I drove from Atlanta to Mobile, Alabama, and let me tell you, it was worth every mile!
The Rhythm of Gospel Awards Weekend 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. From the soul-stirring quartet performances to the powerful gospel choirs, the weekend was a heavenly experience. True Vine Gospel Choir took the stage, and those tambourines, Lord, delivered an unforgettable performance that lifted us all and made us ready to put our shouting shoes to work! And Miss Lillian Lloyd? As per usual, She Served! The glasses? Yes, they were giving “I’m here”. So, yes ma’am, and yes sir, she brought the house down with her electrifying presence!
The Stella Pearl Johnson Annual Ladies of Virtue event was a beacon of class and elegance, an experience that no one would have wanted to miss. Our very own TCP MAGAZINE founder, Peggy Tatum, was honored for her remarkable service to the kingdom and her invaluable contribution to the gospel industry, a testament to the event’s significance.
Among the notable winners was gospel artist Marjane with her inspiring song “Won’t Give Up Now.” Founded by Dr. Mark Rogers, the event was hosted by The
THE RHYTHM OF GOSPEL AWARDS
National & Independent Gospel Music Association, the third largest Gospel Awards Show in the nation and the largest national independent gospel award platform, spanning the United States, Canada, and various international regions. The awards highlighted over 58 categories of recognition, celebrating the incredible talent in the gospel music community.
The 2024 headliners were a diverse and phenomenal lineup, including Jasmine Williams, Kim Kenny, Eric Cohen, Kara Nichole, Jeffrey Williams & VOl, Mary Finch, Missy Coates, Sharrond King, Ne-Ne Vaughn Moore, Sherry Young, GHarris817, Jerrell Golden, Darrin Patterson, Spoken Praise, True Vine Apostolic Church Choir, Marcus Moore & Chosen Generation, Lil Blair and The Fantastic Violinaires, Evangelist Lillian Lloyd, Valerie Montanez, and many more. Each performance was a testament to the power and passion of God and gospel music.
This weekend was a breathtaking experience filled with worship, celebration, and inspiration. If you weren’t there, join us in Charlotte, North Carolina, next year. Visit https://www.therhythmofgospelawards.com/ for updates and a complete list of 2024 Award Winners.
-DR YVE’ MICHAELS
EDITORIAL
Thank you to everyone who attended our 20th Anniversary celebration at New Providence Baptist Church. We enjoyed an assortment of traditional music that delighted everyone. We’re excited to announce that we’ve been offered the opportunity to replicate the program. Thus, we will have Spontaneous Worship on the 5th Sundays at 3 pm at Lincoln Park Holiness Church in Raleigh, featuring exceptional talent from our community.
approach to ministry and Kingdom-building is sure to inspire you.
Our Feature Segment, ‘Impacting Raleigh,’ showcases the remarkable contributions of three accomplished gentlemen. Their dedication to giving back to the community, their love for children, and their entrepreneurial spirit are truly inspiring and make us proud of our local heroes.
At the Anniversary celebration, we honored five Hometown Heroes: Rev. Dr. Nathaniel and First Lady Ramona Wood, Apostle Dr. James Neal, Evangelist Louella Neal, and Dr. Syvalla Washington. The Woods were featured in the anniversary issue, and the others are highlighted in this current issue.
Our Cover Story highlights the extraordinary achievements of Bishop Al and Pastor Yolanda Morgan. Their innovative and unconventional
CONTENTS
P4 The Rhythm of Gospel Awards
P5 Editorial
P6-7 Bishop Al & Pastor Yolanda Morgan
P9 Remembering Maggie
P9 Ms. Linda Peterson
P11 Miss North Carolina 2024
P14-15 Hometown Heroes
P16-17 Nate McMillan
In June, I was honored as a Woman of Virtue at the Rhythm of Gospel Awards in Mobile, Alabama, along with seven other distinguished ladies. Among them were a retired Brigadier General, a former WNBA player and attorney, and other notable African American women. Dr. Yve Moore, a new contributing writer for TCP Magazine, provides a recap on the facing page.
This issue is packed with incredible content, and I believe it might be my favorite yet. Take some time to delve into these amazing stories and share your feedback with me.
P18-19 James and Wonza Montague
P20-21 LeVelle Moton
P22-23 The A.R.T.S.
Ted & Peggy Tatum
The Transformative Vision of Bishop Al and Pastor Yolanda Morgan
Bishop Al and Pastor Yolanda Morgan are revolutionizing the church concept by expanding beyond traditional methods and delving into extreme kingdom building. Their significant contributions to the entrepreneurial community are evident through their ownership of multiple successful businesses. The Morgan’s diverse portfolio includes healthcare facilities, consulting and management, interior design, home restoration, and business/financial coaching. They have demonstrated exceptional prudence in growing their enterprises by managing multi-million-dollar budgets annually.
The Morgan’s founded Launch Ministries by combining their high business acumen with a deep sense of community calling. Launch Ministries offers unparalleled guidance and navigation, helping countless individuals achieve greater financial prosperity and personal fulfillment. The Morgan’s
provide their members with essential blueprints for creating profitable practices and successful business growth. Embracing innovative ideas and industry challenges, they have led their community to reap significant personal and financial rewards.
The Morgan’s journey with Launch Ministries showcases their strategic brilliance and profound love for humanity. As pastors, they embody leadership behaviors that drive high performance and build competitive advantages. The Morgan’s commitment to loving, leading, and launching others has created a sanctuary with tangible evidence of a flourishing community by transcending conventional religious approaches. Their wisdom has been featured on national Christian broadcasts such as The Word Network, Inspiration Network, and TCT Network, as well as in various published articles and magazine profiles.
The recent announcement of their move from Raleigh to their new location, with over 20,000 square feet in Rocky Mount, NC, increased their visibility and centralized their following. Bishop Al and Pastor Yolanda co-host a weekly radio broadcast as Guest Pastor DJs on The Light 103.9. Their ultimate goal is to teach that knowing and being known by God is life’s most important pursuit. For the Morgan’s, building a mega-church begins with building mega-people.
Note from the Editor:
I met The Morgans over ten years ago, thanks to one of their members who insisted I meet her pastors. Our first meeting was at a 70’s themed event. Pastor Yolanda greeted me warmly, as if we were old friends, despite not knowing me at all. This hospitality has continued throughout our acquaintance.
The Transformative Vision of Bishop Al and Pastor Yolanda Morgan (concluded)
Whenever I invite them to a TCP event, they not only make arrangements to attend but also offer to serve in any way possible. Pastor Yolanda never arrives empty-handed. Despite not being ordained, Bishop Al affectionately calls me a Pastor’s Pastor.
I was amazed to learn that for many years, they didn’t take up tithes and offerings at their church, nor did they take a salary. Instead, if someone wanted to give, it was their choice, and any offerings were given to members in need. This approach removed the pressure and embarrassment for those unable to give. Their business acumen extends into their ministry, aiming to create ten mil-
lionaires within their congregation by harnessing individual talents and prioritizing getting out of debt. So far, one member has reached the millionaire goal. Their philosophy is that there is no need for prophecy without providing a roadmap to achieve it. They frequently use the term “Evidence,” referring to the tangible results their congregation experiences by combining God’s word with practical plans for their lives.
The Morgans were quite reserved when writing about themselves, so I thought I’d share a bit more about their remarkable approach. For more information about their ministry, visit www.launchall. com or follow Launch Ministries on social media.
REMEMBERING MAGGIE
Maggie Taylor Mial left us unexpectedly at 33 years old on April 23rd in Los Angeles, California, where she was living and working at that time. Maggie was born in Roanoke, Virginia, to Katie Gailes and Larry Mial. She relocated to the Triangle Region of North Carolina at age two and was educated in the Wake County public school system. In her formative years, Maggie was active in theater and dance, studying at the North Carolina Dance Institute and performing with the Enloe High School theater group, Theater in the Park’s A Christmas Carol, North Carolina Theater, and the North Carolina Theater Conservatory. She earned a spot in the prestigious North Carolina Governor’s School summer program after her junior year in High School. She also studied and taught in the Broadway Theater Project in Tampa, Florida. After graduating from Enloe High School in Raleigh, Maggie earned acceptance to Elon University’s Music Theater Program.
After graduating from Elon, Maggie continued to perform in independent projects in New York and as a member of Norwegian Cruise Line’s show cast until she found a passion for bar and hospitality venue management. At the time of her death, Maggie was Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at the Maybourne Beverly Hills Hotel. Everyone who knew Maggie also knew of the mutual adoration between Maggie and her 12-year-old cousin, Cheyenne (who she viewed more like a niece). In Maggie’s honor, a North Carolina 529 College Savings Account has been established for Cheyenne.
To contribute go to https://app.backer.com/cheyennescollegefund275. Those who love Maggie will forever miss this driven, intelligent, and creative young woman.
GOD’S PLAN EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Every parent feels anxious about daycare. When the Word of God Daycare & Preschool had to temporarily close, one dedicated teacher felt an urgent need to continue teaching her Pre-K students. She had grown attached to them and wanted to ensure they were well-prepared for kindergarten.
Linda Peterson’s love for children shines through her bright smile, nurturing ways, and firm discipline. She quickly found a location to accommodate God’s Plan Early Learning Center and transformed it into a nurturing learning environment using the Abeka Christian Curriculum. Students learned scriptures and developed the habit of praying for each other. Ms. Peterson also prayed with parents during challenging times.
By graduation, the class held a ceremony at WRAL Gardens. Each student wore a robe in their favorite color. They presented Bible recitations and demonstrated their Circle Time activities, including the Pledge of Allegiance, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” as well as their spelling and reading skills. Since Father’s Day was around the corner, each student presented their dad with a long-stemmed rose.
This was the final class of Ms. Peterson’s teaching career. She ended her career knowing she had instilled the Word of God in her students while preparing them for the next step in their education. The world needs more teachers like Ms. Linda Peterson.
XX ANNIVERSARY PAGE 9
CARRIE EVERETT
Miss North Carolina 2024
On June 29, 2024, Carrie Everett was crowned the 86th Miss North Carolina. Everett is Miss Johnston County and a rising Sophomore at North Carolina Central University in Durham. She is the fourth African American to hold this title in the pageant’s history.
Everett promotes her Community Service Initiative, “We Need Equity To Build Communities,” which aims to break down systemic barriers in our society. In the talent competition, she performed a vocal to “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls. Everett will receive $20,000, a car for the year, and an additional $3,500 in scholarships for other awards she won during pageant week. Everett will represent North Carolina in the Miss America pageant.
Follow her journey by liking the Miss North Carolina Facebook page and following her Instagram account, @ MissAmericaNC, as she carries out her year of service. Subscribe to the new YouTube channel at youtube.com/@missamericaNC. To book for an event or appearance, contact Adrienne Sulkey, Miss NC’s Booking Manager, at adriennesulkey@missnc.org.
Apostle Dr. James Neal and Evangelist Louella Neal
In the heart of Kenly, North Carolina, a beacon of hope and faith shines brightly through the remarkable efforts of Apostle Dr. James Neal and Evangelist Louella Neal. Together, they founded the Temple of Praise Pentecostal Church of Deliverance Inc., a sanctuary of love, compassion, and unwavering faith. Their journey is a testament to the power of dedication and the profound impact of true service to humanity.
Apostle Dr. James Neal: A Ministry of Dedication
Apostle Dr. James Neal’s ministry journey is a tapestry of faith and service. Starting his preaching career in 1976, he quickly became known for his heartfelt messages and deep commitment to his congregation. By 1984, he had taken on the mantle of pastor, guiding his flock with wisdom and love. Over 47 years of preaching and 39 years of pastoring, Apostle Neal has become a pillar of the community, advocating for the Trinity of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and the values of love, compassion, and service.
His ministry goes beyond the walls of the church, addressing societal issues like homelessness, hunger, and poverty. He believes in communal sharing and support, embodying the teachings of Christ through action and outreach.
Evangelist Louella Neal: A Heart of Service
Evangelist Louella Neal is a force of nature, recognized for her tireless community service with accolades from the MLK Community Association and the Kenly Chief of Police. Her heart is firmly rooted in helping the less fortunate, whether through food and clothes giveaways or providing counsel and support to unwed mothers.
Her clothing business is not just a livelihood but a ministry in itself, offering free clothes to those in need. Her personal testimonies, including assisting a blind mother of five, reflect her dedication to serving the community without seeking recognition or personal gain.
A Legacy of Joint Contributions
Together, Apostle Dr. James Neal and Evangelist Louella Neal have created a legacy of love and service. Their community outreach programs are a lifeline for many, with regular food giveaways serving around 1,000 to 1,200 people monthly and clothes distributions for disaster victims and the impoverished. They provide counseling and support to unwed mothers and incarcerated individuals, ensuring that everyone has access to the help they need. Their dedication extends to educational support, making sure children have the necessary supplies for school each year. Evangelist Louella Neal’s literary contribution, “God is Still Performing Miracles,” shares her personal journey and faith, inspiring countless others.
A Strong Partnership
Married for 54 years, Apostle Dr. James Neal and Evangelist Louella Neal’s partnership in both ministry and life is a testament to their deep love and shared vision. Their strong bond and mutual support have been the foundation of their incredible work in the community.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the challenges faced in Kenly, such as inadequate housing for some community members, the Neals’ unwavering faith and dedication have made a significant impact. Their ministry’s profound effect on the community is a reflection of their deep faith and commitment to helping those in need.
In the small town of Kenly, the Temple of Praise Pentecostal Church of Deliverance Inc. stands as a monument to the power of faith, love, and relentless service. The dedication and selflessness exhibited by Apostle Dr. James Neal and Evangelist Louella Neal embody the spirit of Christian service and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on all those they touch.
TCP HOMETOWN HERO
Dr. Syvalla Morrison
Washington
Syvalla (Su-val-luh) Morrison was born on March 27, 1936, in Robeson County, North Carolina, to Belton and Sarah Thomas Morrison. She is the eldest of five children. Her parents, siblings (Magdeline, Shirley, Belton Jr., and Robert), are all deceased.
On May 13, 1953, she married Ira Daniel Washington in Dillon, South Carolina. They had six children: Ira Jr., Linda, Sandra, Aliesa, Diana, and Richard, as well as seventeen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. Ira, the love of her life, passed away on March 15, 2019.
Dr. Washington has held various jobs, including warehouse worker, sewing machine operator, in-school suspension aide, teacher assistant, and most recently, owner/operator of Agape Child Development Center. Her most fulfilling work, however, has been in the ministry. She preached her Initial Message on March 4, 1979, and became Interim Pastor at Cromartie Temple in October 1991, receiving her Pastoral Appointment in January 1992. In October 1995, she became the first female minister ordained by the First Born Church of the Living God.
On January 19, 2003, she was elevated to Overseer by Apostle R. F. Garner. In recognition of her over 35 years of service, she received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Judah Bible Ministry on October 15, 2006.
At 88 years old, Dr. Washington continues to shepherd her congregation, lead others to Christ, and facilitate workshops to inspire followers. She is known for her genuine love for people and zeal for lost souls, often ministering in various neighborhoods. Her work has earned her the title of a highly respected General in God’s Army, bridging the old and new church with her influential ministry.
Romans 12:1-2: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”
Apostle Ruby Ruth Ross praises Dr. Washington: “Dr. Syvalla Washington is a highly respected General in God’s Army. Her voice, mantle, and ministry have proven to be influential in fostering honor, holiness, strength, and endurance between the new and old church. With a clarion call, the General sounds the trumpet, and we answer without hesitation, inspired by her unwavering commitment to the cause. If you want to be part of a time of refreshing that values tradition while embracing the future, Dr. Washington’s leadership and Ministry are the perfect fit.”
NATE MCMILLAN - Moving Forward and Giving Back
Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, by a single mother and with five siblings, Nate McMillan is a true success story. This Enloe Eagle graduate went on to play basketball at Chowan Junior College and then transferred to North Carolina State University, where he played for the Wolfpack during his Junior and Senior years.
Hard work took Nate to the Pros, where he was drafted in 1986 to play with the Seattle Supersonics. After 12 years, Nate retired as a player in 1998. He stayed on with the Team as an assistant coach and then became the Head Coach in 2000. His coaching career spans over 25 years and includes coaching for the Portland Trailblazers, Indiana Pacers, and Atlanta Hawks.
Not only has he made significant moves on the basketball court, but he is also making major moves in the lives of fatherless black boys. In 2023, Nate officially launched the Nate McMillan Foundation with Ms. Wanda Thomas as his Executive Director. The Foundation’s mission is “to empower young men who have experienced fatherlessness by providing mentorship programs that equip them with tools, values, and the mindset to lead positive lives of purpose and impact.” Nate is no stranger to this cause as he grew up never knowing his father. Even though his father was not in the home, he found a father figure in his older brother, Randy, whose determination to make a better life for himself inspired Nate to do the same thing.
It has always been Nate’s dream to give back and provide opportunities and life-changing experiences for young boys, experiences that he never had, and he is doing that with the Nate McMillan Mentoring Camp. It is
at this camp where the vision of the Foundation, “Dream! Commit! Do!” comes to life. The first camp was held in March 2024, where 50 boys participated in an overnight stay for 4 days and 3 nights at New Life Camp in North Raleigh and had the experience of a lifetime! From outdoor activities to classes in financial literacy, AI & social media, and Etiquette, the boys learned a lot and were equipped with practical life lessons. The seeds that were planted in their lives are yet to come up, and many transformations are still taking place. Another camp is scheduled for August 21-24, and applications are now being accepted with limited space available.
It is said that the “reward for good work is more work.” After settling into “retirement,” Nate was recently called back into coaching, having been named the Associate Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Although this move will now take him to Los Angeles, he won’t be leaving the Foundation, and the work in Raleigh will not suffer. The day-to-day operations will continue in the more than capable hands of Ms. Wanda Thomas, the Executive Director, whom Nate often says, “Without Wanda’s help and expertise, I wouldn’t want to do this.”
From humble beginnings to success on and off the court, Nate McMillan and the Nate McMillan Foundation are not just making a difference, they are changing the trajectory of the lives of our young, black, fatherless boys. Your support can help us continue this important work.
If you are interested in learning more about the Nate McMillan Foundation and the Mentoring Camp or in volunteering, visit www.natemcmillanfoundation.org.
Wanda Thomas, Contributing Writer
FROM KITCHEN BARBER TO VISIONARY COMMUNITY DEVELOPER
The inspirational journey of James and
Wonza Montague
At 13, James Montague started cutting hair for fifty cents a head in his supportive mother’s kitchen in Southgate, a subsidized housing community in Southeast Raleigh. At 19, he opened a hair salon with his life partner, Wonza, whom he met as a child. “At first, we didn’t like each other,” she said, “because he was one of the ‘bad boys’ in the neighborhood. Since meeting at eight or nine years old, James and Wonza have traveled the world and changed the world around them, starting with that hair salon. Over thirty years later, it is still operating with many original staff members. “My staff and my customers became like family to us,” says James. “All we had back then was our word, our reputations, and our relationships.”
He loved it so much that he poured himself into the business, often working 12 – 17 hours a day. He had created a successful business but an imbalanced life. A mild stroke at 26-years-old was a wake-up call for him and Wonza. Leaving his customers was difficult, but they knew they had to do something different to save James’ life. They had to learn how to be business owners and not just workers. They had to learn how to work on their business, not just in their business. The lesson he held on to from his early years was the value of relationships. Sometimes, relationships are worth more than currency because they can lead to the human and financial capital you need to grow.
They decided to work on projects that would positively impact the people and businesses in Southeast Raleigh, not just economic impact but also spiritual impact. They wanted to build hope. So, in 1998, he and Wonza founded F7 International. The ‘F7’ stands for faith in action.
They did not lose faith when 17 banks denied his loan application. Eventually, First Union and Central Carolina Bank (both were community banks that have since been acquired) provided the funding he needed for Statueside Business Park. Located on the corner of MLK Boulevard and Rock Quarry Road, it is still the home of over a dozen small businesses. That first experience taught James some valuable lessons that he still draws on today. First, don’t give up. Second, focus on action because you have to put your all into the project. And finally, confidence is a muscle that gets stronger with success.
After meditating on what his next project should be, the vision came to him. Their next project would be a 62-and-older independent living community for financially challenged seniors. Elder’s Peak (a wordplay on ‘elder speak’) opened in 2004 and has been home to many seniors over the past 20 years. Their oldest resident, Ms. Ethel Chapman, owner of Mom’s Country Kitchen, just passed away at over 90 years old.
For several years, James and Wonza traveled the world and were instrumental in developing Sister City relationships be-
tween North Carolina cities and international cities in Africa and China. The pandemic hit just as they were ready to refocus on their local community.
“When we were not able to travel, we had to look inward,” says Montague. “I started to see people in shock. So, I thought, I’ve got to show people that all is not lost. We are going to come out of this.”
In March of 2020, Montague announced plans for Montague Plaza. “You can sit around and mope, or you can try to change your world, no matter what is going on around you,” he said. “Challenges force you to adapt and adjust, or you become a victim. I don’t want to be a victim. I want to be a victor. And I want to teach people, especially young people, how to be victorious.”
He branded this project with his own name to show the young people in Southeast Raleigh what a kid from the projects in their neighborhood can do. The $4m complex sits on two acres at 2718 Rock Quarry Road on land that was once a house and a gas station.
Bobbitt, a Raleigh-based commercial development firm active across the Carolinas, has a long-standing relationship with F7 and oversaw the design and construction of Montague Plaza. Bobbitt CEO, Brian Denisar said initial conversations with Montague unveiled common goals centered around elevating communities and the people in them, especially young people and small businesses. “I was inspired by Monte (business nickname for James Montague),” Denisar said. “In his world, you never would have known that there was a pandemic. He just wanted to move forward.”
Located right next to Southeast Raleigh High School, Montague Plaza will be home to over a dozen businesses, including two restaurants, a barber shop, a beauty salon, a braiding studio, a tattoo parlor, a luxury car rental business, a consignment shop, a recording studio, a retail clothing store, and a STEM education center. The two white buildings with green trim in Montague Plaza will be fully occupied by the end of this year.
One of James and Wonza’s future projects will be in the greater Triad region of North Carolina; a recently purchased ranch in Mebane, North Carolina, that will provide jobs for local citizens and learning spaces for local youth. More about that later.
It all began with that seed of entrepreneurship in James Montague’s mother’s kitchen at 50 cents a head, faith in action, and vision.
Katie Gailes, Contributing Writer
LEVELLE
In March of 2009, North Carolina Central University made a generational-defining decision when it named LeVelle Moton its 17th head coach in school history. At the time, the former Enloe High School basketball star and NCCU legend was on the verge of making a historical impact on his community.
Winning basketball games came easy for Moton, who had spent his entire life mastering the game. His CIAA Hall of Fame career carried over to the clipboard as the wins piled up. During this past season, he became the all-time winningest coach in program history, winning his 252nd game.
Along the way, he’s captured four MEAC Tournament titles, including three consecutive from 2017-2019. However, the NCAA Tournament appearances and accolades weren’t enough to satisfy Moton’s desire to impact the community in which he was raised.
His “Velle Cares” Foundation has been very active in philanthropic efforts in the community. Every summer, he supports back-to-school events for children along with NBA player P.J. Tucker, another former Enloe star. The event is held each year at the Raleigh Boys and Girls Club. Every summer, more than 1,000 students fill their backpacks with brand-new school supplies. The foundation also organizes free haircuts for children ahead of school.
He also puts on another annual event, “Single Mother’s Salute,” which supports single mothers and teachers. The event honors over 150 single mothers throughout the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel-Hill area. The night includes photos, a red carpet, spa treatments, and lots of giveaways.
In 2021, Moton was honored in his hometown with the unveiling of a mural depicting him in downtown Raleigh. At the time, Moton reflected on the prestigious recognition.
“Let’s be honest when people have something like this; they aren’t alive to see it. I still haven’t soaked it in and truly embraced it; this is really my first time seeing it. I think it’s dope, not because I’m up there but because it’s a representation of all the people
that poured into my life,” Moton said. In 2022 the City of Raleigh renamed Lane Street Park to LeVelle Moton Park.
Moton has also invested in development projects in southeast Raleigh with Raleigh Raised Development, LLC. In 2022, his group partnered with the Raleigh Housing Authority on plans to redevelop Heritage Park, a housing community that’s been a part of the capital city for decades.
“Heritage Park has been a staple in Raleigh since the 1970s, and we’re excited to be able to contribute to the process of preserving and updating this important Raleigh community,” said Moton. “It’s our goal to ensure that the vision and voices of existing and future residents are incorporated into the design and construction of the redeveloped community.”
The current 122 units in Heritage Park are going to be replaced with anywhere from 600 to 900 units. Construction is estimated to begin in 2026. The Heritage Park project is a joint venture between RRD and Brinshore Development, LLC. Brinshore is a national developer that has completed more than 90 projects nationwide.
Moton’s impact also comes back full circle to athletics. This past May, Moton teamed up with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin for the “Next Up Conference,” an event addressing the underrepresentation of Black professionals in coaching roles. The event was a great experience for networking, mentorship, and professional development for those who attended.
As Moton enters another season at the helm of NCCU, he will continue to add to his record as the all-time winningest coach on the Durham campus. He’ll also suffer some losses along the way in the quest for a fifth MEAC Tournament title. But in the community, it’s been all wins for Moton, and it appears that it’ll continue to be that way for quite some time.
Tolly Carr, Contributing Writer
THE A.R.T.S.
by Edith C. Berry
When I think of Home, I may think about NYC, but the late Samm Art-Williams comes to mind who wrote this play. “Home” is on Broadway and performed by Pure Life Theatre at Burning Coal Theatre. Deb Royals is the artistic director, stage manager, and scenic designer. Jade Arnold was the director produced by Verlene Oates. The main character featured Ajani Kambon as Cephus Miles, the Black Southern farmer thrown in jail for opposing the Vietnam draft, serving his time, and moving up North. The perplexities of the Northern lifestyles and financial struggles persuaded him to return to the South. Woman One, Patty Mae Wells Cephus’ girlfriend, played by Moriah Williams, scorned him, and Woman Two interacted with both characters, played by Tydiam Coleman, for encouragement. Through life’s challenges and experiences to improve your circumstances by accepting the economic and social strata, you can always return “Home,” but you will never be the same!
The month of June is well-known for weddings. What better way to celebrate it than performing as an actor in “WEDDING DAY WORRIES” for Diamonds, Pearls, and Pink Roses Productions by award-winning director and playwright Renee Nixon? This production highlights a wedding that was supposed to be perfect. The character Coco, by Aya Wallace, shows up and causes mayhem for the
bride by LaPrince-Miller Smith. The groom, DeVaughn Ellison, tried to right the wrong of the baby mama drama. It was futile! Coco’s parents were Rob Douglas, the father (Embarrassed), and yours truly, Edith Berry, the mother (Ashamed), who were overwhelmed by the behavior of their daughter’s actions. The mother of the bride, Emilia Me-Me Cowans, was (Pissed) at the chaos caused by Coco to impede the wedding ceremony. The Groom and Coco were the parents of Chantel, Christel Lipscomb, the daughter at the focal point of an interrupted wedding ceremony. Other participants were in a video shoot. This production won six Broadway World Awards and two A.C.E. (Artist Celebrating Excellence) Awards) totaling 8 Awards.
The production of “Ex-Boyfriends” by Dani Coan, directed by Barbette Hunter and Amelia Lumpkin at Burning Coal Theatre, featured the relatable relationships of Dani Coan as the girlfriend seeing therapist Jo as Katie Mulligan because guys did not treat her properly, and it affected her mental stability. The relationships took us on a roller-coaster ride. Some were serious, some quite humorous. The audience could identify with or know someone who has been in a dysfunctional relationship with eating disorders, low self-esteem, and accepting belittling remarks. The setting had cozy sofas and used warm colors with pillows. The cast drew us into their characters. We wanted to flip the script! The characters portrayed by Jacob Berger, Jaye Bullock, Jarred Peace, and Nat Sherwood were convincing in their characters. This production is theatre with drama, but your relationship should not be this dramatic every day!
“Cabaret” is a production written by Joe Masteroff and premiered on Broadway in 1966. The Justice Theater Project
(JTP) presented the story in Raleigh, NC 58 years later. I became familiar with it from college when Liza Minelli starred in the film with Joel Grey. JTP used a live band, and some of the musicians played and then danced in the show at the infamous Kit Kat Klub. The portrayal of life in Berlin, Germany for cabaret singers, dancers, relationships, finances, and life in boarding houses were factual events before World War II. Germany was overtaken by the Nazis and their mistreatment of people, placing them in concentration camps and eventually closing cabaret clubs. The audience stayed captivated with Jordan Clifton, the emcee, a local actor, and the Theatre Director at Broughton High School. The audience’s eyes stayed glued on his entire demeanor and physique. Bridget Preston as Sally Bowles played a Kit Kat Klub dancer, along with the other dancers who maintained high energy, using leg extensions over the chairs with exotic costumes. The theme song surmises a way to get out of the house, listen to music, drink some wine, and enjoy life in the present. Stay politically in tune with the events in our country because life is not always about a Cabaret!
“Blues for An Alabama Sky” written by Pearl Cleage and performed by Agape Theatre Project, produced by the artistic director Kenneth Hinton, and directed by Kamilah Williams. It was a heartening effort of the support of Shaw University of Pearl Cleage to donate funds as they struggled to keep the university accessible for students. A busload of students was in attendance on opening night. Blues for an Alabama Sky explores five characters: Camyrn Sherer as Angel, Foye D. Thornton III as Leland Cunningham, Deandre Sanders as Doc, Raenique Dawson as Delia, and
Malachi Moore as Guy. The cast portrayal of the Harlem Renaissance Era of the 1930s took the audience to a different place in time. The Harlem community and 125th Street portrayed a few twists and turns of trying to have a better life. The genre of music reflected during those times was about finances, relationships, and challenges of surviving to correlate to present-day circumstances. The guys and gals had a swag for that period!
The Summer Arts Intensive Performance Recital at The Hayti Heritage Center involved students from grades 1-10 in Socialization Through The Arts. This program was initiated at The Hayti by Carol Lloyd, who studied under Ms. Dunham’s tutelage and collaborated with the Executive Director of The Hayti, Angela Lee. The program formed by Katherine Dunham consisted of learning professional dancing genres, the Dunham dance technique, drama, music, and languages at her schools. The program at The Hayti is in its third year of existence, with students studying intense classes in Ballet, Choral Exploration, Creative Writing, Dunham Technique, Musical Theatre, West African Dance, and Visual Arts. It is the premise that Socialization Through the Arts would inspire young people to connect with their heritage and increase the quality of their lives and community. The recital is a culminating activity of classes taken throughout the year. There were nine recipients presented with awards as follows: The Leadership Awards to Edith Berry, Musical Theatre, Toya Chinfloo, Dunham Technique, Dr. Kristi Vincent Johnson, NCCU, Intern Program, and Bashir Shakur, Dunham Techniques Percussionist. The Legacy Awards were presented to Ruby Johnny and Baba Johnny Wonder, and the Community Service Awards to Marc Lee and Haneef Saleem.
