Spectacular Magazine Oct 2010

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE www.spectacularmag.com PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PHYLLIS COLEY

FEATURES EDITOR

HEALTH EDITOR

GRACE GRAHAM

DR. SHARON ELLIOTT-BYNUM

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR GARY JONES

COLUMNISTS

LARRY HALL, ESQ. LAMONT LILLY DEL MATTIOLI IRVING JOYNER, ESQ. REV. JAMES SMITH

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

APRIL MIAL LENTONIA MOYE VALERIE WHITTED

PHOTOGRAPHERS

MEL BROWN - STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

LAYOUT/DESIGN

PHYLLIS COLEY

LAWRENCE DAVIS III

DISTRIBUTION

LAWRENCE DAVIS III LELIA ROYSTER Spectacular Magazine enlightens, empowers and entertains African Americans with features, columns, commentaries and calendars.

Spectacular Magazine is published bi-monthly and distributed free in Durham, Wake, Guilford, Orange, Granville, Vance and Person counties.

Deadline for all submissions is the 18th of each month.

Contact us at: info@spectacularmag.com or by mail at: P. O. 361 Durham, NC 27702 919-680-0465 Mail subscriptions are available for $29.95 per year. Second class postage is paid in Durham, NC. Subscription form available at www.spectacularmag.com

PRESIDENT - CEO Phyllis D. Coley

VICE PRESIDENT - OPERATIONS Gary N. Jones, MBA

In October 2010 Issue Ear to the Streets Entertainment Feature - Spectacular Men of 2010 Ernest Barner Kenneth Crews Dr. Christopher Edwards Atty Willie Gary Min. Curtis Gatewood Dr. Jim Harper R. Bradley Long Ron Peoples Queron Smith From The Publisher’s Desk Health Special Gee Top 20 Playlist COVER PHOTO: Mel Brown 4

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From The Publisher’s Desk...

HEARTFELT THANKS TO ANNUAL N.C. JUNETEENTH PLANNING COMMITTEE

Phyllis D. Coley

In this issue and the last we have featured highlights from the 6th Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration that took place on June 18-19, 2010. The Celebration kicked off with the Spectacular Magazine Man of the Year Awards Banquet on Friday night. The Spectacular Men of 2010 are featured in this issue (and they are truly Spectacular.) Read about the men who were recognized in 2010 and find out when you will be able to nominate that special man to be honored in 2011.

In the last issue we featured the headliners of our Juneteenth Celebration stage - Johnny White, Gerald Hinton and Stanley Baird, along with the other great talent that graced our stage. They did their thing the day of the event and, no doubt, they put in hours of preparation to be able to show like they did. All of it came together under the skillful guidance of the Stage Manager, Gary Jones and the professionalism of the sound company, Earl Wiggins Concert Sound. And the two MC’s were awesome: Grave Digger and Les Long. Thanks gentlemen!

The Rightchus Truth

by Lamont Lilly aka ‘Rightchus’

Will be back next issue PEACE!

The Youth Luncheon and Unity March were touching and all I imagined it to be - an opportunity for our children and men in this community to come together to work for the eradication of modern-day forms of bondage. It’s humbling when others see your vision and help bring it to fruition.

God sent some helpers to work on an event that is so important to the community. I want to offer my heartful and sincere appreciaton to a group of selfless, hard-working people who put in countless hours to assure that the 6th Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration was a success.

That’s the Juneteenth Planning Committee. These are the individuals who answered the call and the areas in which they were in charge.

Rev. Rachel Green, Co-CChair (Banquet) Donald Hughes (Youth Luncheon) Rene Johnson (Marketplace) Lamont Lilly (Unity March) Erica McCrae (Car & Bike Show) Randy Trice (Volunteers/Security) I will forever be grateful! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Phyllis Coley

pcoley@spectacularmag.com

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COVER STORY

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE MEN OF 2010

Spectacular Magazine 2010 Man of the Year Awards recipients (l-r) are: Queron Smith, Ralph Bradley Long, Ron Peoples, Dr. Christopher Edwards, Dr. Jim Harper, Ernest Barner and Rev. Curtis Gatewood. Not pictured is Kenneth Crews.

All Photos: Mel Brown

DURHAM - Each year the June issue of Spectacular Magazine has included feature articles on “Positive Brothers” which recognized the achievements of African American men in the Triangle area. It was in the month of June to coincide with the organization’s Annual North Carolina Juneteenth Celebration held in Durham on the third Saturday in June.

This year Spectacular Magazine took it to another level.

“For the past five years our staff has selected the men to be featured in our ‘Positive Brothers’ issue,” explains Spectacular Magazine Publisher Phyllis Coley. “This year we decided to allow our readers to select who would be honored. It was also decided that we would hold a banquet to present the awards to the honorees with their family and friends in attendance.”

With a mission to enlighten and empower, Spectacular Magazine in conjunction with Triangle Cultural Awareness Foundation, recognized and honored the achievements of African American men with the Spectacular Magazine Man of the Year Awards.

Twenty-four African American men in eight categories were selected by the N.C. Juneteenth Celebration Planning Committee (Committee) as Semi-Finalists for Spectacular Magazine Man of the Year Awards. Nine of those received the title at the Spectacular Magazine Man of the Year Awards Banquet on Friday night June 18th.

The black-tie Banquet was the kick-off event of the 6th Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration & Unity March.

Nominations in seven categories were accepted on the Spectacular Magazine website (www.spectacularmag.com). The Committee reviewed the nominations and announced the top three

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nominees in each of the seven categories: Business & Economic Development, Civil & Human Rights, Community Service, Corporate Leader, Education, Emerging Leader, and Health. The recipient of the award in the eighth category – Lifetime Achievement – was named by the Committee.

Gary Jones, Spectacular Magazine Vice President of Operations, oversaw the process. “I commend the Committee. It was truly a daunting task. Committee members read each nomination, first determining if the nominee met the criteria. Then they had a point system by which to score the nominee. The three with the highest points were named a Semi-Finalist.”

There were an overwhelming amount of nominees in one category. “We just could not get it down to three in the Community Service category,” says Committee Chair, Rev. Rachel Green. “We have a lot of our men out there serving the community. The Committee decided to present two awards in this category. It was only fitting.”

Once the semi-finalists were publicly announced, the voting process began. The Award recipients were not announced until the night of the Spectacular Magazine Man of the Year Awards Banquet held at the Marriott in Research Triangle Park.

SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE 2010 MEN OF THE YEAR Lifetime Achievement: Attorney Willie E. Gary (Criteria: Man who has made outstanding and significant contributions to the African-American community throughout his lifetime; he must have demonstrated dedication, leadership and commitment to the advancement, promotion and Spectacular Men continues on page 8

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Spectacular Men continues development of the cultural, educational, social, economic, political welfare and/or in any other areas that impact the lives of people in the African-American community; must be of African heritage.)

Attorney Willie E. Gary, Chair of Shaw University’s Board of Trustees, was selected by the Committee to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Gary was the first black male to go to college from the small town of Indiantown, Florida where his family labored in the cane fields. Earning a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Shaw University in Raleigh, he continued on to North Carolina Central University in Durham where he earned a Juris Doctor in 1974. He moved back to Stuart where he was admitted to the Florida Bar and opened the first black law firm in Martin County.

Known as a businessman, churchman, humanitarian and philanthropist, Gary is deeply involved in charity and civic work. He is committed to enhancing the lives of young people through education and drug prevention. In 1994, he and his wife, Gloria, formed The Gary Foundation to carry out this formidable task.

The Gary Foundation provides scholarships, direction and other resources to youth, so they can realize their dreams of achieving a higher education. In 1991, Gary Ernest Barner (center) accepted his Award from Detrick Clark (right) Gateway Ambassador, Saint Augustine's College. Barner is joined by Rep. donated $10.1 million to his alma mater Shaw University. Program Larry Hall (left), Spectacular Magazine Publisher Phyllis Coley (2nd from left) He has also donated millions of dollars to dozens of and Gary Jones (2nd from right), V.P., Spectacular Magazine. Photo: Mel Brown Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the Business & Economic Development: Ernest L. Barner United States.

Owner, E. Barner Realty (Roanoke Rapids) In addition to being a lawyer, philanthropist and motivational speaker, Gary continues to serve on the board of trustees of numer(Criteria: man must have made significant contributions to the Africanous universities and foundations. He has received honorary doctorAmerican community in the area of economic development; have the AfricanAmerican community as a target population for his services or specific project; ates from dozens of colleges and universities. He is also active in man of any race, color or creed who serves the African-American community is numerous community organizations including the NAACP, National eligible.)

Urban League, Civitan International, United Way of Martin County, At age 6, due to the death of his father, Ernest L. Barner Martin Memorial Hospital Foundation and many others. became solely dependent upon his mother and grandmother for supGary has earned his reputation and nickname as “The Giant port. Determined to avoid being a product of his society, Barner Killer” by winning suits against some of America’s most well known decided to explore other avenues by turning possibilities into realicorporate giants, such as Disneyland and Anheuser-Busch. ties. His focus became directed at making a difference in the lives of Ali Gary accepted the Award on behalf of his father. others; morally, socially and economically.

After being educated by the Halifax County Public School System, in rural Halifax County, North Carolina, Barner attended Elizabeth City State University. While attending ECSU, he became a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Barner believed in the fraternity’s motto, “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity.” In 1992, Barner received his BS Degree in Accounting and became employed with American General Finance as a Finance Officer. Before leaving the company, he was promoted to Branch Manager.

In 1996, he became employed with BB&T Company. This new position as a Retail Service Officer allowed Barner the opportunity to complete their Management Development Program with emphasis on finance discipline, strategies, and marketing. In 1999, he became employed with Roanoke Rapids Savings Bank where he started a finance/mortgage company. In this position, like the others before, he observed the need to provide people with self help tools based on their own personal situations.

In 2000, Barner opened Barner and Associates/E Barner Realty in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., which is currently serving the Roanoke Valley, Wilson, Triad and Triangle areas. While engaging in his entrepreneurial goals, Barner continues to observe the need to educate individuals. He often speaks with teenagers and adults regarding making decisions for life long financial success.

Currently, Barner serves as a member on the Board of Directors Ali Gary (left) accepted the Spectacular Magazine Man of the for Halifax Regional Medical Center, Advisory Committee for Year Award - Lifetime Achievement on behalf of his father, Willie Generations Community Credit Union, Audit Committee for Halifax E. Gary. Spectacular Magazine Publisher Phyllis Coley (right) presented the Award.

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Spectacular Men continues County Public School System, Scholarship Committee for Halifax Academy School, and is an active member of the Deacon Board at the Love of God Church of Christ. He is also a trained mentor of the Weldon City Schools MATCH (Mentoring Activities Tailored for Children in Halifax) program, a mentoring program designed to promote academic and social achievement for students in grades 4th through 8th. Barner believes that success is much more than revenue, it’s about service to others.

Semi-Finalists: David Reese - C.O.O., Interfaith Food Shuttle (Durham) Charles Walton - Volunteer, S.E.R.V.E. South East Raleigh Vicinity Emerging (Raleigh)

Civil & Human Rights: Minister Curtis Gatewood 2nd V. P., NC NAACP (Oxford) (Criteria: man must have made substantial and long-term contributions in furtherance of civil rights, civil liberties, and/or human rights; led the development of contemporary measures to fight discrimination and prejudice and the effects of past discrimination; and/or fostered positive intergroup relations among persons of different races, ages, ethnic origin, gender, religious backgrounds, or physical and mental abilities; man of any race, color or creed who serves the AfricanAmerican community is eligible.)

Just prior to being elected as Durham NAACP President in 1995 Minister Curtis E. Gatewood spearheaded the “1,000 Man March against Violence and Self-Hatred.” It will go down in history as the largest march of African American men on the streets of Durham, N. C. in response to inner-city violence.

As Durham NAACP President, Gatewood’s leadership was recognized as North Carolina’s NAACP Branch President of the Year and Branch of the Year amongst several other accolades. Gatewood and the Durham NAACP became highly visible in numerous non-violent campaigns against the local school board which occasionally led to Gatewood’s arrest. The branch led a campaign to cease the commercialism and subsequent overspending at Christmas time which garnered national attention and support. A Superior Court ruling favored Gatewood and the Durham NAACP’s contention that the police’s indiscriminate raid on the citizens within a Durham apartment com-

plex was unconstitutional. In one of Gatewood’s last stances before leaving the Durham NAACP Presidency in 2003, he convinced the City of Durham to provide public restrooms for bus riders who had long complained they were being denied access to restrooms at the downtown DATA station.

Minister Curtis Gatewood, a graduate student at Apex School of Theology who holds a Bachelor of Theology and an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, now resides in Oxford, NC. He is Founder of “Save Our Little Ones (S.O.L.O.)”, a grassroots initiative to save at-risk youth. Gatewood is currently serving his 4th term as 2nd Vice President of the North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP (NC NAACP).

In 2006, NC NAACP President, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, appointed Gatewood to Chair their NC NAACP Mobilization Committee for Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HK on J), an annual mobilization of thousands on the streets to fight injustice.

Just one month after receiving the “Man of the Year Award”, Gatewood led a challenge to the Tea Party’s efforts to organize in Granville County. Later that month, Gatewood was arrested with 19 other protesters at a Wake County Minister Curtis Gatewood (3rd from right) is joined by (l to r) N.C. State Rep. Larry Hall, Schools Board of Education meeting, Spectacular Magazine Publisher Phyllis Coley, daughter Desmera Gatewood, wife Odessa where the board’s new ultra conservative Gatewood, Stephanie Royster, Coordinator, Navigator Program - Duke Breast Wellness Clinic (Award presenter) and Spectacular Magazine V. P. Gary Jones.

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Photo: Mel Brown

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Spectacular Men continues majority quickly dismantled a model Diversity Plan. In downtown Raleigh, Gatewood marched with hundreds within the Hispanic community on July 29th to oppose racial profiling and Arizona law SB 1070.

At the rally, with an interpreter by his side, Gatewood gave, which some describe as a “historic speech”, which may serve as a landmark discussion between Blacks and Hispanics in America at this point in history.

Gatewood gives his family and others much credit for his success.

According to Gatewood, his wife Odessa has beautifully stood with him better than he has stood with himself. He credits his mother, Geneva Gaddy Gatewood as being the “perfect mother” and dedicated the award to his father, the late Rev. Dr. Wade H. Gatewood who passed in April of this year. “If I am one fraction of the man my father was, that is what would make me worthy of such a prestigious (Man of the Year) award,” Gatewood said.

Semi-Finalists: Bruce Lightner - Co-Chair, MLK Celebration Committee, Inc. (Raleigh) James R. White - 4th V. P., NC NAACP (Raleigh)

Community Service: Kenneth E. Crews Fire Marshal, City of Durham (Durham) (Criteria: recipient should have volunteered his time for one or more activities that were to the immediate benefit of others in the community; must be of African heritage.)

Kenneth E. Crews began his career with the Durham Fire Department in 1992 as a fire inspector in the Fire Prevention Division.

He was promoted to assistant fire marshal in 1995. As he continued his career with the department, he was promoted to fire marshal in 1997.

Crews introduced the first-ever Jr. Fire Marshal program to Durham residents. The Durham Fire Department, in conjunction with Durham Parks and Recreation Department and the North Carolina Department of Insurance, office of the State Fire Marshal conducts the program consisting of four days of learning about careers and different components of the Durham Fire Department.

The Jr. Fire Marshal Program is held annually during Durham Public School’s spring break. To be a candidate for participation, students must be between the ages of 11 and 17. The students receive classroom instructions as well as hands-on scenarios throughout the program. The event concludes with each participant conducting an oral presentation on information and skills learned during their participation.

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At recent closing ceremonies, a student reported that he was able to save the lives of his family members due to lessons learned on fire safety in this program led by Crews.

Crews holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from North Carolina Central University. He also has graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Institute of Government Fire Prevention School. He holds certifications in the following: Advance Hazardous Materials Tactical Considerations, the University of Maryland’s Staff and Command School, and also from the National Fire Academy’s Fire Arson Investigation Program. He also holds a North Carolina fire inspector level III standard certificate.

He served as the president of the North Carolina Fire Marshal’s Association from 2002 thru 2004. He also served on the National Fire Protection Association’s International Fire Marshal’s Association Spectacular Men continues on page 11

Spectacular Men continues executive board from 2004 through 2007. He served on the executive board of the North Carolina Council of Code Official’s from 2003 thru 2008.

Married to Reverend Brenda Johnson Crews, Crews currently serves as a Deacon at Evans Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He has two daughters: Antha Marie, a graduate of North Carolina Central University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a graduate of The Art Institute of Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C. with a Kenneth Crews degree in Interior Design; and Marla Earnette, a graduate of The International Academy of Design and Technology, Orlando, Florida in Computer Graphics.

Community Service: Ralph Bradley Long Program Facilitator, Rites of Passage Program - Durham Business & Professional Chain (Durham)

While working security at North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company in Durham, Ralph Bradley Long was introduced to the Durham Business and Professional Chain’s Rites of Passage program which provides mentoring for black boys ages 13-17 in the Durham community. After observing a graduation ceremony, Bradley saw something wonderful in the mentoring program and knew instantly that he had to be a part of it.

Having grown up in a close knit family with both mother and father in the home, Bradley already knew the value of the village in raising our children. Bradley’s approach to life focuses on plain, simple, common-sense wisdom based on the principles taught to him by his parents and family. His mother Irene Long commented on “his helpful spirit, and willingness to help anyone, anytime.”

Pictured left to right: Rep. Larry Hall, V. Dianne Pledger, President & CEO. St. Joseph's Historic Foundation/The Hayti Heritage Center (Award presenter), Ralph Bradley Long, Phyllis Coley, and Gary Jones. Photo: Mel Brown

Having a hectic schedule has not hampered his efforts to improve the lives of young people in the Durham community for the last 15 years. As well as working full- time at PHE, Inc in Hillsborough, Bradley works part-time at Whole Foods Market. He is also actively involved in his church, yet has still found time to be involved with Rites of Passage and the Durham Business and Professional Chain for over 15 years.

Bradley is also a board member of Spirit House, Inc which focuses on eradicating racism, illiteracy, poverty and address issues of social justice. Bradley’s inimitable style and direct, blunt nosed approach have allowed him to be tremendous resource for young people dealing with the issues facing the Durham community.

Reflecting on her brother, Jennifer Long noted “my brother is a good person who is always thinking of others before he thinks of himself.” Bradley’s selfless commitment to improving our community is noteworthy and admirable. Durham is fortunate to be able to call him one of our own.

Semi-Finalists: Charles “Chuck” Davis - Founder/Artistic Director, African American Dance Ensemble (Durham) Otis Lyons - CEO/Founder, Campaign 4 Change (Durham) Rev. Dr. William Richardson Pastor, First Community Baptist Church (Hillsborough) Anthony O. Vann - Executive Director, Noire Productions, Inc. (Knightdale)

Corporate Leader: Ron Peoples CEO, Peoples Financial Services (Raleigh) (Criteria: a leader who creates senior management commitment and implements successful organizational diversity programs for the company; man of any race, color or creed who serves the African-American community is eligible.)

With nearly 20 years of experience in finance, Ron Peoples’ Pictured l-r: Rep. Larry Hall, Corporate Leader Award recipient Ron Peoples and his wife Carol, success is the direct result of his People’s daughter Erika, son Ronnie III, Spectacular Magazine V.P. Gary Jones, Spectacular Magazine Publisher Phyllis Coley and Award presenter Kimberly W. Moore, Ph.D. - Manager of practicing philosophy of relationMarketing & Public Relations, NC Mutual Life InsuranceCompany.

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Photo: Mel Brown

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Spectacular Men continues ship building, and the discipline derived from a career in law enforcement. Since the 1980s, Peoples has held positions in finance and insurance, received numerous performance awards, and was inducted into Smith Barney’s Golden Circle Production Club.

The native North Carolinian attended both Winston-Salem State University and Albany (Ga.) State University. He formerly held National Association of Securities Dealers Series 26 (Principal Officer) and Series 6 and 63 (Investment Officer) certifications.

Peoples is President and CEO of the Peoples Community Foundation, and Peoples Sports Management, and is a registered player financial advisor for the National Football League Players Association.

Peoples also serves as a business advisor to NFL players. He is a member of Wachovia Bank’s Cary (NC) regional advisory board, and on the board of advisors of the First Bank of Snook (Texas), the board of advisors for the Raleigh Business & Technology Center, and serves on the board of directors of Upper Room Church of God in Christ, where he is an ordained elder. Married 20 years to Carol, Peoples also has three children: Ronnie Jr., Ronnie III and Erica.

Semi-Finalists: Rene Daughtry - Chairman, Cisco Black Employees Network (Research Triangle Park) Cy Young - Program Director, Radio One Raleigh (Raleigh)

Education: Dr. Jim C. Harper, II Associate Professor, Dept. of History, NCCU (Durham) (Criteria: man who is driven by the need to help students succeed and has made significant gains toward eliminating the significant gap between the achievement levels of blacks and non-black students; man of any race, color or creed who serves the African-American community is eligible.)

Dr. Jim C. Harper II not only makes extraordinary contributions daily in his role as an educator at North Carolina Central University, but he also willingly shares his gifts, talents, keen-eye, and expertise with others.

Born and raised in Mount Olive, N. C., Harper says his mother, orphaned at the age of three and his father, a sharecropper, stressed the importance of hard work, education, common sense, integrity, dignity and the family unit. After graduation from Southern Wayne High School in 1985, Harper joined the U. S. Marine Corps. After four years in the Marine, he came to NCCU where he earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in history. In 2004, while already teaching at NCCU, he earned his Ph.D. in African history from Howard University.

Dr. Harper received a tenure track position as an Assistant Professor with North Carolina Central University in the fall of 2004.

He was then promoted to the rank of Associate Professor in 2007. He has presented papers and taken part on panels at the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the Helen G. Edmonds Lyceum, Duke University, and the Phoenix Society for African American Research. Dr. Harper’s research interests include connections between Africans and African Americans during the 19th and 20th centuries and African students in the United States. He received an internship awarded by the Department of State to serve in the Political section of the United States Embassy in Kenya where he conducted research on Western-Educated Kenyan Elites. Recently, he, with the assistance of faculty members from the Department of History at NCCU and Howard University, published his book entitled Western Educated Elites in Kenya, 1900-1963: The African American Factor.

With the understanding that the most essential product of North Carolina Central University are its graduates and that their impact on the local, state, and global communities, Dr. Harper advises students within the department of History. He also serves as an advisor to the C.A. Jones History Club, NAACP, North Carolina Central University Student Think Tank, the Tau Psi and Omega Zeta chapters of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Council of Legal Educational Opportunity (CLEO).

Recently, Dr. Harper received the North Carolina Central University Excellence in Teaching Award and the College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Faculty Research Award in the Department of History. He was also listed as one of the Outstanding Faculty members under 40 at North Carolina Central University and recognized as one of NCCU’s Best Teachers in the campus newspaper, the Campus Echo.

In his motivation and dedication to teaching, Dr. Harper has taught students at Polk Correctional Institute for two years.

Additionally, he teaches African American History to approximately 300 African American young men at Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Sixth District Boys Camp at Camp Hanes, North Carolina each summer. He also provides African American history lectures to the African American Male Leadership Academy on the campus of North Carolina Central University as well as to students enrolled in African American history courses at Southern High School.

Semi-Finalists: Coach Bob Hill - Athletic Director, Hillside High School (Durham) Coach George D. Williams - Athletic Director, Men’s/Women’s Track Coach, St. Augustine’s College (Raleigh)

Emerging Leader: Queron Smith City Executive/Vice President, Mechanics & Farmers Bank (Durham) (Criteria: young man must be under the age of 35 and have demonstrated leadership ability in a community, school or college as it relates to the development of the cultural, social and/or political welfare of the African-American community; must be of African heritage.)

Dr. Jim Harper is presented the Award in the category of Education by Jennifer McCallum (2nd from left), Marketing Manager/Retail Sales Consultant - Hendrick Durham Auto Mall.

He is joined by Rep. Larry Hall (left), Spectacular Magazine Phyllis Coley (2nd from right) and Gary Jones (right), V.P., Spectacular Magazine. Photo: Mel Brown

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Queron Smith is currently Vice President and City Executive for M&F Bank covering the Durham market. In addition to his responsibilities with the bank, Queron serves as a board member for Habitat for Humanity, Downtown Durham Incorporated and the United Way African American Leadership Initiative. He volunteers and speaks to youth and adults in the Durham community about financial literacy.

A native of Georgetown, S.C., Smith holds a B.S. degree in Finance from Johnson C. Smith University. He began his professional career as a part-time teller at First Citizens Bank in Charlotte. Thirtyfour year old Smith is married to Jasmine and the couple has one daughter, Zoria. He plans to graduate from either a school of bankSpectacular Men continues on page 13

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Durham Mayor Pro Tem Cora Cole-McFadden (2nd from left) presented award to Queron Smith (center). Smith is also joined by Rep. Larry Hall (left), Spectacular Magazine Publisher and Vice President (respectively) Phyllis Coley (2nd from right) and Gary Jones (right).

Photo: Mel Brown

ing or earn a MBA degree in the next five years.

Semi-Finalists: Rev. Jeffrey Lee Allen - Founder & Senior Pastor, Church of the Remnant (Franklinton) Calvin “C.J.” Harris - Commissioner, City of Oxford (Oxford)

Health: Dr. Christopher L. Edwards Director/Chronic Pain Management Program; Medical Director/Biofeedback Laboratory, Duke University Medical Center (Durham) (Criteria: leader who dedicated his career toward the welfare and advancement of minority health and the elimination of health disparities; has taken action to further the goals of improving the health status of all racial and ethnic minority Americans; efforts to develop new and innovative solutions has left a significant impact on closing the health gap; must be of African heritage.)

Christopher L. Edwards, Ph.D., BCB, IABMCP, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Research Psychoneuroendocrinologist who is also Medical Director of the Biofeedback Laboratory and Pediatric Neurology Service, and Director of the Chronic Pain Management Program at Duke University Medical Center. He was born and raised by his mother Sadie in Winston-Salem, NC before moving to Lexington, Ky. to complete his academic training. He is currently married to his beautiful wife Marnita with whom he has two children.

Pictured left to right: Angella Dunston, Director of the Office of Citizen and Faith Outreach, Office of the Governor - State of NC (presenter), Phyllis Coley - Spectacular Magazine Publisher, Dr. Christopher Edwards, Gary Jones - Spectacular Magazine V.P. and N. C. State Rep. Larry Hall. Photo: Mel Brown

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Together they also share one adopted daughter and a handsome grandson, Isaiah. He is the proud grandson of Willie and Beulah Watkins, who also resided in Winston-Salem.

Dr. Edwards is an expert in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic pains, and factors that influence health outcomes among minority and Black populations. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles in medical and psychosocial journals, and has given almost 500 national and international professional presentations. He is often quoted in reputable publications like the Wall Street Journal as well as local and national new publications.

Dr. Edwards is a faculty member with several clinical appointments in the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology at Duke University Medical Center.

He also has an appointment in the Durham Veterans Hospital, and the Duke Pain and Palliative Care Center. He serves as training faculty member in the Duke Residency Training Program, the Duke Clinical Psychology Internship Program, and the Duke University’s graduate program in clinical psychology. He has academic appointments as adjunct faculty at North Carolina Central University, North Carolina A&T State University, and North Carolina State University.

A big advocate for the underprivileged and the disenfranchised in healthcare, a considerable portion of his research has been focused on Black populations and describing and better understanding how they cope with adversity. He is active in the community often advocating health as a topic for consumption by religious and legal institutions. He volunteers his time in local churches to elevate the status of health as a ministry and to empower clergy to recognize and appropriately address mental illness.

Semi-Finalists: Dr. Charles Harris - Obstetrician/ Gynecologist, Harris and Smith Obstetrics and Gynecology (Durham) Theodore R. Parrish, DrPH - Associate Professor, Department of Health Education, North Carolina Central University (Durham) The nomination period for the 2011 Spectacular Magazine Man of the Year begins on March 15, 2011 and will end on April 15th.

Semi-finalists will be named on May 2nd and the public will have until May 31st to vote for their choice in each category. The Spectacular Magazine Man of the Year Awards Banquet will be held on Friday June 17, 2011, the evening before the 7th Annual Durham Juneteenth Celebration.

The Annual Durham Juneteenth Celebration is a program of the Triangle Cultural Awareness (TriCA) Foundation, a project of Congressional District Programs, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. Another Coley Event conducts the major project activities of TriCa and is the publisher of Spectacular Magazine. For more information, visit www.spectacularmag.com

Members of the NC Juneteenth Planning Committee bow their heads as Committee Chair, Rev. Rachel Green, gives the benePhoto: Mel Brown diction.

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HEALTH WHAT’S UP DOC?

by Dr. Sharon Elliott-Bynum RN, BSN, MA, PhD

WE ARE ONE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER It seems every year in October I am always writing about Breast Cancer. When I first began to write this column it was in honor of women like my mother, Estelle Elliott, or Senator Jeanne Lucas, who lost the battle. They both lived long, productive lives. But still it seems those years were shortened by the discovery of their breast cancer. This illness impacted their lives, the lives of their loved ones, and their community. Their presence is truly missed. So our fight will continue for the cure.

This year I am sounding the alarm for an additional group of women. Let’s say you’re an active young woman. You may be going to school, working hard on your job, having fun with your friends. You have lots of things on your mind: thinking about your future, worrying about finances, taking care of your family. Breast cancer is probably not high on your list of things to worry about.

Most young women don’t even think about it. But the truth is, ALL women are at risk for breast cancer. No one knows what causes breast cancer. No one knows how to prevent it. What we do know is that if breast cancer is found and treated early women have a better chance of surviving it.

Breast Cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the United States. One in every eight women will be diagnosed with this disease in her lifetime. The number of African American women diagnosed with breast cancer each year is less than half of Caucasian women. This year in the United States, about 10,000 young women under 40 will be told they have breast cancer. Of these 1,000 will be between 20ad 30 years of age.

However, the death rate is higher for African American women than any other race due to lack of proper screening, treatment or follow-up. According to Duke Oncologist Victoria Seewaldt, MD, African American women are presenting with a form of breast cancer known as ”triple negative”. Estrogen negative, Progesterone negative, and HER2 negative. This form of breast cancer is clinically aggressive. Therefore treatment options are limited.

One of my main missions in life has been to educate, and empower African American women on breast health. Let’s begin by exploring our breasts. Learn what is normal for your breasts. Every woman’s breast is unique. In fact, no two women’s breasts are the same size or shape. Your breast tissue begins just below the collarbone and extends from the armpit to the breastbone, and down to the brassiere line. Breasts are made up of lobules, ducts, connective tissue, lymph nodes, muscle and fat.

Many breast changes will occur during your life. The first changes occur during puberty. Your breast tissue develops and grows larger. During and after pregnancy, milk is produced in the lobules and carried through the ducts to the nipple openings. Your breasts increase size during this time. As you age and enter menopause, your ovaries produce less hormones and the number of lobules decrease. You begin to loose breast tissue and the size and shape of your breast change. These changes may cause conditions like lumps, pain and nipple discharge. The good news is that many of these changes are common and benign (non-cancerous). But it is important to encourage your health care www.spectacularmag.com

provider to do the tests needed to make sure. Early detection and treatment offer the best chance of surviving breast cancer. When it is confined to the breast the 5-year survival rate is over 95%.

Your 3-step early detection plan includes: ~ Monthly breast self-examination- starting by age 20 ~ Clinical breast exam – by a trained medical professional at least every 3 years starting at age 20 and yearly after age 40 ~ Annual screening mammography for women starting at age 40. (Women under age 40 at high risk should consult your physician about having a mammogram early) PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING WARNING SIGNS: . Lumps, hard knots, thickening in any part of the breast . Unusual swelling, redness or increased warmth of your breast . Change in the size or shape of your breast . An itchy sore or scaling area on your nipple . Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of your breast . Nipple discharge that starts suddenly . Unusual localized pain in the breast The most common forms of treatment are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy. There are two types of surgery: lumpectomy (breast conserving) or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast).

Chemotherapy and radiation kills cancer cells. Tamoxifen is most widely used hormone therapy. It works blocking estrogen (a female reproductive hormone).

There are many organizations joining in the fight against Breast Cancer. To provide education and training we have several groups funded by American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen, and Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, and Avon. On October 30th Free Screening Mammograms for Uninsured Women by Duke Radiology at the Duke South and Southpoint Imaging location. This is courtesy of the Breast Wellness Patient Navigation Program at Duke University. The Community Health Coalition has a Sister Project offering free mammograms as well as their Project Uplift funded by Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities which provides education and training in the area s of breast and cervical cancer. The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program afford women who meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines of 250% with no insurance the ability to receive pap smears and mammograms.

The Jeanne H. Lucas Education and Wellness Center (CAARE) will host their annual Celebration of Life from 6pm to 9pm on October 30th.

Lincoln Community Health Center hosted their annual celebration October 8th.

They are both providers for Durham. The Durham County Health Department houses a BCCCP program for eligible women. If the woman has a suspicious mammogram she may be able to receive her MRI through the Duke Navigator program. Clinical Trial information can be obtained through the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Durham and surrounding areas have the unique ability to offer this continuum of care to these affected by this challenging disease. Our goal is to continue our awareness campaigns so that our community can benefit from these resources.

Peace, Blessings Sharon dr.elliott-bynum@spectacularmag.com

“Beloved I wish above all things that you prosper and be in Good Health…."

October 2010

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