Editorial
We are living in a most unusual time where the norm changes daily ranging from the environment (nature, religious, political), technology, economy and family. We are flooded on all sides and it appears that we are losing loved ones at a rapid pace changing the family dynamic but God still reigns. This issue of the magazine celebrates the African American Cultural Festival (AACF) which is in its 8th year. This festive occasion gives us an opportunity to breathe, get in touch with our roots and admire the population of our city with two days of celebration. This year we pay homage to Mr. Chuck “Baba” Davis who has always been prominent in participating in the Kickoff of the Festival along with the African American Dance Ensemble. Baba died in May and we dedicate this magazine to his memory. Attorney David Baker is the Chairman of the AACF and we commend him, the staff, volunteers, vendors and of course the sponsors along with the City of Raleigh for making this Free event happen each year. Approaching another anniversary of 9/11, we also introduce you to our own African Princess, Christina Lahowah Jones who survived this horrific event. Check out all the events in this issue that TCP Magazine is hosting and give us a call if you would like to attend, volunteer or sponsor. We’d love to have you. Peggy Tatum, Publisher TCP Magazine
Contributing Writers: Terry Spicer Edith Berry Christina Jones
Contents 5 – Editorial 10 - Wedding Highlights 14 - David Baker Leads the AACF 16 - A Salute to Chuck “Baba” Davis 19 - Christina Anderson Called To Serve 21 - Christina Lahowah Jones 9/11 Survivor
WIZPRO Imagineering - www.WIZPRO.us Photo Credits: Artije Photography; Glen Parson Photography and African American Dance Ensemble Colestyle Designs
The Connection Place, Inc. 181-104 Wind Chime Court Raleigh, NC 27615 tcpmagazine@gmail.com www.tcpmagazineusa.com 919 796-4724
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A loving couple, an industrial charger of a venue with a killer downtown High Point view was the setting for the nuptials for Mildred “Mil” Carrol Thaxton and Cameron Roosevelt Tatum on March 18 at The Lofts at Union Square. Mil wore a Strapless Sweetheart Tulle Wedding Dress with a beaded sash accompanied by a long Spanish inspired veil. The bridesmaids wore floor length tutu’s and assorted tops. The Millennial Groomsmen wore black slim fitting tailored suits with gold lapel pens and tie bars with slim ties. A heartfelt and joyful short ceremony was the prelude to an evening of delicious food, good music and rockin’ dance moves.
The new Mrs. Tatum says, “These are the elements that make for a memorable wedding. This is exactly what we wanted for our big day.” Cameron was the last of his guy friends to take the plunge into holy matrimony. The happy couple is residing in Greensboro along with their son CJ where Cameron is one of the top salesmen at CarMax and Mil is a leading salesperson for a jewelry retailer.
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The cliché that “everything worth having is worth waiting for” is the amazingly true sentiment of the road of friendship, giddy courtship and romantic love for Vanessia Morgan Johnson and Corey Johnson that led to their God anointed forever on Saturday, August 19, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Theirs is a remarkable love built on a strong and faithful foundation of careful friendship and Christian courtship. The wonderment and beauty of their relationship is that it started in their workplace but for it to truly blossom into the loving forever that they desired and prayed for, it was importantly contingent upon the expressed permission and acceptance of Vanessia’s teenage daughter, Alesia.
Vanessia is a fiercely loyal and faithfully committed Mother to the deliberate covering and guidance of her daughter. With her Mother, Evangelist Veronica Morgan they ensured the God led staples of balance and happiness for Alesia as the priority of their lives. When Corey respectfully stepped into their lives, he willingly embraced Alesia’s needs as his priority and Vanessia knew that God had sent her the one that she had waited for. Their wedding day united this beautiful family before God in explosive love and unlimited success; their exciting new normal! Page 11
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David Baker - “Leading the AAC Festival” Pt.1
David Baker is the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the African-American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that is responsible for planning and hosting the annual African-American Cultural Festival that is held in downtown Raleigh each year on Labor Day Weekend. This is a volunteer position. However, it requires a tremendous amount of time and energy as Baker is chiefly responsible for leading the board and staff in the implementation of plans to make the event happen annually. Baker joined the board in 2013, became the vicechairman in 2014, and began serving as Chairman in 2015. His leadership has span for about 5 years!
Baker makes his living as an attorney, serving people who have been injured by no fault of their own. His firm is: The Law office of David K. Baker, located in Wake County. Before going to Law School, he worked with several nonprofit organizations, serving as a community organizer and program coordinator tackling issues like affordable housing, fair wages, and community empowerment. His work in the nonprofit sector, inspired him to go to law school. Baker sought to become a more effective advocate for people on the margins of society. He also wanted to make a decent living to support his growing family of five, wife Twanda, and three children. Immediately after law school he accepted a fellowship from NC Legal Aid of North Carolina as an attorney working in Johnston, Harnett and Sampson Counties. There he had the opportunity to fight for the rights of the poor and the elderly in battles against slum lords, mortgage companies and predatory lenders.
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David Baker - “Leading the AAC Festival” (concluded) Twanda is his greatest gift as wife, companion and friend, by partnering in everything he does. Baker is often the person up front but, she is always with him. They have three amazing children: Crystal, 18 entering her freshman year at UNC; David Jr., 16 and Daniel, 14. Baker is vice-chairman of the board for the Raleigh Area Development Authority, an organization dedicated to economic development surrounding Raleigh; serves on the Alexander YMCA Advisory Board, the Board of Director’s for CASA, a nonprofit affordable housing developer here in the Triangle; and vice-president of the Eta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Their motto is “Culture for Service, Service for Humanity.” Baker is an ordained deacon at Poplar Springs Christian Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He and his wife are active participants in the Connecting Couples Marriage Ministry, have led a number of marriage enrichment workshops, conducted workshop for the Men’s Ministry, and senior citizens. One of the best compliments ever received was from a colleague who stated, “When David Baker speaks, everybody listens!” He enjoys public speaking, particularly for the purpose of providing motivation and encouragement to others. Baker’s primary aim in leading the festival has been to ensure its existence for decades to come. He dreams of the day when his grandchildren can attend AACF of Raleigh, NC, and know that their grandfather was instrumental in making this possible. by Edith Berry David K. Baker 555 Fayetteville Street, Suite 201 Raleigh, NC 27601 Office Phone: (919) 809-9207 Office Fax: (919) 301-0167 Page 15
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At the beginning of every African American Dance Festival held in Raleigh since its inception, attendees were captivated by the Libation Service conducted by Dr. Chuck Davis, known in the dance world with great love as “Baba Chuck”. He educated us on our Heritage and instructed us on the proper chants and history from the motherland. The Procession of the Elders down Fayetteville Street to the beat of the African Drums was a reflection of respect and joy. Baba Chuck was Founder and Artistic Director of the African American Dance Ensemble, based in Durham, North Carolina, and the Chuck Davis Dance Company of New York. He was an extraordinary dancer, choreographer, community-builder, and artistic visionary who has demonstrated a lifelong passion and commitment to excellence in dance, teaching and sharing of African Heritage, and the nurturing of the best of the human spirit in all of us. He was the Founder and Artistic Director of Dance Africa, which is presented today in Brooklyn, New York; Washington, DC; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Columbus, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was adjunct professor for lina Central University in Dept. and at Duke guest teacher/ pher. He also
North Carothe Theatre University, choreograperformed for other dance festivals and events throughout the U.S. and internationally. Dr. Davis was known as one of the world’s foremost and accomplished choreographers and teachers in the traditional techniques of African dance styles. He traveled, taught and choreographed on 5 continents.
On May14 our friend was elevated to dance at another level. His work down here on earth was finished. He is beloved and mourned by his family, and equally by prestigious dancers and dance organizations, to school children learning their first dance steps. With equal energy and enthusiasm, he worked at all levels of the dance world and community, sharing his love of dance and people with an open heart. His slogan was and still remains, “Peace, Love and Respect…For Everybody.” The African American Dance Ensemble, Inc. is located at 120 Morris Street, Durham, N.C. 27701. If you would like to help continue Chuck Davis’ Legacy, you may mail contributions or call 919 560-2729. A documentary is in the works on his life. Stay tuned to TCP Magazine for more details. Page 17
Tina Morris - Anderson “Called To Serve” With humility before God, she has declared herself “not worthy.” However, her friends, family, and fellow Christians would beg to disagree. Sister Tina Morris-Anderson, was licensed to the ministry on Sunday, March 12, and in doing so, has vowed to model herself on Christ, who came to serve and not be served. One of her favorite quotes is, “What you are is God’s gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift to God.” Raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Tina accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at the age of 17, and was baptized at Central Baptist Church. She earned an undergrad and graduate degree from Duke University and has worked in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Tina’s a professional singer that has performed with the likes of the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra and Branford Marsalis. Her highly motivated inner drive is also an asset to the community. From the Board of Directors to the Advisory Board, from a volunteer to a member; Tina displays a high level of honesty, loyalty, integrity and is truly an inspirational leader. The love of her life is Rev. Paul L. Anderson, Pastor of the Fountain of Raleigh Fellowship. They have been blessed with two sons, Paul II and Noah, both students at UNC-Pembroke. At The Fountain of Raleigh Fellowship, “Lady T’s” primary role is to provide emotional, spiritual, and physical support to her husband, serves as Coordinator for the Women of the Well Women’s Ministry and is the Director of the Drama Ministry. This is a divine assignment for you with God. It’s marked by HIS presence, HIS power, and HIS deliverance. Congratulations Lady T and we will continue to pray for you and your family. By Christina Jones
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African Princess Christina Lahowah Jones – 9/11 Survivor Christina Lahowah Jones is a native of Monrovia Liberia, West Africa. She is an African Princess in ZORZOR, Lofa County, Liberia, West Africa. Her late grandfather was the Honorable Magnus A. Jones who served as Secretary of Commerce in Monrovia Liberia, West Africa. It’s noteworthy to mention that her parents had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, such as Rev. & Mrs. Jesse Jackson, The Late Mahalia Jackson, The Rev. Ralph Abernathy, who was a Giant in the Historic Campaign For Justice and Equality. He was also the best friend and close assistant to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Christina holds the position of Public Relations for the Garner MLK Jr., Committee in Garner, NC. She was also the secretary for the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) 50th Anniversary that was held at Shaw University in Raleigh, NC. Christina had the opportunity to be employed as an essential employee with the Air Force Civilian Service at the Pentagon for 13 years. She is a recipient of the NC NAACP State Conference Lorie L. Graham Award & the NC NAACP Raleigh-Apex Branch President’s Award. She is currently the 2nd Vice President of the NC NAACP Raleigh-Apex Branch. Ms. Jones was featured in the National Baptist Voice of the National Baptist Convention Fall 2012 Issue about her 9/11 Survivor story as well as The 2016 September issue of Simple Grace National Magazine. She is a natural born narrator and her eloquent voice can be heard on videos at several church historical events in North Carolina. After narrowly surviving the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, Ms. Jones was imprisoned in a world of anxiety and depression until God put a song in her heart that truly set her free. She is a community activist and a motivational speaker. She gives thanks to her almighty God, her mother, Gilbretta-Ashton Jones, her daughter, Jillian Victoria Jones, her sister Chantel Jones & her church family, The Fountain of Raleigh Fellowship in Raleigh, NC. Christina Lahowah Jones is available for speaking engagements. You can reach her at liberianlady1970@gmail.com or join her Facebook community.
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