November 2008 - Spectacular Magazine

November 2008
Vol. IV, Issue XII
ENLIGHTENING, EMPOWERING & ENTERTAINING
SPECIAL TRIBUTE:
ALEX M. RIVERA
Page 20
SPECTACULAR YOUTH
FEATURES ON THESE AMAZING YOUNG ACHIEVERS BEGIN ON PAGE 9
Page Two
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November 2008
November 2008
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TALKBACK 2
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
FROM
The most important thing
any of us can do is try to
make life better for our
children and the others
who come behind us.
That’s part of the reason
our state and our communities invest so much in
education, health care and
creating economic opportunity.
THE
OFFICE
OF
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coverage by adding benefits for over-thecounter medicines and setting the maximum annual cost-sharing limit at 5 percent of family income.
NC REPRESENTATIVE LARRY D. HALL (D-29)
law also increases the
penalties for sexual
exploitation or prostitution of a child. It is now
a felony for a registered sex offender to
be on premises primarily intended for the
use, care, or supervision of minors.
November 2008
_ The law allowing children to ride in the
back of pickup trucks was amended last
year to raise the minimum age from 12 to
16. The law (HB2340) also removed the
exemption from the law for 32 smaller
STUDIES
_ The General Assembly has created the counties in the state. Vehicles being operPoverty Reduction and Economic Recovery ated as part of an agricultural enterprise
Legislative Study Commission to study a remain exempt from the law.
coordinated and integrated approach to
reducing poverty. The commission will Thank you as always for allowing me to
with you. Please contact me if
have 20 members and its final report will communicate
I can be of any service.
be due by the start of the 2010 session.
Larry D. Hall
_ The Legislative Research Commission [email protected]
has been directed to study the possibility
of prohibiting smoking in foster care
homes and whether such a ban would
_ Revised reporting reduce the
Much of that effort helps
requirements
now number of available foster care homes.
build a better future for
require hospital physi- MISCELLANEOUS
our young people. Those
cians, administrators or _ A new law creates an exception to the
Larry D. Hall
of us in the General
others involved in the public records law so that identifying
Assembly also put a great deal of effort health care of a child to tell law enforce- information of minors participating in
into protecting our children from abuse ment officials about any cases involving local park and recreation programs is not
and neglect while they are young. During recurrent illness or serious injury that required to be publicly available. The law
this past term, we as legislators appear to have been caused by “non-acci- (SB 212) allows the county, municipality,
approved a number of new laws intended dental” trauma. The law (HB 2338) and zip code of a participant to remain
to keep our children safe. In this time of applies only to people 18 and younger. public, but all identifying information is
great excitement about the future and The law already requires physicians to redacted. The information is not considgreat concern about the current state of report such cases to the director of the ered confidential and can be disclosed by
the economy I wanted to let you know county department of social services.
local governments if they choose, but
about these changes. From our discusthey are not required to do so.
sions and requests for information and HEALTH CARE
assistance to my office, I know that all of _ The legislature allowed up to 6 percent _ North Carolina has joined the
you want the best for your children, just enrollment growth in the state’s insur- Interstate Compact on Educational
as I do for mine.
ance plan for children as we try to Opportunity for Military Children. The
expand health care coverage to more compact was created to make changing
CHILD ABUSE
young people. The budget provision (HB schools easier for children of military
_ The Jessica Lunsford Act (HB 933) 2436) also directs the Department of families by creating consistent enrollstrengthened laws for crimes against Health and Human Services to report: the ment, record transfer, student placement,
children, made it unlawful for registered number of children enrolled in the pro- extracurricular activity guidelines. The
sex offenders to be on or near certain gram during the first week of January new law (SB 1541) allows for the enforcepremises, and made changes to the sex 2009; the projected enrollment and pro- ment of administrative rules and uniform
offender registry. Rape or sexual offense gram costs, by month, for the remainder collection and sharing of information. It
of a child less than 13 years old is now of the 2008-09 fiscal year; and the status also promotes flexibility and cooperation
punishable by a minimum of up to 25 of current expenditures and availability between the schools, parents and stuyears in prison and up to a life sentence. of state and federal funds for the dents as these families are transferred to
After release from prison, the parolee remainder of the fiscal year. A separate new posts.
will be subject to lifetime monitoring. The provision in the budget strengthens the
Please remember that you can listen to each day’s committee meetings and press conferences on the General
Assembly’s website at http://www.ncleg.net. Once on the
site, select “audio,” and then make your selection –
Appropriations Committee Room or Press Conference
Room. You can also use the website to look up bills, view
lawmaker biographies and access other information.
IN THIS ISSUE
Another Perspective
Business & Finance
Features Diondre Cooper
Amanda DeVoe
Jabari Foust
Miranda Patterson
Tameika Ramseur
Myca Townes
Maurice Troy
From The Publisher’s Desk
FYI
Granville County
Health
In The Spotlight
Legal Eagle Advisor
Lifestyles
Living Your Faith
News Briefs
Not Just Your Business
Orange County
Political Affairs
Religion
Rightchus Truth
Talkback, Too
25
34
17
15
16
13
9
11
19
5
22
34
35
7
27
37
26
30
34
33
27
23
6
4
SPECIAL TRIBUTE - ALEX RIVERA
20
COVER PHOTO BY MAURICE NOBLE
November 2008
SPECTACULAR
From The Publisher’s Desk...
EACH ONE,TEACH ONE
As we witness the passing of another great legend
sometimes we need to pause not just to honor his
accomplishments but also his influence on the lives
around him. In this case, I am referring to Alexander
M. “Alex “ Rivera, Jr. Although he was a nationally
know photojournalist and a fixture in the civil rights
movement, he was much more a quiet man of care
and inspiration. He really embodied the mantra “each
one teach one.” I can recall early in my career when
he quietly took me aside and after reading several of
my publications said he wanted to help me make the
publication look better and more appealing through
better photo quality and placement. Boy, was I
amazed and shocked. I didn’t even know he read my
publication.
What an honor to have him take an interest in me,
unsolicited. But that was the kind of giant he was. He
did not seek acclaim and seemed almost uncomfortable with it. I remember when he was honored by the
Durham Committee on a summer’s night in late
August 2000. There were photo displays spread
across one wall of the room showing great historic
moments he recorded from Thurgood Marshall
covening the NAACP Legal Defense Fund to a meeting between him self and then Vice Pres. Richard
Nixon. And yet this great man stopped to offer his
help to me. What an example for all of us to follow
when it comes to our youth. No matter your station
in life you can make a difference in another’s life with
your experience and time. This is a message we need
to appreciate and emulate for today’s times.
As we think about today’s times, a historic election
and serious issues our most precious resource continues to be our youth. As you see throughout this
issue we have extremely talented youth. The question
for us to ask and the call for us to answer is whether
they will receive encouragement and guidance in
applying that talent and knowledge. It is a generational observation that each one has more knowledge
that the previous. But the question arises, how will it
be applied. What will the priorities for that talent to
be directed toward and focused upon?
Many times you have read
my concerns about doing
the right thing for our
youth and this is an extension of that plea. With all
of the excitement there
has been some effort to
minimalize the American
Phyllis D. Coley, Publisher
experience. As the saying
goes, “Martin marched, so Jessie could run, so that
Barack could win” or “hands that once picked cotton
now can pick a president.” This really describes the
continuing effort of black people in America but there
was always the concern of preparing coming generations. It was seen in the fight for education, the fight
for healthcare, the fight for decent housing, etc. Our
generation and those in power now must not lose
consciousness of this responsibility.
Some times people ignore their responsibilities to
leave things better than they found them. It is often
said that “service is the rent we pay for the time we
are here on earth” when talking about our respective
duties to humanity and our immediate communities.
The easiest and most needed efforts are those to support our youth. There many volunteer programs such
as the Rights of Passage, Durham Companions for
Youth, the Young Marines, the Boy Scouts, The Girl
Scouts, Men of Integrity, John Avery Boy’s Club, The
Salvation Army Boy’s Club and the list goes on. What
they all need are volunteers and mentors. And here is
the unmet duty, or challenge or need. It is one that
just takes time, no special skill or qualification. This is
where concern meets need and service is the outcome. So again I call on you to reach back from what
ever station in life you occupy…reach back to our
youth.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Phyllis D. Coley
[email protected]
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
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The Rightchus Truth
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.
a very proud God-Father, I just have a
problem with adult content being blasted
all over cable television, YouTube, BET,
MTV, or XXL and Black Men Magazine for
our sons and daughters to view and idol
so openly over-the-counter.
The moment America deems the word
“nigger” as socially unacceptable and
white folks stop calling us “niggers” at
least to our faces anyway, we decide to
drop the “er,” adopt an “a” at the end and
proudly call it a term of endearment.
Again, we can’t blame hip hop for realizations that were present long before it
even began (cc: Rudy Ray Moore & Richard
Pryor). However, we must be critical in
our acknowledgment that hip hop is
being used to affirm the word’s acceptance and tolerance without a clear reference and understanding of its historical
connotation.
Let not our war be declared against
today’s young rap artists, who are only
lost themselves. Let the war of the masses be casted against a degenerated culture and a generation of complacent
token leadership that complains and
blames, but does nothing but write books,
deliver watered-down speeches and
lights candles; offering no mass agenda
nor strategic solution (Bill Cosby & Al
Sharpton)! Again, though hip hop is in a
state of artistic pneumonia, we can’t
blame rap music for our community’s
overall lack of teaching, love, and guidance of our children. That’s what America
wants us to do. Point the finger at surface
issues instead of reflecting within to
improve and empower ourselves culturally, spiritually, and economically.
There’s no need for the KKK anymore
when brothers and sisters now hang
themselves; not only literally through
our acts of self-imposed violence, but as
well metaphorically speaking. It used to
be ole’ masta who would openly rape our
women, but now it’s us who deliberately
devalue them. It’s our music and our
videos that exploit them physically, culturally, mentally, and emotionally. It is us
who cast them or allow them to be casted in these dehumanizing magazines and
videos as pieces of sexual property. And
sisters, many of you all are playing yourselves! Don’t get me wrong, I am all
man. I just believe that certain behavior
and actions belong in certain places. As
Brothers and sisters, we must no longer
allow our children to feed on such musical bowl-movement. Yet, we wonder why
their hearts and minds reap of such foul
odors. How did we journey from the
musical dynamics of black pride and
resistance from artists such as Curtis
Mayfield, to the flamboyant distribution
of ignorance by artists such Curtis
Jackson? The notions of pimpin’ and runnin’ dope, exalted materialism, the
degradation of the black woman, and the
pleasure of creating bastards, ARE NOT
COOL! As a people united, we must stop
blaming and begin reclaiming.
To those who are wondering what
actions you can begin taking right
HIP HOP RECLAIMED:
THE TAKE BACK
Part III
Lamont Lilly aka Rightchus
now, the first is to stop supporting one
of black America’s worst enemies, BET!
Point blank, I’m calling for a boycott of
that pawn of ignorance and wasted
potential. When black America’s biggest
“Tom,” Bob Johnson dropped Ed Gordon
and Tavis Smiley, I knew it was time to
stop watching. Secondly, without calling
any names of particular stations, we’ve
got to stop tuning into this mainstream
pop rap radio garbage that plays the
same top 20 foolish branded songs that
aren’t even chosen by us. If you can’t
find any positive hip hop radio, broaden
you and your child’s mind. Try digging
into some Classical, Reggae, or Jazz (90.7
fm-WNCU). Artists such as Gang Starr, De
La Soul, and Digable Planets used to eat
up some Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and
Herbie Hancock samples.
November 2008
time. There’s no denying that music does
set a particular undertone.
On a lighter note, I would like to take this
opportunity to pay homage and call
respect to several of N.C.’s home bred
conductors of hip hop who have remained
true to its original principles and code of
honor: the very down to earth NCCU professor and international producer extraordinaire 9th Wonder, former NCCU students, the vibrantly world renowned hip
hop duo Little Brother (What up
Thomas?), Rawkus Record’s and UNC
alum, the brilliantly hard-working ‘hip
hop professor’ KAZE, two refreshingly
fantastic emerging artists Murs and
Median, 9th Wonder’s M1 Platoon, the
young lyrical disciple also from NCCU, Mr.
Jerry Blackwell, the highly insightful hip
hop revolutionary, Mr. Solomon Burnett
“aka” Kenyatta, and lastly, the exuberant
cultural intellect, Pierce Freelon. Let me
not forget one very special voice, the stylistic boogie-down sister, Yazarah (former
background vocalist for Eryka Badu).
Back in Annie Day (NCCU’s Honor
Dormitory) we called her Dana.
In conclusion, every person of African
descent in America needs to go pick up
Nas’ “Untitled” album immediately. Even
if you aren’t a supporter of hip hop, go
buy it for the purpose of intellectual cultural and sociological dissection. Hip hop’s
infusion of Marcus Garvey and Langston
Hughes really struck a chord of enlightenment this time. He had originally entitled
the new album “Nigger,” but was forced to
leave it untitled due to the political railroading by the U.S. Congress, Fox News,
and the former militant himself the Rev.
Jesse aka “Thomas” Jackson. When was
the last time any of the aforementioned
entities spoke genuinely for the rights of
poor black people? My point exactly! I
guess The Last Poets said it
best…“N*gg*s are scared of revolution!”
Next, do not purchase for yourself nor
your child any music made by artists who
disseminate ignorance and promote savaged thinking. There’s a difference
between spitting reality and shedding
sh**. Lastly, if you’re a parent, understand that it’s your responsibility to filter
as much as you can what your child listens to, at least under your own roof. To
those I offended….good! Maybe more
of us will begin to wake up. Regardless
of what anyone may say, the music we
listen to does matter and does affect us. MUCH LOVE TO HIP HOP
If that wasn’t the case, us grown folk MAY IT STAY TRUE & LIVE FOREVER!!
would put on some EPMD instead of Rightchus Truth
Luther or Teddy P., when it’s Mr. Nasty [email protected]
November 2008
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Page Seven
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
SPECTACULAR YOUTH OF THE TRIANGLE
These Spectacular Youths are featured in this issue and will be honored at a reception on December 7th at Artful Greetings
in Durham. They were nominated by members of the community and selected based on their achievements. Features begin
on page 9. Photos: Maurice Noble
DIONDRA COOPER
JABARI FOUST
MYCA TOWNES
AMANDA DEVOE
MIRANDA PATTERSON
TAMEIKA RAMSEUR
MAURICE TROY
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November 2008
November 2008
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Page Nine
TAMEIKA RAMSEUR
ENERGETIC, GIFTED & ACCOMPLISHED
Tameika Ramseur
DURHAM - Tameika Ramseur is a
very energetic, gifted, and studious
young lady. She is the typical
teenage girl, who loves hanging out
with her friends, going to the
movies, shopping, and of course,
talking on the phone.
However, Tameika has a very
busy schedule. That’s because
Tameika’s interests in life began
early. She began dance classes at
the age of four. She began soccer at
the age of five. She committed her
life to Christ at the age of six. These
interests were just the beginning of
what was to come.
Tameika’s mother, Priscilla
Ramseur states, “God has blessed
Tameika with many gifts. She is an
intelligent student, athlete and
dancer who has been able to manage all of it very well. Tameika is
busier than many adults. She likes
it that way. She hates being bored.
I’m thankful that she is able to keep
focused.
As I reflect upon her
accomplishments, I am truly
amazed.”
Her father, Curtis Ramseur
states, “Tameika is a hardworking
and accomplished child who loves
sports and academics. She needs
minimal assistance with her school
work and is willing to assist others
with their school work. Although
she is very athletic, I am proud of
her academic success most of all”.
Throughout her years in school,
Tameika has consistently been an
A/B Honor Student. At Oak Grove
Elementary, she was not only an
AIG (Academically/Intellectually
Gifted) student, but she also served
as a peer mediator and a member of
the chorus. In 2004, Tameika was
selected to participate in the
“Evening of Entertainment” – a
fundraiser for Durham Public
Schools which features students
from all schools in song and dance.
She received a number of certificates of academic achievement during her elementary years.
A member at the Oak Grove
Athletic Association, Tameika was
active in spring and fall soccer from
the age of five to twelve. She was
the member of many teams who
won season championships.
During her middle school years
at Durham School of the Arts
(DSA), she held coveted membership in the National Junior Honor
Society, while active on the volleyball, soccer, track and cheerleading
teams. Tameika choreographed and
performed a dance at her 8th grade
awards ceremony. She was presented the “Female Athlete of the
Year” award for 2007-2008.
Currently a freshman at DSA,
Tameika is maintaining an “A”
average in all honors classes while
active in the DSA Dance Collective
and a Varsity Cheerleader. She
plans to participate in either soccer
or track in the spring.
At Union Baptist Church
(UBC), Tameika is actively
engaged in a number of ministries.
She is a very passionate member of
the Instrument of Praise Dance
Ministry. In 2002, Tameika was
one of the Instruments of Praise
members who was selected by the
Armor of Light Christian Dance &
Touring Company, an interdenominational Christian dance company
recognized for its professional choreography, dynamic ministry and
ability to reach audiences of all
Tameika Ramseur continues on page 10
Tameika Ramseur received the Durham School of the Arts’ Middle School“Female
Athlete of the Year” award for 2007-2008. She is active on the volleyball, soccer, track
and cheerleading teams. Tameika is holding the trophy and standing with DSA Coach
Cheryl Bowden - coach of middle school girls volleyball, track and cheerleading.
Page Ten
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At Union Baptist Church (UBC), Tameika (center) is actively engaged in a number of
ministries. She is a very passionate member of the Instrument of Praise Dance Ministry.
In 2002, Tameika was one of the Instruments of Praise members who was selected by the
Armor of Light Christian Dance & Touring Company to performed in the production of
“The Battle is Not Yours…It’s the Lords”in Charlotte, Rock Hill, SC, and Durham.
Tameika Ramseur continues
Missionary, where she serves as
ages. She performed in the produc- First Vice President, Youth Church
tion of “The Battle is Not Assistant, Minority Health Careers
Yours…It’s the Lords” under the Club, Girl Scouts, which she has
direction of Sybil Lee, a national earned the Silver Award, and
renown actress and vocalist. The Sisters of Promise. She has repreproduction was performed in sented UBC in regional and state
Charlotte, Rock Hill, SC, and conferences and conventions in
oratorical contests and dance expeDurham.
Tameika is also a member of the riences.
“Ephesians 6:10-11 “Finally,
Sunday School, Bible Study, Youth
my brethren, be strong
in the Lord and in the
power in his might. Put
on the whole armor of
God that you may be
able to stand against
the wiles of the devil” is
the scripture I remember to keep going. I
want to be a positive
person.”
says
Tameika. “I am looking at colleges now. I
plan to major in dance
and psychology.”
Tameika (center, in orange) makes time for her friends.
She has an older sisShe is pictured with members of the Union Baptist
ter,
Atia Ramseur.
Church’s Cadette Girl Scout Troop.
November 2008
November 2008
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Page Eleven
MYCA EVONE TOWNES:
A TRUE RENAISSANCE MAN
Myca EvoneTownes
By Grace Graham
Features Editor
MZCA’s
Exchange
and
International students, and assists
with coordinating college visits and
elementary tutoring programs for
secondary students.
Awards
include: Scholar Athlete Award,
Christian Character Award, and the
prestigious recognition of “Who’s
Who Among American High
School Students.” Recently, Myca
learned that he is a finalist for the
Lamp-Lighters Award.
Myca speaks highly of his
school, “Students are able to focus
in the classrooms, there are no distractions, and the teachers get to
know all their students on a personal basis.” He doesn’t mind wearing
a uniform to school daily because it
eliminates the decision of choosing
what to wear. When asked how
does he manage to accomplish so
Myca receives awards for Christian character and scholar athlete.
much and maintain such a high
pation in the city youth leagues;
GPA, he answered,” I’ve read that hesitation.”
His love for sports became Myca has been involved with the
the best way to accomplish things is
to write it down and go to it without apparent beginning with his partici- basketball, soccer and baseball
teams, and also served as an assistant coach. After leaving the city
leagues to play sports for his school
he served as coach for his younger
brother’s soccer and baseball teams
for two years. At MZCA, he is/has
been Captain and Chaplin of the
football, track, JV basketball, and
baseball teams.
His
community
service
involves assisting the elderly as
well as the youth. Myca, with other
choir members, visit senior citizens
in rest homes. The visits are usually made on Saturdays, and also on
some holidays. The choir sings for
the seniors and at times brings them
gifts. He is/has been lead singer,
voice coach, and outreach helper
for the children’s choir; youth choir
Myca Townes (standing), a senior at Mount Zion Christian Academy (MZCA) in member; summer camp counselor;
Durham, holds a 4.7 grade point average. He tutors tutors MZCA’s Exchange and witnessing outreach participant;
DURHAM - Myca EvoneTownes is
a multi-talented young Christian of
excellent character who has been
described as a true Renaissance
man and servant of God. The
young leader excels in academics,
sports, community service and
Christian values. A senior at Mount
Zion Christian Academy (MZCA),
he holds a 4.7 Grade Point Average.
He is also President of the Society
of Excellence Honor Society;
President of the Student Council;
Vice President of the Student
Council in his Junior year; Head
Graduation Marshal; Head Sound
Technician; Yearbook Photographer
School Choir Section Leader;
Television Cameraman at Mount
Zion Christian Church and
Governor’s Page for the State of
North Carolina.
Although he has a broad range
of interests that keep him busy,
Myca is able to find time to focus
on his passions. He taught himself
to play the piano, and has mastered International students, and assists with coordinating college visits and elementary tutorcomputer programs. Myca tutors ing programs for secondary students.
Myca Townes continues on page 12
Page Twelve
Myca Townes continues
SPECTACULAR
toward finances. As a Financial
Advisor he hopes to be able to
part-time worker; poet; and artist.
Although he has not decided on assist in alleviating some of our
financial
the university he
despair.
will attend after
On the fast
graduation, he
track
toward
has given considsuccess, Myca’s
eration
to
message to othWa s h i n g t o n
ers is, “Be
University in St.
active,
work
Louis, Missouri.
toward what you
And after the
want, even if
u n d e rg r a d u a t e
you fail you will
years he will
feel better for
continue
with
trying, because
graduate school.
you will always
His goal is to
wonder if you
become a financould have succial advisor. The
ceeded.”
observant Myca
Myca is the
has noticed the
son
of Minister
problems
and Myca runs track, plays football and basRobert
and
hardships that ketball at MZCA.
Myra Townes.
arise
when
money is not used properly, and the He has an older brother at the
state of the economy is another rea- University of Miami and a younger
son that has turned his interest brother, a ninth grader at MZCA.
November 2008
November 2008
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Page Thirteen
MIRANDA PATTERSON…
A STAR IN EVERY WAY!
early in elementary school and
through high school, Miranda did
not know about anything but A’s on
her report card. She really blossomed at Northern Vance High
School, where she joined as many
organizations as she could.
She represented the freshman
class serving on its court for homecoming, joining the Cheerleaders
then becoming Head Cheerleader, a
clarinet player in the symphony
orchestra, and then she refined and
further developed her fondness for
the limelight. Soft spoken is the
description most people would use
to describe her, but shying away
from a challenge is something else
she knows nothing about.
Miranda Patterson
Miranda is a Freshman studying
International Relations at the University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a
member of the organization HYPE, a mentoring program dedicated to helping children with homework, reading and just
being a person that they can talk to. She
has joined Carolina Fever, an organization
dedicated to cheering on all sports at
Carolina. She is leaning towards attending
law school after graduation.
By Karl Blake
Contributing Writer
CHAPEL HILL - Miranda Patterson
had a smile at birth that just let you
know…one day she would be a star.
Born in Raleigh, she loved the positive attention performing and
achievement brought her from an
early age. From a burning desire to
be the best to her first adventure acting, as the child’s voice in radio
commercials with her proud father, a
legendary urban broadcaster, it was
pretty much assured she was going
to be a Spectacular Youth.
Upon moving to Henderson, NC
Miranda Patterson’s high school years
were topped off with active and notable
participation in student government, the
show choir, the track team as a pole
vaulter...and being crowned Homecoming
Queen.
M i r a n d a ’s
games to baskethigh school years
ball games and
were topped off
I’m
leaning
with active and
towards attendnotable participaing law school
tion in student
after graduation.”
government, the
Even with all
show choir, the
the fun activities
track team as a
around Miranda
pole vaulter and
still keeps her
you start to get
feet grounded by
the idea that
giving back. She
Miranda is actuis a member of
ally a bit of an
the organization
o v e r a c h i e v e r.
HYPE, a mentorAdd to that being
ing program dedchosen by her
icated to helping
peers to be on the
children
with
S e n i o r
homework, readHomecoming
ing and just being
Court
and
a person that they
Homecoming
can talk to.
Queen plus winCould there
ning a major role
be politics in her
in a production of
future? She is a
the “Lion King.”
member of the
Miranda will play Lisa in the stage play
All of this was “Butterfly Wings: Claudine’s Story” in Black Student
done while find- Charlotte on November 22st and 22nd.
Movement locating time to voled on the Tarheel
unteer and maintaining a part time campus. That is of course along with
job.
maintaining her grades and taking on
Imagine doing all this and also a part time job for extra change for
being recognized as one of the top the incidentals you find you need in
ten percent of High School Students college.
in North Carolina and receiving a
You will also find her on the
number of scholarships. It is easy to stage performing as Lisa in Butterfly
see why Miranda is now studying Wings: Claudine’s Story, opening in
International Relations at the Charlotte November 21st and 22nd.
University of North Carolina at It’s her first paying acting job and
Chapel Hill.
she is looking forward to many
Miranda says ‘Right now I’m more…when she can find the time!
trying to get a well-rounded educaSpectacular Youth are those that
tion while learning a foreign lan- go the extra mile with out anyone
guage. I’m looking forward to being asking them to. Miranda has worked
active in college and have joined towards this goal all her life and did
Carolina Fever. It’s an organization so because she feels it’s the thing to
dedicated to cheering on all sports do, and thus exemplifies what a
here at Carolina, from Field hockey Spectacular Youth truly is.
Page Fourteen
SPECTACULAR
November 2008
November 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Fifteen
AMANDA DEVOE:
A CROWNING JEWEL IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
Amanda DeVoe
and drama club.
She is a member of Union
Chapel Missionary Baptist Church,
where she participates in the youth
choir, dance team, and as officer in
the Sunday school. Her future plans
include attending college and
majoring in mass communications
to fulfill her dream of becoming a
network news anchor. Amanda is
the daughter of Cathy Ray of
Butner and Steve DeVoe of Silver
Spring, MD.
Should Amanda be selected as
the new Miss North Carolina Teen
USA, she will represent the Tarheel
State in the Miss Teen USA
Pageant. The Teen USA pageant is
a part of the Miss Universe
Organization, which is owned and
trademarked by Donald Trump.
Contestants are judged in three
equal categories: swimsuit, evening
gown and interview. Other components the judges consider are, but
not limited to: physical fitness,
stage presence, poise, confidence,
BUTNER - Selected from hundreds
of applicants, Amanda DeVoe of
Butner will soon compete for the
title of Miss North Carolina Teen
USA. Amanda will join the state's
brightest young women in the quest
for the crown. The pageant will
take place at the High Point Theater
on Friday and Saturday, November
14th and 15th, and is the first step
toward her goal of Miss Teen USA.
If selected, Amanda will become
the first African American to win
the title in North Carolina.
Amanda is a senior at South
Granville High School of Business
and Global Communications in
Creedmoor.
This is her first
attempt to capture the title of Miss
North Carolina Teen USA.
At South Granville, she is the
President of the InterAct Club, and
a member of DECA and Spanish
clubs. Amanda’s other activities Amanda is a senior at South Granville
have included Girl Scouts, dance, High School of Business and Global
student government, track team, Communications in Creedmoor.
Amanda will join the state's brightest young women in the quest for the title of Miss
North Carolina Teen USA. When not competing she works with young students on their
school work.
and personality and intelligence.
Finally the winner must be a positive role model and of service to her
state.
Notable celebrities and business people from throughout the
United States will judge the contest.
The theme of this year's pageant is
"Runaways of the World, Seasons
of Fashion."
Amanda says, “My mission is
to become an activist in a fight for
HIV/AIDS. It is now the leading
cause of death in African-American
women ages 25 to 44. Young
women just like me are dying from
this disease and the rates are growing rapidly. I first became interested
in the fight for AIDS when I was a
sophmore in high school in which I
presented a five-page essay and
presentation to my Honors English
class. Although I have never been
sexually active, I decided to under-
go a blood test for HIV/AIDS and
tested negative.”
The
Miss
Universe
Organization, which produces the
pageant, is currently working to
increase awareness of the impact of
breast and ovarian cancer. Miss
Teen USA is devoted to issues that
impact the young women of today.
After three phases of preliminary competition, fifteen semifinalists will be narrowed down to
10 contestants who will then compete in the evening gown competition. Miss North Carolina Teen
USA will receive a full 4-year
scholarship to High Point
University, cash, and a wardrobe to
compete in the Miss Teen USA pageant.
Amanda says, “This pageant
can open a multitude of doors to
further my career and individual
pursuit of excellence.”
Page Sixteen
SPECTACULAR
November 2008
JABARI FOUST:
GIFTED AND HIGHLY MOTIVATED
Jabari Foust
DURHAM - Jabari Foust is a highly motivated, athletic, and gifted
student of the 21st Century. He is a
homeschooled advanced placement
student who grew up in radio stations, television studios, and in the
local political arena.
He is a typical teenager who
enjoys going to the movies, talking
on the cell, reading, challenging his
friends to a battle in the form of a
duel in the strategy card game, YuGi-Oh, as well as with video
games. While playing video games
is one of his favorite pastimes, his
senior project is creating a video
game.
He communicates with his
friends on the internet by
Facebook™ and MySpace™. He
also enjoys mime, and performing.
Jabari is a member of Maat Temple
where he is being prepared for his
mission as well as being an example as a follower of Christ.
Homeschooling is an option
that Jabari enjoys. Due to Jabari’s
home schooling, he has chosen rigorous course work. The curriculum
that he uses includes the North
Carolina Course of Study and the
Advance Placement programs
where he uses college textbooks as
part of the curriculum. These courses are tools for his “on the job” education. When he attends college, he
will have a head start on college
level work.
Because of his proximity to the
local political and economic scene,
he is a historian on the hot issues
that have taken place in the City of
Durham within the past ten years.
Many of his contemporaries will
wonder how these events took
place and he will be able to tell
them because he was there and shot
the footage.
At a very young age Jabari
became a camera operator for the
Global Village Network Radio
Show capturing studio footage,
local events, political and community meetings for cable access. He
Jabari (right) appeared in the The Music
Man. He He excels in dancing, acting, and
singing. Jabari is a natural baritone.
is working toward certification as a
studio producer.
He excels in dancing, acting,
and singing. Jabari is a natural baritone. His skills have earned him
two professional performances
where he participated in competitive auditions.
Jabari (right) enjoys the option he chose to be homeschooled. He has chosen rigorous
course work. Pictured with another cast member, Jabari also attends the Youth
Performing Arts Conservatory and is a very positive in the classroom and in the rehearsal hall.
Jeri Lynn Schulke, Director.
Youth
Performing
Arts
Conservatory, said, “Jabari Foust is
an outstanding young man. Jabari
always displays great courtesy to
his fellow actors and classmates,
often acting as a mentor and guide
for younger students. He is a very
positive influence in the classroom
and the rehearsal hall. He demonstrates cooperation, determination
and dedication, all hallmarks of a
good actor. As an actor, he is
always willing to take risks using
creativity and imagination to spur
his choices. His ability to focus
and commit to the task at hand is
unparalleled. Jabari Foust is
indeed, in my book, spectacular!”
Jabari won roles in The Music
Man and Oliver! He was fortunate
to work with Hollywood director
Tom Quaintance. The Summer
Youth Conservatory formed by the
ArtsCenter and the Playmakers
Repertory Company, held the performances at the Paul Green
Theatre.
Benjamin Foust, Jabari’s father
states, “I am very proud of Jabari.
He has taken his God given talents
and is using them to reach for the
stars. He is balanced and a true people person. I couldn’t ask for a better son.”
Jabari plays the drums and electric bass with a group of his friends.
He also uses his baritone voice in
their performances. The band plays
a wide variety of music genres
including jazz, soul, rock, pop,
Latin, classical, and experimental.
They will provide the music for his
senior project video game.
Although he has played soccer,
Jabari Foust continues on page 18
November 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Seventeen
DIONDRA COOPER:
STRONG, MOTIVATED AND DETERMINED
Diondra radiates her spirit of
volunteerism to the community in
many significant roles that include,
but are not limited to: the Duke
Community; Buddy Basketball;
Buddy Soccer; Lincoln Community
Health Center; Durham Teen Court
& Restitution Program; NC State
Senate Page Program; (nominated
by Senator Bob Atwater); Junior
Fire Marshall Program (City of
Durham); Girl Scouts of America;
Durham
County
Library
Partnership Program; NC Youth
Legislative Assembly and Durham
Youth Council.
As a member of the esteemed
Diondra Cooper
Durham Youth Council since its
DURHAM - “Do all the good you formation in 2005, Diondra
can, by all the means you can, in all explains the purpose of the council,
the ways you can, in all the places “At the youth council we come
you can, at all the times you can, to together to be one voice in deciall the people you can, for as long sions that affect the youth of
as you can.”
Durham. We are given the opportuThis is a motto that gives nity to participate in youth leaderDiondra Cooper the strength, moti- ship initiatives as well as service
vation and determination each day learning opportunities. For 2008, I
to become the best person she can will serve as Vice President of the
be. Diondra is compassionate and DYC.”
talented and work tireless in her
She has been a volunteer with
church, community and school.
The Volunteer Center of Durham –
Diondra is an
Student Action
active member of
Corps since 2004,
North East Baptist
and has had the
Church, and curpleasure of volunrently serves as
teering at the
Youth Ministry
Durham Visitors
President,
Bureau, Hillcrest
Secretary for the
Convalescent
Ushers Ministry
Home, Pennies
and a member of
for Change and
the Angels Choir.
American
Red
In past years she Diondra is an active member of North Cross. As a result
has served as East Baptist Church. She recently of her commitSunday
School served as Mistress of Ceremony at the ment to volunSecretary, Youth Annual Youth Revival.
teerism, she has
Announcer and Fourth Sunday been the recipient of the Mayor’s
Worship Leader.
Award and the Student Action
member of FCA as it
gives Christian student
athletes a time to fellowship with peers. We have
fun while learning more
about God and to discuss
some of the things we
face daily. FCA helps
me to maintain discipline
as a student and a
Christian.”
The passion for basketball
started
for
Diondre Cooper (2nd from left) has been a member of Diondra at the age of
the esteemed Durham Youth Council since its formation five. And, she has had
in 2005. For 2008, she will serve as Vice President.
the opportunity to particCorps-“Hard Corps Award” every ipate in numerous basketball and
year since 2004. These awards are exposure camps such as NCCU
presented to youth who earns 100 Women’s Basketball Camp, Duke
volunteer hours during the summer Women’s Basketball Camp, UNC
and 50 volunteer hours during the Women’s Basketball Camps (Elite
and Post) and Coach Kay Yow
school year respectively.
While working as a volunteer at
Diondre Cooper continues on page 18
a summer camp with children with
special needs and disabilities,
Diondra shares an experience she
found very rewarding, “ The focus
of the three-week camp was to help
the children learn their individual
parts for the theater production
planned at the end of the threeweek camp. Each child, no matter
his or her disability, had a part in
the production. I always wanted
them to know that I loved them and
wanted them to be successful. The
smiles on the faces of each child
during the final production confirmed for me that the love,
patience and compassion I showed
them did make a difference.“
At C.E. Jordan High School
where she is a senior, she participates in the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes and is a member of the
Varsity “Lady Falcons” Basketball Diondre passion for basketball has given
Team. She speaks candidly about her the opportunity to participate in
the FCA, “I have enjoyed being a numerous basketball camps.
Page Eighteen
SPECTACULAR
Diondre Cooper continues
Basketball Camp.
For 2007 & 2008, Diondra has
been one of the players highlighted
in the Prep All Stars Camp Report
as a result of participating in the
Prep All Stars Exposure Camp.
During the summer months,
Diondra continues to follow her
passion for basketball by being a
member of the Durham Lady
Ballerz 16U team coached by Kim
Elliott.
She has shared her time and talent through volunteerism and has
sought no recognition. However, as
the result of her desire to give back
to her community, she has received
innumerable plaques, trophies, certificates, and recognition awards
including; Teen Court Essay
Contest, and the Gail T. Donovan
Essay Contest Awards and the
LaSertoma Youth Service Award.
And, what are her plans after
graduation? “My focus is on a college or university (small school setting) that will offer me a quality
education as well as the possibility
to play basketball on the collegiate
level, said Diondra.”
She has been described as a
self-starter, and on the fast track in
becoming one of North Carolina’s
super achievers. An outstanding
student, and a well-rounded youth
who not only will be a benefit to
Durham County and surrounding
counties, but the entire world will
come to know and respect this powerful young lady in both voice and
stature
Diondra also had kind words
for family and church members for
their awesome support, she said,
“They are all a constant source of
strength, who encourage, support,
pray for me and give me Godly
guidance every step of the way.”
There is a special thanks to one
special person, “Of all those in my
support system, my mother Donna
Cooper is my number #1 cheer-
Diondra & her mother, Donna Cooper, at
the 2008 Mayors Award Ceremony at the
Washington Duke Inn. Diondra says her
mother is her #1 cheerleader and advocate.
leader and advocate. As a single
parent, she has supported, encouraged, prayed, guided and discipline
me but most importantly loved me
through it all.”
Jabari Foust continues
football, and basketball, his favorite
sports that he participates in are
acrobatics, capoeira, Tae Kwan Do,
and fencing.
Ronnie Jennings, head coach
and athletic director for Maat
Athletic Association and Training,
stated, “Jabari is an excellent academic student first of all and an
excellent student to the sports of
football and basketball. He understood that education came first and
then athletics. He is very athletic
and if he desires to, he could excel
in either of the sports.”
Jabari’s mother says, “Jabari is
a well balanced young man who has
been blessed by the Creator with
many gifts. We, the entire family,
are happy to help him in his journey
in life.”
Jabari Foust is the son of Anita
Keith-Foust and Benjamin S. Foust,
Jr. and grandson of Dr. Gertrude
Rogers Foust and Reverend Dr.
Benjamin S. Foust, Sr. of
Greensboro , NC .
November 2008
November 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Nineteen
MAURICE ANTONIO TROY, JR.:
A SMART YOUNG MAN WITH A PLAN
Maurice A. Troy, Jr.
By Grace Graham
Features Editor
DURHAM - Maurice A. Troy, Jr. is a
young man who knows who he is and
where he is going in life. He knows
that he is a child of God, which he is
not ashamed to admit, and even more
importantly, he knows that great things
are expected of him. He understands
that God has blessed him and he has a
responsibility to help others throughout his church and community.
An active member of Union
Baptist Church, Maurice is highly
involved in many ministries that
include: Anointed Harmony Youth
Choir, the Challengers, Youth
Missionary, Sunday School member,
Youth Church member, Youth Church
Apprentice Sound Engineer, Boy
Scout Troop 411, Youth Bible Study
student and youth volunteer with the
Samaritan Men ministry.
The Samaritan Men’s ministry
serves as role models for the male
youths at UBC, and surrounding
neighborhoods while assisting senior
citizens and promoting Christian
growth. Maurice assists the ministry
when they are supporting others and
also help with fundraisers. With the
money raised from fundraisers the
ministry is able to provide an annual
all-expense paid Christian retreat with
the young men (ages 14-17) for three
to four days.
In describing a recent retreat,
Maurice said, “During this retreat the
men ministered with us (young men)
through fellowship, bible study and
good-ole life experiences. This past
summer the Samaritan Men took us to
Washington, D.C where we visited the
FBI Academy; we toured the
Pentagon, Representative David
Price’s offices, Howard University and
many other places.”
Maurice is an excellent 8th grade
student at The Durham Nativity
School. The Nativity School is an all
boys’ private middle school where the
boys wear uniforms. He said, “My
parents enjoy the fact I wear a dress
shirt, tie, khakis pants with belt and
dress shoes daily, because they feel as
young men we look professional and
distinguished which sets us apart from
other schools.” However, at times,
Maurice said he wish he didn’t have to
wear a uniform and could wear jeans or
sweats and look like a regular student.
The school’s extra-curricular
activities vary each semester but have
included soccer, tennis, cooking classes, golf, Jesus-Youth Connection
(JYC), African-drums, track and field.
Maurice believes the best thing so far
as being a student at the Nativity
School has been that he got to meet
Retired Four-Star General Colin
Powell, and to see Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama in person.
Maurice also shares his excellent
academic skills with others, and has
been volunteering outside of the classroom in several community service
projects since the 6th grade. His volunteerism includes tutoring students in
grades K – 6th. And how do students
respond to a tutor who is just a couple
years older than they are?
Maurice explains, “In the begin-
ning, I had to let
them know I was
there to help them
so we couldn’t play
until they got their
work done but
when they had
their work done
then we could
play.” He also volunteers at the Food
Bank, Unity in the
Community Day,
the
Durham
Rescue Mission,
and other community projects. He
also serves as a
Peer Tutor at his
school helping out Maurice is an excellent 8th grade student
his fellow DNS at The Durham Nativity School. He plans
brothers. He truly to have a career with the FBI.
enjoys the numerous hours he spend
volunteering and in
the process has
learned that it’s
cool to give back to
the community.
Maurice is the only
child of Maurice
and Kelly Troy, Sr.
As he looks toward
the future, and
graduating from
high school, and
from a college with
high honors (undetermined at this
time), he plans to
have a career as a
Forensic Science
Weapons Specialist
with the FBI.
Page Twenty
SPECTACULAR
November 2008
SPECIAL TRIBUTE
NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED PHOTOJOURNALIST
ALEX M. RIVERA
Rivera, a widower, passed on October
23, 2008. Survivors include a son and
daughter-in-law, Dr. Eric M. and Mrs.
Robin Rivera of Durham, a sister, Mrs.
Raven Elliott, formerly of Detroit, Mich.,
an adopted son and daughter, Mr. Robert
and Mrs. Clara Lawson of Durham, and
extended family.
A memorial service was held on
Friday, October 31, 2008, at St. Joseph's
AME Church in Durham. Contributions
may be made to the "Alex. M. and Faye F.
Rivera Scholarship Fund", through the
Foundation Office at North Carolina
Central University, 1801 Fayetteville
Street, Durham, N.C. 27707.
Below is reprint of the original article
published in Spectacular Magazine October 2007.
By Grace Graham
Features Editor
DURHAM - As a result of the many
years spent peering through highpowered lens and clicking shutters
of a camera, he has been referred to
as the Godfather of Flash. The
images he has captured are forever
frozen in time preserving memories
and portraying stories. When he
was asked to provide a few of his
own stories, Alexander “Alex”
Rivera, who turned 94 in October,
replied, “My mind comes and goes,
but most of the time it goes.”
Rivera’s mind however, remains
sharp and clear as he shares stories
from his colorful life, particular the
photographing of the south during
the mid 20th century.
Rivera is the son of Alexander
M. and Daisy Rivera and the eldest
of three children. He grew up in
Greensboro and graduated from
James B. Dudley High School.
During his childhood his father was
d e e p l y
My father was
involved with
Dr. Shepard’s
leaders of the
good friend
N A A C P,
and dentist.”
exposing
As
he
Rivera to the
w o r k e d
struggles for
toward comjustice
and
pleting
his
equality for
degree he covA f r i c a n
ered the uniAmerican peoversity news
ple, a cause
and activities
that remained
as well as the
with
him
Durham news
throughout
in the National
adulthood.
Negro Press.
After graduatHe gave exceling from high
lent publicity
school, Rivera
to local finanenrolled
in
cial and civic
H o w a r d
organizations.
University and
Rivera served
in his freshas a free publiman
year
cist for the
Alex M. Rivera
worked partD u r h a m
1913 - 2008
time for the
Committee on
Washington Tribune, the largest Negro Affairs, now known as
black owned printing business in Durham Committee on Black
Washington DC. His first big photo Affairs during the early years of the
assignment with the Tribune was to organization.
photograph Marian Anderson ‘s
He received his undergraduate
historic concert on the steps of the degree in 1941. Rivera, said, “ I
Lincoln Memorial.
didn’t even march. I was always
In 1939, Dr. James E. Shepard working; even when I graduated I
the founder and first president of was taking pictures at the ceremony
North Carolina Central University and never walked across the stage.
(NCCU) then North Carolina My grandmother was as mad as she
College offered the young Rivera could be.” After graduation he
an opportunity to establish the first accepted employment with the
news bureau at the university. Journal and Guide in Norfolk, VA.
Rivera said with a big smile, “It
His career was interrupted with
really was a conspiracy between the onset of World War 11 and from
my father and Dr. Shepard to get 1941-1945 Rivera served his counme off the streets of Washington. try as part of the Naval Intelligence.
After the war he returned to the
journalism profession as a reporter
for the Pittsburgh Courier. The
Courier allowed him to live in
Durham and retain his ties with
NCCU. During the racial conflicts
of the 40’s and 50’s, Rivera overcame substantial obstacles and
threats in his search of the truth.
In 1947, he investigated a
lynching trial in South Carolina and
recalls that he could not sit with the
white spectators and was asked to
move to the balcony of the courthouse. In 1948 he investigated
another lynching in Georgia. “A
lynching created a festive atmosphere for the whites, Rivera said, it
was considered a lynching party.”
He literally put his life at risk by
going into these communities that
were heavily inflamed with racial
conflict and violence. “I always
traveled alone, he said, and always
filled my gas tank when arriving in
a town, I liked being alone, because
I never knew when I would have to
leave in a hurry. I did not want to
wait for anyone and did not want to
leave anyone. “
He covered a number of lawsuits, which ultimately led to the
Brown vs. The Topeka board of
education decision by the U.S.
Supreme Court in 1954 striking
down the concept of “separate but
equal” facilities for the races. He
was with Attorney and later
Supreme Court Justice Thurgood
Marshall in the Clarendon County,
South Carolina case from beginning to the end. And once he was
jailed in Lumberton, NC for photoRivera continues on page 21
November 2008
SPECTACULAR
Rivera continues
graphing segregated toilets.
Rivera shared another story of
civil unrest closer to home. The
incident occurred around 1965 in
Durham. Accompany by two other
gentlemen the three arrived at
Hillandale Golf course early one
morning to play a round of golf and
was turned away. The men were
told that the Civil Rights Act of
1964 did not cover the use of the
course and if they felt otherwise,
they should take the matter to the
courts. The men promptly consulted their attorney.
During those turbulent times,
Rivera did not think of himself as
brave or blazing new trails, he stated,“ I had no idea that I was
involved in the making of history.
To me, it was just another day on
the job, and when it was over, we’d
go find a bar.” In 1955, Rivera
received the Global Syndicate
Award for his coverage of the
progress of public school desegregation following the Brown
Decision. The speaker at this New
York ceremony was then-Vice
President Richard Nixon.
Nixon represented the United
States at the independence celebration in Ghana in 1957 and Rivera
was chosen as one of the members
of the press team to accompany him
on the trip. Rivera explained
Nixon’s reason for selecting him,
“He decided that he wasn’t going to
go to Africa without any black people. Now I’m not sure what kind of
impression I made on him, or if he
remembered me because he went to
Duke, but the trip with Nixon,
which ended with a vacation in
Rome, was the highlight of my
career.”
The trip to Rome included an
audience with the Pope. “The Pope
just came into the room and greeted
us, there was no message, but to
meet him was beyond the imagination.” Rivera and Nixon exchanged
North Carolina Central University honored photojournalist Alex Rivera with the naming
of the Alex M. Rivera Athletic Hall of Fame housed in the McLendon-McDougald
Gymnasium on campus which houses an impressive exhibit of large-scale photographs
from NCCU’s athletic history that are primarily the work of Rivera himself over the last
66 years.
Photo: Robert Lawson
letters until the passing of the president in 1994.
As he continued to march into
history as a photojournalist, Rivera
ventured for a period of time into
sales with the Josten Company.
The company provided class rings,
graduation invitations, etc., everything that is needed by a graduating
senior. The company was headquartered in Minnesota. But, it seemed
impossible for Rivera to sever ties
with NCCU, He returned to NCCU
in 1974 as the Director of Public
Relations and remained until his
retirement in 1993. He has served
as Director of Public Relations for
five NCCU Chancellors.
As the NCCU Director of
Public Relations, Rivera was able
to get President Gerald Ford to
speak at the university 50th
anniversary, which was one of the
largest events to occur in Durham
in 1975. Throughout the years
Rivera photographed several popes,
Halle Selassie, Contee Cullen,
Desmond Tutu, Adam Clayton
Powell, Richard Nixon, Gerald
Ford, Benjamin Mays, Mary
McLeod
Bethune,
Mordecai
Johnson, A. Phillip Randolph and
many others.
His extensive photo-journalistic
achievements have been recognized
by several halls of fame: he is a
charter member in The North
Carolina
Central
University
Athletic Hall of Fame; he was
inducted into The Central
Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Hall of Fame; and The National
Black Journalist Hall of Fame.
Rivera’s passion has always
been athletics and at NCCU, he
photographed some of the world’s
greatest men in sport including basketball coach John B. McLendon.
The images of McLendon with his
players, including five-time NBA
All-Star Sam Jones, have been preserved for the historical record.
Also, Rivera captured former
United States Olympic Committee
President and NCCU coach and
Chancellor, Dr. LeRoy T. Walker
with his gold medal-winning hurdler, Lee Calhoun.
Rivera was instrumental in
establishing the Athletic Hall of
Page Twenty-One
Fame at NCCU and managed the
annual induction ceremony for 15
years. North Carolina Central
University honored Rivera with the
naming of the Alex M. Rivera
Athletic Hall of Fame housed in the
McLendon-McDougald
Gymnasium on campus and present
an impressive exhibit of large-scale
photographs from NCCU’s athletic
history that are primarily the work
of Rivera himself.
Selecting to honor Rivera was
an easy choice, said former NCCU
Chancellor James Ammons, “In our
memories we hold a number of
remarkable photographs that captured the truth in the victories and
tragedies of our modern history and
culture. The men and women who
recorded those moments, sometimes at risk to their own lives, are
unseen and largely forgotten.
Naming the hall in honor of Alex
Rivera seems a natural choice.”
Rivera was visibly moved by
this great honor and at the sight of
his name cut in steel, he said, “If
you ever see a turtle on top of a
post, you know that he didn’t get
there all by himself. He had help.”
Upon retirement in 1993, Governor
James B. Hunt, Jr. presented Rivera
the State of North Carolina’s prestigious award, The Order of The
Long Leaf Pine.
His local community service
have included: Director of the
Durham Convention and Visitors’
Bureau’s Advisory Board; Director
of the John Avery Boys and Girls
Club
Board;
Committee
Assignments with the Durham
Chamber of Commerce; and
Director of the Durham Rotary
Club Board.
Although he is national known
for his excellent photography of
historical
events
covering
America’s racial struggles and
progress, he easily identify with an
inscription that is engraved on one
of his trophies: An eagle born and
bred.
Page Twenty-Two
SPECTACULAR
November 2008
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Dalia Santos. The deadline for
projects is November 28, 2008. If
your group has a service project
planned for MLK Day 2009, consider expanding the project so that
others can get involved. If you will
need youth or adult volunteers to
conduct your project, we will assign
volunteers to you as needed. Please
join us as we make this holiday, “A
Day ON, Not a Day OFF.”
PROJECTS AND
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR
FOURTH ANNUAL
TRIANGLE MARTIN LUTHER
KING Jr., DAY OF SERVICE
MORRISVILLE — For the fourth
year, Triangle United Way and
along with a coalition of area
organizations, will host the Triangle
Area Martin Luther King Day of
Service on January 19, 2008. In
Durham, Orange and Wake counties nonprofit agencies, schools,
recreational centers and religious
groups will engage adult and youth
volunteers in community service
projects that honor the legacy of Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. by making the
holiday, “A Day On, Not a Day
Off,”. Projects must meet a specific
need and help improve lives of individuals or a specific community.
Signature projects that accommodate over 50 volunteers to complete
in one day are encouraged. Projects
that help increase access to health
services, education, safety, reducing
crime, poverty and increasing financial literacy are especially desired
to reflect Triangle United Way’s
community goals.
If your organization could benefit
from a Day of Service, register your
project online at www.trianglemlkdayofservice.org or download and
fax a completed project application
form to (919) 460-9019 attention
560-8511.
Citizens, whose last
names begin with N through Z,
should
call
919-560-8421.
Spanish-speaking families should
call Elvia Interiano, social worker for
the DSS, at 919-560-8368.
Eligibility for child care subsidy is
based on verified income and
assets. Families may use the prescreening tool located on the DSS
website
at
http://www.co.durham.nc.us/depar
tments/dssv and bring the comChild care subsidy applicants should pleted form to their appointment.
provide the following information
when applying:
For more information about apply. Two months of current pay check
ing for child care subsidy, contact
stubs
Sharon Cain-Roane at 919-560. Verification of any other income
8360. Durham’s Alliance for Child
CALL FOR PRESENTERS
received
Care Access office is located at
. Copies of Social Security cards for 1201 S. Briggs Avenue, Suite 100 in
The North Carolina Reentry Action
each applicant and child
the Jim and Carolyn Hunt Child
Project (NCREAP) is soliciting pre- . State ID or Driver’s License
Care Resource Center.
senters for the 2009 national con- . Proof of special needs
ference to be held March 2-4,
2009, in Chapel Hill, NC. More than
500 participants are expected to
attend this conference.
CAR SHOW
Conference attendees always give
the highest marks to sessions that
are led by practitioners working in
the field of re-entry. Organizations
that provide programs/services are
invited to share information about
their organizations. Presentations
must be amenable to large groups.
Information regarding NCREAP, the
criteria for the presentations and
instructions regarding submission is
available at www.ncreap.com .
FAMILIES URGED TO APPLY
FOR CHILD CARE SUBSIDY
WHILE LIMITED FUNDS ARE
AVAILABLE
DURHAM – The Durham County
Department of Social Services
(DSS) urges families who need help
paying for child care to make an
appointment to apply for child care
subsidy as soon as possible.
Citizens, whose last names begin
with A through M, should call 919-
(ANTIQUES, CLASSICS, SHOW
CARS, TRUCKS & BIKES)
Saturday
November 15, 2008
Special Appearance by female dragster, Ursula
Gillespie and the Carolina Thunder Racing Team
12 Noon to 6:00 PM
Food Lion Parking Lot
121 Sherron Road
(Corner of Wake Forest Hwy. & Sherron Road)
Durham, NC 27703
Concession Open
Fish Fry, BBQ Chicken, Hot Dogs
All proceeds benefits Southern
Durham High Sch. Wrestling Team
To pre-register or for more info call 919-4521981 or E-mail: [email protected].
November 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Twenty-Three
RELIGION
LOCAL ASSOCIATE MINISTERS TO PRESENT
GOSPEL PLAY IN CHARLOTTE
Food Drive in conjunction with
area businesses, faith-based organizations and Feeding America formerly known as Second Harvest.
“Butterfly Wings: Claudine’s
Story” at Ovens Auditorium
November 21st & 22nd
By Valerie Whitted
Contributing Writer
CHARLOTTE, NC - Producers
Joe and Shirrell McNeill will present Butterfly Wings: Claudine’s
Story, the play November 21st and
22nd. This play is about the character Claudine, who thinks she has it
all but during the course of one
weekend she finds out what was
really missing and how she was
transformed. Her truth comes to
light at work, in the club, at the
shelter and finally in the last place
she would expect…
Butterfly Wings: Claudine’s
Story, has been produced and was
recently performed to rave reviews
in the Raleigh/Durham market. A
book, Butterfly Wings: A Story of
Rebirth,
Regeneration
and
Rejoicing, has been published as
well. Live taping for a DVD will be
done opening night in Charlotte at
Ovens Auditorium that will be distributed in 2009.
The messages, characters and
situations presented in the play are
applicable and connect to all people
regardless of gender, race, ethnicity,
economic status or age. The
McNeill’s intend to promote this
production in all communities within the Greater Charlotte area and
anticipate audience representation
to closely align with the demographics of the Raleigh/Durham
market.
This production stars Terrell
Carter, you've seen him in the Tyler
MINISTERS JOE & SHIRRELL
MCNEILL
Much more than the producers
of Butterfly Wings: Claudine’s
Story. The dramatic stage production borne of Ministers Joe &
Shirrell McNeill’s Restorative
Ministry is also their outreach.
Spectacular
Magazine’s
Contributing
Writer
Valerie
Whitted talked with the McNeills to
find out about them and their ministry.
“Butterfly Wings: Claudine’s Story” Producers Ministers Shirrell (right) and Joe
McNeill and female lead Connie McCoy (left) as Claudine.
Perry’s "Diary of a Mad Black
Woman" the movie, "Madea's Class
Reunion", and" Meet the Browns".
Carter, in the role of William, is an
attorney that has it all figured
out…he believes. He gives a
remarkable performance and masterfully uses his golden voice,
trained by years of singing. It is art
in motion that must be heard live to
be fully appreciated.
Recording artist, vocalist and
host of BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel
Hour, Ann McCrary, takes on the
roll of Momma. McCrary lends her
great voice as well as commanding
presence to invigorate the play even
more
Additionally, there will be a
cameo appearance by Billboard
recording artist saxophonist Stanley
Baird, fresh off a USO tour in
Japan. He will be performing with
Arthur’s Quest in the nightclub
scene and throughout the play, giving the audience some smooth jazz
flavor in the 13 original compositions created for this drama.
Butterfly Wings is full of stars
and directed by James A. House, a
star in his own right. House has
starred in over eight major motion
pictures, including “Over the Top”
and “Heat”, and he has numerous
directing and producing credits as
well. His talent is reflected in the
quality that the audience will see in
this production.
A benefit art show and sale
“Artful Fruits of the Spirit” featuring the original creations of Kelvin
W, Henderson, will be shown
before and during the live taping
and staging, starting at 6pm both
days. A portion of the proceeds will
go to help those in need in the
Greater Charlotte area. Butterfly
Wings Ministries is also holding a
Valerie Whitted (VW): What is Butterfly
Wings?
Shirrell McNeill (SM): Butterfly Wings
Restorative Ministry, Inc. is a 5013c
organization (2005) that goes beyond the
church pews to meet the needs of people
who are broken and hurting due to circumstances that are spiritual, emotional, and/or
physical. We bring the message of hope
as found in the scripture, 2 Corinthians
5:17, “If any one is in Christ, they are a
new creation. Old things have passed
away, behold, all things are new”. We
seek to partner with shelters, halfway
houses, community centers, prisons,
churches, evangelistic activities and other
outreach organizations, to bring restoration
and reconciliation to individuals and communities. We employ various methods to
reach as many people in need to restoration. They include: discipleship, teaching,
evangelism and sermonic means. I am the
Founder and President and Joe is VP of
Marketing and Event Planning.
VW: Where do you go to church?
SM: We are members of North East
Baptist Church of Durham and serve as
Associate Ministers under the leadership
of Rev. Dr. Wesley Elam, Sr., Pastor. I
Butterfly Wings continues on page 24
Page Twenty-Four
SPECTACULAR
Wings: Claudine’s Story” was born out of
the need to explain and demonstrate what
transformation looks like in the life of a
real person. Everything has come from
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the
need to share the “good news”, the Gospel
of Jesus.
Butterfly Wings continues
VW: What organizations are you involved
in?
SM: We actively seek involvement in outreach ministries both through North East
Baptist Church and our own Butterfly
Wings Ministry. At North East, we both
help support the Prison Ministry, led by
Minister Delton Farmer, the activities of
the Women’s Support Group and the AIDS
Ministry (led by Minister William and
Sister Josephine Yearby). As leaders of
the Butterfly Wings Ministry we are
involved in the works of the Durham Crisis
Response Center, The Raleigh Rescue
Mission, Changing a Generation Ministry
and Judah Tribe Rites of Passage in
Raleigh .
Northeast Baptist Church Associate
Ministers Rev. Joe McNeill (left) and Rev.
Shirrell McNeill (2nd from left) are joined
by Changing a Generation Ministry
Founder Rev. Rodney Green (2nd from
right) and Mt. Gilead Baptist Church
Associate Pastor Rev. Virginia Wilson
(right) at the Annual Back To School program which is organized in part by Rev.
Green and the McNeills. Photo: Maurice Noble
VW: How did you get started and to this
point with your ministry?
SM: Butterfly Wings Ministry started as
an outreach to people who were experiencing brokenness like me. I had just written
a book called “Butterfly Wings: A Story of
Re-birth, Rejoicing and Regeneration”,
(2003) to explain how we can be spiritually transformed from any circumstance, like
the caterpillar, and re-shaped and equipped
to fly, the butterfly. God gave me a wonderful model to explain the stages of spiritual transformation in the physical metamorphosis of the caterpillar to a butterfly.
I wanted to go tell everyone that hope was
available to them also, and that God has
given us the “power to live our possibilities” through His Son, Jesus. So the ministry was born out of the necessity to
spread the Word. The play “Butterfly
serve in the Leadership Development and
Women’s Support Group ministries. Joe
is a member of the Male Chorus.
VW: Where did you grow up and go to
school? When did you become a couple?
SM: We both grew and both graduated
from I. Ellis Johnson High School in the
small town of Laurinburg, North Carolina.
We have known each other since high
school. In fact, Joe was my first boyfriend,
the first boy my mother allowed me to
“take company” with. We broke up
before graduation and went separate ways.
Joe left and went to the Army where he
served as a Combat Medic in the Vietnam
War. I went to college at N C A&T State
University. Joe came back to work at
Eden Corporation in Laurinburg, while I
concentrated on getting my Master’s
Degree and working in various business
and government arenas. We both attended
seminary for a short time (Joe-Apex
School of Theology) and (ShirrellSoutheastern
Baptist
Theological
Seminary-Wake Forest). At our 25th High
School Reunion, we were re-united and
married in May 1991. We will celebrate
our 18th wedding anniversary next year.
VW: I know family is very important to
you both. Tell me about your children?
SM: At this phase in our lives we are
empty nesters with 3 grown daughters
(Annette, Jeannette, Kelly) and a grown
son (Anthony) and they have four grandchildren.
VW: How did you come to choose the
Triangle area to live?
JM: Durham served as base for Shirrell
when I re-located from Virginia to take a
position at Glaxo. In Durham, we established the ministry roots and North
Carolina serves as the base for Butterfly
Wings Ministry, which has spread its
wings all over the country. We reside in
Hillsborough NC, moving from the
Durham area over eight years ago.
VW: What motivates you to do such
intensive work?
SM: As ministers we both want to preach
and teach God’s as faithful disciples until
we die. We want Butterfly Wings
Restorative Ministry to flourish and proclaim to those who need hope that Jesus is
the way. We do this through the spoken
word, plays and music to reach as many as
we can with the message of restoration. A
restored individual that is reconciled to
November 2008
God, their family and their community will
live out their greatest potential here on
earth and their divine destination with
God.
VW: What advice would you give to
young people about to enter"the REAL
world"?
SM: Giving young people advice is tricky.
You want to save them the same heartache
you went through by not listening, but to
put it in terms that will reach them so they
will listen. Joe: “Don’t be too proud to
ask an older person for advice and guidance.” “Learn how to pray and what prayer
means.”
SM: “Life is full of possibilities-even if
you don’t see them right away.” “There is
always hope to be found in a hopeless situation. Choose life “…”Know Jesus for
yourself”!
VW: What is the last book you read?
JM: Ezekiel 33 (Old Testament)
SM: “The Audacity of Hope” by Barack
Obama.
VW: What do you do to relax?
JM: Fish, fish and more fishing.
SM: Sit on back porch listening to the
birds, seeing the trees when I get a
chance…which is not too often!
VW: What are you are proudest of?
JM: Being a bold messenger for the Lard,
because I ran from it for so many years. I
was afraid of the accountability that would
come with it, not just talking the talk, but
also walking the walk.
SM: Being an instrument that God can use
to help proclaim transformation and reconciliation to a world broken and lost. Not
because I am perfect, but because I am not
perfect, but willing to be led.
VW: Is there anything else we should
know you and/or the play?
SM: Butterfly Wings: Claudine’s Story
was produced twice before… in 2004 at
NCCU Communications Theatre free to
the public and performed by all volunteers
and in 2006 Carolina Theatre in Durham
for over 1,000 people during a weekend
run with a professional cast and crew. It
was supported by funds from a few sponsors, but mostly from the producers’ personal financing.
VW: What a labor of love and what a wonderful production. It is assured that you
will win with God on your side and such a
plan to succeed.
For more info please call 919-235-2958 or
[email protected]
November 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Twenty-Five
LIVING YOUR FAITH
PRACTICAL PIETY
By Rev. Dr. Archie D. Logan
RAISING CHRISTIAN CHILDREN OF CHARACTER
Greetings! I want to commend
Spectacular Magazine Publisher
& Editor-InChief,
Phyllis
Coley for
the outstanding
edition
focusing
on our
children
and youth.
Rev. Dr. Archie Logan
As parents
we know that raising children
of character is challenging. As
we look at the statistics having
children is a lot easier than
parenting them once they are
born. As a former child; now, a
parent, pastor and youth mentor I want to share “SEVEN
SUGGESTIONS FOR RAISING
CHRISTIAN CHILDREN OF
CHARACTER.”
1. Put GOD first. In this post
modern age it is difficult to put
God first with so many competing demands. When I was a
child my parents made it clear
to me that as long as I lived in
their home, ate their food and
was supported by their sacrifices – I was going to go to
church AND participate in the
activities provided for youth.
Today we see an alarming
trend where young people are your most important parenting
parenting their parents!
challenge. Learn to listen to your
children. It is easy for us to tune
2. Parenting must be a high pri- out the talk of our children. One
ority. Good parents must con- of the greatest things we can do
sciously plan and devote time to for them is to take them seriparenting. As parents/grandpar- ously and set aside time to lisents/guardians you must make ten. As they grow older they
developing your children’s char- begin to model your love for
acter a top priority at an early them.
age.
5. From the birth of your child
3 . P a r e n t s / g r a n d p a r e n t s / develop spiritual ears and eyes
guardians must begin at an early for what your children are
age planning the daily activities absorbing. Children are like
and routines of their children. sponges. Much of what they take
Organize your child’s life at least in has to do with moral values,
weekly. Review how you spend secular attitudes and character.
the hours and days of your Books, music, Television, the
week.Think about the amount of Internet, and movies are contintime your children spend with ually delivering messages—
you and in a religious Christian moral and immoral—to our chilenvironment. Plan how to dren. As parents we must coninvolve your children into a sec- trol the flow of ideas and images
ular social life and a faith based that are influencing our children.
community. Remember your
By promoting moral action
4. Parenting must be grounded in through self-discipline, good
parents/grandparents/ guardians work habits, kind and considerbeing good role model exam- ate behavior to others, and comples. Children learn primarily munity service we – HELP OUR
through modeling after their CHILDREN ABSORB JESUS!
parents, grandparents, and
guardians. What you are often
directly affects what your children become? In fact, you cannot
avoid being an example to your
children, whether good or bad.
Being a good example, then, is
6. Use Christian language of
character in your life and living.
Children cannot develop a moral
compass unless people around
them use the clear, sharp language of right and wrong. Help
your children understand how
to make choices.
7. As your children mature get
deeply involved in their school
life. Public and private education is the main event in the
lives of our children. Their
experience at school is a combination of triumphs and disappointments. Helping our children become good students is
another name for helping them
acquire strong character.
Finally, we need to create a
Christian environment in
which our children can develop
habits of honesty, generosity,
fairness, forgiveness and a
sense of justice. For most of us,
the greatest opportunity we
personally have to deepen our
own Christian character is
through the daily sharing we
have with our children and
others we encounter in life.
Rev. Dr. Archie D. Logan, Jr.
Executive Vice President
Apex School of Theology, Durham, NC
27703
www.Apexsot.edu 919-572-1625
[email protected]
PRAY FOR GLOBAL PEACE
Contact me for workshops
Institutes:
and
Page Twenty-Six
SPECTACULAR
November 2
ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE
by
Reverend Dr. James W. Smith
EXCUSES NOT ACCEPTED
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
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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
You see, it is hard for me
Hopefully, you will be readto forget where I came
ing this article before
from. When I first started
November 4, 2008. This is
practicing law in Louisburg,
the date of National and
NC, on the steps leading
State elections. Our foreinto the courthouse were
parents marched and fought
words on opposite sides
for the right to vote on this
saying. “White Only and
day. Honestly, it should be
Negro Only.” Even in my
a day of great pride for all
personal life, I cannot forAmericans and especially,
Dr.
James
W.
Smith
get where I have come
Black Americans. It is so
unfortunate, but many do not exercise from, the degradation and struggles I
have had to endure. Yes, this ought to
their right to vote.
be a reflective moment for America
I am a product of the 60’s and I can because all of us have a past to rememremember the marches and sit-ins. I can ber and we should not want a repeat of
remember people going to jail, including this past. When I am in the presence of
myself, because we wanted a better my elders, I have heard many statements
America for everyone. We wanted to be like, “I never thought I would live to see
judged by our character and not by the this day.”
color of our skin. Enduring the mockings, ridicules and jail was an honor. I Well, this day has arrived. History will be
never will forget the summer I was in made regardless of who wins the presiNew York and we were asked to picket dency. However, I am so afraid that so
Kings County Hospital because of its many of us will not make it to the polls
racist practice. Just out of high school, because of some reason. Oh, we can
but I got up early that morning to meet come up with something but when I
think about my deceased mom, my
at the picket line. It was fun.
grandparents, others of the civil rights
I thought I was somebody out there with movement who prayed for this moment
distinguished men like Dr. Gardner C. in America and all I have encountered
Taylor and Dr. Sandy Ray. When I saw personally, I am sorry, I cannot accept
those men cross the picket line, I fol- your excuse. Please forgive me, but
Not Accepted.”
lowed them and we all ended up in jail. “Excuses Are
I was so excited. I went back home and Opportunities like this come once in a
told my mom, “I went to jail this morn- lifetime. We should be thankful that we
ing.” It was honorable and exciting. got to experience this moment.
How I wish we could capture that same
excitement here at election time. I think Dr. James W. Smith
Consultant - Missionary Baptist Churches
we have it but we cannot let up least Pastor,
Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
we forget where we came from.
Email: [email protected]
November 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Twenty-Seven
POLITICAL AFFAIRS
LEGAL EAGLE
ADVISOR
By
Professor
Irving Joyner, J.D.
FROM COMMEMORATION TO COMMITMENT:
A RETROSPECTIVE ON THE 1898 WILMINGTON RACE REBELLION
On November 10, 2008, we will commemorate the 110th anniversary of the
Wilmington Race Rebellion. On that date in
1898, armed White vigilantes, led by leaders
of the Democratic Party and former civil
war confederate soldiers, by force of arms,
overthrew the legally elected multi-racial
government of Wilmington North Carolina. At
the time, Wilmington was the most prosperous city in North Carolina and the majority
of its residents were African-Americans.
The development of Wilmington during the
first Reconstruction Period is a marvelous
and amazing story and every citizen, particularly African-American, should know, appreciate and understand this history. Coming
out of slavery, former slaves and free Africans
joined with White farmers, craftsmen and
Populists to create a political movement
which gained control of North Carolina politics. This union of political will and determination laid the foundation for this State
as it enacted a new State Constitution, created a free public education system and
moved North Carolina beyond the wounds
and ills of the Civil War.
This was an amazing feat which has not
been replicated anywhere in world history.
This racial and political progress was halted
when leaders of the Democratic Party joined
together to create a race based campaign to
destroy this exercise of political and economic power and to illegally re-capture political
control of this State. In the process, a yet
undetermined number of African-Americans
were murdered, thousands were forced to
leave their homes and escape into the countryside and African-American leaders and
White elected officials were literally removed
from office and banished from the city.
Wilmington was not the lone casualty of the
1898 race rebellion. During the first
Reconstruction Period, African-American
throughout the State were actively involved
in the economic, social, educational and
political life of their towns and the State.
Large contingents of African-Americans
served in the North Carolina General
Assembly and were elected to local offices.
The Wilmington overthrow began a Statewide campaign of violence, intimidation and
the institution of “Jim Crow” laws which
forced African-Americans into segregated
communities and illegally took away the
right and ability to vote and participate in
the affairs of life. Those individuals who
served as leaders and their children were
stifled and reduced to the status of secondclass citizens.
It would not be until 1968, the beginning of
the second Reconstruction Period, before an
African-American was elected to serve in the
North Carolina General Assembly. It was not
until 1990 that an African-American was
elected to represent North Carolina in the
Legal Eagle Advisor continues on page 28
Page Twenty-Eight
Legal Eagle Advisor continues
United States Congress. During the first
Reconstruction, four African-Americans were
elected as congressional representatives. Can
you imagine the height that AfricanAmericans could have soared had the 1898
overthrow and the emergence of “Jim Crow”
not occurred?
Led by the efforts of State Senator Luther
Jordan and Representative Thomas Wright in
2000, the North Carolina General Assembly
created the 1898 Wilmington Race Riot
Commission to study the origins and effects
of the overthrow of the Wilmington City government, the only political overthrow to
occur in United States history. After several
years of study, the Commission issued its
report in May 2006 and made fifteen (15)
modest recommendations to the General
Assembly which were designed to provide
some healing for the State and repair for
Wilmington citizens.
SPECTACULAR
sion. These recommendations will not be
acted upon unless citizens join the effort to
force the State of North Carolina to enact
these modest proposals. You can and should
assist this effort by contacting your State
Representative and State Senator to demand
that they support the enactment of these
recommendations.
The recommendations which the General
Assembly failed to act upon include:
1. Establish a Restructuring and Development
Authority including local leadership to supervise implementation of a strategic vision
funded through an endowment, supported by
federal, state and local governments, as well
as media and businesses, especially those
which benefitted from the consequences of
1898.
2. Support amendment of the federal Voting
Rights act to add New Hanover County.
level curriculum materials; and provide
teacher workshops for effectively integrating
the materials into instruction.
9. Fund development for a documentary to
be aired nationally, regionally and locally.
The documentary should be suitable for
inclusion in school curriculum materials.
10. Increase support for tutoring and mentoring programs in New Hanover County, targeting at-risk youth.
11. Fund establishment of an 1898 exhibit
at the Cape Fear Museum and creation of a
traveling exhibit designed by the museum for
use statewide.
12. Provide additional funding the New
Hanover County Public Library to make
resources available relative to 1898 and its
impact.
13. Erect plaques, markers and/or monuments to identify key participants and locations of 1898 events statewide and in
Wilmington.
November 2008
continue to resonate today. The overthrow
created a current of racial hostilities and
divisions which continued unabated for
over ninety (90) years. The loss of wealth
and political power by African-Americans
and the fear which resulted from the
overthrow negatively impacted efforts by
African-Americans to fully participate in
the life of that city and this State for the
past eleven decades. Something needs to
be done to right this wrong and the first
step in that process is to become educated about this history. Once educated,
it is hoped that you will join the effort
to enact the Commission’s recommendations. For all of the time that AfricanAmericans were locked out of the economic, social and political life of this
State, we need to rise up and fight back.
That fight can begin with the legislative
enactment of the 1898 Wilmington Race
Riot Commission’s recommendations.
3. Create a study commission to examine the
Professor Irving Joyner
Of the fifteen (15) recommendations, the broader impact of slavery, Jim Crow and discrimination
on
the
lives
of
African-Americans.
The
wounds
and
racial
division
which
resultNorth Carolina Central University
General Assembly adopted only one during
the 2007-2008 legislative session. That one 4. Support judicial redress to compensate ed from the 1898 Wilmington race rebellion School of Law
[email protected]
was in the form of a joint resolution to heirs of victims who can prove loss and relaacknowledge that the 1898 overthrow tionship to victims via intestacy statutes.
occurred and apologize for the event. In
response to another recommendation, The 5. Provide incentives for business developRaleigh News and Observer issued an official ment of areas impacted by the Wilmington
apology for the acts of Josephus Daniels, the race riot of 1898 (e.g., establish enterprise
Editor/Owner in 1898, who was one of the zone; create small business incubator with
leaders of the effort to overthrow the tax incentives to attract minority owned
Wilmington government and to restore White businesses).
rule in North Carolina. The newspaper also
published a special State-wide news supple- 6. Increase minority home ownership in
ment which described the events of 1898 impacted areas (e.g., use eminent domain to
and the role of Daniels in its organization acquire vacant commercial properties in
Brooklyn and Southside; sell properties to
and execution.
low income residents of those sections with
State Representative Thomas Wright authored guaranteed mortgages).
a series of legislative proposal which were 7. Maintain and update the final report of
designed to enact each of the Commission’s the Wilmington Race Riot Commission with
recommendations. Thirteen of those propos- the N.C. Office of archives and History; disals have yet to be discussed or acted upon. tribute the published report to appropriate
The North Carolina General Assembly should local, state and national repositories, and to
favorably consider the remaining recommen- individuals who contributed toward the
dation during the upcoming session of the research and development os a more comGeneral Assembly. Already, the North Carolina plete record.
Branches of the NAACP has listed these recommendations as a part of its legislative 8. Incorporate the 1898 events into departagenda for the 2009-2010 Legislative ses- ment of Public Instruction curriculum learning expectations; develop appropriate grade-
November 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Twenty-Nine
NEWSBRIEFS
DURHAM PARKS AND RECREATION EARNS
NATIONAL ACCREDITATION
DURHAM - In October, Durham
Parks and Recreation (DPR)
became one of only 79 agencies in
the country and among the five
agencies in North Carolina to
receive national accreditation from
the Commission for Accreditation
of Park and Recreation Agencies
(CAPRA).
Asheville, Cary,
Greensboro and Salisbury are the
four other accredited agencies in
the state.
This distinguished accomplishment was announced in Baltimore,
Maryland
at
the
National
Recreation and Park Association
(NRPA) 2008 Congress and
Exposition.
Accreditation validates to the
public that DPR is a well-administered department that meets and
exceeds national standards. The
accreditation process identifies
areas for improvement within the
Rhonda B. Parker
department,
by comparing
DPR against
national standards of best
practices
which ultimately means
improved
services
to
Durham and
its customers.
Rhonda B. Parker (Director),
Joy Guy (Assistant Director of
Administration) and Gina Morais
(Accreditation Coordinator) of
Durham Parks and Recreation
accepted the National Accreditation
Recognition Award for Durham
Parks and Recreation during the
Annual CAPRA reception on
October 15. “This is a distinct
honor of which we are all proud to
receive,” said Parker. “We are
specifically pleased that meeting
the standards set by CAPRA yield a
better quality of service to the citizens of Durham.”
The process of accreditation is
extensive and took several years to
accomplish. After the initial application, DPR completed a detailed
self-assessment report followed by
a visit to Durham by a team of
experienced park and recreation
professionals. Finally, a review
was conducted by CAPRA and
accreditation was formally conferred by the Commission on
October 14th.
National accreditation requires
park and recreation agencies to
assess their operations against the
155 standards that represent elements of effective and efficient
park and recreation procedures.
There are 36 standards that must be
met by all agencies regardless of
the agency size or number of staff.
Durham met 152 of the 155 standards. DPR did an excellent job
exceeding the minimum qualifications of the 138 standards in
becoming an accredited agency.
The Commission is comprised
of representatives from the
National Recreation and Park
Association,
the
American
Academy for Park and Recreation
Administration, the National
Association of County Park and
Recreation
Officials,
the
International
City/County
Managers Association, American
Association for Physical Activity
and Recreation, the Armed Forces
Recreation Society, and the Council
of State Executive Directors.
For additional information call Rich Hahn
or Gina Morais at (919) 560-4355.
Briefly...
COLEMAN-COOK WILL JOIN DCVB
TEAM - E’Vonne Coleman-Cook has been
hired as Vice President
of Marketing Resources
Support at the Durham
Convention & Visitors
Bureau (DCVB) in
Durham, NC, according
to Shelly Green, the
Coleman-Cook
Bureau’s
Chief
Operating Officer and President & CEO-elect.
In her new position, Coleman-Cook will
be responsible for full oversight of Finance
and Budget, Information Technology, Human
Resources, and Facility Management.
Additionally, she will work to enhance and
expand partnerships with community stakeholder groups.
Prior to joining DCVB, Ms. Coleman-Cook
served as Associate Director of the Office of
Continuing Studies at Duke University. She
was also Executive Director of the Durham
Arts Council for nine years, notably as the first
African-American to head an arts council in
the state of North Carolina.
E’Vonne has won numerous awards and
honors including a St. Joseph Historic
Foundation Special Recognition Award,
National Endowment for the Arts
Distinguished Service Award and Outstanding
Alumna Award from the Dramatic Arts
Department at North Carolina Central
University.
LANGLEY INDUCTED INTO LAW
FRATERNITY - DeWarren K. Langley was
inducted into the
Raymond
Watkins
Chapter of Phi Alpha
Delta Law Fraternity
International in October
at North Carolina Central
University School of
Langley
Law.
Founded in 1902, the purpose of this
Fraternity is to form a strong bond uniting stuBriefly continues on page 30
Page Thirty
SPECTACULAR
SISTERS CHOSEN TO
ATTEND INAUGURATION
RALEIGH
Scholarship
Two
sisters,
which pays for
Word of God
her college eduChristian
cation up to her
Academy gradudoctorate
ates, will be able
degree. She is
to see the inaualso an active
guration of the
member
of
President.
NSBE, and the
Y o l a n d a
Mechanical
Kennedy and
Engineering
Ivana Kennedy
Honor Society.
have been choYolanda is a
Ivana and Yolanda Kennedy
sen to particijunior at UNC
pate in the elite, invitation only, Charlotte and is a business major.
University Presidential Inaugural She was the first middle school stuConference (UPIC) January 17th – dent in NC win 1st place in the
21st.
NASA
Student
Involvement
During the five-day program, Program, was also the Valedictorian
the UPIC will provide scholars with of Word of God Christian Academy
a deeper understanding of the histo- and she is also a recipient of the
ry behind the electoral process and Gates Millennium Scholarship.
the rich traditions surrounding the Yolanda is a university honor stupresidential inauguration.
dent and is active in the Students in
Both Yolanda and Ivana attend- Free Enterprise (SIFE) program at
ed Word of God Christian Academy UNC Charlotte.
from K-5 thru 12th grade. During
Word of God Christian
that time they were nominated for Academy is located at 3000 Rock
and attended the Global Young Quarry Road in Raleigh. The
Leaders Conference. Their out- founders
are
Dr.
Frank
standing leadership characteristics Summerfield and Mrs. JoeNell
displayed at this conference Summerfield.
enabled them to be included in the
privileged group invited to this The girls are accepting donations through
University
Presidential
Inaugural
prestigious event.
Conference (UPIC) to help offset the
Ivana is a senior at University expense of the trip. Any donations must
of Florida and is a mechanical engi- include their names, ID numbers
neering major.
She was the 1016392325 or 368473 and may be sent
Valedictorian of Word of God directly to:
Christian Academy, is a National University Presidential Inaugural
Conference, 1919 Gallows Rd. - Suite 700,
Merit Scholar and she is also a Vienna, VA 22182 Phone: 703.584.9896
recipient of the Gates Millennium
Briefly continues
dents and teachers of the law with members
of the Bench and Bar in a fraternal fellowship
designed to advance the ideals of liberty and
equal justice under law.
Langley is a first year law student at
North Carolina Central University School of Law.
A native of Durham, North Carolina, Langley
holds a degree in Business Management and
Economics with a minor in Leadership Studies
from Hampton University (2007). Currently, he
serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors
November 2008
THE REV. JOSEPH LOWERY TO
SPEAK AT DUKE’S MLK PROGRAM
DURHAM
- The Rev.
Joseph E.
Lowery, a
founding
member of
t
h
e
Southern
Christian
Leadership
Conference,
will give the
Rev. Joseph E. Lowery k e y n o t e
address for Duke University’s
Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration at 3 pm Sunday, January 18,
2009, in Duke Chapel.
The speech is part of a program
in the chapel celebrating King’s
life. The program, which will
include music and dance, is free
and open to the public; parking is
available in the Bryan Center
Parking Garage.
Lowery and King were part of
the group that founded the Southern
Christian Leadership Conference
(SCLC) in Atlanta in 1957. Lowery
was an active partner with King
throughout the Civil Rights
Movement, leading marches and
sit-ins against segregation. He pastored churches in Mobile,
Memphis,
Birmingham
and
Atlanta.
Lowery served as president of
the SCLC from 1977 to 1998. He
also has been active in such causes
as Middle East peace, ending
apartheid in South Africa and
cleaning up toxic waste in North
Carolina.
A retired United Methodist
minister, Lowery has won numerous awards, including the NAACP
Lifetime Achievement Award,
Martin Luther King Center Peace
Award and United Methodist
Church Justice Award. The Joseph
E. Lowery Institute for Justice &
Human Rights at Clark-Atlanta
University is named in his honor.
He spoke at King’s memorial service, and gave eulogies at the funerals of Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott
King.
“Dr. Lowery and Dr. King were
partners in laying the foundation
for the changes that we now see
occurring in America’s public life,”
said Ben Reese, one of the King
committee co-chairs and Duke’s
vice president for institutional equity. “His appearance here will give
the Duke community an opportunity to reflect on that foundation and
inspiration to build upon the principles and tenets of Dr. King.”
William C. Turner Jr., the other
co-chair of the King committee and
an associate professor of the practice of homiletics in Duke’s
Divinity School said, “With the
challenges and opportunities of our
day, we need, as never before, to
hear from the wise ones who still
remain among us.”
The theme for this year’s King
commemoration events is “What
Becomes of the Dream? Faith and
Politics, Vision and Leadership.”
for Partners for Youth. A member of the Board
of Directors for Calvary Ministries of the
Westend Community, Inc., he also serves on the
Citizens Advisory Committee, the Criminal
Justice Partnership Advisory Board, the MLK
Steering Committee and Kids Voting Durham
Advisory Board. He mentors three students one a recent graduate of Southern High
School, one at Jordan High School and one at
Kestrel Heights.
Langley is a member of First Calvary
Baptist Church in Durham.
Learn more about this year’s commemoration, including an updated listing of events,
at http://mlk.duke.edu.
November 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Thirty-One
DURHAM NAACP TO HOST 34TH ANNUAL FREEDOM FUND BANQUET
DURHAM – The Durham Branch of
the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People
(NAACP) will host its 34th Annual
Freedom Fund dinner on Saturday,
November 15th at 6:00 pm at the
Durham Marriott at the Civic Center.
The keynote speaker is Minister
Michelle Laws.
This year the Durham Branch –
NAACP will honor three citizens of
Durham who have worked tirelessly
for the improvement of the organization and the community. The 2008
Freedom Fund honorees are Ms.
MaryAnn Black and Rev. Ernie and
Mrs. Gail Mills.
The Durham Branch of the
National Association
for
the
Advancement of Colored People was
chartered in March of 1917. Prior to
the Civil Rights Movement, the
Durham Branch’s role in race leadership was one of support of the Durham
Committee on Negro Affairs (now the
Durham Committee on the Affairs of
Black People), the only other longstanding adult Negro organization
focused on race relations. Together,
their efforts to advance the status of
African Americans met with some success in litigation on the desegregation
of public education and local politics.
The Durham Branch NAACP
assumed a more prominent role with
the organization of its Youth Council,
a.k.a. The Youth Crusaders, which was
initiated by Attorney Floyd B.
McKissick, Sr., in November of 1958.
Membership in the Youth Council rapidly increased as students from
Hillside, Merrick Moore, Little River
and Durham High Schools joined the
struggle. The first public meeting of
the Durham Branch Youth Council was
held on December 1, 1958 at St.
Joseph AME Church during which the
first officers were installed.
Fred Foster is President of the
Durham Branch – NAACP. The CoChairs of the 34th Annual Freedom
Fund dinner are Cora Cole-McFadden
and Sharon Coleman.
MARYANN BLACK,
MSW, LCSW
MaryAnn
Black holds a
Masters
in
Social
Work
Degree
from
UNC-Chapel
Hill, and a
Bachelor of Arts
degree
from
B e n e d i c t
College
in
MaryAnn Black
Columbia, SC.
Ms. Black has provided Durham families with professional service for more
than 30 years as an accomplished clinical social worker.
M s .
Black served as a Durham County
Commissioner from 1990 – 2002, and
was Chair of the Durham County
Board of Commissioners from 19962002.
Ms. Black now holds the position
of Associate Vice President for
Community Relations for the Duke
University Health System, where she
works to establish partnerships with
the city, the county and other agencies
and organizations to benefit every citizen regardless of race, background, or
financial status.
She currently serves on numerous
boards and committees has received
numerous awards for work in the community during her career.
ERNIE AND GAIL MILLS
With a vision
of
helping
homeless men
addicted
to
alcohol
and
other drugs,
Ernie and Gail
Mills came to
Durham
in
1973 to start a
Ernie and Gail Mills
new ministry. They founded Durham
Rescue Mission in 1974 in a two-story
house at 1301 East Main Street in
Durham. By November 1974, the
Durham Rescue Mission could provide
safe shelter, food, clothing, and counseling for 12 men. In 1978, the Mission
moved to a larger church building just
a block away at 1201 East Main Street
with space for 35 men.
In 1993, the Mills opened a home
for mothers with small children. In a
three-story home, they were able to
provide safe shelter for 5 mothers and
their children. Soon they had a waiting
list! In 1997, they opened a shelter for
families, only able to accommodate
five families. In 1998, a shelter was
opened for single women.
The women, children, and families’ ministries have been combined in
one building. The former Good
Samaritan Inn, located at 507 East
Knox Street. With this expansion, there
is space to triple the number of women,
children, and families the Mills can
minister to each day.
Rescued Treasures Thrift Shoppe
and Auto Sales opened in 2006 at the
corner of Cornwallis Road and
Highway 55. This unique shop is an
eclectic mix of donated items, ranging
from art to vehicles and is a help in
raising funds for the operating budget.
Today the ministry has grown to
three campuses and can provide for
200 or more men, women, and children. Under the direction of the Rev.
Ernie and Gail Mills, the Mission is
open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
and the ministry has expanded to provide food, safe shelter, clothing, vocational training, biblical counsel, job
placement, permanent supportive
housing, dental, medical, vision, and
continued accountability for residents
to remain drug free.
C e n t r a l
University
(where
she
graduated
Magna Cum
L a u d e ) .
Currently, Mrs.
Laws is completing
her
Ph.D.
in
Michelle Laws
Sociology at
North Carolina State University with
scholarship and research interests in
the areas of social inequality, social
psychology, and medical sociology,
with a specific focus on the link
between economic disparities, health
and social outcomes.
Throughout her professional
career, Mrs. Laws has demonstrated a
steadfast interest in social and political
issues affecting th eprogress and
social-economic status of AfricanAmericans in the collective. Her professional record includes teacher (she
has tought at NCCU, NCSU and in
federal and state prisons; researcher
and evaluator, youth rogram developer,
lobbyist, columnist, writer, entrepreneur and minister/preacher.
She is the Senior Rsearch
Associate and CEO of MACLaws &
Associates, Inc., owner of christian
Tees, Inc. (designer of Christian tshirts for women), and founder of the
North Carolina Minority Youth and
Families Resource Center, which
wwas co-founded by the late Senators
Jeanne Lucas and Bill Martin.
Mrs. Laws serves on numerous
boards and auxiliaries. She is the
newly appointed member of the North
Carolina
Human
Relations
Commission.
The Durham Marriott located at 201
Foster Street in Durham. For tickets to
the 33rd Annual Freedom Fund dinner
and/or to join the Durham Branch MICHELLE LAWS
Michelle Laws is a graduate of NAACP call 919-682-4930.
UNC-Chapel Hill and North Carolina
Page Thirty-Two
SPECTACULAR
November 2008
GRANVILLE/VANCE
GRANVILLE HEALTH SYSTEM
TO HOST CANDLELIGHT REFLECTIONS
OXFORD – Granville Health
System will be hosting Candlelight
Reflections, a free celebration in
recognition of those affected by
Alzheimer’s disease.
The program is scheduled for
November 6th on Granville Health
System’s main campus at the
Harold Sherman Adult Day Center.
The program will begin at 6:00 pm
under the outdoor Sherman Shelter
next to Brantwood Nursing &
Rehab Center.
The event will include a candle
lighting ceremony, information on
local caregiver resources, recital of
names in memory and recognition,
and readings by various religious
leaders and caregivers. In addition,
Granville County Commissioner
James Lumpkins will be on hand to
deliver a Governor’s Proclamation
in honor of Candlelight Reflections.
Free refreshments and entertainment will be provided. The
Unashamed Gospel Quartet is
scheduled to perform throughout
the program.
The ceremony is part of a
National Commemorative Candle
Lighting, an annual event promoted
by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of
America in recognition of National
Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness
Month. Organizations across the
U.S. are simultaneously participating in this unique event—offering
individuals touched by Alzheimer’s
disease and related dementias the
opportunity to join in spirit and solidarity. As the incidence of
Alzheimer’s disease rises, this
heartfelt ceremony remembers
those individuals who have passed
away and those families currently
affected by the brain disorder.
Alzheimer’s disease is currently
affecting an estimated five million
Americans, including those in our
own community.
The Harold Sherman Adult Day
Center is certified by the North
Carolina Department of Health and
Human Services, Division of Aging
and Adult Services. The center is
the only licensed adult day care
program serving Granville, Vance
and Western Warren county. The
program offers a variety of activities designed to meet the mental,
physical, emotional and spiritual
needs of the program participants .
Granville Health System provides quality care, close to home,
for patients throughout Granville
County and its surrounding areas.
For more information on this event, contact Melissa Starr, Director, Harold
Sherman Adult Day Center, at (919) 6903273. Granville Health System’s main
campus is located at 1010 College Street,
Oxford, North Carolina, 27565.
COACH’S
O
O
R
N
E
R
With
Coach Steve Powell
WILL RETURN NEXT MONTH
November 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Thirty-Three
ORANGE COUNTY
BENEATH THE
SURFACE
BY MICHELLE LAWS
THE STAKE ARE HIGH BUT WILL THE MASSES
DELIVER OBAMA TO THE WHITE HOUSE?
November 4, 2008 is anticipated to be one
of the most significant days in America’s history. It will be the day when American’s
will be challenged to put into action the
very ideals that are mixed in the mortar of
America’s foundation and articulated in that
sacred document we know as the Declaration
of Independence (1776).
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that
all men are created equal, that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable rights, which among these are
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
That to secure these rights, governments are
instituted among men, deriving their just
powers from the consent of the governed.
That whenever any form of government
becomes destructive of these ends, it is the
right of the people to alter or to abolish it,
and to institute new government, laying its
foundation on such principles and organizing
its powers in such form, as to them shall
seem most likely to effect their safety and
happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that
governments long established should not be
changed for light and transient causes; and
accordingly all experience hath shewn that
mankind are more disposed to suffer, while
evils are sufferable than to right themselves
by abolishing the forms to which they are
accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the
same object evinces a design to reduce them
under absolute Despotism, it is their right,
it is their duty, to throw off such govern-
ment, and to provide new guards for their able when it comes to turning out to the
future security.
polls. Voter records provide the evidence to
support this claim.
For the past eight years, many people—
Republicans, Democrats, and Independents (2) While I am not afraid of what the
alike—have suffered tremendous threats to Republicans will do because they have never
their life, liberty and pursuit of happiness tried to hide their hand. What I am afraid
under the Bush oligarchy. And, we have wit- of is that we will allow them to play their
nessed time and time again the most egre- hand as usual. The Republicans have always
gious abuse of power and disgraceful disre- counted on those on the Left and the libergard for the public’s trust (in terms of both al Independents to take them for granted
dollars and faith); the insane $700 billion and to underestimate their power of persuabailout to stop the economic bleeding on sion at mobilizing their base—who by the
Wall Street while doing what amounts to way rarely benefits from their policies. Who
next to nothing to alleviate the hemorrhag- I am most afraid of are the lukewarm
ing on main street is just one example. Independents and the Jessiecrat democrats;
There has been “a long train of abuses and those who publically profess to support the
usurpations” for which prudence dictates Democratic candidates but when the curtain
that the time is right and it is our duty as is closed behind them change their minds.
Americans to “throw off such government
and to provide new guards for the future (3) And, finally we can not ignore the empirical evidence and realities that time and
security” of our great nation.
time again indicate that race is still a major
For these reasons and more, this election is unresolved issue in America and that many
much too costly for any one to renege on people have yet to truly embrace the notion
their duty to go out to the polls and vote that “all men” are absolutely unequivocally
on November 3 (if not earlier). While I am “created equal.” I, along with many others,
impressed with the massive campaign efforts have said it many times before: it will not
on the ground that have resulted in record- be intellect, leadership skills, experience,
breaking new-voter registrants and with integrity, sound judgment, respect, morality
what the recent polls are predicting, I am or any of the other characteristics we think
still a bit skeptical and nervous. My trepi- are crucial for a president to have, but race
that will be the deciding factor for many
dation is for several reasons:
people, Democrats, Republicans and
(1) If I may be candid, Black folk, young Independents a like.
folk, and poor folk, those who have the most
to gain and to lose have often been unreli- (4) And, with all eyes on North Carolina as
Michelle Laws
a “Battleground state,” let’s not forget our
political history. We cannot forget the HelmsGantt senatorial campaign in the 1990s or
the 1972 presidential race between Governor
Terry Sanford and Alabama Governor George
Wallace or the fact that a Democratic presidential candidate has not carried North
Carolina since Jimmy Carter’s successful bid
in 1976.
The bottom line is this is an election in
which we cannot assume any thing, take any
thing for granted, sleep, forget, underestimate, ignore or send some one else.
Furthermore knowing how cunning and sinister some folk play this game, we also have
to be ready this time that if things look
shady or if there is even a small semblance
that we have been or are about to be duped
out of our vote, we must be ready to raise
all kinds of hell in righteous indignation letting the powers that be know ---oh, no not
this time! This time simply can not be like
the last time, our children’s future, our
future, and our nation’s future are at stake
and this time the stakes are too high.
Michelle Laws
Michelle Laws is a Ph.D. student in Sociology at NCSU in
Raleigh NC. She can be reached at
[email protected].
Page Thirty-Four
SPECTACULAR
November 2008
BUSINESS & FINANCE
NOT JUST YOUR BUSINESS
by Genevia Gee Fulbright, CPA
DEFINE YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
TO INCREASE YOUR INCOME
The
other
day a potential
client
called about
services he
needed for
his company
and after a
very productive converGenevia G. Fulbright
sation
he
asked what I thought of his firm’s
competitive advantage?
I was somewhat familiar and
impressed with his firm so my
response was quick. I shared with
him that I thought for a firm of his
size he had more published
graphic designs than others in the
field. As an owner of a graphic
design business he served some
of the most diverse clientele from
entertainers (his predominant
target market) to attorneys,
accountants and others. He also
had another competitive advantage used to attract his traditional clientele (entertainers) he was
a former disc jockey and rapper.
tele and market segment.
ties such as a higher paying job,
more clientele or higher dona* Devise and implement a markettions to their charity to impleing plan.
ment changes after some study to
* Measure effectiveness of strate- attract desired results.
gies (analyze the numbers).
As an example take Mark, a dedi* Continue to reinvent yourself as a cated staffer, who was detercompany or as a worker.
mined to get a raise from his cur* Compare your strengths, weak- rent employer in a tight job marnesses, opportunities and threats ket. He took stock in his talents,
(SWOT) to those of your competi- skills and networks. Identified a
niche he could develop. Then
tion on a regular basis.
proceeded to study the software
Written marketing plans, budgets at his organization and deterand comparisons to peers help you mined how he could help impledevelop your competitive advan- ment efficiency improvements in
tage which can increase your how they processed data. Mark
then took it one step further, he
income.
become certified in the software
A marketing and public relations and communicated this to his
consultant, Valerie Fields, of VK employer becoming a MVTM
Fields & Associates asserts that the (most valuable team member) at
public’s perception of your compa- his company.
ny inevitably becomes reality. “In
such a competitive marketplace,” Are you interested in generating
she explains, “presenting the right more income? Take stock, identiimage may be the determining fac- fy changes that can be made and
tor that seals the deal or sways the implement.
public’s perception in your favor.
This momentum can lead to additional clients coming on board or a Genevia Gee Fulbright
potential business suitor signing the President/COO of Fulbright & Fulbright, CPA, PA, a
purchase documents when you are business strategist, tax advisor, author of Make the
Leap: From Mom & Pop to Good Enough to Sell
ready to sell your business.”
Whether your colleagues are fellow staff members at a corporation or other business owners,
marketing and financial advisory
experts generally agree that a
company must make an effort to: According to many who study
* Define itself (company products human behavior, change comes
about mostly by external forces. I
and services).
strongly encourage those interest* Identify the desired target clien- ed in attracting better opportuni-
(Infinity Publishing). Her sound financial planning
advice tips can be read regularly on www.urbanthoughtcollective.com. For more info, call: (919)5440398, e-mail: [email protected]; Visit Fulbright at
www.makeleap.com.
SOCIAL
SECURITY
ANNOUNCES 5.8%
BENEFIT
INCREASE FOR
2009
WASHINGTON, DC - Monthly
Social Security and Supplemental
Security Income benefits for more
than 55 million Americans will
increase 5.8 percent in 2009, the
Social Security Administration
announced today. The 5.8 percent
increase is the largest since 1982.
Social
Security
and
Supplemental Security Income benefits increase automatically each
year based on the rise in the Bureau
of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price
Index for Urban Wage Earners and
Clerical Workers (CPI-W), from
the third quarter of the prior year to
the corresponding period of the current year. This year's increase in
the CPI-W was 5.8 percent.
The 5.8 percent Cost-of-Living
Adjustment (COLA) will begin
with benefits that over 50 million
Social Security beneficiaries
receive in January 2009. Increased
payments to more than 7 million
Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries will begin on December
31st.
Some other changes that take
effect in January of each year are
based on the increase in average
wages. Based on that increase, the
maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to
$106,800 from $102,000. Of the
estimated 164 million workers who
will pay Social Security taxes in
2009, about 11 million will pay
higher taxes as a result of the
increase in the taxable maximum.
November 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Thirty-Five
HEALTH
WHAT’S UP
DOC?
by Dr. Sharon Elliott-Bynum
RN, BSN, MA, PhD
DIABETES: A COMMUNITY CALL TO ACTION
Diabetes is a lifelong disease that makes it
harder for the body to turn food into energy.
Insulin is a very important player in the diabetes story. Insulin is a hormone that sends
a signal telling the body's cells to let sugar
(glucose) in from the bloodstream. Your cells
use this sugar to give your body energy.
Diabetes develops when your body can’t
make enough insulin (insulin deficient) or
can’t use the insulin properly (insulin resistant). Either way causes the sugar to build up
in the blood causing damage to the blood
vessels in the heart, kidneys, brain, eyes, as
well as nerves in the feet.
There are two types of diabetes. Type I is
usually diagnosed in children, teenagers and
adults younger than 30, although it can occur
at any age. It is treated by taking insulin
shots and following a meal plan. Type II diabetes is the most common. 9 out of 10 people with type II diabetes. Generally it occurs
because the cells of the body become insulin
resistant cannot use the insulin effectively
causing a buildup of sugar in the blood. The
exact cause of type II diabetes is unknown.
Your risk for diabetes goes up as you get
older, gain too much weight, or if you do not
stay active. Certain ethnic groups, including
African Americans, Native Americans, Asian
Americans and Latin Americans are at higher risk. Other risk factors include having
high blood pressure, having a family history
of diabetes and having diabetes during
pregnancy or having a baby weighing more
than nine pounds at birth.
Most people with diabetes do not notice any
symptoms which may include increased
thirst, increased urination, increased hunger,
blurred vision fatigue, dry mouth, unexplained weight loss, numbness of the hands
or feet, impotence, dark velvety looking skin
in the armpit or back of the neck. No physical symptoms may be present until you are
experiencing complications such as a heart
attack, stroke, or a foot infection that does
not heal.
Currently there is no cure for type II diabetes. In most cases, following a healthy
meal plan, regular physical activity, blood
sugar monitoring, taking medications as
directed and seeing your health care
provider regularly are some ways to help
manage it. One way to remember is to manage the ABC’s of diabetes.
A – A1C (HbA1C <7) - measures the previous 2-3 months.
B – Blood Pressure >130/80 - . High blood
pressure increases the risk of stroke.
C- Cholesterol – High Cholesterol can
increase you risk for heart problems. LDL
(bad cholesterol) should be less than 100
mg/dl; it can clog the arteries and lead to
heart disease. HDL (good cholesterol) should
be > than 40 mg/dl in men and 50 mg/dl in
women. HDL’s help protect the heart.
Triglyceride (blood fat) < 150 mg/dl can
affect the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Check your A1C at least twice a year, Blood
pressure every doctor’s visit, and
Cholesterol at least once a year.
The more you know about diabetes the more
empowered you are.
Support is very important trying to manage
this rather complicated disease. African
Americans are affected by diabetes at a disproportionate rate. So here is our call to
action. Durham’s African Health
Improvement Partnership (AAHIP)is a partnership of researchers, healthcare providers,
representatives from various community
agencies, health care consumers and area
churches that are dedicated to improving the
health of African Americans in Durham.
AAHIP aims to access different approaches
to health improvement and to document,
maintain and expand upon the efforts that
work.
The Diabetes Improvement Project (DIP), the
AAHIP’s first initiative helped approximately
120 African Americans with type II diabetes
to better control their diabetes. The work
was based on the idea that to improve their
health, people need appropriate knowledge,
support and resources. Project participants
were surveyed and evaluated after a six
month period. The results revealed at an
April 12th Celebratory event improvement in
the areas of empowerment, vegetable consumption, blood sugar, blood pressure and
less improvement in the amount of vigorous
physical activity.
Phase II of the DIP was approved and funded! The timeline for the grant is July 2008 February 2013. The recruitment strategy is
to include four cohorts of participants with
100 per cohort. Our recruitment settings will
include our existing churches in our project
as well as new ones, organizations, workplaces, providers, all located in Durham .
Remember, Proper Diabetes Management
Saves Lives
Recruitment will begin in January 2009. For further info about
the DIP II project please contact Andrea McMillon , Program
Coordinator at (919)681-3082 or email her at [email protected] .
Sharon
FIVE WAYS TO
GET MORE
FROM YOUR
DOCTOR
UNC researchers' tips for
patients
CHAPEL HILL - These days, going
to the doctor may seem more like
speed dating than care giving.
Patients get a few minutes with the
clinician, and he or she does most
of the talking.
Often, people leave their doctor’s office with more questions
than answers, according to
researchers at the University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School of Medicine who are looking at how patients can get more of
what they need from the health-care
system. They have found that
patients (or their advocates) who
talk to physicians about their
beliefs, values, lifestyle and concerns can get better results from
their health-care experience.
Dr. Michael Pignone, chief of
the UNC division of general internal medicine offered some tips for
becoming what he calls a “pleasantly assertive” patient, so that
patients’ health-care providers can
better help them.
1. PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT. “It
might seem silly, but it’s really
helpful to write down your symptoms, complaint or problem, then
summarize it into a couple of sentences,” Pignone said. “Bring your
list and your summary with you to
the visit. This allows the doctor to
quickly review your condition and
ask specific questions, instead of
spending time focused on general
issues. This one step can make vis5 Ways to Get More continues on page 38
Page Thirty-Six
SPECTACULAR
PARTNERS IN HEALTH
November 2008
brought to
you by
AS THE HOLIDAYS APPROACH, THERE ARE TOYS TO KEEP KIDS SAFE AND HAPPY
As you’re considering gifts for your child or
grandchild, you might want to think back to
the favorite toys of your own childhood. They
probably weren’t high-tech or high-priced.
John remembers his Marty Marian “Mr.
Shortstop” baseball glove. It led to many
hours playing catch and fielding grounders
with his dad in the back yard. He later
passed it on to his own son, who used it
until the stitching gave way.
ment for a toy-related injury. Most are not
serious, but a few deaths occur each year
because of toys that are inappropriate for a
child’s age or because parents did not supervise the play closely enough.
The Public Interest Research Group has been
publishing yearly surveys of toy safety for 19
years. While reporting that “toys are safer
than ever,” the group continues to look for
potentially hazardous products. Results can
Erika loved the game of Memory. Even as a be found at PIRG’s web site, toysafety.net.
toddler, she was very good at the game and
could beat her parents even when they On August 14th, President Bush signed a law
seemed to be really trying. Part of her suc- that overhauled the Consumer Product Safety
cess (that she never revealed to them) lay Commission
(CPSC). The
bi-partisan
in her ability to recognize little scuff marks Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of
on the back of certain cards. What John and 2008 made consumer products safer by
Erika treasured was not another toy to requiring that toys and infant products are
throw in the chest but a ticket to hours of tested before they are sold, and by banning
supportive parent/child interaction. While toxic chemicals like lead and phthalates in
most children like to spend some time play- toys. The bill also created the first compreing quietly by themselves–with a Game Boy hensive publicly accessible consumer comor video game–they usually have more fun plaint database, giving the CPSC the
and benefit more when they are sharing resources and authority it needs to protect
quality time with their parents.
the public, increase civil penalties that CPSC
can assess against violators of product safeIt’s important, child experts say, that the ty laws, and protect whistleblowers who
interaction be supportive and non-threaten- report product safety defects.
ing. The child should be in charge and not
trying to meet the expectations of the par- CHOKING: You may have noticed that a child
ent–no matter how well meaning those under age three is very oral: everything
expectations may be.
within reach goes in the mouth, whether it’s
a teething ring, pacifier or marble. As a
And the gift, of course, should be what the result, small balls, balloons and toys with
child wants, not what the parent thinks is small parts present a hazard.
“good” for him. When Brian opened his
Manufacturers are now required by law
model ship kit, he said wryly, “Thanks, Dad. to place a warning on the labels of toys that
I know that’s what you wanted me to have.” pose a choking hazard. Toys with such a
warning should not be purchased for chilSTAYING SAFE
dren under age three. If you have an older
Whether the child is playing on his own or child as well as a toddler, you have to make
with others, the parent’s job is to provide a sure the older child’s toys with small pieces
safe as well as supportive environment. Each are segregated to an area the toddler can’t
year, more than 100,000 young children reach.
under age 14 require emergency room treatSmall is defined as less than one and
one quarter inches diameter and two and objects are never aimed at another child’s
one quarter inches in length–as a rule of face.
thumb, anything that would fit inside a cardBattery-operated toys are generally safe,
board toilet paper tube.
but plug-in toys require supervision and
should never be given to a child younger
STRANGULATION: It’s also important to avoid than eight. Children should be taught to distoys with loose string, rope, ribbons or cords connect the toy by grasping the plug rather
that might present a strangulation hazard. than by pulling on the cord.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) has received several hundred reports RIDING SAFELY
of injuries related to the use of yo-yo water
Riding toys account for numerous injuries
balls.
every year but still make good gifts, particularly when they’re accompanied by
LOUDNESS: Most parents worry about loud parent/child interaction. Jim’s method of
toys because of their own peace of mind, but teaching bike-riding was harder on him than
anything that’s too loud for the parents is the kids. He kept the bike upright by holdbound to present a danger to a child’s ears. ing on to the seat and running alongside.
Prolonged exposure to noise levels of 85 When the children got skilled enough to
decibels or greater has been determined to leave him behind, they were ready to ride
damage an adult’s hearing. A child’s ears are with a minimum of falls. As the kids got
certainly no less sensitive.
older, the family had many pleasurable bike
In November of 2003, the American rides together on a nearby bike trail.
Society for Testing and Materials set the
Children need to be reminded that, while
loudness threshold for handheld toys at 90 it may seem like fun, riding a scooter or a
decibels, but several toys now on the shelves bicycle downhill may be fraught with danger
exceed 100 decibels when measured at close if you’re not familiar with the brakes or use
range.
them too late. Brent narrowly avoided a
potentially serious injury when he discovered
TOXIC MATERIALS: Among the toxic chemicals he did not know how to slow or stop his
that may show up in toys are phthalates, scooter as he careened down a steep hill
chemicals used to soften otherwise brittle near his home.
PVC plastic materials. Phthalates have been
When given as gifts, bicycles, scooters,
linked to cancer and reproductive problems skate boards and in-line skates should be
and are banned by most European safety accompanied by the proper protective equipagencies.
ment–helmet, knee pads, elbow or wrist
Some popular polymer clays used for pads–which, of course, should be worn at all
crafts contain up to 14 percent phthalates, times.
but, in response to complaints, many manuSupervising a child’s play doesn’t have to
facturers have begun to label their products mean being a security guard but rather stayphthalate-free.
ing involved enough to know what is happening in the child’s world and being availOTHER HAZARDS: For any age child, projec- able for support and protection.
tile type toys carry a risk of eye injury. Even
if the tip is made of foam rubber, make sure
For more information, visit
www.granvillemedical.com
it’s firmly attached. Close parental supervision is required to ensure that projected
Page Thirty-Seven
SPECTACULAR
November 2008
LIFESTYLE
This Is Your Life!...
by Del Mattioli
Let’s talk about your life while you are
healthy, able to make decisions for yourself, managing your activities of daily living (ADL’s) such as bathing, dressing, eating, traveling, helping others, and anything
you choose to do without assistance. What
will happen however, if you are unable to
do any or all of these things for yourself?
Who will have the responsibility to make
sure you are taken care of? Take a
moment to consider the financial and
human capital commitment needed to take
care for you, should you have an unforeseen ongoing health problem.
Consider long-term care insurance as a
possible solution. Actually the appropriate
term is long-term care planning. What’s
your plan? What is long term care? What
does it do for me? When will I need it?
What are the benefits for me and my family? How does it work? What is the cost?
Most of us plan to remain healthy during
our lifetime, however there is no guarantee.
According to an article in Money
Magazine, by the time many of us reach
the age of 65, 45% will have to pay for
some type of long term care services. This
care is likely to be costly due to increasing healthcare and nursing home care
costs.
Our best insurance to handle
these unforeseen issues is long term care
insurance. This care refers to many services beyond medical care and nursing care
used by those who have disabilities or
chronic illnesses. Long term care insurance
helps you pay for these services. As an
owner of a long term care policy, you may
choose the type of long term services you
select and what facility you chose to get
receive those services.
of those who are 85 or older receive some
type of long term care.
With the growing number of single person
households, there is no spouse and often
no children to provide care. Your children may live faraway and it is difficult to
provide long distance care giving.
Government programs are already
stretched that provide for long-term care
services. Most importantly, healthy people
including baby boomers, those in their 50’s
and 6o’s quite frankly aren’t planning and
will further burden public programs in
the future.
Having a long term long-term care insurance policy may give you the peace of
mind. It may allow you to make independent choices about your care, allow you
to retain your remaining assets, and will
reduce the burden on your family to provide care for you. Especially important, is
avoiding the bad feelings many families
experience if the responsibilities are not
shared equally. Consider long term care
insurance as your third leg. It’s available
as your backup.
The best time to consider a long term care
insurance policy is when you are middle
age. At this age it’s your best chance of
receiving lower premiums and being eligible for approval. It is vital to choose a
strong insurance company and knowledgeable representatives for your family’s
future.
Here is a true story:
Janet and
Edmond were married over 40 years.
When Edmond retired from the military,
he and Janet began to plan their years as
retirees. After meeting with a financial
Why consider purchasing a long term care service professional it was recommend
policy?
We are living longer and the that the two purchase long term care polinumbers continue to increase. Over 50% cies. A few years later, on a winter Sunday
ently care for herself. As a result of their
planning, Janet was able to take advantage
of Edmond’s long term care policy and
combine his coverage limits with hers.
Janet was able to be placed in a long
term care facility of her choice and able
to pay the monthly expense of $6,000
without depleting the assets she and
Edmond had acquired. Their children were
able to continue their lives without much
interruption emotionally or financially.As a
result of Janet and Edmond’s financial
planning, Janet will be well cared for without a tremendous financial burden on her
family and her assets will be passed to the
family when the appropriate time comes.
Del Mattioli
In this case, consider what the financial
afternoon, unexpectedly Edmond suffered a consequences may have been. Are you
massive heart attack and left a grieving prepared for an unexpected health event?
spouse and family.
Let’s not wait until it’s too late to plan
for our own lives.
Three years later, Janet suffered with a debilDel Mattioli
itating stroke and was unable to independ- [email protected]
Page Thirty-Eight
SPECTACULAR
WILSON 50TH ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATED
DURHAM - Mr. and Mrs. Jairus
Chavis Wilson celebrated their fiftieth
wedding
anniversary,
Saturday,
September 27th.
Velma and Jairus Wilson renewed
their vows at a surprise reaffirmation
ceremony coordinated by their children and grandchildren. The ceremony
was officiated by their pastor,
Reverend Jerome J. Washington, Ph.D.
A plated luncheon and dance followed
the surprise ceremony at the Hilton
Durham near Duke University.
The Wilsons were married on
Saturday, September 27, 1958 at
Mount Vernon Baptist Church,
Durham. They have one daughter,
Adrienne Wilson Barnes; a son-in-law,
Wesley Jerome Barnes; one son, Jevon
Curtis Wilson; and two granddaughters, Brooke and Erin Barnes.
Upon graduating from Hillside
High School in 1952, Mr. Wilson
attended North Carolina Central
University (NCCU) and graduated
from John A. Gupton Mortuary
Science School in Nashville, TN, followed by a four-year military tour in
the U.S. Air Force. He retired from the
City of Durham as Fire Marshall in
1993. Mr. Wilson is an active member
of Mount Vernon Baptist Church
where he serves as deacon and superintendent of the youth department
Sunday school in addition to serving in
many other capacities and ministries.
He is an active member of NCCU’s
Eagles Club.
Mrs. Wilson is a 1954 graduate of
Hillside High School, and she received
a degree in business education from
NCCU in 1958. After a year of teaching in Gates County, Mrs. Wilson
gained employment at her alma mater
where she retired, after 30 years of
service, as Administrative Assistant in
the Division of Financial Affairs in
1988. She is an active member of
Mount Vernon Baptist Church where
she is a deaconess and serves as
Church Clerk and holds office in several organizations and ministries.
At the reaffirmation ceremony,
Meghan Clotelle McCoy and Camille
Velma and Jairus Wilson
Prescott, violinist and pianist, respectively, performed the prelude. Rev.
James Herndon, pianist, accompanied
JoAnn Hannah Rogers, Carrie Barnes
Vinson, and Paula Stewart in musical
selections. The couples’ granddaughters were the flower girls. Grace
Rowland Curtis and Elijah J. “Pookey”
Fisher, who were attendants in the
1958 wedding, served as attendants for
the reaffirmation ceremony. Frances
McIver was the mistress of ceremony
at the luncheon. Rev. Michael Pretty,
nephew of the couple and pastor of
Joe’s Branch Free Will Baptist Church,
Vanceboro, NC, offered prayer and
grace. Brooke Barnes presented a pictorial history of the couple; and Jevon
Wilson saluted the couple with an
anniversary toast. The honorees
enjoyed a first dance, a cake cutting and
offered remarks during the luncheon.
The hostesses were Roberta Alexander,
Sharon Pretty Bynum, Karmyn Carrington,
Vanessa Pretty Hines, Carolyn Thomas,
Alicia Wilson, and Deborah Wilson. The
event coordinator was Elfreda P. Woods.
5 Ways to Get More continues
its 25 percent to 50 percent more
effective.”
2. Have an agenda. “Before your
appointment, decide what you want
from the visit,” Pignone recommends. “For instance, if you’re suffering back pain, you might want to
know what is causing the pain as
well as a treatment plan for getting
better. Make sure you share that
with your doctor at the very beginning of your visit. It might feel
funny at first, but your doctor will
appreciate it. Sharing this information will help you all make better
decisions about treatment, make the
visit more efficient, and improve
the chance that your health-care
needs will be met effectively.”
3. Know your medical history
and medications. “To help you get
the treatment you need, doctors
need to know what tests you’ve had
– and when – as well as what medications you’re taking,” Pignone
said. “Without that information,
they might mistakenly re-order
tests or prescribe medication that
has a bad interaction with something you’re already taking. That
can have adverse effects for your
health and your wallet.”
4. Tell your provider about your
values or lifestyle preferences
that could affect your treatment.
“It doesn’t make sense to agree to a
treatment plan you know you won’t
follow – it won’t result in your feeling better,” Pignone cautioned.
November 2008
“For example, if a Wednesday night
smoking cessation class conflicts
with your book club, it’s not going
to be an effective intervention for
you. On a more serious level, if you
don’t want to deal with the uncertainty of a possible recurrence of
cancer, you might prefer a mastectomy to a lumpectomy. Similarly, if
you can’t afford medication or to
take off work for recurring visits,
tell your provider even if you’re
embarrassed. There are often ways
to work around the challenges if
your care team knows about them.”
5. Clarify the decision to be
made. “Sometimes you’re offered
several options, so be sure you
understand the alternatives and if
you don’t, ask for clarification,”
Pignone said. “Your doctor should
be able to give you important
details about each option either during the visit, or on a follow-up call.
In addition to the details, ask them
how good the medical information
is.”
Pignone acknowledged that this
approach results in a very different
doctor-patient relationship, but evidence shows that proactive patients
tend to get more effective and efficient care.
“The sicker you are, the more
this matters,” Pignone said. “But
it’s harder to do. If you’re not comfortable interacting this way,
involve other people who support
you in your life to come with you
and play this role.”
SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE
Enlightening*Empowering*Entertaining
919.680.0465
www.spectacularmag.com
November 2008
SPECTACULAR
Page Thirty-Nine
Page Forty
SPECTACULAR
November 2008