Aura Magazine - Spring 2019

Beauty Begins From Within The Body PAGE 45

Magazine Spring 2019 Introspective informative Impactful

Dr. Shirley Davis CHANGING THE GLOBAL WORKFORCE. PAGE 34

THE CANDIDATES ON COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY AND STUDENT DEBT RELIEF PAGE 24

www.theauragalleria.com

Who Are The Chicks in Your Nest?

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Women of Distinc Every issue of Aura, is dedicated to women who’ve triumphed in their chosen field, be it fashion, politics, sports, humanities, technology, business, medicine, education or social justice. There is something wonderfully energizing about the sheer number of women taking the lead in our world today, and we want to celebrate them for impacting and informing every aspect of our lives. We owe so much to these women who have come forward to challenge the status quo and take a lead in their respective field.

As we edge towards next years’ Our Minds Our Voices event, our focus is issues that directly impact our daily lives for “Women of Distinction” honorees.

The Armstrong Center for Hope is a place where we have safe spaces to talk about things and it sacristy. that have caused a struggle.

Dr. Tonya Armstrong

“I was able “Ito talk with Dr. Tonya Armstrong at the OMOV event, her professional mental health service has saved my grandson. The time with the OMOV vendors is very important.”

Aura Client

(left to right) Chelsea Kithcart, Brenda Howerton, Dr. Desiree P Jaki Shelton Green, Dr. Shirley Arrington, Dr.

“Our Minds, Our Voices and ladies I ask that we take it to one other step...Our Action.”

Kristi Jones

It’s time to go to the head of the table.

“We Are Stron 4

ction

Palmer, Lesleigh Mausi, Kristi Jones, Dr. Tonya Armstrong, . Sandra Johnson, Omisade Burney-Scott

That’s nowhere more evident of who’ve triumphed in their chosen field than in our 2019 OMOV landscape…recognized as “ Woman of Influence” 2019, Cathy Hughes is considered to be a trailblazer for her Urban One contributions and is credited for creating the popular radio format "The Quiet Storm". She was also the first African-American woman to head a publicly traded corporation.

“I sat at the head of the table because I deserve to be here, I earned this” Dr. Sandra Johnson

You may not know it but you will soon.

“I am honored to share this day with so many boss women in this room who are shaking the world in their own powerful way” Lesleigh Mausi

To God Be The Glory!

nger Together” 5

Through the lens of Lucinda Cross Welcome to Activate WorldWide home of Lucinda Cross a best-selling author, internationally known speaker, TV personality, and energetic teacher of personal and professional development.

Activate WorldWide is a leadership services firm that specializes in marketing and consulting those who are considered “the best-kept secret� to building a marketable,

brandable and scalable business model.

Lucinda creates and delivers products and services such as seminars, workshops, and training that’s designed for entrepreneurial women, millennials and at-risk youth. Her programs are also captured to enriching the lives of professional women and re-entry citizens seeking personal growth.

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Catherine Williamson-Hardy Our Minds Our Voices 2019

Lucinda Cross Activate WorldWide

Catherine Williamson-Hardy, mistress of ceremo-

Instead with focused determination they begin to

ny for the Our Minds, Our Voices 2019 event in-

create a vibration, a vibration of

spired all as she welcomed over 300 attendees to

expectancy, a vibration of abundance as they peak

the annual awards luncheon. Her message was

towards their goal. You know, the kind of vibration

inspired by an analogy that she heard from au-

that produces the energy to allow you to see an-

thor and motivational speaker Lucinda Cross

other “Chick” who has it going on and you say to

about birds being born. Ms. Williamson-Hardy

her, I see you my Sista, and I honor you. So, if we

reworked the analogy, as she said “with her own

have the right chicks, yes girls and women in your

flavor”.

nest there is no room or time for competition,

“When all the chicks are prepared to be born and

pettiness or a scarcity mentality. In other words, as

they are focused on cracking their own shell to

our Forever First Lady might say, you are too busy

break free from where they are, to where they

BECOMING……..

are going, they are not focused on how hard the

So on this First Saturday in March, Aura Galleria

other chick is peaking or not, because it doesn’t

kicked-off Women’s History Month at the 2019 Our

matter, it won’t crack their shell.

Minds, Our Voices Women’s Awards Luncheon; to honor some mighty bad chicks. Who’s in your nest?

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5 PANELS

7 BREAKOUT SESSIONS

CEO’s Leading Through Turbulence

A Strategic Path to Equity

Chief Diversity Officers Roundtable

When Work Interferes w/Life: Unspoken Bias

Women in the Workplace & Allies

Faith & Sharing Moments that Matter

Black Males at The Table

DEI: Metrics, Tools and Resources

The Latino Experience

Diversity Dialogues: You Can’t Say That!

Gender Identity Navigating Generational Differences

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Meet Gracie Johnson-Lopez Meet the President and Principal Consultant of Diversity & HR Solutions. Gracie brings a unique background as a 30 year HR veteran, a senior level trainer and a Diversity & Inclusion consultant for several organizations and nonprofits. She has also served on the Board of Directors and chaired the Diversity Committee of the Triangle Society for Human Resource Management. There she developed and implemented transformational programs

& outcomes for both TSHRM and the D & I field, and today, remains a sought-after thought leader and speaker by organizations on Diversity & Inclusion trends, best practices, strategies and solutions. She earned the prestigious Diversity Trainer and Consultants certification by Pope & Associates through Duke University. She has received the highest level of industry standard certifications such as being a certified Senior HR Professional.

4 NATIONAL KEYNOTES

Dr. Shirley Davis

Travis Jones

Kim Drumgo

Dr. Jim Johnson

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Marsha Jones

Mark Middleton

Lori Jones-Gibbs

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Superior Service with a Smile.

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F I R S

T IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE

I

M P

Bobbiette Palmer | Shawn Trimble | Tanisha Beasley LaTish Futrell | LaToya D. Hughes Angie Steele | Lauren Futrell Yimia Brodie | Santisha Walker| Brianna Woods Katrece Turner | Andrea Dula Mia Martin | Cara Martin

R

serve as hostesses for the third annual

E

awards luncheon.

S

A Special Thank You to Greta Martin for your leadership.

S

Our Minds Our Voices

I O N S 13

CONTENTS ____________________________________________ Magazine Gayle Bridges Harris…………………..page 16 Durham Crisis Response Center....page 20 Paulette R. Dillard, Ph.D. ……….... page 22

Issue 2

www.theauragalleria.com _______________________________ FOUNDER & CORPORATE PRESIDENT Gia Wilkerson Peebles ________________________________ EDITOR IN CHIEF

Chief Justice Cheri Beasley …….... page 30 Dr. Shirley Davis………………………. page 34 Elana Walker…………………………….page 40

Glyndola Massenburg-Beasley ______________________________ CHIEF ALUMNI Dr. Victoria Thornton ______________________________ CORRESPONDENT Walter Herring

Aura Galleria, a creative collective of beauty professions...all under one roof.

As a multicultural boutique salon, day spa and barbershop, there are no limits to the services in which Aura performs!

You leave with the essence of “Satisfaction and True Beauty”!

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Vivica Fox says “Know your place, play your position, and stay in your lane.” Uma Thurman gave me some advice Gia Wilkerson-Peebles, President & CEO

years ago. She said, “Vivica, you have to learn to be more manipulative.” And I was like, “No, I don’t. I don’t have to connive anybody.” She says, “No, if you just sit back and observe, and learn to attack intelligently then you can get everything you want.” So, that’s why I say know your place, play your position, and stay in your lane. I don’t

mean be a good girl or be a passive woman. I just mean observe, watch things, don’t be like the bull in the china store where you run in. You’re going to turn people off.

It’s just not going to work. So that would be my tip.

Michelle Obama is once again keeping it real when it comes to taking care of yourself as a woman in today's world.

During a candid Q&A with Katie Kindelan at the 25th

anniversary Essence Festival in New Orleans, the former first lady spoke out about how hard it is for women, herself included, to put themselves first. "Many of us, we have a hard time putting ourselves on our own priority list, let alone at the top of it," she said. "And Ladies, we ’re women conditioned to overdo, so for

that's what happens when it comes to our health as

this issue, I decided to step back and take in a few best

women. We are so busy giving and doing for others

SELF-CARE pearls from wellness coaches, women on

that we almost feel guilty to take that time out for our-

the go, and yes even our former first lady. I’m sharing

selves."

a few which I hope you will appreciate.

"We are trained that way and we have to have a differ-

Self-care is not just bubble baths or long vacations but finding ways all day, every day to support yourself, experts say. "Self-care is really simple because it's about being a good friend to yourself," said Amy Kurtz, a certified health and wellness coach and author of the bestselling book Kicking Sick. "It's repetitive and consistent per-

sonal rituals that treat ourselves well and believing

ent set of conversations to un-train us. It's not something that's going to happen overnight," Obama continued. "But if we don't start having conversations about this as women, because, forget what anyone says, we still control what happens in the household, so if we don't have our act together as women, as mothers, as grandmothers, we still aren't going to be able to get our kids on track."

that we are important and our well-being matters."

Self-care for me is always being there for myself and

Thinking of self-care as being a BFF to yourself gets

treating myself like I would someone I love.

to the core of self-care, which is as much about how you treat yourself internally -- like the way you talk to yourself -- as externally, like taking time to use a face mask.

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Congratulations Gayle B. Harris 16

Gayle Bridges Harris, a Durham native, started her career in Public Health at the Durham County Department of Public Health (formerly known as Durham County Health Department) after graduating from Duke University School of Nursing in 1972. In 1990 she received the professional graduate degree of Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Durham Joins Together Saving Lives (Task Force to address substance abuse and medication misuse); and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Task Force. She is a member of the NC Association of Local Health Directors, NC Public Health Association, American Public Health Association, North Carolina Nurses Association, and the American Nurses Association.

She has received recognitions that include: 2019 African American History Celebration at Antioch Baptist Church; 2019 Women’s History Program the National Council of

Gayle B. Harris among the 2019 Bull City Sapphire Award With nearly 47 years of service within the Department of Public Health, she has worked as a staff public health nurse, nursing supervisor, director of nursing and assistant health director. She has served as the public health director since February 2009. In 2016, she had the added responsibilities of general manager for community well-being in addition to her role as public health director. This new assignment provided her the opportunity to work in an official capacity with four other departments - Cooperative Extension, Library, Social Services and Veteran Services – and Alliance Health. Throughout her work, she has been committed to promoting health and well-being for all.

Honorees Negro Women, Inc. Durham Section; 2017 Foundation for Health Leadership and Innovation Community Achievement Award; 2014 Senior PharmAssist Thomas Howerton Leadership Award; 2013 NC Association of Local Health Directors Ham Stevens Award; 2012 Auxiliary of the Durham Academy of Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy Legacy Award; Duke University School of Nursing 2012 Distinguished Alumna Award; 2012 Durham Chapter Charms, Inc. recognition as The “Original” Madhatter’s First Lady for Leadership and Community Service; and 1995 UNC School of Public Health Alumni Association Distinguished Alumna Award.

Over the years, Gayle has served on numerous boards and committees. She currently serves on: Northern Piedmont Community Care Executive Committee; Project Access of Durham County Board of Directors (Founding Member and Vice Chair); Durham Directors; Healthy Durham 20/20 Convening Group;

She is married to David Harris. They are the proud parents of David (Nichol), Kenny (Cameen) and Nick (Ayanna); and the grandparents of Dixon, Dilyn, and Camden. She is a member of Orange Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

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WHAT IS YOUR STATE OF MIND AND WHY? Personality changes in frontal lobe disorders are easy to

well known and consists of major antisocial behaviors

recognize, but their evolution can be hard to predict. Both

such as disinhibition, emotional lability, and impul-

focal lesions and diffuse neurodegenerative processes may

sivity. In some cases, changes are severe enough to

produce personality change based on interruption of pre-

lead to new onset of criminality. Apathy and a motiva-

frontal cortex or subcortical structures that comprise the

tional state lie at the other end of the personality

frontal-subcortical circuits. Observed changes in personali-

change spectrum. Many psychologic instruments can

ty have been classified by behavioral neurologists into

measure the degree of change in personality, but

three frontal-subcortical circuit syndromes, yet a given

none of them can be used to extrapolate a patient's

patient may defy this classification system by manifesting

ability to function at home or at large in society. The

only selective features of one or more syndromes simulta-

psychopathy checklist by Hare may predict risk of vio-

neously, based on the neuro-anatomic distribution of pa-

lence but has been validated only for use in criminal

thology. The orbitofrontal syndrome is the most

populations.

CAFFEINE MAY CAUSE A CHEMICAL IMBALANCE. EMOTION Stable depression

One example of how emotional, cognitive, and behavioral changes compose an acquired change in personality.

PERSONALITY TYPE Leader

COGNITION Ability to plan, organize group activities decreased motivation, disorganization

recluse

BEHAVIOR Humorous, helpful, outgoing introverted. dependent 18

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duke-energy.com 19

DURHAM CRISIS RESPONSE CENTER…

picture

CONGRATULATIONS Shirrell Thomas a 2019 Bull City Sapphire Award Honoree

For nearly four decades, Durham Crisis Response Center

than 20,000 people thru our services. Every day,

(DCRC) has been the sole provider of comprehensive

Durham Crisis Response Center (DCRC) continues to

shelter and support services to survivors and their fami-

attend to those whose lives are torn apart by domes-

lies, in the Durham, NC area, impacted by domestic and

tic, sexual violence and human trafficking. Our neigh-

sexual violence. DCRC’s continuum of service includes a

bors, friends, and family members - many of them

24-Hour Help Line; emergency shelter; safety planning;

women and children sought and received help from

crisis intervention; information and referrals for job train-

DCRC. They needed someone to listen and not blame

ing, housing, and childcare; counseling and support

them for what someone else did.

groups; legal advocacy; assistance with filing for victim compensation; hospital accompaniment; community education and outreach. All DCRC’s services are free, confidential and available in English and Spanish. DCRC also offers educational workshops and professional training for service providers, law enforcement, hospitals, faithbased organizations, schools, civic groups, and other

It is our mission to help, and we do this by offering a place that is safe and secure—free from abuse. DCRC is a place where victims of domestic, sexual violence and human trafficking can find a safe haven, and with guidance and support, they can find their voice and the strength to rebuild their lives. DCRC is a refuge, a place of safety, hope, and new beginnings.

community members. In its history, DCRC has helped

RESPONDING TO OUR COMMUNITY 20

Last year alone, DCRC:

In January of 2019, DCRC

was pleased to announce

• Responded to over 2,700 calls on our 24-hour

its new Executive Director,

helpline with the support of over 16,000 volunteer

Kent Wallace-Meggs.

hours; • Sheltered 225 adult and child victims providing

As Durham Crisis Response

food, clothing, support, and safety;

Center’s Executive Director, Wallace-Meggs is responsi-

• Responded to 210 victims of sexual assault;

ble for the strategic direc-

• Responded to 1,050 domestic violence victims

tion of the organization

thru crisis intervention, legal advocacy, support

while diversifying revenue

groups, and other services to help keep them safe.

During this same timeframe, more than 140 fleeing adults and their children were unable to receive shelter services from DCRC because our shelter, the only shelter equipped to serve domestic and sexual violence victims in Durham,

streams, building and enhancing relationships in our community, and managing and growing a talented and diverse team working to end domestic and sexual violence in our community.

Wallace-Meggs graduated from the College of Charleston School of Business with a B.S. degree. He has spent

the majority of his 20 plus year nonprofit social services career

was full.

working in

While DCRC

Los Ange-

could not

les, Cali-

shelter this

fornia. He

number of

later left that area

victims in

of the

need, we

country to

found other

return

safe alter-

here to be

natives for

closer to

them.

his family.

Our goal is to always be there when a victim is in need.

For more information on DCRC please visit www.durhamcrisisresponse.org Main Office: 919-403-9425 24-Hour Crisis Line: 919-403-6562 (English)

WallaceMeggs is passionate about the future of Durham and Durham Crisis Response Center. Wallace-Meggs brings

with him extensive experience in nonprofit development, restructuring, and philanthropic initiatives.

Wallace-Meggs is happy to now reside in Durham with his two rescue dogs.

24-Hour Crisis Line: 919-519-3735 (Spanish) 21

22

Paulette R. Dillard, Ph.D. President Dr. Paulette Dillard,

study was of interest to Dr. Dillard since it is well

the 18th President of Shaw University, has a rich

documented that Jamaica men have the highest mor-

teaching history having taught biology for over 20

tality rate from prostate cancer when compared with

years at various institutions. Prior to her appointment

other ethnic groups. Dr. Dillard serves on the boards

as Shaw’s interim President, she served as Vice Presi-

for the Carolina Small Business Development Fund

dent for Academic Affairs. During her tenure at Shaw

and the Dorothea Dix Conservancy. She has been in-

University, Dr. Dillard served as the Dean of the Col-

volved with the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Cen-

lege of Arts and Sciences, Department Chair for Natu-

ter and the Launch RALEIGH initiatives since inception.

ral Sciences and Mathematics, and as an Associate

Throughout her career, Dr. Dillard has served on the

Professor of Biology. She also has served as Coordina-

boards of a number of professional and community

tor of undergraduate research infrastructure, and Co-

organizations. Dr. Dillard grew up in Mount Airy,

Director of the academic enrichment programs for the

North Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Science de-

Congratulations Dr. Paulette R. Dillard National Institutes of Health funded National Institute

gree in biology at Barber Scotia College in Concord,

on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)

North Carolina and received a Master of Science de-

Research Infrastructure in Minority Institutions (RIMI)

gree in biology from Tennessee State University. She

project. Dr. Dillard also served as a research mentor

went on to earn an MBA from the Jack Massey School

for interns as part of the Shaw in Jamaica-Mon Inter-

of Business at Belmont University and a Ph.D. in Bio-

national Student Research Training Project, a collabo-

logical Sciences from Clark BIOGRAPHY – DR. PAU-

rative partnership with The University of the West

LETTE DILLARD Atlanta University (CAU), Atlanta,

Indies. During the summer, Dr. Dillard and the student

Georgia. Dr. Dillard completed postdoctoral training

research interns spent six weeks in Kingston, Jamaica

at the Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic

conducting research and examining the knowledge,

Development at CAU. She was married to the late

skills, and attitudes of Jamaican men of African de-

Reverend Moses C. Dillard, Jr. a renowned musician

scent who were diagnosed with prostate cancer. This

and social activist. She is a member of First Baptist 23

Church, Wilmington Street in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Here’s where the candidates stand on By JILLIANBERMAN

college affordability and student debt relief so far

REPORTER

The former vice president, who jumped into the race in April, has yet to release any formal proposals on student debt, but his past may provide some insight.

In announcing his decision to sit out the 2016 election, the now 76-year-old said he’d support a plan to make four years of college free.

“We need to commit to 16 years of free public education for all our children,” Biden told reporters at the White House in 2015. “We all know that 12 years of public education is not enough. As a nation let’s make the same commitment to a college education today that we made to a high school education 100 years ago.”

Though those sentiments put him in line with many of his fellow Democratic candidates, Biden may face some questions on his complicated history with the student loan industry. He backed a bill, signed into law in 2005, that barred borrowers from discharging private student loans in bankruptcy.

Former Vice President Joe Biden

In 2015, the Obama administration proposed making it easier for borrowers with private student loans to discharge them in bankruptcy.

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Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.)

Booker hasn’t talked much in detail yet about his plans to curb student debt, though he also co-sponsored Schatz’s debt-free college bill, indicating that he too would support some kind of dramatic re-shaping of our college affordability system.

But one of Booker’s signature proposals aimed at closing the racial wealth gap could provide families with a new resource to pay for college. Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, introduced a bill last year that would provide an account with $1,000 to every baby born in the U.S. The accounts, dubbed baby bonds, would be eligible for an up to $2,000 deposit each year depending on family income.

The funds would sit an account managed by the Treasury Department where they would earn about 3% in interest. At age 18, the account holders could tap the money to pay for college or buy a home.

Seeding children with some sort of savings account has been popular in some policy circles for years. San Francisco is one of a handful of cities across the country that provides children with an account to save for college.

Research indicates that when children know there’s some money saved for them, they’re more likely to attend college.

But the idea behind Booker’s proposal is even broader: To provide every American child with the type of nest-egg already available to most wealthy children to help build their future.

“This proposal is about helping families break through barriers that keep so many Americans from wealth-creating opportunities,” Booker, 49, said in a statement announcing the plan called the American Opportunity Accounts Act. Harris has already made it clear she supports a major reform of our college financing system. In addition to co-sponsoring Schatz’s bill and backing Sanders’ bill, Harris told viewers in a CNN town hall that “we need a national priority and commitment to debt-free college, which I support.”

Harris, 54, also indicated she’d take an aggressive stance towards for-profit colleges, if elected, citing her work as California attorney general uncovering fraud at the now-defunct Corinthian Colleges, once one of the largest for-profit college chains in the country. Harris’ office won a more than $1 billion judgement against the school.

Sen. Kamala Harris

Over the past several years, for-profit colleges have been accused of using misleading job placement and graduate rates to lure students and their financial aid dollars, but providing them with little in the way of marketable credentials. The Obama administration worked to crack down on the industry though the Trump administration has worked to make that oversight more lax.

If elected, it appears Harris will take a particularly aggressive stance towards the schools. “We need to get rid of the for-profit colleges that are preying on students like you,” Harris told a college student during her CNN town hall.

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Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, Indiana After initially expressing some hesitancy towards the idea of free college, the 37-year-old mayor has embraced at least a form of it If elected, Buttigieg would work to make public college debtfree for low-income students, according to a proposal his campaign released in May. Buttigieg is proposing to do this through creating a state-federal partnership and combining it with an expansion in the Pell grant, the money the government provides to low-income students to attend college.

Under his plan, middle-income families would pay zero tuition at public colleges.

In addition, Buttigieg — who, together with his husband Chasten is coping with six-figure student debt — is proposing to “confront the student loan problem,” provide more support for borrowers entering public service and “apply strict standards” to for-profit colleges, though he didn’t provide much detail for how he’d implement these proposals.

Julián Castro, Obama-era Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and former mayor of San Antonio The former mayor of San Antonio released an ambitious pre-K through college education plan in May that offers insight into how he would address student debt and college affordability, if elected.

Like many of his fellow Democrats, Castro, 44, is proposing to make public college tuition-free. But he also laid out a slew of other reforms to the higher education and student loan systems. Among them:

— He’s proposing tweaks to the current income-driven repayment system, which allows borrowers to pay off their debt as an affordable percentage of their income. Those include raising the threshold at which a borrower could stay current on her debt with zero dollar payments to borrowers earning 250% of the poverty line, up from 150% currently. In addition, for these borrowers interest wouldn’t accrue on their loans for three years. After three years, half of the interest would be exempted.

Borrowers would also be able to have their loans forgiven, tax-free, after 20 years of payments, under Castro’s plan.

Right now, borrowers can have their loans discharged after 20 years in some cases, but the forgiveness is taxed.

— In addition, Castro is proposing to expand the Pell grant, the money the government provides to low-income students to attend college, to a maximum grant of $10,000, (up from $6,195 for the 2019-2020 academic year).

— Castro said he’d also create a loan forgiveness program that allows borrowers who receive certain types of federal assistance for any three years out of a five-year period to have a portion of their loans forgiven.

— And, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, Castro is pitching an end to public funding of for-profit colleges.

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) During her tenure in Congress, Gabbard has supported the idea of free college, including by cosponsoring the House version of Sanders’ College for All Act. Gabbard, 37, who twice served in the military in the Middle East and who is currently a major in the U.S. National Guard, has also been active around veteran education issues, including introducing legislation last year to improve and expand GI Bill benefits that veterans can use to pay for their education.

Like Harris, Gillibrand co-sponsored Schatz’s debt-free college proposal and backed Sanders’ bill, indicating she’d likely support some kind of free college proposal as president, though she has yet to release any specifics.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.)

But Gillibrand, a Democrat from New York, did lay out a specific college-affordability proposal in a February tweet TWTR, +0.76% One of the first things she’d do as president, she wrote, is allow borrowers to refinance their loans at a 4% interest rate. (Undergraduate students who took out a loan this year had an interest rate of 5.05% and graduate students borrowed from the federal government at a minimum interest rate of 6.6%).

“Student debt is at a crisis level in this country, and it holds our whole economy down,” Gillibrand, 52, tweeted.

John Hickenlooper, former governor of Colorado

Hickenlooper, 67, told the business news site Cheddar that if elected, he would bring the interest rate on student loans down to 2.5% “or as low as I can get it without taking any risk.”

“Student debt, without question, it is a drag on the economy,” Hickenlooper said. He added that the conventional wisdom that millennials don’t want to get married, buy homes or have kids is wrong. Instead, he said, “they just can’t afford to.”

The former governor of Colorado has yet to release a formal plan to address student debt and college affordability, but in interviews and speeches he’s provided some indication of how he’d approach the issue.

“Somehow we have to help,” Hickenlooper said, expressing support for the idea of allowing borrowers to work off some of their debt in exchange for public service.

(Federal student loan borrowers working in public service can already have their student loans forgiven after 10 years through a program called Public Service Loan Forgiveness). Hickenlooper has also said he would make community college free, if elected.

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Harnessing Your Mindfulness

by L René

Studies show that becoming more aware of your actions and practicing mindfulness can lead you to greater productivity, better health, and even relieve pain. Mindfulness is defined as a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

So ask yourself, how many times have you responded verbally, walked in or out of a room, or picked up the phone without first taking a moment to actually think

Here are a few tips to begin practicing mindfulness: Be Intentional – being intentional means that

about what you were in the process of doing? Hand

you are thinking ahead; planning; and fo-

raised here. I do this often. And, it is to the point that my

cusing on your mindfulness. We often try

two teens will say, “Mom, what are you about to do, or

and start a new routine or project without

trying to do?” I stop, laugh at myself, and they laugh

framing the process on paper, or in a visi-

with me as I regroup to complete the task that I set out

ble way. Think vision boards and journal

to do—before I forget again. It happens. But not because

entries.

we are forgetful per se, but because at that very moment we are not engaged and focused completely on

In the hit BET series Being Mary Jane, the

doing and completing the task. This can lead to wasted

lead, Mary Jane played by @GabUnion,

time, overscheduling, higher stress levels, and even brain

uses sticky notes that she posts on her

fatigue.

bathroom mirror and even in her living

The hustle and bustle of life often has us doing more than multi-tasking; we are literally responding to work email, even when we should be relaxing and receiving services at The Aura Galleria or our favorite salon.

That said, the next time you are in the chair receiving services try to practice mindfulness. Become aware of

the scents, sensations, and appreciate the services you are receiving. Being mindful has numerous benefits from alleviating stress and anxiety, to healthier relationships, to overall health, and mental wellbeing.

space. These sticky notes can range from self-affirmations, reminders (to floss, exercise, etc.), or even mantras. Try it.

Make Mindfulness a Habit – experts say that it takes at least 66 (I remember when it was 21) days to create a new habit. When thinking about becoming a practitioner of mindfulness, you can establish a date – pick one or two new mindfulness habits – and track your progress. For example, if eating better is your goal, or counting your caloric 28

intake – there are apps that you can download and

Adopting some of these simple steps to harness the

you create “streaks” that tell you how many

power of your mind, will get you going and on your

days you have checked-in to reach your goal.

way to becoming a practitioner of mindfulness. Just

This is an amazing tool and incentive to stay on

think of all of the stress in your day-to-day life that can

track.

be alleviated by choosing to become more mindful.

Accept Praise and Welcome Good Vibes – surrounding yourself with positive messaging and

Guess what? When you know better, you do better,

adopting the mantra “good vibes only” will

and that is all that we can do!

translate into welcoming and affirming yourself and those around you in a positive way. In

Peace and Grace L René

your home, office, or special retreat simply add a throw pillow or wall plaque that has a message that resonates and uplifts you when read it. Visualize the good vibes using mindfulness techniques.

Mindfulness Meditation – If you have ever prac-

Sources: https://www.developgoodhabits.com/how-to-practicemindfulness/ http://everythinggirlslove.com/goodvibesonly-addingpositive-messages-to-your-home/ https://nccih.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/behavioraltherapy-cost-effective

ticed yoga, you know that centering your mind and body work together. This practice of meditation calms your body and mind. It centers you. And your body and thoughts will respond accordingly. Meditation is mindfulness, so even prayer, practicing being still, and giving thanks is a form of mindfulness.

4309 Emperor Blvd # 225 Durham, NC 27703 (919) 474-9137 29

Congratulations Chief Justice Cheri Beasley 30

Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley sits with Bob Friedman for an exclusive interview On February 12, Governor Roy Cooper named

with being an African-American woman. It’s been a great

Cheri Beasley as North Carolina’s first African-

place to be for the last several years of my life. People

American woman to serve as chief justice of the

will identify me in the ways they want to. I’m very com-

Supreme Court.

fortable with who I am, and it is just one of the greatest

She had served as an associate justice on the

honors of my life, and so I’m okay with that designation.

high court since 2012 when she was appointed

People will identify me in the ways they want to. I’m

by Governor Bev Perdue to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson.

very comfortable with who I am, and it is just one of the greatest honors of my life, and so I’m okay with that designation.

”AALM: Your mother was the dean of social works programs at several universities. Did she press you toward a career in social work or was that something you picked

up organically?

Beasley: Early on service was very important in our home. I was volunteered by my mom often for campaigns or Red Cross efforts or just community efforts; we spent a lot of time giving back. At some point, it became less of an expectation and more of an opportunity for me in my own right to think about how I wanted to live my own life and how I could make a contribution.

Shortly before her March 7 investiture, Chief

AALM: You almost became a professional musician.

Justice Beasley sat down for an exclusive inter-

Beasley: I started playing flute in the third grade and

view with Attorney at Law Magazine NC Trian-

played all through high school. I was in the Nashville

gle Executive Publisher Bob Friedman.

Youth Symphony Orchestra and did really well. I applied to a lot of undergraduate schools, one of which was Jul-

AALM: You will always have the prefix “the first African-

liard, where I was accepted. I certainly thought about it,

American woman to be chief justice in North Carolina”

but I didn’t see a career in music. I’ve enjoyed it recrea-

associated with your name. Is that a burden? Would you

tionally on and off through the years with family, the

prefer to be known strictly as a great jurist based on your

people who love me the most. It’s fun playing with my

accomplishments?

sons. They are great, consummate musicians. It’s great

Beasley: I don’t think it’s a burden at all. It’s a great hon-

for them to let me play with them now and then.

or. This is 2019, and you know, it’s time. I’m okay

31

AALM: So instead of Julliard, you chose the Douglass

Beasley: It was probably there that I really thought

College of Rutgers University.

about law school. I had amazing people with whom I

Beasley: I really wanted to go to school in or near New

worked. I saw them work staunchly on behalf of peo-

York City. Douglass College, at the time, was the larg-

ple who were really in need. That made a really big

est women’s college in the country. It was an amazing

impact on me.

opportunity to be able to study with women, many of

AALM: A few years after graduating from The Univer-

whom were in leadership — a lot of great internships. I

sity of Tennessee College of Law you joined the public

had an opportunity to go as part of an internship with

defender’s office in Cumberland County, North Caroli-

the State Department to see Justice Sandra Day O’Con-

na.

nor then go to San Diego for a women legislator’s con-

Beasley: That experience gave me a much greater ap-

ference. Some of the classes were just women, and it

preciation not just for the practice of law, but for the

was really nice just to have women supporting and

belief in humanity and for understanding that all of us

encouraging each other.

come from very different backgrounds and have a

AALM: You took a year off after graduating from

plethora of life experiences, but, generally speaking,

Douglass and worked for the Tennessee Human Rela-

we all have the same hopes and dreams and desires

tions Commission where you investigated cases of dis-

for ourselves and for our families and our communi-

crimination based on race, gender, disability and reli-

ties. It was really a good foundational experience in

gious affiliation in places of public accommodation

being a good lawyer and then going forward with my

housing and employment.

service as a judge.

32

AALM: As a public defender and later as a judge you saw an endless line of people come through the system with similar issues. Did you ever feel like it was an endless, uphill battle?

Beasley: It wasn’t just the people charged with the crime. It was their families, their moms, their children, the people who relied

on them or whatever the community support system was, and they were clearly challenged. And often the same folks who were charged with crimes had also been victims of crimes. Their experiences offer me an appreciation for all of us. That a lot of people are really struggling in their lives and ought not be discounted.

And often the same folks who were charged with crimes had also been victims of crimes.

Their experiences offer me an appreciation for all of us.”

I never got numb. I was fully aware that every single day, somebody and somebodies were depending on me to get it right. Getting it

right didn’t necessarily mean getting them off, but it meant doing my very best for them.

AALM: Is being chief justice going to be a fun job? Beasley: It will be. It will be a fun job Term Ends[6]

Mandatory Retirement[7]

Law School attended

Party

Cheri Beasley (Chief Justice) 2013

2020

February 14, 2038

Tennessee

Democratic

Mark A. Davis

2019

2020

2038

North Carolina

Democratic

Anita Earls

2019

2026

Feb. 20, 2032

Yale

Democratic

Sam J. Ervin IV

2015

2022

November 18, 2027

Harvard

Democratic

Robin E. Hudson

2007

2022

February 20, 2024

North Carolina

Democratic

Michael R. Morgan

2017

2024

2027

North Carolina Central

Democratic

Paul Martin Newby

2005

2020

May 5, 2027

North Carolina

Republican

Name

Joined

33

ON THE COVER DR. SHIRLEY DAVIS WORKED IN 30 COUNTRIES AND 5 CONTINENTS

34

SDS Global Enterprises, Inc. (SDS) provides strategic

coach, and present to leaders at all levels of an organi-

development solutions that enable organizational lead-

zation, in all business sectors, and across a number of

ers to build high performing and inclusive cultures that

industries.

thrive in a competitive and changing environment. We specialize in such areas as HR strategy development,

She is the former Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion and

talent management, diversity & inclusion, leadership

Workplace Strategies for the Society for Human Re-

effectiveness, personal and professional reinvention,

source Management (SHRM). Dr. Davis has also been a

and organization/culture transformation. With more

featured expert on NBC’s The Today Show, USA Today,

than thirty years of experience and proven results, we

National Public Radio, The Wall Street Journal, Essence

continue to be a highly sought-after resource for many

Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, The Washington

organizations. We are headquartered in Tampa Bay,

Post, and Inclusion Magazine. She earned the highest

Florida, and in recent years we have expanded our

designation in the speaking industry as a Certified

offerings and our reach to various industry sectors and

Speaking Professional, bestowed by the National Speak-

geographic locations, including outside of the U.S. to

er’s Association, which put her in the ranks of only 15%

include Canada, South Africa, Europe, Latin America,

of speakers worldwide.

Asia, United Arab Emirates, and the Caribbean.

She is the author of the best-selling book, “Reinvent As President and CEO of SDS Global Enterprises, Inc.,

Yourself: Strategies for Achieving Success in Every Area

Dr. Shirley Davis brings a unique background as a sea-

of Your Life,” and “The Seat: How to Get Invited to the

soned HR and Diversity & Inclusion global thought lead-

Table When You’re Over-Performing and Underval-

er, a senior executive, a certified leadership coach, and

ued.” She holds a Bachelor’s in Pre-Law, a Master’s in

a former Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for several

HR Management, a Ph.D. in Business and Organization

major Fortune 100 companies. She has worked in more

Management, and is a former Ms. American United

than 30 countries on 5 continents and delivers more

States. She is also a featured author for LinkedIn Learn-

than 80 speeches a year. She continues to consult,

ing’s online course entitled, “Inclusive Leadership.”

The Seat: How to Get Invited to the Table When You're Over-Performing but

Undervalued Whether you’re trying to get a seat at the C-Suite table, trying to get your foot in the door of your dream job, trying to make a sale with a client, or asking for a promotion or a raise, getting “The Seat” is one of the biggest challenges you will face in your career progression. In my new book, The Seat, I pull from my 30 years of business experience, my journey to earning an executive seat, and the strategies, setbacks, and lessons I learned as a woman, a person of color, a single mom, and an HR professional.

35

Change Management When your organization undertakes projects or initiatives to improve performance, seize opportunities or address key issues, they often require changes; changes to processes, job roles, organizational structures and types and uses of technology.

However, it is actually the employees of your organization who have to ultimately change how they do their jobs. If these individuals are unsuccessful in their personal transitions, if they don’t embrace and learn a new way of working, the initiative will fail. If employees embrace and adopt changes required by the initiative, it will deliver the

Our Minds

20

expected results.

What is Change Management?

Change management is the discipline that guides how we prepare, equip and support individuals to successfully adopt change in order to drive organizational success and outcomes.

While all changes are unique and all individuals are unique, decades of research shows there are actions we can take to influence people in their individual transitions. Change management provides a structured approach for supporting the individuals in your organization to move from their own cur36

019

Three Levels of Change Management Individual Change Management While it is the natural psychological and physiological reaction of humans to resist change, we are actually quite resilient creatures. When supported through times of change, we can be wonderfully adaptive and successful.

Individual change management requires understanding how people experience change and what they need to change successfully. It also requires knowing what will help people make a successful transition: what messages do people need to hear when and from whom, when the optimal time to

Our Voices

teach someone a new skill is, how to coach people to demonstrate new behaviors, and what makes changes “stick” in someone’s work. Individual change management draws on disciplines like psychology and neuroscience to apply actionable frameworks to individual change.

After years of studying how individuals experience and are influenced in times of change, Prosci developed the ADKAR Model for individual change.

Today, it is one of the most widely used change models in the world..

Now that you know what change management is, learn more about why change management is so important.

37

Organizational/Initiative Change Management While change happens at the individual level, it is often impossible for a project team to manage

Enterprise Change Management Capability Enterprise change management is an organizational core competency that provides competitive differentiation and the ability to effectively adapt to the ever-changing world.

change on a person-by-person basis. Organizational

An enterprise change management capability

or initiative change management provides us with

means effective change management is embed-

the steps and actions to take at the project level to

ded into your organization’s roles, structures, pro-

support the hundreds or thousands of individuals

cesses, projects and leadership competencies.

who are impacted by a project.

Change management processes are consistently

Organizational change management involves first identifying the groups and people who will need to change as the result of the project, and in what ways

they will need to change. Organizational change man-

and effectively applied to initiatives, leaders have the skills to guide their teams through change, and employees know what to ask for in order to be successful.

agement then involves creating a customized plan for

The end result of an enterprise change manage-

ensuring impacted employees receive the awareness,

ment capability is that individuals embrace change

leadership, coaching, and training they need in order

more quickly and effectively, and organizations

to change successfully. Driving successful individual

are able to respond quickly to market changes,

transitions should be the central focus of the activi-

embrace strategic initiatives, and adopt new tech-

ties in organizational change management.

nology more quickly and with less productivity

Organizational change management is complementary to your project management. Project management ensures your project’s solution is designed, developed and delivered, while change management

impact. This capability does not happen by chance, however, and requires a strategic approach to embed change management across an organization. www.prosci.com/

ensures your project’s solution is effectively embraced, adopted and used.

Learn more about the Prosci 3-Phase Process, which provides a research-based approach and full set of tools for applying change management at the initiative level.

38

Principals Jim Stewart, CCIM, MBA, I. Jarvis Martin, SRA, Kirk McCoy, II. MAI, CCIM Over 87 Years of Combined Experience WWW.STEWART-MARTIN. COM

39

“My favorite is planning weddings all over the world�

Congratulations Elana Walker

40

Elana Walker….I’m the owner, designer and certified wedding plan-

ner of Elana Walker Events! I’ve been in the business now for 10 years! I started my career planning a wedding for a former classmate who was stationed in Afghanistan. After that, my career bloomed into a love affair of all things weddings! #EWECOUPLES are people who are very down to earth, career minded people who enjoy laughing and love having fun in life! They have very classy and elegant taste and want a timeless, pristine #UPSCALEWEDDING that their friends and family will brag about for years to come! My couples have “That wedding” that sets the bar that people compare all other weddings they attend to! We’ve planned weddings for professional athletes, professional music artists, government officials, federal agents, doctors, lawyers, educators and more! In addition, I love

http://elanawalker.com/

crafting FUN weddings. Weddings that leave your guests wanting more!

My favorite is planning weddings all over the world! I love being able to put a different spin on venues so I offer and

have planned weddings all over the US and Caribbean. Creating a bond with my couples is that extra added bonus that makes what I do, totally worth it! Personal, I’m a mom who enjoys spending time with my 2 son’s. I’m a big animal lover and love cooking new and creative pescatarian dishes. I’m big on make up and I love getting my nails done! In addition to being a wedding planner, I’m also a speaker/mentor as I love teaching new wedding planners about the industry. I also run a southern wedding blog called Southern NOIR Weddings!! I produce bridal shows and host events to help brides find amazing wedding vendors for their southern wedding. If you’re interested in my services, please visit my website www.elanawalker.com for more info! I can’t wait to meet all the new and exciting couples!!

Hair by 41

Elana Walker brings over 10 years experience as a certified wedding planner. She blends an upscale experience with breathtaking designs while building a relationship founded on the trust of her expertise.

Whether a ballroom wedding in Charlotte North Carolina, A Resort Wedding in the Bahamas or a Country Club Wedding in California, Elana Walker and her team can do it all.

pulls at my heartstrings as I sit and listen to my clients share their dream wedding idea’s with me.

I majored in fashion design in 2000 at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago and thatšs where my love for beautification, style, and design was refined. When I returned to NC I decided to become a certified wedding planner through the American Academy of Wedding Profession-

Meeting new people when they are at their happi-

als. Becoming a certified wedding planner pre-

est point in life is one of the things I truly enjoy

pared me to project things that may happen from

about my job. The excitement in the brides eyes

early in the planning process, catch things in con-

to fulfill her desires of having the wedding of her

tracts that are not in the best interest of my cli-

dreams. The groom, proud as a peacock, embark-

ents, how to save my clients money, the proper

ing on a new journey in life and stepping into the

way to plan a wedding and so much more.

next phase of manhood,

ELANA WALKER, CWP CERTIFIED WEDDING PLANNER/ OWNER

42

MAKEUP ARTIST

410.465.1577 info@visconmedia.net | www.visconmedia.net 43

What is it?

44

Beauty Begins From Within The Body Taking care of the body begins from within. In the

can function when there is no interference to the

fast paced society that we live in we are led to be-

central nerve system. Most patients that have high

lieve that looking good on the outside signifies

xyz or low xyz are that way because their body is

health. Yet, the “Hollywood Persona” depicts that

under stress and it can’t adapt. When the nervous

health is young, good looking, no wrinkles, skinny,

system is working correctly it normalizes all of those

etc. This is a complete illusion. Being healthy begins

levels all by itself in its own time. It’s quite remark-

from within the body first and foremost. The starting

able.

point is the central nervous system. Every human experience you have is coordinated and processed via your central nerve system. It’s safe to say that you

Yet, when people are suffering from a condition their typical first response is to cover it up with a medication. Still looking beautiful on the outside

live your life through this system and always remember; you are worth whatever amount of time you need to take care of yourself. So, start from the in-

side.

When the body is working properly, it tends to heal no matter the condition. We recommend Chiropractic check-ups for setting the bar in the most holistic

yet the inside is struggling to function optimally. Symptoms are not the cause of sickness.

Every single thought, action, and feeling changes your brain. When repeated enough times, a habit is formed. Chiropractic encourages natural healing.

When the body is working properly, it tends to heal effectively, no matter what the condition.

Claude Basler February 21, 2019

45

Congratulations Toni Harris 46

Meet the first female player aiming for the NFL Toni Harris, a safety for East Los Angeles College, is set to become the first woman to receive a scholarship to play college football.

Source: CNN

Antoinette "Toni" Harris (born July 29, 1996) [1] is an American football player. She is the first female to receive a full college football scholarship as a non-specialist, and the second woman to ever play football on scholarship.[2] She currently plays safety for Central Methodist University.

Born in Detroit,[3] she played football all through her life but was always kicked off teams. She played for her high school, Redford Union High School, in Redford, Michigan.

[3]

Two years later Harris moved to California to play free safety at East Los Angeles College, where she played for two years under the direction of Head Coach Bobby Godinez. She became the first woman to ever play for East Los Angeles College,[4]and earned six offers to play a defensive football position at four-year universities.

“The sky is not the limit, when there are footprints on the moon�

Herbert Eugene Tatum III, Attorney 116 Main Street Durham, NC 27701 919.419.4485 2

47

Aura Galleria | 3642 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd | Durham, NC 27707 48

Want to Maintain your Natural Hair

By Dana Oliver

You can try a wrap foam and use the “Doobie� method, again sitting under a hood dryer or overnight. To wear your hair curly, use two-strand twists

What are the three most common hair care mistakes women make when styling their natural hair?

Believe it or not, if your hair is about shoulder

The first mistake is using too much product.

length, this is the period that it is most vulnerable

When we change anything about our hair, we

to breakage. When your strands are constantly

always panic, buy a ton of extra styling products

brushing against your shoulders, friction will do its

and put it all on. Our hair ends up looking greasy

nasty work and the clothes you are wearing, particu-

or weighed down, so we end up washing our hair

larly cotton, will sap the moisture from your ends

too frequently which just dries it out. Be extra

and make them more prone to breakage. Since

Many people are fascinated, yet often frustrated,

you're aware of this problem, you have two really

with the manageability challenges of their new

simple options: You can use extensions to have your

growth and want to go back to relaxing. The first

hair lay past your shoulder or, the best option, try

six to eight months of growth are not their true

some fun updos where your hair is twisted, braided

natural curl pattern or hair texture. Their scalp

or pinned up in different styles that never let your

and follicles are still healing, so they need to do

hair fall into this problem.

everything they can to make it through this "scab hair period" and into your true hair texture. Once they've made it through this patch, they'll have softer, more manageable and even curl patterns.

Curly hair is the driest hair type so no matter

What types of hair products and ingredients should women with natural hair look out for?

You need incredibly moisturizing products that strengthen hair. Olive oil, monoi oil, shea butter, cocoa butter are perfect for this purpose.

how you're wearing it, you need a really great leave-in moisturizer. Most women say they

Any additional words of wisdom for natural hair

"know" about moisturizing, but stop with rinse-

beauties?

out conditioners, hair oils and treatment masks.

The first is actually before you transition. Do your re-

You need a leave-in to ensure hair stays super

search, read about the different ways you can go about this transformation and figure out which one is best for you. If you don't want to do the "Big Chop,"

Can you explain a few of the hair styling issues

that's fine, but maybe wearing hair extensions or

that generally occur when transitioning to or

braids feels more comfortable than doing two-strand

simply maintaining natural hair?

twist or Bantu knot styles. You want to pick a path

The further you get in the process, the more

you feel most comfortable with so it'll be that much

breakage you'll notice since you'll be continually applying more stress to your already weakened

The second is that you need to experiment and be

hair. You'll need to treat your hair with extra

okay with it. You'll need to be ready, willing and able

care and try techniques that put a lot less heat

to start wearing you hair in styles you've never done

and stress on your strands. To get your hair

before and playing with new hair accesso-

straight: Try setting your hair in rollers and go-

ries throughout the transitioning period. The more

ing under a hood dryer, but lower the heat and

open to experimentation, the easier you'll be able to

sit a little longer. Also

adapt to your new hair texture.

49

Coco Gauff, the 15-year-old who wowed the world at Wimbledon, says ‘next time, I can win the tournament’

By Associated Press WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — A day after her memorable Wimbledon ended, Coco Gauff already was thinking about coming back.

“Obviously, there’s always room for improvement,” Gauff said in an interview with The Associated Press at the All England Club on Tuesday. “I’m going to go and practice and improve some things,” the 15-year-old Floridian added, raising her eyebrows and smiling her infectious smile, “so that next time, I can win the tournament.”

Well, then. Gauff made quite an impression over the past two weeks at the grass-court Grand Slam tournament, accumulating a series of milestones — and a legion of fans around the globe.

“To say the least, a star has been born,” All England Club chief executive Richard Lewis said. “It’s good for the sport. It’s good for the event.”

First, Gauff became the youngest player to qualify at Wimbledon in the professional era. Then she

made her main-draw debut at any major tournament with a victory over five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams, who is 39. And then she became the youngest player to reach Week 2 at the All England Club since 1991.

What stands out the most to her from it all?

“The most important point for me is just the match point after beating Venus. That was a moment that I will never forget,” Gauff said. “Watching the video, it seemed like it all happened quickly. But during it, I felt like I was on the court for like 20 minutes, when I dropped the racket and everything.”

She was ranked 313th when Wimbledon began and, by getting to the fourth round before losing to former No. 1 Simona Halep on Monday, is projected to jump into the top 150 next week. Gauff’s upcoming tennis schedule is a bit up in the air at the moment, in part because she didn’t expect to still be in England — and in part because of the tour’s restrictions on how many events someone her age can enter.

50

What is certain is that Gauff knows she can get better.

And that she very much wants to.

PAMELA BOND DESIGNS

“Maybe a year ago, when I lost, I kind of felt sorry for myself. And now I don’t feel sorry for myself. I just feel like: If you lose, that means you can always improve,” Gauff said. “I mean, I’m never going to be perfect, because you’re always going to lose matches. It’s impossible to win all of them. Even the more you lose, the more you need to improve, I guess.” After a pause, she added with a chuckle: “And even Roger Federer, even though he’s one of the greatest of all time, he still loses matches. So that means he still can improve.” That approach has served Gauff well already.

She was the U.S. Open junior runner-up at age 13, the French Open junior champion at 14. On Tuesday, she mentioned that she wants to tweak her serve —

which, as it stands, reached 119 mph, a speed surpassed only by two women in the entire tournament.

She also said about her forehand: “I don’t have a lot of confidence on that side and I think a lot of players know that.”

There’s work to be done away from the court, too: Gauff is about two weeks away from finishing her

freshman year of high school, via the Internet-based Florida Virtual School. Her favorite subject: language arts. Her least: math. Maybe that can wait until she gets home, whenever that is.

“I don’t even know what today is,” Gauff said with a giggle. “These past two weeks, I didn’t know what day it was. All I knew is, ‘Oh, I play tomorrow.’ My mind has just been somewhere else. I already had respect for the people who win (Grand Slam titles). But now, like, experiencing one and being to the second week, I have way more respect, because I can see how difficult it is to be able to stay focused for two weeks. It’s just a lot. It’s a lot. But I can see myself doing better in the future.”

800 S. Taylor St. | Studio 26 Durham, North Carolina 27701 919-797-8651 by appointment 51

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

AURA IN THE COMMUNITY “Connect, Collaborate &

Congratulate”

52

Triangle's UNCF Mayors Masked Ball

by Tameka Nichole Spectacular Magazine March 2019

Raleigh, NC – The Triangle UNCF Mayors’ Masked Ball 2019, held March 15 at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley, is the areas premier fundraising gala and major social event committed to raising public awareness of and donations for North Carolina’s UNCF institutions. 2019 is the 75th anniversary of the United Negro College Fund and the Triangle’s most philanthropic-minded were in attendance at the ball with their elaborate ball gowns, tuxedos and fancy feathered masks. More than $11,000 was raised during the live auction and much more via the silent auction and donations.

Honorees this year were Community Leaders Eileen and Jim Welch and St. Augustine’s University President/ General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Everett Ward. Corporate awards were presented to Duke Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC. Danielle Gray, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary – BCBSNC and Dee McDougal, Sr. Vice President – Pacific Western Bank, served as Co-chairs of this year’s successful event.

UNCF remarks made by co-chairs Justine Boyd UNCF Regional Development Director (left) and Tiffany L. Jones UNCF NC Area

Local businesses Aura Galleria (Glyndola Massenburg-Beasley, Marketing Director), Creative Approaches to Talent Development, LLC (Catherine Williamson-Hardy), Black Business Expo ( Eric Kelly, III), Eugene Tatum Law Firm ( Eugene and Jackie Tatum) and Sharon Davis, Durham Registrar of Deed were among the attendees. Spectacular Magazine (Phyllis Coley, CEO and Publisher) was Marketing Partner of this event along with corporate sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC, PNC, Duke Health, First Citizens Bank, Duke Energy, Leadership Triangle, Pacific Western Bank, Watts Chapel Missionary Baptist Church (Raleigh), and ABC11.

Highlights of the 2019 Triangle UNCF Mayors’ Masked Ball (Photos: Sierra Turner) 53

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55

CHRIST SAVES HEARTS...

CONGRATULATION

celebrates it’s 3rd Annual Scholarship Gala to honor the life and legacy of the Late Antonio Underdue, Sr. and the Late Jonathan E. Rogers whose lives were taken too short due to this terrible thing called heart disease. The initiative continues to recognize individual in our communities that continue to work tirelessly to help fight hear disease that runs rampart throughout. Young minority scholars that be been adversely impact by cardiovascular disease and hear disparities are also highlighted and receive an award.

Dr. Harry Stafford Christ Saves Hearts 2019 Humanitarian Award Winner

Senator Floyd McKissick has joined forces with Christ Save Hearts to help take this issue to the State Legislator and continue to push for this much -needed bill-Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act for Student Athletes. The organization continues to fight to end hear disease through inspiring hope and empowering change within our communities.

Koren Underdue Bowman, Founder and Board Chairman Dr. Stafford has served as a team physician at the University of North Carolina since 2008. He is currently the head primary care physician for Women’s Basketball, as well as the Mend’s and Women’s Track and field and Cross country Teams. Dr. Stafford also serves as Director of Sports Performance and head Medical Team Physician for North Carolina Central University.

Dr. Stafford is also active in the community and serves on a host of board including the board of trustees for the North Carolina Central Foundation, Special Olympics of North Carolina and volunteers at the Durham Rescue Mission,

Olympics and Habitat for Humanity.

He is an active member of the American Medical Society for Sorts Medicine and American college of sports Medicine. Dr. Stafford has authored many book chapters and journal articles. He is currently doing research in the areas of Sports Nutrition, EKG changes in African American Athletes, and Sickle Cell Trait in athletics.

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AURA GALLERIA staff, customers and friends deliver in support of Dress for Success (DFS) and it’s “Purse for a Purpose” donation drive.

DFS provides their clients with purses for interviewing and everyday living. With DFS experiencing a shortage and in need of help, Gia Wilkerson Peebles partnered with Montressa Roberson Sneed , a DFS volunteer to assist DFS with achieving it’s goal. 125 purses were donated at the Aura location not including purses do-

nated at three other area salons.

Dr. Victoria Thornton

Marsha Newby Catherine Williamson-Hardy

Trish Harelston Novella Latta-Baines

Connie Patillo Catherine Pierce

Dr. Victoria Thornton

Aura donors include: Juaneza Amos, Glyndola Massenburg-Beasley, VonDelle Brown, Willett Carter, Kathy Davis, Carmen Dorsey, Hazel Gibbs, Nancy Hayes, Jina Law, Johnny Ponder, Joi Ponder and Michelle Rouse, 59

Iris Oliver, Event Sponsor

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AURA GALLERIA SUPPORTS CHARITY FASHION SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA

Gia Peebles, Master Stylist

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Renee Chou, Mistress of Ceremony

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Eric Kelly, Public Relations 61

“The Links, Incorporated, founded in 1946, is a premier

and financial resources, we are able to deliver a broad

service organization committed to enriching, sustaining

array of services and charitable assistance to the com-

and ensuring the cultural and economic survival of Afri-

munities we were chartered to serve. Many of these

can-Americans and other persons of African ancestry.

services are worthy of noting:

Professional photographs by Jerry Head. www.jerryheadphotos.com

Our organization is comprised of 283 chapters located in

• Made pillowcase dresses and sent them to Jamaica

41 states, the District of Columbia, and the Common-

and Haiti

wealth of the Bahamas. Members of the Links, Incorpo-

• Conducted tri-county voter registration and collabo-

rated contribute more than 500,000 documented hours

rated with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Deltas to host a

of community service annually, which serve to strength-

Forum: Woman Running for Public Office

en our communities and enhance our nation.

• Continued to sponsor computer giveaways in collaboration with the Kramden Institute to benefit local

Since our Chapter’s beginning in 1984, we have consist-

youth in need of home computers

ently upheld the bedrock tenets of our organization.

• Provided tutoring, mentoring, healthy food and

Our overarching belief or mantra is that, “To whom

cooking classes at RAMS Academy and Pathways Ele-

much is given, much is required”. We channel our

mentary School

efforts through Five Facets on which our organization is

• Implemented an Integrated Program called The Tri-

built: Services to Youth, National Trends and Services,

angle Park Chapter Academy of Arts and Humanities- a

International Trends and Services, The Arts, and Health

partnership with the Global Scholars Academy of

and Human Services. Therefore, pooling our ideas, time,

Durham to provide cultural arts enrichment with a focus on dance and our National Initiative, Classics through the Ages.

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Charms, Inc.

Durham Chapter of Charms, Inc. Charm LaQuinta Parker Perry, Local President

Mad Hatters Luncheon The William and Ida Friday Center

Congratulations to the Honorees Joal Broun Monica Hostler

Rani Dasi Trish Harleston Brenda Stephens Berrina Umstead

History of Charms In 1952 Mrs. LaVera Edwards Hord contacted a group of young Pittsburgh matrons and suggested that they get together once a month to socialize and catch up with the new in and around Pittsburgh. Contact with teach other was limited because of family responsibilities, child bearing and rearing, or settling in another location. Since the ladies generally gathered very late in the evening, they jokingly referred to themselves as “ The Midnighters.”

As the years passed, they decided to formally organize and select a name for themselves. They voted to use the name “Squaws.” The Pittsburgh Squaws began to increase their membership and in early 1960, they became quite popular and recognized for the outstanding social evens they sponsored. During this period it was proposed that they apply for a charter and work toward the goal of organizing chapters in other cities. Philadelphia became the second chapter.

On February 11, 1997, the name was officially changed to Charms, Inc. Charms, Inc. is a non-profit social, civic and cultural organization of women dedicated to high cultural standards and humanitarian service that will improve he quality of life for all Currently, there are twenty=one chapters in eleven states and the District of Columbia. The husband are referred to as Charmers, and the children as Gems.

On April 29, 1972, the Durham Chapter was installed with sixteen members as the eighth chapter of the organization.

Mrs. Quincy Eaves was the local organizer and Charlotte was the sponsoring chapter. Two charter members, Edna Harrington and Omega Curtis Parker, have remained active with the chapter. Fore more than twenty years the Durham Chapter sponsored the EBOMY Fashion Fair,. Locally the chapter has supported the Kidney Foundation, Lupus Foundation, United Negro College Fund, NAACP, North Carolina Central University Athletic Department and the Scholarship 64

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JUNETEENTH

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BREAKING INTO THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY Notable panelist -Tyler Lepley, Aaron O'Connell, Sean Blakemore, Patrice Lovely, Eltony Williams, Lelanya Masters, Jay Hunter, Carolyn Mayo, Mark Swinton , Cas Sigers- Beedles, Lamont Farrell, Miguel A. Nunez Jr., and more....

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Hair Care

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