A
L
SPECTACULAR
Page Seventeen
S
E
C
T
I
O
N
C L E R G Y A P P R E C I AT I O N
Page Eighteen
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Nineteen
Page Twenty
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Twenty-One
Page Twenty-Two
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Twenty-Three
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
100 MEN IN BLACK
The 100 Men in Black (pictured above) is a Durham-based all male chorus consisting of men from various churches and from diverse backgrounds.
All Male Chorus will hold their
6th Annual Concert on October
19th
up for its 2nd Annual Concert with
special guest recording artist
Luther Barnes. The goal of having
100 men was exceeded to have 105
men participating, representing 19
area churches. West said, “God
really moved upon this effort and
the crowd overflowed the capacity
of Orange Grove. The concert was
an awesome success and a testament to what God can do!”
men, they share the following
goals:
.to develop our vocal abilities to
minister the gospel in song;
.to host an annual concert for the
community;
.to provide an alternative to gang
violence and drugs;
.to serve as role models and mentors to younger males;
.to give to a charitable cause each
year;
.to provide community outreach
(prison/homeless shelter, etc); and
.to provide Christian fellowship
and camaraderie for men.
Black is gearing up for their sixth
annual concert to be held at
Orange Grove Missionary Baptist
Church on Sunday, October 19th
at 5:00pm. Special guests will
include the Gospel Jubilators of
Durham as well as national
recording artist, Bryan Wilson.
Bryan is known for his rendition
of “His Eye is on the Sparrow”
with the Mississippi Children’s
Choir that made him an
overnight gospel sensation.
Upcoming Concert
In 2004, 100 Men in Black geared With a powerful brotherhood of After much planning, 100 Men in
Marlon West, director at (919)5968088 or email:[email protected]. Visit
the website at www.100MIB.org.
DURHAM - 100 Men in Black is an
all Male Chorus group that was
formed in 2003 under the direction of Marlon West, Minister of
Music at Orange Grove
Missionary Baptist Church in
Durham. The group was formed
with the purpose of bringing 100
men together from all ages and
walks of life who love to sing
gospel music. The goal was to
render a joint concert and to create an environment for Christian
fellowship between men from
various churches and from
diverse backgrounds. The first
year, the group consisted of 76
men representing 13 different
churches in the Triangle
Community.
From the enthusiastic interest of
the men who participated, 100
Men in Black has remained in tact
since 2003. With the blessings of
Orange Grove Missionary Baptist
Church, they also ventured out to
become a “community-based”
male chorus with open membership to all churches and denominations. The mission is simply to
unite men to share the gospel of
Jesus Christ through song.
Admission is free; however, it is
requested that you bring a
canned good that will be donated
to the Durham Community
Kitchen. Orange Grove is located
at 505 East End Avenue in
The group’s style of music is very Durham.The pastor is Dr. Herbert
diverse, from traditional gospel L. Dickerson.
and quartet, spirituals, to a capelFor more information about the concert or
la and contemporary music.
becoming a member, please contact,
Page Twenty-Four
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Twenty-Five
Page Twenty-Six
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
DURHAM COUNTY’S
WELCOME BABY
CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
Program currently seeking parents
and former babies served by
Welcome Baby
DURHAM – The public is invited
to
Welcome
Baby’s
20th
Anniversary Celebration—A Great
Day for Durham! on Sunday,
October 12th at the pavilion in
Durham Central Park on Foster
Street from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The event features an afternoon of
old-fashioned family games, entertainment, treats, special recognitions, and a giant family picture of
Welcome Baby families including
anyone who has ever participated in
the last 20 years.
Welcome Baby is seeking
moms, dads and former babies,
now teens and young adults, who
received services in the early years
of the program for special acknowledgement. The event will honor
program founders, the Junior
League of Durham and Orange
Counties (JLDOC) and Carolyn
Titus, Assistant County Manager.
In addition, Ellen Reckhow, Chair
of the Board of Commissioners,
Marcia Basloe and the Durham
Partnership for Children will
receive
recognition.
The
Anniversary celebration, sponsored
by Durham Cooperative Extension
and its Welcome Baby Family
Resource Center, is the culminating
event celebrating the Welcome
Baby program’s 20th Anniversary
in 2008.
Welcome Baby began in 1987
with a grant from the JLDOC as a
hospital visitation program with
one staff person and trained volunteers who visited new moms and
babies in the hospital to provide
information and support after the
birth of a child. The program has
grown significantly in twenty years
and is now a comprehensive child
development and infant care education program for families with children age 0-5. Welcome Baby continues to conduct hospital visits, as
well as parenting classes, discussion groups, a Giving Closet, car
seat education, developmental
guides, a lending library, and much
more. The program is a part of
Durham County Cooperative
Extension and receives funding
from Durham Partnership for
Children through Smart Start as
well as other grants and donations.
For more info about the Welcome Baby
Anniversary, contact Pat Harris at 919560-7341 or [email protected].
AUDITIONS FOR
GOSPEL PLAY “BLACK
NATIVITY”
DURHAM - Producers Wendell
Tabb and Xavier Cason will stage
Langston Hughes Gospel Play
“Black Nativity” December 19 21, 2008 at the legendary Hillside
High School Theatre, in Durham,
North Carolina. “Black Nativity”
is a soul-stirring, hand-clapping
gospel play celebrating the Birth of
Jesus. If you missed this play last
year, you don’t want to miss it
again. Each year is a whole new
experience with new music, costumes, and staging. This year’s
“Black Nativity” will feature the
magnificent 40 plus member choir
“Voices of Peace” from Peace
Missionary Baptist Church in
Durham, North Carolina.
Auditions will be held on
Saturday, October 18th from 1-3
pm at the Hillside High School
Theatre. Community members of
all ages are encouraged to audition.
Roles are available for singers,
dancers, musicians, actors and
actresses.
PLAYMAKERS THEATRE
OFFERS FREE NIGHT OF
THEATER
The plot is that of the play
"Blue Door," to be staged by
PlayMakers Repertory Company,
the professional theater group in
residence at the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, October
22nd through November 9th.
On November 1st, PlayMakers
will be among theaters in 100 cities
across the United States to participate in a "Free Night of Theater."
The national campaign, led by
Theatre Communications Group,
aims to introduce new audiences to
live theater. Locally, theatergoers
who have never attended a
PlayMakers production may
reserve complimentary tickets to
"Blue
Door"
by
visiting
FreeNightofTheater.net.
CHAPEL HILL - A couple's
breakup culminates, actually and
symbolically, with the husband's
refusal to participate in the Million
Man March - and his reluctance to
embrace his identity.
Left by his wife, the black university professor is visited that
night by the spirits of his male For a complete schedule or more information , call (919) 962-PLAY or visit
ancestors, whose stories illuminate www.playmakersrep.org.
and guide his way.
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
APEX SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
13TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
DR HERBERT O. EDWARDS MEMORIAL
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
Dr. J. E. Perkins, Founder and President
2945 S. Miami Blvd Suite 114
Durham, NC 27703
THEME:
“Theology and Liturgical
Celebration”
OCTOBER 13-15, 2008
2 – NIGHT SEMINAR (6:00 PM - 9:30 PM)
Conference Fee $20 per person.
Banquet Ticket $20 per person/
$30 for ticket holder and spouse/guest.
Monday
6:00PM-6:15
6:15PM-7:00PM
Track I: Theology and Liturgical Celebration
7:00PM-7:45PM
Track II: Theology and Homiletics
7:50PM
Message:
Praise & Worship
Dr. Sherman Tribble, Ph.D
Dr. J. Gentile Everett
Dr. Sherman Tribble, Ph.D
Tuesday
6:00PM-6:15
6:15PM-7:00PM
Praise & Worship
Track III: Theology and Hermeneutics
7:00PM-7:45PM
Track IV: Theology and Liturgical Celebration
7:50PM
Message:
Dr. Herbert R. Davis
Dr. Sherman Tribble, Ph.D
Rev. Valerie Melvin
Wednesday
Banquet Ticket $20 per person/ $30 for ticket holder and spouse/guest
Banquet Event
7:00PM
Message: Dr. Sherman Tribble, Ph.D
(919) 572-1625 www.apexsot.edu [email protected]
Page Twenty-Seven
NATIONAL ALUMNI
ASSOCIATION OF
HILLSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
2008 Homecoming Activities
HHS ALUMNI HOMECOMING
PARADE
Sunday October 12, 2008
2:00pm
Call Steve Avery at 919-949-7198
for more info
HILLSIDE HOMECOMING GAME
Friday, October 17, 2008
7:00pm
Russell E. Blunt Stadium
Hillside High School
NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF HILLSIDE HIGH
SCHOOL ANNUAL MEETING
Saturday, October 18, 2008
9:00am
Hillside High School Media Center
HILLSIDE ALUMNI GARDEN DEDICATION
Saturday, October 18, 2008
12:00noon
Corner of Concord and Lawson
HORNET CABARET
NAAHHS Hall of Fame Inductions
Saturday, October 18, 2008
6:00pm
Millennium Hotel
Durham, NC
2008 Inductees:
Dr. Lavonia Allison - Pastor Shirley Caesar John Holloway, Jr. - William Turner, Sr.
Tickets $25.00
Call Vincent Allison at 919-824-9630 for Ticket
Information
MR. & MS. HILLSIDE CORONATION
Sunday, October 19, 2008
3:00pm
Hillside High School Theater
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.NAAHHS.ORG
Page Twenty-Eight
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
NEWSBRIEFS
Briefly
KENDRA O’NEAL-WILLIAMS NAMED TO TAKE
HELM AT EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
DURHAM - Kendra O’NealWilliams has been appointed
principal of the Josephine Dobbs
Clement Early College High
School.
O’Neal-Williams
served as assistant principal of
Riverside High School for two
O’Neal-Williams years. Prior to that, she was a
principal intern at W.G. Pearson Gifted and Talented
Elementary School. She was a program manager at
Metametrics, Inc. for two years.
A Durham native and graduate of Northern
High School, O’Neal-Williams was a sixth-grade
teacher at Carrington Middle School for three years
and a fifth-grade teacher at Eno Valley Elementary
for two. She has also served as a writing instructor
at Duke University.
O’Neal-Williams earned a master’s degree in
school administration and a bachelor’s degree in
education, both from the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College
High School is an innovative partnership with North
Carolina Central University. Students graduate with
a high school diploma, plus up to two years of college credit toward a bachelor’s degree. ECHS is
designed to substantially increase the number of
minority and female students who pursue advanced
studies and careers in Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics.
SAINT AUGUSTINE'S COLLEGE OBSERVES 142ND
CONVOCATION
RALEIGH - Saint Augustine's College celebrated the
official opening of the academic year during its
142nd Fall Convocation on September 25th. The
College welcomed 1,438 students to campus this
fall, which includes 583 first-year students. Saint
Augustine's College President Dianne Boardley
Suber encouraged students to be engaged in their
education and secure their future success now.
The Rev. Dr. William Barber, president of the
North Carolina NAACP , delivered the convocation
address. Barber gave students three words of
advice: "You better vote." While outlining the
African-American struggle to gain the right to vote,
Barber told students what a mistake it would be not
to exercise that right in the upcoming elections. He
encouraged those gathered to know the issues and
make an informed decision come November.
AARP OF DURHAM CELEBRATES 45
YEARS OF SERVICE TO SENIORS WITH
A LUNCHEON AND STUDIO 50+ SOCIAL
DURHAM - This year the national
organization, American Association
of Retired Persons, better known as
AARP, celebrates 50 years…the
Durham chapter is one of the
nation's oldest at 45.
On Saturday October 18th,
there will be a private luncheon,
followed later that afternoon by a
social…appropriately titled Studio
50+ to celebrate both of these landmark anniversaries.
The Studio 50+ Social will be
held the Third Saturday in October.
Open to everyone and hosted by
Edgar Saunders and Karl Blake, the
big party will go from 4pm until
9pm, downtown Durham at 108
Morris St., (old Penny Furniture
building near 5 Points), .
Entertainment will be a mix of
Blues, R&B, Latin, Reggae and
Gospel. Refreshments will be
served. Admission is $10 and the
social is free to those attending the
midday luncheon.
There will be free gifts for
everyone and the Grandparents
Network will be selling Artful
Greetings products to further fund
their mission to help young mothers and families.
The Studio 50+ Social is sponsored in part by Spectacular
Magazine, "Butterfly Wings:
Claudine's
Story"-The
Play,
FastFrame, The Grandparents
Network and The Old School
Community Enrichment Center.
Call 919-235-2958 for more info or to purchase your tickets…while they last.
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Twenty-Nine
THE DURHAM DIVAS AND DUDE CHEERLEADING SQUAD
COMPETE IN STATE GAMES
Durham Cheerleading Squad
Brings Home the Gold
DURHAM - The Durham Senior
Games Divas & Dude Cheerleader
Squad won the Gold medal in the
cheerleading competition at the
2008 North Carolina State Finals
held in Raleigh, North Carolina on
Friday, September 26th. The team
qualified for the state finals at the
2008 Durham Senior Games competition held in Durham this past
spring.
Some of the teams that competed in the competition include the
Silver
Stars
(CharlotteMecklenburg), Wake Shakers
(Raleigh and Wake County),
Cabarrus County Game Rockers
(Cabarrus County), Orange County
Jammers (Orange County) and the
Carteret County Cheerleaders
(Carteret
County).
Carteret
They range in age from 59-82 and
have competed in the Durham and
North Carolina State Senior Games
since 2006. Locally they have
always been the only cheer team
entry and thus were gold medal
winners and on a state level have
won a bronze, silver, and two gold
medals.
The Durham Senior Games is
part of a larger network of 54 local
programs sanctioned by North
Carolina Senior Games, Inc.
(NCSG). NCSG is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to providing
year-round health promotion and
education for adults 55 years of age
and better. The NCSG is sponsored
by the North Carolina Division of
The Durham Senior Divas Cheerleaders
Aging and Adult Services.
County and Orange County won Cheerleaders were organized in
NCSG also offers SilverArts
the silver and the bronze respec- February of 2004 and have contin- (heritage, visual, literary, and pertively.
ued to excite crowds throughout the forming
arts
programs);
The Durham Senior Divas Triangle and surrounding counties.
Durham Senior Divas continues on page 30
Page Thirty
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
Pictured are the first Black firefighters hired in Durham in 1958. The ten firefighters
were all assigned to Fire Station #4, which at that time was a brand new station, located at the corner of Pekoe and Fayetteville Streets.
FIFTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF
FIRST BLACK FIREFIGHTERS
HIRED IN DURHAM
DURHAM - This year marks the
50th anniversary for ten men who
joined the Durham Fire Department
on October 1, 1958. The ten men
were Walter Thomas (deceased),
Elgin Johnson (deceased), George
King, Velton Thompson, Robert
Medlyn (deceased), John Lyon,
Nathaniel Thompson, Sylvester
Hall (deceased), Thomas Harris,
and Linwood Howard (deceased).
The firefighters were all
assigned to Fire Station #4, which
at that time was a brand new station, located at the corner of Pekoe
and Fayetteville Streets. The firefighters were selected after a physical exam along with vigorous training, which they all passed to make
them eligible to perform firefighting duties. They lived together, ate
together and, of course, fought fires
together, where they depended on
each other.
The African American firefighters' struggle was a legitimate push
for social recognition and a desire
to assume a basic civic duty—to
serve and protect their community
and families.
Durham Senior Divas continues
Senior Games held on April 20May 2, 2009.
SilverLiners (senior line dancing
programs) and the SilverStriders
(national award winning walking
programs). Mature adults interested
in qualifying for the 2009 State
Finals must compete in the Durham
For more information on a Durham Senior
Games program, please call (919) 6888247, ext. 121 or visit the Mature
Adults/Durham Senior Games page at
www.durhamnc.gov/departments/parks.
SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE
ENLIGHTENING * EMPOWERING * ENTERTAINING
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Thirty-One
POLITICAL AFFAIRS
LEGAL EAGLE
ADVISOR
DURHAM BRANCH NAACP TO
CONDUCT "WILMINGTON
RIOT" MARCH
By
Professor
Irving Joyner, J.D.
WHY WE CAN’T
WAIT TO VOTE
Finally, the 2008 Presidential election is
upon us and the nasty and outlandish
campaigning is coming to an end. At this
late date, there are still many people who
are questioning whether they should vote
in this election. Typically, this group is
composed of unregistered individuals
who reside in low-income communities,
young people who are cynical about the
electoral process and have not created a
voting tradition or older persons who
have never felt that they were a viable
or endeared part of the communities in
which they resided.
and is not imprisoned or on probation or
parole should vote. Generally every presidential election is branded as a “pivotal
crossroad in history,” but this time this
label is particularly true.
H ISTORY
As a people, African-Americans and other
racial minorities are among the most discriminated against and racially oppressed
people in the world. Following the successful overthrow of the legitimate elected bi-racial government in Wilmington,
North Carolina, official and state powers
were used to politically disenfranchise
African-Americans. Prior to that November
1898 overthrow, African-Americans were
able to participate in the political process
along with Whites who were political
allies with common goals and objectives.
Indeed, there are other segments of the
community who can be added to the list,
but a large percentage of those who
question the necessity of political activities are in one of the three camps mentioned above. These groups are also composed of a disproportionate number of After the overthrow, African-Americans
African-Americans and other racial became the target of a campaign of terror which was condoned and aided by
minorities.
the State and elected officials. This camThere are many reasons that a person, in paign was launched all over the State to
general, should vote in every election, but take away the right to vote and to physthere are particular reasons for African- ically intimidate, kill and injure those
Americans and other racial minorities to individuals who sought to exercise the
vote in this historic election. Based upon right to register and vote. The campaign
a host of general reasons, every North of terror was aided by State sponsored
Carolina citizen who is older than eight- racial discrimination in every facet of life
een (18), live in a county in this State
Legal Eagle Advisor continues on page 32
DURHAM - The Durham Branch
of the NAACP will host a march
from the Durham city limits to the
County Courthouse on Sunday,
October 5, 2008, part of a statewide
pilgrimmage to focus attention on
the Wilmington riot of 1898.
During that riot, white citizens of
that community ousted appointed
African American city and county
officials, burned businesses and
murdered scores of African
Americans in the nation's only historically recorded coup-de-tat. The
riot, according to history, occurred
November 10, 1898.
The march begins about 7:30am
Sunday at the road marker near the
Durham
Hilton
Hotel
on
Hillsborough Road, Marchers will
follow a mapped route to the
County Courthouse where the local
branch will conduct a press conference.
According to Fred Foster, president of the Durham Branch,
NAACP, "We want to put the NC
Legislature on notice that we are
not satisfied with an apology concerning this historical atrosity.
Rather, we seek reparations to be
paid to the descendants of those
individuals harmed in this gross
miscarriage of justice. According to
historical accounts, prepretators of
the uprising forced black appointed
city and county officials to resign,
but not before naming their replacements from a group that referred to
themselves, at the time, as the "Red
Shirts."
This was an illegal takeover of
duly appointed local government
officials. Additionally, the white
prepetrators destroyed a newspaper
owned by Alex Manly, a local black
businessman at the time. Other Red
Shirt members allegedly shot
dozens of innocent African
American citizens of Wilmington
and New Hanover County, promising, according to some historical
accounts: "…to make the Cape Fear
flow red before submitting to
alleged black rule,” Foster
explained.
“The riot of 1898, Foster continued, "was an illegal response to
a state law that authorized the governor to appoint local officials in
North Carolina communities where
southern Democratic majorities
would not allow African Americans
to be elected."
In August, last year, the NC
General Assembly approved a bill
acknowledging the riot, and
expressing "our profound regret," at
the incident. The bill, however, did
not provide reparations for the
descendants of the deposed leaders
and murder victims, many of them
New Hanover County property
owners.
On Sunday night , the local
NAACP branch will also host a
community meeting around this
topic at the First Presbyterian
Church in downtown Durham
where the Rev. Joe Harvard is the
senior pastor.
On Monday, October 6th,
another group of marches will continue the pilgrimmage in Raleigh to
the capitol steps where the NAACP
State Conference of Branches will
host a similar press conference.
The pilgrimmage is a prelude to
the opening the annual state conference in Raleigh on October 9-11.
For additional information, please contact
Foster at (919) 616-8634 or Milton C.
Jordan, Sr. at (919) 416-8827
Page Thirty-Two
Legal Eagle Advisor continues on page
and accomplished its purpose as AfricanAmerican were forced to accept and
adapt to official segregation and secondclass citizenship.
This campaign of terror officially began in
1898 and continued through 1968 when
Henry Frye was elected as the first AfricaAmerican member of the North Carolina
General Assembly during the twentieth
(20th) century. It would not be until
1980 that more than four AfricanAmericans served in the General Assembly
at the same time and it was 1990 before
an African-American was elected to the
United States Congress from this State.
SPECTACULAR
parents and neighbors in ways that can
never be explained or understood.
Everyone of us should go to the polls
and vote for each of our ancestors who
were victimized by this long past history.
So, if no other reason serves as a motivation to vote, consider all that has been
done to your ancestors. Let the polls be
your means of revenge.
In addition, this history of racial bias,
prejudice and discrimination against
racial minorities is apparently having a
lingering residual effect. A recent CNN poll
showed that a significant percentage of
the White population adamantly refuses
to vote for an African-American
Presidential candidate under any circumThe first Superior Court Judge, the stances.
Honorable Clifton Johnson, was elected in
1980 along with the first African- This view is being expressed more openAmerican Sheriff, John Baker. The inabili- ly in the media and is a concern to
ty of African-Americans to seek political which African-Americans and other racial
office and for voters to demonstrate their minorities should respond in an energetic
support resulted from a series of deliber- manner. This concern should drive indiate racist political acts which were enact viduals, not only to personally vote, but
for the sole purpose of preventing also to motivate every neighbor that can
be contacted to go to the polls to vote.
African-Americans from voting.
This is a significant reason why we can’t
This history of oppression ran deep and wait to vote.
covered the entire south. In 1968, Fannie
Lou Hamer courageously led a mixed-race PRESENT C ONDITION OF THE C OUNTRY
delegation of Mississippi citizens to the The statute of America is worse than it
Democratic Party Convention in Atlantic has ever been for most of our lives. This
City, New Jersey where they mounted a country’s political leadership has directed
challenge to the seating of that State’s us into a war in Iraq based on lies,
all-White delegation. This bold challenge deception, along with corporate and persucceeded in the seating of the first few sonal greed over oil. Since it began, the
African-American delegates from the south nation’s has spent over 630 million dolat a Democratic Party Convention. In lars with no projected end to it in sight.
1932, the first African-American delegate This situation is exacerbated by the govwas seated at that convention, but dele- ernment’s failure to provide adequate
gations from the south, including North health care and rehabilitation for physiCarolina’s, remained lily white until the cally and psychologically wounded miliMississippi challenge was launched.
tary personnel; those who have served
this President in wartime and are now
If no other reason exists, this history of being ignored due to their inability to
racial oppression and the historic denial engage in further combat.
of the right to vote should trigger sufficient anger for conscious African- The economy also has “tanked” as a
Americans to immediately register and result of corporate greed, dishonesty,
vote in this election. These acts of dis- deregulation of key economic institutions
crimination impacted our parents, grand- and massive mismanagement. This “tank-
ing” has created unprecedented bailouts
of mortgage companies, investment
banks, automobile companies and insurance companies which defy most of the
fundamental capitalistic and economic
principles. The latest bailout proposal
will cost taxpayers a whooping 750 million dollars. If you add the previous
bailouts and loans provided by the government to distressed industries, you have
a new national debt of over 1.5 trillion
dollars which is to be added to the
bulging deficit which already existed from
other Bush Administration mismanagement of the economy.
October 2008
other racial minorities who are are sentenced to long and unproductive prison
terms. The impact upon the families of
these inmates is devastating as, usually, a
major wage-earner is removed from the
home.
Working people are losing their homes
and businesses at a rate which is
unheard of in modern history. The same
business interests, which now seek these
massive bailouts from the government by
using taxpayers monies, are the very
same one which authored the recently
passed bankruptcy reform act; an act
which prevents citizens from declaring
The unemployment of workers has sky- personal bankruptcy and getting a fresh
rocketed and the impact upon African- economic start.
Americans is devastating. The employment
environment is so bad that many people In addition, the arrogance of the “Bush
have simply stopped looking for work Administration” has destroyed the nation’s
and, therefore, are not counted as a part international reputation, esteem and
of the official unemployment rate. The respect in which Americans have been
rise of unemployment rate has mirrored held around the world. In fact, the couna rise in the prison population. There it tries that used to look to America for
leadership are now looking in
is typical to find African-Americans and positive Legal
Eagle Advisor continues on page 33
October 2008
Millions Voting March continues
for the historic legacy that they represent, elderly voters, escorted by college
students into their local Board of Election
or satellite voting location, will be given
the privilege of voting first.
Rev. Barber says many older voters
never thought they would live to see the
day that they would participate in such an
historic election. The fact that a younger
African-American voter is proudly assisting their elder to cast that ballot is dramatic, historic, poignant and a moment of
pride for the entire community statewide.
“We, in our own time, can pay homage
to the March on Washington, the Selma to
Montgomery March, and the Million Man
March in a way that will bring engagement
with and evolution of the political
process,” Rev. Barber said.
The “Millions Voting March” on
October 16th is a statewide nonpartisan
community effort, spearheaded by the NC
NAACP, which will partner with members
of the Historic Thousands on Jones Street
Coalition, member newspapers of the NC
Black Press, churches, fraternities, sororities and many other civic and communitybased organizations.
The project is already being applauded by leaders across the state like Durham
Mayor William Bell, who called it “great”
SPECTACULAR
and “important”; and Bob Hall, executive
director of the nonpartisan Democracy
North Carolina, who said, “ It is a fabulous
concept and the proposal is inspired and
inspiring. I especially like the theme of
generations coming together, young helping
old, old teaching young, respect for the long
struggle and taking to next level.”
Even Benjamin Jealous, the newly
appointed president/CEO of the national
NAACP, who will be in Raleigh Friday
October 10th to deliver the keynote address
during the NC NAACP Convention
Membership Luncheon at the North Raleigh
Hilton, will be expressing his support for the
MVM during an 11:30 am press conference.
The ultimate goal, Rev. Barber says, in a
year where voter registration rolls in North
Carolina, particularly in the AfricanAmerican community, have grown dramatically thanks to the historic presidential election, is to inspire African-Americans and
others to emulate the Millions Voting March
statewide, and even nationally, throughout
the One Stop Early Voting/same-day registration period of October 16th through
Saturday, November 1st.
Barber says it is also important for
local organizers of the Millions Voting March
to make sure that voters are acquainted
with sample ballots from the counties, cities
or towns, so that they understand how to
cast their votes for president, state and
local officials.
In many areas, for example, the slate
for judicial candidates will be located on the
back of the ballot, and important fact all
voters need to know.
“North Carolina, the only state in the
South with same-day registration and voting, needs to start a movement on October
16th, and send a spark around the nation,”
Rev. Barber says. “The ability to vote has
never been more accessible and available.”
“This is the time that civil rights organizations, civic organizations, churches and
others in our community, in a nonpartisan
way, can move en mass to exercise that precious right to vote our forbearers sacrificed
so much for.”
Voter registration in North Carolina
ends Friday, October 10.
Persons 18 or older (or if you will be
age 18 by November 4) who are citizens of
the United States, and have resided in a
North Carolina community for at least thirty
days prior to the next election, may register
to vote.
Ex-felons who have served their time,
including probation or parole, automatically
have their voting rights restored, and can
also register to vote.
If an eligible person misses the
October 10 registration deadline, they can
ment’s pathetic and race-conscious history and this situation is bound to get
other directions. Things cannot get much response to the New Orleans flooding worse. The country is engaged in two
wars; one in Iraq where we are not wantworse. Sadly, citizens will be left to pay caused by Hurricane Katrina.
the bill for all that has gone wrong in The current political and economic envi- ed and the other in Afghanistan where
we are needed. In addition, the President
and with this country.
ronment and what the negative impact is now threatening to go to war with
Added to these woes is an educational which it is having on our people is Iran and Russia, is facing military incursystem which fails to educate and pro- another strong argument for why people sions in Pakistan and facing belligerent
duces minority children who are left out, must vote during this presidential elec- responses to America’s inter-meddling
kicked out, or left behind. The mis-educa- tion. If you have been a victim of this from several of our Latin American neightion of minority children has been a failing economy and governmental inept- bors. These bellicose and arrogant acts
prime recruiting tool for gangs and other ness, then you need to vote especially if exhibited by this government have proevils of the streets. As these problems you have never voted before. Had you duced unprecedented unrest and internaproliferate, local people cannot expect any voted in the last two presidential elec- tional tensions; particularly now, when
assistance from its government. Currently, tions, we wouldn’t be in the mess in our military is on the brink of cracking
the government seems more intent on which we find ourselves today.
from these outside pressure.
assisting corporate interest rather than
This President has created a debt which
looking out for the interest and develop- THE UNCERTAIN FUTURE ISN’T
BRIGHT
OR
OPTIMISTIC:
we can not pay and is now asking for
ment of people in local communities. I
more to protect the fortune of those
This
nation
faces
the
largest
deficit
in
need not add to this list the governLegal Eagle Advisor continues
Page Thirty-Three
both register and vote on the same-day
starting Thursday, October 16 through
Saturday, November 1 at either their county Board of Elections, or satellite One Stop
Early Voting site.
All county Boards of Elections will
conduct One-Stop voting during normal
business hours (9 am to 5 pm) Monday
through Friday, from 9 am to 3 pm on
Saturday, October 25, and also from 9 am
until 1pm on the last Saturday (November
1st) prior to Election Day.
Check with your local Board of
Elections for specific times at various
satellite locations in your area.
If you register and vote during this
period, you will be required to bring some
form of ID proving your name and place of
residence.
If you are already registered to vote,
but haven’t voted in several past elections,
you can check your current voting status
by going online to your local Board of
Elections,
or
to
www.2008ElectionConnection.com for
that, and any other NC election information you may need.
For more information about the Millions Voting
March and how you and your group can take part,
call the NC NAACP at 866-NC NAACP (866-626-227)
or 919-682-4700, or visit the website at
www.naacpnc.org for more information.
individuals and businesses which have
profited in the past while we have been
victimized. Under the policies of the present administration and the “deep ditch”
which it has dug, we have ample reason
to vote.
Of course there is more that can and
should be said, but it is clear that optimism is not high given the state of our
nation. The failure to vote in light of
these situations will further diminish the
future security and the hope for prosperity within this country. If you do not
vote, you simply add to the voices of
those people who have given-up hope
and the prospects for a brighter day.
Professor Irving Joyner
North Carolina Central University
School of Law
[email protected]
Page Thirty-Four
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
GRANVILLE/VANCE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SHRINE CLUB FISH FRY
OCTOBER 10
OXFORD - The Shrine Club will
hold a Fish Fry in Oxford on Friday,
October 10th. Contact the Granville
Chamber of Commerce for details
or more information: (919) 6936125
[email protected]
case their products and services to
hundreds of new potential customers and to network with other
businesses. To register contact
VGCC Small Business Center at
(252) 492-2061, ext. 239 or 240,
the Vance County Chamber at
(252) 438-8414 or Granville
ANNUAL FIREMAN’S
Chamber of Commerce at (919)
DAY PARADE
CREEDMOOR
Join
the 693-6125.
Creedmoor
Volunteer
Fire
Department on October 11th at 3:30 OXFORD LIONS CLUB'S
pm when they will sponsor the ANNUAL BBQ CHICKEN
SALE
annual Fireman's Day Parade. The
OXFORD
The Oxford Lions
parade follows the normal route of
Main Street, from Church Street to Club BBQ Chicken will be held at
the Oxford Public Works Building.
Lake Road.
Festivities continue after the For more information call Benny
parade at the South Granville High Overton, 693-9410. lunch and dinSchool with a Bar-B-Q Dinner and ner will be served. Contact the
Stew Sale. Price is $7.00 per per- Granville Chamber of Commerce
son for all-you-can-eat barbecue for details or more information:
(919) 693-6125 granvillechamand $6.00 for stew.
Entertainment by a blue grass [email protected]
band will be a highlight in the high
school auditorium. Tickets are
REACH YOUR TARGET
$5.00.
MARKET IN
2008 BUSINESS EXPO
GRANVILLE AND VANCE
COUNTIES...ADVERTISE IN
Tuesday, October 14th
SPECTACULAR
1:00pm - 7:00pm
Vance-Granville Community
MAGAZINE
College Civic Center
Ask about Vance/Granville
HENDERSON - This event offers
Specials!!
businesses of the four county area
919.680.0465
an excellent opportunity to show-
CREEDMOOR NAMED ONE OF 67
“PLAYFUL CITY USA” COMMUNITIES
Communities Across the Country
Recognize the Importance of Play
WASHINGTON, D.C. – To ensure
that their children are active and
healthy, Creedmoor was one of 67
communities across the country
that has taken innovative approaches to make play a priority. Despite
mounting budget issues, communities large and small, urban and
rural, in the red and in the black,
have created initiatives to increase
both the quantity and quality of
play and playgrounds, as well as
increasing access to existing opportunities to play.
To honor these cities and towns
that have made this commitment to
play, KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit dedicated to bringing play
back into children’s lives, named
them Playful City USA communities. Playful City USA is a national
recognition program that honors
cities and towns across the nation
who put their children’s well-being
first by recognizing and harnessing
the power of play. KaBOOM! and
qubo, the television and online
service for children, announced the
list of 2008 Playful City USA communities and will support the initiative with an extensive marketing
campaign.
This is the second year of the
annual program, and 26 of the 31
founding Playful City USA communities have made the list again,
while 41 new communities, including New York, Los Angeles, St.
Petersburg,
Orlando
and
Creedmoor have joined the ranks.
The agendas all of these communities have created impact not only
childhood wellness, but also public
safety and quality of life issues.
Each of the 2008 Playful City
USA communities demonstrated
creative commitments to the cause
of play including quantity, quality,
and access to playgrounds and
parks.
KaBOOM!
also
selected
Creedmoor for its dedication to
play. The community has made
play a priority and finding as many
opportunities as possible to ensure
that its children have ample opportunity and space in which to play.
One way that Creedmoor highlights many of its success is
through the “Blight Spot Bright
Spot” program that allows a property owner in Creedmoor to deed
their property to the city for a tax
credit so the land can then be used
for a park or open space.
The inaugural day of play gave
Creedmoor the opportunity to
announce and unveil an artist rendition of the new play area that was
constructed at the city’s main recreation area Lake Rogers. The August
5th play day provided Creedmoor
with the chance to announce anothCreedmoor continues on page 36
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Thirty-Five
VGCC OFFERS EVENING
COMPUTER AND NURSING
AIDES CLASSES IN OCTOBER
HENDERSON - Vance-Granville
Community College will offer several of its popular computer-related
classes and a Nurse Aide II course
for area residents during the
evening, starting in October on the
college's main campus in Vance
County.
A class on the popular
QuickBooks bookkeeping software
will be offered on Wednesday
nights, Oct. 8 through Nov. 19,
from 6 until 10 pm. in room 7100.
Students will be given an opportunity for hands-on practice with
QuickBooks, the powerful accounting system for small businesses.
Instructor Kathy Strickland will
teach students the types of information that businesses need to track
and how to enter and track that
information in QuickBooks. In
addition, students will learn to
invoice customers, record payments
for customers, pay bills to outside
vendors, manage inventory and
analyze financial data.
A course on buying or selling
items through Internet Auctions
(such as eBay) will be offered on
Thursday nights from 6 until 10
pm, Oct. 9 through Nov. 13. Classes
will be held in room 7136. Each
student will be encouraged to bring
something to class that he or she
would like to sell.
A "Beginner's Guide to
Computers & the Internet" course is
scheduled for Thursday nights from
6 until 10 pm, Oct. 16 through Nov.
20. This class will meet in room
7100 and is the perfect first class
for students who have limited
knowledge of computers. Microsoft
Windows XP will be used to introduce novice students to the common components and many uses of
personal computers through the
Windows
environment.
Additionally, students will explore
web sites by using a browser, learn
how to access information on the
Internet by using search engines,
and send and receive e-mail messages.
"Digital Camera Know-How &
Photo Editing" will be held on
Mondays, Oct. 20 through Dec. 15,
from 6 until 9 pm. This class, also
held in room 7100, is ideal for the
novice who wants to learn how to
get digital photos from the camera
to the computer, how to save photos
to disks, and how to do basic digital
photo editing.
The cost of each course is $59,
including fees. Registration fees are
waived for seniors, age 65 or older.
For more information and to pre-register
for one or more of these classes, call
VGCC at (252) 738-3417 or (252) 7383345.
NURSE AIDE II COURSE
Vance-Granville Community
College will offer an evening Nurse
Aide II course at the college's main
campus in Vance County, October
20, 2008 through Feb. 4, 2009.
Classes will be held Monday
through Wednesday, from 5 p.m.
until 9 p.m.
To register for the course, a student must be listed on the Nurse
Aide I (CNA I) registry, have a high
school diploma or GED, and have a
recommendation from an employer
or instructor. Graduates of the
Nurse Aide II program may find
employment at hospitals, nursing
homes and home health agencies.
Students in this course will learn
more advanced nursing skills such
as sterile dressing changes and tube
feedings.
The cost of the course is $95
plus approximately $50 for the textbook.
For more information, call Julie Cooke,
Nursing Assistant training coordinator, at
(252) 738-3366.
Page Thirty-Six
COACH’S
O
R
N
E
R
With
Coach Steve Powell
I think that the lack of a venue for various ethnicities to be able to communicate and interact with each other has
been the real stumbling block more so
than people just not wanting to. And the
anticipation of regretful results has prohibited more attempts and doing so than
the absence of desire. Then there is the
pain that is difficult to dislodge from
memories of decades of abuse and unfairness. In Black’s who have these deep
rooted reminders of those things that
caused and at times still causes the pain,
there is a place that houses the agitating recollections in the subconscious mind
and conscious thoughts that make it virtually impossible for them to be forgotten. Nor should they be.
Please keep in proper perspective that
the psychologically engineered affects of
racism were in the past and still can be
devastating, when they surface. They are
also impossible for anyone who has not
been on the negative end of racism to
completely understand. People who have
not felt the brunt of racially motivated
improprieties and illegalities may see
them as unfair and unacceptable but they
never have to make adjustments in their
lifestyle or the lives of family members to
cope with what has happened or include
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
THE RACE RELATIONS PHENOMENA
considerations of what may happen in some sort of compensation on your part
the future so that stress and conflict can because you believe Blacks to be inferibe minimized.
or? Or do you really see African
Americans as human beings no different
If the truth be told, not every Black perfrom you with the accompanying rights
son realizes all that has happened to
to which everyone is entitled at birth. It
them psychologically and emotionally as
seems on the onset to be an easy enough
a result of racism either. Self imposed
question to answer. And one may think
ceilings loom over head like a menacing
that their non-bias until they find themcloud eternally defining personal choices
selves in situations that brings out their
with expectations that fall far from nurtrue colors, if you get my drift.
turing greatest or the projection limitless
aspirations.
I have personally been witness to what I
call an elitist attitude on several occaPlease, if you are not of African decent,
sions that lends itself to the inability of
attempt to wrap you’re your mind around
people to expect Blacks to be anything
living in a world that for the most part
other than that person’s predetermined
expects you to be something you are not.
idea of them and their ability. There is
And because of that way of thinking your
an arrogance that permeates thought and
guard is always up anticipating how do
action. It also constricts growth and posmanage the next disadvantage that will
itive development in myriad situations. It
be sent your way. Over four hundred
carries with it a degree of patronizing
years of institutionalized events and
and insulting, unnecessary niceties that
strategies that have been put into pracare sometimes offered in I what I think
tice not only affect Black people but the
are magnanimous jesters yet somewhat
way Whites see them. Theses practices
over the top in affability. You can really
were and are securing cultivated belief
discern when someone is genuinely being
systems that then and now handcuff and
concerned and when they, do what they
restrict personal expectations of masses
do because of the appearance they want
of Black people by reinforcing segregated
to cast. Appeasement and toleration creand confined freedoms in a variety of
ate smooth sailing between two factions
arenas. And because of diminished expecthat just want to get through the
tations, poor decisions are made that
moment but is far from doing what’s
become life threatening and subsequently
right and should be done to really make
life altering actions based on a lack of
things better. Respectful understanding
hope.
should be the target solution sought and
If you would, if you are not African attained.
American, honestly please answer the
Then there are those who have no probquestion of how comfortable are you with
lem with Blacks as long as they act in
Black people? Do you put up with or
such a way that is in direct corresponpatronize Blacks because you think it’s a
dence with they way that person acts.
right or Christian to do. Or do you feel
They seem to feel that good Black folks,
sorry for Blacks which captivates an
whatever good Black folks means, are
opinion that, although you want to be
Blacks that don’t make waves. Often the
considerate you really and truly feel that
waves that are made are the results and
the inadequacies in Black people merit
reactions to tsunamis of improprieties
that become vocalized and misinterpreted
as radicalism when a person stands up
for their inalienable rights and takes
steps to do what is best for their life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I
even had parents, a biracial White and
Black couple, tell me that the principal
of her son’s school was not use to a
young Black boy looking her in her eyes
when she was talking to him or when he
was talking to her. Can you believe it?
She actually said that to the parents as
though they could appreciate her dilemma. She thought it was a viable response.
As strange and antiquated as it seems it
is indeed very, very real
There is so much more that goes into
this whole concept and process that
enables the perpetuation of this phenomenon. And we shall continue this discussion in the next and other upcoming editions. (To be continued)
Coach Steve Powell
Creedmoor continues
er project called Gametime GT
Jams – a music play event that will
be installed utilizing the community build model.
Timothy Karan, Creedmoor
Mayor Pro-Tempore along with
representatives from the nation’s
founding class of Playful City USA
communities
gathered
in
Washington, DC on September 7th
& 8th to discuss the state of play
and develop methods to increase
the amount of play among children.
They serve as role models for other
communities and prove that
enhancing children’s well-being by
increasing the opportunity for play
is an attainable goal for every community.
Karan stated, “Play has become
an “official priority” for Creedmoor
and we are confident that the seeds
we have planted will grow a healthier and safer community.”
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Thirty-Seven
ORANGE COUNTY
SONJA HAYNES STONE CENTER PLANS OCTOBER EVENTS
CHAPEL HILL - During the 20082009 academic year at the
University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill’s Sonja Haynes Stone
Center for Black Culture and
History the global significance of
1968 and 1969 will be a topic of
reflection.
BLACK DREAMS AND SILVER
SCREENS: BLACK FILM POSTERS,
1921-2004
In fall 2008, the Stone Center
renews its partnership with the
Alden and Mary Kimbrough
Collection when it plays host to
Black
Dreams
and
Silver
Screens:Black Film Posters, 19212004. These original posters,
including rare vintage lobby cards,
include hard to find and one-of-akind materials from the earliest
days of Black film making, and
from classic films with all Black
casts.
These posters highlight the
work of the first black matinee
idols including Herb Jeffries, Lena
Horne, and Bill Pickett. Aside from
their use as promotional material,
the posters played an important
socio-cultural role for black communities across the United States as
they most often showed black
actors as legitimate screen stars and
cultural icons.
The Opening Reception for
Black Dreams and Silver Screens:
Black Film Posters, 1921-2004
from the Alden and Mary
Kimbrough Collection is October
9th at 7:00pm in the center’s Robert
and Sallie Brown Gallery and
Museum. The collection will be
available for viewing from October
9th - December 5th.
Racial State, includes films that Multipurpose Room.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s,
highlight contemporary and historishe participated
cal assumptions, beliefs and tradiin several indetions regarding race, skin color and
pendent projcultural identity.
ects, including
On Wednesday, October 22nd
directing
a
from 7pm to 8:30pm in the
racism study
Hitchcock Multipurpose Room
for
Howard
there will be a showing of two feaU n i v e r s i t y ’s
tures that explore the skin whitenSchool
of
ing within Mexican and South
Education and
Asian cultures.
serving as the
The Unbearable Whiteness of
Judy Richardson
information
Being, a short film that documents sibling entrepreneurs who director for the United Church of
travel to the U.K.’s largest South Christ Commission for Racial
Asian lifestyle tradeshow to find a
distributor for NUR 76, a skin lightening cream. The film, an eyeopening look at Asians desire for
fairer complexions, sparks dialogue
in reference to meeting consumer
demand versus reinforcing racial
stereotypes.
White Like the Moon, a short
film about a Mexican-American
girl's struggle for identity, as her
overbearing mother forces her to
bleach her skin white in order to fit
into “Anglo” society in 1950s
Texas.
THE 16TH ANNUAL SONJA HAYNES
STONE MEMORIAL LECTURE
Judy Richardson, senior associate producer and researcher for the
critically acclaimed Eyes on the
DIASPORA FESTIVAL OF BLACK AND Prize series, will deliver the Sonja
INDEPENDENT FILM
Haynes Stone Memorial Lecture on
This fall's festival theme, Post Thursday, October 30th from
Racial Nation? or Permanence of a 7pm to 9pm in the Hitchcock
Justice, where she worked on several New York City anti-police brutality campaigns.
Richardson, a former staff
member of the Student Non-Violent
Coordinating Committee (SNCC),
lectures around the country on the
Civil Rights Movement and will
discuss her new documentary project Veil of Secrecy: The
Orangeburg Massacre, soon to be
aired on PBS.
For more information, please contact:
Ursula Littlejohn [email protected]
962-9001
Page Thirty-Eight
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
BENEATH THE
SURFACE
BY DR. MICHELLE LAWS
BILL THORPE’S STAR BURNED
BUT HIS LEGACY WILL FOREVER
LIGHT OUR COMMUNITY
Back in October of 2003 I remember
preparing for a trip to attend my best
friend’s wedding in Dallas Texas before
getting a phone call from Nate Davis
telling me that Ed Caldwell had passed.
Five years later and just before the
month of October was scheduled to begin
I was in Washington DC attending the
Congressional Black Caucus’s Annual
Convention when yet again, Nate called to
give me some disheartening news.
This time he called to inform me that
our long time friend and one of my political mentors—Bill Thorpe had passed
away. Needless to say the events for the
evening that were supposed to be filled
with fun social networking and revelry
Bill Thorpe
were put on hold and the night sky
of Bill’s character. Steady, focused, always
seemed to grow a little bit darker; a
strategizing, humorous, direct, assured, and
mighty star that shined steady yet bright
most importantly committed to improving
had burned out.
the plight of African Americans---these are
Bill recruited me as a member of the traits that Bill possessed so well. Now I
Hank Anderson Breakfast Club, which with know he loved golf and was so proud of
the exception of a few women, was start- his family, I also know that if Bill called
ed by and is still mostly dominated by you a friend then you had in him the
males. It was during our often fervent best friend any person could want or
yet serious discussions at the Breakfast need.
Club, where Bill set the order of the day
Bill knew his strengths and used them
and forced us to strategize on the best
well to gain a lot of influential friends.
way to handle issues affecting the African
He was able to build coalitions across
American community.
diverse populations and interests when it
It was during the Breakfast Club meet- seemed impossible to do. He also had
ings that I got a glimpse into the essence an exceptional ability to get people to do
what he wanted them to do even if they
didn’t want to—that is the true definition of power. All one has to do to ride
down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
(formerly Airport Road) in Chapel Hill or
stop to reflect on their day off celebration the King Holiday in Chapel Hill, to
see examples of Bill’s power and influence.
While Bill’s political career is impressive—serving for three terms on the
Chapel Hill Town Council (1977- 1981;
1983 – 1987; and 2005 – 2008), which
he served as Mayor Pro Tem from 19851987, I never knew of any other work
that he loved so much other than being
out in the community around the people.
If Chapel Hill had an Ambassador, Bill
Thorpe would have been it. In fact, I
often joked asking: “Where does Bill
REALLY work?”
Bill was like the character Tommy on the
hit television show Martin; many didn’t
know whether or not Bill even had a job.
All we knew is that when he wasn’t with
his breakfast club buddies on Saturday
mornings or with his political friends and
allies, or spending time with his family,
he was off playing golf some where. Bill
lived a good life and most importantly
he fought a good fight; not just for himself but for so many others who are forever indebted to him for showing us how
Michelle Laws, Ph.D.
to play in the political arena and win
and keeping the main thing the main
thing and to Bill the good and the
advancement of the collective African
American community was the main thing.
If I could have interviewed Bill before he
passed on to the other side, I believe he
would have spoken these words that were
once spoken by another soldier for justice, freedom and peace, Nelson Mandela:
I have walked that long road to freedom.
I have tried not to falter; I have made
missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a
great hill, one only finds that there are
many more hills to climb. I have taken a
moment here to rest, to steal a view of
the glorious vista that surrounds me, to
look back on the distance I have come.
But I can only rest for a moment, for
with freedom comes responsibilities, and I
dare not linger, for my long walk is not
ended.
Some how, I feel that Bill’s walk really
has not ended. His light will forever
shine in our community. Farewell my
friend.
Michelle Laws
[email protected].
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Thirty-Nine
BUSINESS & FINANCE
NOT JUST YOUR BUSINESS
by Genevia Gee Fulbright, CPA
DEALING WITH REAL ESTATE
DYSFUNCTION
Are there still deals to
be made in the real
estate market?
ly cash flow properties.
On the other hand,
you might not be feeling as much pressure
Apparently yes accordand interpret that the
ing to a client who
economy is experiencbuilds mixed commering some pull-back or a
cial/residential
real
major market correcestate developments up
tion if you are holding
north.
onto properties that
Genevia G. Fulbright
According to him, not all
have positive cash flows
real estate is in the dumper. He and manageable debts. Your
shares that as long as you have lifestyle has probably not been
time on your side (i.e. can hold altered significantly.
onto the properties for 3-5
years), adequate capital, access to WHAT IF YOUR 9-5 IS SUBSIDIZcredit and the “right” real estate ING YOUR SIDE-LINE REAL ESTATE
inventory you will survive this BUSINESS?
major market correction.
Don’t panic if your 9 – 5 is subsiI checked with another client, a dizing your side-line real estate
successful commercial real estate business. If you are not in forebroker, who shared the same sen- closure but starting to feel the
timent.
stress of your real estate investments, you must take action.
MARKET CORRECTION?
immediately.
Your interpretation of the market At a minimum, do the following:
depends on how you are person- .Assess where you are (i.e. deterally positioned.
mine the estimated fair values of
You probably feel that the econo- all of your real estate, loan posimy is moving towards a recession tions, cash flows, vacancy rates).
if you are over-leveraged and can’t .Establish a realistic plan of what
wait out the real estate market you feel you should do, based
pull-back. Many real estate upon your current and most likeinvestors used the “no-money” ly future personal situation (i.e. do
down strategy or did not take the you want an exit strategy if you
time to calculate the estimated can’t afford to continue to operamount of funds needed to make ating in this manner).
repairs or maintain the properties .Communicate with your lenders
in
case
of
vacancies. if you are behind on your mortUnfortunately some have also lost gages or think that you will be
jobs and not planned for this con- become delinquent soon to renetingency to cover negative month-
gotiate.
.Contact your real estate broker, if
you are not an experienced or
savvy real estate investor.
Bubble: How to Keep the Real Estate
Market in Perspective and Profit no
Matter What Happens, by Michael
Thomsett and Joshua Kahr.
If you want to check out a few
sources for real estate investors,
visit your library and pickup the following books, The Peebles Principles:
Tales and Tactics from an
Entrepreneur's Life of Winning
Deals,Succeeding in Business and
Creating a Fortune From Scratch, by
Don Peebles;
The Weekend
Millionaire’s Secrets to Investing in
Real Estate: How to Become Wealthy
in Your Spare Time, by Mike Summey
and Roger Dawson; and Beyond the
Real estate investing can be a
great investment vehicle to
include as part of your portfolio
as long as you plan, track and
make realistic decisions.
Genevia Gee Fulbright
President/COO of Fulbright & Fulbright, CPA, PA,
a business strategist, tax advisor, author of Make
the Leap: From Mom & Pop to Good Enough to
Sell (Infinity Publishing). Her sound financial
planning advice tips can be read regularly on
www.urbanthoughtcollective.com. For more info,
call: (919)544-0398, e-mail: [email protected];
Visit Fulbright at www.makeleap.com.
Page Forty
SPECTACULAR
October 2008
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
ARTFUL GREETINGS EXPANDS TO TARGET STORES
By Maxine Garland
Contributing Writer
DURHAM - It all started
nearly 20 years ago
because a local Durham family got tired of coloring the
faces on greeting cards to
resemble themselves. Lonita
and David Whitted agreed
with their daughters Valerie
and Marian, there was a
market for greeting cards
that represented the African
American community. Artful
Greetings began when
Artful Greetings Vice President of Marketing and Sales during her recent visit to American
David Whitted, a retired IBM Greetings World Headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio to complete a distribution deal.
employee, sunk his savings, sales, set on the trip gathering and Atlanta metros, Detroit,
heart and ultimately life into knowledge about the greeting Chicago, and St. Louis &
the venture.
card industry. Along the way, Brooklyn. What this means to
Many artists, poets and through trial and error, net- the artist community Artful reptrade shows later, the com- working and listening to artists resents is their original crepany is now one of America’s and consumers, they added the ations will be seen in even
fastest growing social sta- Artful Gallery, initially as a more places by more art lovers
tionery and fundraising busi- test store for focus groups stud- and collectors.
nesses. From the beginning, in ies and to see what related
the tiniest of quarters, in products from similar compaanother of the family’s busi- nies were preferred. Displays
nesses, Toddlers Academy, it of exquisite art from artists of
was always the plan to be in many nationalities filled the
the major retail outlets. If space that became a full servyou knew Mr.Whitted, you ice gallery. Many current card
can understand why helping designs were chosen from the
charitable
organizations art that appeared on the walls
worldwide raise money sell- then.
ing multicultural products, Today, Artful Greetings has
was just as important.
continued to step into the
Not having any formal art
background just a love of
beautiful things, day care
director, two engineers and a
journalist with a flair for
unknown. The company has a
deal with greeting card giant,
American Greetings; to carry
a portion of their line at selected Target stores in LA, the DC
If you ever visited the Artful
Gallery by Artful Greetings
either at the current location
in the UDI Business Center
near Fayetteville Street and
MLK or the old spot on Hwy
70 you know why the products have been so well
received for so long. The
diversity of artists and
themes assures that there is
something for everyone.
The current company theme
“Creations by Colorful
People and People of Color”
says it all! That is why
Goliath came to David to do
a deal…why reinvent the
wheel…Artful Greetings has
just what today’s conscientious, value seeking multicultural consumer, has been
looking for!
For more information or to view the entire
Artful Greetings line please visit
www.ArtfulGreetings.com.
Karl Blake, Regional Marketing and Sales Director for Artful Greetings has knowing grin
after completing deal with American Greetings..
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Forty-One
HEALTH
WHAT’S UP
DOC?
by Dr. Sharon Elliott-Bynum
RN, BSN, CDONA/LTC
HEALTH EDITOR
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
All women are at risk for breast cancer.
The two most significant risk factors are
being female and getting older. Most
women diagnosed with breast cancer
have no other known risk factors.
Breast Cancer is the most common type
of cancer in women in the United States.
One in every eight women will be diagnosed with this disease in her lifetime.
The number of African American women
diagnosed with breast cancer each year
is less than half of Caucasian women.
However, the death rate is higher for
African American women than any
other race due to lack of proper screening, treatment of follow-up. It is
because of these alarming statistics
and my own personal experiences (of
which I will share briefly) that one of
my main missions in life has been to
educate, and empower African American
women on breast health.
Let’s begin by exploring our breasts.
Every woman’s breast is unique. In fact,
no two women’s breast are the same
size or shape. Your breast tissue begins
just below the collarbone and extends
from the armpit to the breastbone, and
down to the brassiere line. Breasts are
made up of lobules, ducts, connective
tissue, lymph nodes, muscle and fat.
Many breast changes will occur during
your life. The first changes occur during
puberty. Your breast tissue develops and
grows larger. During and after pregnancy, milk is produced in the lobules and
carried through the ducts to the nipple
openings. Your breasts increase size during this time. As you age and enter
menopause, your ovaries produce less
hormones and the number of lobules
decrease. You begin to loose breast tissue and the size and shape of your
breast change. These changes may cause
conditions like lumps, pain and nipple
discharge. The good news is that many of
these changes are common and benign
(non-cancerous).
Early detection and treatment offer the
best chance of surviving breast cancer.
When it is confined to the breast the 5year survival rate is over 95%. Your 3step early detection plan includes:
Monthly breast self-examination- starting by age 20
Clinical breast exam – by a trained medical professional at least every 3 years
starting at age 20 and yearly after age 40
Annual screening mammography for
women starting at age 40. (Women under
age 40 at high risk should consult your
physician about having a mammogram
early)
WARNING SIGNS:
. Lumps, hard knots, thickening in any
part of the breast;
. Unusual swelling, redness or increased
warmth of your breast;
. Change in the size or shape of your
breast;
. An itchy sore or scaling area on your
nipple;
. Pulling in of your nipple or other parts
of your breast;
. Nipple discharge that starts suddenly;
. Unusual localized pain in the breast.
The most common forms of treatment are
surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy
and hormone therapy. There are two
types of surgery, lumpectomy (breast
conserving) or mastectomy (removal of
the entire breast). Chemotherapy and
radiation kills cancer cells. Tamoxifen is
most widely used hormone therapy. It
works blocking estrogen (a female reproductive hormone).
There are many organizations joining in
the fight against Breast Cancer. To provide education and training we have the
Office of Minority and Health Disparities,
American Cancer Society and Susan B.
Komen who offers grants as well as the
Comprehensive Cancer Control Branch of
PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING NC and the National Black Leadership
Initiative on Cancer who offers a variety of resources as well. The Breast
and Cervical Cancer Control Program
afford women who meet the Federal
Poverty Guidelines of 250% with no
insurance the ability to receive pap
smears and mammograms.
The Jeanne H. Lucas Education and
Wellness Center (CAARE Inc), the
Durham County Health Department and
Lincoln Community Health Center are
providers for Durham. If the woman has
a suspicious mammogram she may be
able to receive her MRI through the
Duke Navigator program. If the diagnosis is confirmed and the appropriate
treatment is started, we are able to
refer the Breast Cancer Survivors to the
Sisters Network Triangle for support. In
some cases like those of my mother
Estelle Elliott and my mentor Senator
Jeanne Hopkins Lucas the cancer
advances. Circles of Care (a collaboration of Project Compassion, Duke
Institute on Care at the end of life, UNC
Health Care and the Community Health
Coalition) will recruit and train support
teams through churches and families to
provide intentional, ongoing care for
persons with advanced stages of cancer.
Durham and surrounding areas have
the unique ability to offer this continuum of care to those affected by this
challenging disease. Our primary goal
is to continue our awareness campaigns
so that our community can access these
resources. Please join us in our fight
against Breast Cancer on October 4th at
Lyon Park in Durham for the Block Walk
and North Hills, Six Forks in Raleigh for
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
Peace and Blessings
Sharon
[email protected]
Page Forty-Two
SPECTACULAR
PARTNERS IN HEALTH
October 2008
brought to
you by
PASTORAL PROGRAM GROWS AT
GRANVILLE HEALTH SYSTEM
In addition, these “on-call volunteers” are also a part of GHS’s
hospital crisis response team
and are available for patients and
their families during times of
emergency.
By Melissa Starr, MSW
Director of Harold Sherman
Adult Day Center and Director
of Pastoral Program
Granville Health System (GHS)
has always recognized the
importance of community
involvement—especially when it
comes to partnering with
church-based leadership. That is
why GHS developed the
Pastoral Program, which recruits
spiritual leaders in the community to help support the holistic
care of hospital patients.
In 2005, GHS employees
Carolyn F. Hill, LNHA, Support
Services
Senior
Director;
Melissa Starr, MSW, Pastoral
Program Director; and Wayne
Clark,
Pastoral
Care
Coordinator, teamed together in
an effort to revitalize the program. Through their efforts the
program now better meets the
needs of patients, families and
hospital care teams.
Clark’s position as a volunteer
leader is designed to help the
hospital with the recruitment,
training and general oversight of
the program and volunteer
chaplains.“I have always seen the
value and the need for a hospital
chaplaincy program at GHS and
am committed to the hospital’s
vision of this program meeting
the spiritual needs of our com-
Each chaplain has been licensed
or recognized by their church as
being a qualified spiritual representative, or has been trained
and degreed to be a church minister/leader for a designated
local church. They attend a GHS
orientation and receive ongoing
training.
At present, 23 chaplains from Granville County and surrounding areas volunteer for Granville Health
System's Pastoral Program. Pictured are (left to right): front Row- John Rogers, Melissa Starr,
Patricia Bass, Patricia Hawkins, Doris Small; second Row- Elvin McShaw, Lamarr Wheeler, Gloria
Evans, Kerry Woodlief, June Moore; third Row- Wayne Clark, David McShaw, Bobbie Sammons, Mary
Crispell, Catherine Cooper-Mills; back Row- Wayne Daughtridge, Cam Ford, Linda Thorton, Brenda
Williamson, and George Bullock. Curtis Durham, Tony Evans, Jackie Goodwyn and Toni Tarry were
unavailable for the photograph.
munity.” says Clark.
The role of the chaplain is to
help people with their concerns
and spiritual needs as they cope
with the stressful experience of
hospitalization. These chaplain
volunteers are available to offer
support to any patient or family
member that specifically request
a visit upon admission or during
the patient’s stay. Representing a
variety of religious denominations and local churches, they
can serve as a bridge for patients
and families who may have lost
their spiritual church connection, those seeking spiritual support during their hospitalization
or simply help reach out on the
behalf of patients to home
church leaders to alert them to
the need of one of their members. Patients and their families
have shared that their hospital
experience was enhanced by a
daily visit from the hospital chaplains as they “offered the soothing balm that goes beyond modern medicine”.
GHS is currently hosting a 17session Pastoral Care in
Community course for the chaplain staff. The course is available
through a Duke Endowment
Grant and organized through
GHS and the Duke Divinity
School. In addition, program
members meet quarterly as a
part of GHS’s ongoing oversight,
collegial support and to continue
to enhance the program goals.
GHS will continue to reach out
to community leaders as it
expands to meet the diversified
spiritual needs of the community. The Pastoral Program is in
need of more chaplains of lessrepresented faiths as well as
those who are bi-lingual.
For more information and an application, please contact
the program director, Melissa Starr, MSW at (919) 6903273.
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Forty-Three
LIFESTYLE
RALEIGH DESIGN
FIRM SELECTED
LEAD DESIGN
COORDINATOR
This Is Your Life!...
by Del Mattioli
One of the cornerstones of your financial planning
is life insurance. What is life insurance …….it is
a means to secure against financial loss. What other
commodity is there to cover for someone’s negligence, loss of income due to some mishap , unfortunate illness, living too long--- actually shifting
their human loss to a third party? There is no other
solution to any of these losses except… protection
through life insurance coverage.
income, for $150,000 of coverage in the event of
death. However, they opt not to secure a personal
term policy to secure them from unforeseen premature
death.
Two years later, Mr. Frank discovers that he has a rare
disease that will make him uninsurable for individually owned life insurance. When he can no longer work,
due to his illness, he may be able to convert employer offered life insurance. However, the decision to convert may be at the discretion of the insurance carrier
and may be at a higher premium. Mr. Frank’s options
become very limited, to include the possibility of no
insurance coverage at all or to limited to minimal burial policy.
Del Mattioli
Loving someone else is really what makes us feel
special, gives us a sense of importance, our spiritual well-being, fulfills our inner self’s gratitude. WE
ARE NOBODY TIL SOMEBODY LOVES US. We are
responsible for taking care of the ones who are
dependent upon us, in the event of death. If you
love them, life insurance can provide much needed OTHER SOLUTIONS WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE TO THE FRANKS:
income, provide for their education, pay off your The couple may have chosen to purchase at least a $1
mortgage, and simplify the transfer of your assets. million dollar term policy for the two of them that
may have included a waiver of premium rider. This
Procrastination is a great thief. This is what happens would have allowed them to have a window of protecwhen life the purchase of insurance is neglected or tion to secure against the unforeseen trauma of disdelayed.
ease and lessened the negative impact on the family’s lifestyle. The term policy could have possibly paid
A young couple (The Franks) is recently married. the insurance premiums for the remainder of his life
Each has 30, 000 in student loan debt, and reason- and in some cases, produced a cash value that the
ably good credit. They decide to purchase a new family could have benefited from.
home with a monthly mortgage of $2500(including
taxes).The Franks total household income is DON’T BE LIKE THE FRANKS:
$150,000 with monthly expenses of $5,000. Within Purchase life insurance to ensure that your family has
a year the couple starts a family (twins are born) access to cash to assist them in meeting both longand Mrs. Frank is able to get paid time off for 6 term and short term financial needs. Protect your
months to care for the children. After the birth of family’s lifestyle. Purchase life insurance while you are
the twins, the Franks continue to enjoy a modest young and healthy to enable your family to enjoy the
lifestyle, furnished home, entertaining friends, benefits later in life. Had the Franks purchased a perannual vacations, and taking care of their month- sonal insurance policy, their children’s education would
ly expenses.
have been paid.
what you intended. Determine your unique
income replacement needs. According to the
Insurance Information Institute, one third of
American families do not change their insurance
policies when their children are born. As your family grows, your insurance needs should be re-evaluated to reflect the change in your family status.
The Franks have health insurance, pension options, Plan ahead, have enough insurance coverage to cover
and disability options through their employers. the potential cost of settling your estate to ensure
Their employers’ life insurance pays 2 times the that the assets left your loved ones are not less than
Del Mattioli
It’s YOUR LIFE and others are dependent upon you.
Become familiar with various insurance policies and
research the best options to fit your family’s needs.
Your family’s long-term financial future may
depend on the decisions you make today.
Consider who will cover your family’s daily expenses such as child care, when you are no longer there
for them. Anticipate paying the mortgage loan, so
that they may continue to live the lifestyle they
have become accustomed to. Don’t leave your loved
ones burdened with the responsibility of paying off
debt or paying federal taxes unnecessarily.
Get your financial house in order. Begin today by
getting in shape, both literally and figuratively.
Make an appointment with your attorney or insurance agent to discuss your financial future. This is
Your Life.
Del Mattioli, Mattioli and Associates. An agent of New York Life
Insurance. www.mattioli.com 919.401.9988
RALEIGH - Carnela Renee Hill,
owner
of
Interiors
by
Renee'
&
Associates, a
Raleigh-based
interior design
firm, has been
selected as the
lead
design
coordinator
C. Renee Hill
and sponsor for
the 2008 Parade of Homes
Showcase for a Cure Home to support the Leukemia Foundation.
The home, located in Hasentree
Subdivision off Hwy 98 between
Wake Forest and Raleigh, is a $2
million traditional home in honor of
Rebecca Jester and her family.
Becky is a student at UNC Chapel
Hill that is fighting Leukemia like
so many others.
Designers donate their time and
talents. Vendors donate and/or loan
product and labor to make the event
a success. This is Interiors by
Renee & Associates 5th time participating in the Leukemia &
Lymphoma projects and C. Renee
Hill's 2nd times this year to be chosen as the lead design coordinator.
Carnela Renee Hill is the first
African-American lead design
coordinator.
The charity event takes place
over 3 weekends starting October
4th and running through October
19th. The home is open 12 - 5 p.m.
Sat. and Sun. The décor in the
house is for sale with majority of
the items below the retail price. A
portion of the proceeds goes to the
Leukemia Foundation.
For more info or for directions call
(919) 212.3326 or visit
www.interiorsbyrenee.com
Page Forty-Four
SPECTACULAR
FLEUR DE LIS CLUB HOLDS WHITE
LINEN WINE AND CHEESE AFFAIR
DURHAM - Fleur de Lis Club held
a White Linen Wine and Cheese
Affair on August 9th at the home of
president, Jean S. Taylor. The affair
was the brainchild of Ruby Bagley,
vice president, who served as cochair along with Louise W. Weeks.
Tables were adorned with white
linen tablecloths with green and
white centerpieces against the
backdrop of the luscious green
lawn. Club members and guests
were attired in white. Music was
provided by saxophonist Stan
Malette and DJ Kenny Ruffin.
Special
guest
was
the
Honorable
Chester
Jenkins,
Durham's first black Mayor. He was
honored and presented a plaque for
outstanding contributions to the
club and the Durham community
by Ms. Weeks. Leola Jenkins, wife
of former Mayor Jenkins, accompanied him and assisted with the surprise recognition.
The Honorable Cora ColeMcFadden, Mayor Pro-Tem of the
City of Durham, gave special
remarks. Fleur de Lis Club, a
Louise Weeks (right) presents plaque to
Durham’s first black mayor, Honorable
Chester Jenkins (center), for outstanding
contributions to the club and the Durham
community. His wife, Leola Jenkins, looks
on.
social/civic organization was
organized in 1970.
Other club members are Bertie
Bates, secretary, Brenda Williams,
treasurer, Mary H. Green, social
committee
chair,
Vertinia
Galloway, Catherine Graham,
Patricia “Pat” Henry, JoAnn
Johnson, Lena E. Jordan, Barbara J.
Lassiter, and Mable L. Miller.
Fleur de Lis Club held a White Linen Wine and Cheese Affair recently at the home of
club president, Jean S. Taylor. Pictured are club members: Front row (left to right):
Jean S. Taylor, Ruby Bagley, Bertie W. Bates, Brenda Williams, Mary H. Green, Vertinia
H. Galloway; Second row (left to right): Lena Jordan, Catherine Graham, Louise W.
Weeks, Mable L. Miller, Barbara J. Lassiter, Patricia Henry. Not pictured: JoAnn
Johnson.
October 2008
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Forty-Five
ENTERTAINMENT
SHAKORI HILLS TO FEATURE TWO LOCAL TREASURES
waters from Africa to the United
States.
The band consists of Rhiannon
Giddens, Justin Robinson (both
from the North Carolina Piedmont)
and Dom Flemons (from Arizona).
Their N.C. Piedmont style of oldtime was handed to them mostly
from their friend Joe Thompson of
Mebane, N.C., who is said to be the
last black traditional string musician. The band strives to carry on
the long-standing traditional music
The Carolina Chocolate
Drops and Nnenna Freelon
play a home stage this fall
SILK HOPE, NC - The Fall
Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of
Music and Dance, taking place
October 9th - 12th at 1439
Henderson Tanyard Road in Silk
Hope, North Carolina, will be welcoming two very different, yet fascinating acts who call the Triangle
area home. They will both be taking
the stage on Saturday.
A fairly new band, the Carolina
Chocolate Drops have toured
enough in the past two years to
make audiences believe they’ve
been around much longer. Their
brand of old-time endears itself to
listeners from the first note. Nnenna
Freelon, on the other hand, has been
compared to Nina Simone and
other great women of jazz. Her list
of stages on which she has performed is remarkable: Carnegie
Hall, The Kennedy Center, and
even the White House. Shakori
Hills will be honored to have both
Nnenna Freelon
of these acts upon their stages.
The Carolina Chocolate Drops
take the stage as a threesome of
young black old-time musicians. At
first listen and glance, this is something new, but listen to them tell
their stories and they will share a
long-standing tradition of black
string music. Their young faces are
a blip in time compared to the trip
that first banjo took across the
Carolina Chocolate Drops
of the black and white communities
from the area.
Rhiannon’s voice is at one point
operatic and the next taken right
from a front porch in Appalachia.
Her banjo picking reflects the joyful play of a traditional reel and the
respect of its African ancestors.
Justin plays the fiddle and sings, his
smile belying how much fun he’s
having and his feet moving right
along. Dom sports such abnormal
Shakori Hills continues on page 46
Page Forty-Six
Shakori Hills continues
instruments as the spoons, the
bones, and the jug with the comfort
with which a rock percussionist
only holds drumsticks. The audience plays a part, singing along,
overjoyed by the dance tunes and
moved by the ballads.
The responsibility an artist
takes performing a traditional kind
of music is huge. Nnenna Freelon
also takes on tradition with ease
and respect. A six-time Grammy
Award-nominee, she has earned a
well-deserved reputation as a compelling and captivating live performer. Her performance at the
White House for the 20th
Anniversary of the Thelonious
Monk Institute of Jazz, the 43rd
annual Grammy Awards telecast,
her performances for the legendary
Julie Andrews at the Society of
Singers’ “Ella Awards,” Jerry
Lewis’ Labor Day Muscular
Dystrophy Telethon, and at the
most famous jazz festivals around
the globe have all been rousing successes. Anyone who has heard and
seen Freelon sing knows she is a
skillful interpreter of even the most
familiar jazz standards.
Along with a fantastic career in
musical performance, Freelon is
also widely known and respected
for her dedication to using the
power of music to educate young
people, both musicians and nonmusicians. Her master classes and
workshops teach adults and children that they too can change the
world, but it takes dedication and
perseverance, the substance of
Nnenna’s educational activities.
Her messages reach into the very
soul of the person listening and
encourage, in fact motivate them,
toward constructive change and to
create positive energy.
Despite her career, Freelon considers her two most important lifetime roles those of wife and mother.
Her husband Phil Freelon is an
accomplished
award-winning
architect, his firm The Freelon
SPECTACULAR
Group, based in Durham, has
worked on projects such as the
Durham Bulls Athletics Park, RDU
Airport, and many buildings on NC
Central’s campus. Her son, Pierce,
has a budding musical career of his
own.
His band, The Beast, is a fascinating mix of jazz, hip hop, and
soul. Pierce also dedicates much of
his efforts to educating audiences
with and about music. The Beast
will be making its second Shakori
appearance this fall on Friday
evening. Nnenna’s inspiration is
shown clearly through her son’s talents. She has led her children and
students by example – follow your
dreams, dedicate yourself, and
work hard in all you do.
Everyone knows that this part
of North Carolina is rich in musical
talent. Shakori Hills strives to bring
that talent to light and celebrate it in
the best way possible. These two
spectacular acts are just some of the
treasures to be found this fall. There
is plenty more to keep everyone
entertained and happy including
delicious local food vendors, talented artisans selling their work, and a
wide variety of safe and exciting
children’s activities.
Shakori
Hills
Grassroots
Festival of Music and Dance is
sponsored by Shakori Hills, Inc., a
non-profit formed in order to provide an environment for community building through arts and education for Chatham County and
beyond.
Tickets are available online at
www.shakorihills.org and by telephone at (919) 542-8142. Regular
adult four-day passes are $75 in
advance and $85 at the gate. Fourday passes for youth ages 13-15 are
$45 (children 12 years and younger
are free). Day tickets are also available: $22 for Thurs., $30 for Fri.,
$37 for Sat., and $26 for Sun.. Onsite parking is $4 per day or $10 for
the weekend.
October 2008
NCCU PRESENTS SAMM-ART
WILLIAMS’ PLAY HOME
DURHAM – The North Carolina
Central University Department of
Theatre will present the Tony
award-nominated play Home by
current artist-in-residence SammArt Williams. On stage at the
University Theatre, performances
are scheduled for October 3rd, 4th,
10th and 11th, at 8 pm, and October
5th and 12th at 2 pm.
A gritty story of survival, Home
is couched in the dreamy, lyrical
language of memory. The life of the
fictional Cephus Miles will take the
audience on a sometimes sad,
sometimes funny journey through
some history we might rather forget
but must keep safe to ensure a more
complete understanding of who we
are today.
In a twist on an old adage,
Williams says this Home is from his
heart. Williams wrote the play in
1975 while living on West 47th
Street in New York City. He admits
all his plays are partly autobiographical. Cephus Miles expresses
Williams’ own longing to return to
his North Carolina roots but contrary to Miles, Williams, a graduate
of Morgan State College, enjoyed a
successful big city career as an
actor and playwright.
“I knew I was coming back,”
said Williams, “but I wanted to do it
right. Everything I did was to get
back.”
Calling him home was Burgaw,
North Carolina, where he grew up
and returned ten years ago.
Williams continues to write and
serves as artist-in-residence at his
father’s alma mater, NCCU. In
fact, Williams’ latest play titled The
Montford Point Marine is about his
father who fought in the Second
World War at Iwo Jima.
NCCU Associate Professor
Karen Dacons-Brock directs this
For a complete performance schedule production of Home.
She has
and info visit www.shakorihills.org or call
incorporated the singing of Negro
(919) 542-8142.
Cephus Miles played by Alphonse
Nicholson courts the love of his life Pattie
Mae played by Johanna R. Burwell.
spirituals as a natural compliment
to the poetry and strong message of
faith in this play. Says DaconsBrock, “The Negro spirituals that
are sung in our production are the
same ones that kept hope alive
among African-Americans during
slavery. Cephus’ journey takes him
through substance abuse and homelessness, but “home” never truly
leaves his heart.”
Musical arrangements are by
Grover Wilson, Jr. of NCCU’s
Department of Music, and choreography is by Stafford Berry, Jr., associate artistic director of the Chuck
Davis African American Dance
Ensemble.
Tickets are $15 for general admission and
$10 for NCCU students, seniors, and children 4 to 17 years old. Children under 4
years are not admitted. For ticket information, call (919) 530-5170.
October 2008
SPECTACULAR
Talkback 2 continues
dependence on foreign oil while also creating more of a market for renewable energy.
North Carolina is the first state in the
Southeast to adopt such a standard and it
came after months of negotiations between
lawmakers, utility company representatives
and environmentalists.
_ During this critical time, the General
Assembly has set aside money for the operation of the State Energy Office, the state's
lead agency for energy programs and services, by appropriating nearly $2.7 million a
year for operating costs. Nearly $2 million of
the money will be used for a utility savings
initiative and to support the operation of
energy centers at North Carolina State
University, North Carolina A&T State
University and Appalachian State University.
The state also appropriated $10 million for a
reserve fund to support energy efficiency in
state buildings.
researchers find new technologies for efficient and clean use of traditional energy
sources; alternative, environmentally safe,
and renewable energy sources; and research
of energy technologies and their impact on
the North Carolina's rural economy.
_ A new law prevents municipalities or
neighborhood associations from banning the
use of solar panels. The panels use the heat
of the sun to produce energy. They are
sometimes banned because they are considered unsightly, but the law (S670) prohibits
outright bans while still allowing reasonable
rules about where the panels can be located.
Miscellaneous
_ The state has created a sales tax holiday
on energy efficient appliances. The state
estimates the holiday will save consumers
$1.4 million in taxes. The three-day holiday
will begin on the first Friday of November
and run through the following Sunday.
_ Developers in five cities who take significant energy conservation measures in their
building projects will now be eligible for
incentives such as higher density
allowances. The cities are Asheville,
Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Charlotte and
Wilmington.
_ Counties and cities can now reduce building permit fees or give partial rebates to
encourage construction of buildings
designed to conserve energy.
CONSERVATION - The state continues to try to
be a model for responsible energy use and
we have backed up our commitment with a
new law. The law (S668) requires existing
state buildings to reduce energy consumption 20 percent by 2010 and 30 percent by
2015, based on 2003-04 levels. New buildings are designed and constructed to use 30
percent less energy. It also requires state
agencies and institutions to file annual energy management plans, strategies, and Larry D. Hall
reports on consumption.
[email protected]
BIOENERGY_ We showed our support for Please remember that you can visit the General
Assembly’s Web site at www.ncleg.net to look up
alternative energy sources by expanding a bills, view lawmaker biographies and access other
bioenergy initiative at North Carolina State information. You can also listen to sessions and
meetings by using the “audio” feature
University. The $3.75 million will help committee
on the site.
Top
One of
Named vents in
20 E ast!
Southe
7TH ANNUAL DURHAM MARTIN LUTHER
KING JR. PARADE
FAYETTEVILLE STREET - 12 NOON
SATURDAY - JAN. 17, 2009
**********
SEEKING SPONSORS AND PARTICIPANTS
919-680-0465 OR
WWW.DURHAMMLKPARADE.COM
Page Forty-Seven
SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE
HONORS
SPECTACULAR YOUTH OF
THE TRIANGLE
NOVEMBER 2008 ISSUE
Spectacular Youth of the Triangle - April 2008
NOMINATE A YOUTH TO BE FEATURED IN
SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE
& HONORED AT SPECIAL RECEPTION
Youth must reside and attend school in the Triangle
and have Spectacular achievements. Send a 250 word
or less description of the youth and their
accomplishments to:
P. O. Box 361 Durham, NC 27702 or
[email protected]
DEADLINE: Oct. 17, 2008
Only youth selected will be contacted. Send only one
submission per youth. Youth selected to be featured
are at the discretion on Spectacular Magazine management and staff.
Page Forty-Eight
SPECTACULAR
October 2008