Vision, Mission, History, General Information, Contact, Social
8-11 a cause to support
The Two-Six Project, Interview with Marc Somar
12-19 juneteenth jubilee + praise party in the park
June 18-19, 2022 Event Coverage, Artist Carlos Tolentino, FAYNCMAG Photography Spotlight: Gifted Lenses
20-21 restaurant feature
Vagabond Café, Interview with Nancy Ramos
22-23 photography feature Pedro Fernandez, One Snap Photography
24-25 *event highlights
June 21 - September 21, 2022 *As of July 5, 2022
26-27 credits + thanks
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Hey Wassup!
If you are reading this, I want to say thank you for flippin’ this magazine open for real! It’s a pleasure to welcome you to FAYNC MAGAZINE!
It all started with a vision September 9, 2020 to show FAYNC in a whole new way! A way people haven’t seen the city. I sat down at my desk that day, got a pen, wrote in my notebook the name “FAYNC MAGAZINE” then drafted up a logo, and made an Instagram. From there, the only way was up. Really 10 toes down in the city, a lot of work, networking and building relationships. I had to stay motivated and remember the vision and why I started this magazine.
To all the day one’s that have been here since the beginning I salute you!
To all the new one’s, buckle up for the journey! It’s time to blast off! So far it’s been a great journey, a journey I’m glad I took! The journey ain’t over tho! It’s been a long time coming but we here now! The first issue of FAYNC
ABOUT FAYNC MAGAZINE
VISION
FAYNC Magazine will always be on the forward edge of content creation with outputs that meet a design and editorial standard that is consistent with the same growth and evolution that Fayetteville has become known for regionally and nationally.
MISSION
Our mission is to deliver new and innovative ways to tell stories from our City and State. In doing so, we give our readers an immersive experience which lives at the intersection of art, music, culture, and politics.
HISTORY
FAYNC Magazine was founded September 9, 2020 by Zairis T. Miles.
The Two-Six Project is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization that serves as an incubator for initiatives included, but not limited to scholarships, educational programs, sports, among other mediums.
What do you think other people should know about this organization?
The entire team was raised and has roots in The Ville. We’re a team of young people who are passionate and find fulfillment in creating opportunities for students in our community.
What makes The Two-Six Project stand out amongst other Non-Profit Organizations?
Similar to the last question: Every member of our executive board and team were raised in Fayetteville and have consistently invested in the city itself, this is our chance to impact the people.
What are the age requirements and how do youth become involved in the Two-Six Project?
This is a question we get a lot. We’ve been “officially” operating for the past 2 years and have finally gotten to a place where we are looking to grow our team. There is no age requirement, we just want people to be doing something they’re passionate about. We always encourage people to reach out via Instagram to myself (@mo.somar) or directly to @TheTwoSixProject
Photo courtesy of twosixproject.com
Photograph by @en.shots
Photo courtesy of twosixproject.com
How do you set the tone for developing leaders?
Developing leaders is something our team is really passionate about. The Two-Six Project’s pillar program is called, “Emerging Leaders” or “ELP”. ELP enhances the leadership skills of marginalized high school students through intentional programming and a specialized curriculum. We curate interactive activities and discussions, as ELP intends to construct leaders through impact and culture. The students will complete projects yearround utilizing Morehouse College Identity, Art, and Democracy curriculum for social impact. Leadership, Social Justice, Financial Literacy, and Social Impact will be points of emphasis in the ELP curriculum.
So about this Dreamville Festival Partnership, how was your experience with the Festival?
Honestly, we just asked. You never know how far a simple text/call/DM will get you.
What is your most memorable memory of the Dreamville Festival?
Obviously, watching the festival itself was amazing, but the externship experience Dreamville was able to help us provide to our ELP Cohort was the icing on the cake. I think the joy and happiness that the experience provided is something we’ll never forget.
How did the recent scholarship collaboration with SPGBK come about?
It all just made sense. SPGBK, or www.springbreakwatches.com, is a Black Owned, Luxury watch brand founded by a team of Fayetteville natives. The relationship started with a really easy conversation about growing up in Fayetteville and the most impactful ways to give back, then The SPGBK “Legacy Scholarship” was born.
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The Two-Six Project
Interview with Marc Somar, Chief of Staff
How do you want The Two-Six Project to be portrayed to the public and the youth that want to be involved?
Our goal is for The Two-Six Project to become a pillar in the community. We want the youth to look at our organization and want nothing more than to feel inspired and get involved.
What type of effect do you want The Two-Six Project to have on FAYNC?
An effect that outlives us and our most recent event or program. I hope that people, in Fayetteville, see The Two-Six Project and feel inspired to invest in our youth, but continue to follow their own aspirations.
Where do you see the Two-Six Project in 5 years?
I hear The Two-Six Project being mentioned in everyday conversations, I see it being a staple program across Cumberland County and I see The Two-Six Project having roots that enables students to find their passion and follow their dreams.
What’s next for The Two-Six Project?
We’re taking this summer to close Chapter 1 of The Two-Six Project and begin writing Chapter 2. We’re continuing to plan for our Emerging Leaders Program to begin in the Fall, but with growth across the entire county.
2543 Ravenhill Drive Suite A Fayetteville, NC 28303
Photo courtesy of twosixproject.com
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JUNETEENTH JUBILEE + PRAISE PARTY IN THE PARK
Event Coverage
Artist Carlos Tolentino
FAYNCMAG Photography Spotlight with Gifted Lenses
INAGURAL JUNETEENTH JUBILEE
Hosted by Cool Spring Downtown District (CSDD), Circa
The first ever Juneteenth experience was vibe! A whole experience that definitely was amazing, let us tell you how. Let’s go!
Saturday Downtown FAYNC, The Juneteenth Jubilee hit Festival Park! A variety of Food trucks, small businesses, vendors, artists and more were in attendance at the Festival.
The weather was nice, The vibe was right, and to top it off the music had you wanting to get up and move! Musical performances from Reggie Codrington, Diali Cissokho and Kaira Ba., Fatback Band, Amythyst Kiah, and Morray. Each artist was phenomenal and brought their own style and vibe to the Festival Park stage.
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June 18-19, 2022
MORRAY PERFORMANCE
Now let’s get into this Morray performance! All eyes was on Morray as soon as he came from backstage with that soulful voice! “My life is all I have” was the first lyrics you heard. This is the track he was featured on Fayetteville Native J. Cole track “My Life”. He had them vocal runs down packed! It was only right to have him be a part of the inaugrual Juneteenth Jubilee.
Morray made sure to even walk off stage to get up close and personal with his fans. The bass from the speakers were knockin’
and the people were up vibin. The lights from phones lit up the crowd as Morray performed some of his most known tracks. The set list was fire!
As the performance went on, Morray proceeded to bring out The Dreamville Dancers to perform with him on stage to his hit single, yea you guessed it, “Quicksand” What a way to end this flawless performance. Shortly after his performance, fireworks lit the sky up!
ARTIST CARLOS TOLENTINO
So, right by the stage there was some dope artwork by Carlos Tolentino! This was no ordinary art, it was created with bleach! Yeah, you read right…bleach! Carlos painted a picture of Morray on a black canvas with a paint brush and bleach. Check out more of his work and even book him for a tattoo! @carlostolentino13
Hosted by Magic 106.9 and the City Of Fayetteville
The Sunday experience for Juneteenth was a great way to end the Juneteenth weekend! Great weather, great food, and an event that was impactful and more than just a day of performances, but a day of sharing knowledge and empowerment of self! Magic 106.9 hosted their inaugural Praise in the Park: A Juneteenth Celebration that encompassed Juneteenth celebrations as they were when former slaves celebrated freedom with church.
Several local churches sang selections and spirituals through choir performances throughout the day, story tellers in the form of spoken word artists and even African dance graced the stage in honor of the celebration.
With dynamic host Alysse Stewart paired with DJ Cass, the crowd was actively engaged and empowered throughout the entire event.
The music definitely took you to church and kept you moving. The crowd got more and more hype as the afternoon went on for the headline artist: three-time Grammy award-winning gospel artist, Donnie McClurkin.
Once Donnie McClurkin hit the stage he immediately set the tone and shifted the atmosphere! Everyone jumped on their feet and began to dance and feel free! As the performance went on Donnie McClurkin invited the crowd near the stage to dance and get an intimate experience. After doing so, people surrounded the stage dancing and praising until the end of the festival.
This celebration was an extension of Magic 106.9’s radio programming The Praise Party. You can experience gospel music right here in FAYNC daily 5 AM Monday - Friday and Sundays 6 AM - Noon featuring the Donnie McClurkin show at 9 AM.
Hello, my name is Jamarious Simmons and I am a photographer/ videographer.
I was born in Germany and raised in North Carolina. Throughout my years of schooling I put all of my focus into academics and sports.
After my years of schooling were complete I had intentions on continuing my football journey in college but unfortunately, sudden things happened and continuing my football journey was no longer my plan.
@gifted1enses jamarious.simmons18@gmail.com
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However, I still decided to go to college. Since I was unable to play sports I tried to find another hobby to keep my mind occupied.
I then bought a camera and started taking pictures of things, just for fun. While doing that, I realized photography would be something fun and interesting to do. I started to post my work on social media and I then received my first client. That motivated me to get better with my skill and that is exactly what I did.
I strongly believe the talent and skill I have to do photography and videography was delivered by God. That is why I decided to name my brand ‘Gifted Lenses’.
While taking pictures and videos for my clients, my goal is to bring their vision to life through my gifted camera lenses.
Collaboration with Gifted Lenses for FAYNC Magazine
June 13-19, 2022
Zairis T. Miles
Working with Jamarious was by far a great time! He really knows what he is doing and shows the city through his lens in a different way. Jamarious is professional and makes sure to go the extra mile to meet good and deadlines.
While collaborating with us, Jamarious chose locations or events that people should know about around the city. The way that he captured these locations around the city definitely had a lot of our followers engaged and ready to see what was next from him! As the week of collaborating was coming to an end, he was able to capture the Juneteenth Jubilee in Festival park and acted as a vital role in helping our team with media coverage!
RESTAURANT FEATURE
Vagabond Café
Interview with Nancy Ramos, Owner
Tell us about Vagabond Café. Vagabond Café is a locally owned specialty coffee shop. We strive to provide our community with top grade coffee and tea and a top-notch experience from the moment you walk through our doors. We believe that coffee connects people in magical ways. At Vagabond Café, not only do we provide the highest quality coffee, we are also a safe and inclusive space for our community and we aim to celebrate people from all walks of life!
Do you have other locations or do business outside of your café?
Our store-front location in Historic Downtown Fayetteville is at 108 Hay Street. We also have a mobile café! You can find us at local festivals, farmer’s markets, and we also cater private events.
What do you think other people should know about your business?
Our lattes are distinguishable by the quality of coffee and technique used by our baristas. The ingredients we use are carefully sourced to complement our high-quality coffee. We import many of our key ingredients and carefully utilize them to craft a perfectly balanced drink.
Being a new cafe downtown, how has the vibe and experience been so far?
Many of our neighbors have been very supportive of our business and what we are providing to the downtown experience.
What are most people’s go-to drinks at Vagabond Café?
Our signature drinks are our top sellers. People really enjoy our in-house syrups such as Café de Olla and our traditional Horchata latte the recipe for which has been handed down for generations in our family. @vagabond.cafe910 vagabond.cafe910@gmail.com vagabondcafe910.com
How is the environment/vibe in your café?
We want everyone to feel comfortable ordering and exploring the world of coffee with us without feeling judged. Thus, we devote ourselves to hospitality from the moment you come in, to the time you leave. We centralize customer experience to ensue that our guest is kept in mind with everything
Where do you see Vagabond Café in 5 years?
It’s hard to see where we will be in 5 years. I never expected to have a store front. Anything is possible and we love to evolve.
What’s next for Vagabond Café?
Hoping to start a space for people to hang out and listen to music or poets.
PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURE
One Snap Photography
Interview with Pedro Fernandez
Tell us about yourself and what got you interested in photography.
I’m originally from Paterson, New Jersey and my parents are from Puerto Rico and Peru. I’ll be turning 33 on August 10th. Since I was a little kid I’ve always been artistic. I used to draw everything, especially animals and dragon ball z. My love for photography grew whenever I was stationed in Hawaii with the Army.
How do you want others to feel when they view your photography?
I want my audience to feel connected with the moment as well as the joy behind the photography session.
The Army was my ride to Fayetteville, NC.
What are your favorite things to photograph?
My all time favorite has been nature and landscape photography but as of lately I’m starting to fall in love with portrait photography. There’s something about meeting up with strangers and capturing their special moments.
Where are some of your favorite locations to photograph?
As of now, California was an awesome experience however, I was not into photography the way that I am now and I did not have the equipment that I possess at this moment. Strangely enough, Fayetteville is the one location where I’m learning the important details of photography.
Where do you see yourself and your photography in the next 5 years?
My goal is to expand into cinematography and open a studio. Another goal of mine is to get published and work for the UFC as an action photographer.
What’s next for you as a photographer?
Continue to learn the small details when it comes to this art. I consider myself a novice in the photography world. There’s plenty of space for growth and I’m willing to learn.
What advice would you give someone interested in getting into photography
Spend some time watching “how to” videos on YouTube, learn your equipment to the best of your abilities. Have an open mind and be creative. You want to stand out from your peers, find your own lane, and master the basics, exposure, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
@one_snap89 pedro.m.fernandez8@gmail.com
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
JUNE 2022
Downtown Salsa & Swing Night
Every Tuesday, 2022 @ 7-9PM volta space
Virtual Silent Auction
June 15-22, 2022
the ellington-white contemporary art gallery
4 th Friday Fayetteville
June 24, 2022 @ 6-9PM
downtown fayetteville
“Can Do” Coldwell Banker Trolley
Every Friday and Saturday @ 4-8PM downtown fayetteville and haymount
Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Superhero Night
June 24, 2022 @ 7:05PM segra stadium
910 Ravens Youth Skills Camp
June 25- 26, 2022 @ 8-12PM westover middle school
Fayetteville Stingers Business is Buzzin ’
Networking Mixer
June 25, 2022 @ 5-9PM nzone social venue
Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Arcade Night
June 25, 2022 @ 5:05PM segra stadium
HEYYY Girl HAY Drag Comedy Trolley
June 25, 2022 @ 7PM, 8PM, 9PM blue moon café
Rod Wave & Friends ( Concert )
June 25, 2022
crown coliseum
Brunch @ The Sip Room
June 26, 2022
the sip room
Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Wizards and Wands Day
June 26, 2022 @ 2:05PM segra stadium
Manna Church Night of Worship
June 26, 2022 @ 6:30PM 5117 cliffdale road
Open Mic Night
Every Tuesday @ 6-9PM fayetteville bakery & café
JULY 2022
Fayetteville Symphony Independence Day Concert
July 4, 2022
festival park
Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 2022 @ 3:05PM segra stadium
Paw Patrol Live
July 5-6, 2022
crown theatre
Fayetteville Woodpeckers
COPA Night - A Celebration of Latino and Hispanic Heritage
July 7, 2022 @ 7:05PM segra stadium
Fayetteville Stingers Summer Clinics
Father/Son Clinic
July 9, 2022 @ 10AM-12:30PM berean baptist academy
Cape Fear Botanical Garden
The Sunset Series - Three Murder Mysteries
July 15, 2022 @ 5:30-9PM cape fear botanical garden
Fayetteville After Five Summer Concert Series
Rivermist
July 15, 2022 @ 5PM festival park
Fayetteville Stingers Summer Clinics
Father/Daughter Clinic
July 16, 2022 @ 10AM-12:30PM berean baptist academy
Mother and Son Date Night
Grace Helping Others Inc.
July 16, 2022 @ 1PM-4PM kiwanis recreation center and honeycutt park
Manna Church SERVE Day
July 17, 2022
all locations in the fayetteville/ft. bragg region
Manna Church Summer at Manna
July 21 - August 18, 2022
Directly after 6:30PM Thursday Worship Experiences 5117 cliffdale road
4 th Friday Fayetteville
July 22, 2022 @ 6-9PM downtown fayetteville
Sunday On The Square
July 24, 2022 @ 2-6PM festival park
Miss Fayetteville Dogwood Festival
Pageant Interest Meeting
July 31, 2022 @ 2-4PM arts council of fayetteville/cumberland county
AUGUST 2022
Manna Church Circle Sermon Series
August 4, August 7, 2022
Directly after 6:30PM Thursday all locations in the fayetteville/ft. bragg region
15 th GOTCHA BACK SCHOOL KICKOFF
August 6, 2022 @ 11AM - 3 PM john d fuller sr rac
WWE SUNDAY STUNNER
August 7, 2022 @ 7PM crown coliseum
Fayetteville After Five Summer Concert Series
Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience August 12, 2022 @ 5PM festival park
Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Alzheimer ' s Awareness Night
August 12, 2022 @ 7:05PM segra stadium
Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Ability Awareness Day
August 14, 2022 @ 2:05PM segra stadium
Cape Fear Botanical Garden
The Sunset Series - Three Murder Mysteries
August 19, 2022 @ 5:30-9PM cape fear botanical garden
Cornhole Tournament
August 20, 2022 @ 12PM segra stadium
Miss Fayetteville Dogwood Festival
Pageant Interest Meeting
August 21, 2022 @ 2-4PM arts council of fayetteville/cumberland county
4 th Friday Fayetteville
August 26, 2022 @ 6-9PM downtown fayetteville
Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Nickelodeon Weekend -90 s Night
August 26, 2022 @ 7:05PM segra stadium
Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Nickelodeon Weekend -Legends of the Hidden Temple Night
August 27, 2022 @ 5:05PM segra stadium
Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Nickelodeon Weekend -PAW Patrol Day
August 28, 2022 @ 2:05PM segra stadium
Fayetteville Woodpeckers
COPA Night - A Celebration of Latino and Hispanic Heritage
September 8, 2022 @ 7:05PM segra stadium
Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
September 10, 2022 @ 7AM - 12PM segra stadium
Miss Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Pageant
September 17, 2022 @ 6PM
Fayetteville Natural Hair Expo
September 17, 2022 @ 1PM’ Embassy suites by hilton fayetteville fort bragg
As of July 5, 2022
CREDITS +THANKS
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Zairis T. Miles
EDITOR Christina Miles
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Zairis T. Miles
Jamarious Simmons
ART DIRECTOR
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Christina Miles
THANK YOU
I would like to thank all of our followers on social media first and foremost. You all encourage and motivate us to keep creating and sharing content that promotes FAYNC and the wonderful and unique people and places in our city.
I would also like to thank everyone who played a part in this first issue! Thank you to the many people that allowed us to highlight them in FAYNC Magazine. You all helped shape the magazine and make FAYNC shine: Marc Somar and the Two-Six Project, Carlos Tolentino, Jamarious Simmons, Morray, Nancy Ramos, and Pedro Fernandez.
This issue is the first of many and I am grateful for the journey to come.
Zairis T. Miles Founder & Editor In Chief FAYNC Magazine
