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Tuesday, 10 September 2024
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Written by Amber Little
Cigars have been traditionally associated with men. From smoking them to rolling them, men, for the most part, have been the face of cigars. That is changing, from the cigar lounges to the companies that make them, women are slowly making their mark on the cigar industry. A quick Google search of “How many women-owned cigar companies are there?” will lead to very little. Literally. That’s why women like Latoya Johnson are important to highlight. The proud owner of Legacy Tobacco Company, Johnson is not only a part of a growing trend of women coming into the industry, but she’s also a part of the increasing number of black owners.
An Air Force veteran, mom, and Fayetteville native, Johnson like many, started as a cigar smoker and moved her interest and love into a viable business whose name pays homage to her family's southern roots in the tobacco industry as croppers. Legacy Tobacco Company is Johnson’s way of honoring her family's work in the industry, under a different time in Southern history, and claiming a stake in the industry her family helped build.
“I gained inspiration from my family who talked so much when I was growing up about working the tobacco fields in Elizabethtown, Benson, and Autryville, NC. Along with how the cigar culture fostered a community among people. This inspiration fueled my commitment to creating Legacy Tobacco Co., where every cigar gets crafted with care, blending traditional techniques with innovative flavors. My goal was to offer more than just a product—I wanted to provide an experience that celebrates heritage, honors craftsmanship, and helps others create their own legacies through the art of cigars,” she said. “The company reflects my values and my dedication to empowering others in the cigar community, particularly through initiatives like our ‘Leaf to Label’ group, where we help aspiring brand owners navigate the industry. [Legacy Tobacco] also includes a non-profit I am starting called Redefining a Legacy Foundation, which helps people to create their own legacies.”
Forging her way into the tobacco industry has not been easy and as a black- woman presented several challenges, but nothing Johnson hasn’t been able to overcome.
“As a woman-owned tobacco company, I've certainly faced challenges in being taken seriously, especially in a male-dominated industry. One of the biggest struggles is breaking through preconceived notions and earning the respect and trust of those who may not initially see my potential. There have been times when I've encountered individuals who talk a big game but don’t follow through with real business, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. Additionally, not always being part of the ‘in crowds’ of popularity has its challenges. It can feel isolating at times, but it’s also motivated me to forge my own path and create a space where authenticity, passion, and quality are the core values,” Johnson said. “I’ve learned to focus on building meaningful relationships with those who truly understand and appreciate what Legacy Tobacco Co. stands for, rather than chasing trends or trying to fit into established cliques. These challenges have taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to my vision. They’ve also reinforced the value of my community—people who share my passion for cigars and support the mission of Legacy Tobacco Co. By staying authentic and committed to my goals, I've been able to turn these struggles into opportunities for growth and innovation, paving the way for others who might face similar challenges in this industry.”
Despite challenges, Johnson’s resilience will continue to ignite the flame to keep climbing and expanding the brand. The cigar community is a unique one. It’s one of camaraderie, connection, and a good cigar (with one’s choice of cocktail). There are several cigar bars here in the city, all with their own vibe and feel, but one thing that stands in common is the cigars. Legacy Tobacco Company is a rising star in humidifiers. Johnson takes pride in her blends and the quality she produces.
“Legacy Tobacco Company is unique because we offer factory-direct cigars straight to the consumer, ensuring exceptional quality and value without the middleman. But what truly sets us apart is the personalized experience we provide. Not only do we deliver premium cigars directly to our customers, but we also tailor our offerings to fit a variety of special occasions and settings. We eliminate the middleman, so we can offer our customers premium cigars at a more accessible price, without compromising on quality. In addition, what truly sets us apart is the authenticity and transparency of our process. As both the manufacturer and the retailer, we have a unique ability to craft blends that are truly exceptional and tailored to the tastes and preferences of our customers. This direct connection means our customers are getting cigars that are fresh, consistent, and made with the utmost care, directly from the source,” Johnson said.
For those interested in grabbing a Legacy Tobacco Company cigar, they can be locally purchased at the Livery Cigar Emporium or online at http://www.legacytobaccoco.com/.
Johnson is building something amazing, and she hasn’t done it by herself. As with any success, there is a team of family and friends supporting from the sidelines and behind the scenes. Johnson said, “I am fortunate to have my immediate family and genuine friends, notably my brother Julius and boyfriend Wendall, who act as my advisors, idea generators, and motivation boosters, helping me stay committed to my goals and refine my vision…[I want to shout out] my partners the Cobie and Trmale, owners of Travel 2 Invest . They created space for black cigar enthusiasts to get into this cigar industry and really learn the ins and outs of running a factory and doing business all over the world. It is because of them that Legacy Tobacco can offer the products and services that I do. I would like to express my gratitude to my cousin Will, who furnishes me with straightforward guidance and specialized expertise vital for attaining success and stability in my pursuits, leveraging his considerable experience in this sector. He’s definitely been the go-to guy!”
(Photo: Latoya Johnson's Legacy Tobacco Cigars are showcased. Legacy Tobacco is a woman owned cigar business. Photos courtesy of Legacy Tobacco Co.'s Facebook Page)
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Tuesday, 10 September 2024
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Written by Paul Woolverton, CityView Today
The 2024 General Election got underway on Friday, Sept. 6, when elections offices begin sending mail-in ballots to voters who have requested them.
Here’s a guide to help you find information about the candidates and navigate this year’s election.
When is Election Day?
• Tuesday, Nov. 5.
What’s on the ballot in Cumberland County?
Cumberland County voters will participate in local, state and federal elections:
• President of the United States
• U.S. House of Representatives (District 7 and District 9)
• An amendment to the North Carolina Constitution regarding who is allowed to vote
• North Carolina Council of State (the governor and nine other statewide executive branch offices)
• A justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court and three judges for the state Court of Appeals
• Cumberland County’s two seats in the state Senate and four seats in the state House
• Three judges for Cumberland County District Court
• Three seats on the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners
• Cumberland County Register of Deeds
• Six seats on the Cumberland County Board of Education
• One seat on the Cumberland Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors
When and where can you vote?
There are several times when you can vote. You can request an absentee ballot from the Cumberland County Board of Elections and vote early in the comfort of your own home. Ballots have been issued starting Sept. 6. Visit the county’s website for additional instructions. The deadline to request an absentee ballot to be sent by mail is 5 p.m. Oct. 29 (but people with sickness or physical disability can request them on Oct. 30.)
The deadline for most absentee ballots to be returned to the county Board of Elections Office is 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5.
Residents who are living or traveling outside the United States during the election may vote via absentee ballot, too. Their process is different than the process for residents who are in Cumberland County.
You can vote early in person from Oct. 17 to Nov. 2 at eight locations around Cumberland County.
You can vote in person on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., at your designated polling place. You can look up your polling location with the N.C. State Board of Elections’ database.
Voter registration is required
Voters are required to register with the state government in order to vote. Click here to look up your voter registration information.
If you want to join one of North Carolina’s eight government-approved political parties, you can declare your membership when you register. Party membership is not a requirement to register.
If you plan to vote on the Nov. 5 Election Day, the deadline to register to vote or update your voter registration information is 5 p.m. Oct. 11.
If you miss the Oct. 11 deadline, you can still vote, so long as you cast your ballot on one of the early voting days. While North Carolina doesn’t allow same-day voter registration on Election Day, it permits same-day registration during early voting.
There are EIGHT political parties?
The government has approved eight political parties. In addition, voters can be “independent” and not join a party. Officially, independent voters are called unaffiliated voters. Unaffiliated is the most popular voting category in North Carolina.
Among North Carolina’s more than 7.6 million registered voters, as of Aug. 31, here were the registration numbers:
• Unaffiliated: 2,865,918
• Democratic: 2,405,419
• Republican: 2,276,117
• Libertarian: 49,656
• No Labels: 17,611
• Green: 2,826
• We the People: 255
• Constitution: 86
• Justice for All: 0
The Justice For All Party had zero registrants listed as of Aug. 31 because the State Board of Elections did not approve its request to be officially recognized until Aug. 20.
Photo ID is required
Voters are required to present a photographic identification card or document to vote.
For information about what photo IDs are required, visit https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id#acceptable
People who vote by mail must include a copy of their photo ID when they send in their ballots. If they cannot attach a photocopy of their ID, they can instead fill out an ID Exception Form and submit their driver license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number.
People who vote in person but lack ID are still allowed to vote. They are asked to fill out an ID Exception Form explaining why they don’t have an ID. If they fill out the form correctly, their ballots will be counted.
Constitutional amendment on voting
Voters will be asked whether to approve a proposed amendment to the North Carolina Constitution. The amendment would insert language to say, “Only a citizen of the United States” is qualified to vote in North Carolina.
Those words would replace a phrase in the Constitution that says: “Every person born in the United States and every person who has been naturalized” is qualified to vote. Under the United States Constitution, all people born in the U.S. are U.S. citizens, as are those who are naturalized.
Congressional candidates
Two Congressional districts serve Cumberland County, District 7 and District 9. Voters will elect one representative for each district.
Candidates for the 7th District:
• Marlando D. Pridgen, Democrat of Columbus County
• Incumbent Rep. David Rouzer, Republican of Wilmington
Candidates for the 9th District:
•Shelane Etchison, unaffiliated candidate of Moore County
• Incumbent Rep. Richard Hudson, Republican of Southern Pines
• Nigel William Bristow, Democrat of Richmond County
N.C. Senate candidates
Voters will elect one representative for each district.
Candidates for Senate District 19:
• Semone Pemberton, Republican of Fayetteville
• Steven Swinton, Libertarian of Fayetteville
• Incumbent Sen. Val Applewhite, Democrat of Fayetteville
Candidates for Senate. District 21 are:
• Maurice (Butch) Holland Jr., Democrat of Moore County
• Incumbent Sen. Tom McInnis, Republican of Pinehurst
N.C. House candidates
Voters will elect one representative for each district. Four seats in the state House serve Cumberland County: Districts 42, 43, 44 and 45.
District 42 candidates:
• Leonard L. Bryant, Republican of Fayetteville
• Mike Colvin, Democrat of Fayetteville
District 43 candidates
• Incumbent Rep. Diane Wheatley, Republican of Cumberland County
• Janene (Dublin) Ackles, Democrat of Fayetteville
District 44 candidates
• Freddie de la Cruz, Republican of Fayetteville
• Incumbent Rep. Charles Smith, Democrat of Fayetteville
District 45 candidates
• Incumbent Rep. Frances Vinell Jackson, Democrat of Hope Mills
Cumberland County District Court Judges
The three incumbent District Court Judges are Democrats Tiffany Marie Whitfield, Lou Olivera and Cull Jordan. They are all unopposed.
Cumberland County Board of Commissioners
Three Democrats face three Republicans for the three seats that serve District 2 on the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. Voters will select up to three of the six candidates, and the top three candidates will be seated.
The candidates:
• Kirk deViere, Democrat of Fayetteville
• Karla Icaza, Democrat of Fayetteville
• Peter Pappas, Republican of Fayetteville
• Pavan D. Patel, Republican of Fayetteville
• Incumbent Toni Stewart, Democrat of Cumberland County
• Henry Tyson, Republican of Fayetteville
Cumberland County Register of Deeds
• Andra Brewington, Democrat of Fayetteville, is unopposed in the election for register of deeds.
Cumberland County Board of Education
Fifteen candidates are running for six seats of the nine on the Cumberland County Board of Education. These are nonpartisan races.
District 1
• Incumbent Alicia Jones Chisolm of Fayetteville
• Kathi Gibson of Fayetteville
• Mary A. Hales of Fayetteville
District 2
• Incumbent Deanna Turner Jones, chairperson of the board, of Fayetteville
• John Lee of Fayetteville
District 3
• Delores T. Bell of Fayetteville
• Tom Hatch of Fayetteville
• Bryan Moore of Fayetteville
District 4
• Incumbent Donna Blackmon Vann of Fayetteville
• Rebecca Pedigo of Fayetteville
• Former Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner, of Hope Mills
District 5
• Incumbent Susan Williams, who lives near Eastover
• Tracy Pelt of Fayetteville
District 6
• Incumbent Nathan Warfel, vice chairperson of the board, of Hope Mills
• Terra B. Jordan of Hope Mills
Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District
Three of the seats on the five-person Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors are elected; one seat is on the ballot this year. This is a nonpartisan race.
The candidates:
• Incumbent Supervisor Lena Lloyd Simmons of Fayetteville
• Kristal Watts of Hope Mills
• Josh Ballard of Cumberland County
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