Spectacular Magazine (Jan 2015)

January 2015

13th Annual Durham MLK Black History Month Parade

Grand Marshal

REV. DR. BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS JR.

“ INJUSTICE

ANYWHERE IS A

THREAT

TO JUSTICE EVERYWHERE

“

- Martin Luther King Jr. gop.com PAID FOR BY THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE. 310 1st Street SE, Washington D.C., 20003 | GOP.com

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ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR GARY N. JONES COLUMNISTS LAWRENCE DAVIS SAMANTHA HUNTLEY DEL MATTIOLI CONTRIBUTING WRITERS FELICIA DAVIES SHERRI HOLMES JAYMES POWELL, JR. PHOTOGRAPHERS MEL BROWN GREGORY COATS RENALDO JACKSON GARY N. JONES LAYOUT/DESIGN ANTHONY DAVIS VICTORIA JACKSON DISTRIBUTION DIANE DAVIS NATHANIEL JONES LELIA ROYSTER INTERNS TONY KENNEDY ADMINSTRATION KEYOSHIA JONES Spectacular Magazine enlightens, empowers and entertains with news, features, columns, commentaries and calendars. Spectacular Magazine is published monthly and distributed free in Durham, Wake, Orange, Granville, Vance and Person counties.

DEADLINE FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS IS THE 25TH OF EACH MONTH. CONTACT US: info@spectacularmag.com or by mail: P.O. Box 361 Durham, NC 27702 919.680.0465 4

IN THIS ISSUE Vol. II, Issue I

Ballin’ Out

24

Briefly

22

Classified/Local Business

35

Commentary

6

Cover Story

11

Did U Know?

34

Entertainment

34

FEATURES Dr. Benjamin Chavis

11

Freelon Family

16

From The Publisher’s Desk

5

Health & Beauty

29

Lifestyles

27

News Briefs

20

Out & About

8

Sports

24

This is Your Life

27

ZIEN

29

Special Section: MLK Events - pg. 33 Cover by: Anthony Davis

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE | January 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

COMMENTARY

From The Publisher’s Desk...

CELEBRATING AFRICAN AMERICANS & OUR HISTORY 2015 marks important anniversaries in the history of African Americans and the United States - the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth & the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, and the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Scheduled to open in 2015, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will be a place where all Americans can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives and how it helped us shape this nation. A place that transcends the boundaries of race and culture that divide us, and becomes a lens into a story that unites. It will be located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on a five-acre tract adjacent to the Washington Monument.

On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation set the United States on the path of ending slavery. A wartime measure issued by President Abraham Lincoln, the proclamation freed relatively few slaves, but it fueled the fire of the enslaved to strike for their freedom. The celebration of Juneteenth originates from Galveston, Texas, where on June 19, 1865 the word of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the enslaved. Often cited as the African American Independence Day, Juneteenth has been the subject of city, state, and federal legislation in recent years, establishing it as a special day of recognition, and as one of the fastest growing events in the country.

Passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, and ratified on December 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States and provides that “neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed in response to Jim Crow laws and other restrictions of minorities’ voting rights at the time, primarily in the Deep South. By 1965, concerted efforts to break the grip of voter disfranchisement in certain states had been under way for some time, but had achieved only modest success overall and in some areas had proved almost entirely ineffectual. The murder of voting-rights activists in Philadelphia, Mississippi, gained national attention, along with numerous other acts of violence and terrorism. Finally, the unprovoked attack on March 7, 1965, by state troopers on peaceful marchers crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, en route to the state capitol in Montgomery, persuaded President Johnson and Congress to overcome Southern legislators’ resistance to effective voting rights legislation. President Johnson issued a call for a strong voting rights law and hearings began soon thereafter on the bill that would become the Voting Rights Act. President Johnson signed the resulting legislation into law on August 6, 1965 with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders present at the ceremony.

Spectacular Magazine, with a mission to enlighten, empower, educate, and entertain, will present five (5) signature events in 2015 to honor and commemorate achievements of African Americans…

. 13th Annual Durham MLK/Black History Month Parade (Feb. 7); . 5th Annual Spectacular Magazine Man of the Year Awards Gala (April 30); . 11th Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration (June 20); . 3rd Annual Spectacular Magazine Woman of the Year Awards Banquet (Oct. 29); and . Spectacular Magazine Youth of the Year Awards Luncheon (August 1).

TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Sincerely,

Phyllis Coley Phyllis Coley (CEO/Publisher:

pcoley@spectacularmag.com)

DURHAM ROTARY CLUB - DOING GOOD IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

DURHAM, NC – Durham (Downtown) Rotary Club members Dr. Phail Wynn and Phyllis Coley share Durham Rotary’s annual Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army duties at Wal-Mart on Martin Luther King Parkway. The downtown club annually tops all civic clubs in the community in raising contributions through bellringing. Committed to serve, Durham Rotary Club members volunteer on numerous other projects throughout the year that benefit the Durham community. The Durham Rotary Club is celebrating its Centennial this year. (Photo: Gary Jones)

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COMMENTARY REPUBLICANS IN THE AFTER GLOW

By Ada Fisher Part II: The Republican Victories In Perspective The 2014 US election wave which saw significant GOP election gains caught most off guard including the victorious Republicans, many of whom aren’t ‘attuned to the Heartbeats of America.’

It would be too easy to paint this, as have many in the Black community and liberal media, as an illustration that the racism against President Obama is clear. In actuality what happened was a repudiation of Washington, DC politicians and the direction being taken by the Obama Administration. It is also a warning shot fired over the bow of Republicans.

Thirty-two of the 50 states are dominated by Republican controlled governors and legislatures who believe as is constitutional, that under the Tenth Amendment to the US Constitution all rights not covered in the preceding nine revert to the individuals and state not the federal government. The opposition to Obamacare or at least significant parts of it will continue because federal funding to states involved in health exchanges will terminate after three years leaving states again with budget deficits for which money is limited. One of its fair but costly virtues will remain – limiting insurance penalties for preexisting conditions.

Most don’t know that federal employees, as well as the President and legislature exempted themselves along with unions from the very costly Obamacare legislation that other citizens face as a tax. If everyone were made to participate in Obamacare Congress would fix it, provide affordable care and give the nation the same flexibility reserved unto themselves. We will see which Republicans walk that walk or face possibly being tossed out next go round.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has pocketed hundreds of bills rather than let them come to a vote. We’ll see if Senator Mitch McConnell, in that role, and the Republican leadership will take up this charge in letting the votes be taken. Raising the Senate standard to pass legislation back to 2/3’s rather than

60% will also be a consideration for such would likely make Presidential vetoes easy to overturn.

National Security will be a major issue with an increase in appropriations for the Military Industrial Complex.

There should be a repeal of legislation allowing unaccompanied minors into the nation, federal benefits to noncitizens, student visas without making colleges and universities accountable or face losing federal funding, and the Totalization Agreement with Mexico giving them Social Security monies for illegal immigrants who may have paid into the system. Border security must be strengthened and a foreign policy which is more reflective of assistance to our friends such as Israel must be had.

Though our veterans may stand in long lines for health care services, the Service Connected Disability fiascos which loom unabated will likely prove even more devastating to our needs to shield those who have put their lives on the line.

Immigration Reform must not disadvantage citizens as it does presently in totally disregarding the rule of law in its administration. That’s not fair.

Putting Social Security in a lock box apart from the General Fund while limiting receipt of funds only to citizens who have paid into the system is necessary for its sustainability. Clamors to control the national debt and balance the budget will increase. But not at the expense of cutting into pension funds which is reportedly being plotted behind closed doors. The devil will be in the details as well as how to provide required services without raising our debt.

There were disturbing unabated trends seen which continue their resounding effect on domestic security for America. The number one urban and rural problem which is a silent long ignored ocean of quicksand is the expansion of the drug trade and associated culture in America. Nothing substantial on this has been dealt with since Nixon’s War on Drugs. As defined in my book, Common Sense Conservative Prescriptions Solutions Good for What Ails Us, Book I, taking away most favorite status from nations so involved will diminish this as will

The After Glow CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

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CREATING A GLOBAL BLUEPRINT TO THE FUTURE

By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. NNPA Columnist As we begin 2015, millions of people throughout the world will have made their annual New Year’s resolutions. But for 42.7 million Black Americans, 2015 hopefully will be a year of socioeconomic, political, cultural and spiritual progress. But achieving these goals will require more than just making a seasonal resolution.

I believe that Black America’s national leadership should immediately convene a summit to devise a “global” action agenda for the next year that will address the economic and political interests of African descendants around the world. The call for a national or international summit devoted to the sons and daughters of Africa is not a new idea. In fact, there have been numerous efforts to present action agendas for Black people in America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and in the Caribbean.

So what will be different this time?

First, the “world order” has changed and will continue to change, as we have already seen in the case of Soviet Union and, more recently, Cuba.

Consequently, people in Asia and in Africa will continue to exhibit a larger percentage of the world population and this major demographic shift will afford an unprecedented opportunity for new global strategic alliances.

Secondly, global economies that are now growing rapidly in Asia and Africa will provide a tremendous stage for the exchange of stronger business and trade relationships between Africans and other people of color throughout the world. In particular, 2015 can be and should become a time for Black American entrepreneurs and business leaders to secure stronger sustainable economic relationships.

Thirdly, the results of President Barack Obama’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit last summer have been encouraging thus far. More than $33 billion has been committed to economic development in Africa through the African Union.

President Obama said at time, “Even as the continent faces significant challenges, I believe a new Africa

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is emerging.

With some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, a growing middle class, and the youngest and fastest-growing population on Earth, Africa will help shape the world as never before.”

To help assure this happens, national Black leaders from a broad spectrum of organizations, including the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), should gather to plan, develop and present a global agenda for equal justice, economic empowerment, youth leadership mentorship, and spiritual revitalization.

Naturally, the recurring crisis and devastating impact of racially motivated police violence has to be addressed in this setting. But the issue of police brutality and use of deadly police force should be viewed within the larger context of inequity and injustice.

For starters, here is my short list of priority concerns that should be addressed at the summit: 1.Reaffirming and encouraging the emergence of young, committed, gifted and talented youth leaders; 2.Rededicating support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); 3.Strengthening Black-owned businesses with an emphasis on global economic development; 4.Establishing strategic alliances with the African Union; 5.Organizing Black American trade delegations to China, Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil and Indonesia; 6.Participating in the planning for the execution of the 2020 U.S. Census; 7.Supporting and investing in expansion of Black-owned media; 8.Prioritizing legislative and public policy issues; 9.Coming to ending poverty; 10.Focusing on how we spend $1.3 trillion annually; 11.Advancing the cause of freedom, justice and equality and; 12.Inspiring a moral and spiritual transformation of American society.

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached for national advertisement sales and partnership proposals at: dr.bchavis@nnpa.org

The After Glow CONTINUES going after pushers and their source as a priority, rather than users, should help.

TROSA a program now in Durham, NC for rehabilitating drug offenders is also a model which can work.

NC has offered prison reforms under its 2011 Justice Reinvestment Act which can be a national model that is fair to offenders, limits the number incarcerated and provides Bush II hoped for Second Chances.

The watchword for effectiveness and success for Republicans must be Solutions which work, and are fair as well as cost effective.

Dr. Ada M. Fisher is a physician who was a medical director in a fortune 500 company, previous member of a county board of education, licensed secondary education teacher, author, poet, gifted public speaker and is the NC Republican National Committeewoman. Her Book Common Sense Conservative Prescriptions Solutions Good For What Ails Us, Book I is available through amazon.com Contact her at P. O. Box 777; Salisbury, NC 28145; drfisher@ dradamfisher.org.

OP-ED SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Spectacular Magazine accepts opinion articles on any topic, not only policy, politics or government.

Submissions of any length will be considered but the more concise the better chance it will be selected for print. All submissions must be original, and exclusive to Spectacular Magazine.

Submissions may be sent in either of these ways: By e-mail to: opinion@ spectacularmag.com Or by mail to: Spectacular Magazine Opinion Page (P.O. Box 361 Durham, NC 27702)

DEAR CHIEF LOPEZ: PROTESTERS ARE NOT THE PROBLEM

By Lamont Lilly Durham, NC According to Chief Jose Lopez of the Durham Police Department, “outside agitators” have now penetrated Durham’s local protest and social justice movement.

According to Chief Lopez, out-oftowners are the culprits causing trouble and influencing our city’s peaceful protesters to block traffic and storm shopping malls. Unfortunately, Chief Jose Lopez could not be more wrong.

Most of us are not outsiders. We reside right here in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, better known as The Triangle. And as far as we’re concerned, our acts of civil disobedience are not the problem; they’re effects of the problem.

The real problem, Chief, is the repressive occupation of modern day slave patrols in Black and Brown communities – police officers who are direct descendants of slave catchers, paddyrollers and state militia who reinforced our ancestors’ captivity. The problem is your department’s excessive use of force, its blatant brutality and well documented racial profiling. The problem is the state sponsored beating of Stephanie Nickerson and John G. Hill, the deaths of Jesus Huerta, Derek Walker and Jose Ocampo. The problem, Chief, is the militarization of police departments nationwide – the manifestation of a police state that values profit more than people. And a very big problem is a judicial system that always seems to justify such savagery.

tactics of local protesters, but the continued perpetuation of political, social and economic inequality for the masses of non-white males. Blocking traffic and interrupting profit margins is not the problem here, Chief.

Michael Brown and Eric Garner, and they’re much more meaningful than your obvious attempt to “red bait” local Socialists and Anarchists. Do we always agree on best practices and perspectives?

will terminate after three years leaving states again with budget deficits for which money is limited. One of its fair but costly virtues will remain – limiting insurance penalties for preexisting conditions.

No. But anyone who stands up for Black folks’ right to breathe is a comrade to me; your personal philosophy is irrevalent. So please, Chief, stop trying to divide the movement. Stop trying to redirect the focus from injustice to those who resist it. And please, stop demonizing us with your cast-off labels and outdated political hashtags.

What has angered a great mass of people, both locally and nationally, is the preponderance of mass poverty and the school-to-prison pipeline – voter suppression and the presence of armed police in public schools. Our collective frustration is the lack of concern for and daily indignities of Black life in this country. We are angered that private prisons are no different than the Convict Lease System during Reconstruction. We are pissed off that advocating for justice equals state surveillance and undercover police officers attending our organizing meetings.

What has truly enraged us is that throughout this country’s history every journalist, labor or civic leader who stands up and speaks out for the poor and oppressed has been targeted by the FBI. Every artist, musician or organizer who dares speak truth to power has been imprisoned, unjustly harassed or simply assassinated by some form of state and federal law enforcement.

These factors combined are the real reasons we’re protesting, Chief. The connections of oppression are much deeper than

The problem at hand is not the various

We are not “trouble makers” and “outside agitators.” What we are is a new generation who are no longer standing down to the repressive tactics of fascist police departments.

What we are, are descendants of the Abolitionist, Civil Rights, Stonewall and Black Power Movements. We are truth speakers and justice seekers. We are students, workers and parents. We are sons and daughters, neighbors and teachers. We are one people, one movement, one resistance. We are freedom fighters who clearly realize that body cameras and better police training are merely band aids to a broken system.

What we are is a new voice of promise and hope – fearless visionaries who have reimagined a just society for all and not just a few. And you know what, Chief, we do believe that we will win. ~Power to the People Lamont Lilly is a contributing editor with the Triangle Free Press and organizer with Workers World Party. Follow him on Twitter @ LamontLilly.

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OUT & ABOUT

THE SOUND OF SUCCESS: KIDZNOTES RALEIGH, NC – Founded in Durham in 2010, Kidznotes provides musical instruction (primarily violin) free-ofcharge to interested children in the lowestincome neighborhoods of Durham and, since fall 2013, in Raleigh. Pictured here are members of the Raleigh beginner’s class performing at their Winter Concert held at the Raleigh Civic Center. (Photos: Greg Coats)

CENTRAL CAROLINA BLACK NURSES’ COUNCIL, INC. ANNUAL LECTURE LUNCHEON DURHAM, NC - Four thousand dollars in scholarships were awarded to area students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing at the 24th Annual EducationLecture Luncheon on Dec. 6th sponsored by the Central Carolina Black Nurses Council, Inc. of the National Black Nurses Association, Inc. Nursing students and scholarship recipients are: (seated L-R, scholarship amt. in parenthesis): Wyvondalynn Scovens - Winston Salem State University ($500); Ashley Hudson - NC A&T State University ($1,000 Dorothy Davis Cox Leadership Endowed Scholarship); Caprice Sylvan, UNC Chapel Hill ($500); (standing L–R): Nicole Caviness-Ashe - North Carolina Central University ($1000 Patricia Ruffin Community Service Endowed Scholarship); Jabar Akbar - Winston Salem State University ($500); and Stephanie Lee - Durham Technical Community College ($500). (submitted photo)

HELPING HAND MISSION BAND

MIKE RAE ANDERSON SIGNS BOOK FOR SPECTACULAR

DURHAM, NC - Author Mike Rae Anderson stopped by Spectacular Magazine offices recently to personally sign a copy of his latest book A Polished Soul: The Mike Rae Anderson Story. The book has been selected to be adapted into a Hollywood movie.

Read more about Anderson on page 22. (Photo: Greg Coats)

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RALEIGH, NC - The renowned dancers and drum corps of The Helping Hand Mission Marching Band are sought after for parades and events all over the Carolinas and other states. They are pictured here in the 2014 Raleigh Christmas Parade. Under the watchful eye of Founder/Director Sylvia Wiggins, band members create their own new dance steps, design and make their own uniforms, repair and paint drums and equipment, and thrive on giving back to the community. (Photos: Greg Coats)

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OUT & ABOUT CONTINUES

ALL GIRLS ROCK & MEN DO TOO AWARDS SHOW

SMITHFIELD, NC – Nikki Dixon, Founder/President of Love Thy Neighbor Outreach on Assignment Ministries sponsored the Annual All Girls Rock & Men Do Too Awards Show recently at Johnson Community College.

The Clayton, NC-based organization held the event to honor people that are doing extraordinary things in the community. (Photos: Greg Coats)

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COVER STORY 13th Annual Durham MLK Black History Month Parade Grand Marshal

REV. DR. BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS JR.

By Jaymes Powell Jr.

He said, “My parents pay taxes and I’m not leaving.”

The Librarian not only called the cops, but Chavis’ parents, too.

“I’m not leaving without a book,” the likely-not-as-cool-as-now Chavis said. His parents and the police arrived, and in the mentality of the time, the police thought the “Colored” family would back down like many did in those black and white days. But Chavis’ parents stood with their son’s new War on Racism and backed him.

A lifelong activist, Dr. Chavis overcame racial injustice & wrongful imprisonment to become vocal leader in civil rights movement. He will serve as Grand Marshal of the 13th Annual Durham MLK Black History Month Parade with the theme “We Shall Overcome…” The well-known phrase now identified with the Civil Rights Movement was taken from Dr. King’s sermon “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution” delivered on March 31, 1968, four months before King’s death. The text for the sermon was taken from the 16th Chapter of the book of Revelation: “Behold I make all things new; former things are passed away.”

Oxford, NC street, approaching the shiny new segregated library and avoiding the run-down black library auxiliary building. With all the courage in him, Chavis entered the new library and asked for a library card.

WASHINGTON, DC - He just wanted to read a book and be equal, but to do it, 12-year old Benjamin Chavis Jr. had to start a revolution – an intellectual war on racism.

Unfortunately, he’s still fighting many of the same battles in North Carolina and across the nation today.

YOUNG FIGHTER

Way back in 1960, a young and reportedly outspoken child, Chavis walked home from school down an

“I liked to read and I wanted to read more books,” Chavis, the new National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) president, said recently, thinking of the time when he wasn’t permitted to enter a public building. “In my mind, I felt it was wrong for me to accept this… I had to stop being wrong and start being right by saying ‘no’ to racism and injustice. Nothing was holding me back but myself....”

Then the Chavis Revolution started.

What happened next went like this: Librarian: “Boy, you in the wrong place!”

Chavis: “No ma’am, I’m in the right place…I want to apply for a library card.”

Then she said, “I’m calling the police.”

The police said they would take the whole family away - dag gon’nit.

“The cops said ‘be good and go home’,” a very calm Chavis explained as he prepared to head back to North Carolina, as he does several times a year. “I told them to take me to jail and stood there.”

Somehow, the librarian decided to end the standoff and give young Chavis his card, which he filled out and she accepted it. The police got angry with the librarian as Chavis’ classmates watched the skirmish through the windows. A few weeks later, the Oxford library was integrated as inspired African-American kids followed Chavis’ lead.

“I was mad at myself,” now Dr. Chavis, a man of all trades to help African-Americans – including building coalitions, acting and even dropping a verse on a jam with Dip Set, said. “I was mad I didn’t do this when I was nine. In my mind is it because we aren’t asking for just justice, but dignity and equality.

Injustice has to be confronted… raising one’s voice, raising one’s fist in the air.”

The conditions in North Carolina for African-Americans back in the Andy Griffith days were terrible.

Besides the racial violence, killings, open discrimination and denial of voting rights, African-Americans suffered all sorts of indignities.

The evil denial of rights planted the seeds of the Chavis Revolution at an early age.

“In the early 1950’s, I grew up as a young child, knowing what the definition of racism was,” Chavis said, speaking highly of the converted African-American orphanage school he attended and his mother taught, Angier B. Duke.

“Even before getting there, at three or four years-old, I witnessed how African-Americans were treated differently than others.”

Chavis’ school chum since first grade and life-long acquaintance, Dr. Dorothy L. Powell, remembers the same atrocities, mostly her grandmother having to prepare for poll tests. “They used to stand around and really be concerned,” Powell, who recently retired as Duke University’s School of Nursing’s associate dean, said.

“My grandmother would pass, but the fear of not passing really scared people in those days.”

“I thought the era of black people not being able to vote were over,” she continued, noting North Carolina’s new Voter I.D. laws. “I guess not.”

PROGRESS After liberating black thought in Oxford, Chavis traversed life as a leader for racial progress. Attending

Dr. Chavis CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

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Dr. Chavis CONTINUES

the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC-C), Chavis became more of a leader and learned new ways to fight racism and injustice.

“In the autumn of 1967 when I arrived at Charlotte as student, we formed a group called Students for Action,” said longtime friend, business associate and UNC-C classmate Michael Carmichael, now a high-level political consultant.

“Along with other politically aware student activists, we succeeded in a campaign to elect Ben Chavis as chairman of student union; the first African-American elected to a campus-wide office in the history of the University of North Carolina.”

But times were changing in North Carolina. Slowly.

The 1964 Civil Rights Act and 1965

riot as part of the Wilmington 10. Chavis boldly did four years in prison before being paroled, but still found time to write two books and receive a Masters of Divinity from Duke University, even though he was delivered to school in literal chains everyday by prison guards.

He also received a divinity degree from Howard University about a year later after he released.

Chavis recently told a friend who had been thinking about buying a pricey property in Raleigh’s Boylan Heights he knew the neighborhood well and had lived there. The surprised friend asked when and where.

“In Central Prison,” Chavis replied with a smile, noting that the state lockup was located - had already made up their minds we were going to push for equality for all of God’s people.

I was raised in the struggle.”

SLOWING DOWN Some call it the Regan Era. Others call it The Cosby Show Decade.

Either way, many in the movement for racial equality feel the 1980’s stalled African-American’s escape from a horrid past and a heavy weight.

Slowly, African-American leaders and citizens of North Carolina, along with the rest of the country, began to push the rocks of Jim Crow and his offspring off of them. Voting rights, most lynchings and killings stopped, more black people started attending college and the Old North State moved forward.

Voting Rights Act helped soften life for African-Americans in North Carolina. But softer is a relative word…rocks or bricks?

Ouch still stung for black North Carolina and the rest of the country.

From his famed march to Raleigh in 1970 protesting the lynching of Dickie Marrow – chronicled in Tim Tyson’s book and subsequent movie and productions Blood Done Sign My Name - to other bold acts, Chavis, like his family before him, continues pushed for racial equality.

Some of those bold acts included going to Wilmington in 1971 to protest school segregation, only to be wrongly convicted of inciting a race 12

directly behind the property. “I was in that neighborhood for a while.”

“In the 1980’s we thought we had made it. Everything was going to be okay,” said James “Eddie” McCoy, Chavis’ lifelong friend, colleague and co-author of the march to Raleigh seen in the movie and subsequent boycotts that

The rock was moving.

Then the 1980’s came.

Dr. Chavis CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

While Chavis and the rest of the Wilmington 10 would eventually be pardoned for their wrongful conviction by then North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue in 2012, the Oxford native was trying to scrub racism from America’s fabric.

“Progress did not happen by osmosis, it happened as a result of protests and struggle. The result of the audacity of black preachers, school teachers, black brick masons, business owners who prior to the Brown decision SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE | January 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

Dr. Chavis CONTINUES

followed. McCoy, who eventually became a councilman and is still a strong political operative said he thinks the Regan Administration’s soothing tone yet harsh tactics toward minorities, along with a sense of relaxation in popular culture, led to a slow down in the movement.

All the while, Regan’s War on Drugs and focus on the wealthy almost stopped the progress Chavis had pushed so hard for. Since the Regan Era its push for prison privatization, incarcerations have steadily risen – affecting the African-American population of North Carolina and the rest of the country most harshly.

In 1980, the American prison population was about 400,000 people but had reached about 1.6 million by 2012, according to a study by the Sentencing Project.

A recent Washington Post story showed that as of 2010, there were more jails and prisons in the United States than degree-granting colleges and universities.

The really harsh 1980’s birthed a new sound – Hip-Hop. Just as Chavis saw his revolt for equality slowing, he got an earful of rap – eventually meeting music mogul Russell Simmons, combining to start the Hip-Hop Action Network.

The sound of rap music was the beat of the street, and made its way into that American fabric Chavis was working so hard to clean. Simmon’s Def Jam label produced super proequality group Public Enemy. Their music, and others, helped keep Chavis’ war on inequality moving.

The sounds were heard all the way in Indiana where a young Randy Voller, now North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman, grew up with African-Americans and got the new beat. After moving to North Carolina, he saw how even as the state slowly moved forward, African-Americans were still stuck under a racial rock.

Chavis and Voller eventually became colleagues and friends, as Chavis is a strong member of the

AAC-NCDP. Voller said he admires Chavis’ attack on injustice.

“Ben Chavis comes from a long line of people whose desire is to educate and empower the people in communities across the state.

He believes that sustainable prosperity can be attained through community engagement, civic engagement, education and broad based investment,” said Voller, who, along with Chavis and AAC-NCDP President Willie Fleming, hosted a hip-hop voter information party during last year’s CIAA weekend.

of organizing a massive march.

Chavis, who always mentions the 1963 March on Washington, had to coordinate different groups, making sure every detail was in order.

He also had to deal with rumors of authorities trying to stop out-oftown buses from getting into D.C. for the rally. Chavis said he had Dr. Chavis CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

“He is not afraid to speak truth to power nor is he an ideological island. Ben is a pragmatic progressive whose raison d’être is to improve the human condition.”

After becoming a leader in the Nation of Islam, Chavis worked to organize the Million Man March, a day of jubilation for so many AfricanAmericans. The out front message was beautiful – African-American men taking responsibility for their communities and atoning for past failures to push for progress.

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“It was a blessed moment. I thought of [Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.], Malcolm X, Golden Frinks - all of our heroes,” Chavis said of that day as he stood the stage during the march, gazing at the sea of likely more than 1 million people. “To me it was a fulfillment…I saw thee men standing together shoulder to shoulder It was a pivotal moment in how the world would see us.”

But even with a Democratic President Bill Clinton in the White House at the time, incarcerations were increasing and America was starting to rev-up its Bad Ole Boy system. It wasn’t long after that James Byrd was lynched in Texas in 1998.

REGRESSION Dr. Chavis CONTINUES

to get buses into Washington D.C. earlier than expected to thwart any plans to ruin the historic event.

Kevin Toston, a former Howard University linebacker turned businessman and realtor, turned 21 on October 16, 1995 - the day of the Million Man March. Toston said the best birthday present he could have ever received that day was the intoxication he felt being surrounded by positive black energy.

lives. “I really felt connected to ‘The People’. I felt like we could accomplish anything.”

Chavis likely didn’t directly see Toston. But he saw him.

Soon, it was 2001, and America’s xenophobia and racial animosity became inflamed in the aftermath of 9/11, the Bush Administration’s response to it and even angry talkradio hosts had started to again slow

America’s progress, opening the door to a new era many think of as sinister.

Chavis says America and North Carolina have surely marched forward since his days of peacefully invading segregated libraries. But that progress isn’t just in danger of stagnation, but being pulled back.

From laws suppressing AfricanAmerican votes, trying to shut historically black Elizabeth City State University, the rejection of Medicaid-expansion, it is obvious that many in North Carolina are in a reactionary mode. Seeking to hurt the less fortunate to gain political, racial and financial profit is where North Carolina and America seems to be headed Chavis said.

“Keeping the poor down, that defines evil,” Fleming said. “It’s real simple, look at the laws the GOP is producing helping the poor.

They aren’t producing any. In fact, they are producing laws that drag our children back educationally and even safety-wise while they continue to rob poor parents of good-paying jobs or transportation to health care.”

With the nexus of laws many find to be unjust and a resurgence of some old thinking in the state, Chavis’ war on inequality in North Carolina isn’t over. Chavis believes a higher power than the state’s GOP, God, will bend the arc of North Carolina’s history back toward justice for all.

Chavis, who applauded the NAACP’s Moral Monday protests and its leaders said North Carolina will not fall back in time to a point when African-American children were denied books just for the sake of it. “At end of the day,” Chavis said, “evil always loses.”

“It was a great feeling of unity amongst AfricanAmericans and a great sense of empowerment,” said Toston, who stood and watched a day from about a third of the way from the stage on the National Mall and today owns a business while being a powerful force in his sons’

13th Annual Durham MLK Black History Month Parade February 7, 2015 | 12 noon Fayetteville St. Durham, NC For more information: 919-680-0465 or visit www.spectacularmag.com www.spectacularmag.com | January 2015 | SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE

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FEATURE

PHIL AND NNENNA FREELON: By: Sherri Holmes DURHAM, NC - Phil Freelon is an award-winning architect who is leading the design team for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Nnenna Freelon is a six-time Grammy nominated singer, composer, writer and actress. Married for over 35 years, they each have a unique ability to translate our culture and history into a work of art that is uplifting and inspirational.

developing buildings that, as he says, “make a real difference in people’s lives and enhance and enrich those who live, play and work in the environment.”

The Freelon Group has designed several buildings throughout the city of Durham, where they are headquartered, including over six buildings at North Carolina Central University as well as the striking new Durham County Human Services Complex.

The Freelons seek to bring art to the forefront in places that others may see as a backdrop. Both have exciting upcoming projects that will highlight the breadth and depth of their bodies of work.

According to Phil, “the (complex) is a good example of the kind of work that we do and the reason that we do it. The people in need of support and various services provided by the county and the people who work there every day deserve a light-filled, uplifting environment. So often public buildings are very basic and not necessarily of a high design quality.” Freelon believes that art should be a part of people’s everyday lives not just something they experience when they visit a museum.

DESIGNING FOR COMMUNITY: THE CULTURAL, CIVIC AND COLLEGIATE WORK OF THE FREELON GROUP North Carolina Central University’s Art Museum will present an exhibition that features the architectural achievements of The Freelon Group. It will run from February 17, 2015 – April 17, 2015. Kenneth Rodgers, NCCU Art Museum Director says, “The exhibition is an opportunity for us to showcase The Freelon Group’s accomplishments and their impact on society. It will also introduce or reintroduce their work to the community.

People may not realize that every day they may drive by or even work in one of their buildings.”

Phil Freelon launched The Freelon Group in 1990 with the vision of

The Freelon Group’s expertise also extends to cultural centers and museums. Their impressive body of work includes the Museum of African

Diaspora in San Francisco, CA, the Harvey Gantt Center for African American History and Culture in Charlotte, NC as well as the National Center for Civic and Human Rights

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in Atlanta, GA. Perhaps their most significant achievement has been leading the development of the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture which is scheduled to open in 2016.

Phil says that the project has been “an incredible, exciting, learning experience. It is an honor and a privilege to work on such a building.”

Phil believes that the exhibition at NCCU will allow the firm to reflect upon the years of work that they have done across the country and be a “good punctuation mark.” The Freelon Group recently joined a global architectural firm. Phil is now the managing and design director of its North Carolina operations.

clothes. The clothes hanging on each line tell a story about the family to whom they belong. The colors and shapes of the clothes along with their movement in the wind create a visual experience.

The voices and sounds of the women as they hang their clothes have a certain rhythm. The clothesline was once a place to share experiences, and can be a means of expression, a link to the present and past as well as a commitment to community and family. The byline for the play is “Before we were online, there was clothesline.” The Clothesline Muse speaks to all generations.

the clothesline as a metaphor for the community lifeline and its ties to the environment.” The project includes dance, percussive music, spoken word, interview text, video and interactive art. Nnenna Freelon composed and arranged the music, wrote much of the content and performs the central role. The Clothesline Muse premiered in 2014 and is now touring the country. The Clothesline Muse will be presented at the Durham Arts Council on January 23 – 24, 2015. Nnenna explains, “Everywhere you go if you

The development of The Clothesline Muse was a 3-year process.

According to Nnenna Freelon “the project had its roots as a collaboration in every sense of the word.” The play was co-produced

by Nnenna and her daughter Maya Freelon Ashante who also designed the set. Maya’s mother-in-law, Dr. Kariamu Welsh developed the choreography.

began.”

Nnenna hopes that the performance will cultivate a curiosity among the generations. Grandparents may want to learn about the online world and young people may become interested in their grandparents’ stories. She believes, “We need each other. We stand on the shoulders of our grandmothers.”

Tickets for the performance at the Durham Arts Council can be purchased at www.hayti.org/tickets. There will also be additional performances in High Point, Davidson and Wilmington in North Carolina as well as locations in Texas and Ohio.

For more information visit, www.theclotheslinemuse.com.

Phil hopes that the exhibition will help to inspire another generation of architects. Currently, less than 2% of architects are African American. He believes that the field is missing out on the energy, creativity and excitement of the African American community.

Hopefully, a student who views the exhibition will decide to follow in Freelon’s footsteps. Phil Freelon has shown that by designing buildings that embrace the spirit of a people, you can help to build a better community.

An opening reception for the exhibition that will feature sketches, photographs and models from The Freelon Group will be held on February 15, 2015 from 2 – 4 pm. The event will include an introductory lecture by Phil Freelon.

THE CLOTHESLINE MUSE The Clothesline Muse is a multidiscipline theater project that “explores 18

ask someone about this disappearing landscape they have a story.”

Nnenna’s production explores the many elements related to the use of clotheslines that go beyond just drying

The Clothesline Muse was funded by a series of grants as well as a kickstarter campaign that drew contributors from around the Triangle. Nnenna says that she is “glad to bring (The Clothesline Muse) back to its home base where it

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Sherri Holmes Sherri Holmes is the Director of the Triangle Friends of African American Arts. She can be reached at sholmes@ trianglefaaa.com.

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NEWS BRIEFS A. EUGENE WASHINGTON, M.D., TO BECOME DUKE’S NEXT CHANCELLOR FOR HEALTH AFFAIRS

DURHAM, N.C. -- A. Eugene Washington, M.D., an internationally renowned clinical investigator, health-policy scholar and executive at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), will become Duke University’s next chancellor for health affairs and the president and chief executive officer of the Duke University Health System, Duke President Richard H. Brodhead announced.

PROGRESS NC ACTION FILES FORMAL ETHICS COMPLAINT AGAINST GOV. PAT MCCRORY Gov. McCrory has shown a clear pattern of deceptive omissions of income, stock ownership and even simple membership and affiliation with private corporate interests. With these omissions, McCrory has hidden clear conflicts of interest from the public.

The State Ethics Commission should investigate.

of his erroneous ethics forms has been to attack the media with claims of false reporting and to offer comments which themselves are patently false.

RALEIGH, NC – Progress North Carolina Action filed a formal ethics complaint with the State Ethics Commission against Gov. Pat McCrory on January 12th, detailing the governor’s clear pattern of deceptive omissions of income, stock ownership, and conflicts of interest between his private financial ties and his public duties as governor.

But the facts fly in the face of these comments:

“I followed all the instructions on the questionnaires,” McCrory told WSOC-TV in Charlotte on Dec. 17, 2014.

“We did nothing improper. We did nothing unethical. We followed all the rules of North Carolina,” McCrory told WRAL-TV in Raleigh on Dec. 18, 2014

by McCrory’s brother, Phil McCrory.

But public documents filed with the federal Securities and Exchange Commission describe Gov. McCrory as a “partner” at McCrory & Co. McCrory’s & Co.’s own website and press releases have identified Gov. McCrory as a “partner” of the firm. In describing himself as only As numerous press reports have shown, “consultant,” McCrory has avoided the Gov. McCrory has omitted key financial arequirement Washington, 64, currently serves as to disclose that McCrory vice chancellor for health sciences, dean information from his & Co. has material business dealings Statements of Economic Interest in sever- with the state of North of the David Geffen School of MediCarolina. Such al places: cine and chief executive officer of the a disclosure would acknowledge a clear UCLA Health System, where he is also conflict of interest. McCrory & Co. has a 1. McCrory initially failed to accurately a distinguished professor of gynecology number of clients who have government and health policy and holds the Gerald S. disclose ownership of more than $10,000 contracts with the state of North CaroliLevey, M.D. Endowed Chair. At Duke, he in Duke Energy Stock on his 2008 and na. At least one of those clients, Bentley 2014 Statement of Economic Interest will succeed Victor J. Dzau, M.D., who Systems, has paid Gov. McCrory directly (SEI). stepped down as the university’s senior and contributed over $500,000 to the Remedical officer on June 30 to become publican Governor’s Association to help 2. McCrory failed to disclose more than president of the Institute of Medicine elect McCrory as Governor. $185,000 of income from dividends and (IOM) of the National Academy of Scidirector fees from Tree.com on his 2014 ences.

“A governor could be forgiven for one SEI. mistaken omission on an ethics form, but Washington, who will begin his new clear pattern of omitting key 3. McCrory failed to even disclose mem- McCrory’s role on April 1, will oversee one of the financial information reveals a public bership on the board of directors of Tree. official who is either recklessly world’s leading academic and health careless com on his 2013 SEI. Tree.com’s mortgage with the value of government transparcare systems, including Duke’s medical business is regulated by the state. school, nursing school and extensive ency, or one who is intentionally hiding programs for patient care, biomedical financial ties and conflicts of The 50-page ethics complaint also details private research and community service. interest,” Gerrick Brenner, Executive other clear discrepancies between public Director ofsaid Progress NC Action.

Prior to joining UCLA in February 2010, documents of other private firms and McCrory’s ethics disclosure forms. Specifi- Intentionally failing to disclose financial Washington served as executive vice cally, Gov. McCrory has described himchancellor and provost at the University on Statements of Economic self as a “consultant” to the firm McCrory interests Interest is a felony crime. Just as trou& Co., a sales consulting firm founded Washington CONTINUES ON PAGE 21 bling, Gov. McCrory’s reaction to reports 20

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1. The SEI clearly requires officials to disclose sources of income of more than $5,000, yet McCrory omitted more than $185,000 in payments from Tree.com in 2013. In fact, McCrory received more money from Tree.com in 2013 than his salary as governor.

2. McCrory had to amend his 2014 SEI twice because he failed to disclose ownership of Duke Energy stock after Duke Energy’s coal ash spill into the Dan River.

3. The SEI clearly asks if the governor is a board member of a private company.

On his 2013 SEI, McCrory fails to disclose he is a board member of Tree.com.

A follow-up question asks if the business is regulated by the state. Tree.com’s mortgage business is regulated by the NC Banking Commission. Gov. McCrory has appointed a majority of the members of the Banking Commission.

“Attacking the media and the messengers will not change the clear facts that Gov. McCrory has repeatedly failed to disclose key financial ties,” said Brenner. “Are these repeated omissions simply incompetence, or are they part of a scheme to hide income and conflicts of interest?

An investigation by the State Ethics Commission will hopefully help to get to the bottom of this reckless disregard for government transparency.”

MCCRORY ADMINISTRATION’S MLK, JR. COMMISSION AWARDS $5,000 IN GRANT FUNDS

Washington CONTINUES

of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he was actively engaged in the training of medical students, residents, fellows and junior faculty, oversaw the research enterprise and steered strategic planning. He co-founded a research center that studied medical effectiveness for diverse populations and co-founded the UCSF-Stanford Evidence-based Practice Center. He also led the implementation of a UCSF diversity initiative and promoted campus-wide programs to enhance the quality of life for faculty, staff and students. Earlier at UCSF, he chaired the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences for eight years. Prior to joining the UCSF faculty, Washington worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

Washington, a native of Houston, said his 21

values stem from a childhood growing up as the youngest of five children of a minister father and a mother who was a homemaker. “Growing up in Houston, I benefitted from a tremendously nurturing and supportive community and family who instilled in me the core values of excellence, integrity and service -- and these values have remained my life-long drivers,” said Washington.

A 1976 graduate of the UCSF School of Medicine, he completed undergraduate study at Howard University, graduate studies at both the UC Berkeley and Harvard schools of public health, and residency training at Stanford University.

Washington and his wife Marie, who has retired from a career in finance and is active on the boards of several non-profit organizations, have been married for 32 years. They have three young adult children: a son Brooks and two daughters,

RALEIGH, NC - Governor Pat McCrory’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, within the Department of Administration, announced that it completed the review of Fiscal Year 2015 grant applications and is awarding a total of $5,000 to two organizations: Thomas Mentor Leadership Academy of Durham and Mary Magdalene Ministries, Inc. of Raleigh. The Commission recommended an award of $2,500 for each of these organizations. Grant funds will be used for educational outreach activities intended for children under the age of 14 with the purpose of instilling Dr. King’s “content of character” philosophy, which was espoused in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech delivered in 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. The Commission will recognize the awardees during its meeting on January 16, 2015. This meeting coincides with the annual State events surrounding Dr. King’s birthday celebration, which includes the Commission’s “Let Freedom Caroline and Erin.

“Marie and I are delighted to be joining the Durham and larger North Carolina communities, and we look forward with excitement to fostering partnerships to work to improve life across the region,” Washington said.

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Ring” Bell Ringing ceremony in Raleigh’s Bicentennial Plaza at 11:00 am, and the State Employees Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Program/John R. Larkins Award Ceremony at First Baptist Church on Wilmington Street in Raleigh at 12:00 pm.

The MLK, Jr. Commission was established to promote awareness, appreciation and observance of Dr. King’s legacy and is supported by the Department of Administration’s Human Relations Commission (HRC). HRC’s mission is to advocate, enforce and promote equality of opportunity in the areas of housing, fair employment practices, public accommodations, education, justice and governmental services.

For more information on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission or the Human Relations Commission, please contact HRC Executive Director Emily Williams at 919-807-4420.

Recommended Reading A POLISHED SOUL: THE MIKE RAE ANDERSON STORY Ensemble. He is also the author of two independently published poetry books entitled “The Lost Disciple: God’s Revelation to a Street Poet” and “Serenity in the Dark” (Lulu.com).

entire sentence, Anderson was given a second chance to re-enter society on parole in May of 2008. Before his transition back into society, Mike obtained two college degrees, one in Business Administration and the other in Computer Systems Technology, in which he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

He also acquired seven trades from Technical College Correspondent courses offered in the prison system.

His main pastime leisure activity while serving time was competing in prison

Anderson accredits his gifts of literary works and accomplishments to the God in him as Christ reigns in his life.

He operates in his gift on a daily basis whether in his home, at his job, or in the community.

Journey into the life of a former Death Penalty offender that served 17 years on a life sentence and is now upward bound into a life of stardom and success. A Polished Soul: The Mike Rae Anderson Story is a gripping account of a true tale that involves the transformation of a tragic lifestyle into a productive philanthropy and rising up in a system designed for any disenfranchised youth to fail. See how this man conquers what many deem impossible to overcome.

Mike Rae Anderson, born in Stutgartt, Germany, was raised in Fayetteville, NC by his father William James Anderson and his mother Hanna Anderson. With a background in radio (Former Co-Host of Shairis Poetic Radio Show for 88.7FM WXDU), drama and theater, and motivational speaking to at-risk youth, Anderson currently serves as the poet-in-residence for Chuck Davis’s African American Dance 22

Lastly, Mike formerly served as one of the World News Reporters for Brandnewz.com (founded by Christopher “Play” Martin). He recently released his self- written short film entitled “S.T.R.A.Y.” in which he also stars in three roles. STRAY was accepted into the 2012 Hayti Heritage Black Film Festival. Anderson is also responsible for the successful events A Night with Polished Souls held in 2011 and Peace Jam 2012 held in Durham, NC at the Durham Bulls Baseball Stadium which incorporated the talents of many individuals who had once gone astray but are now serving the community thru Polished Souls Foundation, Inc. Before all of these accomplishments, beginning at age 14, Mike traveled into the realm of street life (e.g. marijuana and crack dealing, firearms dealing, and street fights). He suffered from and witnessed horrendous abuse by his father growing up while never being encouraged to fulfill any of his dreams as an ambitious child with genius qualities.

After being involved in several street altercations gone awry Mike found himself in the Cumberland County Jail without a bond in 1991 facing the Deathy Penalty, plus life, plus 60 years. Mike ended up with a plea bargain for a life sentence by age 20.

After serving 17 years in the North Carolina Department of Corrections and becoming a model inmate with zero infractions throughout his SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE | January 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

talent shows along with his self-formed rap group “Rugged Elements” in which they won first place for four consecutive years straight.

Mike’s main goal is to enjoy his newfound freedom in Christ amid society & to educate and empower the population of at-risk youth that many people shun as he uses Polished Souls Foundation, Inc. as an outlet to do so.

“Go unto the highways and hedges and compel them to come unto me!”

NC NAACP TO HONOR SHAW UNIVERSITY

RALEIGH, NC - The North Carolina NAACP will honor Shaw University and the leadership of Dr. Gaddis Faulcon with its Humanitarian of the Year award on January 24, 2015.

The award will be presented to Dr. Faulcon at the NC NAACP’s 31st Annual Humanitarian Awards Banquet, at the Abundant Life Christian Center in Raleigh.

Shaw is the oldest Historically Black University in the South. It was founded in 1865, when millions of chattel slaves were transformed into both human beings and citizens by the United States putting down the rebellion of the slave owners who controlled southern legislatures and militias. Dr. Henry Martin Tupper founded Shaw to provide literacy training (under the sin and system of slavery, it was a crime to teach slaves to read and write), the study of the Bible and minister training, and the study

of the educational process and teacher training.

For 150 years, Shaw has dedicated itself to engaging young leaders in the struggles for social justice and civil and human rights. It is the birthplace of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the meeting location for numerous civil rights strategic planning sessions that have been instrumental in advancing civil rights in North Carolina and throughout the United States.

“This is the birthplace wherever you talk about higher education and leadership in the African American heritage,” said Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II at the university’s Founder’s Day Convocation in October. “Shaw is our mother.”

“We do not recognize Shaw just for its legacy, what it has done in decades past; we recognize Shaw for it does today, under Dr. Faulcon’s leadership, to train, inspire, educate and nurture student activists. Shaw leads by example. We are honored to bestow this noble award on our mother university -- Shaw,” said Rev. Dr. Barber.

The Humanitarian Award banquet will be held on January 24, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.) at the Abundant Life Christian Center located at 4400 Old Poole Road in Raleigh.

Briefly GITHENS PRINCIPAL TONYA WILLIAMS NAMED PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FOR REGION 3

DURHAM, NC - Tonya Williams, principal at Sherwood Githens Middle School and the Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year, advanced in the statewide competition and was selected as the 2015 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year for the North Central Region 3. This program is sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Wells Fargo. Region 3 includes school districts in Wake, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Nash-Rocky Mount, Northampton, Vance, Warren and Wilson counties. Williams has led Sherwood Githens Middle School for two years, following a four-year stint as principal of Eno Valley Elementary School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in middle school education from North Carolina Central University, and her Master of School Administration from North Carolina State University. She has been a preschool/afterschool care teacher, language arts/social studies teacher and assistant principal. The 2015 State Wells Fargo Principal of the Year will be announced in spring of 2015 at a state event in Cary.

SHAW DIVINITY SCHOOL RECEIVES $500,000 LILLY ENDOWMENT GRANT

RALEIGH, NC - Shaw University’s Divinity School has received a $500,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The threeyear grant will be used to create a development office for the Divinity School to assist with fundraising and the procurement of student scholarships. Under the leadership of Dr. David C. Forbes, Sr., dean of the Divinity School, the seminary will hire a development director, administrative assistant and development intern to staff the newly created development office. In addition, grant funds will be used to train Divinity School constituents, including faculty, staff and alumni, to drastically increase donor giving. “The half million dollar Lilly Endowment grant is both fortuitous and timely for the Shaw University Divinity School, as well as the University,” Forbes said.

“This development initiative will bring both effectiveness and resources to enable the Divinity School to provide scholarships. It is our vision that the next generation of Divinity School students will graduate debt free. We are most appreciative to the Lilly Endowment for this grant.” At the conclusion of the grant, the Divinity School projects not only an increase in donations, student scholarships and community support, but also the creation of a development office that is viable, productive and sustainable.

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SPORTS

BALLIN’ OUT

By Lawrence “King Law” Davis

It also serves as Coach Joanne P. McCallie’s first loss in January since 2009.

The main reason for this loss was said to be rebounding. Coach P spoke on the problem their team is having on the glass, stating that “rebounding is the most important [problem]. I think you control the game by having the ball.”

Azura Stevens (6’5” freshman from Cary, NC) has been a really big complement to Williams and Rebecca Greenwell. If she can become more consistent with her 15-17 foot jumpers, her PPG (points per game) numbers should creep up as she has the potential.

With conference play beginning around the NCAA, here is what’s going on with your favorite teams around the Triangle

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL EAGLES

DUKE BLUE DEVILS The Blue Devils (14-1, 2-1) return home to regroup after making the long trip to Raleigh in an upsetting 87-75 loss to NC State. The loss was the first of the season for the Blue Devils, leaving only Kentucky and Virginia as the only unbeaten teams in the country.

Big man Jahlil Okafor finished the game with 23 points and 12 rebounds. The biggest issue for Coach Krzyzewski and his squad would be their defense. The Wolfpack shot 10-16 from behind the 3-point arc, which led to shooting 55% from the field. Duke usually forces opponents to just under 30% from 3-point range and only 42% from the field. The previous game against Wake Forest was similar, Duke struggled to take control.

They allowed a high volume of inside shots and Okafor struggled with double teams early and often. Duke did not allow a 3-pointer in the first half against Wake, only allowing two for the whole game. Coach K and his Blue Devils look to get back on track, but will need better leadership out of their group of upperclassmen in Quinn Cook, Rasheed Sulaimon, and Amile Jefferson.

The Lady Blue Devils have lost one of their star Freshman as Sierra Calhoun has left Duke University. This has led to less guard play and a lot more lineups featuring size. Duke (11-5, 2-1) held on to get a tough 74-72 win over Syracuse after having an eight point lead coming out of halftime.

The challenge only got bigger as the Lady Blue Devils traveled down to Tallahassee only to get upset 74-58. Elizabeth Williams had a hard time finding a rhythm, only managing to score three points, grab three rebounds and fouled out late in the game.

Duke had a first half lead but a lack of efficient shooting and ball handling led to 25 turnovers and their first ACC loss of the season.

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Coach LeVelle Moton has North Carolina Central back in contention for another MEAC Championship.

The Eagles (12-5, 4-0) are undefeated in conference play this year. With a recent win over the Tigers of Savannah State in Durham, that makes 29 straight victories that have occurred in McDougaldMcLendon Gymnasium. Nimrod Hilliard led NCCU with 17 points in the game. NCCU shot a dominant 51% from the field against the Tigers.

The team has really leaned on Jordan Parks for production. Parks never left the floor versus the Tigers and is leading the team this year in scoring and rebounding with 14.8 and 7.2 respectively. If he can stay healthy, he is starting to bring the same fire and intensity that Jeremy Ingram brought to the club last year.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE WOLFPACK NC State and their rowdy Wolfpack fans shook up the basketball world, upsetting what was supposed to be one of the best Duke basketball teams 87-75. Despite this being a shock to the basketball world, NC State fans should not be shocked. The Wolfpack is 2-1 in the last three meetings at home against Duke and this is their third upset of a top-10 Blue Devil team since 2010.

Trevor Lacey led the Pack with 21 points. Ralston Turner added in 16 points and BeeJay Anya added 14 points and four blocks. NC State continues this tough stretch, heading into Chapel Hill to face another local rival in UNC. Coach Mark Gottfried believes that his team is “unproven,” beating a tough Duke team is

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Sports CONTINUES ON PAGE 26

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Sports CONTINUES certainly a statement.

Miah Spencer has been red hot, scoring career-highs in her last two contests, The Lady Wolfpack (11-5, 2-1) defeated Clemson 7650. Spencer, who scored 21 versus Virginia Tech, scored 25 three nights later to lead NC State over the Tigers. Carlee Schuhmacher scored 18 points to contribute to the win. The Lady Wolfpack will head on the road for two games before returning back to Raleigh.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA TARHEELS Marcus Paige hit a running layup with 8.5 seconds left to lift UNC to a 72-71 victory over Louisville.

Kennedy Meeks led the Tarheels with 13 points.

“We had several objectives. One was to in the battle on the backboards...[a]nother one was to play without fouling,” Coach Roy Williams mentioned after the game. The Tarheels (124, 2-1) only allowed 11 FT attempts to the aggressive Louisville team. Bryce Johnson added his fourth career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. J.P. Tokoto will be the focus moving forward. He has his fifth game this season with five or more assists. If he can become the facilitator to guys like Meeks and Preseason All-American Paige, then we should see more productivity from each member of the trio mentioned.

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Third Time Is The Charm ARLINGTON, TX - The Ohio State Buckeyes lost two potential Heisman hopeful quarterbacks (QB) this season, however the third time is the charm. The third string QB got the Buckeyes the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship and their first championship in Ohio State’s last three national championship attempts in the past decade. The Buckeyes defeated Oregon 42-20 for the title.

Ohio State fell twice in 2006 and 2007, but Cardale Jones would make sure they would not fail again. Jones, the junior playing in his third ever collegiate game, went 16-23 for 242 yards with a passing and rushing touchdown. Despite this big effort, it took place in the shadows to Ezekiel Elliott. Sophomore running back Elliott ran for a record 246 yards and four touchdowns to match. Elliott had been hot coming into the match-up, starting from the Big Ten Conference Championship against Wisconsin. It continued against Alabama and spilled on to Oregon. He rushed for 696 yards in the last three games of the season.

This College Football Playoff (CFP) system really worked out well in my opinion. The four teams selected: Alabama, Oregon, Florida State, and Ohio State all were deserving of their spots. We saw two of the powerhouse schools bounced in the first round by Oregon and Ohio State. The two then battled it out for a deserving game for both the players and the fans.

The game was viewed by 33.4 million viewers, a 31% increase from the crowd who had watched Florida State capture the national championship last season. Also the first round of the Playoffs had passed by the previous high of 27.3 million, which set the tone for the championship game to break the record even more.

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE | January 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

LIFESTYLES

THIS IS YOUR LIFE

By Del Mattioli IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVE!

Does anyone remember when wood stoves were the heating source for the family, the black kettle pots outside over a fire to heat water for a weekly bath, the ice block in a closed container that prevented food spoilage, the chance to work in the hot sun all day with fully covered bodies to stay cool? No one complained.

It was all about Love!

When the family dinners were prepared—everyone ate at the same time.

Love prevailed and everyone was so happy to just be together. Have you ever heard of Brogans shoes, white sailor shoes, tennis—converse shoes, dresses made of used sacks, everyone sitting around the fire trimming & sewing small squares of cloth together to make quilts, shelling butter beans, peeling peaches & apples to can for the winter? Grocery stores, fast food joints weren’t available. Neighbors shared their crops. Prescriptions were unavailable. People seemed healthy and felt Loved.

Eggs were gathered each morning from the hens and milk from the cows provided good nutrition. Sharing was so common. Neighborly Love!

I was told by a lady recently how her dad would gather old tires cut up in small pieces with his pocket knife to burn in the wood stove for warmth.

The mother/wife helped white families just to barter for food to feed their 15 children. The jobs available were mostly farming ones but this is the positive side of this story—each child grew up to break the poverty cycle and took care of their parents during their old age. Will their children do the same for them? Maybe not—since they are all spread out and can only visit occasionally. Love still prevails when they send funds to their parents.

Where has this type of family love gone? Today some parents are left alone without food, shelter and can hardly make ends meet. Poor families had “family values which didn’t cost money”. Families took care of their parents, grandparents, cousins, friends, and anyone in need. If you are reading this and you are over 50 -- do you really think that your kinfolk and the new generation will care about you and maintain the family values that you now have? Those days seem to be over! Where is the love?

Are we spoiling our kids? Do we really love them or are we satisfying their “wants” Some parents have feelings of guilt and give their children things they didn’t have which can cause laziness. Spoiling breeds depression, low self esteem, ADD, obesity, bossy behavior, selfishness and ungratefulness.

These characteristics are passed on to future generations. Is this true love?

WE have a serious problem. It is all about Love! Where is the Love? WE must help our children NOT to resort to guns & violence to rid their issues.

Love is a feeling. Being ready to shoot to solve a problem is not the answer.

Del Mattioli

Del Mattioli MBA, LUTCF, CLUTCH, CSA—Financial Services Professional/ LifeBridgesmMassMutual’s FREE LIFE INSURANCE /FOR ELIGIBLE PARENTS 919 401 9988 www.massmutual.com/lifebridge, dmattioli@financialguide.com Telephone 919 201 2404 email delmattioli@gmail.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

THE DYNAMIC OF NATURAL HAIR STYLING

By Samantha Huntley

As a passionate salon owner, hairstylist and freelance artist, I have discovered that hair texture is the key factor in selecting a hairstyle. That’s because the texture of your hair dictates the in results. Hair textures can vary; they can be straight and fine, wavy, curly, or coarse, even frizzy. Then there is the over processed texture. At Zien Salon we entrust the textured tresses of our guests to the amazing formulas of MOROCCAN OIL. These formulas enhance or transition textured hair with nutrients and antioxidants providing results that instantly gratify.

The Hydration formulas of MOROCCAN OIL imparts moisture and stimulates blood circulation to the scalp with vitamins A and E, while red algae imparts protein to improve the elasticity and strength of the hair shaft.

The Repair formula delivers relief to weak over processed textures by infusing Argan oil (hydration), Keratin ( protein), and fatty acids (emulsifiers).

All Moroccanoil formulas are sulfate, phosphate, and paraben free. These formulas can be purchased at ZIEN SALON, or stop in and receive The Ultimate, Therapeutic Beauty Experience.

The antioxidant rich Extra Volume formula contributes extra body to straight and fine textures for manageable movement and shine.

Samantha Huntley

Book your appointment with ZIEN SALON today and explore the Chameleon in you.

323 West Main Street Durham NC. 27701 (919-667-1752) contact us at: ZIENSALON.com Zienzien6@gmail.com Ziensalon at Instagram Zienzien at Facebook www.spectacularmag.com | January 2015 | SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE

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F.Y.I

AREA MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. (MLK) HOLIDAY EVENTS Friday January 16, 2015

Sunday January 18, 2015

12:00 pm SHAW UNIVERSITY MARTIN LUTHER KING CELEBRATION

11:00 am WATTS STREET BAPTIST CHURCH 2015 MLK COMMEMORATION

Keynote Speaker: Rev. Thomas Farrow, Pastor - First Baptist Church in Clinton; Bugg Elementary’s choir will perform and Shaw’s Gospel Choir will also provide music.

Rev. Mel Williams, coordinator of End Poverty Durham and part of the Core Leadership Team of REAL Durham, will talk about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy when he delivers the MLK Day sermon. Williams is the retired Senior Minister at Watts Street and began this service during his 24 year tenure. The service will be followed by a lunch and discussion about issues of race and poverty in Durham.

Shaw University Thomas J. Boyd Chapel 118 E. South Street | Raleigh, NC Sponsor Organization: Thomas J. Boyd Chapel For more information contact Chaplain April Rhinehardt at 919 546 8491

3:00 pm MLK RELIGIOUS SERVICE

Duke University Chapel 401 Chapel Dr. | Durham, NC Sponsor Organization: Duke University MLK Commemoration Committee

University Center Annex / Moore Hall Auditorium 1 University Drive | Pembroke, NC Sponsor Organization(s): UNCP’s collegiate NAACP, Office for diversity and Inclusion, Student Affairs, and GPAC

For more information: www.mlk.duke.edu

6:30 pm thru Monday January 19th @ 12 noon ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. YOUTH LOCK-IN Community Family life and Recreation Center at Lyon Park 1313 Halley St. Durham, NC Sponsor Organization(s): First Calvary Baptist Church, West End Community Foundation, Inc., Durham Parks and Recreation & Duke – Durham Neighborhood Partnership

For more information, contact Dr. Robert Canida, II at canida@uncp.edu or (910) 5216508

Saturday January 17, 2015 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm MLK: REMEMBERING THE LEGACY THROUGH THE ARTS W. D. Hill Recreation Center 1308 Fayetteville Road | Durham, NC Sponsor Organization(s): Durham (NC) Parks & Recreation Dept.

An overnight youth community event celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King that includes motivational speakers, performances from local high school bands, dance and performing arts, and various games and activities to build team camaraderie. The event will end with participation in the Durham Unity March and Rally on Monday.

For more information, contact Dolli Bradford (Lock-in chair) (919) 489-4184

Monday January 19, 2015

There will be a host of activities to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. including visual art displays, poetry, community discussions, live performances, arts and crafts projects and more. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, call (919) 560-4292

7:00 am 35TH ANNUAL MLK TRIANGLE INTERFAITH PRAYER BREAKFAST

Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center 4700 Emperor Boulevard | Research Triangle Park, NC Sponsor Organization: Triangle MLK Jr. Committee

8:00 pm SOUNDS OF JUSTICE & INCLUSION MUSICAL PROGRAM

Musical program honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. including performances by Durham Symphony, John Brown “Little” Big Band, Yolanda Rabun and 100 Men in Black Choir.

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Barber

A service to remember, celebrate, and honor the work and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Open to the public. The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, president of the North Carolina NAACP and founder of the Forward Together Moral Movement, will deliver the keynote address. This year’s theme, “Dignity Through Dissent: Demanding Civil Rights in a Modern World,” honors the memory of Duke historian John Hope Franklin as the university prepares to observe the 100th anniversary of his birth.

The kickoff event will consist of a VIP reception for Dr .Benjamin Chavis, Jr. (Civil rights activist, Wilmington Ten, scholar, author, etc.) in the University Center Annex. The reception will be followed by The Life and Times of Paul Robeson: A Play, performed by United in Music in Moore Auditorium. Only 75 VIP tickets will be sold!

For more information: www.mlk.duke.edu

Williams

Lunch reservations can be made by calling the church office at 919-688-1366.

5:30 pm UNC - PEMBROKE MLK CELEBRATION KICKOFF EVENT

Duke University Baldwin Auditorium 1336 Campus Drive | Durham, NC Sponsor Organization: Duke University MLK Commemoration Committee

Watts Street Baptist Church 800 Watts Street | Durham, NC Sponsor Organization: Watts Street Baptist Church

Rabun

Keynote Speaker - Dr. James H. Johnson, a social entrepreneur, has spent the past two decades examining and testing strategies for sucJohnson cessfully educating children who live in areas of concentrated poverty.

Dr. Johnson is the William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center at UNC-Chapel Hill. Free Breakfast served from 6-8 am only! Doors open at 5:45 am; breakfast will end at 8 am.

For more information: www.trianglemlk.com/programs-events/

9:00 am MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY RALLY, MARCH &

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SERVICE

Sponsor Organization: Duke University MLK Commemoration Committee

Keynote Speaker - Bishop George W. Brooks, Pastor Emeritus - Mount Zion Baptist Church Greensboro, NC

Chapel Hill, NC Sponsor Organization: Chapel Hill-Carrboro Branch 5689 of the NAACP

9:00 am: Rally at the Peace & Justice Plaza (in front of the Franklin Street Post Office in Chapel Hill), with rally speaker Madrid K. Danner-Smith and a performance by the Raging Grannies 10:00 am: March down Franklin Street to Historic First Baptist Church (106 North Roberson Street) 11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Service at Historic First Baptist Church with keynote speaker Reverend Dr. Rodney Coleman, Pastor.

For more information: contact naacp5689@gmail.com

For more information: www.durhammlkcommittee.org

Tuesday January 20, 2015 Coleman

7:00 pm UNC MARTIN LUTHER KING JR WEEK COMMEMORATION EVENT*

UNC-CH Stone Center Auditorium 150 South Road | Chapel Hill, NC Sponsor Organization: Stone Center for Black Culture and History

10:30 am UNITY MARCH & RALLY

Durham, NC Sponsor Organization: Durham MLK Steering Committee

March begins at the NC Mutual Life Insurance Company (411 West Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC) & concludes at First Presbyterian Church (305 E. Main Street, Durham, NC)

A tribute to the legacy of Dr. King in verse and song, featuring Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Carolyn Malachi. The program will also include performances by UNC’s EROT (Ebony Readers Onyx Theatre) and Sacrificial Poets. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information: www.durhammlkcommittee.org

To RSVP: Visit: www.sonjahaynesstonectr.unc.edu or call 919962-9001

12:00 pm THE 35 TH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING NOON ECUMENICAL OBSERVANCE

Wednesday January 21, 2015

Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts 2 East South Street | Raleigh, NC Sponsor Organization: Triangle MLK Jr. Committee & Shaw University Keynote speaker - Reverend Dr. Cathy S. Gilliard, Presiding Bishop of the New York Annual Conference and Senior Minister of Park Avenue United Methodist Church, NY. For more information: www.trianglemlk.com/programs-events/

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm CELEBRATING THE DREAM

Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill 4011 Pickett Road | Durham, NC Sponsor Organization(s): Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill And Durham Nativity School Students, families, and friends of all ages are invited to share a meal and conversation at this multi-generational gathering. Former Mayor Wense Grabarek and Former NCCU Provost and Historian, Dr. Beverly Washington Jones will speak at the event.

Malachi

Civic Center | VGCC Main Campus 200 Community College Road | Henderson, NC Sponsor Organization: Vance Granville Community College

The theme of this year’s event is “How can we educate, inspire, and support our community?” The program will include inspirational music presented by local choirs, as well as remarks by guest speaker Archie Taylor Jr. of Henderson. A retired U.S. Army colonel and retired businessman, Taylor was elected to the Vance County Board of Commissioners in 2012 and was recently elected to chair the board. He has also served as an adjunct instructor at VGCC. The celebration is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local charitable organization. All attendees who donate a food item will be eligible to win a door prize.

For more information: contact Melanie Copeland at (252) 738-3271 or copelandm@vgcc.edu

For more information: Lori Easterlin, Director of Service Learning, 919-491-7330

1:00 pm 28TH ANNUAL DURHAM CIVIL RIGHTS REUNION COMMITTEE MLK LUNCHEON

11:00 am VGCC DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Thursday, February 5, 2015 Jones

St Joseph AME Church 2521 Fayetteville Street | Durham, NC Sponsor Organization: Durham Civil Rights Reunion Committee

The keynote speaker is Mr. George W. King, one of the original Black Firemen hired by City of Durham.

For more information: 919-596-1081

10:30 am THE STORY: AFRICANAMERICANS WHO HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE

Hillside High School Auditorium 3727 Fayetteville Street | Durham, NC Sponsor Organization: Hillside High School Theatre Dept.

Featuring 17 year old Jekalyn Carr, evangelist, entrepreneur, profound speaker and accomplished national gospel recording artist.

Hillside High School is celebrating Black History Month by presenting the play The Story. The original concept, developed by Emmanuel Tabb while still a student at Hillside, was derived from the book African Americans Who Made a Difference.

The educational and inspiring play’s plot involves two teenage girls trapped in an African American History Museum overnight, and the statues came to life in their time there. The statues were African Americans who’ve made a difference in our history such as Sojourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr., Shirley Caesar, Ernie Barnes, Condoleezza Rice, President Barack Obama, First Lady Michele Obama and many more. Educational Matinee Series: Thursday, Feb. 5th (Grades 3-6); Friday, Feb. 6th (Middle and High Schools); Weekend Dates: Friday Feb. 6th - 7:15 pm; Saturday Feb. 7th - 3:15 pm and 7:15 pm; Sunday Feb. 8th - 3:15 pm

6:00 pm MLK ANNUAL RELIGIOUS SERVICE

Saturday February 7, 2015

5:30 pm ANNUAL MLK EVENING MUSICAL CELEBRATION DUKE ENERGY CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 2 East South Street, Raleigh, NC Sponsor Organization:Triangle MLK Jr. Committee

For more information and reservations: call (919) 560-3925 x 25240 or email wendell. tabb@dpsnc.net

For more information: www.trianglemlk.com/programs-events/

Duke University Chapel 401 Chapel Dr. | Durham, NC 32

Carr

12:00 pm

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE | January 2015 | www.spectacularmag.com

13TH ANNUAL DURHAM MLK BLACK HISTORY MONTH PARADE Fayetteville Street (bet. Cornwallis Rd & Lawson St.) Durham, NC Sponsor Organization: Spectacular Magazine

The 13th Annual Durham MLK/Black History Month Parade is a multi-cultural, wholesome family-oriented event held during Black History Month.

This year’s theme, “We Shall Overcome…” is taken from Dr. King’s sermon “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution” delivered in Washington, D.C.’s National Cathedral on March 31, 1968. Dr. King reminds us Chavis “that we have difficult days ahead in the struggle for justice and peace, but [we] will not yield to a politic of despair… and so, however dark it is, however deep the angry feelings are, and however violent explosions are, [we] can still sing “We Shall Overcome.” Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. will serve as Grand M a r s h a l . A lifelong activist, Dr. Chavis overcame racial injustice and wrongful imprisonment to become a vocal leader in the civil rights movement, which pressed for equality between the races. Dr. Chavis was the leader of the Wilmington Ten, a group of wrongly convicted activists who were recently pardoned by former NC Gov. Bev Perdue; a former president of the NAACP (1993-1994) and in 1995 served as director and chief organizer of the Million Man March. Chavis writes a weekly syndicated column for the NNPA News Service. With Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. serving as Grand Marshal, it will allow us to highlight the fact, especially to our youth, that ‘if the inexpressible cruelties of slavery couldn’t stop us, being subjected to various forms of mistreatment and violence to be able to vote didn’t deter us, the opposition that we now face will surely fail.’

For more information or to register for Parade: visit www.spectacularmag.com

Tuesday February 10, 2015 7:00 pm CHRISTIANS UNITED FOR ISRAEL MLK EVENT

Frank Porter Graham Student Union Great Hall South and Raleigh Roads (UNC Chapel Hill campus) | Chapel Hill, NC Sponsor Organization: UNC chapter of Christians United for Israel Keynote Speaker: Dumisani Washington, Founder of Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel. Theprogramwill focus on Dr. King’s pro-Israel legacy and the true social justice issues of the Middle East.

For more information: Lu Friedman 919-542-0930 or Olivia Byrd 919-450-6304 (cell)

MLK DAY OF SERVICE ACTIVITIES Monday January 19, 2015 7:45 am – 1:00 pm ROTARY/UNITED WAY PARTNERSHIP FOR MLK DAY Durham Technical Community College

1637 East Lawson Street | Durham, NC The Rotary Club of Durham, Duke University, Durham Tech, and United Way of the Greater Triangle are joining together on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service this year to bring 100,000

meals to the Triangle area. In a four hour event at Durham Technical Community College, volunteers will create soup mixes, rice bags, and bean bags to fill the shelves of pantries in the Triangle area. In total, volunteers will assemble 25,000 food items that will be distributed to partner agencies working to end hunger in Durham, Orange, Wake, and Johnston counties.

For more information: please contact Assistant District Governor, Joyce McKinney, at jcmckinn@gmail.com , or Carver Weaver, at weaverc@durhamtech.edu

9:30 am – 2:00 pm ALPHA ZETA OMEGA CHAPTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. Ivy Community Center 4222 Fayetteville Road | Durham, NC

Join the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Urban Ministries of Durham ( UMD) for a day of service as they prepare casseroles and donate winter coats and gloves to needy families at the shelter.

Throughout the day, the Ladies will be assisting with various activities including hosting a special program in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. 9:30-11:30 am • Transport casseroles and winter wraps collected at the Ivy Community Center to Urban Ministries • Make 300 bag lunches • Sort donated clothing for distribution through the clothing closet 11:30-Noon • MLK Day Program • Write inspirational messages on 300 lunch bags Noon-2:00 pm • Make family sized packages of soup • Package goods for distribution

For further information: please contact Ashley Ascott at ashleybarrington@yahoo.com

MLK DAY OF SERVICE "A DREAM JANUARY 19,MADE 2015 10am - 4pm WHOLE"

CAARE Inc.

JOIN US FOR A DAY OF FUN FILLED ACTIVITIES AS WE GIVE BACK TO THE DURHAM COMMUNITY

*Community Service Projects *Door Prize Give-aWays *Free Health Screenings

*Free Fitness Class *Free Cooking Demonstrations *Health Educational and Awareness

CAARE Inc. 214 Broadway St. Durham, NC 27701 919.687.0793 www.caare-inc.org

www.spectacularmag.com | January 2015 | SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE

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ENTERTAINMENT

DID U KNOW?...

AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CELEBRATION JANUARY 31

RALEIGH, NC - Experience North Carolina’s rich and diverse heritage at the African American Cultural Celebration on January 31, 2015. Let Freedom Sing! is the theme for this year’s statewide kickoff to Black History month.

The festival will honor the anniversary of the civil rights legislation as well as celebrate

By Sherri Holmes

The celebration will begin at 10:30 am with a procession up the bicentennial plaza led by the Tryon Palace Jonkonnu drummers and Alando Mitchell Youth Drumline. The day will be filled with more than 75 musicians, storytellers, dancers, historians, playwrights, authors, artists, reenactors, chefs,

teachers and scholars who will share North Carolina’s African American history and culture.

North Carolina musicians from many musical genres will perform. This year there will be several musicians

Council. These performers include Dick Knight and NC Heritage Award Winner Bill Myers from the Winston Band.

There will also be a spoken word and musical tribute to Maya Angelou as well as several hands-on activities for children.

According to event organizer Emily Grant, “The celebration is one of the most exciting, inspiring, thought-provoking events the museum hosts each year. The caliber and depth of the performances and presentations are astounding.

From literature, music, and dance to historical scholarship, filmmaking, art and craft to foodways and health—I learn something every year. You can’t leave this event and not be proud to be a North Carolinian!”

For more information as well as the event schedule, visit www. ncmuseumofhistory.org.

HAYTI HERITAGE FILM FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 12 -14, 2015 DURHAM, NC - For over 30 years, the Hayti Heritage

Film Festival has provided the community with the opportunity to experience films of, by, and about people of African descent. On February 12 – 14, 2015, the festival will present a diverse mix of shows including short and full length films from around the world.

Many films are award winners from other prestigious festivals.

Some address political and societal issues and others just tell a good story.

The Hayti Heritage Film Festival will host panel discussions to allow attendees to gain insights from industry experts and filmmakers. The festival helps to develop up and coming filmmakers by providing student workshops and film competitions. Over the years, several of the festival’s emerging artists have gone on to achieve much success.

Marc Lee, curator of the festival, believes that there will be something for everyone and that last day of the festival “would be a great Valentine’s Day date night.”

For more information or to purchase festival tickets, go to www.hayti.org.

AS A SELECTED PRODUCTION FOR THE KENNEDY CENTER AMERICAN COLLEGE THEATRE FESTIVAL The NCCU Department of Theatre & Dance presents THE BLUEST EYE January 30-31, 2015 @ 8:00pm February 1, 2015 @ 3:00pm University Theatre Farrison-Newton Communications Building Tickets: $11 Ticket info: (919) 530-5170/General info:(919) 530-6242 North Carolina’s musical legacy which includes jazz, gospel, blues, rap and marching bands.

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who are highlighted in the new publication, The African American Music Trails Guidebook from the NC Arts

Due to participation in ACTF competition, GOD SPOKE MYNAME: MAYA ANGELOU has been moved to April, 2015

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CLASSIFIEDS / LOCAL BUSINESS

“Servicing Auto Dealerships in Durham, NC & Detroit, MI”

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