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More than seven years ago I was blessed with an incredible vision that honors the tremendous legacy of elegance and virtues of every woman that has poured into the fabric of our womanhood. Last year I unveiled this journey to celebrate grandmothers, mothers, educators, neighbors and recognize community stewards. “Treasure Her; A Celebration of Our Legacy’s Elegance™” is the inaugural fundraiser for my 501c3 charity, The Sisters Inspiring Sisters Incorporated™ (The SISI™). Our programmatic agenda is to provide transportation assistance to cancer patients to get to medical appointments and chemotherapy treatments. Visit our website at www.thesisi.org.
shop and shop!
The excitement is amazing and will bring women and girls from around the country together to celebrate in beautiful attire, make new friendships and renew old ones. We will educate and empower you through workshops, share our life experiences and reintroduce the elegance of yesteryear. Our young ladies will learn as we pour legacy and resourceful tools into them and we will do what ladies do best; shop,
Not forgetting our roots, we will also celebrate our Legacy of Gospel Music presented by Peggy Tatum and TCP Magazine on Saturday night with national and local recording artists. Our goal for you this weekend is to get EVERYTHING you need. This celebration is a “soul-fulfilling station” because we will address the wholeness of women at all levels. You will leave with a renewed sense of purpose and respect for the elegance and virtue of your heritage. Visit www.treasureherelegance.com. This event leaped from the pages of my new book, “Lessons From Her Skirttail™” which celebrates the Lessons given to me by the women who raised and loved me. Visit www.lessonsfromherskirttail.com. I am grateful to the incredible sponsors that believe in this body of work. I am honored. In the Spirit of Elegance, Terry Spicer
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Editorial Our last issue celebrated our 9th Anniversary and told the stories of twelve incredible women. New relationships were formed along with the realization that our lives aren’t so bad compared to others. We also honored four Triangle Music Legends who will be future inductees to the Triangle Music Hall of Fame. We continue with our celebration of women by supporting Treasure Her™ and The Sisters Inspiring Sisters (SISI)™ in this issue. We welcome another legend to the triangle, StarlettaDuPois, as keynote speaker for Treasure Her Elegance™. I look forward to restoring a crown upon my head at this great occasion and sporting my pearls and gloves with other esteemed women. This summer we embark on “TCP Magazine presents Hometown Heroes Tour”. We will be visiting over 30 cities along with WEDO Productions promoting the 55th anniversary of WIDU radio. We will be crisscrossing the state sharing their vision to bring 1,000 souls to Christ during their annual celebration the week of October 5-12, 2013 in Fayetteville, NC. TCP Magazine is searching for your “Hometown Hero” to share their story and recognize them at the anniversary concert on October 12. In this issue we also bring to the forefront matters related to abuse, human trafficking and the protection of our children. These problems are not specific to Sexual Assault and Violence Month tagged for the month of April, but everyday occurrences affecting our families. If you are experiencing any of these problems, please use these agencies as resources. It’s going to be a busy summer so let’s get started. If you have any feedback or would like for us to visit your city, give us a call. Peggy Tatum
Contributing Writers: Adrienne Miller April Mial M. Ojinga & Dionne Harrison, MD Melissa Wade Terry Spicer
Contents 4-5 Welcome & Editorial 6-10 Treasure Her Legacy of Elegance Honorees 12-13 Event Schedule 14 Keynote Speaker, StarlettaDuPois 15 Terry Spicer 16 The Legacy of Gospel Music 17 Salute to Mothers 19-22 Resources for Protecting our Families 23 Women Who Rock, Groove & Jam 24 Women’s Empowerment Volume 03, Issue 3 The Connection Place, Inc. 181-104 Wind Chime Court Raleigh, NC 27615 www.tcpmagazine.com peggy@tcpmagazine.com 919-796-4724
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The Inaugural “Treasure Her Legacy of Elegance™” Honorees
Dr. Lisa A. Carey, a nationally-recognized clinical researcher and physician,is the newly appointedChief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and Physician-in-Chief of the N.C. Cancer Hospital.Dr. Carey, a member of the UNC faculty for more than ten years, is Richardson and Marilyn Jacobs Preyer Distinguished Professor in Breast Cancer Research, Professor of Medicine, Medical Director of the UNC Breast Center, and Associate Director for Clinical Research at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Personally, she encouraged Terry Spicer to pursue starting The Sisters Inspiring Sisters Incorporated™ at its inception stating, “What you have is a wonderful idea that will greatly impact and benefit cancer patients.” Her powerful words helped to fuel the vision that is now a wonderful reality.
Valerie C. Worthy is the President and Co-Founder of the Sisters Network Triangle,an affiliated chapter of the Sister’s Network, Inc. a national African American breast cancer survivorship organization. Their purpose is to save lives by providing knowledge on breast cancer crisis affecting African-American women in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina.Sisters Network Triangle (SNTNC) was established in February 2003 by six breast cancer survivors. Most recently SNTNC became a 501.3(c) organization. In its infancy, it was recognized as the Outstanding New Affiliate Chapter for 2003 by the national organization.Currently SNTNC has over 65 members and still growing. SNTNC meets the fourth Thursday of each month. The organization adheres to the national mission through providing support for breast cancer survivors and outreach education for the African American community. SNTNC was the recipient of the 5th Annual Lamplighter Award on December 2th, 2006. The Lamplighter Award recognizes “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” Their Annual Tea for Two reached over 3500 women through educational outreach efforts of local Triangle churches.
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The Inaugural “Treasure Her Legacy of Elegance™” Honorees
The newly sworn in Chief of Police of the Raleigh Police Department is Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown. She made history as the first African American female to hold the post. She joined the Raleigh Police Department in August 1987 after earning her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from East Carolina University. She rose through the ranks, and in July 1997, she became the first African-American woman to attain the rank of Sergeant. In August 2003, she was promoted to Captain, becoming not only the first African-American woman to attain that rank, but also the first woman to command one of the Department’s six police districts. In December 2006, she became the first woman in RPD history to be promoted to the rank of Major, and she served as leader of the Administrative Services Division until she was chosen to lead the Internal Affairs Unit in March 2010 and then the Detective Division in November 2010. She was promoted to Deputy Chief in June 2011, and she became chief of the Raleigh Police Department on February 1, 2013. Chief Deck-Brown is originally from rural Franklin County, North Carolina, and she earned her master’s degree in public administration from N.C. State University.
Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy is the fourteenth and sixteenth President of Shaw University. She was the twelfth president of Johnson C. Smith University (JSCU) and the first female to hold each of these prestigious titles. At Shaw from 20092010, she was able to stabilize the financial state of the university by securing a $31 million federal loan. She restructured and refinanced the university’s debt, balanced the budget, raised the CFI score to a positive number and recruited one of the largest freshmen classes in the history of the university. She arrived back at Shaw September 1, 2011 after the campus had been torn apart by the April 16, 2011 tornado. By April 16, 2012, the devastation had been abated and all buildings were back in use. In addition, she is now leading the University through five program accreditation reviews and the regular SACSCOC reaffirmation. As President of JSCU from October 1994 to June 2008, Dr. Yancy marshaled phenomenal growth and progress. During this period, she completed two significant capital campaigns and was heralded as one of the best fundraisers nationally. From 1994 to 2008, she raised more than $145 million for the university and the JCSU endowment more than tripled from $14 million to $53 million. Page 7
The Inaugural “Treasure Her Legacy of Elegance™” Honorees
growth for the university.
Dr. Debra M. Townsley is President of William Peace University (formerly Peace College), a private fouryear university located in downtown Raleigh, N.C. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. Rooted in the liberal arts tradition, students develop an appreciation for life-long learning, a focus on meaningful careers, and skills for ethical citizenship. Inaugurated as the 10th president of William Peace University in August 2010, Townsley oversees a student body of more than 700 full and part-time students enrolled in Peace’s undergraduate programs. An all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and began admitting male students to its day program in fall 2012. Her efforts as president include an emphasis on reviewing strategies to encourage new course offerings, athletic programs, campus facilities, staff, faculty and enrollment as part of overall expansion activities to accommodate future
Dr. Dianne Boardley Suber is the tenth President of Saint Augustine’s University. Saint Augustine’s University (SAU), was established in 1867 in Raleigh, North Carolina. SAU is a four-year liberal arts university with an average enrollment of approximately 1,500. SAU offers more than 25 undergraduate degree programs and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Dr. Suber assumed the presidency on December 1, 1999. Under her leadership, the University has experienced increased enrollment, reinstituted the football program, fielded a marching band, expanded the adult learners program, established innovative degree granting programs to include Biomedical and Scientific Communication; Forensic Science; the Center for Real Estate Development and Property Management; Allied and Medical Sciences program; and Film and Interactive Media. On August 1, 2012, the College officially became Saint Augustine’s University. The University is on target to offer its first master’s degree program in the Fallof 2014; the Physician Assistant Studies Program.
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The Inaugural “Treasure Her Legacy of Elegance™” Honorees Sylvia Wiggins is the Executive Director of the Helping Hand Mission. The Helping Hand Mission, Inc. opened its doors in the winter of 1972. An article in a local newspaper printed a story of a homeless man who was found frozen to death due to the lack of sufficient winter clothing and no available shelter space. Mrs. Wiggins, a tireless champion for community was touched by this and she began “Operation Warm Clothing.” The program took-off and collection boxes were placed throughout the Triangle, collecting coats, blankets, hats, gloves and any warm article for needy adults and children.So many families participated in this new program that the focus expanded into ways to provide “special services” to needy families with children, the elderly, the disabled, the homeless, and victims of disaster. From its humble beginnings, the Helping Hand Mission, Inc. has grown into a vital source of help and relief for the downtrodden. Its doors are open 365 days per year to serve everyone regardless of race, creed, or color.
Monica M. Gillespie, Ph.D. is the Head of School of Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, North Carolina,an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory, boarding and day school dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement for girls in grades 9-12 that was founded in 1842. SMS offers a comprehensive range of opportunities enabling girls to compete in college and today’s global economy. Saint Mary’s School offers 15 Advanced Placement courses and a full complement of honors courses, competition in 11 sports and on 16 teams, a comprehensive fine arts program, and signature technology, advising, and co-curricular programs to prepare students for independence and success in college and life.Thirty-six of the school’s nationally recruited faculty and staff live on campus, and 81 percent of the faculty holds advanced degrees in their field. The student/faculty ratio is 8.4:1 and the average class size is 12.5 students. The school’s 247 students represent 12 states and five foreign countries - China, Grand Cayman, Korea, Spain and the UK.
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The Inaugural “Treasure Her Legacy of Elegance™” Honorees
Dr. Eunice Dudley is the Co-Founder of the DudleyQ+ brand. She is one of the world’s most sought after AfricanAmerican female business leaders and she currently serves as the Executive Director for the Dudley Beauty School System. By 1976 with her husband and Co-Founder Joe L. Dudley, Sr. she had helped developed a sales force of more than 400, a beauty school, and a chain of beauty supply stores located throughout the Southeast. Dudley Products was deemed an entrepreneurial success.Over the past 40 years through dedication, hard work and persistence, she has helped take the DudleyQ+ Brand from very humble beginnings in their kitchen to a respected and world renowned position in the Beauty Industry. In 2009they were featured in a Chris Rock documentary, GoodHair, about the hair care industry.Dr. Dudley strongly believes in giving back to the community. She frequently volunteers her time, money, and resources to various boards and organizations. She has received numerous awards and In 1991, she was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Bennett College for her business success and for being a role model for young women in the community. Reggie Edwards is the Executive Director and Founder of The Encouraging Place. For more than 10 years, Reggie Edwards headed the women’s outreach at a local urban ministry. Women from all walks of life came together to make new friends, hear an inspiring message, be built up and encouraged. In addition to monthly support groups, there were conferences, retreats and special outings. It was a special time for ladies of all ages and many women were blessed. Their goal is to reach out and touch sisters everywhere with the love of Jesus Christ through their programmatic initiatives that include their Summer Camp for Women, SisterShare and Jobs4Life. “We are not our sister’s keeper, we are our sister’s sister, her cheerleader, her encourager the one who pats her on the back and tells her that she is a woman who can!” The Encouraging Place is a 501©(3) outreach ministry that continues that tradition. The Junior League of Raleigh is a nonprofit organization focused on training women as community leaders and volunteers. The League is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International and is the 9th largest of 294 Leagues internationally. The Raleigh League has more than 1,800 members serving Wake County with programs of education and volunteer service. The League has contributed more than 232,000 volunteer hours since 2000, focusing on promising youth. Since 1930, the Junior League of Raleigh has contributed more than $5 million to community projects and programs. The League reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to volunteerism.
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The Sisters Inspiring Sisters Incorporated™ (The SISI™)
Founded by Terry W. Spicer and her husband, Stacey L. Spicer, The Sisters Inspiring Sisters Incorporated™ (The SISI™) is a 501c3 charity that provides transportation assistance to cancer patients and tools girls with resourceful skills and best practices for living and producing successfully as they transition through their journey toward womanhood. *The SISI Cancer Transportation Fund™ is in honor of Gwen Bishop and will service the immediate needs of cancer patients with assistance to get to their medical appointments and chemotherapy treatments. We realize the importance of transportation in the process of working toward healing and health for patients. Many ask, “How am I going to get to the doctor?” or they say, “I truly cannot afford all that this is going to require; who will take me?” These are true to life scenarios that many face in light of all that they have to endure in the process of cancer treatment. The SISI™ is an advocate in Her Journey toward health and healing and is an Advocate that will provide assistance to help meet the financial needs of patients for gas to put in their cars or transportation will be provided by a partnering service that will take patients to their appointments and return them home safely to rest and recover. An application interview process will be required that will determine and approve or decline the request for funding based on real need and real life situations that dictate expense barriers that would otherwise prohibit or hinder treatment. It is important to note that each case will be evaluated and verified before gas card gifts or arranged transportation will be disbursed to patients for use for medical purposes only without exception. *The SISI Apprenticeship Program™ is a program that provides gifted young girls with an invaluable and intensive learning opportunity of working with teams of professionals in marketing and public relations. Participants of the Apprenticeship Program will get to apply their talents in real world environments where they are encouraged to employ creative problem-solving techniques and strive to realize the full intellectual and personal potential of their intelligence. There will also be a component of mandatory public service projects implemented in this program. As an SISI Apprentice™ participants will: Work with a team of industry professionals. Apply learned tools of application, knowledge and skills in real world situations. Develop leadership, interpersonal, team building and creative problem-solving skills that will translate to any career. Develop positive, life-changing associations with other highly gifted and creative students and adults. Establish and learn the value of developing new relationships with peers who share like interests, desires, and ambitions. In the evenings and on weekends, they will attend pre-determined cultural events, participate in recreational activities, and explore the city. They are supervised by adults throughout the program. Mandatory participation in a community service project as determined by The SISI.™
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The Inaugural “Treasure Her Legacy of Elegance™” Friday, May 3 Events
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. “Treasure Her™” Registration OPENS 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. Event Registrants will check in to receive credentials for the 3-day event. The Registration Station is a point of information for everything pertaining to the Celebration at the Sheraton. Smiling faces will greet you and ensure that your stay is an ELEGANT experience. We look forward to your arrival! “Treasure Her Boutique™” VENDORS OPEN 3:00 - 11:00 p.m. An array of wonderful shopping opportunities awaits our Registrants for the Celebration that will appeal to your taste for ELEGANCE! “Her Pearls of Ivory Elegance Reception™” 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. Our Beautiful Women, “Her Pearls™” will grace the affair dressed in elegant chic Ivory Attire with draped pearls for an elegant Kickoff Reception of acquaintance, reunion and celebration of incredible sisterhood. WONDERFUL ENTERTAINMENT & EXCITING FUN ACTIVITIES ARE PLANNED FOR THE EVENING! “Her Small Pearls & Girly Elegance Party™” 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. Our Beautiful Girls, “Her Small Pearls™” ages 7 – 17 will bring their spirit of youthful beauty, eagerness and willingness to meet new acquaintances, celebrate each other in fun and experience new tools for “Graceful Girly Elegance™” that will prepare them with readiness for the evolving successful chapters of their lives. An incredibly talented and qualified staff awaits with a deliberate agenda to educate, empower and embrace these participants!
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The Inaugural “Treasure Her Legacy of Elegance™” Saturday, May 4 Events Doors for The Tea will open at 9:00 a.m. “Treasure Her™” Registration OPENS 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Event Registrants will check in to receive credentials for the 3-day event. The Registration Station is a point of information for everything pertaining to the Celebration at the Sheraton. Smiling faces will greet you and ensure that your stay is an ELEGANT experience. We are here to service your every need and look forward to your arrival! “Treasure Her Boutique™” VENDORS OPEN 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. An array of wonderful shopping opportunities awaits our Registrants for the Celebration that will appeal to your taste for ELEGANCE! LAST DAY! “Treasure Her Elegance Tea™” 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Women and girls, “Her Pearls and Small Pearls™” will join in an “Elegant and Gentile Celebration of Her™” abundant with love, rich in Our history, adorned in the most beautiful crown covering pieces of art with stories to tell. Following the Tea, we will convene for a “Her Pearls & Small Pearls of Elegance™” photograph. ALL of our guests are required to grace the Tea in the most elegant attire in a parade of beautiful hats, gloves, dresses and pearls! “Treasure Her Small Pearls™ Signature Girly Elegance Workshops” 3:00 – 5:15 p.m. Our “Her Small Pearls™” will convene in the spirit of fun and continued education to learn proper etiquette and beauty application that will provide an amazing foundation for their future years of discovery and successful accomplishment. “Treasure Her PEARLS™ Signature Series Workshops Honoring Her” 3:00 - 5:15 p.m. A slate of world class speakers will take to the platform to empower, educate and touch the soul of issues specific to fulfilling the needs of women. “Treasure Her PEARLS™” Signature Series Panel Conversation “Treasure Her Across The Generations™” 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.Dynamic & Inspiring Fireside Chat with the Women & Girls facilitated by Ms. StarlettaDuPois, Tea Keynote Speaker & Special Guest. DINNER ON YOUR OWN “TCP Magazine Presents “A Legacy of Gospel Music” hosted by Peggy Tatum, Publisher” 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. AMAZING GOSPEL ENTERTAINMENT from the industry’s most talented artists in high celebration!
May 5, 2013 “Treasure Her Sunday Morning Worship Service™” 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. We will end where we began: IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD! THE EVENT OFFICIALLY ENDS FOLLOWING WORSHIP SERVICE! THANK YOU FOR JOINING US; SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! SAFE TRAVELS!
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Keynote Speaker - Hollywood Actress Starletta DuPois
As one of Hollywood’s most sought after character actresses, StarlettaDuPois is known for her memorable work in films such as the cult classic “Friday After Next,” with Ice Cube and Mike Epps as well as “First Sunday” and the blockbuster from Martin Lawrence, “Big Momma’s House.” Iconic producer Oliver Stone tapped her for his gritty urban drama, “South Central.” She has co-starred with many other dynamic notables including the late Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett in “Waiting to Exhale,” Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfieffer in “Wolf,” and Denzel Washington in “Ricochet,” and in the box office smash, “The Notebook” directed by Nick Cassavetes (John Q.) and co-stars GenaRowlands and James Garner. Most recently she co-starred in the Pan African Film Festival’s top prize winning film, “Ties That Bind,” co-starred with Phillip Baker Hall in “Duck” and she co-starred with Louis Gossett, Jr. in the critically acclaimed film, “The Least Among You.”
Television audiences are well acquainted with her work from the impressive list of series and movie-of-the-week guest appearances including a recurring role on the runaway hit, “Lost” with Harold Perrineau, “Cold Case” with Thom Barry and “K-Ville” with Anthony Anderson. She has appeared on ABC’s “One Life to Live,” “The Road to Galveston” where she co-starred with Cicely Tyson, “City of Angels,” “Chicago Hope,” “The District,” “The Steve Harvey Show,” “Any Day Now,” “Through Hazel Eyes” with Jane Seymour and HBO’s critically acclaimed “Strapped.” The list continues. Her theatrical roots run deep with numerous performances that included the St. Louis Black Repertory Company productions of “Intimate Apparel,” “Before It Hits Home,” and August Wilson’s “King Hedley II,” all of which garnered prize nominations. She received the coveted Woodie King, Jr. Award for her work as Best Actress in a Drama during the 2005-2006 season. She earned a Tony Award nomination for her work in “The Mighty Gents.” She received an NAACP Image Award nomination for the Mark Taper Forum production of “Miss Evers Boys.” She has the very distinct privilege of having portrayed all three female roles in Lorraine Hansberry’s master work, “A Raisin in the Sun.” In addition to playing opposite Danny Glover in the landmark PBS production (earning the NAACP Image Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama), she received much acclaim for her show stopping turn as Lena Younger in the Royal Exchange Theatre revival production held in Manchester, England. From that performance she won the Best Actress Award. She will return to the United Kingdom reprising the role in London’s West End. Her uncanny talent for capturing the essence of each character has carried her abroad to perform in Rome and Japan, leaving a trail of critical raves in her wake. Her portrayals of August Wilson’s timeless characters in “Fences,” “The Piano Lesson,” directed by Lloyd Richards and opposite Samuel L. Jackson and Charles S. Dutton, and “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” with Delroy Lindo were nothing less than brilliant. A Philadelphia native, she holds an MFA inTheatre Arts from UCLA where she graduated magna cum laude. In addition to being in a myriad of civic and philanthropic endeavors, she mentors aspiring artists and serves as an adjunct professor in the Theatre Arts Department at the University of Southern California. During off-season, she can be found on tour with her highly successful one-woman show, “Order My Steps.”Ms. DuPois currently resides in Los Angeles, California. Page 14
A chance meeting at a Christmas Concert at Redeeming Love Missionary Baptist Church afforded me the opportunity to meet someone who would become a vital force in my life, business and ministry. I don’t recall seeing her in the room but she made her way to do an intro and exchange of business cards. Next was a follow up call, an appointment and her sitting in TCP’s Truth Chair, aka The Confessional. After swapping our respective visions, we realized we needed each other’s services, thus the beginning of our relationship. I was impressed by her love to read the dictionary and to use those words in her descriptive writing. She has the ability to describe you in words that elevate your self-esteem.
Terry Spicer by Peggy Tatum
Terry’s vision to bring together mothers and daughters through her “Treasure Her ™” event garnered the support of TCP Magazine immediately upon conception. The enthusiasm of being able to finally pen her book “Lessons From Her Skirttail™” was beyond measure. She ate, slept and continued to dream and share with anyone with ears. Her seven year plight of withholding it all inside has come to fruition. A Baby Spice is born in the form of 117 pages of the legacy training passed on through the family lineage of numerous women. This first weekend of May allows mothers, daughters, granddaughters, aunts, sisters and more to come together and celebrate, learn and listen to the wisdom and newness of life.With her husband Stacey, she founded The Sisters Inspiring Sisters Incorporated™ (The SISI™) a 501c3 charity that will provide transportation assistance to cancer patients under financial stress. “The SISI Apprentice Program™” will tool girls with life impacting resources for successful living. This event is the inaugural fundraiser for The SISI.™ Terry grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina with her loving mom, brother and sister and extended family. Her initial ambition was to be in broadcasting. She graduated in 1982 from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communications the year prior to the big win by the Cardiac Pack. She is the owner of Epiphany Public Relations, LLC of NC and Spiced Elegance Wedding & Event Planner. A much sought out event planner and publicist, Terry is one of three National Centennial Public Relations Co-Chairs for the National Centennial Celebration of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She recently visited the White House upon invitation by the President of the United States as Publicist for ASALH in Washington, DC; one of the highlights of her career. She has an incredible thirst for the Lord and the benefits of His blessings are evident by her lovely family and how He has breathed life on this project. There is much more to learn about Terry Spicer beyond this article and event. I encourage you to purchase her new book, “Lessons From Her Skirttail™” by visiting www.lessonsfromherskirttail.com.
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present:
“The Legacy of Gospel Music� Saturday, May 4, 7:30 p.m. Sheraton Imperial Hotel From the voice of the slave to the emergence of Hip Hop featuring:
Reggie Sconiers
Eternity
Cynthia Jones
Johnny Foster Page 16
Paula Waters
Mary Williams
Tonya McLaurin
Wendy Peterson
Faith Wilson
Tai Miles
Mother Salute
Mary Ferguson and Nicole Ferguson Carr
Helen Adams
First Lady Ralphine Winston
First Lady Tracey Williams
Laura Clemmons
Peggy Tatum Rosie Carr Mary Corbett
Ramona Wood
Dr. Francene Hash and Mother Mildred Hash
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NCCASA – North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault In this country, one in four girls and one and seven boys will be a victim of sexual assault in their lifetime. Those are simply reported incidents. Historically, people of color have been disproportionately impacted by sexual violence. “For every African American/Black woman who reports her rape, at least fifteen do not report theirs”- Bureau of Justice Statistics, US Department of Justice. Factors that perpetuate sexual violence for people of color, specifically women of color, are oppression, disenfranchisement, social norms and a lack of engagement and education about the issue; thereby making it difficult for survivors, specifically from the African American community, to access the services they need. An organization working to stem the epidemic of sexual assault for ALL survivors is the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCCASA). NCCASA is the sole statewide expertise working to end sexual assault and human trafficking through education, advocacy and legislation. Founded in 1988 by a small group of concerned citizens who wanted to address the issues impacting survivors of sexual violence, NCCASA responds to the training, resource development, prevention/intervention services, emerging issues, funding, public policy and community engagement needs of over 80 rape crisis centers and a host of allied professionals across North Carolina. With a small staff of twelve, NCCASA houses high impact projects that respond to the complexities and emerging issues of sexual violence. One such emerging issue is human trafficking. North Carolina is one of the top ten states for human trafficking. This staggering fact is due to major highway access (Interstates 40, 85, and 95), a large military presence with a transient population, huge agricultural community, and the Eastern NC ports/ rural communities. Knowing that human trafficking is sexual assault, NCCASA provides case management, mental health, housing, job skill training and medical services for victims of human trafficking. To date, NCCASA is the only statewide anti-sexual assault coalition in the country providing these services. In addition to working on behalf of ninety rape crisis centers in North Carolina, NCCASA is an asset to the national sexual assault movement. Monika Johnson-Hostler, NCCASA’s Executive Director, serves as the board chair of the National Alliance Ending Sexual Violence (NAESV), one of the policy entities responsible for the passing of the Violence Against Women Act and securing over $420 million for violence against women work across the country. In 2010, Monika was appointed by the current administration to serve on the National Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women. Hostler was recently featured on Ebony.com in a story entitled “5 Ways We Can Teach Men Not to Rape”. Hostler stated, “We have to engage men and boys, especially around masculinity and bystander intervention. In order to end rape, we have to change the culture in how we treat women and girls.” News headlines, both locally and nationally, indicate that sexual violence is a major problem. There has to be proactive engagement from EVERYBODY to ensure our communities and children are safe. To do so, we must know that sexual assault has no regard for race, gender, or age. It’s a crime that affects and effects us all. Together, we can end sexual assault! For more information about NCCASA, visit www.nccasa.org.
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Protecting Our Families From Sexual Abuse
Drs. M.Ojinga and Dionne Harrison MD
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Acts that constitute sexual assault occur on a continuum ranging from using a sexual nickname, deliberate exposure to pornography or sexual material to kissing, fondling and intercourse. Research statistics alert us for the purpose of awareness and prevention. In the U.S. 60% of perpetrators of child sexual abuse are non -family but are known by the child (babysitters, family friends, neighbors). Approximately 30% of offenders are family members and most frequently male, though 6%-14% are female. An estimated 23% of sexual assaults on children are done by juveniles who often were also sexually abused. The effects of this type of abuse on the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of individuals are significant and research shows that a system wide approach— emphasizing prevention, informing teachers, churches, health providers, the criminal justice system and offering supports-- for those who experience this violence is essential to reduce the adverse consequences for the individual, families and community.
The family is the first line of defense in preventing and protecting children from sexual assault. Sexual abuse does not occur in a vacuum. The absence of one parent, parental substance abuse, a parent with multiple sexual partners,untreated mental illness, domestic violence, family secrecy, the stress of poverty and the presence of a step-father are conditions that increase risk. Furthermore, children of parents with a history of childhood victimization have an estimated 10 times greater risk of being sexually abused. While sexual violence occurs across ethnic and socioeconomic lines, one can clearly see that African American children are at great risk. “A Letter From Tamar” is a fully illustrated picture book written for children 7 years and older to aid parents, teachers, churches and counselors in preventing sexual abuse. The lessons from this Biblical family are many and there is a message of hope and healing for those who have been abused. Some important parental prevention strategies the book outlines are listed below. 1. Educate children about their private body parts and their purpose using proper terminology to avoid confusion. 2. Teach them to say “No” to stop any form of inappropriate play or touching that hurts or is unwanted. 3. Teach them the importance of telling you the truth. Cultivate a relationship where they feel safe to communicate with a parent/s about anything. 4. Identify unsafe family and friends;protect &caution children about them. 5. Set clear rules about what is appropriate play activity. Guidelines differ for children, tweens and teens. 6. Learn how important it is to proactively establish boundaries in blended families where everyone is not a blood-relative. 7. Teach children warning signs of someone who could be dangerous and how to immediately get out of such situations. For more information and resources visit ALetterFromTamar.com
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Free Indeed! By Adrienne Miller, Founder, Shout!2Stop TraffickingSM
“Jeanie” was a free-spirit, but a shy girl. She thought a great way to get over her shyness, and to do one of the things she loved best, dancing— was to take that terrific new job that Gary, a guy she met at the mall was offering her. She would finally have a job and make some real money; $500.00 or more a night. “Where else could you make that kind of money?” she thought. All she had to do was dance…
It’s a shame that “Jeanie” didn’t know that her dancing would involve a pole; wearing skimpy outfits while hundreds of men “watched” her. That Gary would drug and rape her after pressuring her to make pornographic films; showing her the horrible images of what was done to her while “she was asleep.” Using her shame and fear to force her into a life on the streets; selling her body for money. Gary was now not only her pimp, but a trafficker. “Jeanie” would join the growing ranks of thousands of women and girls that have been lured, enslaved, in the dark world of human trafficking. The US State Department* estimates nearly one million people, 80% women and children, are trafficked between countries each year (transnational human trafficking); with an estimated 23% coming to the United States. That doesn’t account for the thousands of women and children the FBI** states are US citizens, domestic victims of human trafficking—many of which are minors. It maybe hard for us to understand how “Jeanie” became trapped. And even harder to understand why she remained month after month, allowing herself to be used, desecrated and violated. You may be thinking, “Why didn’t she just run away?!” Traffickers know who to target. Those who are lonely and shy, often with low self-esteem; individuals in need of a job or money. Soon the gateways that brought them to the place of trafficking become the shame that binds them like a rope.
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Free Indeed! (conluded from previous page)
The only way to be free is to get free and stay that way. Easier said than done when a harsh upbringing presses someone into decisions they wouldn’t have normally made for themselves. Many people miss out on the joys of childhood when they are forced to become adults before it’s time. We have all heard that youth are our future. Let’s hope we are all going to step up to protect them more now that we know others are lurking to not necessarily give them a future, but bait them and use them for their own selfish gain. Freedom never seems that sweet to us, until we lose it. Shame we can’t value the power of our own decision, and a life free from entanglement. It’s easy to see a life of freedom when you are on the free side of a fence. The United States, like other countries, has a long standing history of human exploitation. From the trans-atlantic slave trade, to Jim Crow, share cropping, and still today, many industries whose work culture promotes exploitation. Fair work means a fair wage no matter who you are. Isn’t it time the “no matter who you are” gets some freedom, too? Human trafficking is modern day slavery. It’s more than a civil rights violation, its moral injustice and it has to stop. Christians are in a unique position to help set the captives free in body, mind and spirit, because we know the One who paid the price, and we know the One who can break the binds. May the cries of the enslaved be: “I’m free! Free indeed!” *US State Dept. 2010 **FBI 2010 © A. Miller 2013 Adrienne Miller is also Founder of Prose NetworkSM which links prostitutes to resources. Adrienne is the author of three books, and travels to educate and advocate against human trafficking. Contact her: sharehislight@bellsouth.net No part of this article may be reproduced or used without permission of the author.
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Women Are Rocking, Grooving and Jamming!
Talented Women Perform on One Stage
Whether it is a gospel tune that uplifts, a jazzy tune that consumes the soul, or even an all genres tune that makes youstand up and groove, The Women, Who Rock, Groove and Jam!showcase and concert has the right flavor for any audience. Talented women from all over North Carolina converge onto one stage to express their love for the arts – and to follow their dreams of singing, dancing, spoken word, acting, writing, or directing – all while promoting positivity. Local upcoming talent is also encouraged to participate in their showcases and concerts. “We are always looking for and encouraging talent to grace our stage,” states Johnice Reid, Performer Coordinator of The Women Who Rock, Groove and Jam!, “North Carolina is full of great women performers and trailblazers.” The Women Who Rock, Groove and Jam! 2013 Spring Concert will showcase performances by Johnice Reid (All Genres), Michelle Stephens (Spoken Word), Nitia Steward (All Genres), Lucretia Thomas (Gospel), Paula Waters (Gospel), Shanikqua White (Gospel), and Sister Mary Williams (Gospel). The concert also includes The Newlyweds, a theatrical production about a newlywed who reminisces about reuniting with her estranged ex-husband, who recently gets married to his sixth wife. The Women Who Rock, Groove and Jam!will perform its 2013 Spring Concert at the Garner Performing Arts Auditorium on Friday, July 19, 2013 | 7pm. Tickets are $10. For more information about the organization, tickets, or performers, visit www.RockGrooveandJam.com. The concert is sponsored by The WE WIN Organization– Women Empowering Women In Networking, which promises to change women perspectives of networking and sisterhood. “As a writer, producer, and filmmaker,” begins April Mial, president of The WE WIN Organization, “I had been to several networking events that promised promotion and growth for my business – but sadly, my connection with other people was limited to that evening, and the money I spent on cocktails could have gone into my business. What I learned from my lack of business success during those times is that one, I did not know how to properly network, or two, those evening networking opportunities were not specific to my business needs. As a result, The WE WIN Organization was created – to help women truly build relationships and properly network.” The goal of The WE WIN Organization is to uplift, support, and empower women to believe in the value that each woman has within, while the mission is to create and execute an environment where women build relationships and encourage each other to work together to accomplish success for their business, professional careers, or self-image. Many educational workshops and intensive networking opportunities are offered. Any woman who believes in Christian values and wants to become successful are encouraged to join the Organization. WE WIN also gives back to the community. For more information about the organization and how to become a member, visit www.MissionWeWin. com.
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Women’s Empowerment by Melissa Wade
This year’s Women’s Empowerment was what I believe to be one of the best ones by far. The theme was “Moving Forward” and the keynote speakers were Bishop T.D. Jakes and Wendy Williams, along with other national Gospel and R&B recording artists. It was a sold out crowd of over 19,000 people at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC.
The day began with the Empowerment Breakfast at the Renaissance Hotel with those who were ready to get things started. The ballroom was filled with women from all walks of life, from Pastors to First Ladies, CEO’s, to book authors; moms, grandma’s, aunts and sisters. And there in the midst of them all, Raleigh’s new and first appointed black female police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown. At the head table were female representatives from all of the sponsors and one of the most influential and successful black female entrepreneurs, Mrs. Cathy Hughes. In the middle of all of these ladies was a man who is unmistakably known by many; Bishop T.D. Jakes. He sat right next to me and I was overjoyed to say the least to have a man of God with such wisdom and knowledge talk to me like he was my uncle. I thought I would be nervous but after asking him about his next book, he began to tell me about his experience in Africa and I was so captivated by his conversation that it was easy to see why he is famous for what he does because speaking to anyone comes easy to him. As for his next book, I believe he said something about conquering our jungle experience… in the physical and spiritual. Next, the main event and the PNC arena was filled with women and men, young and old in anticipation of what they would see and hear. Women’s Empowerment is always a great event but this year there was a strong spiritual tone and you could feel it. The main stage began with a relationship forum with some of our local Pastors followed by North Carolina’s own,LeJuene Thompson. Artist Tasha Cobbs took us into powerful worship with her hit song “Break Every Chain.”Bishop Paul S. Morton and Pastor Smokie Norful set the atmosphere for the speaker to bring us what God placed on his heart. After Mrs. Hughes’ introduction, the crowd let out a roar to welcome Bishop T.D. Jakes. Jakes took the stage with his Bible and did what he is truly ordained to do… relay the Word of God to his people. Bishop talked about the parable of the talents and how each and every one of us are “Gifted.” I believe everyone there got a different experience from what was said but one that they could take and use in their daily lives. My friend Quintonia attended the event and said, “Being an entrepreneur, it was inspiring when he talked about the gifts and how we all have gifts and if we use them to his glory then he will magnify us through them ….I felt he was only talking to me.” The rest of the day included TV talk show host Wendy Williams, who talked about her experiences, her talk show and her future and encouraged women to do what they are passionate about. The expo also featured a stellar fashion show and other R&B artists including Erykah Badu and Charlie Wilson. Page 24
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