Entertainment

Book Black Women celebrates 40 under 40

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Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Written by Tara Kamiya

The Fayetteville 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 introduced 40 young professionals selected for their achievements, leadership and service to the Greater Fayetteville community.

The honorees will represent fields including business, education, health care, government, military service, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship and the arts. They will be formally recognized during a masquerade-themed awards celebration Saturday, Aug. 1, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 1601 Raeford Rd. in Fayetteville.

A cocktail hour will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the awards presentation at 7:30 p.m. The public event will include specialty cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and a networking reception.

Book Black Women founder Ayana Washington, herself a Fayetteville 40 Under 40 alumna, is leading the program in partnership with the Fayetteville Observer. Washington has become a prominent voice in Fayetteville through her work in the arts, cultural programming and community engagement.

Washington said the recognition program is important because communities should celebrate the people who are actively shaping their future.

“Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 shines a light on young professionals who are leading businesses, serving nonprofits, creating art, mentoring others and finding solutions to challenges in our community,” Washington said. “It also gives young people someone to look up to and reminds us that leadership isn’t something you wait until you’re older to demonstrate.”

The program was established to recognize rising leaders across the Fayetteville region. Washington said each new class helps tell a broader story about the region and its direction.

“Every year we tell 40 new stories, and each one helps paint a picture of where Fayetteville is headed,” she said.

The program arrives during an era when younger professionals are often discussed through generational stereotypes. Washington said jokes about millennials and Generation Z can be harmless, but they can also distract from the contributions each generation makes.

“Every generation has something valuable to contribute,” Washington said. “Millennials and Gen Z have challenged old ways of thinking and embraced technology, while older generations bring wisdom and experience we still need. The strongest communities are built when those generations work together.”

The honorees are selected not only for their professional accomplishments but also for how they serve others. Washington said many nominees balance careers and businesses with family responsibilities, military service, volunteer work and nonprofit leadership.

“Every year, I read nominations about people who quietly mentor others, create jobs, advocate for their communities, or overcome tremendous obstacles without ever asking for recognition,” she said. “That’s what makes this program so special. It reminds us that leadership often happens behind the scenes.”

Washington said some of her favorite moments come when honorees receive their congratulatory emails. Their reactions often range from confusion to shock and emotion because many did not know they had been nominated.

“Those moments remind me that the best leaders aren’t chasing awards; they’re simply focused on serving others,” Washington said. “I really believe the best leader is a humble one.”

That idea inspired the theme for the 2026 awards ceremony. Rather than holding a traditional formal banquet, Washington chose a masquerade to create an event that would be elegant, memorable and symbolic.

“The masks also symbolize something meaningful,” Washington said. “We often don’t realize the incredible things people are accomplishing behind the scenes, and as I mentioned before, impactful leaders rarely seek recognition. They simply do the work.”

The ceremony will provide an opportunity to “unmask” the honorees' stories and bring greater visibility to their contributions.

Washington said she also wanted the celebration to feel like an experience rather than another awards banquet. Although she is known for producing public events, she said she considers herself more of a homebody than a partygoer.

“What I actually love is the logistics behind creating meaningful experiences,” she said. “Whether that’s producing theatre, launching an educational initiative, building a brand experience, or designing an event, I love the puzzle of figuring out how to make people feel something.”

Washington credits Cape Fear Regional Theatre with helping her understand the work required to create memorable audience experiences. Her background includes work both onstage and behind the scenes, experience she now brings to cultural events, educational initiatives and community programs.

Her partnerships over the years have included the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Cameo Art House Theatre, Cool Spring Downtown District, local governments, artists, businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Washington said successful partnerships develop when those involved approach their work with empathy, integrity, initiative and compassion.

Book Black Women was established to create opportunities for Black women in the arts while preserving and celebrating stories that deserve greater recognition. Washington said the organization’s work is ultimately about investing in people and using art and culture to strengthen the community.

That mission made continuing 40 Under 40 a natural extension of the organization’s work.

“For me, both reflect a commitment to celebrating people whose contributions make our community stronger and ensuring their stories are recognized,” Washington said.

Public tickets are available for the Aug. 1 celebration and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3TF7v3M. Community members are encouraged to attend and support the Class of 2026 as Fayetteville recognizes a new generation of professionals helping shape the region’s future.

For Washington, the evening is about more than awards. It is an opportunity to create a moment of color, celebration and connection in the lives of the honorees and their supporters.

“Life can be so grayscale sometimes,” Washington said. “If I can give people a little technicolor, even for just a little while, that’s incredibly fulfilling to me.”

UWCC meal packing event provides food for underserved community members

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Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Written by Mahalia Cooks

Making a difference in your community can be as simple as dedicating one of your lunch hours to helping provide meals for those in need. That’s just what United Way of Cumberland County is asking residents to do with their upcoming Meal Packing Event.

On Friday, Aug. 14, UWCC will host its 2026 Meal Packing Event at the Crown Expo Center at 1960 Coliseum Drive. Hours will extend from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This annual event provides underserved residents throughout the community with meals distributed by several partner organizations. So far, multiple organizations have been confirmed to receive the meal packets, with more forthcoming:

• Catholic Charities: Located at 726 Ramsey St. in Suites 10 and 11, this organization’s food pantry is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon

• Fayetteville Urban Ministry: The food pantry, located at 701 Whitfield St., is open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Photo ID or a homeless ID card and proof of Cumberland County residency are required for new clients.

• Armed Services YMCA: Food pantry pickups are held at 2411 Rodney Trail #2 on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prior registration is required.

Help address food insecurity by registering as a volunteer; you’ll work alongside fellow community members to assemble and package meals. The food, which consists of macaroni noodles with sauce, is supplied by Meals of Hope, a nonprofit meal packing organization that delivers a variety of meals across the United States. 

Each meal selection is crafted with essential minerals, proteins and vitamins to help nurture recipients’ health and supplement unbalanced diets. Meals of Hope receives their nonperishable ingredients from trusted sources to provide high-quality options for nutrition.

According to UWCC, over 6,000 volunteer hours have been put toward initiatives to assist more than 100,000 people in Cumberland County. Programs like this one contribute significantly to helping our neighbors thrive. 

“We need to really be that circle of hope of neighbor helping neighbor,” said Toni Wildhaber, the Development Director for UWCC. “We have a lot of businesses that are standing up and coming together to help the food crisis.” 

The goal for this occasion is to prepare 70,000 meal packets to feed people across the county at a time when the effort is most necessary. 

“You just never know when you’re going to need a meal, and we want to make Cumberland County a reliable food source for our individuals and families,” said Wildhaber. “More than ever, this is a really crucial year to keep the momentum going and keep it alive and excited.”

A limited number of spots is available on the assembly line; 600 registrants will be accepted this year, an increase from last year’s 546. Secure your slot by submitting the form at https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/volunteer/#/join-party?k=ufrxqmzi48jh38.

Walk-ins aren’t permitted for this event, so anyone looking to contribute should sign up as soon as possible before all slots are filled.

Along with individual registrations, participants can sign up as a group by putting their group name into the form or searching for existing groups. Registrants who want to be with a specific group can also email Wildhaber at development@unitedway-cc.org to state who they want to be registered with.

Every volunteer’s efforts are appreciated, but if you’re unable to attend in person on the day of, there are still other ways to help. 

Monetary and food donations are always welcome. In previous years, UWCC has teamed up with Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina to collect shelf-stable, nonperishable canned items on the day of the Meal Packing Event. This year, food donations can be dropped off at Catholic Charities and Fayetteville Urban Ministry.

Business owners who want to provide their support can also serve as sponsors. There is not yet a presenting sponsor for this event, so anyone interested is encouraged to reach out. 

“We rely so heavily on people’s talent,” Wildhaber said. “A huge thing that we love as well is our donors.”

Whichever way you decide to chip in, any contribution, big or small, serves the community’s well-being and fulfills the UWCC’s mission of raising and investing resources that influence human service and health needs. Occasions like the annual Meal Packing Event are a gratifying display of the care extended to neighbors in need and prove the difference we can make when we come together for a cause.

(Photo: Scott Embry, Executive Director of United Way of Cumberland County, left, poses with a team of volunteers at a meal packing event. The volunteers will pack 70,000 meals to feed people in Cumberland County. Photo courtesy of United Way of Cumberland County)

Mosh Out Cancer 2 raises funds for Karen Chandler Trust

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Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

Loud guitars, powerful vocals and pounding drums will fill the Rock 103 Stage on Saturday, Aug. 1, but the biggest impact of the evening won't be measured in decibels. Every ticket sold for Mosh Out Cancer 2 will help local families battling cancer through the Karen Chandler Trust. For KCT Treasurer Michael Smith, the event is about much more than music. 

"Mosh Out Cancer 2 presented by The Assurance Group is our way of bringing together two things that are incredibly important to us: our local music scene and our mission to help cancer patients," Smith said. "It's proof that no matter what kind of music you love, communities come together when someone needs help."

That spirit has guided the KCT for more than two decades. The organization was created in memory of Karen Chandler, a devoted mother, talented musician and beloved member of Fayetteville's music community. During her battle with breast cancer, benefit concerts helped support her family. After her passing, those remaining funds and the generosity of the community became the foundation of the trust. 

"What began as people coming together to support one family has grown into more than two decades of serving our community," Smith said.

Today, the trust helps local cancer patients with the financial burdens that often accompany treatment. 

"Cancer doesn't just create medical challenges; it often creates financial ones as well," Smith said. "We provide assistance with rent, mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, transportation and other essential expenses so families can focus on healing instead of worrying about how they're going to pay the bills." 

Every dollar raised remains in the local community, helping families meet basic needs while they focus on recovery.

This year's concert continues that mission while showcasing some of North Carolina's top rock and metal bands. Headliner Fear State will be joined by Fayetteville's Legacy Kills, reuniting after nearly a decade. Greensboro's Parallel Lives will take to the stage, and Fire for Scarecrow will perform its farewell show. 

"One of the things I'm most excited about this year is the incredible lineup we've assembled," Smith said. "Every band on the bill has generously provided their time and talent because they believe in our mission." 

He added, "What makes this lineup truly special isn't just the talent, it's the generosity behind it. Every one of these musicians has chosen to use their music to make a difference in the lives of local families battling cancer."

Beyond the live music, attendees can enjoy raffles, merchandise, food and opportunities to learn more about the KCT. Smith says the event's success depends on the people behind the scenes as much as those on stage. 

"Mosh Out Cancer isn't just an event that the KCT puts on," he said. "It's something our entire community comes together to create." 

He credits local musicians, volunteers, sponsors and businesses for making the event possible and helping the organization continue serving Cumberland County families.

More than anything, Smith hopes people leave with a deeper appreciation for what can happen when a community rallies around a common cause. 

"We want people to have an amazing time and enjoy incredible live music, but we also hope they leave with a greater appreciation for the power of community," he said. "Even something as simple as buying a concert ticket can have a meaningful impact on someone's life."

Mosh Out Cancer 2 presented by The Assurance Group, will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 670, 3928 Doc Bennett Road in Fayetteville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and are available at kctrustshop.com. 

"Every dollar raised stays right here in our community," Smith said. "When people support our events or make a donation, they're helping their neighbors, coworkers, friends and fellow community members."

One paddle, one court, one community: Pickleball brings families together in Fayetteville

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Tuesday, 14 July 2026

Written by Jamie Bishop

On any given evening at the courts at Glenville Lake, it’s not unusual to see a child learning to serve on one court while a parent picks up a paddle for the very first time just a few feet away.

That isn’t by accident.

As pickleball continues its rise as America’s fastest-growing sport, Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation is embracing more than the game itself. Through youth camps, beginner clinics and family-friendly programming, the department is using pickleball as a way to connect generations, encourage healthy living and make recreation accessible to everyone.

The department’s final Youth Summer Pickleball Camp runs Aug. 10–14 for children ages 7 to 17, while its next Adult Pickleball Clinic is scheduled for Sept. 12. Equipment is provided, and no experience is necessary, lowering the barrier for anyone curious about trying the sport.

For Kristen Daniels, athletic coordinator for paddle sports with Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation, the growing popularity of pickleball created an opportunity to rethink what recreation could look like in Cumberland County.

“We recognized that we wanted to offer diverse programming for all sports, not just the traditional baseball, softball, basketball, soccer and football,” Daniels said. “There are people out there who want to try something new and something different, and that’s what we want to do. We want to give as many opportunities to everyone as we can.”

That philosophy has resonated throughout the summer.

While pickleball once carried the reputation of being a retirement sport, today’s courts tell a different story. Elementary-aged children, teenagers, young professionals, and retirees are all discovering the game together.

Its appeal is easy to understand. The rules are simple enough for beginners to learn quickly, the court is smaller than a tennis court, and the game rewards strategy just as much as athletic ability. Players can enjoy friendly competition without the physical demands associated with many other sports.

For Daniels, however, the lessons extend well beyond serving, volleying and keeping score.

“We want our participants to have positive role models in our coaches and instructors,” she said. “They’re learning that you don’t always pick things up right away. It takes work. Things don’t always go your way, and you’ve got to keep working until you get better. That’s true in sports, but it’s true in life too.”

That message is woven throughout the department’s programming.

In addition to the summer camps and adult clinics, Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation offers year-round instruction for younger children, junior players, beginner adults, intermediate players, and even cardio pickleball classes that combine music, fitness, and fast-paced play into an energetic workout.

Daniels said the programming was intentionally designed so entire families could participate together.

“When we were putting these programs together, I really wanted it to be something where the whole family could take part,” she said. “The kids’ classes happen at the same time as the beginner classes for parents. They’re already bringing their children to the courts, so why not give them the opportunity to learn too?”

That approach transforms an evening practice into something more meaningful.

Instead of waiting in the parking lot, parents step onto the court. Children watch their moms and dads become beginners again. Grandparents find a game they can comfortably play alongside younger family members.

The result is recreation that feels less like organized sports and more like community.

Accessibility has also been a priority. Residents can register at any Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation center, at the Courts at Glenville Lake or online through the department’s WebTrac registration portal at https://register.fcpr.us/webtrac/web/splash.html. Equipment is provided, removing another obstacle for first-time players.

For Daniels, success isn’t measured solely by how many players develop a strong forehand or perfect serve. It’s measured by families who return to the courts after class ends, children who discover a new passion and adults who realize it’s never too late to learn something new.

As Fayetteville continues to grow, so does its appetite for recreation that reflects the community itself welcoming, active, and inclusive.

Sometimes building a stronger community doesn’t require a stadium or a championship. Sometimes it begins with a paddle, a plastic ball, and a family willing to play together.