Editorial - Peggy Tatum, Editor-In-Chief One of my busiest months of the year, October, is already here. Didn’t we just start 2012? We have published more magazines this year than any year since we started publishing quarterly in 2004. Could it be the nutritional supplement, the demand, the desire or the drive? I would say all of the above plus God’s goodness. As you browse and read this Special Digest Issue of TCP Magazine, you will see evidence of God’s goodness in the testimonies, the love, the caring, longevity and giving back to the community. We are excited to be a ministry partner with our friends at WIDU Radio Station in Fayetteville, Wes and Sandy Cookman, along with the Pastors’ Coalition. It was indeed an experience to watch a four-day event last year with an attendance of over 20,000 extend to nine days and 14 events and stay ministry focused. If you don’t get a chance to attend, visit online at www.widuanniversary.com and see what you missed. We were honored to be a Guest Judge for the Carolina’s Best event and present the artists and workshops along with the Empowerment Radio Network on Day 2 of the WIDU Anniversary Empowerment Expo. However, we were just a small part of the hundreds of pastors, churches and volunteers who came together to put on this enormous event. Check out Marla in this issue with Real Fitt and ask yourself if you are ready for a healthy lifestyle. My answer is yes and I am on my way to relaxing the buttons on my coat and refraining from the buffet line with this Master Personal Trainer. For Quartet lovers, check out Ms. Millee’s article on Rev. Thomas Spann of The Brooklyn Allstars. No retirement in site for this 87 year old gospel singer. We also have some info on Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome that may benefit you from Drs. Harrison. Melissa Wade has some news too. Could you qualify for a Lamplighter Award? Still coming up is our cruise to the Bahamas, “Connecting Ministries”, November 8-13 and TCP’s 9th Anniversary February 1-2, 2013. On Friday night we will be celebrating 12 women, “You Don’t Know My Story”, who have overcome adversity and excelled. We will share their testimonies at our Anniversary Gala at Brier Creek Country Club. Saturday’s activities will be held at Wake Chapel LEC – “Anything and Everything Music”, a forum for anyone in music. Would love for you to join us? Until next time…. Peggy Tatum, Publisher - (919) 796-4724, peggy@tcpmagazine.com Contributing Writers: M. Ojinga & Dionne Harrison, MD Contents Ms. Millee 5 – Editorial Anthony Vann 10 – The Brooklyn Allstars Rev. Thomas Spann Melissa Wade 13 – The Carter Clinic Salutes Returning Veterans Alexis Davis 17 – Dorothy Norwood presents The Yanceys 19 – Fayetteville Native Named Mrs. Black North Carolina 21 – Unity in the Community, Lamplighter Awards & More 23 – Commit to a Healthy Lifestyle with Marla 30 – TCP Teams with WIDU for Day 2 Empowerment Expo
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Showcasing a Legend - The Brooklyn Allstars’ Rev. Tommy Spann The “We CARE” Gospel Affair presents…“Memories and Dreams”with Ms. Millee, The Woman of Gospel Showcasing a Legend, Rev. Thomas J. Spann The Gospel Quartet is the very heart and soul of Gospel Music and in the core of it is the World Renown Brooklyn Allstars. Today, we celebrate their nucleus, founder, and invincible bass singer, Rev. Thomas J. Spann. He was born on February 5, 1925 in Florence, SC. At an early age, he started singing in his father’s church where he began his endless love for gospel music. His family group consisted of his Dad and five brothers. As a teenager in 1943, he landed a position as baritone singer with Charlie Story and the Allstars. After several years of tutorage and singing with this well seasoned group, he was persuaded to start a new quartet. When a group of young men from North Carolina came to sing at Story’s church, he told them of Thomas Spann, who was out of town driving trucks at the time. Later on, Thomas formed a group with them. The agreement was that “Charlie Story and The Allstars” would sing in the Brooklyn area and “The Brooklyn Allstars” would be a traveling group. Travel they did and 61 years later, under the leadership of Rev. Thomas J Spann who is 87, they continue to travel today. According to Rev. Spann, once the group was formed, it took about 5 or 6 years to land a recording contract and their first recording was “Careless Soul”. As the group toured Virginia, DC, and the Carolinas on a regular basis, Rev. Spann’s employer gave him an ultimatum. He said, “Are you going to drive trucks or sing up and down the road? You cannot do both.” Needless to say, the results of Rev. Spann’s choice brought us gospel standards in, “No Cross, No Crown”, “I’ve Got my Ticket”, “Did You Stop to Pray”, and “I Stood on the Banks of Jordan” with the late Hardie Clifton of Louisburg, NC on lead and is still one of the most popular songs in gospel music today. In speaking with Rev. Spann, I now know the group that inspired him most was the “Wings Over Jordan” choir which hosted its own national radio show in the 1930’s. (concluded next page)
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Showcasing a Legend - by Ms. Millee (concluded) This was simply unheard of. Not only does Rev. Spann love gospel music, he loves the gospel in its entirety. Ordained a minister in 1976, his favorite scripture is Psalm 37:25 - I was young and now I’m old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Rev. Spann wants others to do what he does, not what he says. He says, “I’d rather others see me live the life than hear me just talk about it.” My favorite story from Rev. Spann came when I asked about the famed tuxedos signature dress style of The Brooklyn Allstars. Rev. Spann and Ray Charles, one of the greatest entertainers to ever live, were good friends. The Brooklyn Allstars’ manager in the 60’s was a former member of the Raylettes, backup singers to Ray Charles. When Ray Charles disbanded his group for several years, she asked Mr. Charles if she could have some band uniforms for her gospel group. In staying true to his mark, Ray Charles, a man whose music genius matches his generosity, gave her $20,000 worth of band uniforms (all tuxedos).To be even more precise, Rev. Spann says, “in seven different colors and with a few alterations”; however, they were happy to wear them and sharp to boot. It still remains their signature style today. Rev. Spann shares with young singers, “to bring respect for traditional gospel back to the forefront of gospel music, we have to educate and understand its history. Respect is key to quality. Have confidence in yourself and stay at it…. there is no overnight success!” The Brooklyn Allstars continue singing the gospel to eager and loyal fans across the country. In 2009 and 2010, Rev. Spann was honored at our We CARE Radio Anniversary, Living Legends of Quartet Day. Their music stays in regular rotation on our Saturday Morning Gospel Broadcast as we stand in the gap to preserve quartet gospel music. You are invited to join us at 8:00 am on POWER 750AM, WAUG, or 1290AM WEED, Rocky Mount at 9:15. We’re also streaming online at programsinthecarolinas.com and tunein.com. Living Legends of Quartet Day was proclaimed in Wake Forest, NC by Mayor Vivian Jones in 2009 to pay tribute to the great work of the legendary gospel artists that remain. On Sunday, November 18, 2012 at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church with Pastor Dr. Enoch Holloway, our honorees will be The Blind Boys of Mississippi and Jay Caldwell and The Gospel Ambassadors. A host of gospel groups, promoters, radio angels, and gospel music enthusiast will join us in this great song service as “Memories take us back and Dreams take us forward” and Quartet Gospel Music will live on in the eyes, ears, and hearts of people everywhere! TCP Digest Fall 2012
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The Carter Clinic PA Salutes Returning Veterans The Carter Clinic PA honors and welcomes returning veterans and their families for the great sacrifice and courage they have offered on behalf of our country. WE SALUTE YOU!! As we celebrate the reunion of our military with their family and community, record numbers of returning veterans are struggling with visible and invisible wounds of war. The invisible wounds of war are the psychological consequences of being exposed to life threatening violence or the threat of violence on a daily basis. There should be no shame for our men and women in uniform to seek help in dealing with emotional problems. Even the great warrior David who God used mightily suffered from emotional distress and he expressed this often in the Psalms. One of the most common of these invisible wounds is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD symptoms include poor sleep, anger without clear reasons, restlessness or feeling unsettled often, frequent fear or anxiety, nightmares or flashbacks about the violence, and feeling emotionally numb. PTSD is not limited to persons who served in the military and can occur in anyone who survived a traumatic event. However, estimates show that at least 12-20% of individuals who are returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD compared to 7-8% of the general population. In addition, veterans and families trying to transition back to life before deployment can face many challenges such as adjusting to war related injuries, new employment or unemployment, resuming their pre-deployment family roles and grief after the loss of fellow soldiers. If your friend or loved one is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, other mental illness, or just seems to have difficulty adjusting to post deployment life, urge him or her to seek help quickly. If they are unwilling or unable to do so, you can help by being informed. The current research shows early treatment to reduce sleep and mood symptoms allows for a significantly better quality of life for veterans and their families. Ignoring these problems can be life threatening for the soldiers and their families. Military personnel and their families have earned the right to health care and other supportive interventions. We can all help them finish the victory. Drs. M. Ojinga & Dionne Harrison MD VA Caregiver Support Line 1-855-260-3274 Veteran Caregiver Stories http://www.caregiver.va.gov The Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 24 hour help Homeless Veteran Resources 1-877-424-3838
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Tiara Joseph - Mrs. Black North Carolina USA 2012 - “Help for the Heroes” Tiara T. Joseph was raised in Beaumont, Texas and is the daughter of Toni Paley and Virgil Brown. In 1999, Tiara joined the US Army as a Human Resource Specialist. Initially, she joined the Army because of selfish reasons – to travel, have her college paid for, save money, and become financially stable; but before she even completed Basic Combat Training, Tiara knew she wanted to make this a career, because she loved it so much. Since then, her loyalty and duty towards the Army has been nothing less than superior. Tiara’s first duty assignment was Bravo Company, 82nd Airborne Division Soldier Support Battalion at Fort Bragg, NC. There, she went through strenuous training to include firing her assigned M4 Rifle, challenging herself during the physical fitness test (consisting of 2 minutes of push-ups, 2 minutes of sit-ups, and a two mile run), completing a 12 mile road march with 35 pounds of equipment on her back within 4 hours, running 4 miles within 36 minutes, and of course jumping out of airplanes. After serving three years at Fort Bragg, Tiara served 4 years in South Korea. In April of 2004, she married the man of her dreams, Rowan N. Joseph, and in 2006, they started their family with their first son, Kameron. A year later, they were blessed with their second son, Jadon. Through Tiara’s hard work, dedication, and perseverance, she earned the rank of Sergeant First Class in only seven years. In 2010, she had a baby girl named Anaya and also became a 2nd Lieutenant through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Program while earning her Bachelor of Social Science in Criminal Justice through Campbell University. Tiara showed immaculate drive by simultaneously graduating Magna Cum Laude, being a member of the Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society, and raising three children while her husband was deployed to Iraq for the 2nd time. She is currently assigned as the Battalion Adjutant at the 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade. While in Iraq last year, a friend informed Tiara of the Mrs. Black NC Pageant and was confident that she would be a great candidate and spokesperson. Although she was hesitant to apply since she had never competed in pageants, on the 24th of March, Tiara competed as Mrs. Black Fayetteville and was crowned as the new Mrs. Black NC USA 2012, becoming the pageant’s first “Battle Queen”. Tiara’s platform is “Help For the Heroes” and who better to have this platform than one of their own kind, a Soldier of 13 years. She currently feeds the homeless at different locations around Fayetteville and is a Corporate Sponsor with the Purple Heart Homes (PHH). PHH is a Veteran owned and operated, non-profit organization that assists war-related injured Veterans by modifying or building homes that are accessible, barrier-free, and safe. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, please contact Tiara at: mrsblacknc2012@yahoo.com or http://www.facebook.com/MrsBlackNC. TCP Digest Fall 2012
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UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY, LAMPLIGHTER AWARDS AND MORE…. As I walked the campus of NCCU, I felt like I was in college again; although I didn’t attend North Carolina Central, it was great being on the campus. This year The Light 103.9’s Unity in the Community Outdoor event and the Yolanda Adams Health and Lifestyle Tour was held there, and it was fantastic! We hold this event yearly in remembrance of 9/11. We honor our military men and women, our local fire fighters, EMS workers and look back on this tragic day in the U.S. But we also celebrate life and provide education on being healthy and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I began my day by arriving at 7 a.m. and meeting the staging and sound company to set up the stage for the outside, while other Radio One staff met inside the McDougal Gymnasium to set up for the Yolanda Adams Health and Lifestyle Tour. Vendors including local businesses and food vendors were setting up outside and inside and the inflatables were being prepared for the kids. I was responsible for making sure the outside main stage was up and ready to go by show time, 11 a.m. The morning started off cool but you could tell with it being mid September, the heat was on the way. By 10:15 a.m. the stage was up, the instruments were set and the sound was ready for a sound check. We were a little behind my designated time and my Program Director, Jerry Smith, was letting me know we needed to move faster. I quickly called up the groups that had met for sound check and began to let them test their microphones, music and sound. We tested as many groups as possible until I was notified to wrap things up because Ms. Yolanda Adams was on her way to the main stage to open the event with prayer. At 11 a.m. Ms. Yolanda Adams greeted the public at the outdoor stage and set the atmosphere with prayer. SHOWTIME! The free musical concert had begun and one after the other they blessed us with awesome, God gifted musical talent. Our performers ranged from local talent that had auditioned during our talent auditions the week before, to National local talent, to National recording artists like: Byron Cage, Maurette Brown Clark, JJ Hairston, Damita Haddon and more. We continued to have church outside at NCCU until the event ended at 6 p.m. It truly was a great event for all young and old. So what’s next…. Join The Light 103.9 for our annual Lamplighter Community Service Awards. This is the event where we recognize individuals and organizations that go above and beyond their call of duty in our communities to make them GREAT! It’s an opportunity to get REALLY dressed up and go out and have a great time! You know we as Christians can do that. So join us along with some great national talent like: Tamela Mann, from Tyler Perry’s “Meet The Browns,” Karen Clark Sheard (one of the famous Clark sisters) , and from Sunday’s Best, Jessica Reedy and more…. Saturday November 3rd at the Carolina Theater in Durham. Hope To See You There!!!! Oh yeah and don’t forget Women’s Empowerment in March! TCP Digest Fall 2012
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COMMIT to a Healthy Lifestyle with Personal Master Trainer, Marla Marla Stroud Cromartie was born and raised in Raleigh, NC. With just over 10 years of experience in personal training, she has made significant waves in an industry most often dominated by males. Her vision and passion, coupled with her personality and dedication for her trade has made her a sought after Master Trainer in the Raleigh/Durham area. Her motto of “real goals – real results” holds special meaning to her as she has had her own journey with weight loss. After creating and maintaining a fitness and nutritional plan for herself, she was able to lose almost 100 lbs transforming her body and her life. In April 2010, she opened Real Fitt Workout Center with only the realization of a true calling and the dedication and testimony of the people whom she had helped transform. And with this blessing, she now has a platform from which she can speak, an audience who will listen, and the means to make good on any of her promises of lifestyle transformations. The Real Fitt experience is not just a workout. It is a life lesson, it is a family bond, it is a journey. Marla and her team are educated in nutrition, weight management, fitness training, and wellness. Their goal is to help people transform their lifestyle not just their weight. Their high energy, action packed workouts are customized based on ability and individual focus. Whatever your goal, they can help you reach it – whether you are certified fab, need to lose a lot of flab, or want those “Getting Your Groove Back” abs! The Real Fitt team is unlike any other in the Triangle – bring your goals to Marla and her team – and take back control of your wellness! Real Fitt offers fully integrated training programs that incorporate isolation and functional exercises that focus on areas of strength, posture, flexibility, balance, stability, nutrition, and cardiovascular health. Whether you are looking to enhance your athletic performance, lose weight or improve your overall health, Real Fitt will develop a program that will cater to your every need. Incorporating cable based training, cardio boxing, body weight exercises, medicine balls and machines are just a few of the pieces that make the Real Fitt workout a complete package. Real Fitt programs are designed by certified master trainers and nutrition experts with the goal of producing the best results for your body type and lifestyle. We also offer group training classes to give clients an opportunity to enjoy some cardio exercise on the days they don’t train. We seek only to encourage, empower, and enable success! No matter your fitness goals, Real Fitt has a solution that will guarantee results! TCP Digest Fall 2012
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Friday, October 12, 2012 Crown EXPO Sponsored by Bryan Honda Presented in Partnership with TCP Magazine & Empowerment Radio Network Bryan Honda Live Stage: (Located in Crown EXPO) Directed by: Rev. Bernard Jones Emcee: Anna Douglas 12 noon - Lamanuel Boykin & COMPANY 1:00 - 1:15 - Anna Douglas Comedy 2:00 - 2:15 - Wendy Peterson 3:00 - 3:15 – Latrel Maloy 4:00 - 4:15 - The Yanceys 5:00 - 5:15 - The Friendly Five 6:00 - 6:15 - The Hendley Brothers 7:00 - 7:15 - Shea Taylor Empowerment Sessions: 12:30 Ballroom A&D – National Association of Women (NOW) “Community Conversations” with the Fayetteville Chapter of the National Association of Women. We are a city with many racial and ethnic cultures living side by side but largely insulated from each other. The Fayetteville NOW (National Organization for Women) will facilitate conversations sharing stories about how we live and how we raise our children. It is our aim to promote a broader understanding of cultural diversity and enhance community life. Ballroom B – Myron Butler and WIDU Mass Choir Leadership “How the Music Ministry Affects The Church” Ballroom C - Lisa Gill, CPA, PC PROTECT YOUR CHURCH: “IRS Rules and Regulations for Clergy and Churches” 2:00 Ballroom A&D - Ericka D. Jackson, Evangelist, Author, Kingdom Trainer “Accessing Higher Realms of Revelation to Grow Your Ministry” The mysteries of Heaven are being released into the Body of Christ like never before and the people of God are hungrier than ever for new and fresh revelation. Join Evangelist, Author and Kingdom Trainer, Ericka D. Jackson, as she shares the process to accessing pure revelation from the Throne of God to share with and accelerate the growth of your congregation and ministry. Get ready to go to a whole, new level as Evg. Jackson shares her gift of receiving pure revelation from the Throne of God. TCP Digest Fall 2012 Page 30
Ballroom B - Katie Gailes, CEO SmartMoves, International “How to Have the Time of Your Life” Is your life filled with the things and the people that matter most? Do you look back on your weeks and feel good about how you spent your time? Do you know what people will say about the ‘dash’ in your life? If the answer to either one of these questions is ‘no’, let Katie Gailes show you how to really have the time of your life. Ballroom C – David Anderson, Business Consultants, LLC Learn How to Get Financing Now for Your Business! Are you in need of Capital for your business? Attend the Business Finance Seminar and learn how to access micro loans from 5k to commercial real estate up to 5 million. 3:30 Ballroom A&D - AARP Caregivers “Prepare to Care” As the nation grows older, the need for caregiving will be as common as the need for childcare. Every family should seize the opportunity to talk about a caregiving plan tailored to the needs and wishes of those receiving care. Ballroom B - Cynthia Ward Manley, QSC, SFR, Broker/Owner, Caring Realty Partnership, LLC “Financial Awakening” - It’s time to wake up everybody. Are you tired of being tired financially having more month than money? What is God’s purpose for your life? Do you want a Quick Fix for your Church obtaining financial structure for financing. Well, we need to talk? Ballroom C – David Anderson, Business Consultants, LLC No Mortgage Strategy? Get Empowered Learn How to Purchase Real Estate Without Using A Mortgage. Learn about the biggest opportunity in Real Estate “Tax Lien Certificates” 5:00 Ballroom A&D - Music Ministry Panel (Doug & Melvin Williams, Luther Barnes, Tim Rogers) “The Business of Music and the Tradition of Gospel Music” – Walking in Their Shoes Ballroom B - Terry Spicer, CEO Epiphany Public Relations “Is Your Business Reflection An Accurate Perception? “You’ve carefully worked to position your vision and you are now open for business. Does your targeted audience truly see, clearly understand and actually relate to the heartbeat of your Business DNA™? Is your branding a deliberate and strategic reflection of the image staring back at YOU? Join Terry Spicer, CEO of Epiphany Public Relations, LLC of North Carolina for a compelling and empowering hour of progressive dialogue and exchange as she shows you how to effectively engage a public relations campaign to challenge YOU to fulfill YOUR journey to SUCCESS!” Ballroom C - David Anderson, Business Consultants, LLC Cash Flow Strategy Learn how to purchase pre-existing businesses and franchises that generate positive cash flow. TCP Digest Fall 2012
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