From their first princess dress, to their prom dress to their wedding dress, most little girls take delight in dressing up and having a moment in the spotlight. For the past seven years, girls in Cumberland County have had the opportunity to do more than dress up, they have had the opportunity to take a walk down the runway during the American Girl Fashion Show.

Of course, these girls are getting more than a moment in the spotlight, they are taking the opportunity to help children who have suffered abuse by supporting the work of the Child Advocacy Center. This annual fundraiser for the organization is unique in that each of the models chosen to participate in the fashion show has to help raise money for the organization, so the fashion show actually becomes a lesson in civic participation.

One, which many of the girls continue throughout their lives.

Julia Adkins has been working with the American Girl Fashion Show since its inception. Adkins, and her co-chairs, Cindy Williams and Carol Wheeler, were members of the Junior League. The Child Advocacy Center came to the Junior League looking for a grant to help put the show together. The idea intrigued them. The Junior League not only gave them the grant, but the three ladies volunteered to help with the first show. For the past seven years, they have organized the entire event.

Adkins explained that all three had daughters who were of the age to have American Girl Dolls and to participate in the show. As their daughters aged out of the show, they continued to support it because of the need in the community that the Child Advocacy Center fills.

Adkins, whose daughter is a freshman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said that most girls who participate return as long as they can. She noted her daughter was in the show until she was too old to walk the runway, and then she became a commentator.

“Even now, she is very involved,” said Adkins. “She will call home and ask me what the show schedule is and if we have fittings or anything, she will come home to participate. She will be commenting again this year. A lot of the girls who participate in the show take child abuse and prevention on as a personal platform throughout their lives.”

But for the little girls who love American Girl Dolls, the fashion show isn’t a serious event. Instead it is a magical afternoon filled with everything they love: their dolls and their families. It’s an elegant afternoon of tea and party food. As in years past, girls are encouraged to bring their dolls with them to the show and shop at the American Girl store for more outfits or maybe let their dolls have a spa day at the beauty parlor.

And while they marvel at the excitement that surrounds them, they will support children much less fortunate. Last year the show raised $64,000 to help fund the work of the Child Advocacy Center.

Show times are at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on March 21 and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on March 22. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or in person at the Crown Center Box Office. VIP tickets with seating close to the stage are available. For more information, please visit the CAC website at www.childadvocacycenter.com or call 910-486-9700.

Sunday afternoon matinees at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre are usually fairly sedate. The audience, usually filled with those over the age 60, claps politely, laughs politely and exits politely. That was not the case for the performance of Ain’t Misbehavin’ that I took in on Sunday.

The crowd, and yes, there was a crowd, filled the theatre. Prior to the show’s beginning, they chatted and laughed. It was an animated bunch that came out to enjoy great music and have a good time. People were discussing the music, the play, the theatre. The energy in the lobby was high and the performance on stage only took it higher.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a collection of music by Fats Waller. Waller was the trend setter in jazz music during the Harlem Renaissance. He was a talented jazz musician who tickled the ivories on the piano, as well as the organ. He composed his own music, sang it and presented it in a comedic way. He was also an innovator, developing the Harlem stride style of playing, which laid the foundation for modern jazz. To do justice to a musical revue of Waller’s music, it was imperative that the Cape Fear Regional Theatre pull together a talented cast, and they succeeded in doing just that.

The backbone to the cast was, in my opinion, the music, which was directed by Fayetteville native Brian Whitted. Whitted is a nationally recognized entertainer who got his start on the CFRT stage as a child, and returns from time to time to do shows that appeal to him. This show was perfect for Whitted. Without him on the piano, it would not have had the impact nor the appeal. Kudos for bringing such an amazing talent to the CFRT show.

While the entire cast played well off of each other, the heavy lifters were David LaMarr, Tony Perry and
Gigi Ritchey.

Ritchey, also from Fayetteville has a deep, rich voice that reaches all the way down to her toes and comes back out of her mouth as pure gold. Ritchie also has a sense of fun and joy that comes from within her when she sings.

LaMarr and Perry, both national performers, brought comedy, as well as rich voices to the stage. The duo got the audience into the act with their performance of  “Fat and Greasy” and LaMarr stole the show with “The
Viper’s Drag.”

When LaMarr and Perry launched into “Fat and Greasy,” the audience was clapping, and hold on to your hats, singing along.
If you see one show this year at the CFRT, make it Ain’t Misbehavin’, you’ll never have as much fun being bad, as you will at this performance. You have one weekend left, so visit www.cfrt.org to purchase your tickets.

I was a bit taken aback recently when someone I do not know well asked me at a social event, “What keeps you up at night?”  
I stumbled, but said something about the health and safety of my family and others dear to me, which is certainly true enough. Like parents around the world, the children — now well into adulthood — and their wellbeing are never far from my mind, and when the telephone rings in the middle of the night, my heart races. That is simply the nature of having family and other loved ones.

The question, though, continued to rattle around in my mind even after I said the expected thing about family and friends. Truth be told, other thoughts keep my mind going in the dark of night.

I worry about the state of our country and our society.

Statistics and our own experiences tell us that even though the Great Recession is over and recovery is apparent on paper, many Americans are not feeling it. Those who are working may be working at jobs that pay less than their pre-Great Recession employment, and many are working at several jobs. Nevertheless, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer, a fact that is shrinking the middle class, which made our nation strong and brings our citizens’ growing wealth disparity into sharp focus. I roll among the pillows fretting over the very real possibility that the children of Baby Boomers like me will be the first American generation to live in lesser circumstances and perhaps poorer health than their parents.

My heart breaks a little more every time I hear the latest about the students at Oklahoma University who were videoed chanting racial slurs aboard what appeared to be a party bus. The university dealt with the situation promptly and appropriately, but there is no repairing the hurt and damage caused by ugly words and sentiments. The students involved, some of whom are apparently teenagers, will regret the scarlet letter branded by this incident the rest of their lives, and the entire university community from athletics to alumni, will feel the fallout for years. Allegations about similar occurrences on other campuses have followed.

The OU situation further sharpens the focus on race relations that has been part of our national dialogue throughout our country’s narrative since before we were a nation, and which seems to have ramped up in recent years.  

The deaths of young black men at the hands of armed white men, several of them uniformed law enforcement officers, continues to unsettle Americans in all corners of our country. I have heard it said that the recent focus on racial issues comes because we have our first President of African-American heritage. I have no idea why this is happening and could not prove it if I did have a theory, but it is clearer than ever that living in racial harmony in a color-blind culture remains a goal and not a done deal.

Mitt Romney and I have rarely been on the same page, but in his January announcement that he will not seek the Presidency in 2016, he said something that had me saying “YES!” to my TV screen.  

In taking himself out of the picture, Romney said it is time for younger people to step up and take their turn. He is right. I see this void in every organization I work with from boards to civic groups to religious institutions, and it both annoys me and worries me to no end. Baby Boomers and older folks continue to do the work with fewer folks coming behind them. I know young folks are busy with jobs, families and personal interests, but so were the Boomers. Just saying…

Finally, news that has troubled me since I read it earlier this month concerns girls and young women. Most suicides in our country occur to white men, 70 percent in 2013, and most of them are middle-aged and older. The new news is that the suicide rate for girls between 10 (yes, 10!) and 24 is rising faster than for boys in the same age group. It has more than tripled since 1994, with the steepest rise between 2007 and 2013. No one knows why this is happening, but the timing does correlate with the Great Recession. It is stunning to think young girls are so discouraged by anything they simply do not want to see what happens next.

I hope that when your head hits the pillow, that you sleep like a baby, but if not, I would love to know what, if anything, is keeping you up at night.

The Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda Press Release That Never Was or Will Be

To: Cumberland County Commissioners
(specifically Commissioner Charles Evans)

From: All of those whom you have let down, betrayed and disappointed

Subject: The Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda Press Release That Never Was or Will Be

Publisher’s Note: Good leadership is scarce here in Cumberland County. The proof is all around us. In a community of such fine, loving and generous people, you would think we would do better and get better. No. The selfishness, greed and incompetence of ego-driven ideologues are trumping those who truly care about growing our economy and making this community a better place to live, work and play. Well, Sanderson Farms is gone now. It’s over. We hold no hard feelings to our Robeson County neighbors and congratulate them on their tenacity and perseverance. Good things will come of this, and we will celebrate their growth and development.

But, since Fayetteville and Cumberland County are still a long way from such a celebration, I thought maybe I could bring some inspiration and motivation to our leadership if they actually heard, or read, a press release that celebrated a Cumberland County achievement. Maybe yes, maybe no. However, it is worth a try. At least it will accentuate the devastating impact our commissioner’s “no” cast upon us. Enjoy!  
The Press Release (that never was):

Sanderson Farms, Inc. to Create 1,100 New Jobs with Expansion into Cumberland County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE        919-814-2100
Thursday, March 12, 2015        govpress@nc.gov

 Raleigh, N.C. —  Governor Pat McCrory, N.C. Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla III and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina announced today that Sanderson Farms will construct a new state-of-the-art poultry complex in Cumberland County. The new processing plant and hatchery will create approximately 1,100 new jobs during the next three years. Sanderson Farms expects to invest approximately $139 million in the complex, which includes upgrades to its Kinston, North Carolina, feed mill.

“Sanderson Farms will have a huge positive impact on the Cumberland County economy,” said Governor McCrory.  “When a strong, successful company brings 1,100 new jobs to North Carolina, especially a rural community, it is a game changer.”
Sanderson Farms, Inc. is headquartered in Laurel, Mississippi. Incorporated in 1955, Sanderson Farms is a fully integrated poultry processing company engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. It is the third largest poultry producer in the United States with production of more than 9.3 million chickens per week. It has 11,800 employees in 11 plants across the country, including Kinston.

“Sanderson Farms expansion will provide a boost to the state’s southeast region,” said Secretary Skvarla. “We appreciate the company’s commitment to not only increase its footprint in Cumberland County, North Carolina, but also enhance its operation in Kinston.”
“Poultry is the number one agricultural industry in North Carolina and the state ranks third in the nation in poultry production,” said N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “It is great to see the poultry industry continuing to grow in our state with this expansion by Sanderson Farms.”
The company will hire supervisors, maintenance technicians and line operators among other jobs with an average annual payroll of approximately $28 million.

“We are grateful for the cooperation from the economic development and governmental officials in the City of Fayetteville, the Cumberland County Commissioners and the State of North Carolina,” said Joe F. Sanderson, chairman and chief executive officer of Sanderson Farms, Inc. “The additional capacity of 1.25 million birds per week represented by the new complex will provide new marketing opportunities for the company in the fresh food service market.”

The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant of up to $1 million from the One North Carolina Fund. The One North Carolina Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches. The state’s One North Carolina Fund is specific to the company’s new processing plant with an investment of $98.6 million and the announcement of 1,000 new jobs.

 “I am thrilled that Sanderson Farms has chosen to locate in Cumberland County,” said Senator Wesley Meredith. “Creating more than 1,000 jobs will mean more of our residents will have work to support their families, and i turn the additional income in our county will translate to increased revenue for local businesses. The nearly $140 million of private investment the company will spend here will help our county in numerous ways and means more revenue to support local schools and other important county functions.”

“Today’s announcement is the result of the concerted efforts of local officials, the Governor’s office and the Department of Commerce,” said Representative John Szoka. “I am pleased to have played a small part in what could be an economic game changer for our part of the state.”
In addition to the N.C. Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C., other partners that helped with this project include: Fayetteville Technical Community College, Cumberland County Economic Alliance, the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, the City of Kinston, Lenoir County and Lenoir County Economic Development.

Now, wasn’t that inspiring? It is the Press Release that Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda been ours. Well, maybe next time. That is, if there is a next time! Thanks for reading the Up & Coming Weekly.

With hits like “You Should Be Dancing,” “Jive Talkin’,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “How to Mend a Broken Heart,” and “To Love Somebody,” the Bee Gees dominated the music charts in the 1970s. The group, inducted in to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, has sold more than 220 million records ranking them among top musical performers of all time, including the Beatles, Elvis and Michael Jackson.

The Bee Gees, comprised of Australian-born brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb reached a pinnacle with their contributions to Saturday Night Live’s musical score; however, they had a long string of hits prior to that break-out recording. With the death of Maurice, followed by his twin Robin, the group ceased as a performing entity, but their legacy lives on in their music and through the performances of the Bee Gees tribute show, The Australian Bee Gees Show, which comes to the Crown on March 25.

The second to last performance in the Community Concerts 2014-2015 season, The Australian Bee Gees Show promises a multimedia theatrical experience that celebrates the legacy the Bee Gees left behind and showcases the four decades of the infectious music written by the Gibb brothers. The unsurpassed and state-of-the-art sound, live camera images and vivid graphics will have the audience dancin’ in the aisles.  

From early favorites like “Massachusetts,” “New York Mining Disaster 1941” and  “To Love Somebody” to later classics like “Stayin’ Alive” and “You Should Be Dancin’,” this show offers a walk down memory lane for Bee Gees fans and a peek in to one of music’s most popular bands.
Matt Baldoni plays Barry Gibb. He’s been with The Australian Bee Gees show for about three years.

“When I auditioned for The Australian Bee Gees, I was touring as a sideman with other artists like Melissa Manchester and Taylor Dane. I was in the pit for a lot of shows, too, like Spamalot,” said Baldoni. “Playing Barry Gibb is different from that. It is very challenging. I have grown to be a huge fan of the Bee Gees. I respect them and their contributions to music. It is amazing to be a part of this group. We work hard to nail the authenticity.”

A musician since the age of 8, Baldoni realized at a young age that to make a living as a musician he would need to be able to do more than play the guitar. So he learned to sing and read music, too.

“When I was young I thought I would just join a band like Eddie Van Halen and tour the world and play music and write songs and be famous,” Baldoni said. “But for me, the magic is in performing.”

Since 1935, Community Concerts has delivered the finest in entertainment to Fayetteville. Each year, the all-volunteer organization brings diverse and interesting shows to the community. The big name entertainment is great, but the organization contributes to the community in other ways, too.

Community Concerts awards college scholarships to promising musicians each year. To date, 24 young students have benefited from this program. Community Concerts also showcases local musicians and performers by providing opportunities for them to open for many of the main acts. Since 2008, the Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame has been a part of the Community Concerts program, honoring people in the community who have brought musical distinction to the area. In 2014, the 82nd Airborne Division’s All American Chorus was inducted into the Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame.

For tickets and information about The Australian Bee Gees Show, visit  www.community-concerts.com or http://crowncomplexnc.com/events/australian-gee-bees-show. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and takes place in the Crown Theatre.

Jazz: noun 

A type of American music with lively rhythms and melodies that are often made up by musicians as they play.

 Jazz lovers, get ready  for a fun-filled weekend. Methodist University is hosting a jazz festival on Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Huff Concert Hall in Reeves Fine Arts Building on the campus of Methodist University. 

“The festival is really geared towards people who are actively looking at learning about how to perform jazz better,” said Dr. Daniel McCloud, director of Methodist University Band. “We have some school groups performing and they are Methodist University, Fayetteville State University and Pine Forest Middle School.” 

McCloud added that there will be a hands-on clinic taking place on the morning of the festival. 

The music performed will have a distinctive sound. 

“Methodist University Band will play a Ragtime piece and a fairly contemporary Latin jazz piece,” said McCloud. “Then we are going to perform something that is straight swing.”  

McCloud added that Mike Wallace is the guest musical clinician, who will impart his knowledge to all of the groups.    

Jazz is a genre of music that originated in African-American communities in the late 19th and early 20th century and is defined as one of America’s original art forms. When you think of jazz music, you think of Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis. The history of jazz has its roots firmly planted in the cities of New Orleans, Chicago, and New York City. The music often has a strong rhythmic under-structure and includes blue notes as well as solos. Call-and-response patterns and improvisation of melody are all part of jazz music.

The Methodist University Jazz Ensemble is a seven-piece jazz combo. Most
of the students joined the group because they were curious and did not have
prior experience. 

“The students involved in our performance are part of the Methodist University Jazz Ensemble,” said McCloud. “This is our big outreach project for the year.”  

McCloud added that the group continues to grow and develop every time
they perform.   

“This event is about generating an interest in jazz music within the schools,” said McCloud. “It’s a really distinct American art form and there have been some of the greatest jazz players in the history of playing right here in North Carolina and it is a little sad for me to see that there are very few schools that actively teach it.”   

The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 630-7100. 

On Friday, March 20, the Honorable Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson, a former AssociateJustice of the N.C. Supreme Court, will be honored at the W.E.B. Du Bois Award Luncheon which is open to the public. The W.E.B. Du Bois award is the highest and most distinguished award the ASBS presents each year.  

The ASBS was founded in 1935 in Charlotte, N.C., at Johnson C. Smith University. The association meets annually and spends several days discussing topics that are relevant to African-American citizens throughout the country. The goal of the annual meeting is open dialogue and development of ways and means to influence positive changes and outcomes for communities and African Americans. 

The attendees then return to their homes and use what they have learned to make a difference in their communities. While the topics vary from year to year, there is never a shortage of issues. This year, discussions include mental health of veterans, HIV AIDS prevention, educational challenges, which is important because of budget cuts at public schools and higher education levels. Some of the education sessions will deal with teacher retention and the high dropout rate of students across the country. Health issues like diabetes and cancer are on the agenda, as well.

Among the challenging topics scheduled throughout the weekend, the ASBS will reflect  and celebrate the progress of Civil Rights. That is the focus of the W.E.B. Dubois Award Luncheon on Friday, March 20, where Timmons-Goodson is the keynote speaker and  honoree.

W.E.B. Du Bois is known to many as one of the most important Civil Rights activists in the early 20th century. He was the first African-American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University and was  the co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1909. In 1970, the ASBS established the W.E.B. DuBois award to “honor outstanding social and behavioral scientists and civic leaders who have made significant contributions to improve the lives of black Americans.” 

Dr. Doreen Hilton, president-elect and program chair for the conference noted that Timmons-Goodson was the perfect candidate for this award. 

“Her lifelong commitment to civil rights equality and justice fits right in with the beliefs and cause of our organization. She was appointed to the N.C. Court of Appeals by North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt. Governor Mike Easley appointed  her to the N.C. Supreme Court, and  of course, last year President Barack Obama appointed her to the Commission on Civil Rights,” said Hilton. “We looked at all of that combined with her work and her presence in the community.”

Cumberland County Commissioner Jeanette Council has known Timmons-Goodson for more than 35 years and applauds the ASBS’s choice for this year’s award. 

“Pat is an inspiration to all women — especially those who have not had a very easy road ahead of them. She exemplifies what hard work and doing an excellent job and receiving a good education can do for women everywhere,” said Council, adding, “I have admired her for a long time.”

Timmons-Goodson received her Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Law in 1979. She worked as an assistant district attorney and a staff attorney before she was elected to the 12th District Court in 1984. In 1997, Timmons-Goodson was appointed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals by then Gov. Hunt. On Feb. 1, 2006, Timmons-Goodson was appointed to the North Carolina Supreme Court where she served until 2012. In July of 2014, she received her appointment to the Commission on Civil Rights. 

“As a member of the Civil Rights Commission, our mission and charge is to identify issues affecting the civil rights of our citizens and to try to influence and impact the conversation regarding federal civil rights,” said Timmons-Goodson, adding that the topics are diverse and plenty.

“In April we will look at excessive use of force by law enforcement. The latter part of last year, we conducted a hearing on “Stand Your Ground” laws and whether they adversely affect African-American males,” she said. “We conducted a hearing about immigration detention centers and the families held there.”

In her keynote speech, Timmons-Goodson is hoping to remind those who are present of the tremendous contributions to Civil Rights made by Du Bois. 

“It is on his shoulders and the shoulders of other Civil Rights mothers and fathers that I stand and that they stand,” said Timmons-Goodson.

Timmons-Goodson said she is humbled to receive such a distinguished award and credits her success to many great people who influenced her throughout her life. 

“There are, of course, the ones that would readily come to mind such as Charles Hamilton Houston, who was a mentor of the late Justice Thurgood Marshall and viewed by many to be the architect of many civil rights cases. There are many others — ordinary citizens on whom I stand and others stand. These are ordinary citizens who made extraordinary contributions in the sense that they offered themselves and their efforts at great risk to bring about change.” 

Tickets for the W.E.B.  Du Bois Award Luncheon are $35. For tickets and information, call 551-6761 or email ASBSConference2015@gmail.com.

Dictionary.com defines politician as “a seeker or holder of public office who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about maintaining principles.” 

This is just one of several definitions provided by the reference. My observation is that we have far too many aspiring and elected officials to whom this definition applies. The fact that we as a nation have so many politicians as defined here explains why there are so few leaders in our nation; consequently, our county and the world are coming apart and clearly headed for disaster that might never be overcome. Because there are so many people who know how to win elections but care little or nothing about leading, our terrible circumstance is that we have a multitude of “Successful Politicians…Failing Leaders.” 

Chief among these “Successful Politicians…Failing Leaders” is President Barack Obama. Here is a man who absolutely knows how to win elections. His ascendancy to the presidency in 2008 followed by reelection in 2012 when every indication was that he should have lost, demonstrates his astounding ability to win elections. However, his campaigning, governing strategies and tactics defy all that is essential for effectively leading. An article by Peter Economy titled “7 Traits of Highly Effective Leaders” provides a framework for examining President Obama’s effectiveness in leading America and influencing the world for good. The writer talks about leading employees, but these traits apply to any person in a position of leadership. Here are Peter Economy’s 7 traits:

1. Inspire action.

2. Be optimistic.

3. Have integrity.

4. Support and facilitate your team.

5. Have confidence.

6. Communicate.

7. Be decisive.

Now to why I submit that the President fails on the first two traits.

Inspire Action: Inspiring people to act requires vision. That is the ability to see what needs to be done in order to address a given problem or situation and present it in such a way that people can visualize the action and positive outcome. A prime example in this area is his failure to take advantage of a golden opportunity to lead the way to improved race relations in America. 

Consider the incident in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where black Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. was arrested for “loud and tumultuous behavior in a public space.” The President admitted to “not having been there and not seeing all the facts,” but went on to declare the police “acted stupidly.” Before the facts were in, he took a similar position supportive of the view that the shooting and killing of Trayvon Martin, a black teenager, in Sanford, Florida, by a non-black was related to Martin being black. When Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old, was shot and killed by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, the President’s comments followed his usual pattern. Given the unrest and heightened racial tension that was fueled in part by President Obama’s comments and tone, I contend he failed to come near inspiring positive action in these racially-charged situations. 

A reasonable question is what would an effective leader have done in these circumstances? The first answer is encouraging calm, unity and waiting for the facts in each case. President Obama said some of this, but not nearly with the force of conviction required to have weight. Not only would this message need to come directly from the President but also from other positively influential individuals on whom he could have called. Finally, a president should be about working to have every American feel respected and fairly treated — not just in times of crisis. President Obama has, like no other President in my lifetime, succeeded in dividing us by race, financial condition, religion, citizenship statua and even occupation. The division by way of occupation especially refers to the President seeming to always blame police officers for strained relations between them and black citizens. I do not hesitate to say all of the groups are manipulated one against the other for political gain.

Be Optimistic. Peter Economy writes: “We all want to work with and for people who lift us up into the clouds instead of dragging us down into the mud. Make sure you seek out the positives in your people, helping them overcome their own feelings of self-doubt and spreading optimism throughout your organization.” 

Under this heading, consider what President Obama said at the 2015 National Prayer Breakfast when talking about the horrible actions of radical Islamist terrorists (“radical Islamist terrorists” is my wording): “Lest we get on our high horse and think this is unique to some other place, remember that during the Crusades and the Inquisition, people committed terrible deeds in the name of Christ. In our home country, slavery and Jim Crow all too often was justified in the name of Christ.” 

In our time we are dealing with people who want to kill Americans and destroy our way of life, people who behead innocent individuals, and even in a cage burned a man to death. In a time when we are under attack and need reason to believe that there is a way out, the president goes back hundreds of years to make what point? I have no idea and will not speculate. However, this is the kind of comment he has made time and time again regarding America. When does he ever passionately speak in terms that inspire our citizens to optimism? Certainly not here.

So, this lack of leadership by President Obama and too many other politicians is disappointing and scary. It is made worse by the fact that we are destroying this country and then passing it on to innocent young Americans. I get to talk with a very smart 11-year-old boy about the happenings in our nation and world. In one of our conversations, he shared an ancient Indian quote with me. It says, “We did not inherit this earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” 

Those who are in positions of governmental leadership should give attention to the truth and weight of this statement … then act accordingly. Break free of being “politicians” as defined in the opening paragraph. Lead!!!

No matter where you are on the Sanderson Farms issue — pro-chicken plant or not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY), the whole sorry and embarrassing episode has probably spurred you to ponder the quality of leadership in
our community.

I have pondered and continue to do so with each new revelation in this contorted and continuing local drama.

In no particular order, here are some of the questions I ask myself.

Some of our elected officials are clearly less informed than some of their constituents. Are their informational packets lying unopened on their kitchen counters? How did they come to make the votes they did?

Why was the chicken processing plant allowed to become an issue of “us” against “them?” Lower income people pitted against others with more means? People with less education facing off with those with more?  

How did Sanderson Farms find our community in the first place? Livestock processing plants generally seek rural locations with lots of space and sparse population, not sites adjacent to major metropolitan areas. Was the project suggested to, some would say thrust upon, our community by anxious economic developers frantic for new jobs of any sort? Did political interests elsewhere in the state play their own game of NIMBY by sending Sanderson to us?

Only a handful of people know the answers to such questions, and they are not talking. You and I can only speculate and wait for the next installment.  Eventually, though, the Sanderson Farms fiasco will pass, one way or another, becoming either part of our community or part of our history.

One question that does linger — at least for me, is why so many smart, able people of good will decline to run for public office at any level even though many do participate in our community in civic and philanthropic ways? 

I am thinking of people who run our community’s businesses, people who are respected within their own professions, who are our community’s success stories and whose families are invested here in many different areas. Having a few political genes myself, as well as a deep interest in seeing our community grow and prosper, I have asked more than a handful of people I admire to consider running for one office or another. With only one exception, the answer has been not just “No” but “Heck, no!”— or some stronger variation of that sentiment.  

I cannot help but believe such responses constitute a great loss to all of us.

When I ask them why, the responses have always been some version of “Why would I want to associate with ‘those people?’ I am not a politician.” “Why would I want to put myself and my family through all that?” Sometimes they throw in comments like “I do not have time for all those meetings” or “I travel a lot.” Never has one of them said something like, “I guess it is time I give some of my time and talent to my community.”

Believe me, I get it. 

Serving in public office is truly rewarding when you know you have done something positive for other people, but it does require significant sacrifices not only by the office holder but by their families. The politics of getting elected areexpensive and can be brutal. All of this is ramped up depending on what office is being sought. Last year’s U.S. Senate race between Kay Hagan and Thom Tillis cost nearly $100 million and featured mostly misleading ads and half-true pronouncements. It will be worse in next year’s Presidential contest.

Pay is also an issue in some offices. State legislators, including those in North Carolina, are mostly poorly paid. North Carolina’s legislators’ base salary is just under $14,000. That alone precludes service for many people who simply cannot afford to be in Raleigh four days a week at that salary. No wonder that “retired” is the occupation most legislators report. Our local offices pay a little better and no one has to rent an apartment or get a hotel room. 

That being said, I yearn for capable and selfless people who are not only willing but who want to contribute to their communities, especially to ours, through elective service. There have been many over the years on our school board, city councils and county commission, but there have also been a number of people who sought and achieved public office for more personal, less noble reasons.  

No wonder the American public, including those of us who make our homes in Cumberland County, are so cynical and vote in declining numbers.

I am profoundly grateful for the many capable, courageous and dedicated people who have served our community in elective office over the years, sometimes at significant cost and sacrifice to themselves and their families. I also hope there are others like them in our community who are willing to consider such service.

I would go so far as to say it is their duty.

Times are changing in regards to local leadership, and as I see it, they are changing for the good. Look around and pay attention, folks. 

The Fayetteville community is starting to come alive in many new and exciting ways. Leadership is starting to change as new faces and new ideas start to surface. This was evident last week at the Cumberland County Republican Party Convention held in downtown Fayetteville.

 When all the ballots were in and counted, Susan Mills was handily elected for a two-year term as chairman over challenger John Czajkowski. Mills replaces the controversial conservative,Linda Devore who did not seek a
second term. 

This event marked a major change in the leadership and direction of the local Republican party. Mills, no stranger to the Republican Party politics, brings enthusiasm, energy, experience and a steadfast desire to bring unity to the notably fractured party. This is reflected in Mills’ new slate of officers and reinforces the notion that change is in the air. 

With a young real estate agent, David Guy, as first vice-chair and lawyers Drew Dempster and Jordan Stewart as second vice-chair and secretary, it looks like Chairwoman Mills may have just become the Republican Matriarch of the young “legal eagles” and “30 somethings.” 

That is not such a bad thing. 

Matter of fact, it just may have telegraphed a message to the leadership of the Cumberland County Democratic Party of what lies ahead for it at their county wide convention coming up in April. Finally, we are starting to encourage a healthy blend of experienced and talented leadership with enthusiastic, energetic young minds willing to step into local leadership roles. 

This is also evident in Downtown Fayetteville where more and more new faces are starting to appear on the local scene; faces of those who want to be involved. Here, individuals like Tony Chavonne and Kirk deViere have taken the reigns to encouragedowntown community involvement and provide the direction, vision and leadership needed to enhance the downtown community, encourage residency, spur investment and economic activity while defining Downtown Fayetteville as a “must see” destination. 

It’s happening right now. 

Aggressive new leadership is also visible at the newest Downtown Fayetteville resident, the Fayetteville Regional Chamber of Commerce. Last week, the chamber’s executive committee announced a new 2025 Task Force that will look at the chamber’s future over the next 10 years. This charge will be led by chamber member Jack Rostetter. I consider this a very good thing.

Hopefully, at best, this task force will uncover the obvious. Basically, that the organization needs to get back to the basics of serving its members by being a respected voice, advocate and tour de force for local businesses and economic development. Notably, we have way too much government involvement in our local business sector as evidenced by the plethora of rules, regulations and ordinances that rather than enhance our business economy, stifle growth and profitability and discourage new business and entrepreneurship. 

All of these regulations are imposed, managed and regulated by the same city and county agencies that now fund the chamber. Well, so much for advocacy. This being the case, it’s time for the chamber leadership to take a stand, examine its core values and mission, and position itself as a true advocate for its members. Accomplish this, and local businesses will get involved, support and take ownership of the organization by providing, leadership, advocacy and strong economic prosperity. Guaranteed. 

It’s happening in other communities it can happen right here. 

Thanks for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

When it comes to making a difference, solving community problems and being an agent of positive change, Dr. Doreen Hilton, a professor at Fayetteville State University’s Department of Psychology takes a committed but somewhat unconventional approach. 

Since the 1980s Hilton has been a member of the Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists. The organization is hosting its 80th Annual Conference at the Embassy Suites at 4760 Lake Valley Dr. on March 19-21. The conference is open to the public and will cover a broad range of topics. 

“The Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists was founded at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte,” said Hilton. “The conference has a long history — the association, too — of addressing issues that impact the lives of blacks. The association is an embracing organization committed to making a difference. That has always been a highlight for me.”

What makes the conference significant is that scholars in a wide array of disciplines come together and exchange ideas. They generate and discuss theories and practical applied solutions. The scholars come together at the meeting every year and it is at this conference that they share those ideas and research. Many go back to their home institutions and home agencies and continue the work that was shared and inspired at the conference. 

“Every year that I have gone, I have come back with new information and ideas and new energy to infuse into the teaching and work I do with students here,” said Hilton. “It is also an excellent opportunity for networking with scholars from across the country.”

As President Elect and Program Chair, Hilton knew Fayetteville would be a great fit for the conference. 

“We have many universities in North Carolina, we also have a large military presence here. This is a good place to bring scholars together to highlight the work that goes on in this area of our country that fits with the mission of our organization,” she said. 

Concurrent breakout sessions are planned throughout the course of the conference. The topics of discussion deal with everything from mental health of veterans to HIV AIDS prevention to educational challenges, which Hilton noted is important with budget cuts at public schools and higher education. Some of the education sessions will deal with retention and the high school dropout rates across the country. Health issues like diabetes and cancer are on the agenda as well. 

“All of these health issues are far too prevalent in the African-American community,” said Hilton. “This conference gives us the opportunity to address some of the issues and go back to our communities and implement programs and research that will improve our communities. There are many in our area affiliated with military: active duty, veterans and family members. They have experiences that are very different from the general population and it is important for us to address those and take a look at what we can do to make a difference there, too.”

The Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists 80th Annual Conference is open to the public but registration is required. The cost is $260 and includes the W.E.B. DuBois Luncheon. Tickets for the W.E.B. DuBois Luncheon on Friday, March 20 are $35. To register for the conference and/or purchase tickets to the W.E.B. DuBois Luncheon, call 910-551-6761 or email ASBSConference2015@gmail.com.

If you haven’t been recently, this is a great reason to check out downtown: March 11-13, the Downtown Alliance and The Downtown Restaurant Association invite you to come taste all of the delicious downtown restaurants in the Spring Edition of the Small Plate Crawl. Local restaurants are eager to offer up their tastiest dishes and show the community that downtown really is a destination with a lot to offer. So get your passport for the Small Plate Crawl and check out the many flavors of downtown.

“We did the first small plate crawl last fall and had a great turn out,” said Anthony Jackson, owner of Circa and event spokesperson. “We had close to 2,000 people come and it was the perfect way for the local restaurants to showcase our specialties to the public and to let them see what all we have to offer.”

The answer to that is plenty. Participating restaurants include Blue Moon Cafe, Circa 1800, First Date Coffee Shop, Happiness Is Bakery & Sweets, Huske Hardware House, Marquis Market, Off the Hook Taco Emporium, Pierro’s Italian Bistro, Sherefe, Sweet Palette, Taste of West Africa, The Coffee Cup, The Wine Cafe and The Tap House. Truly, the offerings are vast and varied with something for everyone. 

How to participate:

1. Pick up your FREE Passport at any participating location downtown or from a participating restaurant during the event. 

2. Crawlers travel from restaurant to restaurant, purchasing plates over the three day event. Price of plates are from $5 to $10.

3. If anyone in a group purchases a plate, everyone in the group gets the Food Passport validated. Validation is simply the initials of your server with the date of your visit.

4. Those wishing to enter prize drawings will present a Food Passport for validation when paying at each restaurant. Food Passports must be validated at three or more restaurants to be eligible for the prize drawing. Anything over three validations will give participants an extra entry into drawing.

5. Qualifying restaurants are indicated on the
Food Passport.

6. Crawlers leave their Food Passport at the last restaurant they visit during the crawl. Participant passports are collected from restaurants throughout the weekend.

7. Each qualifying Food Passport is entered into a drawing on March 16. Winners are notified by email. 

Prizes include a one night stay for two at the Doubletree including a couple’s massage, facial and pedicure and $50 gift certificate towards dinner (a $500 value). Lu Mil Vineyard is donating a one night stay in a deluxe cabin and a wine tasting for two. Other great prizes include a movie date night from The Cameo with tickets for two, cooking class for two at Sherefe’s and wine class for two at The Wine Café.

“One of the great things about being a restaurant owner downtown is that we are each original.” said Jackson. “It is easy to work as a team to put together something fun like this when we each have different flavors and dishes to offer. We have the restaurants that participated last year, and some new ones, too. So every plate won’t be appetizers, there are dessert plates and coffee, too. That will add a new aspect to the plate crawl that I think participants will enjoy.” 

Jackson credits the hard work of the downtown community with making it such a fun place and this is one more event to engage the community and share all that downtown has to offer. 

“With things like the Dogwood Festival, the International Folk Festival and 4th Fridays, it seems like there are more people coming to see what downtown is all about,” he said. “We are seeing a much more diverse crowd these days, and that is very exciting. We love seeing more military families and young people coming downtown.

“Incredible, things are coming together. Our hope is that downtown is a destination for going out to eat, going shopping — for pretty much everything.  Anything you can do at a chain you can do here and it will support local business owners, their families and the community,” he concluded.

Find out more about the Small Plate Crawl at www.visitdowntownfayetteville.com/event/small-plate-crawl-4. 

If royalty has ever visited our fair city, other than the Marquis de LaFayette, for whom the city is named after, we can’t find a record of it. So, it is with great excitement that Cumberland County residents are set to welcome not only a member of the British royalty, but also a member of rock-n-roll royalty: Sir Elton John.

John is well known, if you don’t know his face, you at least know and probably love at least one of his songs. He is one of the most highly acclaimed artists of all time holding five Grammys, a Grammy Legend Award, a Tony, an Oscar, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter Hall of Fame, a knighthood from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain and he holds the record for best-selling single of all time — just to name a few of his accomplishments. He has permanently and globally left his mark on music and he is coming to Fayetteville on March 11. 

Sir Elton (as the international press have deemed him) was born in 1947 in Middlesex, England under the name Reginald Kenneth Dwight. He changed his name to Eton Hercules John in 1967. He demonstrated skill on the piano at the incredibly early age of 3 by picking out a popular song by ear. By 11, he had a junior scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. His childhood was often restrictive, but with the support of his mother and stepfather, he began his music career at 15, playing piano at a local pub on the weekends. This gave him an outlet to play not only popular songs, but also those that he composed himself. His music caught the ear of people in the recording industry, and became a staff writer for Liberty records, routinely composing music for the lyrics written by Bernie Taupin. The pairing of John and Taupin created a beautiful partnership that still produces incredible music.

John’s first hit that rocketed him into success was “Your Song,” which was released in 1970 on the B-side of “Take Me to the Pilot.” It was extremely popular in the United States and in the United Kingdom, and in 1998, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Since that very first hit, he has remained in the public’s eye — and ears. Just a few of his other popular works include “Can you Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King, Billy Elliot the Musical, ”Candle in the Wind” and “The Road to Eldorado.” 

The March 11 concert is part of the All the Hits Tour. John and his band will perform classic and well-loved album tracks from throughout his career. The band includes incredible musicians familiar to Elton John fans: Davey Johnstone on guitars, mandolin, banjo and vocals. Matt Bissonette on bass guitar and vocals. Kim Bullard is on keyboards. John Mahon is on percussion, drums and vocals. Nigel Olsson is on drums and vocals. This concert is the perfect opportunity for longtime fans to experience all of their favorites and for new fans to experience the height of his entire five-decade career in a single evening. 

Elton John will perform at the Crown Coliseum, located at 1960 Coliseum Dr., on March 11 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary, with tickets ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000 or at the Crown Box Office. The limit is 8 tickets per customer. 

For more information visit http://crowncomplexnc.com/events/elton-john/ or call 910-438-4100. 

Can you imagine being one of only 90 women in the entire world who summited our globe’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest?  

Can you imagine being one of only eight — yes, eight — women in the world who summited the highest mountain on each of the world’s seven continents?

Donna Decker can. She has been atop the seven highest mountains on earth, culminating with Mount Everest in 2012.  

Just to put this in perspective, the last plane you traveled in probably flew below the height that Decker climbed.

This is not a feat she took lightly.  

She is a world-class athlete who was in the process of qualifying as a swimmer on the U.S. Olympics team when President Carter announced the U.S. would boycott the 1980 Olympic games. Disappointed as she and the other athletes were, Decker returned to college and to a dream born during the sixth grade, when a teacher told her class that only men were strong enough to climb Mount Everest.  

Without talking much about it, Decker began climbing mountains and learning the necessary skills from other climbers. She was a natural, and without really planning to do so, she eventually managed to climb the highest mountain on six continents. In far away Asia, though, Everest both beckoned and loomed.

Life happened, and Decker married, became a mother and then a teacher and coach. Along the way, she found and nurtured an interest in combating sub-standard housing, and her dreams of climbing Everest took a backseat to the pleasures and challenges of work and family life. As happens in most families, the chicks leave the nest, and Decker and her husband finally found themselves alone in their Haymount home.  

Her dream of Everest resurfaced and tugged hard.

After consulting with her family — attempting to summit Mount Everest is so dangerous that 1 in 10 climbers dies on the mountain and would-be climbers are required to file body disposal plans — Donna began preparing. She attended a climbing school in Alaska where the other students were very fit, very young men. She climbed Denali, North America’s highest peak. She climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. 

She began training for Everest, training that included 100-mile bicycle rides, days long hikes with heavy packs, a ladder contraption her husband put together in their backyard because climbing Everest requires navigating ladders laid across ice crevasses and sleeping with a mask to limit her oxygen intake.  

She was 49-years-old.

Her first attack on Everest in 2011 was backed by sponsors and followed by people far and wide, including me. She was only 147 feet short of the summit when her Sherpa guide told her she could make it, but she would die on the way down. With thoughts of her family in her mind, Decker turned around.

Her dream was far from dead.

Quietly, with the blessing of her family but without the sponsors and media frenzy of her first try, Decker resumed training and headed back to Mount Everest in the spring of 2012. She was one of two women among 510 climbers. She and her three Sherpas avoided the crowd and climbed behind the others and summited Mount Everest after just under 10 hours in the death zone.  Decker took with her an American flag, prayer flags and a statue of Iron Mike, which she left on Everest’s highest point.  

When I asked her why she wanted to climb Everest, why she was willing to risk her own life not just once but twice knowing her death would devastate her family, she had this to say.  

“I wanted to see what I am made of.”

What did she learn from her experience?

“I learned that there are no limits” and that “my life is totally in my hands.”

What is more, she is glad she did not climb the world’s highest mountain when she was younger.

Decker has not spoken publicly about her achievement, what it took to climb Everest and what it means to her. It has been a private experience, one she continues to process and examine. 

Until now.

On March 12, Decker will talk about Mount Everest and her journey to get there for the benefit of another cause dear to her heart, safe and adequate housing. Proceeds from Decker’s first public speech will benefit the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity’s revitalization of B Street downtown. Habitat’s plan is to improve the quality of life for B Street residents, many of whom have lived there for generations.  

Decker is the project’s biggest cheerleader and will tell her extraordinary story complete with photographs and some of her climbing gear to launch the B Street revitalization, which is her “next mountain.”

Tickets for the event at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden are available at Habitat’s website at www.fayettevillenchabitat.org or by calling 910 483-0952.  

My chums and I have our tickets and are counting the days until Decker tells her extraordinary story of climbing and of life.

Hope to see you on March 12, and, if you have a daughter, bring her with you.

I almost broke down in tears because this is the kind of destructive thinking that is too prevalent among American voters. They think this way and vote accordingly. My struggle has been to understand how an individual can think in this fashion. A thoughtful 31-year-old lady explained it to me in a single statement. She said, “Many people operate in the 140 character limit of Twitter.” That is, they see a headline, maybe read a few words beyond it, and conclude they have all the information needed for reaching an accurate conclusion. 

Because so many voters follow this pattern and politicians exploit it, I contend we are a nation experiencing “Death by 140 Characters.” What happened in Congress this past week is a prime example of how this “Death by a 140 Characters” process plays out. 

For several years President Obama has been pressing for legislation that would allow illegal immigrants to stay in America. He and Congress have not been able to agree on legislation to address this matter. The primary roadblock to progress has been that many Republicans argue the first step in immigration reform should be to secure our borders. Given that the president has not been willing to take this first step, no legislative progress has been made. Yes, I know there are those who contend that the borders are more secure than ever. When after some time Congressional Republicans refused to pass immigration reform acceptable to him, Obama issued executive orders in November 2014 to protect about 4 million undocumented immigrants from deportation and allow them to work legally in the United States. 

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives reacted by passing legislation that would, except for dollars needed to carryout actions under the president’s immigration executive orders, fund the Department of Homeland Security through Sept. 30. That legislation has not been acted on in the Senate because Democrats filibustered and prevented consideration or a vote. If DHS funding was not approved, the department would shut down except for essential personnel who would not be paid until funding is authorized. 

In the face of this prospect, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Republican) proposed legislation that would fully fund DHS. A separate bill would be considered that will stop implementation of President Obama’s immigration executive orders. The first bill would pass the Senate with support from Democrats. I think there is no guarantee that the second would pass and it would be on the House to reject the funding legislation. In my estimation, McConnell and most Senate Republicans are caving again in the face of unreasonable and even unconstitutional actions by President Obama. (On Sat. Feb. 28, they voted for a one-week extension of funding.) 

When there are very legitimate reasons for stopping the president’s immigration executive orders by refusing funding, why are Republicans caving? The answer is the “140 Characters” strategy. There is no way for Republicans to make their opposition case in a few words. On the other hand, Democrats are geniuses at working the “140 Characters” voter manipulation technique. 

Here is how they do it. Every day for the past week or so I have received emails like the ones below from some Democratic entity. They are paid for by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Note that these emails provide no details regarding the DHS funding situation... make no reference to reasons for Republican objections or to Democrats’ filibuster of the funding bill. They simply play to those who act on very little information: 

“Friend: This isn’t good. The GOP is taking us closer and closer to a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security and they’re trying to blame it on PRESIDENT OBAMA!! That isn’t OK. The truth is pretty clearcut. They shut down the government in 2013 and now, Speaker Boehner is catering to the Tea Party and refusing to keep the Department of Homeland Security open. Here’s how Boehner feels about his imminent shutdown:

Boehner just doesn’t care that his petty politics will cause the SECOND government shutdown in two years. That’s EXACTLY what’s wrong with these obstructionist Republicans. But here’s the good news: more than 7,000 of you have stepped up to stop Boehner from shutting down Homeland Security. We’re SO close to our $10,000 donation goal — but we can only count donations before tomorrow at midnight. “

In the face of this shutdown bashing by Democrats, too many Congressional Republicans are afraid to take a stand even though the facts are on their side. Republicans are so afraid of being blamed for another shutdown and, thereby, possibly losing elections they are unable to lead in this demanding situation. Leading requires that there is no fear of failing. 

Against that backdrop, here are some solid considerations that support Republican opposition to President Obama’s immigration executive orders: 

1. They are unconstitutional

2. They are cost prohibitive

3. 26 States have filed suit because they have to ‘bear the burden’ of unauthorized migration; and a federal judge agrees.

This listing could be continued substantially. The point is, Republicans in Congress have overwhelming justification for refusing to fund President Obama’s immigration executive orders. I hope they will take a stand... choose to show themselves as leaders. In spite of my hoping, my expectation is that they will yield to the “140 Characters Mentality” and to the fear of losing.

Same old thing.

When it comes to making a difference, solving community problems and being an agent of positive change, Dr. Doreen Hilton, a professor at Fayetteville State University’s Department of Psychology takes a committed but somewhat unconventional approach.

Since the 1980s Hilton has been a member of the Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists. The organization is hosting its 80th Annual Conference at the Embassy Suites at 4760 Lake Valley Dr. on March 19-21. The conference is open to the public and will cover a broad range of topics.

“The Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists was founded at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte,” said Hilton. “The conference has a long history — the association, too — of addressing issues that impact the lives of blacks. The association is an embracing organization committed to making a difference. That has always been a highlight for me.”

What makes the conference significant is that scholars in a wide array of disciplines come together and exchange ideas. They generate and discuss theories and practical applied solutions. The scholars come together at the meeting every year and it is at this conference that they share those ideas and research. Many go back to their home institutions and home agencies and continue the work that was shared and inspired at the conference.

“Every year that I have gone, I have come back with new information and ideas and new energy to infuse into the teaching and work I do with students here,” said Hilton. “It is also an excellent opportunity for networking with scholars from across the country.”

As President Elect and Program Chair, Hilton knew Fayetteville would be a great fit for the conference.

“We have many universities in North Carolina, we also have a large military presence here. This is a good place to bring scholars together to highlight the work that goes on in this area of our country that fits with the mission of our organization,” she said.

Concurrent breakout sessions are planned throughout the course of the conference. The topics of discussion deal with everything from mental health of veterans to HIV AIDS prevention to educational challenges, which Hilton noted is important with budget cuts at public schools and higher education. Some of the education sessions will deal with retention and the high school dropout rates across the country. Health issues like diabetes and cancer are on the agenda as well.

“All of these health issues are far too prevalent in the African-American community,” said Hilton. “This conference gives us the opportunity to address some of the issues and go back to our communities and implement programs and research that will improve our communities. There are many in our area affiliated with military: active duty, veterans and family members. They have experiences that are very different from the general population and it is important for us to address those and take a look at what we can do to make a difference there, too.”

The Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists 80th Annual Conference is open to the public but registration is required. The cost is $260 and includes the W.E.B. DuBois Luncheon. Tickets for the W.E.B. DuBois Luncheon on Friday, March 20 are $35. To register for the conference and/or purchase tickets to the W.E.B. DuBois Luncheon, call 910-551-6761 or email ASBSConference2015@gmail.com.

Photo: Dr. Doreen Hilton is the President-Elect and Program Chair for the 80th Annual Conference of the Association of Social and Behav-ioral Scientists, which will be in Fayetteville March 19-21.

Anyone who has been to downtown Fayetteville recently already knows that it is the place to go for great food, fun shopping, unique art and local entertainment. There are no chain stores to be found. Instead, unique shops, galleries and eateries offer experiences that you just can’t find anywhere else in town.

If you haven’t been recently, this is a great reason to check out downtown: March 11-13, the Downtown Alliance and The Downtown Restaurant Association invite you to come taste all of the delicious downtown restaurants in the Spring Edition of the Small Plate Crawl. Local restaurants are eager to offer up their tastiest dishes and show the community that downtown really is a destination with a lot to offer. So get your passport for the Small Plate Crawl and check out the many flavors of downtown.

“We did the first small plate crawl last fall and had a great turn out,” said Anthony Jackson, owner of Circa and event spokesperson. “We had close to 2,000 people come and it was the perfect way for the local restaurants to showcase our specialties to the public and to let them see what all we have to offer.”

The answer to that is plenty. Participating restaurants include Blue Moon Cafe, Circa 1800, First Date Coffee Shop, Happiness Is Bakery & Sweets, Huske Hardware House, Marquis Market, Off the Hook Taco Emporium, Pierro’s Italian Bistro, Sherefe, Sweet Palette, Taste of West Africa, The Coffee Cup, The Wine Cafe and The Tap House. Truly, the offerings are vast and varied with something for everyone.

How to participate:

1. Pick up your FREE Passport at any participating location downtown or from a participating restaurant during the event.

2. Crawlers travel from restaurant to restaurant, purchasing plates over the three day event. Price of plates are from $5 to $10.

3. If anyone in a group purchases a plate, everyone in the group gets the Food Passport validated. Validation is simply the initials of your server with the date of your visit.

4. Those wishing to enter prize drawings will present a Food Passport for validation when paying at each restaurant. Food Passports must be validated at three or more restaurants to be eligible for the prize drawing. Anything over three validations will give participants an extra entry into drawing.

5. Qualifying restaurants are indicated on the Food Passport.

6. Crawlers leave their Food Passport at the last restaurant they visit during the crawl. Participant passports are collected from restaurants throughout the weekend.

7. Each qualifying Food Passport is entered into a drawing on March 16. Winners are notified by email.

Prizes include a one night stay for two at the Doubletree including a couple’s massage, facial and pedicure and $50 gift certificate towards dinner (a $500 value). Lu Mil Vineyard is donating a one night stay in a deluxe cabin and a wine tasting for two. Other great prizes include a movie date night from The Cameo with tickets for two, cooking class for two at Sherefe’s and wine class for two at The Wine Café.

“One of the great things about being a restaurant owner downtown is that we are each original.” said Jackson. “It is easy to work as a team to put together something fun like this when we each have different flavors and dishes to offer. We have the restaurants that participated last year, and some new ones, too. So every plate won’t be appetizers, there are dessert plates and coffee, too. That will add a new aspect to the plate crawl that I think participants will enjoy.”

Jackson credits the hard work of the downtown community with making it such a fun place and this is one more event to engage the community and share all that downtown has to offer.

“With things like the Dogwood Festival, the International Folk Festival and 4th Fridays, it seems like there are more people coming to see what downtown is all about,” he said. “We are seeing a much more diverse crowd these days, and that is very exciting. We love seeing more military families and young people coming downtown.

“Incredible, things are coming together. Our hope is that downtown is a destination for going out to eat, going shopping — for pretty much everything. Anything you can do at a chain you can do here and it will support local business owners, their families and the community,” he concluded.

Find out more about the Small Plate Crawl at www.visitdowntownfayetteville.com/event/small-plate-crawl-4.

The Camellia is an incredible plant, so much so that it has been celebrated for nearly 70 years at the Fayetteville Camellia Festival by the Fayetteville Camellia Club. For the unaware, it is natural to wonder why so much attention is given to this specific flower.

“Due to the different types of camellias available, the season of bloom is quite long. Many gardeners in this area grow and love them, so it’s a natural fit. It makes sense to have a group devoted to the propagation, showing and education of this iconic flower. The festival seeks to expand the appreciation and knowledge of camellias to all who may want to learn more,” said Adriana Quiñones, Cape Fear Botanical Garden Director of Horticulture & Education.

“There are 267 species of camellia spread throughout the world. None are native to North America, but they have been here so long that they are iconic and synonymous with great southern gardens,” she continued. “At the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, we have more than 250 different camellias. Most are the Japonica and Sasanqua types along with some of the hybrids.”

The Festival is held March 7 -8 at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, and brings with it ample opportunity for lovers of flora to spend time in their favorite habitat. There will be a tremendous amount to do at this year’s Camellia Festival, which has been expanded to two days. Of utmost importance is the ever-anticipated Camellia Show. This is an opportunity for camellia cultivators from the area to show off their skills and for observers to witness a nearly perfect camellia specimen.

This year, Cathy McCamish, the president of the Fayetteville Camellia Club, expects there to be around 1,000 blooms on display. She also explained that judges are certified by the American Camellia Society, judging on four criteria: form, color, size and condition.

In order to participate in the show, gardeners must deliver their blooms to the garden between 7 and 10 a.m. on Saturday. The show will officially open for the public at 1p.m.

In addition to the Camellia Show there are several speakers through out the weekend. At 10:30 a.m. on March 7 and 8, Hal Broadfoot will present “Talk and Walk Among the Camellias While Birds Sing & Fly.” Saturday afternoon, Pam Beck will speak on “Hanging Out with Shady Characters.” Later that same day, Brie Arthur will present “Cover the World in Camellias,” which deals with propagation. On Sunday afternoon, Roger Mercer, who has 30 years of growing experience, will host a question and answer session.

The speaker sessions and Camellia Show are just the tip of the iceberg. This may seem overwhelming, but to get the most out of this festival Quiñones advises,

“Check out our website for information of what is happening and what educational events are available and plan on spending the day at the garden learning about the culture and care of camellias. Visit the vendors and information booths, go on a tour of the McLaurin Camellia Garden and ask questions of the experts on hand, look at the displays of blooms and check out the awards that are given for the different divisions.”

The Festival is March 7 and 8 at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday in the Cape Fear Botanical Garden Orangery. The garden is located at 536 N. Eastern Blvd. The festival is free to garden members and for visitors who pay garden admission, which is $10. For more information, visit www.fayettevillecamelliaclub.org/Camellia-Show.html or call 486-0221.

Photo: The Cape Fear Botanical Garden will host the Camellia Festival March 7-8.

If royalty has ever visited our fair city, other than the Marquis de LaFayette, for whom the city is named after, we can’t find a record of it. So, it is with great excitement that Cumberland County residents are set to welcome not only a member of the British royalty, but also a member of rock-n-roll royalty: Sir Elton John.

John is well known, if you don’t know his face, you at least know and probably love at least one of his songs. He is one of the most highly acclaimed artists of all time holding five Grammys, a Grammy Legend Award, a Tony, an Oscar, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter Hall of Fame, a knighthood from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain and he holds the record for best-selling single of all time — just to name a few of his accomplishments. He has permanently and globally left his mark on music and he is coming to Fayetteville on March 11.

Sir Elton (as the international press have deemed him) was born in 1947 in Middlesex, England under the name Reginald Kenneth Dwight. He changed his name to Eton Hercules John in 1967. He demonstrated skill on the piano at the incredibly early age of 3 by picking out a popular song by ear. By 11, he had a junior scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. His childhood was often restrictive, but with the support of his mother and stepfather, he began his music career at 15, playing piano at a local pub on the weekends. This gave him an outlet to play not only popular songs, but also those that he composed himself. His music caught the ear of people in the recording industry, and became a staff writer for Liberty records, routinely composing music for the lyrics written by Bernie Taupin. The pairing of John and Taupin created a beautiful partnership that still produces incredible music.

John’s first hit that rocketed him into success was “Your Song,” which was released in 1970 on the B-side of “Take Me to the Pilot.” It was extremely popular in the United States and in the United Kingdom, and in 1998, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Since that very first hit, he has remained in the public’s eye — and ears. Just a few of his other popular works include “Can you Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King, Billy Elliot the Musical, ”Candle in the Wind” and “The Road to Eldorado.”

The March 11 concert is part of the All the Hits Tour. John and his band will perform classic and well-loved album tracks from throughout his career. The band includes incredible musicians familiar to Elton John fans: Davey Johnstone on guitars, mandolin, banjo and vocals. Matt Bissonette on bass guitar and vocals. Kim Bullard is on keyboards. John Mahon is on percussion, drums and vocals. Nigel Olsson is on drums and vocals. This concert is the perfect opportunity for longtime fans to experience all of their favorites and for new fans to experience the height of his entire five-decade career in a single evening.

Elton John will perform at the Crown Coliseum, located at 1960 Coliseum Dr., on March 11 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary, with tickets ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000 or at the Crown Box Office. The limit is 8 tickets per customer.

For more information visit http://crowncomplexnc.com/events/elton-john/ or call 910-438-4100.

Photo: Ever flamboyant, the talented singer/songwriter Sir Elton John is making a stop at the Crown Coliseum on March 11.

FireAntz right winger Kyle McNeil, is in his fourth professional season in Fayetteville where he has recorded 17 points on 10 goals and 7 assists through 42 games. The Cambridge, Ontario native has spent his entire professional career in Fayetteville and says that he “really appreciates the fans, the city, and the FireAntz organization.” During his time here in Fayetteville, McNeil has enjoyed the opportunity to give back to the community through the Heart of Carolina Food Drive every year.

Growing up, McNeil looked up to legends like Wayne Gretzky and Wendell Clark, who inspired him to pursue a career in professional hockey. On game day, McNeil enjoys lunch from Fazoli’s after a morning skate followed by 2-3 hours of sleep. On the way to the rink, McNeil makes his routine pit stop at Starbucks. Just like most, McNeil dresses one foot at a time, but he is a bit superstitious when gearing up pregame, dressing from left to right for every game. Once he is finished playing, McNeil hopes to pursue a career in coaching while also becoming certified in Crossfit.

This season, McNeil’s roommate is rookie Austin Daae who is also a race car legend. McNeil says something that the public may not know about Daae is “he enjoys cartoon movies.” In the off season, McNeil spends time in Canada with family, but also makes it back down to Fayetteville and Myrtle Beach, where he enjoys the golf courses as well as a good steak from none other than Texas Roadhouse.

Favorite Song: Talladega by Eric Church

Favorite Movie: Goodfellas/Breakfast Club

Favorite Alcoholic Beverage:  Bud Light

Favorite Sports Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

What would you do for a Klondike bar? “I would go 0-100 real quick.”

Photo:  Kyle McNeil, FireAntz right winger

Sanderson Farms: No Winners, No Losers

and Certainly No Heroes

Red shirts? Green shirts? In the end, will it really matter? Did it really matter? I think not. When all is said and done, there will be no real winners or losers here, and, certainly no heroes. Just a shamed, embarrassed, red-faced community we call Cumberland County again hanging its head to avoid eye contact with its North Carolina peers. Well, this is something we all should be getting use to. And, if anyone has future plans for running for political office, a good strategy might be to engage in your own pre-campaign apology tour. This way, Cumberland County residents will know what to expect and, consequently, be less disappointed.

Ugh! Sanderson Farms! Just the thought of that politically charged circus and clown parade makes me want to ask PETA to defend the rights and dignity of my Chick-fil-A sandwich. Well, hopefully, we are close to the end now and perhaps there is a lesson to be learned here. The question remains: Will we learn it? Will we, as a Cumberland County community, ever learn it?

Anyway, I must thank and commend County Commissioners Glenn Adams, Dr. Jeannette Council, Jimmy Keefe and Charles Evans for voting positively on the Sanderson Farms incentive package on behalf of ALL the residents of Cumberland County. The emphasis, of course, being on ALL residents. It was very encouraging to see that Adams, the newest member of the commission, took the time and energy to do his job. He actually studied the Sanderson Farms issue, evaluated pros and cons, did the research and then made a decision that satisfied his intelligence and his conscience — this being a decision that w

as in the best interest, again, of all Cumberland County residents.

Hopefully, this marks the beginning of the end of elitist “good ole boy” local politics where the influence and wealth of a few privileged landowners manipulate the course of local quality-of-life actions that affect the health, wealth and futures of hundreds of thousands of Cumberland County residents. From the very beginning, Adams, Council and Keefe have demonstrated character and did the right things for the right reasons.

They should feel good and extremely proud of their decision. Let it be known that this level of integrity, honesty and leadership does NOT go unnoticed.

This is the style of leadership that will move our community forward and we should all thank them for their service and commitment. As for everyone else, well, we can do better. Content of character is the element we should be looking for in great community leaders. Action by default is not leadership (Mr. Evans). Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Photo: Sanderson Farms has been a hot topic in the community recently. When all is said and done, there will be no real winners or losers here, and, certainly no heroes. Just a shamed, embarrassed, red faced community we call Cumberland County again hanging its head to avoid eye contact with its North Carolina peers.

Mison Kim was just 19 when she came to Fayetteville from Seoul, South Korea. She graduated from 71st High School and has since embarked on a successful artistic career. Her work is currently on exhibit at Methodist University’s David McCune International Art Gallery at the William F. Bethune Center for Visual Arts through, April 15.

Although Kim was always drawn to art and enjoyed creating, it was one of her teachers at 71st High School that changed the course of Kim’s life. Janet Parks recognized Kim’s talent and saw the potential for a successful art career in her. Parks took Kim under her wing and helped her navigate the application process to get into art school.

Parks fondly remembers teaching Kim. “In 1986, Mison Kim entered my 12th grade art class. She had recently arrived with her family from Seoul, Korea. From the start it was abundantly clear that she possessed extremely strong artistic abilities,” stated Parks, former art teacher and member of the McCune Gallery Advisory Board. Parks designed an advanced art program for exceptionally talented art students seeking careers in the arts. Kim excelled in the program.

“We have stayed in touch over the years. I’m delighted that she has returned to North Carolina to show her most recent work at the David McCune International Art Gallery at Methodist University,” said Parks.

Kim is quick to acknowledge Parks influence on her life. “She helped me apply to schools and programs. Luckily, I got in to Pratt institute in New York with a full scholarship,” said Kim “I got several other awards, too, but it all happened because she noticed that I had talent and she knew about all these different programs. She guided me and that is how I started. If she was not there I would not be here. She really led me and guided me in every way.”

Clearly, the support and encouragement Kim received in high school made a difference for her. In addition to exhibiting her art, Kim works in the fashion industry providing illustrations and designs to clients that include Tory Burch, Talbots, The Gap and many others. She also provides illustrations, renderings and displays and environments for clients such as Scholastic Books, Toys R Us Times Square and FAO Schwarz.

The exhibit at Methodist University is titled Searching for the Real, and features drawings and paintings by Kim. “I named this show Searching for the Real because when I draw, I consider before I put each mark on the page and they add up. But when I do this for many years and over many drawings, I am always trying to search for what is real,” said Kim. “All the experiences a person has combine together. Our meaning and understanding is made up of fragments that happen through our life. If I put these together, I think this is what is real. I think they will see my work as part of their experience and realize that they are part of something bigger. If they find their own place, they can find their real. I am always searching for truth — for what is real to me in what is around me.”

For Kim, her art is not so much about the end product as it is about the process. The more she works at her trade as an artist and the more developed she becomes, the more apparent it is to her that what she is doing is about more than brush strokes on a canvas or the mark of a pen on paper. “Everyone has their own philosophy based on their own experiences and based on what they know,” said Kim. “Whatever it is that just feels that is right to you — that is what your life is about. That is what I am trying to do as an artist and a person. I don’t think I will find an answer. It is about the journey.”

As she travels this path, many artists influence her work and inspire Kim but she still seeks to be true to her own voice and vision, her own real, as she creates. One philosophy holds true for her throughout her work, though. “When the show opened at the McCune Gallery, I mentioned Matisse several times. He said that when you make a mark on blank paper or canvas, you actually cause a problem,” said Kim. “And the artist solves that problem. When I put a line or mark on the paper, I think, oh, this is a problem. Now I have to do more, put another line or mark to work with it. I end up doing more and more and more till it comes to some image that holds together and solves the problem. Then, it is done.”

Kim also appreciates the way Matisse views his own work because he said he doesn’t paint things. He paints the difference between things. “I try to translate it to my work. I don’t paint things either — I paint abstracts: the relationship between things.”

Searching for the Real will hang until April 15. Gallery hours are Tuesday–Friday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., closed Sunday, Monday, and school breaks. The David McCune International Art Gallery is located on the Methodist University campus in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Contact gallery director Silvana Foti for more information at 910.630.7000 or visit davidmccunegallery.org.

Photo middle right: Mison Kim poses with one of her works. Bottom left: From fashion to books to gallery art, Mison Kim shares her passion for life thorugh colors and patterns. 

Fayetteville Academy was established in 1970, and since then, it has maintained a sparkling record as an incredible learning institution. The faculty and staff maintain small class sizes and cultivate an atmosphere that encourages creativity and learning. In addition to receiving funding through tuition, the academy strives to foster excellence through its events. On March 6, Fayetteville Academy is set to host Auction 2015.

“Money raised will help support several upcoming academic, athletic and art initiatives. Through Auction 2015, we will ensure Fayetteville Academy’s continued growth and maintain our tradition of excellence as we prepare our students for their futures,” Bill Jordan, chairman for the 2015 Auction Committee, said.

This is a silent auction. “All items up for auction will be on display for guests to view the night of the auction. Each item will have a bid sheet, which allows each guest to place their bids for the particular item they are interested in taking home. At the end of the evening, the guest with the highest bid wins that item,” explained Jordan.

A wide variety of items are up for auction, which have been donated by community members. According to organizers, there is something for everyone.

“Items include beach weekends, jewelry, gift cards, sports memorabilia and sporting event tickets to name a few,” said Jordan.

Ray Quesnel, the headmaster of the school, sees this event as more than a fundraiser. “The auction, which we have every other year, is an opportunity for the community to come together — both internally and with outside friends — this is a great friend builder and a chance to get in touch with and get to know the people in the community,” said Quesnel. “We make it a fancy and fun night for everyone.”

“Our theme this year is ‘Derby,’ and we hope everyone will dress up in their best bowties and derby hats,” said Jordan. “Awards will be given to the best dressed and best hat of the evening. We have sponsors who have generously donated food for the evening including B&B Catering, Inc., Bombay Bistro, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Elliotts on Linden, Hilltop House Restaurant and Catering, Pierro’s Italian Bistro, R Burger and Sherefe’. Beer, wine and spirits are being provided by Healy Wholesale and Paddy’s Irish Public House. There are also plenty of activities planned, which include a tuition raffle, casino tables, video horse races, horse shoes, corn hole and the live and silent auctions.”

Without fundraisers like the auction, the Fayetteville Academy would not be what it is today. It is necessary for continued growth and to maintain the many inspiring programs that so greatly benefit the students. This knowledge motivates everyone who is involved in organizing this event.

“Being involved with the auction allows me to support Fayetteville Academy and the work they are doing with their students. It is very rewarding to see the money raised by this event and other academy fundraisers actually being put to use for the benefit of both students and faculty,” Jordan said.

Quesnel noted that the proceeds from the auction will be used for continued improvements on campus — to improve facilities and programs.

“This is our biggest fundraiser. We are looking forward to a good time. The support so far has been amazing and we appreciate it so much,” concluded Quesnel.

The auction is set for March 6, at 6 p.m. and it is open to the public. The event will be held on the Fayetteville Academy campus located at 3200 Cliffdale Rd. Tickets can be reserved ahead of time by contacting Sonya Jenkins at 910-868-5131, ext. 3312. The tickets are $60 per person. Raffle tickets are also available for purchase for the chance to win one year of tuition or $2,500. For more information, visit www.fayettevilleacademy.com.

Photo: Organizers of the Fayetteville Academy’s  biannual fundraiser ( pictured above: Bill Jor-dan, Auction Chair, Sonya Jenkins, Director of Alumni Relations and Publications and Emily Schaefer, Acquisitions Chair) are planning a racing good time with Derby Hats and outfits. The silent auction is on March 6 at 6 p.m. on the campus of the academy.

It is no secret that getting into college is stressful; there are the SATs, GPAs, applications and more. As parents do their best to prepare students and help them get through the process, it can be frustrating, confusing and costly.

Coworkers Jasmin Brown and Tracey Pearson were both disappointed when they started looking for ways to get their respective children ready for higher education. When it came to preparing for the SAT, the programs they found were both costly and inadequate. So they decided to do something about it. That’s how College Professional SAT Prep was born.

It took some research and a lot of hard work, but on March 7, the team is set to debut its first session.

“The SAT is based on what colleges and educators expect high school students to be exposed to,” said Pearson. “So, we recruited college professors to help develop the curriculum and teach in the program.”

With more than 20 years of higher education experience between them, Brown and Pearson knew that getting students off to a good start as they head to college makes a big difference. So they added another facet to the program. Having qualified instructors is key, but they wanted to give high school kids insight that they could appreciate and understand.

“We also have peer tutors who are college students who assist the professors during the sessions,” said Brown. “They are also available to students during the sessions and afterwards, too. They can answer questions about college life in general. We have found that teens relate better to teens and will feel more at ease asking questions this way.”

Each session runs four weeks and is designed to give students everything they need to prepare for the SAT. Sure, it is still a lot of hard work for the student, but as entrepreneurs, Brown and Pearson have come up with a system that they are confident will make sense to both students and parents.

“We structured the classes to mirror college courses. It is intensive learning but it is broken out so there is a natural progression from the learning materials to testing on those materials. It’s important to learn the pace of the SAT,” said Pearson. “The concept of these sessions is to break it down into manageable pieces, provide guidance and feedback for the essay and offer the opportunity to take a full- length practice SAT.”

The March session meets each Saturday from March 7 through March 28. The classes run from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and cover the three major areas of the SAT: reading, math and writing. It also includes tips and techniques that focus on study skills. Each session costs $600 and includes testing materials.

“We will also offer boot camps over the summer. The boot camps will run four consecutive days and will offer the same content as the regular sessions. There are two sessions offered over the summer,” said Pearson.

Find out more about College Professional SAT Prep or enroll for one of the sessions or boot camps at www.collegeprosatprep.com or by calling 910.420.5679 or emailing collegeprofessionalsatprep@gmail.

Photo: Jasmin Brown and Tracey Pearson were disappointed when they started looking for ways to get their respective children ready for higher education, so they started College Professional SAT Prep. 

To be an active member of society, you have to be assertive and learn new things to help you make responsible decisions. That is why The Fayetteville State University Debate and Forensics Team is hosting the 5th Annual Frederick Douglass Debates on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 2 – 3:30 p.m. in Shaw Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville State University.

“The team is a group of students that travel up and down the eastern seaboard to compete against other colleges in debate and forensics, “said William Thomas, debate coach of Fayetteville State University. “We have been doing this the last five years, in which we get together in February and we have a public debate to talk about issues that would have been of interest to Frederick Douglass if he were still alive today.”

Thomas added that the purpose of the event is to educate the public by taking topics that people have probably heard about and allow them to learn and see both sides of it so that they have a better understanding of what is going on around them.

The two debate topics are regarding the Presidency of the United States; with the first topic being In 2016, This Nation Needs change and the second topic is “The Time for Historically Black Colleges and Universities Has Passed.”

“I thought the presidency topic would be a good thing to explore for an audience as they are thinking about who they are going to vote for in the near future,” said Thomas. “The HBCU topic created itself and you don’t have to look any further than the news and look at the political debates in Raleigh and South Carolina State University.”

Thomas added that HBCUs are being hit hard by legislators all over the place and questions have come up about whether HBCUs are worth the effort anymore and if their mission is still relevant, particularly in times of budget constraints.

This year faculty members will be debating instead of the students. The four professors who are participating in the debate are Dr. Noran Moffett, Dr. Timothy Moore, Dr. Chuck Tryon and Dr. Tamuchin McCreless.

“I sent out an invitation to all the faculty and told them that we were doing a debate and I wanted to ramp up the quality of the debate to make sure that we are really educating the public,” said Thomas. “These four professors were brave enough to step forward and put themselves out there to do this because they understand the mission of educating and want to be a part of that.” Debates are free and open to all faculty, staff, students and the public. Seating is limited. For more information, call 910 672-2514.

Photo: The Frederick Douglass Debates at Fayetteville State University are an annual event that shine the light on issues that would have been of interest to Douglas.