spectacular magazine

SPECTACULARMagazine

August 2009

ERADICATING EDUCATIONALDISPARITIES: THE CIVIL RIGHTS

FIGHT OF THE 21ST CENTURY

BBULL DURHAM ULL DURHAM BLBLUES FESTIVUES FESTIVALAL

RRUUTTHH RRUUSSSSEELLLLWILLIAMS

BACK TO SCHOOLBACK TO THE COMMUNITY

UNION INDEPENDENT SCHOOLcover story on page 9

THE MAKING OF ASUPREME COURT JUSTICE

Fantasia in “The ColorPurple” inGreensboro

August 2009 SPECTACULAR 3

Deliberations continued in Raleigh this month with members of the Houseand Senate negotiating a spending proposal and a change in the state’s taxlaws. We are making progress, but our work is deliberate and thorough inthe face of this great challenge. However, we continue with importantpolicy work and have passed approximately thirty two (32) pieces of impor-tant legislation this week. I am including some discussion of this legislationbelow.

I hope you will contact me if you have questions, or if I can be of serv-ice. Thank you as always for your support and your interest in our state.SSTATE BBUDGET UUPDATE - We have passed a second continuing resolution toextend the operations of the government at an 84% level. This will allowadditional time to conclude a reasonable plan to move us forward and pre-pare us for the recovery. We continue to work with our Senate counter-parts to refine the state’s budget plan for the next two years. As you know,this has been the most challenging budget we’ve faced in several decades.The gap between our anticipated budget and projected revenue is morethan $4 billion. Money from the federal government and expected tax rev-enue increases will cover about half the gap. We will make up the otherhalf of the shortfall – more than $2 billion – with cuts in state programs.HHEALTH - State lawmakers have voted in favor of legislation that authoriz-es the Department of Health and Human Services to release confidentialdata in the Controlled Substances Reporting System to state medical exam-iners for the purpose of investigating deaths (SB 628). The bill would alsomake changes pertaining to confidentiality of prescription information. Thelegislation will now go to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law.- State lawmakers have amended North Carolina’s rabies laws to conformto recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the NationalAssociation of State Public Health Veterinarians (SB 674). Once enacted, thelegislation will allow stray or feral animals to be euthanized and tested forrabies after biting a human. The bill has now been sent to Gov. Perdue tobe signed into law.MMISCELLANEOUS - Public school teachers with four years of experience willnow have the right to receive an explanation as to why they will not receivetenure under a bill that has passed both bodies of the Legislature (SB 962).The legislation will also give those teachers the right to a hearing beforethe local school board votes on the decision. The bill will now be sent toGov. Perdue to be signed into law.- State lawmakers have ratified legislation that extends the LegislativeCommission on Global Climate Change (SB 835). The commission was estab-lished to conduct an in-depth examination of issues related to global cli-mate change. The bill will now go to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law.- Public utilities, electronic membership corporations, telephone membershipcorporations, and cities and counties that operate public enterprises will nowbe prohibited from using certain debt collection practices that result in acustomer being liable for the past due and unpaid debts of another per-son. The legislation, which was ratified by the General Assembly this week,has now been sent to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law (HB 1330)._Legislation that will make it easier for soldiers, reservists and National

Guard members to renew their drivers’ licenses has been ratified by theGeneral Assembly and sent to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law (HB 98).

Currently, North Carolinians mayrenew their drivers’ licenses as muchas six months prior to the expira-tion date. Under the new law, mem-bers of the armed forces will beable to renew their licenses uponreceipt of deployment orders. Thelegislation will also allow a 30-daygrace period for the renewal of anexpired license upon release fromactive duty.- A state panel will be directed to

examine the law books and propose changes to the General Statutes tomake them more gender neutral under a bill that has been ratified by theGeneral Assembly (SB 870). The Legislature would have to approve any pro-posed changes before they are implemented, and voters would have toapprove any changes to the state’s constitution. The legislation now goes toGov. Perdue to be signed into law.- The “Open Government Act” has passed the House, and is headed to theSenate (HB 1134). The legislation creates the Open Government Unit of theDepartment of Justice, which will further the goal of transparency in gov-ernment and the principle that public records are the property of the peo-ple. The legislation will also establish a fee for services of moderation andmediation by the Open Government Unit, and will provide that the success-ful plaintiff in a public records dispute is entitled to reasonable attorney’sfees.- The General Assembly has ratified legislation to clarify that commercialsocial networking sites cannot be held civilly liable for actions stemmingfrom communications on the site as long as the operators of the site havemade a good-faith attempt to screen out convicted sex offenders (HB 1267).The bill has now gone to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law.

NNOTES- Members of the General Assembly honored the life and memory of thelate state Senator Vernon Malone (SJR 1106). Vernon Malone had servedwith honor and distinction as a member of the North Carolina Senate since2003. He was a leader on several key committees and a strong proponentof education. Senator Malone died on April 18, 2009.- Members of the General Assembly have passed a joint resolution support-ing the implementation of the Passenger Rail Investment and ImprovementAct of 2008 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (HJR1654). The acts establish a program of federal capital grants to improvepassenger, intermodal and freight services, create a new capital program forstates to expand and improve passenger rail services and encourage pub-lic-private partnerships that work on high-speed rail projects.

CCONDOLENCESIt is with great sadness that I ask that you honor the life and memory ofChester Jenkins, former mayor of Durham who died on July 14, ’09. MayorJenkins was the first African American to serve as Mayor of the City ofDurham . Prior to being elected mayor of Durham in 1989, he servedeight years on the Durham City Council. After leaving the mayor’s office,Jenkins remained in city government, directing the Human RelationsDepartment until 2000.

Further I ask that you remember Donice Marie Harbor , Donice served asSpecial Assistant to Governor Beverly Eves Perdue. Donice was a graduateof Fayetteville State University and received her MPA from North CarolinaCentral University. Prior to serving with then Lt. Gov. Perdue Doniceworked for Durham Senator Jeannie Lucas. Please keep the family andfriends in your prayers.

Larry D. HallPlease remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press confer-ences on the General Assembly’s website at www.ncleg.net. Once on the site, select “audio,” andthen make your selection – House Chamber, Senate Chamber, Appropriations Committee Room orPress Conference Room.

FRO M THE OFFICES OF

4 SPECTACULAR August 2009

AUGUST ‘09 LEGISLATIVE REPORTAUGUST ‘09 LEGISLATIVE REPORT

From The Publisher’s Desk...


WHAT ABOUT HEALTHCARE?There are many versions of the health care reform bills inCongress. All of them have the aim to provide coverage forthe in excess of 50 million uninsured Americans. A point ofcontention is what will the new policies do for the far greaternumber of people who already have insurance? Those withinsurance that they like and that has worked well for themdon’t see the need for change or improvement. They do notsee how their “individual” family benefits so they are skepti-cal. They have no great concern for the 50 plus million with-out insurance and they see that lack of insurance as a typeof savings.

Unfortunately this whole situation is being characterized bysome as a battle between the haves and the have nots. Thosewho have do not see the hidden cost to them for those with-out healthcare. But the question is who is benefiting nowand can more folk be added to those who can benefit fromour healthcare system. Of course the big “A,” of access andaffordability always rear their ugly heads.

Some folks wonder what reform could look like and are hav-ing to come up to speed with their healthcare jargon. Someof the bills in congress want to require virtually all Americansto carry health insurance with specified minimum benefits orpay a penalty. This is the case in the state of Massachusetts.This would require all but the smallest businesses to provideand subsidize insurance that meets minimum standards fortheir workers or pay a fee for failing to do so. The policiesare not extravagant but provide the basic services. No plas-tic surgery, romantic therapy or hair growth options here.

Some forms would help many uninsured by expandingMedicaid. Some citizens who earn up to three or four timesthe poverty level, or $66,000 to $88,000 for a family of four— would get subsidies to help them buy coverage throughnew health insurance exchanges, national or state, which wouldoffer a menu of policies from different companies. These willbe private insurance companies competing for business man-dated by the government.

Just because you have some insurance does not mean you donot need help. Millions of insured people need help as muchas the uninsured. Premiums and out-of-pocket costs forhealth care have been rising faster than wages without theinfluence of the 10% unemployment factor. Millions are“underinsured” — their policies won’t realistically come close

to covering their medicalneeds or resulting treat-ment bills. So many peo-ple postpone their medicaltreatment or skip fillingprescriptions since theycan’t afford to pay theirshare of the costs knownas a deductible. And wehave all heard of the thousands who declare personal bank-ruptcy because they are unable to pay big medical debts offamily members that they are responsible for. The reformeffort should help ease the burdens of many of them, somemore quickly than others.

Hopefully there will be greater coverage for all under the newpolicies. All insurance companies would be more tightly reg-ulated. Policy holders who were never quite certain that theirpolicies will come through for them when needed will see thisas a great benefit. Also policies will have to offer some basicbenefits and they would prohibit companies from excludingpersons or charging higher rates to people with pre-existingconditions. Companies would not be able to rescind policiesafter people are hit by serious illness or injury. It would alsoprohibit insurers from setting annual or lifetime limits on whata policy would pay. These new policies are intended to applyto employer-based health care plans as well.

This sound like a great improvement, but you know there isanother shoe to drop, how do we pay for it? Current esti-mates suggest that it would cost in the neighborhood of $1trillion over 10 years to extend coverage to tens of millionsof uninsured Americans. To put that in context, we havespent more than $13 trillion on the war in Iraq over the lasteight years. So we know the amount is not too great to bear,but more so, whether we value the health of our fellow citi-zens enough to pay for it.

We’ll talk more later. Health care is too important to me (andmy family) to let it go until it is…REFORMED.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Phyllis [email protected]

Phyllis D. Coley, Publisher


SPECTACULARMAGAZINE

www.spectacularmag.com

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEFPHYLLIS COLEY

FEATURES EDITORGRACE GRAHAM

HEALTH EDITORDR. SHARON ELLIOTT-BYNUM

ENTERTAINMENT EDITORGARY JONES

COLUMNISTSSTELLA J. ADAMS

MIN. CURTIS GATEWOODLARRY HALL, ESQ.MICHELLE LAWSLAMONT LILLY

IRVING JOYNER, ESQ.DR. ARCHIE D. LOGAN

DEL MATTIOLIREV. JAMES SMITH

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSAPRIL MIAL VALERIE JOSEPH WIL GLENN

PHOTOGRAPHERSCHRIS HINTON LAWRENCE DAVIS III

LAYOUT/DESIGNPHYLLIS COLEY

DISTRIBUTIONLAWRENCE DAVIS III LELIA ROYSTER CHARLES STREET

Spectacular Magazine enlightens, empowers and entertains AfricanAmericans with features, columns, commentaries and calendars.Spectacular Magazine is published monthly and distributed free inDurham, Wake, Guilford, Orange, Granville, Vance and Person counties.

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

Contact us at: [email protected]

or by mail at:Post Office 361 Durham, NC 27702 919-680-0465

Mail subscriptions are available for $25.00 per year. Secondclass postage is paid in Durham, NC.

PRESIDENT - CEO VICE PRESIDENT - OPERATIONSPhyllis D. Coley Gary N. Jones, MBA

MARKETING/SALES DIR. -TRIANGLE MARKETING/SALES DIR. -TRIADAngie Steele Ron “Big E” Eldridge

In This Issue

Another Perspective 24 Beneath The Surface 23Entertainment 36From The Publisher’s Desk 5FYI 17 Health 31Into The Light 24Legal Eagle Advisor 27Lifestyles 33News Briefs 21Political & Civic Affairs 27Religion 15Rightchus Truth 7State & National 22Talkback, Too 4This Is Your Life 34 What’s Up Doc? 31

Features Bull Durham Blues Festival 36 Eradicating Educational Disparities 23Making of a Supreme Court Justice 27Ruth Russell Williams 33Sun-Ra 14The Color Purple featuring Fantasia 36Union Independent School 9

Writer:Cover Story

April MialGrace Graham

FeaturesEditor


“We have been believers believing in our burdens anddemigods too long. Now the needy no longer weep andpray; the long suffering arise, and our fists bleedagainst the bars with a strange insistency.”

The excerpt above is the last stanza of MargaretWalker’s, [We Have Been Believers] of her 1942 clas-sic, For My People. Though eloquently simple, therolling of its words pack more power than a thousandKamikazes. Needless to say the written word forAfro-Americans has always played an integral role inour survival and stake to claim freedom. FromRichard Wright to Mari Evans the tradition of blackstorytellers, whose pens ooze with passion, has servedmany purposes. Throughout the eras of Abolitionism,Reconstruction, and the Harlem Renaissance, our writ-ers dared to speak freely and imaginatively that theymight incite—calm and comfort, encourage andinspire, educate and liberate.

While each generation of slaves and ex-slavedescendants were evolving into the ‘American Negro’,our writers observed and reflected. Creative cata-lysts such as Arna Bontemps, Jean Toomer, GwendolynBrooks, Nikki Giovanni, Claude McKay, Paul LaurenceDunbar and Countee Cullen told our stories the waywe tell our stories. There was also the local boy,George Moses Horton, who as a slave-hand ownedby the then president of UNC Chapel Hill, publishedand sold writings to campus students.

These artists produced greatness in the form of fiction& non-fiction, poetry & essays, plays, novels and evenchildren’s books. Through their very careful and criti-cal literary analyses the writers of old wrote andspoke from the heart—[heart of the Negro]. Withthese writers rest the real truth, the real glory, and thepains that taste of tears, but still march on. Theywrote not for contracts and fame, but as messengersof the downtrodden. They wrote for duty and honor.Many never saw much of a dime. The beauty of theBlack written word is that not only is it selfless, it pos-sesses such an extensive collection of expressions andconcerns.

While Phillis Wheatley and Jupiter Hammon mayhave appealed more to the burgeoning class of slaveintellectuals & Freedman Societies; Zora NealeHurston and Langston Hughes spoke proudly anddirectly to the working poor and ghetto masses.

These wordsmithshave rightly paidtheir toll to pre-serve the scroll. IfNegroes are everto learn as muchas everyone elseknows about us,we must seek thewriters (the realwriters). No dis-respect to theirmeans of makinga living, but Idon’t read Zane,E. Lynn Harris orthe Video Vixen

girl. This movement of hyper lewdness is what I callLiterary Crack. I mean, come on!! What adult does-n’t like the “sensualities” that accompany grown folkanatomy, on grown folk time? But whatever hap-pened to the substance of spirit and mind—cultureand history? Any sexual being can talk to the [loin].But do you connect to the soul? What are you con-tributing to the foundation our ancestors constructed;that the Negro might progress to bring about solutionsto our many enigmas? This, we should ask ourselvesbefore supporting such material. Though we nolonger fight by way of Bull City lunch-counters andMobile bus lines; we are still at war, brothers and sis-ters. [For we wrestle now not against flesh and blood,but against principalities….against spiritual wickednessin high places]. I ask of us, what oppressor will teachthe [true truth] to the sons and daughters of the onesthey have slaughtered? The good thing: there is noneed for others to teach us—not when we may teachourselves.

One of my favorite writers/teachers is Audré Lorde.Audré was a pistol pallet of passion who kept nosecrets that she was feminist, lesbian and full bloodnigga!! Bolder than an Iberian Fighting Bull, Lordewas a literary assassin who was keenly intelligent, yetalways in touch with the human heart. In her 1978work, School Note of The Black Unicorn, Lorde states:

My children play with skullsat schoolThey have already learnedto dream of dyingTheir playgrounds were graveyardswhere nightmares of nostand watch over rented earthfilled with the bones of tomorrow.

Can anyone see how these words may still be appliedto the black youth of today? Though the recipient ofcountless honors and awards, Lorde’s writing wouldpiss-off white women liberals and the klu klux klan in

STORIES UNTOLD,KEEPERS OF THE SCROLL

The Rightchus Truth continues on page 29

The Rightchus TruthThe Rightchus Truthby Lamont Lilly aka ‘Rightchus’

BACK TO SCHOOL:BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Union Baptist Church Plants Seed for Union IndependentSchool

By April MialContributing Writer

DURHAM - When I learned that my next assignment wasto interview Reverend Kenneth Hammond about his new

school, Union IndependentSchool, I was ecstatic! I mustadmit, though, his new endeav-or, building a grade school forthe community, did not come asa surprise.

Many times, I sat in hiscongregation at Union BaptistChurch, during bible study andSunday service to know thatany new endeavor that he wasto embark would be donethrough careful, thorough plan-ning and swift execution (faithwithout works is dead), as he

preached to his members. I phoned Reverend Hammondon our scheduled time and as promised, he was ready todiscuss the hope of the Union Independent School and thepositive impact that it would make in the community.

Prior to our interview, I got a chance to visit theschool’s website (www.unionis.org), and was pleasantlysurprised to see pictured, on the home page, a young blackmale with a big grin on his face, sitting behind a schooldesk adorned with an open book, with his arms out-stretched in a victorious pose.

Immediately, I gained a sense of pride and appreciationthat the area that has plagued many of our young Blackyouth was being challenged. The image showed the com-munity the possibility of what African-American youthcould achieve and the school was one of the first steps tohelp get them there.

Other pictures that adorn the website also show posi-tive images of the African-American community – imagesthat are not so easily seen in media, where the African-American family structure seems disjointed and youthseem to excel at breaking the law or doing poorly in school.There is an African-American father figure hugging hissmiling, young daughter.

There is also a picture of a diverse group of smilingstudents standing together in school uniforms. Theseimages, coupled with the great expectation for students tolearn will make a positive impact on the community andothers looking at the community.

“Union Independent School’s mission is to minimizethe disconnect [that most public schools face] betweenhome and school. We want parents to be involved. They


COVER STORY

Union Independent School

Rev. Kenneth Hammond

UNION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL continues will have updates and a family mentor,” says Hammond.He further states that the school will move away from the“traditional” schools because those institutions are notequipped with the challenges that our youth face.

He described those challenges as a student who comesto class hungry or falls asleep during the lesson or a studentnot prepared for his/her day’s lessons. Instead of labelingthat student as unfocused because he/she does not have theenergy to think, lazy because he/she was up all night anddidn’t get any rest or unintelligent because he/she wasunable to do his/her homework at home – because he/she isliving between two different households that may not beconducive to learning. Union Independent School willhelp the student navigate through that challenge and createa learning model conducive for them to achieve success.

Troy K. Weaver is the Head of the School. Weaver hasbeen in education for more than 22 years and has had anumber of exciting professional experiences. He began histeaching career as a public school biology and chemistryteacher at Hugh M. Cummings High School in Burlington,NC. Later, he accepted a position in a non-traditional edu-cational setting as an Educational Specialist, providingeducational diagnosis and teaching all subjects to incarcer-ated youth (ages 10-16) at the Durham County YouthHome.

His next professional venture was within the independ-ent school ranks by becoming an inaugural faculty memberat Cary Academy where he taught algebra and science inthe middle school and later moved to the upper schoolwhere he taught biology and chemistry, and developed acourse in forensic science. It was at Cary Academy thatWeaver also began his first administrative position bybecoming Dean of Students for grades 9 & 10.

In 2002, he became the inaugural headmaster ofDurham Nativity School a private, tuition-free, all-malemiddle school in Northeast-Central Durham, where he alsotaught science, religion and math. He most recently taughtand served as an administrator at Triangle Day School, a K-8, coed school here in Durham.

Weaver is absolutely thrilled to be able to serve as the


Troy K. Weaver

Cover Story

Union Independent School is a state-of-the-art, 49,000square foot facility scheduled to open doors to its first stu-dents and families on August 19, 2009, The buildingincludes spacious classrooms each containing a “Smart”Board, digital projector and personal computers/laptops(pictured top); a science lab; visual arts and music rooms;a media center with AV storage; a gymnasium/multi-pur-pose area (pictured middle); a fitness center; a full-servicecafeteria; outdoor playground space with state-of-the artequipment (pictured bottom); and, a conference room andnumerous faculty and staff office spaces. In addition, thebuilding will also contain allocated space for a separatelyrun day care, preschool, and a planned health & wellnesscenter.

UNION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL continuesinaugural Head of School for Union Independent School, aschool that will undoubtedly change lives and impact theNortheast-Central Durham community.

The father of six sons, Weaver grew up on Long Island,New York. He came to Durham to attend Duke Universityand become a pediatrician. Instead, after graduation heworked at Duke University Medical Center as a certifiedPoison Information Specialist by night and eventuallybecame a substitute teacher with the former Durham CitySchools by day.

His experiences as a substitute teacher caused him tobe "bitten" by the teaching bug. He then received aLyndhurst Fellowship at the University of North Carolinaat Chapel Hill to receive a Master of Arts in Teaching(M.A.T.) and North Carolina Teacher's Certification in aone-year, intensive program.

Currently, the building has been set up to accommo-date K-8 grades, but will enroll only K-2 this year. The fol-lowing years will add one grade level each year until theeighth grade is enrolled. Thus, for the 2010-2011 schoolyear, the third grade will be added.

When most leaders preach about being of and about thecommunity, Reverend Hammond puts his work into action.His result is the opening of Union Independent School slat-ed for a grand opening on August 19, 2009. The school hasan enrollment of 72 students, averaging about 24 studentsin each class of Kindergarten, first and second grade. Thestudents were selected through a random lottery held,which was drawn by a local CPA firm.

Over 138 applicants applied. The only criteria upheldwas that if one sibling was selected from the random lot-tery, then the other siblings in the family automaticallywere placed. In addition to its opening, the school willhave extended hours (7:30am-6:30pm), to allow studentsto get tutoring and one-on-one sessions with teachers.Tuition is free to students.

The curriculum will include CORE classes - LanguageArts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and ArtsEducation, as well as Technology, Spanish, Physical &Health Wellness and Character Education classes.

Rev. Hammond confirms that being technically savvyin today’s world is very necessary and important. He willbe the first to admit that “we live in a different world thanwhen [he] grew up [and] how students are now able tospeak with other students around the world, like Russia,through the internet.” The Technology classes will allowstudents to consistently interact with the world that existsbeyond their classroom. This will also allow African-American students to compete with other communities ona global level. The school will even provide students whoadvance to the third grade a laptop of their own.

Spanish classes are offered to help encourage youngstudents develop a sense of a bilingual world.

Physical & Health Wellness classes developed fromconcerns that childhood obesity and diabetes were preva-lent silent killers in the African-American community. Theclasses engage students in making healthier food choicesand show how physical education/exercises can be fun.There is also a nurse available who works with both the

August 2009 SPECTACULAR 11Cover Story

UNION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL continues

Rev. Hammond (left), who had the vision for UnionIndependent School, has been totally involved in the build-ing process. The birth of Union Independent School wasnot only for the students of the community, but it is for thecommunity. The School will be a transformation for thecommunity, where the community can utilize the center byworking out in the fitness facilities/gym, hold meetings inoffice spaces, and entering a health clinic (which is a col-laboration between Duke and UNC Hospitals). students and their families.

Finally, Character Education classes emphasize social,emotional and academic growth in a strong and safe schoolcommunity. This approach is based on the premise thatstudents learn best when they have both academic andsocial-emotional skills.

Even though Union Baptist Church paid seed moneytowards Union Independent School, the school will beindependently operated from the church. Rev. Hammondbelieves that “if you want religion, then you come to oneside of the street, but if you want a world class education,then you go to the other side of the street.”

In turn, Union Independent is not a “Christian School”because Rev. Hammond wants students to first come to theschool to receive a Grade A education from teachers whoare nationally board certified (from both local communitiesand outside of North Carolina). Rev. Hammond believesthat “great teachers make for great learning.”

The planning for the school started about seven to eightyears ago after the Church was a recipient site for TheDurham Scholars Program (DSP). In that program, stu-dents’ ages ranged from sixth grade through college. Rev.Hammond realized that although they were positivelytouching lives of these youth, they needed to intervene atan earlier age. Thus, Union Independent School was born.

The birth of Union Independent School was not onlyfor the students of the community, but it is for the commu-nity. Hammond states that [Union Independent] will be atransformation for the community, where the communitycan utilize the center by working out in the fitness facili-ties/gym, hold meetings in office spaces, and entering ahealth clinic (which is a collaboration between Duke andUNC Hospitals).

When I asked Reverend Hammond what he wanted tosay to the students, he stated that he wants students to“come with inquisitive minds, willing to think outside thebox and [invite] new ways of learning… [then you willrealize that] learning can be fun.” I then asked him thesame for parents. He is quoted as saying that he wants par-ents “involved in the education of their children…Together [we] can create a product that [parents] will beproud of.” After his inspirational comment, our interviewwas over and I headed to class.

As I walked towards class, I realized that like my atten-dance at his church during bible study and Sunday morn-ing worship, that I had once again become inspired to dosomething – inspired to help a leader fulfill his vision forthe betterment of the community I lived. Even if my dona-tion was small compared to others, I was going to give itfreely and with a loving heart.

I would also encourage others to do the same becausemy donation, coupled with others, could move mountains.Union Baptist Church has planted a $10.5 million dollarseed, but needs $35 million dollars to sustain the schoolmaintenance and operations. Let us all be inspired to dosomething.

Has this article inspired you to give? If so, monies can be donat-ed online at www.unionis.org. Donators can also call the schoolat 919.682.5903.

April Mial is a writer/producer/director with Lilac Films, Inc.[www.lilacfilms.com]. She currently lives in Raleigh.

12 SPECTACULAR August 2009 Cover Story

Sun Ra Inspired Procession is Free and Open to allAges

DURHAM – Saturday, August 8th kicks off three monthsof Sun Ra Inspired Community Events scheduled in con-junction with the nationally acclaimed exhibit, Pathwaysto Unknown Worlds: Sun Ra, El Saturn and Chicago’sAfro-Futurist Underground 1954-68. The exhibit will bepresented in partnership with Duke University’s John HopeFranklin Center of Interdisciplinary and InternationalStudies and the Durham Art Guild at the CCB Gallery inthe Durham Arts Council Building at 120 Morris Street indowntown Durham from Friday, August 21 throughSunday, October 18.

The Spectacle: A Procession of Costume, Sound andImages, which precedes and celebrates the coming of thePathways to Unknown Worlds exhibit, will take place onSaturday, August 8th until 8:00 p.m. and will include threeevents: Intergalactic Costume Creation at Scrap Exchange($5) from 3:00 – 4:30 pm, The Spectacle Procession fromDurham Central Park to the Durham Art Guild from 4:30 –6:00 pm, and Gallery Space is the Place at the gallery of theDurham Art Guild located in the Durham Arts CouncilBuilding at 120 Morris Street from 6:00 – 8:00 pm wherethere will be film, video and sound celebrating Sun Ra.The Spectacle Procession and Gallery Space is the Place isopen to all ages and is free. Participants are encouraged todress in their best intergalactic costumes and bring instru-ments or noise-makers for the procession from DurhamCentral Park to the Durham Art Guild.

The exhibit Pathways to Unknown Worlds showcasesdiverse, provocative and rarely seen materials related topianist, bandleader, mystic, philosopher and Afro-FuturistSun Ra (born Herman Poole Blount 1914, Birmingham,Alabama, died 1993). His personal mythology have grownincreasingly relevant to a broad range of artists and com-munities since his death.

Artifacts from the earliest days of Ra’s record produc-ing is a highlight of the exhibition, including his originaldrawings for the mid-60s albums Art Forms ofDimensions of Tomorrow and Other Planes of There andoriginal artwork for other LPs. These consist not only ofthe sketches and final versions of the art, but also all stepsalong the way to printing the covers. They are from Ra’stenure in Chicago, especially during mid-50s, with hisbusiness partner and fellow mystic Alton Abraham. Thepublic opening is scheduled in conjuction with Durham’sThrid Friday event on Friday, August 21st from 5-7 pm.

The materials in this exhibition are from the AltonAbraham Collection of Sun Ra Papers, Chicago JazzArchive, located in the Special Collections ResearchCenter, University of Chicago Library. Additional supporthas been provided by the Duke University Office of theVice Provost for the Arts and Downtown Durham, Inc.

DURHAM ART GUILD KICKS OFF THREEMONTHS OF SUN RA INSPIRED EVENTS

Supporters include: Duke University for InternationalStudies and the Duke University Office of the Vice Provostfor the Arts, Downtown Durham, Inc., and ParagraphProject, and Spectacular Magazine.

SECOND EVENT: FILM SCREENING AND DINNERThe second event is a Preview Event with a Film

Screening and Dinner at Rue Cler, Piedmont or Revolution.Attendees will enjoy a sneak preview of the Pathways toUnknown Worlds Exhibit with wine reception and a spe-cial film screening in the PSI Theater of the documentarySun Ra: A Joyful Noise by Mug-Shot Productions. Afterthe film, attendees will go to the restaurant of their choicefor a three-course meal and drinks at either Rue Cler,Piedmont or Revolution restaurants. This is a ticketedevent. Seating is limited and available on a first-come,first-serve basis. Tickets are $115/person ($70 is tax-deductible). Tickets can be ordered online from the DAGwebsite at http://www.durhamartguild.org/#sunRaAnchor.

ADDITIONAL EVENTSAdditional events include Sun Ra Inspired – A Jam

Session on Saturday, September 19th at the PSI Theater atthe Durham Arts Council Building starting at 5:30 pm, TheSun Ra Arkestra and the Mingus Big Band at DukeUniversity’s Page Auditorium presented by DukePerformances on Saturday, September 26th, and relatedpanel discussions and artist visits at the John HopeFranklin Center for Interdisciplinary and InternationalStudies throughout the fall semester.

Visit www.durhamartguild.org, www.jhfc.duke.edu andwww.dukeperformances.duke.edu or more information.

Sun Ra

14 SPECTACULAR August 2009 Feature

byRev. James W. Smith

““WWHHAATT IISS AA CCAALLLL TTOOMMIINNIISSTTRRYY””

A Pastor friend of mine shared an arti-cle with me that I thought very interest-

ing. It was an article entitled “God’s CallingPlan,” by Gordon MacDonald. In the article a

question was asked, “so what exactly is, a call to ministry”? “Thereis an old joke – so old, in fact, that it may be unknown to a newergeneration and, therefore, recyclable.

A young farmer, standing in his field, observes a peculiar cloud forma-tion. The clouds form the letters G, P, and C, and he thinks them acall from God: Go Preach Christ! The farmer rushes to the deaconsof his church and insists that he has been called to preach. Respectfulof his passion and zeal, they invite him to fill the pulpit. That Sunday,the sermon is long, tedious, virtually incoherent. When it finally ends,the leaders sit in stunned silence. Finally, a wizened deacon muttersto the would-be-preacher, “Seems to me the clouds were saying, ‘Goplant corn.’”

If it really happened that way, it wouldn’t be the first time there’sbeen confusion about what it means to be called into ministry. Theconcept of a call is one of the most profound of all biblical ideas.The Bible is riddled with stories about calls to men and women who,when summoned to service, went out and marked their generation ina particular way. Such calls have several commonalities.

First, in one way or another, they all originated out of the Godhead.God the Father called Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, and Amos (to name afew). Jesus called twelve men “to be with him,” and then sent themout to disciple the nations. The Holy Spirit called Saul and Barnabasand others to apostolic opportunity. No one in the Bible anointed

himself or herself. Second, biblical calls were quite unpredictable.Gideon, for example, responded to his call, “How can I save Israel? Myclan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”Why David? Why Jeremiah? Why Simon Peter?

And, of all people, why Saul of Tarsus who recollects, “I was a blasphe-mer and a persecutor and a violent man?” When St. Francis was askedwhy God called him, he said, “God picks the weakest, the smallest, themeanest of men on the face of the earth, and he uses them.” Third,biblical calls usually focus on mind-boggling, seemingly impossible objec-tives. Build a boat, Noah; lead a nation out of Egypt, Moses; face downa wicked king, Elijah; preach to the Gentiles, Paul. But the call wasso compelling that is gave courage to the one called.

Finally, each biblical call was unique. No call seems like any other.The circumstances, the nature, the expectations of the call: all cus-tomized. When God wanted a word said or a people led, he mandat-ed a person to make it happen in an unprecedented way. Calls werenot classified ads so that anyone could volunteer. Persons, sometimesstrange persons, were selected while others, seemingly more worthy andcapable, were not. There was only one Esther, one John the Baptizer.There was only one Moses in spite of what Miriam and Aaron daredto think the day they asked, “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” Thesenot-so-novel observations are worth repeating. For they form a foun-dation for authoritative ministry in the twenty-first century.

If we have lost our faith in the idea that such calls continue today,then perhaps we have lost touch with the supernatural element thatministry desperately needs. The key questions are simple: Does Godstill call men and women as He once did? And do we know how torecognize and implement a call if it should come?”

Dr. James W. Smith,

Church Consultant, Inspirational/Motivational SpeakerAuthor, “Deal By MeEmail: [email protected]

Religion

ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE

New Vision United Choir of

Emmanuel AME Church2018 Riddle Rd. - Durham

will be celebrating ten years of ministry through song

Saturday, August, 15, 2009 at 4pmPlease join us as we lift the name of Jesus at

this joyous occasion. The public is always welcome at Emmanuel.

LLIIVVIINNGG YYOOUURR FFAAIITTHH:: PRACTICAL PIETY

By Rev. Dr. Archie D. Logan

WILLRETURN

NEXT MONTHAugust 2009 SPECTACULAR 15

RELIGION

Religion16 SPECTACULAR August 2009

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

The Lincoln Hospital School of Nursing AlumniAssociation, Inc. will celebrate the continuinglegacy and the wonderful spirit of its alumni,members of the community and special support-ers during the weekend of August 7-9, 2009.From 1903 to 1971, the Lincoln Hospital Schoolof Nursing graduated 614 professional nurses.

This year’s theme is “Vintage II…On the FrontPorch” with highlights of recognizing LincolnScholars of the GlaxoSmithKline/LincolnHospital School of Nursing Endowed Scholarship,enjoying “Front Porch” entertainment andcrowning of Ms. Vintage Lincoln II. Please markyour calendars to attend these events.

Unable to attend? Contributions can be madepayable to LHSNAA, Inc. for the MentoringProgram, Scholarship and Community Serviceactivities by mailing to LHSNAA, Inc. P. O. Box81, Durham, NC 27702.

Friday, August 7 7pmComplimentary Alumni-Community ReceptionSheraton Imperial Hotel (RTP), Durham, NC

Saturday, August 8 7pmReunion Banquet & Celebration

Sheraton Imperial Hotel (RTP), Durham, NC“Front Porch” EntertainmentLincoln Scholar RecognitionCrowning of “Ms. Vintage Lincoln II”Business Attire Ticket required

Sunday, August 9, 2009 8amFarewell Breakfast Celebration & Worship

ServiceSheraton Imperial Hotel (RTP), Durham, NCTicket required

All nursing alumni, descendents of alumni, for-mer Lincoln Hospital nurses, former physicians,former students, interns, residents, formerpatients, babies born at Lincoln, past instructors,former Lincoln employees, former board oftrustees, past volunteers, friends and support-ers of Lincoln and other members of the com-munity are cordially invited to attend and sup-port these events.

For questions, please contact Mrs. Mary R.Baldwin, Vice President and Reunion Chair 919-471-1675. Ms. Carolyn E. Henderson is Presidentof Lincoln Hospital School of Nursing AlumniAssociation, Inc.

THE WAREHOUSE BLUESCONCERT SERIES

DURHAM - Durham Parks and RecreationDepartment presents The Warehouse Blues ConcertSeries, a series of free blues concerts, played out-doors in the courtyard of West Village Apartments,604 West MorganStreet, in DowntownDurham. Concerts areevery Friday nightfrom 6 pm – 8 pm.Scheduled perform-ances are:

August 7 - John Dee Holemanwith Abe Reid andJake Hollifield

August 14 - Adolphus Bell and Dr.Burt

August 21 -Mudcat

August 28 - Boo Hankins andGeorge Higgs

September 4 - Cool John Ferguson

For information, call (919) 560-4355.

Durham Parks and Recreation Department alsopresents:FAMILY FRIDAY SKATE NIGHTS

Fridays, 6 pm - 8 pmBring the whole familyand enjoy an evening ofroller skating! Skatesare provided, but you canbring your own as well.Cost: Adults: $2.50, 5-17:

$2, 4 and under are free.W.D. Hill Recreation Center, 1308 Fayetteville St.,Durham. (919) 560-4292

SWAG-N-SURF BACK TO SCHOOLEVENTFriday, August 7, 7 pm - 11 pmCelebrate the end of summer with basketball, videogames and a pool party, plus a dance party from 9p.m.-11 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.I.R. Holmes, Sr. Recreation Center at Campus Hills,2000 S. Alston Ave., Durham. (919) 560-4444.

LINCOLN HOSPITAL NURSE TRAINING SCHOOL - 1939Photo courtesy of University Library, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Cool John Ferguson

John Dee Holeman


LINCOLN NURSING ALUMNI PLANS ITS 2009HISTORIC LINCOLN NURSING REUNION


DURHAM JOBLINK MOBILEUNIT COMES TO

NORTHGATE MALLDURHAM - In an effort to reach out to the com-munity and assist with the high volume of traf-fic at the Durham JobLink Career Center, the Cityof Durham, the Durham JobLink Career Center,and the State of North Carolina Division ofWorkforce Development have partnered to bringthe Durham JobLink Mobile Unit to NorthgateMall. The Mobile Unit will be in the Sears park-ing lot at the Guess Road entrance of NorthgateMall :Every Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2p.m. on the following dates:August 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31September 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27

Durham residents can receive job leads, conductjob searches, and submit online applications atthe Durham JobLink Mobile Unit. If applicantsare not currently registered with DurhamJobLink, they should come prepared to receivethis new “express service” after filling out abrief registration card. Residents that needassistance with résumé writing, career searchinformation, and assistance with job applica-tions should continue to use the Durham JobLinkCareer Center at 1105 S. Briggs Ave., Durham.Durham job seekers applying for unemploymentinsurance benefits should also continue usingthe Durham JobLink Career Center so they canobtain staff assistance for other services suchas interviewing help, labor market information,

FOR YOUR INFORMATION continuesand career counseling.

Residents should also note that Durham JobLinkSatellite Sites are available at the followinglocations for self-service job searching andrésumé preparation:. W.D. Hill Recreation Center, 1308 FayettevilleSt., Durham. Durham County Main Library, 300 N. RoxboroSt., Durham. Oxford Manor, 3633 Keystone Place, Durham. Durham Technical Community College, 1637Lawson St., Durham. Antioch Baptist Church, 1415 Holloway St.,Durham

The Durham JobLink Mobile Unit is a serviceprovided by the Durham JobLink Career Center,which is a partnership that brings workers fromacross the community together with potentialemployers. The Durham JobLink Career Centerbrings together an array of services geared tohelp Durham residents find employment;increase the education and training of the localworkforce; and assist area employers in fillingjob openings.

For more information, contact Tanya Spaulding-Hill, manager for the Durham JobLink CareerCenter, at (919)560-6880, ext. 202 or via e-mailat [email protected].

QUALITY EDUCATION INSTITUTE GOLF

TOURNAMENT AUGUST 21DURHAM – The ninth annual Quality EducationInstitute Golf Tournament takes place on Friday,August 21st at the Umstead Pines atWillowhaven Country Club in Durham, NC. Sixtyto seventy five golfers tee off every year andthis year should prove to be no different accord-ing to the registration roll. Many come from asfar west as Texas, along with others throughoutthe southeast, and then the ever faithful locals.This tournament raises funds for textbooks, sup-plies, after-school care, and scholarships basedon financial need.

Tournament participants will pay a $85 registra-tion fee which entitles them to green fees, acart, dinner, and a gift bag. Registration beginsat 10:00 am. Tee time is at 12:00pm. Golfers willbe able to purchase Fun Packs for $35 whichincludes two mulligans, two strings, and a raffleticket.

The school, Quality Education Institute ofDurham, began in 1998 with three students andhas grown to more than 100 students for the

2007 school year. The school’s growth is attrib-uted to the success of students in the classroomand the satisfaction of parents who choose toenroll their children in the school’s challengingand rewarding curriculum. Some of the reasonsparents send their children to QEI include lowstudent-to- teacher ratios, a rigorous academiccurriculum, a safe and secure environment forlearning, personalized education plans for eachchild, emphasis on character development andcitizenship, and a year-round schedule withbefore and after-school care.

For more information about QEI-Durham or toregister for the golf tournament, visit the website at www.qeidurham.org or call (919) 680-6544.

2009 N.C. STATE FAIR CONCERT LINEUP FEATURES

MOTOWN LEGENDS RALEIGH - Motown legends are coming to NorthCarolina to take the stage during the 2009 StateFair. They are part of 11 nights of entertainmentfeaturing R&B, contemporary Christian, andcountry concerts in Dorton Arena.

The Temptations featuring Dennis Edwards willperform Tuesday, October 20, and will sing such

For Your Information

FOR MORE INFO 919.956.8889

Motown classics as “My Girl,” “Just MyImagination” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”Youngsville native Jason Michael Carroll kicksoff the concert series on Thursday, October 15.Albemarle native Kellie Pickler will bring herSouthern charm to the stage Saturday, October17, performing songs off her self-titled sopho-more album. The top-10 finalist from Season 5of “American Idol” has recorded a string of hitsincluding “Red High Heels,” “Don’t You KnowYou’re Beautiful” and “Things That Never Cross aMan’s Mind.”

Singer-songwriter Eric Church will wrap up the2009 N.C. State Fair Sunday, October 25. Award-winning Christian rock group Third Day willpresent songs from their latest album,“Revelation,” on Friday, October 16. Nat andAlex Wolff, best known as the siblings fromNickelodeon’s The Naked Brothers Band performSunday, October 18.

Others scheduled to perform include singer,actress and “Dancing with the Stars” championJulianne Hough, Dove Award-winning Christiansinger Jeremy Camp and Christian group TenthAvenue North, country-music star Blake Sheltonand rising star Jamey Johnson.

All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at6:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $5 to $15 andcan be purchased online only at www.ncstate-fair.org beginning Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. Any concerttickets remaining after the start of the Fair canbe purchased at the Dorton Arena Box Office.

MILL GROVE - MERRICKMOORE SCHOOL REUNION

September 4-6, 2009Durham, NC

If you attended Mill Grove or Merrick Moore, youare invited to attend the School ReunionSeptember 4, 5, and 6 in Durham.

Planned activities include a Meet & Greet,Banquet/Dance, Worship Service and Picnic.Three days of Old School Fun!

Contact Joanne Parker Sales [email protected] or call LillieRogers at (919) 251-8209

FOR YOUR INFORMATION continues

For Your Information August 2009 SPECTACULAR 19

SUBMIT EVENTS TO:[email protected]

by the 15th of the month prior to the month of theevent

20 SPECTACULAR August 2009 Newsbriefs

TODAY’S WOMAN ORGANIZATION, INC.PRESENTED ANNUAL SPRING SEMINAR

DURHAM - Today’s Woman Organization, Inc. presentedits Annual Spring Seminar on Saturday, June 20, 2009 atthe R. David Thomas Executive Conference Center on thecampus of Duke University. The seminar entitled, “Join Usto Help Change Us” focused on small changes that canmake large differences in our lives and in our communities.The seminar also focused on encouraging volunteerism andcommitment to do all that we can to serve others. Severalmembers noted their changes, which ranged from healthylifestyle changes and weight loss, smoking cessation tomentoring young families with The GrandparentsNetwork.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Louise J. Gooche, amember and past president of the organization. The guestentertainment was the Hearts of Praise MIME Team fromUnion Baptist Church under the direction of Ms. CordieMcIntyre. Several community change agents wereacknowledged for their positive influences and contribu-tions to community service in Durham and Chapel Hill.TWO, Inc. 2009 honorees are: Annie Jones-Clement;Clarine Hyman; Cloyce Lassiter; Judge Elaine Bushfan;Phyllis Joyner; Constance S. Walker; Dr. Sharon Elliott-Bynum and Betty Rhodes of Durham, and Carolyn B.Jefferson of Chapel Hill.

The organization also awarded their annual scholar-ships to two high school graduates going on to college in

Newsbriefs

the fall. Scholarship recipients are Princess Bethea ofDurham, and Nicholas Speaker of Chapel Hill.

Today’s Woman Organization, Inc., is a public serviceorganization and open to all women interested in volun-teerism with a commitment to community service. We wel-come new memberships. Mary Joyner Jones is the currentpresident of TWO, Inc.


STATE & NATIONALFAMU PRESIDENT GETS

$113,750 BONUSBy Caryn Wilson - Black College Wire TALLAHASSEE, FL - Florida A&M University President

James Ammons will be awarded asalary bonus of $113,750 following aunanimous trustee board vote in May.

Trustees relied on the legal wordingof Ammons’ contract to award thebonus check. The contract authorizesthe board to grant a performance bonusof 25-35 percent.

“We have a responsibility of honor-ing all legally binding contracts and notpicking and choosing which contract

we honor and which we do not,” said Bill Jennings, chairmanof the board of trustees.

Other trustees didn’t agree.“Maybe you all have some-thing different in Florida than we have in NorthCarolina…we’re laying off teachers,” said Trustee RobertBrown, founder and CEO of B&C Associates Inc., a publicrelations firm in High Point, North Carolina.

The economic downturn, which was not up for discussionduring the meeting, has caused administrators to cut almost$16 million from FAMU’s 2009-2010 operational budget.

“I just think...the best way we can help our people rightnow is to make sure everybody keeps their jobs,” Brown said.

The state of Florida covers $225,000 of Ammons’ annualsalary of $325,000, while the FAMU Foundation covers therest. The board chose to award Ammons a 35-percent perform-ance bonus.

Florida Atlantic’s Frank Brogan and Florida State’s T.K.Wetherell have opted not to take recent bonus awards. There isno word yet on whether Ammons will accept the bonus.

James Ammons

REV. IKE HAS DIED: PRAY CLOTHPIONEER SUCCUMBS TO SICKNESS

Known as a pioneering prosperity preach-er of the airwaves, former televangelistReverend Ike died Tuesday, July 28 in LosAngeles after a lengthy illness. He was74.In the 1970s, Rev. Frederick J.Eikerenkoetter II was one of the first evan-gelists to reach an audience of millionsthrough television and radio.

He preached the power of what he called“positive self-image psychology” to his 5,000 parishioners atthe United Church Science of Living Institute in New York.And millions more received his weekly message through 1,770radio and television stations.

Ike hawked “pray cloths” for pay and touted “You can’tlose with the stuff I use” during every broadcast. His son,Xavier F. Eikerenkoetter, who took over the ministry when hisfather retired.

Reverend Ike

AFTER BEERS, OFFICER,PROFESSOR PLAN TO

MEET AGAIN

WASHINGTON - The officer who arrested a top African-American professor said talks over beers Thursday evening,July 30th, at the White House were productive and the twomen plan to meet again.

Sgt. James Crowley and Henry Louis Gates Jr. sat arounda patio table with President Obama and Vice President Biden,drank beer, munched on snacks and talked about the arrest thathas sparked debate about racial profiling and police proce-dures.

“It was a private discussion. It was a frank discussion,”Crowley said of the meeting, but would not divulge specificsexcept to say that no one apologized.

Crowley said he and Gates will speak by telephone in thecoming days to finalize details of their next meeting. Both menbring different perspectives, he said, but he would like to hearmore about Gates' views.

Gates was arrested July 16th and accused of disorderlyconduct after police responded to a report of a possible burgla-ry at his Boston-area home. The charge was later dropped.

After the meeting, Crowley told reporters that the men hada “cordial and productive discussion,” in which they agreed tomove foward rather than dwell on past events.

The renowned Harvard professor reflected on the signifi-cance of the event and thanked Obama for arranging the meet-ing.

Gates said in a statement on theroot.com that after tonight'smeeting, "There's reason to hope that many people haveemerged with greater sympathy for the daily perils of policing,on the one hand, and for the genuine fears about racial profil-ing, on the other hand.

‘The national conversation over the past week about myarrest has been rowdy, not to say tumultuous and unruly. Butwe've learned that we can have our differences without demo-nizing one another,” Gates said.

President Obama and Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.met with Henry Louis Gates Jr. and the police officer whoarrested him, Sgt. James Crowley, at the White House onThursday July 30. Photo: AP


By Michelle Cotton-Laws

ERADICATING EDUCATIONALDISPARITIES IS THE CIVIL RIGHTS FIGHT

OF THE 21ST CENTURYContrary to what the current educational data on Black children’s achieve-ment suggest, the African American community has always placed a highvalue on education. From slaves who were beaten for sneaking away tohidden sanctuaries on slave plantations to learn and teach others to readto the Little Rock Nine who suffered physical and verbal abuse to inte-grate schools following the Brown v. Board decision African Americanshave overcome many obstacles and paid a high price to receive an edu-cation. Today, this legacy is in serious peril.

President Obama and the President of the NAACP Ben Jealous agree thateradicating educational disparities between Black (and Brown) and Whitechildren is the premier Civil Rights fight of 21st Century. In his speechto the NAACP’s 100th Anniversary convention, President Obama spokethese truths:

“…more than half a century after Brown v. Board, the dreamof a world-class education is still being deferred all across thecountry. African American students are lagging behind whiteclassmates in reading and math — an achievement gap that isgrowing in states that once led the way in the civil rightsmovement. Over half of all African American students aredropping out of school in some places. There are overcrowdedclassrooms, and crumbling schools, and corridors of shame inAmerica filled with poor children — not just black children,brown and white children as well. The state of our schools isnot an African American problem; it is an American problembecause if Black and Brown children cannot compete, thenAmerica cannot compete. Innovative programs and expandedopportunities will not, in and of themselves, make a differenceif each of us, as parents and as community leaders, fail to doour part by encouraging excellence in ourchildren…Government programs alone won’t get our childrento the Promised Land. We need a new mind set, a new set ofattitudes — because one of the most durable and destructivelegacies of discrimination is the way we’ve internalized asense of limitation…We’ve got to say to our children, yes, ifyou’re African American, the odds of growing up amid crimeand gangs are higher. Yes, if you live in a poor neighborhood,you will face challenges that somebody in a wealthy suburbdoes not have to face. But that’s not a reason to get badgrades, that’s not a reason to cut class, that’s not a reason togive up on your education and drop out of school. No one haswritten your destiny for you. Your destiny is in your hands —you cannot forget that. That’s what we have to teach all of

our children. No excuses …To parentswe can’t tell our kids to do well in schooland then fail to support them when theyget home. For our kids to excel, we haveto accept our responsibility to help themlearn. That means putting away theXbox, putting our kids to bed at a rea-sonable hour. It means attending thoseparent-teacher conferences and readingto our children and helping them with

their homework. And by the way, it means we need to bethere for our neighbor’s sons and daughters.”

On general principle, it’s hard to argue against the President’s appeal toindividual responsibility. Like many who are counted among the so-called “Black intelligentsia” or as Michael Eric Dyson refers to them, the“Afristocracy,” which are made up of black professionals and the Blackelite (i.e. Bill Cosby, Dr. Alvin Pouissant and Juan Williams to mention themore familiar voices) the President promotes the tenets of the “cultureof poverty” theory which shifts the brunt of the responsibility of AfricanAmerican youth’s failure—socially and educationally—to the parents,home environment and individual behavior while downplaying or ignor-ing the more persistent and pernicious structural influences that blockopportunity and encumber achievement.

They focus on the outcomes or the symptoms of the problems that havemanifested into individual behaviors as opposed to the systemic andstructural influences that create and reproduce urban blight, broken fam-ilies, crime and violence, teen pregnancy, drug use and drug selling, cul-tural indignities and vulgarities in music and language, and children une-ducated and undisciplined. Most of us know that personal responsibil-ity or individual effort alone cannot solve the problems that are plaguingour schools and preventing Black and Brown children from succeeding inour schools.

If we are truly committed to improving the educational achievement ofALL children and equipping them to live out the American dream as com-petitive and productive global citizens, we have to take an honest assess-ment of the processes and mechanisms whereby education is used toreproduce social inequality in larger society and create a permanentunderclass made up largely of Black and Hispanic/Latino people. Wemust get back to practicing the principle of collective responsibility. Everyadult—whether you have a child in the school system or not, whetheryou are among the affluent or impoverished, whether you live in the“hood” or in a gated community—-should make it a priority to take anactive role in helping to improve the academic outcomes of AfricanAmerican and poor children.

From mentoring and tutoring a child who is not your own, helping a youngsingle parent rear his or her child correctly, regularly attending localschool board meetings to joining and working with the local NAACP—noact is too small or insignificant. The making of history runs on a paral-lel track with the present. When the final record is written about thisgeneration the question will be where were you and what role did youplay in helping to advance the Civil Rights agenda of your era, not howwell you knew or how proud you were of the work that others did whowent before you.

Michelle Cotton-LawsMichelle is a Ph.D. candidate in Sociology and Anthropology at NC State University andbe reached at [email protected]

State & National August 2009 SPECTACULAR 23

First, on behalf of the Gatewood family, I would like to thank SpectacularMagazine and each of you for your expressions of sorrow and condolencesupon the recent passing of my oldest brother Wade Gatewood, Jr. It isthrough God Almighty and His omnipotent love, which is reflected in heartsof you during difficult times such as these, that make it possible for meto continue moving forward. So we thank you for your prayers and hopeyour prayers will continue.

I am just getting back from New York and the commemoration of theNational NAACP 100th year Anniversary and Convention! I learned a lotupon hearing from seasoned and elderly freedom fighters. I am remindedthat we stand on the shoulders of so many who blazed trails before us. Itis also a blatant act of God’s divine maneuvering that He positioned thefirst African American President to be elected and in place to speak on theNAACP’s 100th year of monumental existence.

Unfortunately, as I arrived back to my home in Oxford, NC (Granville Co.),the message box and email inbox are full with messages calling for help toassist those such as the Mental Health Workers in Butner as African-Americansdisproportionately face aggressive firings and unfair conditions.

In her first “State of the State” address, earlier this year, Governor Bev Purdueclaimed she “set high expectations for myself [Purdue] and for everyonewho works for North Carolina.” At the core of these so-called “high expec-tations”, came the unveiling of Purdue’s controversial “zero tolerance” policy.The problem I have is, “zero tolerance” polices are always used on childrenor the poorest workers.

There was no “zero tolerance” for the Bush/Cheney administration who drovethe country into the deepest pits of hell in every way imaginable; no “zerotolerance” for the CEOs who drove the banking industry off a cliff as theyall landed safely by the golden parachutes of multi-million dollar bonuses;no “zero tolerance” for school administrators who set up black youth andsend them to prison by the way of “zero tolerance”; no “zero tolerance” forthe top management staff and physicians at the same mental health facili-ties where these “zero tolerance policies” are being implemented; and no “zerotolerance” for Purdue and her staff, unless it comes by way of the voters.

“On my first day in office I ordered reforms to change the face of stategovernment… And some major policy decisions, like my new ‘zero tolerance’policy in mental health, the corrections systems and throughout governmentin general, will sometimes be painful because I am exposing weaknesses andindividual actions that are unacceptable and wrong. I believe ‘zero tolerance’is how we find and correct the weaknesses that put people’s lives at riskand undermine faith in government,” said Purdue.

Unfortunately however, Purdue’s “zero tolerance” policy appears to be doing

the exact opposite of everything she claimed it would do. I contend, “zerotolerance” policies are not the way we “find and correct the weaknesses thatput people’s lives at risk.”

To the contrary, these policies contribute toward greater employee stress;increase injustices by enforcing unrealistic/unfair expectations toward the low-est paid employees; cause higher employee turnover rates and subsequentlycreate greater “weaknesses that put people’s lives at risk” especially asthe budget is balanced on the backs of poor workers. Yes Governor, these“weaknesses are unacceptable and wrong.”

The state budget gap has grown to $4.6 billion as legislators are proposingdeeper cuts on state workers. Raising new revenue from large corporationsand the wealthiest citizens in our state are not even being viewed as anoption by the House. Additional 11 percent cuts are expected to comefrom universities, as current proposals seek to cut 465 positions from theNC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

I attended a meeting on July 25th, with Local members of UE 150 – NCPublic Service Workers Union and other concerned mental health workerswho are employed at the Central Regional Hospital (CRH), here in GranvilleCounty. As I heard some of the appalling stories from the mouths of theseemployees, who as a result of these “zero tolerance” policies and other injus-tices were being terminated under highly questionable circumstances; othersforced to work under conditions which put the employee and patient at risk.Certain workers even expressed times they would go all day without bath-room accommodations. I reiterate, these episodes exemplify “weaknesseswhich are unacceptable and wrong”.

What was conspicuously absent from this gathering was the support fromthe larger community. As expected, long-time workers’ advocate DanaMcKeithan, CRH workers such as Bernell Terry, union organizer Dante Strobino,and a few others were there sharing information. The meeting againdemonstrated there is power in the “gathering” of God’s compassionate “twoor three”.

However church and community leaders, and others who seek righteousnessshould ensure citizens of all walks of life are there to support such a needymovement and to be educated on what challenges these employees faceand how we can effectively bring about the needed change. Because at themeeting, organizers were well equipped and prepared to answer any ques-tion imaginable as there were “State of Emergency Campaign” flyers, “MentalHealth Workers Bill of Rights” handouts, information requesting that we callSenator Tony Rand (at 919 733-9892 and tell him to “stop attacking work-ers”), and there was even a petition to “End ‘Zero Tolerance’ and form work-er-community advocate commission to investigate firings”.

On a state level, unions such as UE-150 and the “State of EmergencyCampaign” is supported by leaders such as the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber,II, President of the North Carolina NAACP State Conference and visionaryfor “Historic Thousands on Jones St. (HK on J)”. Earlier this year, evenbefore Purdue’s “Zero Tolerance Policy” and other eyebrow-raising budget pro-posals, HK on J’s annual rally where about 10,000 people representing the“People’s Assembly”, proactively asked that the budget not be “balancedon the backs of the poor”.

And on May 26th, Barber and state workers held a funeral ceremony tobury 95-98, the final Jim Crow law on the book which denies workers theright to collective bargaining. So this “State of Emergency Campaign” is ripefor Granville County in the sense that Granville has become the DHHS capi-tol, with mental health hospitals and detention facilities galore. These issues

Out of the darkness...

...INTO THE LIGHTBy Minister Curtis Gatewood

GRANVILLE COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH WORKERSORGANIZETO FIGHT UNFAIR POLICIES AND

OTHER JOB-RRELATED INJUSTICES

State & National24 SPECTACULAR August 2009

Part IIBy Dr. Alvin Augustus Jones

Ray Charles’ inspiration and firm foun-dation was his mother.

Before telling the world during a DietPepsi soda commercial that they gotthe right one baby uh-huh or beforethe Georgia Legislature made his ver-

sion of Georgia On My Mind the official state song andeven before being one of the original inductees into theRock & Roll Hall Of Fame, The Kennedy Center Honors, orGrammy Lifetime achievement award, he was simplyBrother Ray.

Brother Ray was born Ray Charles Robinson on September23, 1930 in Albany Georgia. His father’s name was Baileyand his mother’s name was Aretha. It’s unclear whetherhis parents were married or were together in commonlaw. It was a mystery to him, especially since he was raisedby his mother and his father’s wife. As a child he calledAretha “Mama” and his father’s wife Mary Jane,“Mother”. Ray Charles accepted the arrangement and wasbathed in love and affection by both women. His naturalmother was strict and he was spoiled by the other.

During his early years he said that he was poor with a cap-ital “P”. Despite poverty in many ways, he felt that life wasgood and offered many blessings. For instance, he said inhis autobiography entitled Brother Ray, that country folkdon’t miss anything on the pig. They ate the ears, feet,insides and outsides. He ate everything on the hog exceptthe oink. He enjoyed, pig neck bones, chitins, collardgreens, rice smothered with onion gravy, cabbage withthick pieces of ham, and sweet watermelon. He said theyate well, even though they were poor.

If we had chicken, it had to be on Sunday, our Church Day.He said, “Oh yes, Lord, mama believed in going to church.Ours was Shiloh Baptist Church and I liked it best for thesinging.” He goes on to say “Church was simple: preachersang or recited and the congregation sang right back athim. There were hardly any accompaniments. We didn’thave a piano in church until I became much older and theservices were basic and raw. That’s how I got my first reli-gion and my first music.”

Ray Charles loved music. At the age of three he learnedhow to play the piano. At the age of five, his life changedwhen he witnessed his only brother George, drown. Just afew months after this, his eyes started tearing. It wasn’treal tears, but matter that was thick, it was mucus. Somemornings it was so thick that his eyes had to be priedopen. This lasted for two years and then he became blindat the age of seven.

These and other circumstances started him on a road to

BE THE ROCK IN SOMEONE’S LIFE become one of the world’s most beloved singers and musi-cians. He had to overcome poverty, blindness, lost of hisparents, drug addiction, a tangled romantic and the perva-sive racism that existed in America. By the age of 32, hewas considered a genius. He musical style combined theinfluences of gospel, jazz, blues, pop and country music.His career spanned for more than half a century. Heremained in complete control of his life and his music. Heallowed nobody to tell him what he can and can’t do.

Like this wife and mother, be a friend. Your words ofencouragement and deeds will have a lasting effect in yourloved ones.

DDrr.. AAllvviinn AAuugguussttuuss JJoonneessAs an expert of achievement and folly, your success is important to me.If I can assist you in any way, please write me at Dr. Alvin Augustus JonesP.O. Box 9, Oxford, NC 27565, email me at [email protected], call919-693-3540 or listen to me daily from 6AM-10AM onwww.dralvin.com on WCBQ-AM 1340/WHNC-AM 890. May Heaven’sBest Be Yours.

Dr. Alvin Augustus Jones

also emerge as Granville begins to restore its local NAACP. Withinmonths our local NAACP membership drive caused the branch to gofrom 10 members to 85.

Unfortunately however, we continue to experience politics as usual with ourelected officials. Candidates like Purdue and Senator Kay Hagan roadPresident Barack Obama’s coattail of “CHANGE” all the way across victo-ry’s finish line. But shortly after getting elected, they were the ones who“changed”.

Suddenly they have signed on to this “Blue Dog Democrat” selective amne-sia brand of “conservatism”. For example, while for eight years, trillionsof dollars were wasted and wiped upon the hind-parts of Haliburton andother no-bid contracts, and ultimately flushed down the commode of theBush/Cheney septic tank, there was not a “conservative” watch “dog” to befound (any color dog would have done). But now that President Obamahas been elected and is ready to disperse stimulus funds and healthcareresources which may benefit the poor and oppressed, we suddenly hearracially motivated, political and selective demands that all spending be“conserved”. I therefore contend these Blue Dog Democrats, are nothingmore than “Blue” Cross – “Blue” Shield Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing.

The Granville workers have scheduled another meeting for August 22nd.For more information, you may contact UE local 150, the NC PublicService Workers Union at [email protected] or 919 539-2051. If youwould like to call me regarding the status of the local Granville NAACPor with any other question that may allow us to keep God’s movementfor justice “moving”, call me at 919 939-6311.

We must all stand with these workers. After all, “Faith without ‘work’ isdead.”

MMiinniisstteerr CCuurrttiiss EE.. GGaatteewwooooddGatewood serves as Founder of “Save Our Little Ones (SOLO)” based in Oxford, NC and is 2ndVice President of the NC NAACP State Conference of Branches/Units. Minister Gatewood has aBachelor of Theology Degree, an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, and currently work-ing on a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling at the Apex School of Theology.

Into The Light continues

State & National August 2009 SPECTACULAR 25

State & National26 SPECTACULAR August 2009

POLITICAL AND CIVIC AFFAIRSLEGAL EAGLE ADVISOR

by Professor Irving JoynerNCCU School of Law

THE MAKING OF A SUPREME COURT JUSTICE:THE SOTOMAYOR CHALLENGE

By everyone’s measurement, one of the most important responsi-bilities of the President of the UnitedStates is the power and opportunity toappoint a person to serve on the UnitedStates Supreme Court. Once nominated bythe President and confirmed by a major-ity vote of the United States Senate, thatappointee will help to shape and preservethe protections of the United StatesConstitution and federal laws, and toresolve disputes between branches andagencies of government. A personappointed to serve on the Supreme Court

has life-time tenure unless impeached by the Senate for miscon-duct in office. Without a doubt, an appointment to the SupremeCourt is a big deal.

Within the first five months of his presidency, President BarackObama has nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor to serve on theUnited States Supreme Court. If confirmed, she will be the thirdfemale and the first Hispanic (Puerto Rican) to serve as a mem-ber of the highest court in this country. Since the announcementof her nomination, a cascade of questions, concerns and fearshave been raised regarding her qualifications, competency andcapability to serve the nation in this position. These are stan-dard questions and certainly are critical considerations for anyperson who is nominated to become a Supreme Court Justice.

There is no doubt about Judge Sotomayor’s qualifications. She isa native of New York City who graduated from PrincetonUniversity with honor and from Yale University School of Lawwhere she served as an editor of its Law Journal. She worked asan Assistant District Attorney in New York and was appointed toserve on the United States District Court for the Southern Districtof New York as a Trial Judge by President George Herbert WalkerBush in 1992. Thereafter, Judge Sotomayor was elevated to theUnited States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit by PresidentBill Clinton in 1998. As an appellate Judge, she heard appeals inmore than 3,000 cases and authored more than 380 opinions.In addition, Judge Sotomayor taught at the New York UniversitySchool of Law and Columbia Law School. As a jurist, JudgeSotomayor has more judicial experience than any of the Justiceswho presently serve on the Supreme Court and more experiencethan any nominee to the Court over the past seventy (70) years.

Irving Joyner

PRESIDENT OBAMA HOLDSTOWN HALL ON HEALTH

CARE IN RALEIGH

(Pictured - Top) U.S. President Barack Obama discusses healthcare reform during a town hall meeting at Broughton High Schoolon July 29, 2009 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Obama re-assuredcitizens that his health care reform will benefit the uninsured aswell as mean more security for Americans who already havehealth insurance. (middle) President Obama shakes hands with agroup of small business owners following his town hall meeting.(bottom) Guests to town hall meeting document his visit. Photos by Sara D. Davis


Her legal and judicial credentials are impeccable.

Because she is a Puerto Rican and a racial minority who has beennominated by President Obama, she is under a relentless attack bymany conservatives and Republicans because of the perception thatshe is an ultra-liberal — whatever that is — who is being placedon the Court to promote a left-wing political agenda. There are nofacts or other evidence which support this assertion. Her legal his-tory as a New York City Prosecutor, a Trial and Appellate Judgedoes not support that assertion. In none of the cases which shehas tried nor in any of the legal opinions which she authored cancritics point to any decision which paints her as a left-wing ideo-logue.

During her judicial career, Judge Sotomayor has celebrated herPuerto Rican heritage and participated in efforts to advance theelevation of other Hispanics in the legal profession. These typeefforts have subjected her to criticism and the suggestion that herbackground will influence her decisions as a Supreme Court Justice.Her background is remarkable and significant. She was not bornwith a golden or silver spoon in her mouth. She was born to apoor and under-educated family in the Bronx, New York. She wasreared in the Bronxdale Housing Projects which was located inthe South Bronx and Co-op City which was in the Northeast Bronx.During her childhood, she maintained contacts with her PuertoRican culture and history. As a child, she was a diabetic andrequired to take daily insulin injections which began when she waseight years old. Her father died when she was nine. Despite theadversities of her early life, she determined at age ten that shewas going to become an attorney. Against all odds, she estab-lished that she was young, gifted and Puerto Rican and succeed-ed in that goal. Judge Sotomayor’s academic excellence has beenamply demonstrated from grade school through law school. Her lifehas been one of accomplishments and is a mighty testament toher determination and ability to rise above her humble beginnings.

Judge Sotomayor’s efforts to celebrate and discuss her backgroundas a poor Puerto Rican who was reared in the Bronx and itsimpact on her career and judicial philosophy are presented by hercritics as a curse. In reality, Judge Sotomayor has proudly spokenabout the many challenges which she encountered in her quest toenter and excel in the legal profession. In doing so, she has doneexactly what she should be doing in order to give hope andencouragement to minorities and others who had to overcomeracial barriers which blocked their efforts to improve their lives.The fact is that Puerto Ricans and other minority group membershave not been encouraged to join the legal profession and thosewho have entered into the profession, have been discriminatedagainst because of their race or nationality. During her judicialcareer, Judge Sotomayor confronted this long-standing discrimina-tion, bias and racial prejudices and sought to challenge thoseexclusionary practices. As a result, she is now targeted as “reverseracists” by those same individuals who are primarily responsible forsupporting and/or condoning this continuing discrimination. As amember of the judiciary and as a minority in the profession,

Judge Sotomayor was in a position to speak truth to power. Shedid just that when she articulated the valid concerns of the peo-ple who continue to reside in those communities from which shewas reared.

Judge Sotomayor has also been attacked by critics because she sug-gested that Appellate Judges engage in policy making. The argu-ment is that legislators make the law and Judges apply it. This istrue in part, but diminishes the role of judges. In addition toapplying the law, Judges interpret the meaning of laws after theyhave been enacted and determine the law’s coverage and scope.This responsibility requires Judges to determine what legislatorsintended the law to accomplish when it was enacted. This respon-sibility propels Judges into making policy decisions which is alwaysmissing from the law itself. Few laws are enacted with its policyalready clearly defined. The law must be applied in the context ofthe legislature’s intent and the particular facts which have beenpresented by the case. To apply the law, the Judge is required tomake policy determinations about the enacted law in order thatit can be applied appropriately to the issue which is beingresolved. If you read any judicial opinion, whether from theSupreme Court or lower appellate courts, the policy making func-tion becomes obvious. Past decisions authored by Judge Sotomayerhave appropriately satisfied this obligation; of the 380 opinionswhich she authored, only five were appealed to the Supreme Court,two were affirmed and one is pending. This is a remarkable recordof accomplishment. On this point, Judge Sotomayor is correct andher critics are inventing false and misleading arguments.

Whether Judge Sotomayor will be confirmed as a Supreme CourtJustice will be determined by the United States Senate after con-firmation hearings are completed. These hearings, which will beconducted by the Senate Judiciary Committee, are scheduled tobegin on July 13, 2009. During these hearings, Senators will probethe nominee regarding her background, judicial philosophy andtemperament, social and organizational affiliations and other fac-tors which are deemed to be relevant to her suitability to serveon the Court. Some Senators will attempt to secure from JudgeSotomayor indications of how she will vote on controversial issuessuch as abortion, gay-rights, the death penalty, affirmative actionand other divisive issues. In turn, Judge Sotomayor should refuseto offer a forecast of how she will vote on any issue since a judi-cial opinion must be based on the law which exists at that momentand the particular facts which are being resolved by the Court. Todemand a more specific response from Judge Sotomayor woulddemean the independence, impartiality and integrity of the Court.

There is no doubt that Judge Sotomayor will face a grueling con-firmation hearing. Equally clear is the fact that she is highly qual-ified by training, experience, background and judicial disposition. Atthe end of the process, Judge Sotomayor should be confirmed.Whether she will be confirmed will depend upon the prevailingpolitics, but she is prepared, ready, willing and able to serve.

IIrrvviinngg JJooyynneerr [email protected]

Legal Eagle Advisor continues

Political & Civic Affairs28 SPECTACULAR August 2009

THE RIGHTCHUS TRUTH continues

SPECTACULARMAGAZINEENLIGHTENINGEMPOWERINGENTERTAINING

www.spectacularmag.com

the same verse. She once commented, “What you hear inmy voice is fury, not suffering. Anger not moral authority.”Lorde, we sure thank ya!

The second author of special mention is and always will bethe G-d of Black Literature. Bro. Amiri Baraka (formerlyknown as LeRoi Jones) is heralded by most as the Father ofthe Black Arts Movement. Baraka and others such as SoniaSanchez, Haki Madhubuti (formerly Don L. Lee), IshmaelReed, Askia Toure and Larry Neal blazed new trails ofsocial and cultural consciousness throughout the mid 60’sand well into the 80’s. Without question the writers of thisera scripted my favorite period of Black Literature. Withbeastly full-volume classics such as Dutchman and TheSlave, Black Magic, Daggers and Javelins, and BluesPeople, Amiri goes down in my book as the most fearlessbrilliant black writer of all time!! If it’s scholarly researchyou desire—he’s got it. If it’s bone rattling dramas youyearn—he’s got it. Poetry, novels, and even audio—he’sgot it.

In the early years, Baraka’s controversial sentimentsregarding women, Jews, gays and ofays had everybodyshook; even some of US. From Greenwich Village toHarlem, Amiri painted and explored the harsh realitiesmisunderstood by American mainstream. LeRoi was thefirst writer to [show me] that it was okay to write in “Black,”live in “Black,” be angry, intelligent and not apologize! Thethings that others would dare think, Amiri had the balls tosay; and dissect such thoughts with wit and lucidity. Evenas an elder, Amiri still refuses to submit to the cynicalparochialism that assimilation and integration so respect-fully demand. His words have a way of stabbing you inthe gut and circulating the pain throughout the entire nerv-ous system.

However, underneath all the venom, Baraka’s workaddresses real issues and real people. And though I donot consider myself anti-Semitic nor homophobic, Baraka’scourage to write freely and unadulterated during a timewhen Negroes where being off-ed for mere words, makeshim a man among boys. There should be no questiontoday that Amiri is a genuine lover of people—all people.He simply despises oppression (like we all should) and anyagent who fosters such greed and tyranny. Just asMalcolm, Amiri lived in an era of intense social conflict.And what I admire most is that throughout his varyingstages of development as a man and writer, Amiri hasnever failed to critique both the world and himself. By wayof Amiri, I have finally realized there are no perfectheroes. We love you Pops!!

PS: Mad-Mad props to some of the area’s most dynamicyet underappreciated writers and authors: Zelda Lockhart,Phillip Shabazz, Howard L. Craft, Kimberly Arrington andNigel Barnes. Inspiration is Contagious!!

Bro. [email protected]

August 2009 SPECTACULAR 29Political & Civic Affairs

Political & Civic Affairs30 SPECTACULAR August 2009

HEALTH

HEALTH CARE REFORMI had the opportunity to see President Barack Obama speak in Raleighat the Town Hall meeting. Like many other citizens in North Carolina Iwanted to know “How does my family stand to benefit from health insur-ance reform?” The one thing most of us have come to realize is thatthe current system is not working. I asked one of local leaders, Dr.Jonathan Kotch, President of Health Care for All N.C. His comments werethat the only effective health care reform would be the single payer.President Obama outlined several points in his reform bills during histalk, trying to answer our question “what is in it for us?”

The House bill would require almost all Americans to carry health insur-ance with specified minimum benefits or pay a penalty .A similar Senatebill would require all but the smallest businesses to provide and subsi-dize insurance that meets minimum standards for their employees or paya fee if they did not.

The reform however, promises to help the poorest of the uninsured byexpanding Medicaid. Some Americans who are considered middle-class(66,000 to 88,000 for a family of four) would receive subsidies to helpthem buy coverage. There are millions of people who are uninsured. Asa result my Free Clinic (Jeanne Hopkins Lucas Education and WellnessCenter) along with approximately 77 other Free Clinics in North Carolinaare currently trying to meet their needs as a safety net provider.

The numbers are growing of those individuals who now find themselveswithout insurance, and cannot afford to pay for COBRA. President Obamain his talk stated that the stimulus package had money designated tohelp with extension of unemployment benefits to help cover some of thecosts of COBRA .Current estimates suggest that it would cost somewherenear $1 Trillion over 10 years to extend coverage to tens of millions ofuninsured Americans.

Millions of people are underinsured; their policies don’t cover their med-ical bills! Premiums and out of pocket spending for health care has beenrising faster than wages. Many of these underinsured citizens postponemedical care or don’t fill prescriptions because they can’t afford to paytheir share.

The legislation includes a new marketplace with the health insuranceexchange. These major insurers in order to participate would have toagree to provide a specified level of benefits, and they would set ratesmore comparable to group rates for big employers versus those high

rates typically charged. These exchanges would startoperating in 2013 and would target people wholack any insurance and those who carry individualinsurance with minimal coverage with employees ofsmall businesses .By the third year larger business-es may be allowed to shift their employees.

As for the Insurance companies the house bill wouldrequire that they be more tightly regulated. Itwould prohibit policies from excluding or charging

higher rates to people with pre-existing conditions and would bar thecompanies from rescinding policies after people come down with a seri-ous illness. It would also prohibit insurers from setting annual or life-time limits on what a policy would pay. President Obama used the exam-ple of his own mother during the Town Hall meeting.

The question often arises” Who will pay for this?” Most people don’t likethe idea of any new taxes .President Obama told us on Wednesday thatthe tax burden would likely be dropped on families earning more than$250,000 to $1 million a year.

President Obama also said that if you like your current insurance youcan keep it. Employers at present are able to drop your coverage at anytime. Under the reform they can still do so provided they pay a penal-ty to help offset the cost for their workers who would then buy cover-age through an exchange. Employers would eventually be allowed toenroll their employees in insurance exchanges with a wider choice ofplans or subsidize your coverage.

If the health care reform manages to cover most of the uninsured, thisshould reduce the amount of charity care delivered by hospitals andeliminate the need for the hospitals to shift such costs to patients whohave private insurance. The health insurance exchanges and possibly anew public plan should offer more competition in the markets; maybeperhaps the competition will help lower premiums. The reform bills callfor research and pilot programs to find ways to both control costs andimprove patients’ care.

The elderly populations over 65 are usually covered by Medicare. Thedrug industry has already agreed to provide 50 % discounts on brandname drugs to Medicare beneficiaries who have reached the ”doughnuthole” where they must pay the full cost of their medications. The Housereform bill would gradually phase out the doughnut hole entirely, mak-ing it less likely that the beneficiaries will stop taking their drugs oncethey have to pay the whole cost. President Obama insisted that benefitswon’t be reduced; they’ll simply be delivered in more efficient ways.

This concludes my wrap up of the Health care reform “Town HallMeeting” with our President.

God Bless,

Sharon Elliott-BBynum"Beloved I wish above all things that you prosper and be in Good Health…."


DURHAM – SeniorPharmAssist, to mark 15years of service in Durham,honored physician, Dr.Elaine Hart-Brothers, withthe Margaret K. GoodwinAward on June 23, 2009 atSarah P. Duke Gardens.Senior PharmAssist creat-ed the Goodwin Award in1999, in conjunction withits fifth anniversary, to rec-ognize the contributions ofMargaret K. Goodwin toimproving health andhealth care in Durham.

Dr. Hart-Brothers wasacknowledged for herexemplary service in help-ing Durham seniors leadhealthier and more independent lives – through med-ication assistance and other preventive health meas-ures. She co-founded the Community HealthCoalition in 1989, which works to reduce preventabledeath and illness among Durham’s African-Americanpopulation – through health education and promotion,and disease prevention. Hart-Brothers is active withthe Durham Academy of Medicine, Dentistry, andPharmacy; the Old North State Medical Society; andnumerous Durham Regional and Duke Hospital initia-tives.

DR. ELAINE HART-BROTHERS RECOGNIZED BYSENIOR PHARMASSIST

A dedicated health pro-fessional and communityvolunteer, MargaretGoodwin has been a strongadvocate for decades forthe health care of all thosewho call Durham home.At age 90, Goodwin notesthat her ability to see thegoodness in everyone iswhat kept her happy in herhealth career and her dailyservice to others.

Now entering its 16thyear, Senior PharmAssisthas created a unique sys-tem of care for older adultsin Durham County, focus-ing on prevention, medica-tion appropriateness and

medication access. Learn more by visiting www.seniorpharmassist.org or by calling(919) 688-4772.

Goodwin Award winner Dr. Elaine Hart-Brothers (secondfrom right) is joined by (left to right) Senior PharmAssistExecutive Director Gina Upchurch, Margaret Goodwin andGayle Harris, director of the Durham County Public HealthDepartment.

Health

“HOW TO DEAL WITH HIGHCHOLESTEROL LEVELS IN CHILDREN”

Speaker: Dr. Shilpa DaveWhen: Wednesday, August 19, 2009Where: Granville Medical Center, 1010College Street, Oxford, NC (Phone 919-690-3000 for directions)Location: Education Classroom, Suite 1022Time: 11:30 A.M.

A free lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. along with Dr.Dave’s presentation followed by a question and answerperiod. Free and open to the public. Seating is limited.To reserve a seat, please call 919-690-2159 or [email protected] on or beforeAugust 14, 2009 and leave your name, daytime phonenumber, and number of people in your party (pleaseinclude their names).


LIFESTYLE

DURHAM - Alpha Zeta OmegaChapter of Alpha Kappa AlphaSorority, Inc. celebrated its 81stAnniversary. The chapter was foundedApril 14, 1928. During the anniversarycelebration, the chapter recognizedseveral members for outstanding serv-ice to the sorority and the Durhamcommunity.

The 2009 “Humanitarian of theYear” award was presented to Julia

Fairley. Thisaward is present-ed annually to themember whoprovides charita-ble, unselfish,and productiveservice to boththe Alpha ZetaOmega chapter

and the community without the expec-tation of reward. During the sorority’scentennial year, Fairley, a Silver Starmember, worked collaboratively withthe chapter’s History Committee indeveloping an award winning displayof the chapter’s history. She alsoserved as regional chairperson for theproduction of a publication for thesorority’s regional conference.

In the community, she is involvedin at least two Bible studies, education-al associations and committees, andworks to enhance the lives of elderlycitizens in the community by provid-ing a variety of services—taking themto the doctor, shopping, to bible study,the movies, and to vote. Moreover, sheprovides both financial and motiva-tional assistance to young people whoare in need and desirous of makingbetter lives for themselves through anannual scholarship at PeaceMissionary Baptist Church.

Fairley is a retired middle schoolprincipal. Shepard Middle School was

NCCU TO HOST RUTH RUSSELL WILLIAMS EXHIBIT

Durham - The North Carolina Central University Art Museum will host an exhibit by folk artistand North Carolina native Ruth Russell Williams. Ruth Russell Williams: Master Storyteller willopen on Sunday, August 9th. The opening reception will take place from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.Museum Director Kenneth G. Rodgers says “We are honored to have the opportunity to bringone of NorthCarolina’s mostoriginal artists toDurham onceagain. We viewthis exhibition asan opportunityfor the communi-ty to learn some-thing about anartist who singlehandedly devel-oped a regional,national andinternational rep-utation throughan Annual Artexhibition held ather own home.Today she occupies a prominent place among self taught artists. It is by no means a compre-hensive examination of this wonderfully creative artist, but there are many compelling paint-ings in the show.”

Ruth Russell Williams was born in 1932 in Townsville, North Carolina to sharecroppers.At age 8, she began picking cotton to earn enough money to goto the State Fair. Later, her paintings would portray scenes fromnot only this early work but from many other childhood experi-ences including memories of going to work with her grandmoth-er to the home of a plantation owner. Williams developed her tal-ent along a path that took her from these humble beginnings tobeauty salon owner and cosmetologist to national recognition asa folk artist.

In 1948 she married Odell Russell and they had four childrenbut would later divorce. In 1974 she married building contractor

Samuel Williams. Initially being drawn to ceramics she would teach ceramics at Vance-Granville Community College. With her children off to college she became restless and tookto painting. She was self taught and initially felt that her paintings lacked merit.

At an art exhibit at Kerr Lake in 1985, Williams was quite satisfied showing her work tolay men and women, but when she learned that North Carolina A & T art professor JamesMcCoy was nearby, she grabbed up her paintings and hid behind bushes, fearful of present-ing her work before a professional. Recognizing her apprehension, McCoy asked to see thework and immediately recognized Williams’ unique esthetic sensibility. Encouraging her,McCoy informed Williams that she was a folk artist and predicted that she would one daybecome widely recognized. For the next two decades, Williams produced hundreds of paint-ings, each one telling a story of life as she saw it, in a simple, straightforward way.

Today, Williams has become a commercial success due to collectors from all fifty statesand Europe. Included in the exhibition are more than fifty paintings from lenders across North

“Mother’s Day” by Ruth Russell Williams

Ruth Russell Williams

ALPHA KAPPAALPHA

SORORITY, INC.RECOGNIZES

OUTSTANDINGSERVICE

Julia Fairley


Carolina who have been long time admirers of Williams work. Visitorscan expect to find a sampling of her signature themes. A number ofpaintings in the exhibition re-examine Williams many visits to her localchurch, and the numerous activities that were held there. “Mother’sDay”, included in the exhibition, presents this uniquely American secu-lar endeavor that is a universal celebration of mothers. Centrallyplaced, a simple church is the meeting place for men, women and chil-dren alike who casually exchange pleasantries before entering thesanctuary.

The exhibition will also provide the visitor with the opportunity tosee paintings of a wide range of flowers, as independent still life, andas an integral part of larger landscapes. The majority of works, howev-er, provide ample evidence of Williams’ gift of storytelling. From pick-ing plums and grapes, to eating water melon, to playing baseball, togossiping, the range of her narrative canvases is extraordinary andimbued with touches of brilliant color.

The North Carolina Central University Art Museum is located onLawson Street across from the Farrison-Newton CommunicationsBuilding. Every effort is made to make all museum events accessible tothe handicapped. For general information or assistance, please call 560-6211. For group visits, please call in advance. The Museum is openTuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to5 p.m. Admission is free.

RUTH RUSSELL WILLIAMS continues

Lifestyles

This isYour Life...BBYY DEELL MAATTTTIIOOLLII

WHY INSURE YOUR LOVE THISFALL?

Have you or someone you know beenlayed-off recently? Are your stocks andinvestments falling? Has your house decreased in value? Many ofus have been impacted by the current financial crisis. However, therehas been one reliable industry, which has been stable and has doneexactly what it is suppose to do in times like these, protect you andyour family. While it may be difficult to look beyond your currentfinancial needs on a monthly basis, life insurance can provide “ananchor of stability” to your family finances, ensuring that your lovedones are financially secure when you are no longer here.

A recent survey conducted by LIFE, a nonprofit organization, foundthat 70 percent of Americans would give up a gift in exchange forgreater financial peace of mind. So consider giving up the tempo-rary gifts, consider buying a life insurance policy, which will be therefor financial security.

LEAVE YOUR FAMILY A LEGACY OF LOVEThere are many famous people who demonstrated their love throughpoetry, shrines dedicated to the one they loved and songs writtenabout the loves of their life. You don’t have to be a poet, a musi-cian or a builder to leave you family a lasting legacy. You can demon-strate your love by giving financial protection. Review your currentlife insurance policy, make sure your beneficiaries are updated, anddetermine whether or not your coverage is adequate if your familyno longer has you. It’s quite simple to do; scheduling a consultationtoday can assist in providing that legacy of love.

GIVING A SELFLESS ACT OF LOVEHow often have you volunteered for a community organization? Howoften have you donated food or clothing to family in need? Thereare many things we do, without thinking about the return or howwe might be blessed. Have you thought what could be the most self-less act you can do for your family without expecting something inreturn? Now is the perfect time to “commit a selfless act” for yourfamily. Update your financial portfolio. Consider what would hap-pen to your family if you became ill, if you lost your job, if yourparents needed assistance in caring for themselves. Consider purchas-ing a life insurance policy or a long term care policy. It’s a selflessway to say I love you. You will be taken care of, even when I can’t.

Isn’t this the way we all want to be loved?

Del MattioliThis month’s article is written in cooperation with the Insure Your Love Campaignof LIFE, a nonprofit organization. If you are in need of assistance, call Del Mattioliand Associates, An Established New York Life Insurance Agent, website: www.delmat-tioli.com 919.401.9988 office or email: [email protected]


AKA SORORITY continuescertified as an International Baccalaureate under Fairley’sleadership. Shepard was also one of the first of two DPSschools named as Schools of Distinction. During hertenure, Shepard had approximately 85% of its studentsscore at or above grade level on state End of Grade Testing.

The chapter’s 2009 Member of the Year was presentedto Patricia McGhee. This award ispresented annually to the memberwho demonstrates exemplary serviceto the chapter. McGhee, initiated intothe chapter in 2005, utilizes her lead-ership and organizational skills toenhance chapter operations. Sheserves the sorority on both the localand regional levels. She has workeddiligently on the chapter’s Program

Committee, Membership, By-Laws, The Economic Keysto Success Committee, and Finance and Standards.

She is described as a committed, competent, and dedi-cated member. McGhee is a retired Vice President ofWachovia Bank. She served the bank and their customersfor more than 30 years. In addition to making a presenta-tion, “Smart Money Tips in a Down Economy” to chaptermembers and community citizens, she had a key participat-ing role in the sorority’s Mid Atlantic RegionalConference. She currently serves as the chapter’s secretary.

The 2009 ICC Outstanding Volunteer Service Awardwas presented to Rosa Small. She hasbeen a part of the Ivy CommunityCenter Board for thirteen years, andhas been a very involved and commit-ted member. At the time sheexpressed an interest in becoming aboard member, there were no vacan-cies, but she was told that she waswelcome to attend the meetings. Notonly did she regularly attend meetingsbut she often volunteered for special

assignments and became so involved that when the firstBoard vacancy occurred, there was no doubt who wouldfill that position.

That type of involvement continues even today. She isassigned to two ICC subcommittees, but she places herselfon many more, and as is her custom, attends the meetingsregularly. Mrs. Small is an active participant in all aspectsof the ICC Board, oftentimes volunteering to do whateverneeds to be done.

She leads the house management team and spendsmany long hours at ICC. Her daughter once stopped by theCenter to check on her Mom and to take a picture of her,because she said jokingly, “Dad said he didn’t want to for-get how you look.” Small volunteers for many of the afterschool functions and helps with serving lunch during thesummer programs.

She was elected the third Secretary of the ICC Boardin 2003 and continues to serve in that position today. Whennot helping others, she enjoys playing golf. Small is aretired DPS educator.The 2009 Leadership Award was presented to Zelphia

Watson. Watson received the 2009Leadership Award in recognition ofsuperior guidance rendered to the IvyCommunity Center. This award hon-ors her leadership in the administra-tion of the chapter’s 21st CenturyCommunity Learning Center’s AfterSchool Program, where she hasserved as director of the federallyfunded grant for four years.

The grant was awarded throughthe Department of Public Instruction. The program, fund-ed by the grant, is housed on two sites – ICC and CovenantPresbyterian Church. There are thirty students at each siteduring the school year and forty students for the summerprogram at the Ivy Community Center. Watson, a SilverStar member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority managed thetwo sites and worked diligently with staff, students, andparents. She assisted in coordinating university partners,community volunteers, and other service organizations toenhance the program.

Watson has also served as president of the Alpha ZetaOmega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Shealso is a retired DPS educator.

Patricia McGhee

Rosa Small

Zelphia Watson

Lifestyles August 2009 SPECTACULAR 35

ENTERTAINMENTANNUAL BULL DURHAM

BLUES FESTIVAL BACK AT THEDAP WITH NEW FORMAT

12 HOURS OF BLUES: For the Blues Lover in You!

DURHAM - The 22nd annual Bull Durham Blues Festival,North Carolina’s largest celebration of the blues, will beheld September 11 & 12, 2009. The festival will moveback to the newly renovated Durham Athletic Park (DAP)to the pleasure of the festival organizers and the majority ofthose who were surveyed after last year’s festival.

“We are extremely excited to be back at the DAP withall of the newly enhanced features that will give our festivalan uplift and bringing it back home to the atmosphere welike best,” states V. Dianne Pledger, Executive Producer andPresident of St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation, Inc. “We areworking closely with the City of Durham and Minor LeagueBaseball to work out of the details related to the use of theDAP to produce the best festival we possibly can.”

This annual festival, produced by St. Joseph’s HistoricFoundation, Inc., has been successfully presented since1988. It is nationally recognized as one of the premierBlues festivals in the country and was honored in 2000with the “Keeping the Blues Alive Award” by The BluesFoundation in Memphis, TN. This three-day event hasbecome North Carolina’s largest celebration of the Blues,recognizing Durham’s rich musical heritage as an impor-tant center of Carolina and Piedmont Blues. The festivalhas attracted as many as 20,000 Blues lovers and has over

a 3 million dollar eco-nomic impact on theDurham economy annu-ally.

Not only is therechange with the festivalreturning back at theDAP, the format haschanged this year.Opening night concertSeptember 11th willtake place in the St.Joseph’s PerformanceHall at Hayti HeritageCenter, 804 OldFayetteville Street, fea-turing GrammyNominated and WCHandy/Blues MusicAward Winner Eric

Bibb, in addition to local sensation Jasmé Kelly and 2008Triangle Blues Society Solo Competition winners JonShain Trio.

“The Foundation is hoping that our blues audiencewho has supported us for these many years will like the day

Eric Bibb


FANTASIA REPRISES ROLEIN “THE COLOR PURPLE”

IN GREENSBORO

Fantasia Barrino as Celie in “The Color Purple”

GREENSBORO, NC - American Idol Season 3 winner andHigh Point, NC native Fantasia Barrino will make herPiedmont Triad area stage debut when she reprises her star-ring role of Celie in The Color Purple for the Greensboroengagement. The Greensboro Coliseum Complex’s WarMemorial Auditorium will host the first North AmericanTouring production of The Color Purple for one week,September 8 –13, 2009*.

Fantasia made her Broadway debut in The ColorPurple on April 10, 2007. She won the 2007 TheaterWorld Award and received across the board rave reviews.

As a 19-year old single mother, Fantasia began herpath to international stardom when she became the winnerof FOX’s hugely successful audience-driven singing com-petition in May 2004. Now 23, Barrino has garnered crit-ical acclaim for the release of both her debut album, FreeYourself, which marked her becoming the first artist inBillboard Hot 100 chart history to debut at #1 with herdebut single “I Believe,” and her second album, FA N TA-SIA, released by J Records on December 12, 2006.

To date, she has gathered more than 20 award nomina-tions including the Grammy Awards, American Music

BLUES FESTIVAL continueslong festival atmosphere andgreat music we will providefor 12 hours on Saturday,September 12th,” Pledgerexplains. “There will besomething for the entire fami-ly to enjoy where blues loverscan indulge in an eclectic mixof regional and internationalfoods for the soul, workshopsfor adults and children, kid’sactivities, arts and crafts bylocal and regional artists, avariety of unique specialtyitems and of course greatweather! Gates open at 12noon and the show will beginat 1pm through 12 midnight.The music is sure to make youmove, but if you feel a need,lawn chairs and blankets arewelcome.”

A selection of local,regional and national artiststhat have performed worldwide from Grammy nominat-ed, WC Handy-Blues MusicAward winners, various blueschallenge winners, and artistas young as 10 years old havebeen booked.

Saturday’s line up,September 12th, will featureGrammy nominated and WCHandy/Blues Music Awardwinner Elvin Bishop andOffBeat Magazine’sPerformer of the YearTrombone Shorty and theOrleans Avenue Band. Theremaining line-up includesZac Harmon, Cool JohnFerguson, The Lee Boys,Homemade Jamz Blues Band,Delta Moon, Roy Roberts,Valentino and the PiedmontSheiks.

Ticket prices havechanged to reflect the changein format and advance ticketsare on sale now. Tickets are:Friday: $35 advance/$45 dayof festival/ $5 for children 12and under at the door,Saturday: $45 advance/ $55day of festival/ $5 for children12 and under at the door.

BULL DURHAM BLUES

FESTIVAL TWO MAN BEST BALL SHOOTOUTGOLF TOURNAMENT

For those individuals who want to include some out-door recreation to their weekend in Durham, theFoundation will host the Bull Durham Blues Festival TwoMan Best Ball Shootout Golf Tournament Friday,September 11th at the Crossing Golf Course in Durham.This shootout format is 2-Person Captain’s Choice in addi-tion to hole sponsorships, three flights, men’s champions,men’s seniors and women’s, and purse distribution. Golfstarts at 9am and tournament entry fee is $100. Interestedgolfers can retrieve the registration form via www.bull-durhamblues.org or www.hayti.org.

ST. JOSEPH’S HISTORIC FOUNDATION, INC.The St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation, Inc. (SJHF) foundedin 1975, is an African American cultural and educationalinstitution deeply rooted in the historic Hayti communityof Durham, North Carolina. SJHF is dedicated to advanc-ing cultural understanding through diverse programs thatexamine the experiences of Americans of African descent– locally, nationally and globally. The Foundation is com-mitted to preserving, restoring and developing the HaytiHeritage Center, the former St. Joseph’s AME Church, aNational Historic Landmark, as a cultural and economicanchor to the greater Durham community. Funds raisedfrom the event support the programs and operations of theFoundation and Hayti Heritage Center.

For more information, to purchase tickets, be a vendor or to volunteer,call (919) 683-1709 or visit www.hayti.org.

Jasmé Kelly

Trombone Shorty

Homemade Jamz Blues Band

Cool John Ferguson

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38 SPECTACULAR August 2009 Entertainment

Awards, Vibe Awards, Soul Train Awards and Soul Train“Lady of Soul” Awards, Billboard Music Awards and R&B& Hip Hop Awards, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards,and Teen Choice Awards.

No stranger to acting, Fantasia also broke records of adifferent kind after authoring a New York Times best-sell-ing autobiography Life Is Not A Fairy Tale (Simon &Schuster, September 2005) and starring in The FantasiaBarrino Story: Life is Not a Fairytale, the Debbie Allen-directed Lifetime original movie adaptation of her truthful,outspoken and ultimately healing memoir in August 2006.

For her performance, she was nominated for a 2007NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in aTelevision Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special. Thebiopic, also nominated as Outstanding Television Movie,Mini-Series or Dramatic Special for the 2007 NAACPImage Awards, ranks as the channel’s second most watchedmovie and has been seen by 19 million viewers.

With her Broadway debut as Celie, the heart and soulof The Color Purple, she added the distinction of being thefirst ever American Idol winner to star in a Broadwayshow.

Fantasia joins her Broadway cast-mate Felicia P.Fields, who originated the role of Sofia, for which shereceived a Tony Award nomination. Felicia has receivednumerous awards and nominations for her work on andOff-Broadway. Also joining the tour direct from theBroadway production is Angela Robinson, who will playthe role of Shug Avery. Angela has appeared in severalother Broadway productions including Wonderful Townand Bells Are Ringing. Celie’s sister Nettie willbe played by LaToya London. London was named theearly front runner to win season three of American Idol bySimon Cowell and Elton John. On air she joined the ranksof the aptly named “Three Divas,” along side JenniferHudson and Fantasia. Rufus Bonds, Jr., who recently wonthe L.A. Weekly nomination, Best Ensemble, for his work inthe Los Angeles premier of Because They Have No Words,directed by Emilie Beck, will play Mister. Rufus also per-formed the role of Mufasa in Julie Taymor’s Broadwayproduction of The Lion King. Also starring in the NorthAmerican Tour are Stu James as Harpo, and TiffanyDaniels as Squeak.

Nominated for eleven Tony Awards, including BestMusical, The Color Purple opened on December 1, 2005 atthe Broadway Theatre where it ran for over two recordbreaking years. It is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film bySteven Spielberg.

It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a womannamed Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adver-sity, and discover her unique voice in the world. With ajoyous Grammy-nominated score featuring gospel, jazz,pop and the blues, The Color Purple is about hope and thehealing power of love.

As on Broadway, the first North American Tour of TheColor Purple is directed by Gary Griffin. The ColorPurple features a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winner MarshaNorman, music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning

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SPECTACULAR MAGAZINEwww.spectacularmag.com

composers/lyricists Brenda Russell, Allee Willis andStephen Bray, and choreography by Donald Byrd. Theoriginal creative team of Tony Award-winner John LeeBeatty (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Tony Award-win-ner Brian MacDevitt (lighting), Jon Weston (sound),Jonathan Tunick (orchestrations) and Kevin Stites (MusicSupervisor) was reunited for the tour.

The original cast recording is available on EMI/AngelRecords, and The Color Purple: A Memory Book of theBroadway Musical is available in bookstores now.

Tickets went on sale on now at the Coliseum Box Office (1921West Lee Street), online at ticketmaster.com, charge-by-phone at(800) 745-3000 and at all Ticketmaster outlets.

THE COLOR PURPLE continues

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Greensboro, NCon the campus of

NC A&T State Univ.

WCBQ - 1340 AMOxford, NC

WHNC - 890 AMHenderson, NC

WOOW-AM 1340Greenville, North Carolina

FOR MORE INFO CALL 919.680.0465 OR VISIT www.spectacularmag.com

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