RED LEAVES PUBLICATION

RED LEAVES PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 2021 EDITION BLACK HISTORY month Elder Dorcas (Dee) Beatty Founder & Editor In This Issue:

Message From The Editor Black History Reflections February Cover Boost: “Every Woman” Rev. Diane Newkirk Health: American Heart Awareness Month

February 2021 Cover Boost: “Every Woman” Rev. Diane Newkirk

Elder DEE Beatty

Message from the Editor: “JOY IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM” In a fallen world, cursed and made hopeless at so many points, we are fundamentally unhappy and se are likely to face bouts of unhappiness and gloom.

We are often times made ―happy‖ by having stuff, getting gifts, relationship clicks or feeling like we belong in a group. These things are great to attain and to possess within themselves; however, they only last for just a moment. These are temporal things that may give us an era of happiness. A commercial just popped upped as I was typing this, which said, ―Money can’t buy you happiness?‖ Okay, that much is true – so what does? Let’s have at it. James says in the Holy Bible, to count it all joy when you fall into various temptations. Okay, we are to consider it pure joy when the nor'easters of life charge in.

In essence, James 1:4 says the Believer who endures through trials is made ―perfect.‖ This does not mean we won’t fail on this Christian journey. If we face trials with a joyful point of view—trusting God to accomplish His purpose – we will grow into full spiritual maturity. We will be equipped with everything we need to overcome every trial we encounter. That’s certainly a good reason to rejoice.

Can you imagine if we were already equipped with joy when a storm hits without warning?

When my vehicle is empty, I have to go to the gas station to refill/ especially if I want to get to the next destination. So it is with joy; which is fuel for our souls. When we fill low in our spirits and feel like we can’t get through, we have to seek joy from the Lord and we have to lock it in. “For the Joy of the Lord is our strength!”

To count it all joy when we face trials, we must evaluate the difficulties in life with eyes of faith. Oh yes, faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your life, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends!

Friends, what in the world! We must allow our faith to turn our hurt and pain into joy. This is the unspeakable joy that we often hear about. That is actually a great title ―Unspeakable Joy! We also must realize that trials come to test our faith and to produce in us the quality of endurance. We must permit the process to go on until that endurance is fully developed. So I’m encouraging you during your most horrific storm, allow your joy to strengthen you; “For the Joy of the Lord is my strength!”

Elder DEE Beatty Editor in Chief, RL Publication

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In Honor and Recognition of Black History Month, Red Leaves Publication solutes Women of In HOnIn In Nation. Women are change-makers Color who contributed to the vision and growth of our who work to create a more unique culture. Black women have already provided so much to America. These beautiful vessels impact nearly every corner of society. They have always fought with recent events showing the rest of the world what many of us have already known: Black women are powerful, influential, relentless, and joyous forces who are worthy to be recognized and esteemed.

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Mrs. Cherry is also a board member for the United Way of Sampson County, an organization meant to help serve the community; funding programs that better the city and the county. “She has also done work with the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce. She started off as the welcome wagon with the chamber of commerce working with other women. The welcome wagon would file for items through different businesses and create a basket for businesses or families new to Sampson County. “I’ve been with the Chamber for a long time,” Cherry stated. She came as an ambassador for the chamber in 1966.

WOMEN IN BLACK HISTORY: C-TOWN! Excerpts from The Sampson Independent PATTY CHERRY: Clinton native Patty Cherry was born and raised here and she is one resident proud of where she came from and where she lives. She has done so much for this community and has volunteered in numerous organizations; all for the purpose of bettering the community. She went to high school at Sampson Training School, which became Sampson High School. After school hours she worked part time at a pharmacy. She then worked at Holmes Drug Store on Lisbon Street when she was 18 years old. She worked there for five years before moving on to Reynolds Drug Store. She liked working at the pharmacy part time when she was in high school, so she decided to make a career out of it working at Reynolds drug store for 38 years. Mrs. Cherry worked in pharmacies for 50 years before finally retiring. She developed an interest and a love of hats through observing her mother. She started wearing hats at an early age. Her aunt would even lend her a hat to wear during school. The woman of hats rarely goes without one when out in public. “I do love a pretty hat,” she states.

“I have to wear one with everything I wear.” When she sees a hat she likes that is a reasonable price, she takes it home with her. The woman of hats even makes her own hat to wear with her outfits when she goes out. She estimates her hat collection totals in the hundreds, but has never counted and doesn’t plan to. She is a woman who loves her community.

Another thing she is proud to be a part of is the subcommittee for Clinton’s All-America City initiative, an honor that recognizes communities for their inclusive engagement process, exemplary projects and work to create a healthy community. She chaired the subcommittee, trying to obtain the honor for Clinton. She was recruited in 2003 by Mayor Lew Starling. According to Mrs. Cherry, Clinton has always been an All-American City. She sees the city as a wondrous place. “I’m happy to be a Sampsonian,” she expressed. Mrs. Cherry also sees the amount of progress the African American community has made.

“We have a long way to go,” she added. “But I’m happy with where we are so far.” She looks back at what Martin Luther King Jr. wanted and she is proud of the opportunity of having the right to vote. Cherry encourages all African Americans of all eligible ages to exercise their right to vote.

Mrs. Cherry has done so much for the Clinton community.

She has done work with the Clinton City Board of Education. She was a board member for almost nine years.

She states that “Anytime you are doing something for children I feel like you are doing something worthwhile; that’s why I got on the board of education.”

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Karen B. Moore.Org 4

American Heart Month and Go Red for Women

On the first Friday of every February, which is designated as American Heart Month, the nation comes together, igniting a wave of red from coast to coast. From landmarks to news anchors and neighborhoods to online communities; this annual groundswell unites millions of people for a common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke.

American Heart Month, is an ideal time to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get their families, friends and communities involved.

-The first American Heart Month, which took place in February 1964, was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson via on December 30, 1963.

-The Congress, by joint resolution on that date, has requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating February as American Heart Month.

-While American Heart Month is a federally designated month in the United States, it’s important to realize that cardiovascular disease knows no borders.

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Black History Month Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.

Origins of Black History Month The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent.

The Man Behind Black History Month Known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincid e with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The event inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures.

In the decades that followed, mayors of cities across the country began issuing yearly proclamations recognizing Negro History Week. By the late 1960s, thanks in part to the civil rights movement and a growing awareness of Black identity, Negro History Week had evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

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February Cover Boost: “Every Woman” Rev. Diane Newkirk My Salvation Story: On March 24, 1985, I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart – one of the most wonderful days of my life. My parents, Trustee James Morrisey and Rev. Shirley Morrisey who are both deceased, reared us up in the admonition of the Lord. They lived a Christian life before us and became a prime example for anyone to follow. They also taught us how to love one another and do unto others as we would have them do unto us. They ruled with a strong, firm hand and it didn’t kill us. Today I’m grateful for every sit down eye to eye contact that made me go sit down somewhere and I’m also thankful for all of whatever was in their hand that would reach out and touch me for correction. In my younger years, I remember hearing them talk about the Lord. They talked about how good He was and how they couldn’t do without Him. They spoke about how He made ways when there seemed to be no way. They talked about this same man would watch over them all night long, keep the enemy away, then turn around and wake them each morning. As often as I would hear that as a young playful little girl, it went in one ear and out the other; but at the same time found a spot in my heart and not yet finding a spot in my flesh – not yet. All of this was done and repeated over and over again in our home, day in and day out.

Every Sunday, we were in Sunday School and followed by Morning Service. Most of the time it was an all-day event.

As I got older and becoming a young lady, I was still at home with them. This same Man had managed to continue to live with us. I never did get a chance to physically put my eyes on Him, but the more they talked about Him, the more I would feel some kind of way. I heard them say if it wasn’t for Him, the Lord, sometimes we wouldn’t have food to eat.

Now I knew they both had jobs making money, yet if it wasn’t for Him they would say, we wouldn’t have anything.

By now I just had to meet this Man but I found out that He was a spirit. As I began to listen more to them and the preacher at church talk about Him, it became a must for me to meet Him; and eventually I did. Oh what a day it was!

While in Church Service, I heard the preacher say that He can replace a stony heart and turn it into a heart of flesh; soften it to love and not hate. After hearing about being born-again explained in detail and if I accepted this Man (the Lord) into my heart, I stood a great chance of going to Heaven and not Hell. If I followed His instructions and commandments, I could make Heaven my home. “So I did!”

I asked the Lord to come into my heart, forgive me of my sins, save me and He did. My life changed and I did a 360 and I have never looked back. There is nothing on this earth that compares to or is better than serving the Lord. I am so happy to announce that I am determined to make Heaven my permanent home when I am done with this old world down here.

How Do I Endure When the Storms of Life Are Raging?

With so much happening in the world today, heartache, disappointment, hate, and sickness, there are many that have given up being unable to hold on and hold out for various reasons. I believe that some were not by choice and overwhelmed to the point of agony and defeat. The ability to withstand hardship and adversities hinges on being able to endure hardness like a good soldier. Enduring is not as easy as it sounds but I am a firm believer that with our faith, trust and hope in Almighty God to see us through, we can and we will make it. I know that sometimes the roads will get rough and the going will gets tuff and catch us by surprise and off guard but nothing (no-thing), catches our God by surprise. He has the perfect plan for our lives and will give us the strength that we need to endure. The Scripture tells us that we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us (Romans 8:37). As we hang on to these words, harbor them in our hearts, press on through the battles and hold on to His unchanging hand, there is no doubt in my mind and I pray in yours as well, that we will endure unto the end. I am reminded of a song: “Somehow I made, it, through it all God brought me through”. A lot of times, and I’m not quite sure when or how, but He did it.

My Favorite Scripture: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” I always say this particular verse is just for me, about me and it is because I truly love God, I know He called me and it’s all for His purpose. The fact that whatever goes on, the good, bad and the ugly, the things, the mixture works together for good for me and for you on this Christian journey.

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Being that God does all things well and knows exactly what it takes for us to correct, guide and direct us on this straight and narrow way, I feel that He gives us a little taste of this and a little taste of that. Whatever or however He does what He does is alright with me!

What Am I Passionate About? I am passionate about my Salvation and will let nothing separate me from the love of God. When I was in my low place like so many others not knowing what to do or who to turn to, I heard others say, call on the Lord and He will help you, save you and keep you if you want to be kept. So I called on Him with a sincere heart and He heard me and brought me out of darkness into the marvelous light and I don’t take it light. I will be forever grateful to Him that He looked beyond my faults and saw my need and saved me. I am very passionate concerning my ministry. God called me into and I am still blown away that He called a little county girl and placed His Word in this earthen vessel to proclaim that He is Cod and beside Him there is no other. I never saw myself being a preacher of the Gospel; but He did and that keeps me very passionate over my Salvation and my Ministry. I am also passionate about Senior Citizens; all seniors. Although I have somewhat reached that platform myself, I still love talking and learning from them. I’ve found out that down through the years, they have so much to offer.

What Give Me Joy? The joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me and the world can’t take it away. It is so much more than being happy. Don’t get me wrong, happy is good, but it can be here one minute and gone the next. Being happy seems to feed off circumstances and situations that are going good. In other words, if things are going good or according to one’s agenda with no interruptions, then one will be happy.

Joy on the other hand will take a licking and keep on kicking.

Joy can ride out any storm, jump over high buildings and crawl under fences…and still be joy. One can holler, scream, and cry concerning the hurts and pains of life – but when it’s all over, joy still remains. I believe joy is rooted and grounded in every born-again believer. We face so many obstacles and sometimes tried on every hand, pushed from side to side, neglected, ignored, looked over, but this joy that Jesus gives has a way of strengthening us. This joy picks me up when I am down, put a smile on my face to replace a frown, stirs up a song down in my heart and causes me to get up, dust myself off and move forward in the name of Jesus. The Joy of the Lord is my strength.

What Gives Me Peace: Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Peace in the midst of chaos, confusion or discord really does pass my understanding to the point that I wonder why I am so calm in the disarray. I am fully aware of the fact that it is nobody but Jesus that supplies this kind of peace. This kind of peace keeps one’s mind in perfect peace if the mind is stayed on God and trust in Him.

Sometimes we can’t prevent certain things from happening around us but with Jesus we can stay cool, calm and collective. I find even more peace while reading, studying and mediating on His Word.

The Millennial Young Ladies. From me to you, “Trust God”, the creator and sustainer of the universe. In every walk of life you will need the Lord and there are no ifs, ands and buts about it. He is the source of our lives.

Don’t ever think you can do anything without Him. One is never too young or too old to serve the Lord, and serve Him with gladness. Remember that the world has nothing to offer you and God has everything that you need. Whatever you need, God’s got it. Healing, Salvation, Deliverance, Food, Shelter, Peace, Joy – He has it all. He has it and will freely give if we ask Him. The Word of God tells us that “He shall supply all of our need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.”

Thank God for our jobs, they are great to have to help us maneuver through this life, but please remember it is only a resource. At the of the day, there is no way we can make it now or ever, without the Lord. Trusting Him now and forever is the best thing one could ever do.

If I Got A Chance to Rewind My Life, Would I? There is an old R&B song that says, “If I turn back the hands of time, If I had the chance to start over, I would” The only thing I would rewind and change about my life is I would have asked Jesus to come into my heart and save me long before the age of 36. At the age of 66, I still feel that I lost some ground. After getting a taste of Him and His goodness, His Grace and His Mercy; sometimes I just want to reach way back and grab whatever He had for me back then. But I’m so glad that from where I started from and where I’m headed is sufficient.

Anything that was back there, if it was for me, He has given and will keep on giving to me. I’m in the play mode now and moving forward in Him. I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining everyday. So my Rewind is: Receive: Whatever God has in store for me simply because Every time: I turn around, He’s blessing me Watch: As well as pray Intentional: My plans are to serve the Lord until I die Never: stop worshipping and praising Him Don’t’: give up on God cause He never has and never will give up on me.

May God the good Lord bless thee and keep thee and make His face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee. The Lord life up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace (Numbers 6:24-26).

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Maxine (Wilson) Harris Below is an article published in The Sampson Independent that detailed the life of Maxine Harris and her life accomplishments. Mrs. Maxine Harris was all about making a difference in the lives of people for many years. She passed away at the age of 75. “She fought hard for the betterment of the community and she’ll be missed,” Mayor Lew Starling said. Since 1997, Harris served as a councilwoman and was elected mayor pro tem by the City Council in 2001. She made history by becoming the first woman to serve on the Clinton City Council and was the first African-American to serve as mayor pro team. The Sampson County native earned a degree from North Carolina A&T University. When she returned home, Harris began making a difference in many ways. After becoming a social worker, she made a decision to join the education field where she worked as a counselor and assistant principal. City officials said she was committed to the idea of “when you know better, you do better.” Her dedication to the community continued when she became a City Council member. As a city leader, she believed in great ideas.

“We exist for citizens,” she commented in a newsletter. “The city needs to be user friendly and citizens need to feel comfortable with their city government and employees.” Those who knew her say she always welcomed residents to district meetings and said the meetings were a good opportunity to learn from residents. In a news release from City Manager Shawn Purvis, it was noted that Harris was a passionate supporter of her neighborhood and worked diligently with others. As the mayor, Starling worked with Harris, her friend and colleague, for many years. Starling said Harris was an extraordinary leader. “She provided great service to the city,” he said. “She did a tremendous amount of work to improve her district.” Councilman Steve Stefanovich admired her contributions in education and the city council.

“I had the upmost appreciation for her,” Stefanovich said.

“She will be missed in our city.” He also appreciated her passion as a city leader and being straightforward on important matters. And with any municipal group, Harris and members have to “agree to disagree” on subjects”. “She was outspoken,” he said. “She always fought hard.” The Rev. Marcus Becton, councilman, also respected her contributions to District 5, which comprises parts of central and western Clinton. He said Harris was an asset to the city and the district. “Her main objective was to make her district better,” Becton said about Harris voicing her concerns. Becton said some of her concerns and passion to make people’s lives better involved safety, crime and helping youth. One of her last discussions with council members was about building homes and ownership opportunities for residents. “She was concerned about the well-being of people in the district,” he said. “She was a valuable asset to the city, just as she was in the education arena.”

Councilwoman Jean Turlington said she enjoyed working with Harris on the council and added that Harris felt like she had a duty to serve her constituents in District 5. “She represented them well and she will be missed,”Turlington said. Turlington added that she was a council member who represented equality. Like his colleagues, Councilman Neal Strickland was grateful for the contributions of Harris.

Strickland considered Harris a dear friend. She helped Strickland learn the ropes on the council. “When I was a young councilman, she took me under her wing and showed me the do‟s and don‟ts and how to become a good councilman to the city,” Strickland said. She led by example by making many improvements in her district, such as upgrades at the Sampson Center gymnasium, baseball field and park. Strickland said she was also an advocate for sidewalk improvements so children could walk to school.

“Maxine pushed hard for that,” Strickland said. Harris led multiple cleanup efforts during her terms on City Council and promoted civic pride. She was as an advocate for housing opportunities and worked with staff to identify needs in the neighborhood. The first house of the City’s Affordable Homeownership Program is on Lee Street and two homes on Williams Street were part of a 2010 Community Development Block Grant project. She worked with staff as the city has developed a partnership that hopes to construct 12 single-family homes along Bunting Street.

The community lost an incredible public servant and will not be the same without her. “We are all indebted to Ms. Harris for her years of dedication and hard work for the people of Clinton,” Starling said.

Special Thank you for reminding us of our rich heritage: Lawrence A. Aycock Via Sampson Independent

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MMMahlia Jackson Mahalia Jackson

Born Mahala Jackson, October 26, 1911. She was an American gospel singer, widely considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century.

Dr. Idella M. Fullwood is the first Copastor installed for Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Ministries, Clinton, North Carolina

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Kamala Devi Harris Is the first African – Asia American, and Female to hold the office of Vice President of the United States of America. She is a politician and an attorney. She served as a United States senator from California from 2017 to 2021, and as attorney general of California from 2011 to 2017.

Chastity Melvin During the Bloom-Fest festival in Roseboro, North Carolina, basketball star Chasity Melvin was honored by her hometown when the basketball courts were renamed to „Chasity‟s Court.‟ The Lakewood High School graduate led the Lady Leopards to a state championship — the first in school history. Her journey continued at North Carolina State University and the WNBA, where she became an all-star. (Via Sports Editor, Monica Holland, Fayetteville, Observer)

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Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14. It originated as a Western Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and is recognized as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.

Love is what it does!

Happy Valentine’s Day! Elder DEE Beatty

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Real Women Mimic Jesus “Shock the world by being what you were made to be: a fearless, unflappable, God-fearing woman.” The unique influence of a godly woman is in transforming things. A woman is to be compared to a crown on the head of her husband (Proverbs 12:4). This is not because she’s merely decorative, but because she is the thing that makes her good man great. She transforms a promising bachelor into a purposeful, respected husband. He gives his seed and by some miracle and mystery, God has designed her body to nurture and grow a new person. In this transformative role, whether single or married, a woman mimics her Savior. Like Him, she submits to another’s will and, also like Him, God uses her to take what was useless on its own and shape it into glory. In this transformative role, whether single or married, a woman mimics her Savior. Like him, she submits to another’s will and, also like him, God uses her to take what was useless on its own and shape it into glory. Dirty things clean; chaos turned to order; an empty kitchen overflowing with life and food; children in want of knowledge and truth and a mother eager to teach; a man in need of help and counsel and a woman fit to give it; friends and neighbors with a thirst for the truth and a woman opening her home and heart to share it with them.

Shirley Anita Chisholm (née St. Hill; November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) was an American politician, educator, and author. In 1968, she became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress, representing New York's 12th congressional district for seven terms from 1969 to 1983. In the 1972 United States presidential election, she became the first African-American candidate for a major party's nomination for President of the United States, and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.

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SOUL FOOD

Stacey Abrams

See all i Former Member of the Georgia House of Representatives, Stacey Yvonne Abrams is an American politician, lawyer, voting rights activist, and author who served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2007 to 2017, serving as minority leader from 2011 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, Abrams founded Fair Fight Action, an organization to address voter suppression, in 2018. Her efforts have been widely credited with boosting voter turnout in Georgia, including in the 2020 presidential election, where Joe Biden won the state, and in Georgia's 2020– 21 U.S. Senate election and special election, which gave Democrats control over the Senate. In 2021, Abrams was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in the 2020 election.

Soul food has its roots in the enslavement of African people when they had to make do with what was on hand. For the next 100 years after the abolition of slavery, many Black Americans continued to make use of the ingredients that were part of the Soul food has its roots in the enslavement of African people when they had to make do with what was on hand. For the next 100 years after the abolition of slavery, many Black Americans continued to make use of the ingredients that were part of their food traditions.

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