roger gregory - Spectacular Magazine [PDF]

November 2006

ENLIGHTENING. EMPOWERING & ENTERTAINING AFRICAN AMERICANS

Vol. II, Issue VIII

ROGER GREGORY NCCU’S FRIENDRAISER COVER STORY PAGE 7

IN THIS ISSUE

KEITH SUTTON A League of Our Own Page 9

A Conversation With Attorney

Tracy Hicks Barley

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PROFILE COMMUNITY LEADER CREATES MENTORING INITIATIVE: REVEREND BRIAN IRVING by Kristen Hunter Contributing Writer DURHAM- Reverend Brian Irving, Pastor at Northside Baptist Church in Durham is committed to taking on the challenges that face inner-city populations. "My calling is urban ministry," said Irving, "I felt called to this city because I have an interest in solving inner-city problems". From the small city of Monroe, North Carolina, Irving received his Bachelors of Science in English at North Carolina A&T and his Masters in Divinity from Duke University. While in Divinity School, Irving served as a Pastor at Beulah Baptist Church in Danville Virginia. "I left a larger church to be in Durham," said Irving, "because Durham is a city where things are happening; there are a lot of social, political, and educational issues in Durham and I wanted to be involved in them. I was excited to become a Pastor in Durham because even though Durham is not a big city it has all the problems big cities have." "The point of ministry is to bring out the best in every individual," said Irving, "and to let them know that they are valued, loved and a part of the kingdom of God". According to Irving what makes Northside unique is their commitment to serving the community through outreach ministry, "We have a commitment to youth and "unchurched" persons that didn't grow up in the church," said Irving, "we work to break-down the traditions that hinder persons that didn't grow-up in the church from feeling welcome." At Northside, there are a variety of programs designed to serve the Durham community youth like the 21st Century After School Program that focuses on helping students prepare for End-of-Grade testing. Other programs like "RAP" focus on raising female's awareness in sexually transmitted disease, AIDS and teenage pregnancy. "It gives the youth a time to talk about issues that they may have difficulty talking to their parents about," said Irving, "it gives them an

Rev. Brian Irving

opportunity to discuss challenges that they face in a safe environment." Perhaps on of the most unique programs at Northside is the one that resulted from a brainstorming session between Michael Palmer, Director of Community Affairs at Duke University and Pastor Irving; Rites of Passage. Rites of Passage was created in an effort to decrease the AfricanAmerican male achievement gap. Northside Baptist Church is a member of the Duke-Durham Neighborhood Partnership. As a partner Northside has access to resources and opportunities made possible by the partnership. A shining example of the partnership's involvement in partner's programs is Michael Palmer's participation in creating the Rites of Passage program where he now serves as a mentor. "Rites of Passage is an intense approach to educate, empower and enable male youth to excel in all facets of life with the knowledge, skills and abilities to transition successfully from adolescence into adulthood" said Irving. The Rites of Passage program is an intense 12-week program, which consists of 50 hours of training. The training is carried out in several phases, which include the following: education, spirituality, conflict management, health awareness and the passage. According to Irving, the mentors make the program successful. "Today's parents need help," said Irving, "the men that serve as mentors

have oftentimes experienced similar experiences to those of the mentee's and this really helps by giving the mentees someone that they can relate to. The young men in the program have someone to talk to that can help to them and what they are going through" According to Irving, one of his greatest accomplishments has been providing mentoring opportunities to youth. "I worked with one teenager for four years who had a lot of family and social issues," said Irving, "he spent a lot of time on the street and I helped him get his life together- I even helped him will his college applications. I'm proud to say that he graduated from college and is now working in Philadelphia". Through the experience of working directly with youth in the commu-

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nity, Irving has reflected on his childhood. "Being around youth with different needs makes me realize how fortunate I was to grow-up in a time that was less difficult and when the community was in-tact," said Irving, "a time where parents stayed involved in their children's lives even when they messed up. The love that my parents had for me is the driving force that makes me want to be in these children's lives; to provide support to people who need it." In addition to serving as pastor to a church, Irving is a proud father of two, Brandon, 20 and Alexis, 7, the President of Walltown Neighborhood Ministries, a member of the Walltown Children's Theatre's Board of Directors and a member of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity Inc.

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THE TRUMPET SOUNDETH

by GABRIEL aka Pandemonium apprehended by secret service. He turned and looked at George. George nodded and Ben was unhanded and quickly left the room, and came on the screen reciting scripts about how much he despised George. George said, “Ben. I’m gonna rip you apart!” George’s friends all started mocking him. “You still got punked by Hughes!” Yelled Donnie, his lips curled upward like Nicholson’s Joker. “Hughes tried to sucker punch your Daddy!” hollered Dick. His name says it all. George yelled into the mic. “I’m coming after you too, Hughes! And if any of you other cats even think about helping them, you’ll get some too!”

Gabriel

NO MORE BULLY PULPIT

George walked up to Ben and tried to make him flinch. Ben remained stoic. The two passed with a knowing look between them, for it was really Ben who started it in the first place.

It's been a long time, but I know A change is gonna come, oh yes it will George and his friends’ friends walked up to - Sam Cooke Hughes, the 90 lb. weakling, and smashed him in the face. Then he proceeded to do the same with So a member of congress got caught in the grip of all of Hughes’s property and his family who ran to lust. I’m not surprised. Politicians thrive on a his aid. Hughes’s friends, and even those who diddrive for lust. The way politics and campaigning n’t really know him, but thought it was wrong how operate in this country is appalling. Sure, no sysGeorge just ran up on him like that, came to tem is flawless, but shouldn’t we be allowed to Hughes’s aid. tweak what we see needs tweaking? The schemes to come up with the funds to be elected are only George scolded them, “You are my enemies now, surpassed by the schemes to stay elected. House, too.” Senate and party leaders love to give a nod and As the fight moved across property, the mass of wink while the intelligence of their constituency humanity grew. People joined to defend their own starts to sink; until it begins to rise again. It’s the lives and property, mainly against George. law of contraction and expansion. People at large have the wind knocked out of them, but they are starting to breathe again. Some of us knew what W would bring. He was not involved with young male pages of course, but that indiscretion pales in comparison to tens and maybe hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and thousands of U. S. soldiers. Fighters from across the globe descend upon Iraq, Ur, Tigris and Euphrates’ birthplace of great civilizations. The so called war against such people misnamed as “Islamofascist,” “Islamist,” and “Clash of West versus East” is not seen for what it is: schoolyard shenanigans with real casualties. Hughes, the 90 lb. weakling, said, “I had nothing to do with it! You’re looking in the wrong place.”

Meanwhile, Ben is chilling, his reward for a job well done. George never liked Hughes since Hughes threatened his father and always wanted a reason to fight him, but he needed certain events to manifest before he could take a swing. He just underestimated what the reaction to his actions would be. Lust for revenge or power may have instigated the altercation, but the lust to continue to fight to maintain power, even when wrong or using force that’s disproportionate may be the larger transgression. I think the people are starting to see who the bully on the yard is, and some are distancing themselves. When more decide to stand up to the bully, he will no longer be able to impose his will on the yard.

George seethed. His friends were all standing around pointing and laughing at him, saying he got punked.

It’s time to banish the bully and those who protected and harbored him.

“OOOOOooooohh,” his friends sang in unison.

Gabriel Clausen [email protected]

One of George’s friends, Ben, rose up but got

PEACE!

November 2006

COMMENTARY INCREASE, NOT REDUCE, CRIME PREVENTION SPENDING

By Greg Mathis Federal funding for a program designed to help American schools pay for and implement strategies to prevent school violence has declined significantly over the last five years. President Bush wants to eliminate the program altogether. According to his spokespeoGreg Mathis ple, schools are basically safe. A research study published last year tells a different story: In 2002, the year the study was conducted there were 17 murders and 5 suicides among school-age children at school. In 2003, about 5 percent of students reported they skipped school because they were afraid. These numbers may not seem dramatic, not at first. But 22 children dying at school in one year is 22 children too many. And no child should have to choose between feeling safe and going to school. With crime going up around the country, it's safe to assume that some of that violent behavior will spill over onto school grounds. Without funding to run violence prevention programs, how can America keep its children safe? In 2001, school violence prevention programs received more than $430 million; in 2007, the same program will receive much less - federal budget recommendations indicate only $310 million will be spent. Bush's people have often said the program was ineffective. It stands to reason that the lack of funds make it difficult to develop effective programs and measure their impact. Under the current funding system, more than half of the country's school districts receive $10,000 or less per year. That's much too little to make a difference. While school shootings are a rare occurrence, they do happen. Effective on-campus anger management and conflict resolution programs could reduce those numbers even more, saving precious young lives. Hate crimes and gangs are a part of everyday life in many American schools. Close to 12-percent of students reported that someone used hate-related words against them at school and 21-percent of public and private students said street gangs had a presence at their schools. With proper prevention tactics and counseling programs, both perpetrators and victims will be able to move beyond these offenses and focus on their education. Students aren't the only ones subject to violence on school grounds. Research shows that there are close to 65,000 violent offenses committed against teachers at school. Our nation's educators should be able to focus their energy on preparing our kids to succeed in a competitive society, not worrying about their personal safety. According to the FBI, there were more than 1 million violent crimes reported in 2005, an increase from the previous year. America has the largest prison population in the industrialized world…it makes sense this country would want to prevent crime among young people. Doing so would reduce the prison population, increase the college attendance rates and, ultimately, save the nation billions of dollars. Instead, we continue to spend money on new prisons and we continue to squander resources on a war that does not appear to have an end in sight. Congress has managed to keep the program going, despite the President's push to bury it. By maintaining the program and increasing funding, Congress can show the President that America's priorities should focus on in its future.

Judge Greg Mathis is national vice president of Rainbow PUSH and a national board member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE

www.spectacularmag.com PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN- CHIEF PHYLLIS COLEY FEATURES EDITOR GRACE GRAHAM COLUMNISTS GABRIEL CLAUSEN DR. SHARON ELLIOTT-BYNUM ALEXANDRIA FERGUSON GENEVIA GEE FULBRIGHT, CPA LARRY HALL, ESQ. REV. JAMES W. SMITH CONTRIBUTING WRITERS KIMBERLEY PIERCE CARTWRIGHT KRISTEN HUNTER KIMBERLE WALKER PHOTOGRAPHERS RICK CRANK ROBERT LAWSON LAYOUT/DESIGN PHYLLIS COLEY LAWRENCE DAVIS III DISTRIBUTION LAWRENCE DAVIS III LELIA ROYSTER Spectacular Magazine enlightens, empowers and entertains African Americans in Durham, Orange, Granville and Person counties with features, columns, commentaries and calendars. Spectacular Magazine is published monthly and distributed free in Durham, Orange, Granville 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 919-680-6015 FAX Mail subscriptions are available for $20.00 per year. Second class postage is paid in Durham, N. C.

IN THIS ISSUE Entertainment 29 Features Affinity Group 13 Tracy Hicks Barley 11 Roger Gregory 7 Keith Sutton 9 From The Publisher’s Desk 5 Health 24 In the Spotlight 28 Lifestyles 23 News Briefs 19 Not Just Your Business 25 Out & About 31 Profile 3 Religion 16 TalkBack Too 5 The Trumpet Soundeth 4 Vance/Granville 21 COVER PHOTO BY ROBERT LAWSON

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From The Publisher’s Desk N-WORD, PLEASE – ARE YOU FOR REAL? Recently I was having breakfast – just enjoying a little quiet time before what I knew was going to be a crazy day. Two guys came in and sat at the table next to me. We were in one of those restaurants where the tables are so close it feels like you’re eating family-style.

Ok, now who is going to get the drugs – you or him? Where are keeping the drugs – in your home or maybe in your car? If you get caught with the drugs, now you, your son or both got problems with the law. Did you think about that Einstein?

They started to talk about their children, sons to be exact, and the bragging began…who ran the fastest, jumped the highest, that sort of thing. Then one shared that he had found some marijuana in his 13-year old son’s room. Keep in mind I was not trying to hear their conversation, but I couldn’t help it. (My friends tease me that I made career out of being nosey – I’m not nosey, I’m newsy). Anyway he went on to say that he put it back where he found it not knowing how to handle it. Then his friend said, (and I quote) “Man, you know how kids are. They are always curious. Shoot, I told my boy that if he ever wanted to get high, to try it with me around. You never know how it going to effect him and I rather he be with than with his friends. This way I’m in control.”

TALKBACK, TOO

Larry D. Hall

WHAT IS YOUR AGENDA? Agendas, everyone has one. Whether you acknowledge it or not, you have one too. There is no question that the Urban League has one, they published it. There is no question that the NAACP has one, they published it. There is no question

As a parent, it is our responsibility to protect our children from the dangers in life. Did you tell him to stick his hand on the hot stove so he would know what it felt like to be burned? Did you give him a stick to run with so he would know what it felt like to fall and poke out his eye? Did you not feed him so he would know what it felt like to be hungry? Probably not, but you’re willing to let him experience the dangers of drugs – and with you.

Phyllis D. Coley, Publisher

Now I wanted to get in this conversation, but you know I couldn’t do that. I could not believe my ears. So I will react here. This is what I wanted to say: ‘N-word, ple-e-e-ze – are you for real? You want to sit there with your child and watch him destroy his life. There is so much wrong with what you’re saying, I don’t know where to start. that the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus has one, they published it. The Democratic, Libertarian and Republican parties have agendas, just look on the web. But what is the next question after the agenda? Some persons are of the opinion that there needs to be some type of plan and some goal. Others feel that there needs to be an education and awareness campaign. There are lots of ways to get there, but who will take the first step and when. There are always opportunities and issues begging for leadership, dedication and action. However, many organizations show up for the election of their leaders, executive committees and officers, but there it ends.

Even if you don’t get busted by the cops, the parents of your son’s friends will be your worse nightmare. When he tells all his friends that his Dad allows him to get high, ok, you may score major cool points. But one of those kids is going to throw it up in their parents’ face, wondering why they can’t get high when Johnny down the street gets high with his Dad - the proverbial s*?# will hit the fan. And what if he liked the experience? Do you continue to allow him to get high around you? Or do you say this was a one-time thing – he is not to do that again. R-r-right! Where does this stop? When he is curious about sex, do you get him a prostitute? Pick him up a you will have the next meeting. What about the annual plan? What about the annual budget? What about fund raising? What about making a difference on the issue or project of choice? We have to value our time and make the most of it. Are you the leader in your organization either formally or informally? Has your organization lost focus on their mission or reason for existence? Ahh…so many questions and so few answers.

We had a writer recently who said we do not have committed leaders. Yes we do, they may not all live in Washington, DC, but we have them. We as followers can all say we want to make a difference but we miss so many opportunities everyday. You know the deal. From the high school yearbook Often waiting for our leaders to tell us what to do. committee and student council homecoming comHave you ever heard that saying, “the harvest is mittee to the PTSA; from the community watch plentiful, but the laborers are few?” Well that is organization to the local business association; from true in our individual daily lives. There is so much the homeowner’s association to the local precinct. we can do as individual or group acts. We don’t Everyone wants to hold the title, but few want to have to be in charge of every organization. fight the fight; carry the load; stand and deliver; Sometimes we just need to pitch-in and ‘get-rwhatever you want to call it. It can’t always be done’. We have the 2020 plan, the end homelessabout the hype. ness in 10-year plan, the get rich quick plan, you name it we’ve got it. It is time to move beyond Take a minute and think how many organizations plan and ‘get-r-done’. are you a member of where rhetoric rules the day. You show up and meet to set the time for when As it all goes on there is one individual thing we

Page Five pack of cigarettes while your out. And don’t forget the 6-pack or that fifth. Gotta have a handgun. You are not his friend; you are his parent. Tell him about the dangers of drugs, the statistics, the real deal; that there will be hours and maybe days he can’t remember. About the lost of brain cells; lost of motivation to do anything accept get high; what it does to your health; the money or lack of it when you use drugs. And, even worse, the things you do while under the influence of drugs – some of it can’t be fixed. Now be a Dad – be his #1 role model. Take the high road not the road to getting high. Ok, I got that off my chest. I’m good to go. To God Be the Glory!

Phyllis Coley

[email protected] PMM - (Proud Mama Moment) My son’s football, Durham Eagles, made the play-off and they play the 1st round in Virginia. Way to go Eagles!! That goes for the NCCU Eagles also. This is the first time we will have missed homecoming in years. someone said to me - you have to be upset. You know as much as I love NCCU, this is about my son. I thought I would feel bad about not going but reality is - there will be a homecoming every year and it will go on with or without me; but my son will only be a child once and I want to experience all of it. I’ll keep you posted. can do to start the collective process of community action; that is to vote. This is the opportunity to claim a stake in the leadership of our communities. Sure it comes with the requirement to follow up with ‘elected’ leadership and let them know they can become ‘unelected’. It is a contract of service and if you are not receiving service you have to change the provider. This is not just true for governmental officials but for community organizations, fraternal organizations, professional organizations and on and on. How much time do we have to continue to be stuck in the paralysis of analysis. Let’s challenge ourselves to achieve versus being champions of discussion. Let’s put some urgency in what we do and take responsibility for getting it done. You have heard it before, “service is the price we pay for the time we are here on earth”. Well, I submit we are all behind on our rent and before we turn our dwellings over to the next tenants we need to pay our rent. Is your rent due?

Larry D. Hall Attorney [email protected]

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COVER STORY

ROGER GREGORY: NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNVERSITY’S FRIENDRAISER By Kristen Hunter Contributing Writer DURHAM - “ I believe you have to smile on the phone so that the person on the other end knows that you are happy to talk with them,” said Roger Gregory, Special Assistant to the Chancellor at North Carolina Central University, “ We have over 25,000 alumni and all of them are VIP’s and should be treated like a close friend”. Roger Gregory began his career at North Carolina Central University in 1967 as a freshman from Camden County North Carolina studying business. Within one year at the university he was involved with alumni relations, “ I had work study with the choir director Dr. Gilchrest and I worked on the logistics for the choir tour,” said Gregory, “so I contacted alumni and coordinated having students staying with them during the tour”. Although he was a student at the time, Gregory realized the importance of sustaining positive relationships with alumni and has continued to serve the North Carolina Central University Alumni Association for the past 39 years. After receiving his Bachelors of Science in Commerce from North Carolina Central University in 1971, Gregory moved to New York to live with his mom. “ I graduated the last weekend in May,” said Gregory, “ and I was expecting to relax for a few days and celebrate my accomplishment but on Monday morning my mom woke me up and sent me to get a job.” Gregory found a job two weeks later and worked as a trainer at a bank for several months before he got a job as an accountant with Western Electric Incorporated. Gregory worked at Western Electric for three years before finding his niche in human resources with American Cyanamid Company in New Jersey. Gregory worked in human resources with American Cyanamid for 15 years before a bitter cold winter convinced him that it was time to move down south. Gregory moved back to Durham to become the Director of Human Resources at North Carolina Mutual Life.

Roger Gregory

Gregory worked for 11 years at NC Mutual Life before receiving a call from Dr Chambers, the Chancellor of North Carolina Central University at the time, requesting a meeting. “Dr Chambers asked me to think about becoming the Director of Alumni Affairs,” recalls Gregory, “I said nohe told me that I needed to think about it harder. Finally after careful consideration, I agreed.” Dr. Chambers selected Gregory for the position due to his extended activity in alumni affairs. After graduating, Gregory joined the North Carolina Central University Alumni Association immediately. “Upon graduation I began to work with the Alumni Association,” said Gregory, “the next year I was the president of the New York City Alumni Chapter President.” Shortly thereafter, Gregory became the youngest National President of the NCCU’s Alumni Association. “It was

in 1976,” recalls Gregory, “I graduated in 1971; I was about 25 years old”. Gregory served as National President of the NCCU Alumni Association from 1976-1982 and then again from 1993-1997. Gregory has been dedicated to North Carolina Central University Alumni Association since before he was an alumnus, despite his geographic location. “When I relocated to Durham,” said Gregory, “I served as the president of the Durham Chapter of the NCCU Alumni Association”. His dedication has not gone unnoticed; he was selected as Alumnus of the Year on two occasions in (1979 and 1992) and when the position of Director of Alumni Affairs became available Chancellor Chambers sought him out due to his legacy of leadership in alumni affairs. “Being an eagle is very important and special to me”, said Gregory. Gregory served as the Director of

Alumni Affairs for about four and a half years before he was removed from the position. The outcry from alumni and friends was so great that Gregory was placed in a new position, Special Assistant to the Chancellor, very quickly. When asked about the series of events, he would not talk about them. “That is a part of my history that I don’t like to discuss,” said Gregory, “it was time to do something different. I loved my work as the alumni director and now I love my work in my current position.” Gregory’s positive attitude is one of the many endearing qualities that he has, instead of allowing a bad situation get the best of him, Gregory focused on his love for the university. “NCCU is a special place,” said Gregory, “Whatever I can do to support the university I will do”. As Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Gregory coordinates and supports the Chancellor’s efforts in meeting the expressed needs of the university in the way of internal and external support. “I do everything,” said Gregory, “I am the Chancellor’s liaison to all big committees and I take care of the logistics of major events”. Gregory serves as chair and the Chancellor’s liaison on several committees such as homecoming. “I am the chair of the Homecoming Committee, Committee on Remembrance, 96th Anniversary Program Committee, said Gregory, “I also chair the Labor Day Classic Committee, and the CIAA Committee.” Homecoming is one of the biggest events that Gregory works on all year. Gregory works on both the alumni and the student side to ensure that homecoming is a success. “My greatest joy comes from working with the Golden Eagles,” said Gregory, “this year we have 106 returning at homecoming to celebrate their 50-year anniversary”. “I really enjoy working with students,” said Gregory, “I have been working with the Student Government Gregory continues on page 8

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Gregory continues

Association on homecoming activities and I advise the Gamma Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I try to encourage them to be involved with alumni and to build relationships with them.” On of the larger projects that Gregory has very recently worked on is the renovation of the Shepard House. “For many years it was just sitting there deteriorating,” said Gregory, “Dr. Chambers said that we were destroying our history; the Shepard House is the oldest building on campus. We worked and got a grant from the history society and formed a renovations committee”. The Shepard House’s renovations were recently completed and the university celebrated the opening of the historic Shepard House on September 29. The house had been closed for renovations since 2000. “Tracy Vann deserves a lot of credit in this success,” said Gregory, “she conducted a lot of the research on the history and coordinated a lot of the logistics of the renovation. The furniture is historically sound because of all of her hard work”. As the Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Gregory also supports the effort to get NCCU into Division 1 athletics. “I raise funds,” said Gregory, “we have applied and our application was accepted by the NCAA and we are awaiting a response from the conference”. In addition to all Gregory’s commitments at NCCU, he is active in the Durham committee by serving on the Downtown Durham Board. Gregory is also an active member of the Beta Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and serves and the National Director of Life Membership for the fraternity. Gregory’s commitment to NCCU and the community keeps him very busy. “I tell everyone else to slow down and smell the flowers in life,” said Gregory, “but I don’t; I am always moving. There is so much to be done”! Gregory’s work at North Carolina Central University demonstrates a level of commitment to the university that is rare. “I am a friendraiser for NCCU,” said Gregory, “at the end of the day, it is all about how you treat people and your commitment to service. I can get along with anyone; I work to make everyone happy and to help everyone”.

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KEITH SUTTON IN A LEAGUE OF OUR OWN IN THE TRIANGLE Civil Rights Movement and hosted planning meetings for Dr. Martin Luther King and other Civil Rights Leaders. The League has been led by several prominent leaders to include Vernon Jordan, who served as an advisor to President Bill Clinton. Mark Marial currently heads the National League. The Triangle Chapter focuses on five major issues: Economic Empowerment, Education, Health and Quality of Life, Civic Engagement, and Diversity and Racial Inclusions. “Our purpose is to provide needed programs and services to the people— the triangle is one of the best places to live in the nation and our objective is to involved more triangle residents, especially African American in sharing in the prosperity of this region,” said Sutton. Sutton describes the League’s outstanding programs:

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT Photo: Rick Crank

Keith Sutton

By Grace Graham Features Editor RALEIGH - Dedicated to improving the quality of life for the residents of the triangle, Keith Sutton labored tirelessly to establish The Triangle Urban League. The League is the first chapter in the triangle area and opened its door in 2000. Sutton serves as the Executive Director. Sutton began his work in race relations as the State Director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) at the young age of 27. In this position, he was accountable for the administrative actions of all the NAACP chapters in the state of North Carolina. He has also served as the Director of Common Grounds in Rocky Mount NC— an esteem race relation improvement program sponsored by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. The NAACP and Common Grounds experiences motivated Sutton to establish the Triangle Urban League, an organization that has brought a new vision to the triangle. With the League firmly established--

Sutton explains the structure of the membership, “We have acquired memberships from the corporate world, professionals, individuals, as well as the religious community. Membership is also available on the student level.” The history of the National Urban League began in 1910 when a group of citizens came together to assist in the transition of African American from farm life to their newly found urban life, focusing on economic and social gains. This was during the “Great Migration” when tens of thousands oppressed African American were fleeing the South seeking greater opportunity in the North. However, upon their arrival they quickly discovered that they had not completely escaped segregation. Concerned citizens organized a committee known as the National League on Urban Conditions Among Negroes. This committee eventually shortened its name to The National Urban League. Headquartered in New York City, The National Urban League has affiliates in 114 cities in 34 states, and the District of Columbia. During the sixties it became a full partner in the

The League does quite a lot for African Americans in providing professional development and networking opportunities ranging from corporate gatherings for young professionals to lunch and learn sessions. At lunch meetings the League brings in local and national corporate speakers to share a variety of topics. A senior level executive from Progress Energy was the guest speaker at a recent lunch meeting, who used the topic: What you didn’t learn in Business School to inspire his audience. Young professional and college students are also educated on financial literacy.

EDUCATION PROGRAM

The National Achievers Society is

one of the Urban League’s signature programs. The league goes into the schools and set up individual chapters. Their two primary goals are: 1) to recognize high achievers; 2) to counter anti-achiever peer pressure that students exert on one another. The program makes an effort to change the mentality of some of the youth who feel it is not cool or hip to be a good student. Students are encouraged to develop strategy to make it cool to excel. High achievers serve as mentors and tutors to students entering the program.

HEALTH & QUALITY OF LIFE

There is a strong focus on development of a health agenda to educate and promote healthy life style choices for improved quality of life for African American.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

The League holds forums where political candidates are engaged in discussing some of the issues that are foremost in the minds of African American voters, which empower the voters to make informed decisions when voting. Also, these forums hold the candidates accountable to the issues.

DIVERSITY & RACIAL INCLUSION

The League employment network helps to provide diversity of job candidates to area employers; and employees are exposed to a diversity of job listings. Employers may post their job advertisements and employees may post resumes. Sutton sums up the League comSutton continues on page 10

The National Achievers Society is one of the Urban League’s signature programs. The Triangle Urban League held its first National Achievers Society induction in 2001. (pictured from left to right) Andrea Bazan-Manson - Executive Director of El Pueblo, Keith Sutton - Triangle Urban League, Rev. Jamal-Harrison Bryant - Empowerment Temple in Baltimore. Md., and Southeast Raleigh High Principal John Modest were among the speakers and presenters at the induction ceremony.

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November 2006

that are seeking to improve the quality of life for African American.” Born in Rocky Mount, Sutton attended grammar and high school in Edgecombe County. After graduating from Southwest Edgecombe High School, he enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned a degree in Industrial Relations in 1992. Today, Sutton is a husband, father- a man of integrity and strong will. He and his staff welcome the chance to be of assistance to the community. Photo: Rick Crank Sutton proclaims, “The League exists Keith Sutton (right) presents plaque for to fulfill a growing need in the Capitol Broadcasting Company to WRAL TV’s Triangle.” Sutton continues

Ken Smith at the Triangle Urban League’s Annual Meeting in September.

munity involvement with the following statement, “The Triangle Chapter is well on the way toward realizing our vision of becoming one of the foremost authorities in the region for our civic, public and private organizations

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A CONVERSATION WITH ATTORNEY TRACY HICKS BARLEY By Kimberley Pierce Cartwright Guest Writer DURHAM - On the day of our interview, Tracy Hicks Barley arrived at our appointed place as if swept in by the downtown wind. She was somewhat out of breath because she rushed to meet me between court hearings. Tall and confident, she wore a crisp navy blue pants suit and stylish shoes. Barley, a practicing attorney who works in the court system in Durham, is married to Les Barley and they have one daughter, five-year-old Leslie. She juggles work, home, meetings, court, husband and a child with expert precision. Barley has to or she says something would go lacking. Barley is one of five children born to Jesse and Mattie Hicks in Roanoke Rapids in Halifax County North Carolina. She was a good student and a leader but admits that she probably has exceeded the expectations that people had of African American graduates from her poor county high school. On the topic of her education she offers these words of pride: “These days the same schools I attended are labeled low performing; I am a product of that environment and I excelled because I was driven by my desire to make a mark in the world even back then. My parents stressed the value of

Tracy Hicks Barley, with her five-year-old daughter Leslie, is a practicing attorney who works in the court system in Durham and a candidate for District Court Judge. She juggles work, home, meetings, court, husband and a child with expert precision.

get the more I value and enjoy the Clinton and Barrack Obama. Dr. King and President Lincoln epitomize time we are together. courage in the face of great adversity. They had the courage to stand for KPC-What makes you sad? THB: The realization that we will what they believed in despite overprobably never achieve Dr. King’s whelming opposition and the ongoing threat of personal harm. President dream in this country. Clinton and Senator Obama repreKPC-What are you reading besides sent the great opportunity available to American children, black and white. legal briefs these days? THB: I read something for pleasure They have achieved great success everyday; right now, I am reading despite their humble beginnings. Carl Sandburg’s “Abraham Lincol” and Barrack Obama’s “The Audacity KPC- I think the kind of artwork a person displays says something about the of Hope”. person who owns it. Who is your KPC-Who is your political role favorite artist and why? THB: I would have to say that my model? THB: I don’t really do role models or favorite pieces are Ernie Barnes’ heroes; I prefer saying that there are “The Maestro” and Norman people that I admire and learn from. Rockwell’s, “The Problem We All If I had to choose, my obvious choic- Live With.” “The Maestro” which I Tracy Hicks Barley es are Martin Luther King and keep at home reminds me that I am Abraham Lincoln. My not so obvious the conductor of my own life and that an education and failure or quitting choices are William Jefferson Barley continues on page 12 school were never options in our home. After my experience with desegregation in the fourth grade, I knew I was destined to serve in some capacity in the law.” Barley attended Winston Salem State University and graduated with honors; later, she enrolled in Graduate School at North Carolina A&T State University where she was an honor student. She received her J.D. from North Carolina Central University’s School of Law in May 1993 and was the only African American in her class to graduate with honors. She was licensed to practice law in North Carolina in August 1993. Today she is one of growing number of few African American female attorneys in Durham. She has set her sites on a higher position in the court system. Barley is a candidate for District Court Judge. As the November 2006 elections approach she is mounting her campaign against an incumbent who has several terms on the bench. During our interview, her words were smooth and carefully executed. She is confident in herself and her abilities. While she recognizes the challenges of competing against an incumbent, she is also confident about her chance of winning. KPC-What makes you happy? THB: Food and Fellowship with my close friends and family. The older I

Page Twelve Barley continues

I can make my own music. “The Problem We All Live With” memorializes Ruby Bridges being escorted to school in New Orleans by U.S. Marshalls. It hangs over a sofa in my office and reminds me of how far we’ve come as a nation and how far we still have to go. My office is also filled with prints by Ruth Russell Williams; she is an artist from North Carolina and her works remind me, and lot of other people, of places in my hometown and life in small town rural America. KPC-When I tell people I live in Durham most of the time they feel sorry for me. I explain how much I enjoy my life here but they are not impressed. How do you feel about Durham? THB: I think Durham is rich in history and we should be proud of the diversity here. I have been here for 13 years and I learn something new regularly about the history of Durham. I have friends who are natives and I have the privilege of seeing Durham through their eyes and my own as a relative newcomer. I am amazed though at how many people come to Durham to work but who live in Chapel Hill, Raleigh and Hillsborough; whenever I meet them, I always say “welcome to a great place.” KPC-Why are you running for District Court Judge? THB: I am running because right now, Durham County has a need for judge who can maintain an efficiently run courtroom, who can truly be fair and impartial, and who is willing and ready to serve in every courtroom. We are about to lose our most senior Juvenile Court Judge and quite frankly, juvenile justice is one of Durham’s greatest areas of concern right now. I have practiced in Juvenile Court on almost a daily basis for the last 10 years and I know the issues and can offer some viable and creative solutions to the problems with juveniles and families in crises. Over 80 percent of the cases coming into Durham’s juvenile court are either African American juveniles and African American parents accused of abusing or neglecting their children; we do need judges who are culturally sensitive and who are in touch with the community.

SPECTACULAR KPC-Why do you feel you are qualified to hold the position of District Court Judge? THB: I have practiced law for about 13 years and practiced in every area of the law and in every courtroom where a district court judge presides. I have tried many, many cases and know the rules of law, evidence and procedure. I believe I am respected by other lawyers and judges and have been able to always advocate for my client while maintaining my professionalism and civility. I am decisive yet I can give every case the attention it deserves. I have the temperament suited to a judgeship as well. KPC-What is your biggest concern about the judicial system in Durham County? THB: My biggest concern is that the judicial system and the community are not adequately addressing the drug problem in our community. We need to do a better job of treatment and prevention. This is a major concern in Juvenile, Criminal, Youth Treatment and Family Drug Courts. If we addressed the drug problem through treatment and prevention, I believe we would see a major reduction in juvenile offenders, parents and criminals defendants. This would in turn help to reduce overcrowding in the jails and courtrooms. KPC-Let’s, shift gears and talk about young African American men in particular doing time in Durham County. Do you have any remedy to help them stay out of the court system? THB: What I’ve seen in my practice is an incredible sense of hopelessness among Durham’s juvenile’s who are court involved. We need adults who are willing to step in and act as surrogates for absent parents. We don’t need mentors; we need surrogates. It will take longer than a couple of hours per month to help turn the lives of these young people around. We need involvement in the schools, community, homes and church. KPC-Why should voters cast ballots for you in the November election? THB: I am the best candidate at this time. We do not need more of the same. The needs of our community are changing and our judiciary should reflect the changing needs. KPC-Thank you so much for sharing with us and good luck!

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NORTH CAROLINA MUTUAL’S AFFINITY GROUP HELPS ORGANIZATIONS GAIN FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE DURHAM - It is the kind of financial support that historically black colleges and universities look for from their alumni, and it is the kind of legacy that church members want to leave their church to ensure that the ministries continue to thrive. This is the kind support that North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company(NCMLIC) is offering churches, organizations and institutions across the country through their Affinity Group Marketing Program. In 2002, the Affinity Group Marketing Program was established. It is a program that raises endowment funds for organizations through the North Carolina Mutual life insurance products. Members purchase a life insurance policy naming the organization owner and beneficiary. “This program has gotten better each year. If we continue to educate the community on how the program works and the importance of having an endowment fund in place, I know that we will continue to see substantial growth with this program in the coming years,” said Kimberly Moore, Ph.D., Manager of Public Relations at North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. The key elements to this program are education and financial empowerment. North Carolina Mutual is educating and providing organizations with alternative ways that businesses, non-profit organizations and institutions can become more financially stable. “We help organizations raise endowment funds through the gift of life insurance,” said Sharon Coleman, Manger of Charitable Gifting, “endowment creation is about organizations’ long term financial goals.” Since 1898, North Carolina Mutual has been committed to the community by providing ways for individuals to leave a legacy to their families. Organizations like the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina; The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) North Carolina and Tennessee State Conferences; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; and North Carolina Central University are some of the

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Shaw University/ Shaw Divinity School, Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church, St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation, Union Baptist Church, Tupper Memorial Baptist Church, Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University.

NC MUTUAL AND KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, INC. LAUNCH HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP

North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance President and CEO James Speed (left) and Richard Snow- Executive Director of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. sign agreement to join forces to share the importance of financial literacy and initiate the first phase of a long term funding strategy for the organization.

organizations that are partners with North Carolina Mutual in creating financial stability in their organizations and for individuals. Once an institution of higher learning, church or non-profit organization recognizes that they want to move their organization forward to obtain financial independence North Carolina Mutual offers the following opportunities: financial seminars, sponsorship opportunities, in addition full access to all of the products and services offered by North Carolina Mutual and in organizations will James Speed be able to leverage other strategic partnerships. “North Carolina Mutual is company that has a rich history for over 100 years. It is our commitment to the community that recognizes the need for strong relationships with higher education, church and non-profit organizations. We have history of

service,” said James Speed, President and CEO of North Carolina Mutual. The Affinity Group Marketing program is committed to this tradition of service and particularly serving the needs of African American institutions. It continues to deepen these long standing relationships. “With this program we recognize that this is really the time that our history resonates in the community,” said Moore, “other companies do not have the history that we have. I see it as an opportunity for us to come together and create financial independence.” North Carolina Mutual has raised endowment funds for the following organizations: Alcorn State University, Blandonia Presbyterian Church, C.A. Educations Endowment Foundation, Cook’s Chapel Baptist Church, Dickie’s Grove Baptist Church, E. K. Bailey Ministries, Inc., Friendship Baptist Church, Full Gospel Deliverance Center, General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Haw River Baptist Church, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Lee’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, M.A.P. Network, National Baptist Convention, National Medical Association, North Carolina Central University, Philadelphia Baptist Church, Piney Grove Baptist Church,

The national leadership of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and North Carolina Mutual have joined forces to share the importance of financial literacy and initiate the first phase of a long term funding strategy to coincide with the Kappa 100th Anniversary in 2011. This historic partnership will feature North Carolina Mutual’s core financial literacy series for undergraduate chapters and provide the information and tools for donors to create a sustainable endowment program. There are also programs geared towards Kappa’s wide range of age groups for its alumni chapters. For the past several years NC Mutual Life Insurance has worked with v a r i o u s Affinity Groups across the country including the National Urban League, NAACP, institutions of Samuel Hamilton higher learnGrand Polemarch ing and the Kappa Alpha Psi faith community to provide financial education and provide wealth building tools for families and individuals. “The signing of this agreement represents a coming together of two historically and socially significant organizations. Like the members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. North Carolina Mutual has a rich tradition of serving the community and we are

NC Mutual continues on page 14

Page Fourteen NC Mutual continues

ready to assist the fraternity as it arms its members with the tools for financial success, said Speed. T h e visionaries who founded N o r t h Carolina M u t u a l Insurance Company and Kappa Alpha Psi Bert Collins Former President and CEO F r a t e r n i t y, of North Carolina Mutual Inc. sought to and member of Kappa fill many of Alpha Psi, Inc. the economic, social and educational voids that African Americans faced. The Affinity Group Marketing Program that is being offered by North Carolina Mutual offers an easy method to allow organizations to perpetuate their vision and to fill many of those same voids for current and future generations. Samuel C. Hamilton, Grand Polemarch said, “Kappa continues to look for opportunities to provided added benefits for its members. This relationship with North Carolina Mutual is a perfect fit based on both organizations long history of providing service to our communities. Additionally, the fact that several of Kappa’s members were prominent in the success of NC Mutual makes this partnership that much more fulfilling.”

NORTH CAROLINA MUTUAL AND NAFEO TO ADDRESS HEALTH AND ECONOMIC DISPARITIES IN THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

SPECTACULAR unique healthcare needs of the African-American community and remedy underlying economic conditions which contribute to them. North Carolina Mutual has made financial education and wealth building for African-American families and individuals a priority. It has forged relationships with affinity groups across the country, including the National Urban League, NAACP, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and the faith community. This most recent collaboration will focus on providing comprehensive employee benefits and tools to address disparities that exist in the delivery of healthcare services and disease prevention and on asset building and solutions to underlying causes of poverty. Several leading companies serving largely African-Americans are domiciled in the southern region of Louisiana, and several companies headed by members of the organization’s executive leadership had offices in New Orleans. Reflecting on the importance of New Orleans and its institutions to the national conversation on risk and protection, Speed, “Announcing this historic partnership in New Orleans means a great deal as the nation grapples with how to address the urgent need for adequate healthcare, economic education and access to a spectrum of resources both financial and social. We have been addressing these issues in the African-American communities we have served since 1898, and we are now redoubling our efforts to improve the quality of life in this region and across the nation. The announcement of this collaboration further demonstrates North Carolina Mutual Life’s commitment to ending net worth disparities in the African-American community.”

North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company and the National Association for Equal Opportunity in For further information about the Affinity Higher Education (NAFEO) will col- Group Marketing Program contact Sharon laborate on a project to meet the Coleman, at 919.313.7816

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE ENLIGHTENING * EMPOWERING * ENTERTAINING

November 2006

5TH ANNUAL DURHAM MARTIN LUTHER KING JR

HOLIDAY PARADE

SATURDAY JAN. 13, 2007 12 NOON - FAYETTEVILLE ST THEME “REDISCOVERING LOST VALUES” FOR MORE INFO OR TO GET ENTRY FORM WWW.DURHAMMLKPARADE.COM

919.680.0465

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RELIGION ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE by

Reverend Dr. James W. Smith

NOW IS THE TIME TO GIVE THANKS Like so many other folks I know, when I woke up this morning I felt so very blessed. I had my reasonable portion of health and strength. I have been blessed to provide a living for my family and hopefully I have made a difference in my church family and community. To me, just that alone is enough for me to give gratitude.

blessing, we go on our way and forget to say, “Thank You.” Well, I don’t know why we don’t give thanks, but if you will allow me to use my imagination, I’ll tell you what I think. Many times we take our blessings for granted. We see no reasons to be thankful because we feel that we have been given a raw deal in life, and that we deserve to be blessed.

And so, what each of us has may not be what or as much as others You see, there are a lot of folks in have, but it warrants our thanks. life who feel that the world owes My mother once said to me before she Rev. Dr. James W. Smith them a living; they take the blessings went home to be with the Lord as I was that God give them for granted. But if we complaining about my circumstances, “Son, if you would just stop and think of the folks who are take all your problems and throw them in the street unemployed, homeless, and hungry, what make us with everybody else’s problems and if you were think that we are any more deserving of the jobs we then ask to take some of those problems, you would have, or the food on our tables, or the shelter above probably take your own problems.” How meaningful our heads, than anyone else. If we have been that statement was to me. It helped me realize that blessed, it’s not because we have an inherent right all of us have something that we are dealing with, or that we deserve to be blessed. There are a lot of but we need to offer gratitude for what we do have. deserving people who don’t have what we have. We live in a society where everybody seems to take everything for granted. I am reminded of scripture found in Luke 17:11-19. Here, Jesus was heading toward Jerusalem and as he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria, he saw ten men who had a disease called leprosy. They called in a loud voice to Jesus, “Master, have mercy on us.” Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priest.” As they followed his command they found themselves cleansed (healed) of this disease. The interesting thing about this scripture is that ten were healed but only one returned to thank Jesus for the healing.

LUTHER BARNES TO BE SPECIAL GUEST AT ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GALA

We have been blessed because God is good and has chosen to bless us. What I am saying is that every good and perfect gift comes from above. So instead of taking life for granted, we should live life in grat- DURHAM - Reverend Dr. Verly Joseph Lyon. itude. Formal wear is the attire for the Powell and New Aggressive Church of evening and it is Deliverance, Inc. So let us not wait until Thanksgiving but remember will again host requested that that now is the time to give thanks. And this is their attendees coordiAnnual another perspective. nate their attire Christmas Gala on with the Christmas Friday, December Dr. James W. Smith color scheme of 1st. The Gala will red, black and Consultant, Missionary Baptist Churches be held at the white. Pastor, Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Email: rev.smith @ spectacularmag.com Millennium Hotel For more inforUnfortunately, for some of us, once we receive our & Resorts located mation, contact the at 2800 Campus Church on CALLING ALL Walk Avenue in Wednesdays from Durham. The 7:00 - 9:00 pm and PRAISE DANCERS - CHOIRS - MALE CHORUS theme is "The on Saturdays from CHURCH GROUPS - AUXILIARIES Greatest Gift to the 1:30 - 2:30 pm at World United in 919-682-7494. At PARTICIPATE IN THE Christ." other times contact Luther Barnes There will be Angel Powell at Ballroom Dancing, gospel comedians, 919-806-1283 or Ivey Taylor at 919JANUARY 13, 2007 - 12 NOON praise and worship. Special guest will 954-1026. 919-680-0465 be gospel recording artist Luther New Aggressive Church of Barnes. Toastmasters for the evening Deliverance, Inc. is located at 1100 www.durhammlkparade.com are Rev. Gloria Moore and Rev. Holloway Street in Durham.

5TH ANNUAL MLK PARADE

November 2006

SPECTACULAR

TALLY HO BURNS MORTGAGE

Page Seventeen

on the rise

By Alexandria E. Ferguson

hAs MoVeD to Tally Ho Missionary Baptist Church in Stem held a Mortgage Burning Ceremony during their Annual Homecoming Services in October. The mortgage, taken out in 1988, was used to add four classrooms, first aide room, four restrooms and a Pastor’s study with complete bath and storage area. The front of the church was completely redesigned adding stained glass windows and installing glass doors on each side. Pictured as the burning is completed are (left to right) Deacon Robert Wilkerson, Pastor’s Aide President Edna Frazier, Deacon Melvin Green (seated), Senior Choir President and Homecoming Committee Chairperson Lelia Royster, Deacon Wallace Cash, Pastor Moses Fletcher, Acting Trustee President Larry Williams and Trustee Walter Wilkerson. Also particating in the Ceremony were Trustee Board members Melvin Cash, William Crews, Roy Crews, Clyde Harding, Edward Taylor and Church Clerk Maggie Fogg. Joining Tally Ho in their celebration are Rev. Ray Allsbury (left, in pulpit), Pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Oxford and Rev. Earl Williams (right), Associate Pastor of Greenfield Baptist Church in Creedmoor. Oak Grove Adult Choir (pictured in choir stand)rendered music for the services and Rev. Williams delivered the sermon.

LiFestYLes seCtion on PAGe 23

ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES TEAMS WITH LOCAL CHURCHES TO FEED PEOPLE DURHAM - Several area churches are taking part in the Angel Food Ministries, a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief to communities throughout the U.S. The program began in 1994 with 34 families in Monroe, Georgia and has grown to serve thousands of families every month across 17 states. Angel Food's groceries are sold in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $25 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $50. Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one would purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no dayold breads and no produce that is almost too ripe. Also offered are specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken and pork.

Angel Food Ministries is working with area churches to provide grocery relief to the community. As a host site, Eagle Summit’s Pastor Rev. James Lilly (right) is helping to distribute groceries.

payments are collected by the host sites during the first part of each month. These orders are then turned in to the Angel Food main office in Monroe, Georgia, on a predetermined date. Several days later, in the same month, food is delivered to the host site by a pre-arranged delivery mode. In most cases, as long as there is a truck headed in the direction of a community who wants this program, there are no extra transportation costs. Area host churches sites are: Church of God of Prophecy 1727 Ed Cook Rd, 812-7177 Eagles’ Summit 2000 Chapel Hill Road 419-6231, www.eaglessummit.org Monroe Christian Church 1701Sherman Avenue, 688-0864 Mt. Level Missionary Baptist Church, 316 Hebron Road, 477-3893 River of Joy Worship Center 3324 Wake Forest Hwy, 598-3305 Victorious Praise Fellowship 2116 Page Rd, 957-7500

Additionally, there is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can purchase, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries, like most all other retail grocery stores, also particiFor more information on how your pates in the U.S. Food Stamp program. church or organization can become a host site, Food sales and distribution are hanvisit www.angelfoodministries.com dled by church host sites. Orders and

DECEMBER MENU

(1) 4 lb. Drums and Thighs - Individually Quick Frozen (1) 2 lb. Italian Lasagna Dinner (10) 4 oz. Beef & Bean Burritos (1) 2 lb. Chicken Breast Tenders (1) 12 oz. Philly Steak Portions (1) 24 oz. Breaded Breast Filets (1) 16 oz. All Meat Hot Dogs (1) 16 oz. Pinto Beans (1) 1 lb. White Rice (1) 7.5 oz. Corn Muffin Mix (1) 7.5 oz. Corn Muffin Mix (1) 24 oz. Potato Wedges (1) 16 oz. Carrots (1) 16 oz. Cut Corn (1) 3 lbs. Apples (1) 12 oz. Omelette Starter (Onions, Peppers, Sausage) (1) 16 oz. Ground Turkey (1) Dozen Eggs (1) Dessert Item **One or more specials available only with the purchase of a regular unit** D E C E M B E R S P E C I A L #1 Beef Combo Box - $18.00 (2) 8-oz. T Bones, (4) 8-oz.. Pure Ground Beef Patties, (4) 8-oz. NY Strips D E C E M B E R S P E C I A L #2 (8) 8-oz NY Strip Steaks - $18.00

ALL THIS FOR THE LOW COST OF JUST

$25.00

***LAST DAY TO PLACE & PAY FOR ORDER IS MONDAY, December 4, 2006 ***DISTRIBUTION DAY SATURDAY, December 16, 2006

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November 2006

REJOICE Nov. 5 - Nov. 12 11 am and 4 pm Sundays 8 pm nightly 8th PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY

TRUEWAY HOLY CHURCH

4124 Fayetteville Rd Durham Celebrating the 8th Anniversary of Sr. Elder Nina M. Jones. Guest preachers will speak nightly. (919) 544-5398 Nov. 5 - 4 pm 113TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY

MT. CALVARY UCC

1715 Athens Ave. Durham The speaker will be Rev. Michael Bowden, Pastor of Wayman's Chapel AME in Graham, NC. (919) 688-5066 Nov. 5 - 5 pm J. E. T. ECHOES 30TH ANNIVERSARY

CAMERON GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

816 Berwyn Ave. Durham On the program will be Paul Martin & Harmony, Jasper Cameron & Company, and the Henderson Grove Male Chorus. The Master of Ceremony will be Michael Reese Michael Reese. (919) 220-7402

Nov. 12 - 4pm SENIOR CHOIR ANNIVERSARY

Dec. 9 - 6 pm featured speaker for the GALA/BANQUET evening.The culmination of the celTALLY HO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CELEBRATING 60 YEARS AND ebration will be held during the 11 REACHING FOR 70: AM worship service on CHURCH HONORING SPIRISunday, Dec. 10. Rev. 1637 Tally Ho Rd Stem Gregory Moss, Pastor Guest choirs will be on the pro- TUAL LEADER AND HUMANITARIAN, of St. Paul Baptist gram. Rev. Moses Fletcher, Pastor. DR. J. R.MANLEY, Church in Charlotte, (919) 575-4764 PASTOR OF FIRST NC will deliver the BAPTIST CHURCH anniversary message. Nov. 16 - Nov. 19 CHAPEL HILL, NC Dr. J. R.Manley's most 7pm nightly noted accomplishment WILLIAM AND IDA 5 pm Saturday was pioneering the FRIDAY CONTINUING 4 pm Sunday building of 41 units of EDUCATION CENTER affordable housing 2006 WOMEN'S CONFERENCE- Chapel Hill (First Baptist and Church members, BEAUTY OF HOLINESS Manley Estates) for family, and friends will FAITH ASSEMBLY CHRISTIAN senior citizens. Last host a two-day CENTER - WORD OF TRUTH year, First Baptist and anniversary celebraDr. J. R. Manley 5915-103 Oak Forest Dr. Manley Estates was tion for Pastor, Dr. J. Raleigh R. Manley to recognize his 60 listed number one among all HUD Under the leadership of Apostle years of commitment and dedica- 202 Housing in N.C. Freida Cates, tion to First Baptist Church and the each night and surrounding community. U.S. FOR GALA TICKETS contact on Sunday, there Congressman David Price is the Catharyne Butler at 919-929-1328. will be Guest Speakers: Thurs. Apostle Debra Giles, Rhema Life International RTP, NC Apostle Friday - CoDebra Giles

Pastor Connie Butler FACC- The Living Word, Alta Vista, Virginia; Sat 2006 God's Complete Women Pageant, 5pm Nov. 11 - 6:00 pm Pastor Sunday - Pastor EVANGELISTIC SERVICE Apex Lois McKenzie Lois McKenzie, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Faith Assembly Chritian Center 419 S. Salem St. Apex Elder Kwana Farrar and Kingdom Durham Building Ministries, Inc. will host (919)878-3814 "launching” service of the Evangelistic Ministry. Guest speakThird Sundays 7pm er will be Bishop Ronnie Moore, Sr. HEALING AND DELIVERANCE Pastor of Kingdom Builders City of SERVICES Refuge Int'l of Rockingham, NC. NEW FRIENDSHIP FELLOWSHSIP Chosen & Anointed of S.C., COMMUNITY CENTER Angelic Praiser of Durham, and 107 Chestnut St. Durham Destiny Steppers of Raleigh will With Richard G. Carnegie of New appear on program. Rock Springs UCC of Creedmoor. 919-255-1591 or visit www.king- Julia Ross Harrelson, Overseer. 682-0879 dombuilding.zoomshare.com.

November 2006

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NEWS BRIEFS DR. DWIGHT D. PERRY INDUCTED INTO CAROLINA PANTHERS SELECTS HILLSIDE NATIONAL BLACK COLLEGE HALL OF FAME STUDENT AT COMMUNITY CAPTAIN ATLANTA, GA -- North American Board of Carolina Central University Ophthalmology. (NCCU) alumnus Dr. Dwight Currently, he serves as D. Perry of Durham was this vice president and partner year’s inductee to the with North Carolina Eye, Ear, National Black College Nose and Throat Associates. Alumni (NBCA) Hall of Perry is also chief of Fame for achievement in Ophthalmologist Services at medicine. The NBCA Hall of Lincoln Community Health Fame Foundation, Inc. recog- Dwight D. Perry Center, a public health facilinizes and promotes outstandty serving the poor and unining accomplishment by graduates of sured, where he volunteers one half HBCUs across the country in a variety day a week. of fields of endeavor. Founder and director of the Upon graduating summa cum Diabetic Retinopathy prevention prolaude from NCCU, Perry studied med- gram, Perry installed the Eye Q icine and ophthalmology at the Computerized Fundus Camera System University of North Carolina at at Lincoln in order to provide the preChapel Hill. His scholarly work has dominantly African American patients been published in the prestigious there with the opportunity for early American Journal of Ophthalmology, detection and treatment of vision the Journal of Pediatric impairment due to diabetes, a disease Ophthalmology and the Journal of that disproportionately impacts this Clinical Pharmacology. He is past minority group. president of the Durham Academy of Norma D. Petway, director of Medicine and examiner for the Perry continues on page 20

DURHAM - The Carolina Panthers have selected Samuel “Quinn” Barham, a senior offensive tackle at Hillside High School as a 2006 Carolina Panthers Community Captain. The Carolina Panthers Community Captain program recognizes high school student-athletes in North and South Carolina who excel in the classroom, in the community and on the football field. The program is designed to recognize outstanding young leaders and to encourage their future development as role models while they continue their personal growth in college and in their professional careers. Barham has earned a 3.7 grade point average in Hillside’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Quinn also has integrated community service into his everyday life. “In my community, I tutor young children with the Sigma Beta Club, clean my school’s campus periodical-

ly, and volunteer at the Food Bank,” s a i d Barham. T h i s Community Captain is also a member of the National Achievers Society and Who’s Who Samuel “Quinn” Barham A m o n g America’s High School students. “It would mean a lot be named a Community Captain,” said Barham. “It would tell me that all my hard work has paid off. It would let my parents know that they have done a good job and that I have done a good job and that I was successful.” Quinn has made a verbal commitment to play for Penn State University next year.

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Dr. Eric C. Bracy (left), Principal of Pearsontown Elementary School is congratulated by Durham Public School Superintendent Carl Harris (right) after being named Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year.

DR. ERIC C. BRACY NAMED DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR DURHAM—Dr. Eric C. Bracy, Principal of Pearsontown Elementary School, is the 2007 Principal of the Year for Durham Public Schools. Bracy has been principal of Pearsontown since 2003. He will represent Durham in the regional competition in the awards program sponsored by Wachovia Bank and the state Dr. Eric C. Bracy Department of Public Instruction. Pearsontown has been deemed an Honor School of Excellence for the past two years in the ABCs of Accountability report issued by the state Department of Public Instruction. “I am honored to be named Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year,” said Bracy. “The greater honor is to lead such a fantastic school, filled with students eager to learn, teachers who love what they do, and a wonderfully supportive group of parents!” Before coming to Durham, Bracy was principal of Clark Street Elementary School, Vance County Schools, for three years. Prior to that,

he was assistant principal of EatonJohnson Middle School and Zeb Vance Elementary School, both in Henderson. He has also taught at the elementary school level. Bracy holds a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, an M.A. in Education Administration and Supervision from Virginia State University, and a B.A. in Elementary Education from North Carolina Central University. “Eric Bracy embodies every element of what it takes to be named a Principal of the Year,” said Superintendent Carl Harris. “He brings energy and enthusiasm to his profession, and he has done a superb job in inspiring his teachers and staff members to do their best in the classroom each and every day.” A committee comprising former principals of the year selected Bracy after reviewing nomination portfolios. He now will compete with other local award recipients from the Central Region of the state. From among the six regions, one principal will be selected as North Carolina’s 2007 Wachovia Principal of the Year. This is the 24th year Wachovia Bank has sponsored the award.

Perry continues

alumni relations at NCCU introduced Perry at the award ceremony. “I was very honored to present the award to Dr. Perry on behalf of the university,” said Petway. “We were at NCCU at the same time and now, he’s my Ophthalmologist.” Upon receiving the award, Perry said, “North Carolina Central University has been a strong foundation for my family… nine of by brothers and sisters attended the university.”

Among the 14 winners in this 21st Annual Hall of Fame Weekend were Howard University alumna and actress Lynn Whitfield, Xavier University alumna and former Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman, South Carolina State University alumnus Judge Matthew J. Perry, Jr., and Fisk University alumnus, former NCCU professor and current James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of History, Dr. John Hope Franklin who accepted the award for lifetime achievement.

5TH ANNUAL DURHAM MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY PARADE Jan. 13, 2007 12 Noon Fayetteville St. FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE

www.durhammlkparade.com

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE ALWAYS WELCOMES STORY IDEAS CONTACT US 919-680-0465 or [email protected]

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VANCE/GRANVILLE ROBERT WILKERSON MAKES DREAM A REALITY

Robert Wilkerson

The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 2 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV) STEM - Robert Wilkerson, a deacon for over 50 years at Tally Ho Missionary Baptist Church in Stem, worked diligently to make the church’s first “Give God the Praises” Fellowship Day in October a reality. He says the event came about because of a dream. “God gave the idea to me in a dream,” Wilkerson explained. “And when I dreamed about it, I tried to put it together with the best of my ability.” Held in the Fellowship Hall after Sunday School, about 60 members and

invited guests enjoyed a lunch prepared and served by Wilkerson’s family. This allowed the church family the time to do what Wilkerson had dreamed – fellowship. “The charge was to draw all the members together as one body in Christ and all reap the love,” said Wilkerson. Wilkerson’s love for Tally Ho and the Stem community runs deep. He was born and raised in Stem and joined the church when he was 12. He attended Tally Ho School, which at that time, sat on the same land. He married another Stem resident, the former Dorothy Cousin, and they raised their three children, Larry, Walter and Naomi, in Stem. In fact, they lived in the house right next door to Tally Ho Church. Stem in a small town in southern Granville County. In 1883, a small, dedicated group of residents came together under the leadership of Reverend J. W. Sanford and founded Tally Ho Missionary Baptist Church. Many of the former members of this community are still members. Reverend Moses Fletcher has been the Pastor for the past 19 years. “A lot of our church history is missing. I hope by coming together

Members of Deacon Robert Wilkerson’s family assisted with the preparation and serving of the food for the Fellowship Day. Pictured above are his neice Emma Taylor (left), his daughter Naomi Wilkerson Thorpe and her sister-in-law Faye Thorpe (right). Emma and her husband Edward prepared the food at their restaurant in Oxford. They fed approximately 60 people.

Robert Wilkerson (left), along with Clyde Harding (center) and Shirley Harris (right) are enjoying lunch during first ever Tally Ho Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Day held the fifth Sunday in October. Wilkerson, the organizer of the event, says he received the idea for the event in a dream.

The Fellowship Day gave memlike this, we can get some of the older members to go through their families’ bers a chance to talk about other annurecords and pictures and we can pull al observances they would like to see the history altogether,” Wilkerson take place. Trustee Clyde Harding said. Wilkerson continues on page 22

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said, “ I am so excited to see us coming together like this. I would like Tally Ho to recognize and honor the veterans and local law enforcement with special services annually.” Wilkerson is uncertain if the Fellowship Day will become an annual event. “It will be up to the church. Today is what God has drilled in me and what I see today is taking it step by step to do a little more for Him. I don’t know if I will get another dream to tell me what to do or how to do it. But if we could get the family together like it was in my dream, we will be heaven-bound.”

TALLY HO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH FELLOWSHIP DAY - OCTOBER 2006

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5 Deacon Robert Wilkerson received a message in a dream to hold a Fellowship Day. The charge was to draw all the members together as one body in Christ and all reap the love. He was obedient and invited all members to come for lunch and fellowship after Sunday School. Some of those enjoying the the fellowship are pictured here: #1 - (l to r) Rosa Venable, Johnny Thorpe and Edward Taylor; William Crews (forefront) #2 - (clockwise from left) Lelia Royster, Lawrence Davis III, Mary Ferguson (who now lives in East Lancing, Michigan, had stopped at home while on a business trip) and Vereatha Streeter. Ferguson spoke about how the training and love she received at Tally Ho helped her to be the

4 person she is today. #3 - (l to r) - Catherine Estes, Josephine Howell, Ernestine Garrett and Deacon Wilkerson’s wife, Dorothy; Jamie Jones is walking behind them #4 - (l to r) Deacon Wilkerson’s son-in-law James Thorpe, Deacon Wilkerson’s son and daughter-in-law, Walter and Vera Wilkerson #5 - (l to r) Martha Harris, Edith Noel, Church Sercretary Maggie Fogg and Roy Lee Moss #6 - (l to r) Octavia Mitchiner and Cora Clark plays with a child after eating at the Fellowship Day.

SUBMIT VANCE AND/OR GRANVILLE COUNTY EVENTS, CHURCH NEWS, STORIES IDEAS, ETC. TO: [email protected] or call 919.680.0465

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LIFESTYLES on the rise sbheelierveecothgnatizmedy. fuAtullrIe whaasdbtroigdhotewraths abne DIVAS ARE #1! confident in knowing that my future was not dictated by someone else’s vision of themselves. All I had to do was believe! Because, faith is the only thing that has gotten me this far!

By Alexandria E. Ferguson

i reMeMBer It is the reason that you can’t live out your dreams…the reason that you won’t step out. Have you ever thought who was to blame for your lack of tenacity? How long have you pointed the finger at other people blaming them for your current situation? Think about it, all you have to do is get out there and do it!

There have been people in your life that told you that you would not make it. There have been people that have crossed your path and have attacked your talents because they couldn’t recognize their own gifts. There have been people that have refused to let you advance because they have recognized something in you that may overshadow them. In your lifetime, there will be an abundance of people that challenge you, dis respect you and try to hold you back. In your lifetime, there will be people that genuinely praise you. The people that genuinely praise you are the people that will genuinely take part in your growth. Those are the people that have your best interest in mind. Those are the people that you have to hold on to. The praise that these people give is the praise that will sustain you and help you realize that in this life you were not called to be successful. In this life you were only called to be faithful!

Have you ever thought about what’s stopping you? Fear is what is stopping you! All you’ve got to do is step out there. All you’ve got to do is believe. All So when you feel like you’re being you’ve got to do is have faith, and decide attacked understand that the attacker is today that you will conquer your fear. judging you by how they view them selves! Through it all I encourage you to I remember the conversation like it was keep pressing on! Your faith will carry yesterday. “You will never make it,” is you through! what she said to me. I looked at her and returned a confident smile and said, “I Keep Risingg! will see you at the top.” At that moment I realized that my per sonal faith was more powerful than her personal insecurities. All I had to do was

Alexandria E..Ferguson

Alexandria E. Ferguson is a Durham-based motivational speaker. She can be reached at [email protected]

5TH ANNUAL DURHAM MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY PARADE Jan. 13, 2007 12 Noon Fayetteville St. FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE

www.durhammlkparade.com

The Durham Seniorette Divas competed in the North Carolina Senior Games Final in September at the SAS Soccer Stadium In Cary. The 15 member squad placed #1 in the state for Cheerleader Competition Showcase making them eligible for the National State Games which will be held in the Spring of 2007 in Kentucky. The squad was organized in February 2004. The ages range from 58-81! Pictured (first row-l to r)Shirley Lassiter, Jeannette Webb, Shawnta Wright-Coach, Davesene Lawson, Lillie Cannady, Louise Gooche,- Squad Captain, (second row) Ann Gore, Mildred McKinney, Liz Cofer, Vivian Gentry, Edna Titus, Bertie Bates (third row)Tina Scruggs, dreda Guion, Lucille Bethea, Edna Thompson.

By Alexandria E. Ferguson

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HEALTH INFLUENZA VACCINATIONS UPDATE

WHAT’S UP DOC? Dr. Sharon Elliott-Bynum RN, BSN, CDONA/LTC

Sickle Cell Disease: Our Community’s Response Sickle Cell Anemia is one of those diseases that you hear about, but by no means does it get the press that other conditions do. Because it is a disease that primarily affects African Americans I thought we should share some valuable information with our Spectacular Magazine readers so that there is a heightened awareness in our community. As a nurse my first memories with individuals with Sickle Cell involved seeing young teenagers and adult dealing with excruciating pain that required multiple trips to the emergency room for relief.

Sharon Elliott-Bynum

Sickle cell disease remains a mystery. The community is often unaware of the disease and its affects. One of the goals of Bridges is to raise awareness of the disease among the at-risk population--- young adults in their child bearing years. Persons may be carriers of sickle cell trait and not be aware of it or they may be unclear about what it means. To increase awareness and educate the community, Bridges partners with North Carolina Central University in blood drives and Sickle Cell Screening six times each year. The agency recently screened more than 270 students and community residents at the September –Sickle Cell Month Drive. An additional aim of the drives is also to increase awareness of the need for increased blood donations by African-Americans. Among those who lives are saved by these blood donations are sickle cell patients who require blood transfusions as part of their regular medical treatment.

Once they were not expected to live to reach their twenties. Today, many persons with sickle cell disease live well into maturity and old age. Currently, the oldest patient cared for at the local Duke Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center is 74 years of age. Incidence rates of sickle cell disease in North Carolina are 25% higher than the national average for African-Americans. Sickle cell disease affects 1 in 400 African-Americans in the United States and 1 in 237 in North Carolina. Within the triangle area, sickle cell disease is prominent, affecting more than Bridges provides social support including housing at 1300 people. the Bridges Pointe Apartments with the help of numerous partners, businesses, organizations and Adult survivors of sickle cell disease are the focus of volunteers. Along with the BRIDGES Pointe program and services at Bridges Pointe Sickle Cell Foundation, Duke needs your help in order to spread Foundation. Improvement in medical care has led to the word about sickle cell disease and to help in our increased life expectancy for the affected popula- development efforts for reaching the community tion. With this comes the stressors of living with a and population effected. Group opportunities are chronic, painful and unpredictable disease that available for volunteering. However, we also have interrupts life events, education, work, and family individual positions available including office suplife. There is limited social supports that are target- port, Internet support, and patient education among ed to the specific community based needs of this others. If you are in need of help with sickle cell group of individuals. Providing program and servic- care or interested in volunteering at Bridges or es to address these needs and those of affected Duke, please contact Elaine Whitworth at (919) 684patients and families across the Triangle is the mis- 6464 or email [email protected]. To contact sion of Bridges Pointe Foundation. A voluntary non- Bridges regarding sponsorships and donations call profit organization, Bridges was founded by 919-688-4852. For more information visit the webpatients, staff and volunteers associated with the site at Duke Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center. The organi- http://bridges-eoh.eventbrite.com/. zation was this community’s response to the unmet needs of the population affected by this chronic ill- Philippians 4:6-7 “Have no anxiety about anything but in ness. In October Bridges Pointe Foundation celebrat- everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let ed its 10th Anniversary by hosting their principal your requests be made known to God.” Remember, many doctors today know the healing power of prayer. Plan with fundraiser, the 6th Annual Evening of Hope your doctor how to include faith in God and prayer as part of Celebration. This event was held at Duke your treatment, a part so important that you also make it University’s North Pavilion from 6 to 9 P.M. part of your doctor visit.

DURHAM - T he Durham County Health Department (DCHD) has received 580 doses of free state-supplied influenza vaccines designated for children 6 months through 18 years of age who are at increased risk for complications from influenza infec- Child receiving nasal tion, and who spray influenza vaccine. can transmit influenza to those persons in high-risk groups. The DCHD has also received 60 doses of FluMist ®, the nasal-spray influenza vaccine that contains weakened live flu virus, indicated for healthy individuals between the ages of 5 to 49. High risk groups include: . All children 6 months through 59 months of age; . Persons age 5 years through 18 years with any of the following conditions: . chronic disorder of the pulmonary or cardiovascular system, including asthma; . chronic metabolic disease (e.g., diabetes), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathy, or immunosuppression (e.g., caused by medications, HIV) that has required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year; . any condition that compromises respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk of aspiration (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injury, seizure disorder or other neuromuscular disorder); . long-term aspirin therapy (applies to a child or adolescent ages 6 months–18 years); . will be pregnant during the influenza season. Any child 6 months through 18 years of age that is a household contact of (lives with):

receiving the vaccines from the manufacturers. Vaccine supplies for adults are anticipated to arrive in phases in November and perhaps as late as December, and more information will be provided to the public when they become available. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccinating beyond November is important and beneficial because the peak of influenza infections typically occurs in February or later. Even when influenza is widespread in a community, there are still benefits from vaccination for individual disease prevention. Flu symptoms begin suddenly and may include fever, severe headache, body aches, sore throat and cough. Those who develop flu-like symptoms should drink fluids, rest and stay home to avoid spreading the infection. Flusufferers may take over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, but aspirin should be avoided. Antiviral medications for treatment of the flu may be available from local health care providers. They are recommended for persons who are at high risk for the serious complications of the flu and who are within the first 2 days of illness onset. Simple preventive actions

. Any child aged 0 through 59 months or any high-risk child or adult. Influenza clinics will begin on Monday, October 30, 2006 and will continue Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. depending on vaccine supplies. The DCHD is closed the first Wednesday afternoon of every month. The DCHD is anticipating no shortage of influenza vaccines this season; however, there has been a delay in

can help stop the spread of flu this season and should be practiced by the public, such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick; covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; avoiding contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth; and washing your hands often.

Durham County Health Department will administer free influenza vaccine while supplies last.

For the latest information regarding DCHD vaccine availability and the influenza clinics, please call the DCHD Flu Shot Information Line at (919) 560-7378. For individual health related questions, please contact your primary health care provider.

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BUSINESS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CREDIT UNION PROVIDES 'WAY HOME' FOR NC COUPLE DURHAM - Seldom is a basketball game considered a life-changing event, especially for the spectators. But for Locasso and Jasina Battle of Washington, NC, a chance encounter with a Generations Community Credit Union (then Metropolitan CCU) Branch Manager Rhonda Waters at a junior varsity hoops contest three years ago opened the door to their dream of owning a home. Like most Americans, the Battles dreamed of owning a single family home Locasso and Jasina of their own. Battle However, after visiting with many local banks, they were repeatedly told that they could only qualify for a loan to purchase a double wide mobile home. For the family of seven, double wide mobile home was simply not large enough to accommodate them, although it would be an obvious improvement over the single wide the family was living in at the time. According to Waters, the perception in the underserved areas of Washington is that people of modest means can only qualify for a mortgage for a mobile home. "It’s a blessing to be in a position to help people in our community overcome a history of financial hardship,” says Waters. “A lot of the hardship is due to a lack of confidence, which is spread throughout the community. Then, there are misperceptions about class and there is the lack of education." For the Battle family, that lack of information may well have consigned them to a reality that fell short of their dreams of home ownership. Waters, whose daughter played on the team, learned of the Battle's situation from someone at the game who knew she worked at the credit union. That conversation lead to an introduction. "They were looking to upgrade from a single wide to a double wide mobile

NOT JUST YOUR BUSINESS by Genevia Gee Fulbright, CPA

ARE YOU READY FOR PRIME TIME?

You have a management team who Developing a strategy to accomplish home," Waters recalled. understand the goals of the organiyour goals is the key to achieving When Waters consulted with the success. A well developed plan is zation and who consistently works Battles at the credit towards aligning their performance needed whether you want your union, she discovto help achieve these goals. side-line business to replace your ered that they “9 to 5” salary or stay within the Remember; take an inventory of could instead qualcorporate world to become part of a your strengths and weaknesses. Do ify for a mortgage management team. you have a competitive advantage? to purchase a Consider why others request you on In the creative world, prime time home."When we their teams or patronize your comnormally constitutes the peak viewlearned we could pany over others in your market. ing time that is expected to attract actually own a the largest audience. If you want to house," Jasina If you are trying to advance in your maintain some control over your Fulbright recalls, "it was career or even maintain your current career, performing when “all” eyes overwhelming for status, consider utilizing feedback from some of are on you will be crucial. us. Most people in your key trusted associates including mentors inside and outside of the company and/or a profesMaybe you are not sure if you are ready in your our community Rhonda Waters sional coach. They can help you work on your career to take some risks to achieve your goals. have the mentality strategy and test parts prior to “public” release. that they can’t progress, because they You are probably ready for prime time if: Eventually, a viable strategy will evolve from talkYou have the required education, training and nethave never been shown how to overing to these associates. work to attract unsolicited job offers often in your come financial hardship in order to field. achieve better things in life." Don’t forget, you should enjoy the majority of what Waters says one of the key issues Invited to become part of a management team you do. At the end of the day it seems that the people like the Battles face is not the you could say yes without hesitation and feel con- goal is to be viewed as a valued contributor to a lack of creditworthiness - it is the lack fident that you will be able to both continue to team/organization/ family who is reliable can get of reasonable and affordable financial maintain your high performer status while leading the work done and who is a pleasure to be around. services. "When the Battles came to and motivating others to achieve and contribute. Genevia Gee Fulbright, CPA is President/COO of Fulbright & Fulbright, CPA, PA and the author of Make the Leap: From Your business has a strategic plan that includes me, I empathized with their circumMom & Pop to Good Enough to Sell and Make the Leap: Shift thoughts beyond the current year and you are stances. So I placed myself in their from Corporate Worker to Entrepreneur For more informaprofitable and have strategies to maintain and position in order to guide them tion, call: (919)544-0398, e-mail: [email protected] or visit through the process and keep them exceed the current profit levels. www.makeleap.com encouraged every step of the way." Those steps included credit coun- because of it we have a home that we (NCMSC). The Support Center helps CDCUs seling and instruction on home own- are very proud of. Now, we share our ership. "Rhonda sat us down, story with others in the community in do exactly what Rhonda did.. help explained the hopes that they people help themselves. “Our organiqualification will join the credit zation is about honoring the legacy process and coununion and learn that CDCUs have in our state,” says seled us on what that they can have Linwood Cox, NCMSC President. we needed to do in a better life for “We honor that legacy by ensuring that preparation of purtheir family as the credit unions are able to serve their communities and chasing a house," well.” Jasina said. Three For her part, provide the edumonths later, it all Waters says sim- cational and operpaid off as the ply, "This is why I ational tools that allow people of couple closed on enjoy my job." a three bedroom, Generations Community Credit Union made it C o m m u n i t y modest means to two bath brick possible for the Battles to purchase this three D e v e l o p m e n t move forward in ranch. bedroom, two bath home for their family. Credit Unions life. That is why At long last, (CDCU) such as we serve as the of the Battles were home, thanks to hard Generations are geared to unlock sponsor Generations and work and a chance encounter at a bas- doors of opportunity for people such ketball game. “Meeting Rhonda made as the Battles. In North Carolina, that is why we Linwood Cox the difference in our lives,” said Jasina CDCUs receive support to accom- have committed Battle. "We’ve been members of the plish this mission from the North ourselves to serving all of our state’s credit union for three years now and Carolina Minority Support Center CDCUs.”

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

exhibits at hayti heritage center s lyda moore merrick gallery The works of Durham artist Marilyn Griffin will be on display at The Hayti Heritage Center's Lyda Moore Merrick Gallery until December 4th. Also on display are works by San Diego artists Kadir Nelson. The exhibitions usher in the fall season of programming for the St. Joseph's Historic Foundation.

"EMBELLISHMENT" NEW WORKS BY MARILYN GRIFFIN celebrates another phase of

her creativity and discovery; a multi media marriage of beads and bobbles, strings and things, leather and feathers and such. The exhibition includes wall hangings, totems and dolls. A world class doll maker, Marilyn Griffin is best known for her one of a kind soft sculptured doll. Now with her extraordinary clay sculptures she can convey emotion, depth, and feeling through the eyes of her sculpted faces and clay bodies. The Kanike Artiste Doll collection is a masterwork of romantic symbolism. These sculptures demonstrate Marilyn's incredible sense of fashion design, unique eclectic style and mastery of color. Marilyn's dolls transport us back to a time when women and men dressed up and were beautifully groomed. Examples of church ladies, divas, dancers, flappers, Victorians, African kings and queens and warriors are just what make her dolls unique. Vintage fabrics, period jewelry and other findings play a huge role too.

WORDS AND PICTURES: NEW WORKS FOR CHILDREN BY KADIR NELSON features new Artwork by Kadir Nelson

works of art from Nelson's award-winning books including "ellington was not a street," by Ntozake Shange, "Please, Puppy, Please," by Spike and Tonya Lee, "He's Got the Whole World

in His Hands," and the forthcoming "Moses: When "Amistad," and the Oscar nominated animated feaHarriet Tubman Led her People to Freedom," by ture "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron ." Carole Boston Weathorford. Since 1999, Nelson has ST. JOSEPH'S HISTORIC FOUNDATION. In the illustrated over a dozen books for children. Kadir 1970's when the St. Joseph's AME Church congregation moved to a Nelson began drawnew church ing at the age of Marilyn Griffin exhibits new works home, the origithree, displaying “Embellishment” nal structure artistic acumen became the catbefore he could alyst for the write or spell. He formation of began entering his the St. Joseph's paintings in art comHistoric petitions and ultiFoundation mately won an art (SJHF). The scholarship to study Foundation was at Pratt Institute in incorporated in Brooklyn, NY. Upon 1975 with the graduating with intention of honors, Nelson preserving the began his profesembellished old sional career as an sanctuary and artist, publishing his adapting it for work and receiving cultural and commissions from civic events. publishers and proSJHF's mission duction studios such is to preserve as Dreamworks, the heritage of Sports Illustrated, the old Hayti Coca-Cola, The New community, and York Times and to promote the Major League understanding Baseball, among of and appreciaothers. tion for the African American experience and African Nelson also exhibited his work in galleries and Americans' contributions to world culture. The museums throughout the country and abroad includ- church complex, renamed the Hayti Heritage Center, ing the Simon Weisenthal Center, Museum of is listed on the register of national historic landTolerance and the Academy of Motion Pictures and marks. Many descendants of the original residents Sciences in Los Angeles, The Museum of African of the district once known as "Black Wall Street" freAmerican History in Detroit, The Smithsonian quent the Center along with other Triangle area resAnacostia Museum in Washington DC, The Society of idents. Illustrators and the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, The Bristol Museum in England, The Citizen's The Foundation's goals are to consistently present Gallery of Yokohama, Japan and the Center for the very best in quality cultural arts programs related to the African American experience, promote Culture of Tijuana, Mexico. cross-cultural understanding between isolated comMany of his paintings can be found in the private munities, and foster intercultural support. This is collections of actors, professional athletes and accomplished by providing enlightening and enrichmusicians including Debbie Allen, Denzel ing programs in cultural arts and education. The St. Washington, Will and Jada Smith, Berry Gordy, Jalen Joseph's Historic Foundation/Hayti Heritage Center Rose, Spike and Tonya Lee, Terry Lewis, Ray Allen, continues to be an agent of social change with a Venus Williams, Queen Latifah and Ice Cube. His long-term commitment to utilizing the arts as a tool paintings have also decorated the sets of television to bring communities together and establishing sitcoms "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and "The common ground between the races. The Foundation Jamie Foxx Show," as well as feature films "Friday," is committed to providing the local community and "Set it Off" and "The Beauty Shop," starring Queen patrons-at-large with the country's leading African Latifah. Most notably, Nelson was the "Conceptual American artists, theater productions, and programs Artist" for Steven Spielberg's feature film, that define history and traditional techniques, and

ceremonial, social, sacred, and contemporary works. These programs intermix local, regional and national artists thus providing a rich mix of quality cultural arts programs for all ages and socioeconomic demographics. V. Dianne Pledger, President & CEO of the St. Joseph's Historic Foundation, Inc./Hayti Heritage Center, is responsible for overall development

and implementation of strategic planning, programming and institutional advancement.

LYDA MOORE MERRICK GALLERY was named for Lyda Moore Merrick who was by birth and by marriage a member of two of North Carolina's most prominent families. John Merrick, her father-in-law, and Dr. A.M. Moore, her father, was among the founders of the North Carolina Mutual and Provident Association in 1898, later to become the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, the largest black-owned business in the United States, and one of the oldest. GALLERY HOURS: Monday Friday, 10 am 5 pm; Saturday, 10 am 3 pm - Free admission Visit the Lyda Moore Merrick Gallery with your school group, church group, or social organization. Tour reservations are required for group visits to the Lyda Moore Merrick Gallery. Call 919.683.1709 ext. 22 to schedule reservations or for more information.

UPCOMING EXHIBITS -

Spiritual Awakening Work by C. O'Mega Barnes Saturday, December 9 Sunday, February 18, 2007 Artist Reception Jazzy Friday, January 12, 200, 6-8 pm Refreshments and Live Jazz Free & Open to the public Barnes uses miniature scissors to transform paper into beautiful works of art without painting, sketching or drawing. Prayer, divine guidance and those tools have enabled her to create.

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ENTERTAINMENT DID YA’ KNOW?...

make guest appearances.

NEVILLE BRINGS IT ON HOME - Aaron Neville makes history with his new Burgundy Records album "Bring It On Home...The Soul Classics," which debuted at #37 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and sold 22,212 in its first week to become his highest selling first-week ever. The album features a collection of Aaron Neville Neville's favorite soul songs, including Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay," Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come," Ben E. King's "Stand By Me," Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" and the album's first single, Curtis Mayfield's "It's All Right." Chris Botti, Chaka Khan, Dave Sanborn, Mavis Staples and Art Neville also

BOBBY BROWN DEMANDS CAR According to sources, Bobby Brown, in the wake of his pending divorce from purse string Whitney Houston, agreed to appear on TV One’s upcoming reality series “I Married a Baller”, but only if he got a vehicle in exchange. Bobby Brown Producers of the show, which follows the marriages of athletes, invited Brown to have an on-camera lunch with former Tennessee Titans player Eddie George and his wife, Brown's old friend Tamara (Taj) George of the R&B group SWV. "When he asked for a car, we actually thought he meant for us to book him car service, and I told the producers to set it up," said the show's executive

producer, Datari Turner. "But then I was told that he actually wanted us to buy him a car!" Brown's friend and occasional rep, Ray Pouncey, explained to TV One that Brown was new to Los Angeles and didn't have transportation, so a car would be the preferred payment over an appearance fee. "I was open to it at first and wanted to know what price range he was looking for, because for the standard appearance fee we could have gotten him a 1997 Ford Expo or maybe a 1995 Pathfinder," Datari said. "Maybe even a month-long rental car. But we knew he wanted something new, so we had to pass on booking him." Brown's attorney, Phaedra Parks, is denying that such a conversation took place. She said that Pouncey had indeed discussed a car for Brown - "but he was joking, and he says it's been taken out of context," she explained. "Obviously Ray doesn't represent Bobby, and he's not part of his management team."

Usher, Clive Davis & Whitney

RADIANT WHITNEY OUT ON THE TOWN -In one of her first public appearances since undergoing rehab and ditching husband Bobby Brown, Whitney Houston dressed herself in a floor-length black Armani gown and an ear full of diamonds to attend the 17th annual Carousel of Hope Ball in Beverly Hills in late Octoer. The 43-yearold singer arrived on the arm of record mogul Clive Davis, who discovered Houston as a teen and signed the New Jersey native to her first record contract at his former label, Arista. He is currently overseeing her highly-anticipated comeback album, due sometime next year. BRANFORD MARSALIS’ BRAGGING RIGHTS – Branford Marsalis’ new album takes its title from the working-class district in Durham near where he recorded it.

“Braggtown” was recorded in the St. Joseph's Performance Hall at Hayti Heritage Center. The cover photograph was shot in the locker room of the Durham Bulls Branford Marsalis baseball stadium. Marsalis moved to Durham's Treyburn subdivision in 2002, establishing his new hometown as his main recording center. "First time I heard the room at Hayti, I knew that would be my studio," Marsalis says. "I hope to use it again. I'm set up in my house just to mix. We try not to record there because of the acoustics of the room -- it's just too small to reproduce the sounds of real instruments." THE SKINNY ON RUBEN’S DIET PLAN - “American Idol” champ Ruben Studdard has shaved about 100 of his peak 450 pounds so far after spending four weeks at a $7,000 weight-loss program at Duke Uni-versity’s Duke Diet & Fitness Center in Durham. Twentyeight year old Ruben still has at least 50 pounds to go before doctors will be completely happy with his weight. “At Duke, they helped Ruben change the way he Ruben Studdard eats and put him on a personally designed workout regimen…Ruben and his doctors agreed that if he didn't start making some permanent changes, he was going to wind up in an early grave,” said a source close to Studdard. He is currently committed to two 45-minute cardio workouts per day and a speciallytailored low-calorie, low-sodium diet. Ruben is promoting his newly released album “The Return”. Did Ya Know continues on page 30

Page Thirty Did Ya Know continues

‘WILL’ HE OR WON’T HE? Philadelphia native Will Smith is reportedly a part of the investment team pulled together by Julius "Dr. J" Erving that has an interest in buying the Philadelphia 76ers from Will Smith ComcastSpectacor, according to The Philadelphia Daily News. The suggested asking price for the team could be as much as $450 million. Erving played 11 of his 16 professional seasons with the 76ers and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. Smith would join Nelly, Usher and Jay-Z as entertainers who retain ownership in NBA franchises. ELLA STAMPS IN HISTORY The U.S. Postal Service has announced that Ella Fitzgerald will be honored in next year’s Black Heritage series of stamps. Fitzgerald is Ella Fitzgerld known as the first lady of song for her great vocal range, flexibility and the joy and excitement she brought to music. OH – OH – OH - Lenny Williams, the Oakland balladeer who possesses one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music continues to keep the focus on love with the first single from his new CD It Must Be Love. The new single is entitled Tuesday, is already receiving major airplay in advance of the release of the new CD. Why is the song called Tuesday? "Because Lenny Williams

SPECTACULAR if you're in love with your mate, you don't need a birthday or a holiday to treat them right... You know? Like they may ask you: 'Why are you treating me so good?' ‘Because it's Tuesday baby. I love you everyday’" says Lenny. Known around the world for singing one of the greatest love songs ever recorded Cause I Love You, Lenny started his career as a solo artist before deciding to put his solo career on hold in 1972, when he joined the emerging funk band Tower of Power. LET THE GAMES BEIJING Multi-Grammy winning producer Quincy Jones has been named as a Culture and Art consultant to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, it was announced by Vice Mayor of Beijing and Beijing Olympic Committee Executive Vice President Liu Jingmin. Jones will join previQuincy Jones ously announced culture and art consultants Steven Spielberg and Ang Lee in advising the Beijing Olympic Committee on the creation of the opening and closing ceremonies of the XXIX Olympiad which will take place Aug. 8 – 24, 2008.In addition to serving as an advisor on the opening and closing ceremonies, Jones will also compose an original song for the Games. READY FOR SOME MAXWELL? R&B crooner Maxwell is in the studio working on an ambitious project that involves the release of his new album “Black Maxwell Summer’s Night” in three installments via Columbia/ Sony Urban. The first album is scheduled to drop Feb. 13. "Black Summer's Night" will be Maxwell's first release since 2001's "Now," which has sold 1.7 million copies in the United States, and includes the singles "Lifetime," "This Woman's Work" and "Get To Know Ya" .

November 2006

HIT MUSICAL DREAMGIRLS AT HILLSIDE THEATRE NOVEMBER 10-12

The award-winning Hillside Drama Department will perform the hit musical “Dreamgirls” from November 10th -12th at the school’s theatre. Hillside’s Drama Department Director Wendell Tabb, who celebrates 20 years at the school, has assembled an outstanding cast for this latest production. On Friday, November 10th at 7:15pm, a special gala reception will be held in advance of the opening night performance at 8:15pm. Shows are held on Saturday November 11th at 3:15pm and 7:15pm, with the final show on Sunday, November 12th at 3:15pm. Hillside High School is located at 3727 Fayetteville Street. Joining Mr. Tabb in coordinating the show are Musical Director Xavier Cason, Vocal Director Paula Nunn and Choreographer Nicole Oxendine. Ticket prices are $12 and $10 for seniors and groups over 20. A special $15 season ticket for all 3 shows that will be performed by the department during the school year is also available. For more information, contact Mr. Wendell Tabb at (919) 560-3925, ext. 25240.

ZIGGY MARLEY AT RALEIGH’S LINCOLN THEATRE NOVEMBER 17

Ziggy Marley

sound blending blues, R&B, hip-hop and reggae. After two decades as the driving creative force behind The Melody Makers - a triple Grammywinning act which included brother Stephen and sisters Sharon and Cedella, Ziggy released his debut solo album in 2003. Lincoln Theatre 126 E. Cabarrus Street www.lincolntheatre.com 821.4111 9 pm doors open

JAZZ AT THE KNOW

A weekly live jazz series hosted by writer and jazz announcer Larry Thomas. Music by Brother Yusuf Salim, Freeman & Aidia Ledbetter. Musicians are welcome to participate in jazz jam following the performance. "Love is My Religion Tour" w/ SKYE Soul/vegetarian/Caribbean food is "Original Voice of Morcheeba". "This available for purchase. album is from my heart," says Ziggy Marley of his second solo album, 7pm –10 pm Love is My Religion (Tuff Gong Know Book Store & Deli Worldwide). Embracing both the spir- 2520 Fayetteville St. (919)682-7223 itual and emotional side of life, Ziggy has definitively come into his own as SUBMIT EVENTS TO an artist. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Ziggy first sat in on record- [email protected] ing sessions with his father when he OR FAX TO was ten years old. Joining with his three siblings to become The Melody Makers, Ziggy crafted his own soulful

919.680.6015

November 2006

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OUT & ABOUT POISE AND PERSEVERANCE: A CELEBRATION OF MUTUAL WOMEN

Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, former United States Senator and candidate for the Democratic nomination for President, was featured at the opening of a historical exhibition at North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company on Saturday, September 30th. The exhibition, titled Poise and Perseverance: A Celebration of Mutual Women, focused on the history of women at North Carolina Mutual. Ambassador Braun is a member of the Board of Directors of North Carolina Mutual. The company has partnered with the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE) to sponsor the unveiling and reception during National Life Insurance Awareness Month. “We were delighted to have Ambassador Mosley Braun with us for this event recognizing the contributions of women to North Carolina Mutual during its 108-year history,” said James H. Speed, Jr., President and CEO of North Carolina Mutual. “It is appropriate that she be with us since she has become a role model for so many African-American women of this generation.” Moseley Braun served in the United States Senate from 1993-1999 and was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President in 2004. She was the first female United States Senator from Illinois and the first African-American woman to be elected as a United States Senator. President Bill Clinton subsequently appointed Moseley Braun as Ambassador to New Zealand. Since completing her service there in 2001, she has taught law and political science at Morris Brown University and DePaul University and maintained a business law practice and consultancy in Chicago.

Attendees were enlightened about the poise and perseverance of Mutual Women

Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, N.C. Mutual Board Member and Featured Guest

Photo on right: Gracie Johnson, V.P. of Human ResourcesN.C. Mutual

Thedora Speed, Wife of James Speed and Kiera Speed, Daughter of James Speed

Photo on left (left to right): Cecelia Horton, V.P. Controller for N.C. Mutual, Donna Mack Adminiostrative Assistant for the Executive Vice President (Honoree) Sharon Lee- Honoree Manager of Claims/ Group Administration Photo above: Lillian Bowser- Honoree

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