WWW.TRIANGLE TRIBUNE.COM NC early educators 7 times more likely to live in poverty THE TRIANGLE’S CHOICE FOR THE BLACK VOICE By Liz Bell "Celebrating Our 23rd Year" EDUCATIONNC Davina Boldin-Woods, director of Excel Christian Academy, a child care center in Burlington, recalls one of her favorite em- VOLUME 23 NO. 10 WEEK OF MARCH 7, 2021 $1.00 ployees: a teacher who came to her center with only a high school diploma. With Boldin-Woods’ encouragement, the teacher went back to school while working to earn her associate degree, then her bachelor’s degree. “She got a four-year degree in December, and by January she Athletes talk race and had a position at a high school,” Boldin-Woods said. Boldin- Woods didn’t blame her. Though she offers her teachers as activism in ‘The Locker much as she can, many on her staff receive public assistance. Room’ conversation. She can’t compete with the compensation and benefits a public school district can offer. “That is the story that is told across the state,” she said. In North Carolina, early educators with a bachelor’s degree are paid 28.8% less on average than their colleagues in the K-8 sys- tem, according to a new national report — the 2020 Early Child- hood Workforce Index — from the Center for the Study of Child Please see EDUCATORS/2A DPS State’s students disabled continue next on fight vaccine By Freda Freeman CORRESPONDENT list DURHAM – “It’s not fair to have a constant target By Bryan Anderson on your back while you’re THE ASSOCIATED PRESS trying to learn.” “We need police-free RALEIGH — North Carolina schools to make a more Gov. Roy Cooper announced equitable environment for Tuesday that the state will our black and brown more quickly open up youth.” COVID-19 vaccine eligibility “We don’t need police of- to those who are frontline es- ficers there to brutalize sential workers or have se- students. What we need is rious underlying health someone to deescalate sit- issues. uations.” COURTESY The state had been set to These statements reflect School administrators are leaving out a lot more than they are putting in when it comes to allow a broad group of workers ranging from mail how some Durham public teaching Black history. school students feel about carriers to elected officials to having police officers in begin receiving vaccines schools. Students said they March 10. But with approval are fearful of being “pulled of a single-dose Johnson & over in the hallway” and Johnson vaccine and more NC schools must than 80,000 doses arriving treated like criminals. The students were featured in soon, public health officials a video presented last will now allow frontline week during a virtual town workers to get vaccinated hall titled “Dismantling the teach students the full starting March 3 — a week School-to-Prison Pipeline.” earlier than anticipated. The meeting brought to- Meanwhile, North Carolin- gether community organ- ians under 65 with high-risk izers, school board medical conditions that put members, educators, stu- story of Black history them at greater risk of severe dents, PTA members, and illness if they become in- By Paul Scott the U.S. House of Representa- whether Black history is cur- fected with the virus will be- parents to discuss issues rently taught in the school sys- SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE tives), the “three-fifths com- come eligible March 24. impacting education and promise” is still in effect when tem. Who doesn’t know about students’ mental health. In 1787, a deal was struck “We’ll open group 4 first to it comes to Black history edu- Frederick Douglass or Harriet people with medical con- The town hall was pre- whereby enslaved Africans in cation in 2021. Tubman? The issue is the de- sented by the Youth Jus- America would be counted as ditions that put them at a Recently, controversy has gree to which Black history is higher risk for severe risk to tice Project of the Southern three-fifths of a person for swirled in North Carolina be- taught. It seems admin- Coalition for Social Justice purposes of a state’s pop- COVID-19 illness,” Cooper cause the history of the na- istrators are leaving out a lot said in a news conference. and the People’s Alliance ulation. Hence, the origin of tion’s oppressed people isn’t more than they are putting in Education Action Team. the “three-fifths of a man “The third vaccine and im- being adequately taught in when it comes to Black his- proving vaccine supply of YJP members said school adage.” Although this step was schools. Everyone, it seems, tory. resource officers are the taken largely for the purpose the two we already are get- has weighed in, from Lt. Gov. The State Board of Education ting will help us get more primary link in the school- of determining how much a Mark Robinson to high school recently agreed that social to-prison pipeline, and state would contribute in taxes people vaccinated more students. studies courses should be quickly.” they are working to have (as well as its representation in Of course, the issue is not SROs removed from Please see HISTORY/2A Medically vulnerable schools. The People’s Alli- people have steadily been ance is continuing its dropped toward the bottom study of SROs in Durham of the prioritization schedule Public Schools and will since the state unveiled its also form a position and initial distribution plan in make recommendations. October 2020. After former Both groups want com- White teachers in Durham schools President Donald Trump’s munity input. To share administration encouraged your opinion, visit their states to give greater prefer- websites. ence to those who are at least urged to use privilege responsibly 75 years old, North Carolina YJP leaders said there is no evidence that having adjusted its plan and nessed in the aftermath of the police in schools make stu- By Greg Childress dropped people with chronic vote … was white women edu- dents safer, but they in- THE POLICY WATCH conditions down to Phase 2 cators fuming and unraveling in the distribution schedule. stead are a direct link In Durham, plans to reopen through social media,” Bullock When the federal govern- funneling Black students schools for in-person instruc- wrote in a Facebook post titled ment again revised guide- from schools to prisons. tion continues to play out in “Dear White Women Edu- lines to include people 65 or According to YJP research dramatic fashion. This week, cators.” older toward the top of the in 2017, 10 Black youth Ronda Bullock, chair of the Bullock urged white teachers list, younger adults with were incarcerated com- education committee of the to use their privilege respon- medical issues were pushed pared to one white youth Durham Committee on the Af- sibly. She said the teachers’ even further down the list to in North Carolina. During fairs of Black People, took outrage could endanger Black Phase 4. the 2018-19 school year, white, female educators to school board members. “You The reprioritization 45% of all delinquency task for acting like “damsels in all have inherited a legacy of prompted some complaints complaints in the state distress” and for reacting an- white racial violence, and our from advocates for the med- were school-related. In grily to the Durham school public conscience is set up to ically vulnerable. Initial guid- DPS, Black students com- board’s racially split vote to re- come to your defense,” Bullock ance favored those with two prised 44% of the student open schools for in-person in- wrote. “You need to realize the or more chronic conditions, population but accounted struction. power of your public outrage, while the new guidance an- for 86% of student refer- The board’s five Black RHONDA BULLOCK. COURTESY whether or not it’s justified, nounced Tuesday allows rals. members voted in favor of reo- whether or not it’s rooted in anyone 16-64 years old with “That’s a far cry from pening schools for young chil- ist reading your posts to feel reality.” one chronic condition to get their white and Latinx dren on March 15. I’s two justified in restoring your Bullock suspects district vaccinated starting March counterparts, almost dou- white members voted against honor and safety through leaders and school board 24, though providers may ble or exactly double, the the plan. Like most school dis- some targeted act of violence members received lots of neg- decide not to open up ap- referrals to their pop- tricts in North Carolina and ac- against our board members.” ative email after the controver- pointments if demand re- ulation, which really ross the nation, Durham’s Earlier this year the school sial vote. “No, you are not mains high for earlier creates a discriminatory teachers are majority white. board voted to remain in re- solely responsible for those, groups. impact upon students. It Most students in the district mote learning for the re- but you are culpable for your Under the state’s current shows that African Ameri- are Black and Hispanic. mainder of the school year. part,” she said. “Your public guidance posted online, can students are really Bullock said she understood Teachers don’t want to return outrage at our 5 POC [People of people can get a vaccine in being targeted and fun- teachers’ frustration and to in-person instruction until Color] board members is dan- about three weeks if they neled into the juvenile jus- anger, but felt some of the educators and school staffs are gerous, and it needs to be have at least one of 18 eligi- comments on social media checked before someone is Please see STATE/2A Plase see DPS/2A crossed the line. “What I wit- hurt. It only takes one extrem- Please see DURHAM/2A

Index 5007 South Park Drive, Publisher: Gerald O. Johnson Suite 200-G Managing Editor/Sports Editor: Bonitta Best News 1A Religion 5A Durham, NC 27713 Advertising: Linda Johnson Classifieds 4A Sports 6A (919) 688-9408 [email protected] Focus 8A © 2021 The Triangle Tribune www.triangletribune.com 2A NEWS/The Triangle Tribune Sunday, March 7, 2021 NC schools must teach full State to vaccinate story of black history medically vulnerable

Continued from page 1A in the words “Black His- rors of the Holocaust, must more inclusive of the his- tory” and allow everyone be remembered and con- starting March 24 tories of oppressed people. to go home happy? Unfor- demned. But we cannot ig- However, the issues of tunately, we have now en- nore the fact that, despite Continued from page 1A North Carolina’s top pub- Moderna are being sent to where and how much re- tered the hallowed ground the recent national conver- ble conditions, ranging lic health official, Dr. the state this week, paving main gray areas. of social equality where an- sations about race, the full from cancer and cystic fi- Mandy Cohen, noted the the way for a total of nearly Here’s one way to send a gels fear to tread. extent of the suffering in- brosis to being overweight state would update its 300,000 North Carolinians message about the impor- It’s OK for Black folk to flicted upon and endured or a current or former website to bundle more to begin their vaccinations. tance of telling our chil- fight for their rights, but by Black people never smoker. Representatives people with intellectual The leader of North Car- dren the full story: equal rights are a whole seems to find its way into from Cooper’s office and and developmental disabil- olina’s Department of Last year, you might re- other ball of wax. the public conversation in the state health depart- ities and neurologic con- Health and Human Serv- member that a bill requir- Historically, African modern America. ment did not immediately ditions into Phase 4. Cohen ices plans to get a vaccine ing students to receive Americans have been ex- Though they were ob- provide an explanation also announced that those later this week and said the instruction regarding the pected to be satisfied with viously very different in about whether people of all who receive long-term third vaccine, while not as Holocaust (House Bill 437) partial equality. During their particulars, I submit conditions will be given home care for more than effective as Pfizer and was introduced into the slavery times, we were that it is just as important equal preference. 30 days but don’t live in a Moderna in preventing legislature. The measure conditioned to accept the that our children learn the North Carolina is not the long-term facility will be milder illnesses, is nearly was ultimately attached by “scraps from Massa’s complete story of the Afri- only state expanding vac- retroactively under Phase equally effective at pre- proponents to the $24 bil- table.” While whites were can Holocaust, known in cine eligibility to those 1, which launched in De- venting COVID-related hos- lion budget bill passed by eating high on the hog, Swahili as the “Maafa,” as it with serious underlying cember. pitalizations and deaths. both houses, but because Blacks made do with the is for them to learn of the health issues. South Caro- Cohen said President Joe Regardless, she wants Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed feet, ears and guts (chitter- ghastly abuse and murder lina Gov. Henry McMaster Biden’s administration has people to have the ability that bill and a final com- lings) of pigs, and were perpetrated by the Nazis announced Tuesday that told the state it won’t ship to know which vaccine promise was never thankful for it. At least, on the Jewish people. Both his state would offer doses any Johnson & Johnson they’re getting at the time achieved, the Holocaust their growling bellies histories should be fully to medically vulnerable vaccines next week and they schedule an appoint- education requirement wouldn’t keep them awake and accurately taught in groups starting next Mon- will likely have a small ment. never became law. that night. our schools. We owe our day. People would be re- amount available for the “When folks are signing On Feb. 10, the bill was That same mentality has ancestors to make sure quired to show proof week of March 15. By the up for the vaccine, we’re reintroduced as House Bill trickled down to today’s that the world understands confirming their high-risk last week of March or first working with our vaccine 69, and Gov. Roy Cooper’s educational system where that fact. For too long, medical condition. Califor- week of April, North Caro- providers to make sure office has expressed its Black children are given a Black folk have been satis- nia has responded to frus- lina expects to receive that they are being very support. Just like the pre- chittlin’ curriculum and are fied by a semblance of trated residents by more than 80,000 weekly clear about whether or not vious bill, HB 69, the “Edu- expected to be happy. As equity. opening up vaccinations to Johnson & Johnson doses. this is a one-dose vaccine cation on the Holocaust much as people say Black Total equality in educa- disabled people and at-risk About 215,000 new first clinic or two-dose vaccine and Genocide Bill (Gizella Lives Matter, the phrase tion must be a priority this adults starting March 15. doses of the Pfizer and clinic,” Cohen said. Abramson Holocaust Edu- becomes empty and void year. So, I urge all African cation Act),” requires that of substantive meaning American parents, stu- Holocaust education be in- when it comes to complete dents and educators to cluded in the state’s Stan- social equality, email their local represen- dard Course of Study. At what point do African tative to demand that Black Durham school students That means instruction Americans ask in unison: history be included in HB regarding the Holocaust “Do the lives of my ances- 69. If they refuse, it is a be- would also be included in tors who perished in the trayal that must be ad- transatlantic slave trade dressed at the ballot box. continue the fight for English classes and other subjects where Holocaust matter?” Or, “what about This is a new day. Blacks education could be uti- the lives of those who were must no longer settle for lized. The bill also invites lynched by white suprem- crumbs. We demand an removing school police the North Carolina Council acists?” When will white equal share of the loaf. on the Holocaust to help America acknowledge that Continued from page 1A attorney with the Durham not proceed on those tice center, which we all with implementing the cur- Black people led great civ- Minister Paul Scott is an County District Attorney’s cases.” know is really difficult to riculum. ilizations in Africa long be- activist and founder of the Office, said that is not the Ronda Taylor Bullock, of get out of,” said Marcus I propose that we take fore the first European set Durham NC-based Black case. the nonprofit organization Pollard, of the YJP. advantage of the fact that foot on the continent? Messiah Movement, which “They were put in place we are, which stands for “School policing is linked there’s a bill in motion to Do not misconstrue this combines community activ- as this measure of protec- working to extend anti-rac- to this country’s long his- make Holocaust education as an exercise in compara- ism with Black Liberation tion; if we have officers ist education, said it is tory of oppressing and law. Why not pull out the tive suffering. All human Theology. there, they are going to enough that Black parents criminalizing Black and old ballpoint pen and add tragedy, including the hor- protect our students from have to have “the talk” with brown people. It repre- this shooting. What we their children to explain sents a belief that people know now is that is not racism and teach them of color need to be con- what has happened. It’s how to conduct them- trolled and intimidated. It turned from protecting selves around police of- NC early educators are 7 times creates a toxic school cli- students to policing stu- ficers in general. mate for students of dents,” she said. “We should not be pre- color.” Spain, who oversees ju- paring our students for From 1997 to 2007, the venile cases, added: “The how to handle and protect more likely to live in poverty number of SROs increased Durham County District themselves from SROs in by one-third in schools Attorney’s Office is com- schools. That in and of it- Continued from page 1A throughout the country, mitted to dismantling the self lets us know that Care Employment at the really spiking in 1999 fol- school-to-prison pipeline. something is wrong. If the University of California, lowing the Columbine We no longer accept people who are there alleg- Berkeley. The poverty rate shooting, in which two school-based referrals edly to protect the student for early educators in high school students killed from SROs into juvenile body, now the students North Carolina is 17.6%, 12 students and a teacher. court. have to be protected from compared with 10.6% of Although police presence There have been no that entity, it makes me North Carolina workers in was intended to prevent school bench referrals in sick on the inside. We have general and 2.4% of K-8 school shootings, Lindsey 2020 or 2019. If any do to come up with a different teachers. Spain, an assistant district come into our office, we do system,” she said. “We can continue to en- courage educating our workforce, but we have nothing to provide for them to hold on to,” Bol- din-Woods said. “That Durham’s white teachers teacher alone, for the over eight years that she was working for me, she re- LIZ BELL/EDUCATIONNC During arts and crafts, Shari Johnson helps a student glue urged to be responsible ceived subsidized child care, Section 8 housing, animals on a barn. Continued from page 1A ment/alternate behavior,” Carolina school districts to and she received food vaccinated against the co- one teacher responded. provide an option of in- stamps.” In North Carolina, the WAGE$ program provides ronavirus. They did not In an interview with Pol- person instruction. The The report breaks down minimum requirement for wage supplements de- take the news well about icy Watch, Bullock said Senate’s Republican lead- early educator compensa- early educators is one pending on education level reopening schools, Bul- she’s not out to “vilify” ership was unable to tion by age range, showing community college course, and requires teachers to lock said. white teachers, and that garner enough votes Mon- differences in pay across yet certain funding stay at the same program “People demanded the white teachers must figure day to override Gov. Roy early childhood settings. streams require higher while receiving the supple- names of the board out what they did wrong Cooper’s veto of the North Carolina’s profile education levels. N.C. Pre- ments. “WAGE$ is de- members, and many were and how to respond differ- school reopening bill, so it shows 2019 median wages K, the state’s targeted pub- signed to provide ready to “vote them out,” ently next time. The is no longer an issue. for child care workers at lic preschool for preschool children more Bullock wrote. “White school board and edu- The Durham Association $10.62 (compared with vulnerable 4-year-olds, re- stable relationships with teachers even lamented cators must keep students of Educators wants the $11.65 nationally), for pre- quires lead teachers to better-educated teachers that the board members at the center of their deci- board to consider a return school teachers at $12.83 have bachelor’s degrees. by rewarding teacher edu- wanted them to die. sion-making, Bullock said. to in-person instruction on ($14.67 nationally), and for The state’s quality rating cation and continuity of Maybe in a race-neutral so- “Some students are April 8, the date middle kindergarten teachers at system, which affects the care,” the program’s web- ciety, this would seem like doing well in virtual learn- school students and high $27.89 ($32.80 nationally). public resources a child site reads. righteous indignation, but ing and feel safest there,” school students would re- “We want people to see this care facility can receive, CCSA President Marsha we don’t live in a race-neu- she said. “Some students turn to classrooms. The as a wake-up call,” said factors in teachers’ educa- Basloe said she’s proud of tral society. This is Amer- are not doing well (lots of delay would give teachers Caitlin McLean, senior re- tion level. what the programs have ica. Race is ever present.” mental health concerns and staff members more search specialist at the Many providers, espe- done in terms of education Teachers who re- here). time to be vaccinated. center and lead author of cially during the COVID-19 levels and retention in the sponded on Bullock’s Those who are doing “Some of you may get the report. Though most of pandemic, are struggling workforce. In CCSA’s 2019 Facebook page received well get to stay virtual and angry,” Michelle Burton, the report’s analysis relies to retain teachers doing study of the workforce, the message well. Many of those who aren’t will get president of the Durham on information from be- risky work. Nationwide, 62% of center-based teach- them asked how they the option to attend in Association wrote on the fore the pandemic, McLean the workforce has shrunk ing staff had at least an as- should have responded person, safely.” group’s Facebook page. said the pandemic adds ur- by 25% since the start of sociate degree in any field. differently. The board’s vote to re- “And that is okay. Leader- gency to improving the the pandemic, the report Yet more resources are “I truly believe that just turn to classrooms for in- ship is hard and being in supports that states offer says. needed, she said, both to like when a child is repri- person instruction was leadership one has to to teachers of the youngest McLean pointed to the scale these strategies up manded for a certain be- largely in response to Sen- make tough decisions that children. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood and to build an early edu- havior, it is important to ate Bill 37, which would not everyone will agree “I do think there is a mo- North Carolina Scholarship cator pipeline for the fu- support them in a replace- have required all North with.” ment in time now where Program as a promising ture. people are really recogniz- practice. Developed in “The only way to recruit ing that this can’t go on, North Carolina by the Child the pipeline is to say to that we actually need di- Care Services Association people in high school, ‘If but active in 24 other you want to be an early BUSINESS BRIEFS rect public investment in RALEIGH CHAMBER townraleigh.org. OPENING: the system and recogniz- states, the program funds childhood teacher, you can education for early edu- make a living,’ as opposed * March 23, 9 to 10 a.m. Restauranteur Efrem ing that we can’t keep – Coffee Conversation ROUNDTABLE Yates has opened a third treating it like just a private cators in the field returning to, ‘You want to be an early to school. childhood teacher? You’re with Sam Ratto, co- Women in Power will Your Pie franchise, this system parents are ex- founder of Videri Choco- host a virtual brunch and one at 4233 Corners pected to shoulder the bur- It also requires a commit- going to live in poverty the ment to stay in the early rest of your life,'” Basloe late Factory. Register at business roundtable Parkway, Durham. Yates den for,” she said. “If we ww.raleighchamber.org. March 20, 12:30 to 2:30 also has locations in Ra- want to make sure all chil- education field for at least said. “We’ve got to change one year afterward. our messaging, and the p.m.. Register at leigh and Cary. Your Pie dren have access to early GRANTS us02web.zoom.us. is a fast-casual pizza education that they need Other services from the only way to do that is to same organization support change our policies and to Downtown Raleigh Alli- chain. and deserve, we have to in- ance has created a Pop- NETWORKING vest in it the way we do K- early educators in other look at our financing ways. The Child Care strategies.” Up Grant program for Treats & Sweets dessert Send business briefs 12 education.” new storefront busi- networking is March 21, to info@triangletri- nesses. Women- and mi- noon to 5 p.m., Azia B’s bune.com. nority-owned businesses Salon, 7400 Six Forks Rd., Visit us online for the latest news and can apply for additional #4. Call (919) 744-8013. information: www.triangletribune.com/ funding. Visit down- 3A NEWS/The Triangle Tribune Sunday, March 7, 2021 N Carolina health officials Can vaccinated people still urge schools to reopen spread the coronavirus? By Bryan Anderson By Deborah Fuller and Gary Robertson THE CONVERSATION ASSOCIATED PRESS So you’ve gotten your co- RALEIGH — The North ronavirus vaccine, waited Carolina Department of the two weeks for your im- Health and Human Serv- mune system to respond ices called Wednesday on to the shot and are now all K-12 public schools to fully vaccinated. Does this offer in-person instruction mean you can make your “to the fullest extent pos- way through the world like sible” to the roughly 1.5 the old days without fear million students in the of spreading the virus? state. * Does vaccination com- COURTESY The more aggressive pletely prevent infection? of vaccinated people can virus is less likely to trans- guidance was released mi- The short answer is no. become infected and get mit it to someone else. nutes before Senate Repub- You can still get infected sick, but are extremely un- * What about the new co- licans resumed their after you’ve been vacci- likely to be hospitalized. ronavirus variants? New attempt to override Demo- COURTESY nated. But your chances of Our mission is to share variants have emerged in cratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s tion leaders with under- option if they self-identify getting seriously ill are al- knowledge and inform recent months, and recent veto of legislation that standing what health prac- as being at high risk of be- most zero. decisions. studies show that vaccines would mandate — not just tices they must meet and coming severely ill if ex- Many people think vac- * Does infection always are less effective against urge — K-12 school dis- developing detailed plans posed to COVID-19. cines work like a shield, mean transmission? Trans- certain ones, like the B1351 tricts to offer in-person in- on how to implement the “Schools should only use blocking a virus from in- mission happens when variant first identified in struction to all students. updated guidance. remote learning options for fecting cells altogether. enough viral particles from South Africa. Every time “Extensive research tells Middle and high schools higher-risk students and But, in most cases, a per- an infected person get into SARS-CoV-2 replicates, it us we can bring students must adhere to stricter reo- for families opting for re- son who gets vaccinated is the body of an uninfected gets new mutations. back to the classroom with pening requirements, such mote learning for their chil- protected from the disease person. In theory, anyone In recent months, re- the right measures in as 6 feet of physical dis- dren,” a state health not necessarily infection. infected with the coronavi- searchers have found new place,” said Mandy Cohen, tancing. While elementary department news release Every person’s immune rus could potentially trans- variants that are more in- the state’s top public school students are al- said. system is a little different, mit it. But a vaccine will fective – meaning a person health official. “And stu- lowed to remain seated in- All schools are required so when a vaccine is 95% reduce the chance of this needs to breathe in less dents need in-person side classrooms without to provide teachers, fam- effective, that just means happening. In general, if a virus to become infected – school not only for aca- that amount of physical ilies, school staff and stu- 95% of people who receive vaccination doesn’t com- and other variants that are demics, but to learn social separation, they should be dents with information on the vaccine won’t get sick. pletely prevent infection, it more transmissible - mean- skills, get reliable meals aware of their space and how to access mental These people could be will significantly reduce ing they increase the and to continue to grow must wear face coverings if health and wellness re- completely protected from the amount of virus com- amount of virus a person and thrive.” they are at least 5 years sources. They are also en- infection or they could be ing out of your nose and sheds. And researchers The updated reopening old. couraged to make available getting infected but remain mouth – a process called have also found at least instructions gives schools Meanwhile, families must more on-site social asymptomatic because shedding – and shorten the one new variant that seems “operational flexibility.” be given a remote learning workers. their immune system elim- time that you shed the to be better at evading the But they task local educa- inates the virus very virus. This is a big deal. A immune system, according quickly. The remaining 5% person who sheds less to early data.

AP/DAVE PICKOFF Actress Cynthia Erivo portrays Aretha Franklin in the National Geographic miniseries "Ge- nius: Aretha," left, and Aretha Franklin holds her Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues performance for the song "Bridge Over Troubled Waters," in New York on March 13, 1972. With much respect, Cynthia Erivo takes on Queen of Soul By Mesfin Fekadu meeting Franklin, playing ment I had to put my heart THE ASSOCIATED PRESS icons on-screen and more. back together. AP: What does Aretha AP: Were you hesitant to NEW YORK — The Tony mean to you? play her? Awards could bring Cyn- ERIVO: She means the ERIVO: It’s about wanting thia Erivo another Emmy. world to me. As a singer, I to make sure you do her Days after the British per- truly believe that my job is justice (and) put as much former belted Aretha to communicate and tell truth in it as you possibly Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way” the stories that sometimes can. There is only one Are- during a red carpet inter- are difficult for people to tha Franklin so no one can view at the 2019 Tonys — tell for themselves ... Are- be Aretha Franklin, but you explaining that it’s her tha did that with her eyes can put as much grace and guilty pleasure song — she closed. She had a wonder- truth into the re-enacting got a call from the pro- ful way of communicating of her, the realization of ducers of the National Geo- the things that she had her so you can tell the story graphic series “Genius: been through, through in the right way. I guess if I Aretha.” song. wasn’t nervous, I wouldn’t “I was like, ‘I beg your AP: She has this thing by care. pardon,’” she continued. which she can take some- AP: How do you feel “In my head I’m like, ‘There one else’s song and make it about the people who say, is another film happening her own. “Cynthia doesn’t really and I’m excited to see that, ERIVO: Totally and it’s look like Aretha?” so what is this?’” such a special thing. Not ERIVO: No, in the same NatGeo had already com- only does she take the song way that Diana Ross didn’t pleted series on Albert Ein- and make it her own, she really look like Billie Holi- stein and Pablo Picasso, takes the song and you for- day, but she did an incred- and wanted to focus on the get it was someone else’s. ible, incredible job when life of Franklin, who died That to me, it’s a really spe- she did “Lady Sings the 2018 and was arguably the cial thing that she was able Blues.” ... I don’t think greatest singer of all time. to do. I don’t know that anyone does look like Are- When Erivo went to meet people realize that “Re- tha. If you found someone with the producers, she spect” wasn’t her song who looks like Aretha who had a bit of an epiphany. first. couldn’t do the work, who “Nothing else was play- AP: Did you get a chance can’t sing the songs, then ing in the hotel, it was just to meet her? that’s where you have a mood music,” she said. “All ERIVO: I met her the first problem. I’d rather some- of a sudden ‘Day Dream- time when she’d come to a one that doesn’t look like ing’ comes on as I go to sit performance of “The Color her but can give me the es- down. I’m like, ‘Am I the Purple.” I didn’t know she sence. only one that noticed was there. When I saw her, AP: Are you excited to see that?’” I felt like an idiot because I the Jennifer Hudson ver- Laughing with a huge was just in shock. There is sion? smile on her face, she con- Miss Aretha Franklin stand- ERIVO: I am. I know that tinued: “I was like, ’Either ing in front of me, and I’ve they were close, and I know you planned that or some- just finished singing a that they had a conver- one’s trying to tell me show in her presence, oh sation. This is something something.”” my goodness. she had been dreaming of In an interview with The How do I do this? She was doing. I am excited to see Associated Press, edited funny and lovely. She sang it. for clarity and brevity, the the last line of “I’m Here” 34-year-old talked about back to me. That was a mo-

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COURTESY BOOK THE DEAD ARE light of day—until now. X’s life and contextualizes ARISING: Payne, who passed away it, not only within the Na- Gospel singer Bryan The Life of Malcolm X in March tion of Islam, but within By Les Payne and 2018 as he the larger arc of African Tamara Payne delivered American history. Wilson is all grown up Liveright, $35 HC the manu- With access to such im- script, portant figures as Mal- By Bill Carpenter “I know that when people Wilson is also hoping that On Nov. 18, the 2020 Na- first wit- colm’s siblings, tional Book Award for non- nessed classmates, former minis- SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE hear the music, they are the stark difference in his going to say I’ve left the fiction was awarded to Les Malcolm ters of the Nation of Islam, Singer-songwriter Bryan current music and that of church because this style Payne (posthumously) and X’s gal- collaborators, street Andrew Wilson, best- his childhood will finally of music still isn’t fully em- his daughter and principal vanizing buddies (including one of known for gospel songs allow him to grow up in the braced in the church,” Wil- researcher Tamara Payne oratory those who served as a “Turning Away” and the eyes of his fans. son said laughing. “This is for “THE DEAD ARE ARIS- when attending a rally in model for the composite No. 1 hit “Overflow,” is “I’m in my 30s now with the music of NOW. When ING: The Life of Malcolm 1963. As he went on to an “Shorty”), and even the driving into a new musical half a dozen hit songs as an you listen to the words of X.” illustrious newspaper ca- men falsely imprisoned for direction. adult,” he said. “Yet, so the song, it’s all about sur- This biography gives reer — principally at News- his murder, Payne pres- The Atlanta-based artist, many people still want to rendering the steering new meaning to our un- day, where he won the ents a deeply nuanced and who launched his career at see me as the little kid who wheel of your life to God derstanding of Malcolm X Pulitzer — and helped unprecedented portrait of the age of 10 with the tra- sang with the Mississippi and letting him drive you and his ever-expanding found the National Associ- how East Lansing Red gave ditional hymn, “His Eye is Children’s Choir. They to your destiny. What’s impact on American his- ation of Black Journalists, way to Detroit Red and ul- on the Sparrow,” is tossing want me to sing that song wrong with that message? tory. Les Payne and Tam- Payne’s experience of timately begat the icon, X. that old-time religion for just like I did back then be- “A few radio people have fore puberty kicked in. I’m ara Payne’s book is the hearing Malcolm X speak Trap music on his new sin- culmination of nearly 30 never abandoned him. ABOUT THE AUTHORS: gle, “The Ride.” said they won’t play the happy to have that history song because they don’t and those millions of years of exhaustive re- Aware that time was run- Les Payne (1941–2018), The mid-tempo Urban search reflective of Les ning out to record the born in Tuscaloosa, Ala- Pop groove was produced think the Trap vibe is streams, but I also want sacred. That just means it’s people to hear my current Payne’s Pulitzer-prize in- shrinking inner circle of bama, was a Pulitzer by Awaz Beatz and The Ex- vestigative reporting. people who knew Malcolm Prize–winning investigative clusives, who have collabo- not for them but, hope- music because it’s just as fully, it’s for some other relevant and meaningful in Mr. Payne was able to throughout his life, Payne journalist, foreign corre- rated with superstars’ DJ record hundreds of hours was able to document spondent, and editor at Khaled, August Alsina and people who are open to a my opinion.” new sound.” of interviews with Mal- their stories and observa- Newsday. Avicii. colm’s then still-living im- tions for posterity. Tamara Payne served as mediate family and “THE DEAD ARE ARIS- her father’s principal re- contemporaries. Those in- ING” greatly expands our searcher. She lives in New Ruth H. Morgan BHM terviews have not seen the understanding of Malcolm York. and Humanitarian Award 18° The NAACP Wendell-Wake County Branch held its 34th Annual Ruth H. Morgan Black SLOPE 2 History Month and Humanitarian Award Program last month. The Rev. Richard Hughes, of St. James Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, was the guest speaker. 65’ SLOPE 1 McKinley Wooten was named the 2021 Humanitarian Award recipient, and Charles base Upchurch was recognized for his 12 years of service and presidential leadership to the branch. The program is named after the Wendell-Wake County Branch's founding president 6,195 meters during February. Later, the Humanitarian Award was added to this program to rec- YOUR REALITY ognize Black men and women in our service area who are the "first" in their respective fields. Improving Our MEDICAL Communities Through Augmented Reality CAFE

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Richard Hughes TM Long WWW.TRIANGLETRIBUNE.COM Ball’s The Triangle return; TRIBUNE let’s go Sports SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2021 – PAGE 6A camping HBCU BASKETBALL Long Ball Durham hopes to return to the Bull City this summer. The inner-city baseball league that was created by Minor League Baseball was canceled last year due to you- know-what. Long Ball Durham President Patricia James says they are preparing for a return if the state – and COVID – will allow it. The league is comprised of a junior (13 to 15 years old) and a senior (16 to 18) division of both boys and girls. The games are played at Durham Athletic Park on Foster Street from May to Au- Davis gust. But along with the possible good news is some dis- Top, left to right: Lex Jordan Ibegbu, Terrence and Tory Holt, and Marlanna “Rapsody” Church turbing news as Evans. Bottom, left to right: Chasity Melvin and Cliff Crosby well. BONITTA James emailed Mutual me last week to BEST say that a white man named Mike Athletes, artists break Robinson has been soliciting honorees money from local businesses supposedly on behalf of Long By Bonitta Best Ball. Several have given him down activism during [email protected] money, but became sus- Saint Augustine’s student-ath- picious when he went to their letes Nyasia Barnes and Miguel bank and cashed the checks. Brown were honored by Church If anyone comes to your ‘Locker Room’ talk Mutual Protecting the Greater business on behalf of Long Good Award with a $1,000 gen- Ball Durham, ask for ID and By John McCann with Triangle ties: retired just a bit. He said he tries to eral scholarship each in their take a photo. How low some WNBA player Chasity Mel- stay away from comparing name. folks will go. CORRESPONDENT vin, who played college ball athletes era-to-era both on The money goes into the insti- To keep up with Long Ball, DURHAM — Musicians call at N.C. State University; and off the field. tution’s general scholarship fund visit longballdurham.com. it developing their chops. Holt played football at N.C. “Now you have the buy-in and is awarded to any student- Writers talk in terms of State, as did his brother, from the powers that be. athlete with a demonstrated Black Folks Camp Too finding their voices. As that Terrence, who was an NFL That’s the difference. Mu- need. Well, not THIS black person. relates to the amplified defensive back; Cliff Crosby hammad Ali and them have Barnes assisted the residents in I’ve watched the movie “Deliv- speech of today’s athletes, played defensive back for been standing up forever,” her home area of Bertie County erance” too many times to they’ve been speaking for a the St. Louis Rams and the Tory Holt said. after Hurricane Isaias. Brown vol- ever pitch a tent. good long while, former St. Indianapolis Colts; lawyer, Crosby’s point was that unteers with Raleigh’s Helping But, and this really shouldn’t Louis Rams wide receiver musician and track athlete athletes back in the day Hand Mission with its annual have to be said, African Amer- Tory Holt said. Lex-Jordan Ibegbu; and hip- weren’t thinking in terms of Thanksgiving food drive. icans do go camping. You’d “[Some people] just ain’t hop artist Marlanna “Rap- building their personal * At Shaw, Makayla Sutton in never know it by watching been listening. They’ve sody” Evans. brands as pitchmen on TV women’s basketball and Maurille mainstream media, which is been locking our asses up Crosby said he came and through social media. Beheton in men’s basketball will why Earl B. Hunter Jr. is trying or been blackballing us for along as an athlete when “The game was your have scholarships issued in their to get the word out with his or- a very long time,” Holt ex- ballplayers ran a greater brand. Now it’s evolved so names in the school’s general ganization, Black Folks Camp plained during a Feb. 28 vir- risk of getting shut down much more, it’s just like fund. Too. tual panel discussion called for standing up for social they’re taking advantage of Sutton had a 4.0 GPA in exer- BFCT is partnering with the “The Locker Room: Athletes justice, back when coaches it, and I’m so happy that cise science despite holding N.C. Department of Natural Using Their Voice for and team owners weren’t they are, because they need down a job and motherhood. and Cultural Resources Change — The Good, The having it. to,” Crosby said. “We didn’t Beheton is a freshman computer through its new initiative Bad, The Indifferent.” “This wave of athlete that know that we had that science major who tutors Shaw Parks and Trails for Health, or The panel was hosted by you see now has much power.” students. PATH, to showcase the health the Southeast Raleigh YMCA more courage,” he said. Business entities and benefits and “fun” of the great and moderated by success “I just think it’s a different mainstream media nowa- Finally! outdoors. coach Troy J. Johnson. Pan- kind of courage,” said Ter- days afford athletes space North Carolina Central women Black Folks Camp Too’s elists included celebrities rence Holt, begging to differ Please see ATHLETES/7A and men ended their regular sea- main mission is to increase di- sons this week. versity in the outdoor industry The women (3-10) hosted Nor- by making it more interesting folk State March 3-4, and the men and more fun for Black folks (4-7) hosted Florida A&M on the to go camping. same dates. Hunter, an executive in the The Air Force Reserve MEAC RV/outdoor industry, founded Tournament is March 8-13 at the the organization in 2019. The Norfolk Scope in Virginia. Early lack of diversity in camping games will be streamed on Flo- really hit home when he took Hoops.com, while the champion- his son on a three-month road ships will be broadcast on ESPN trip through the U.S. and Ca- Networks. nada. They visited almost 50 * The Cricket Wireless SWAC campgrounds along the way Tournament runs March 10-13 in but came into contact with Birmingham, Alabama. All games just one other Black family. will be streamed on ESPN3. Visit “It’s just a fact, Black folks swac.org to keep up. are not enjoying the life-giving benefits of spending time out- Hampton honors side in nature,” Hunter said. Hampton senior Davion Warren “And outdoor brands have not was named a first team All-Big found a successful way to en- South selection, while teammate gage with this valuable con- Russell Dean was an honorable sumer. Yes, removing fear is mention. Warren leads the con- part of the answer, but so is ference in scoring (21.3 ppg) and offering knowledge and steals (1.9 spg). simply extending more invita- Hampton’s season came to an tions. This is why we are so end Monday in a 67-52 loss to pumped to be partnering with Radford in the quarterfinals of the state of North Carolina’s the Big South Tournament. DNCR PATH initiative.” BRANDON VALENTINE-PARRIS * Hampton sports information The partnership couldn’t St. Augustine’s cycling team. director Jim Heath was honored come at a better time. Accord- with a College Sports Information ing to the 2019 North Ameri- Directors of America 25-year can Camping Report from award. Heath previously worked Kampgrounds of America, St. Augustine’s: America’s at Old Dominion, Christopher new campers from multicul- Newport University and The Ap- tural groups outpaced white prentice School. He’s been at campers 51% to 49%. African Hampton for six years. American campers rose from first HBCU cycling team

6% to 8% between 2012-17, but meter sprint in the 2016 Albania bound were 14% of new campers in By Ruth Samuel As a result, he has earned Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Former Morgan State guard 2017 alone. UNC MEDIA HUB 15 NCAA Division II All- That speed earned him a Stanley Davis has signed a pro I’m all for diversity and, American honors. Every day, Brandon Valen- track scholarship at Claflin contract with Vllaznia Shkodra in really, what better bonding ac- But in 2019, Mark Janas, a tine-Parris takes a 20-mile University in South Carolina. Albania. tivity is there than a family sports management profes- ride on his midnight black But Valentine-Parris trans- “On and off the court, I feel as walk in the park or along a trail sor in St. Aug’s business Canyon Inflite bicycle, ac- ferred to St. Augustine’s Uni- though my experiences at Mor- or going camping. school, planted an idea in companied by the percus- versity in 2018 and found a gan helped shape my character As for me, when I hear the his head. “I was in my sen- sion of soca beats. new outlet for his speed: cy- and development,” he said. “Sit- word camp, I think about the ior seminar class with pro- When he’s on the verge of cling. ting out almost a year from play- one called “Crystal Lake,” fessor Janas and he exhaustion, he just turns the He also found a new leg- ing, my character and basketball where a young boy named mentioned his skill set in cy- music up and remembers acy: He and Aaliyah “Lele” kept me sane and ready for this Jason Voorhees drowned cling,” Valentine-Parris said. his purpose. Williams are co-captains of opportunity. Other than that, I while some campers were “I was like, ‘Excuse me, we “I just want to be fast,” he the first cycling team at a thank God, family and my close making out. His mother takes don’t have a cycling team on said. “I want to be the best in historically Black college circle for keeping me focused on revenge on everybody while campus,’ and he was my country, and I want to go and university. the main target, which was offi- hearing her dead son’s voice shocked. He mentioned that to certain places that a lot of Though road cycling is a cially becoming a pro basketball urging her to “kill ‘em it’s something we could look people don’t get to go. That prominent sport in the Ca- player.” mommy, kill ‘em!” into and next thing I knew, was literally the only driving ribbean, Valentine-Parris, Davis finished his MSU career Then, when she is killed, he last summer, I got a phone point.” 25, had not ridden a bike ranked No. 24 in scoring with comes back from the dead, call from him saying, ‘It’s a Speed is what Valentine- since he was 12. He gave up 1,044 points and 15th in re- dons a hockey mask, and mur- go.’” Parris does. Valentine-Parris everything – music, soccer bounding. ders every camper in sight. represented St. Vincent and Led by Janas and associate But you all have fun! and martial arts — for run- the Grenadines in the 400- ning track. Please see CYCLING/7A 7A SPORTS/The Triangle Tribune Sunday, March 7, 2021 Athletes, artists break Meet America’s first down activism HBCU cycling team Continued from page 6A matter,” Terrence Holt of- “Women have always — Continued from page 6A Williams wants to trans- exert a lot of force and to raise their voices; that fered. especially Black women — head coach Umar Muham- form its perception into a pressure on the body. My wasn’t always the case, The U.S. women’s soccer have always had a sphere mad, the St. Augustine’s competitive industry. Wil- biggest issue in the transi- Crosby said. Terrence Holt team demanding treat- of influence. We were just cycling team is registered liams, a sports manage- tion was being relaxed on agreed that it was costlier ment equitable to their always behind the in the USA Cycling canon ment major from the bike and being fluid. In — potentially career kill- male counterparts is an scenes,” Melvin said. “The and managed through the Tallahassee, Florida, is St. track, your position is cal- ing — for athletes to speak example of empowered fe- world is more receptive to university’s School of Busi- Aug’s student government culated, like one straight out once upon a time. male voices, Terrence Holt our voice being out in ness, Management & Tech- association president, a line.” “Athletes have been doing said. public as opposed to being nology. Though it member of Zeta Phi Beta Students are expected to a whole lot and risking a He also mentioned behind the scenes.” launched in April 2020, Sorority, and a player on maintain a 2.7 GPA, but whole lot from Day 1,” he players for the WNBA’s At- NBA standard bearer Mi- Janas had been thinking the women’s basketball Muhammad said that most said. lanta Dream closing ranks chael Jordan sort of falls about it since fall 2019. team. “I actually lost my team members have main- Athletes no longer have to force Kelly Loeffler to into that camp of silently “At first,” Janas said, “our senior season of basketball tained a 3.0. Though the to rely on mainstream give up her ownership making a difference, Tory goal was simply to get stu- to COVID,” Williams said. “I students are NCAA ath- media to communicate share of the team after she Holt said. The knock on dents on bikes to learn would say that (cycling) letes, St. Augustine’s cy- what they want to say, be- used her voice to oppose Jordan is he never spoke more about the sport of has filled a void for sure. cling team is not cause social media is a the Black Lives Matter out about anything during competitive cycling and I’m an athlete, and I have to recognized by the NCAA, very loud megaphone, movement. the height of his powers. decide if it was right for have something to do. It which gives the team the Terrence Holt said. The Dream wound up Jordan has been more them. It wasn’t until later helps with discipline; it freedom to be funded by “They just go to the getting sold to a new own- vocal in recent years. that we learned there were helps with keeping myself bicycling sponsors, such as Twitter fingers,” he said. ership group. Before the Thing is, Jordan has been no other HBCU teams reg- in shape and my body Major Taylor’s Association “And they have millions of sale, Loeffler, a white a mainstay effecting posi- istered with USA Cycling. healthy.” and Saris. followers and people that woman who supported tive change behind the We then realized just how Prior to the pandemic, “Cycling is expensive,” they can get the message former President Donald scenes, Tory Holt said. important our effort was.” the nine-member team Muhammad said. “It is as right to.” Trump, lost her Georgia Rapsody called a time- Even before a riding trail trained behind St. Augus- expensive as other sports Unity — that’s the thing Senate seat to the Rev. Ra- out. had been created, the team tine’s campus on a one- that typically African that’s strengthened the phael Warnock, a Black “Outside of athletes, reg- practiced by riding mile loop of gravel, Americans have not been platform of today’s ath- man. “The power is in the ular people gotta do their through campus. That asphalt, grass and dirt. in. Shoes are $200 or $300, letes, Crosby said. He said unity,” Terrence Holt said. thing, too,” she said. “Be helped to inspire a few Now, though, team competitive bikes are where there used to be Both Rapsody and Mel- inspired. Be the change men to join the team. members are confined to $3,000 to $4,000, then you one or two players in a vin agreed with the guys you want to see in the Then, one woman stepped training on their stationary have pedals and more. We locker room challenging as far as athletes, gen- world.” up to the challenge. “At the bikes in their dorm rooms, don’t really have cycling in the establishment, now erally, and women, specif- “Rapsody is right,” Tory time, I was really the only fulfilling their 22 miles, high schools as a sport; it’s 20 or 30 guys. ically, having always been Holt said. “It takes all of girl that said, ‘yes,’” Lele three times a week require- there may be small clubs. “Or girls, for that in the game. us.” Williams, 24, said. ”That’s ment. They practice vir- To be honest, cycling is not why I am honored to be the tually, with one live a media-frenzied sport in captain of the women’s in-person practice focused the United States.” team because I know I am on cornering, handling and Though he’s anxious to here for a purpose. I think other technical skills each begin the spring 2021 sea- what my purpose is to week. Cycling, Valentine- sons, Janas says that team show them that they don’t Parris said, is a “full con- has two simple goals: to in- have to be stuck into bas- tact sport,” even more so spire others and to win na- ketball, softball or the reg- than track. tional championships. ular sports that they’re “The biggest difference is “The first we can hopefully used to seeing.” the impact on your body do now,” Janas said. “We’re Rather than cycling and the intensity,” Valen- planting the seeds now to merely being seen as a tine-Parris said. “You go accomplish the second.” means of transportation, hard every practice. You COLLEGE CORNER

NCCU men’s tennis program in the community. The challenges and triumphs of HBCU tennis BY INTERCOLLEGIATE TENNIS were not included in the championship — a feat the ASSOCIATION mainstream tennis rec- Pirates accomplished in It’s an explanation that ognition of coaches and 1976 and 1989. Part of has been repeated over student-athletes — All- Screen’s success may be and over until the words Americans, All-District, and due to his early adoption have lost much of their things like that,” MEAC of international recruiting. emotional effect. Commissioner Dennis His teams would be com- As with every aspect of Thomas explained. “So, we posed of the best players COURTESY life in America, segregation had to have our own cham- from across the world and, NCCU coach LeVelle Moton provided lunch for WakeMed nurses. and racism once limited pionships. In terms of the as a result, incredibly di- and blocked athletic op- best from HBCUs compet- verse. portunities for Black colle- ing for the national title — The diversity found at giate tennis players. that was our way of rec- HBCUs is one of the defin- LeVelle Cares gives back Social rules of the day did ognizing those outstand- ing strengths of the institu- not stop Black people from ing student-athletes and tions. “You talk with white N.C. Central men’s bas- playing tennis though. The coaches who were denied student-athletes, Hispanic ketball coach LeVelle sport was first introduced that opportunity on the na- student-athletes, and ask Moton and his LeVelle to students and staff at tional scale.” them what their experience Cares Foundation provided Tuskegee Institute (Univer- Thomas’s own confer- has been — they would say lunch last week for nurses sity) in the 1890s. ence – the Mid-Eastern Ath- outstanding,” Thomas at WakeMed Brier Creek Tennis popularity slowly letic Conference – has seen said. “The community em- Hospital. spread throughout the great success in the HBCU braced them. They saw no The lunch was provided United States – with Black National Tennis Cham- difference in how they by Tropical Smoothie Café and white Americans – and pionship. The 2019 team were treated. They saw no on Miami Boulevard in Dur- by the 1930s Black stu- champions hailed from the difference in how they ham. UPS partnered with dent-athletes were compet- MEAC. Despite their suc- were coached.” the Foundation for the ing at predominantly white cess, Thomas believes the In addition to teaching lunch. universities in addition to achievements of student- their student-athletes to be See video of the event on Historically Black Colleges athletes at HBCUs do not open-minded and accept- our YouTube page. and Universities. receive the level of rec- ing, Thomas said that the However, a Black stu- ognition that they deserve. HBCU experience also NCCU’s Miller honored dent-athlete would not win “We’ve had some outstand- taught students self-con- N.C. Central sophomore the NCAA singles or dou- ing tennis coaches and stu- fidence, the value of hard pitcher Ryan Miller was bles championship until dent-athletes down work, determination, dis- named the MEAC pitcher of COURTESY 1965, when Arthur Ashe through the decades,” cipline, resilience, and the the week for his seven-in- swept both titles. The land- Thomas said. “That goes mental toughness to perse- ning shutout against Nor- Haddad back to Florida A&M and vere even when you know folk State last weekend. mark event came 82 years coordinator at Winston- of their health, has part- Althea Gibson.” that you have been mis- Miller struck out 10, al- after the inaugural Inter- Salem State from 2017-19. nered with the Southwest- Some of the HBCU treated. lowed four hits and two collegiate National Cham- “He is deeply tied to base- ern Athletic Conference. coaches he referenced Today, HBCUs – and all walks. He leads the MEAC pionship (pre-NCAA). ball in our area,” A&T base- SWAC members will re- were Howard University’s collegiate tennis programs in ERA at 0.75. The Eagles It would take 11 more ball coach Ben Hall said. ceive health care infor- Larry Strickland and – are facing a new chal- travel to Norfolk State years until a HBCU would “He had some great years mation via various streams, Hampton University’s Rob- lenge — the COVID-19 pan- March 6 for a double- win an NCAA DII title. In working with coach (Kevin) as well as access to physi- ert Screen. Before retiring demic. “I think we are header, then quickly return 1976, the Hampton Univer- Rische at WSSU. I have no cians and health and well- last June, Strickland had going through a metamor- home for a third game sity men’s team carved a doubt he will make a last- ness services. served as head coach of phosis right now because against the Spartans in name for themselves in ing impact on our guys on “Our partnership with the Howard Bison for 35 of the pandemic, and colle- Durham on Sunday. That’s history and defeated de- and off the field.” SWAC is an exciting one be- seasons. During that time giate programs and high a lot of traveling. fending champions UC Ir- cause the conference is re- ,he won three HBCU na- school programs are under At least they’ll be home vine to win the national ‘Prime Time’ effect vered by so many HBCU tional championships and financial stress,” Thomas for the next few games: a championship. Evidently, losing to Jack- students and alumni,” co- was named MEAC coach of explained. “Programs are three-game series against HBCUs were familiar with son State and Deion founder Tiffany Whitlow the year 11 times. being eliminated and East Tennessee State March carving out a spot for Sanders 53-0 will cost you said. “We know that educa- Screen and his Hampton eradicated. Minorities are 12-13 at Durham Athletic themselves. The institu- your job. Edward Waters tion about COVID-19, vacci- University program will significantly impacted by Park, and a matchup with tions regularly worked to College coach Greg Ruffin nations and other forever be a part of tennis this, so it is going to be a Duke March 16 at the DAP. create opportunities for has been released even health-related topics are history. They remain the continued uphill battle for their student-athletes to though his contract was set critical to student success only HBCU to win a Divi- tennis as a whole.” Stay home shine. “Back in the forties, to expire at the end of on and off the field. This fifties and sixties, HBCUs sion II NCAA national Despite Gov. Roy Cooper easing COVID restrictions March. partnership makes it pos- last week, Shaw University Ruffin was entering his sible to provide students BOOK wants its fans to stay third season after going 4- with the resources they 7 in 2018 and 1-10 in 2019. need in a way that is most THE ASSOCIATED PRESS who died while Paul was in helped shape who I am home. high school. The book’s today and what I value,” The athletic department EWC is set to join the SIAC, relevant to them.” NEW YORK — NBA All- title refers to a high school Paul said in a statement. released a statement Tues- although no word is offi- Star Chris Paul has an off- game, “His legacy of hard work day encouraging fans NOT cial. Defensive coordinator MEAC’s Hardy honored court project in the works: played and service to others is to attend spring home Joseph Carter has been MEAC Media Relations his first book. after his woven through the fabric events. Instead, watch on named interim. and Research Consultant, Paul’s “Sixty-One: Life grand- of my parenting, my com- the Shaw Bears Sports Net- Why do folks say “no Lonza Hardy Jr., was recog- Lessons from Papa, On father munity work and how I work or its website, comment” about a firing, nized by the College Sports and Off the Court” will died, have approached my bas- www.shawbears.com. Got when all you have to do is Information Directors of come out in September, St. when Paul ketball career. That high it? Stay. Home! go to the website and the America for 25 years of Martin’s Press announced. scored 61 school game where I person’s photo and bio are service. Co-written with journal- points — scored 61 points was a Aggie Pride! gone? Why? Hardy is a former athletic ist and ESPN broadcaster one for healing moment through Enad Haddad is North director at Mississippi Val- Michael Wilbon, the mem- each year basketball, and I am Carolina A&T State’s new SWAC partnership ley State, Hampton and Ar- oir by the Phoenix Suns’ his grandfather lived. thrilled to work with Mi- director of player devel- #NOWINCLUDED, a kansas-Pine Bluff. The UNC point guard is a tribute to “‘Sixty-One’ is a celebra- chael Wilbon to share this opment and operations. health care movement that alumnus has been at the his late grandfather and tion of my Papa Chilly who story with the world.” Haddad was a recruiting empowers communities of MEAC since 2018. mentor, Nathaniel Jones, color to take better control 8A FOCUS/The Triangle Tribune Sunday, March 7, 2021 SORORITY NEWS

COURTESY HBCU/MSI Fellowship Program participants. NCDOT honors first class Raleigh Alumnae Chapter of HBCU/MSI Fellowship showcases education, Program talent and service SUBMITTED BY LINDA DOUGLAS and Goldsboro as well as With many of the partici- STAFF REPORTS programs,” said NCDOT A&T history major, em- places as far away as Cali- pants in gowns and tuxe- ployed with GoTriangle RALEIGH – The annual RALEIGH – The N.C. De- Chief Deputy Secretary fornia.” dos, they only had to click * Sabria Futrell, an NCCU Crimson & Cream Scholar- partment of Transporta- David Howard. “I think the Entertainment included a a link to show off their business administration ship Gala hosted by the Ra- tion is honoring the first Fellowship Program exem- vocal solo by UNC Chapel dance moves for viewers. major, employed with the leigh Alumnae Chapter of class of the Office of HBCU plifies the kind of collabo- Hill senior Morgan Thomas Other features included a city of Durham Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Outreach’s HBCU/MSI Fel- ration we continuously who accompanied herself 50/50 raffle that sold out * Bessie Gilreath, an Inc. had guests dancing lows Program. The Office strive for at NCDOT, and it on the violin through a before event time and a NCCU political science and into the night with multiple of HBCU Outreach is ded- is always great to see more split screen. There was also choice of meals from one public administration surprises throughout the icated to educating the graduates of our state’s spoken word “The Black of the Empire Eats restau- major, was formerly em- event. public and building strate- HBCUs and MSIs join our Man” by North Carolina rants in downtown Raleigh, ployed with Ramey and The gala, billed as “A Vir- gic alliances that support industry.” Central student Esaie Ka- with proceeds going to the Kemp & Associates tual Affair to Remember,” NCDOT’s commitment to Members who have com- songo. cause. * Jimmy Davis, an NCCU not only succeeded in cre- creating an inclusive and pleted the program: Performers were intro- The entire evening bene- accounting and business ating a memorable even- diverse workforce. * Jaylin Thomas, an N.C. duced by former scholar- fited the chapter’s youth administration major, em- ing, but also in raising The HBCU/MSI Fellows Central criminal justice ship recipients: Fayetteville initiative programs which ployed with the NCDOT Of- money for scholarships Program, which is only one major, employed with the State University alumna focus on Science, Technol- fice of Civil Rights and community grants. part of this initiative, offers N.C. Division of Motor Ve- Jennifer Richards, now ogy, Engineering, Arts and Current cohorts of the “We are overjoyed by the workplace experience and hicles License and Theft working for a major labo- Mathematic (STEAM)-re- Fellows Program: outpouring of support learning opportunities at Bureau ratory provider, and Ca- lated career fields with par- * Edward Holley Jr., an from the community and the NCDOT to recent grad- * Ahmed Zharani, an N.C. tawba College alumnus ticipants ranging from NCCU environment earth beyond,” said chapter uates of North Carolina’s A&T State computational Jameson Clanton, now pre- kindergarten to 12th grade. and geospatial sciences president Angela Hatton. historically Black colleges science and engineering paring for an acting per- Also, the chapter funds major in NCDOT’s “We had no idea of what to or universities or minority- and systems engineering formance in Branson, community grants through Bike/Ped Innovations Unit expect when we switched serving institutions. The major, employed with the Missouri. East Coast saxo- money raised from the * Yahnay Baptiste, an to the virtual environment, program’s goal is to place N.C. Pandemic Recovery phone player Lionel Lyles event. NCCU mass communica- but the nature of the event participants into full-time Office and high demand DJ Skillz To relive the night, visit tions major in the NCDOT allowed members to invite employment. Eight of the * Alexia Edmunds, an also wowed guests. www.raleighdst.org/gala Office of Civil Rights relatives and friends from 12 members have already NCCU public administra- One of the many fun op- and click on the arrow on * Brandon Beaty, an across the country. Guests moved on to find full-time tion major, employed with portunities of the night the top right. NCCU biology major in the joined us from Charlotte employment. the NCDMV Compliance was the virtual dance floor. NCDMV Compliance Office “I am thrilled with the Office * Nina Barrett, an NCCU successes of both the Of- * Brandon Reyes, an business administration fice of HBCU Outreach and NCCU management major, major in NCDOT’s Chief the students who have employed with the NCDMV Pandemic may make kids Deputy Secretary’s Office joined us through these Compliance Office * Nathan Kemp, an N.C. more cavity prone By Nadia Ramlagan N.C. NEWS SERVICE RALEIGH – Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children, and as families postpone preventive dental care due to the pandemic, experts say it's important to main- tain good oral health habits at home. Dr. Kerry Dove, who runs a pediatric dental practice in Concord, said lack of a really big, quickly." obsessive about infection normal schedule means Dove noted 1 in 4 kids control, and are taking kids at home may be ages 6 to 11 have at least extra precautions to keep snacking throughout the one untreated cavity. The patients safe. "Make sure day, which can lead to cav- American Dental Associa- you talk to your provider ities. She recommended tion recommends continu- about your comfort level brushing kids' teeth in the ing routine checkups and or you know, if they can morning and at night, cleanings in the pandemic, move you to a private but the World Health Or- room," Dove suggested. FILE PHOTO drinking lots of water, and staying away from chewy ganization cautioned non- "Dentists are doing a lot of and sugary foods like fruit emergency dental services things to make people feel snacks. should be avoided as safe as possible; taking Five ways small businesses "Baby tooth decay can get wherever community temperatures, making sure really severe, really fast," transmission of COVID-19 everyone's wearing Dove explained. "But, you is high or uncontrolled. masks." can grow assets in 2021 know, if you've got a diet Use websites like covidact- One study published last full of simple sugars and now.org to check your fall found fewer than 1% of STAFF REPORTS your promise to cus- than they were before pre- juice and carbohydrates, local infection rates. dentists nationwide had Dove added dentists are tested COVID-positive. The pandemic made tomers,” Buitron says, “so senting you with a prob- then small things can get 2020 a difficult year for you need to make sure all lem.” many small businesses. of your messaging is valid, * Focus on building and But other small companies consistent and on point. improving your team. “A had success despite the Every aspect of your successful company is surge in outbreaks and are branding should align to built on the strength of its hoping to build on those show iron-clad authentic- employees,” Buitron says. achievements in 2021. ity.” “Leaders need to see their How can they keep their * Maximize social media people have passion for momentum going, and marketing through story- their jobs, which is essen- what can other companies telling. Over half of social tial to success in small learn from their struggles media users research business. If you have a POST BEST to navigate the challenges brands they’re not familiar great team, it can always be of the new year? with, and keeping their at- better, and it’s important “To stay afloat, owners tention is the key. Buitron they know that.” adjusted on the fly and cre- says storytelling about the * Keep adapting. “If BANQUET atively found ways to company on social media companies big and small change their operations,” channels resonates with learned anything during April 17, 2021 said Chris Buitron, CEO customers and can create a the pandemic, it was about and president of Mosquito connection that leads to how to adapt,” Buitron Virtual but Vital Event 6-7:30 PM Authority (www.mosquito- customer loyalty. “Use dif- says. “That concept (Available to livestream from anywhere) ferent forms, long and doesn’t figure to change. authority.com). “Those Rescheduled from the October 17th due to COVID-19 that survived can use inno- short, of your company’s Adaptability means being vations they came up with story: vignettes and quotes prepared to pivot whether 2020 HONOREES during the pandemic to in your social media mar- you see big change coming generate new opportuni- keting, a complete version or not. For example, a ties and drive revenue. on your website. Human- major switch to online “But there is a lot of un- ize; let potential customers sales by many companies certainty still ahead in the see the people behind the was the only way they business world, and brand and the people your could survive. Then they strategy should be a com- company has helped.” learned how to offer more bination of honest reflec- * Emphasize customer online services. Building tion and a deep study of service. Buitron notes that on those changes, and Luminary Educator Top High Top High where your industry and some companies that did finding creative ways to Bishop Clause Dr. Curtis Carroll School Senior School Senior Alexander Vance High School, Raven Funderburke Emory Brinson audience currently are.” well during the pandemic adjust to new customer de- did so because they went mands, will continue to The Park Retired Olympic High School South Mecklenburg Buitron has these five High School tips for small businesses to the extra mile for cus- grow companies.” improve or keep their mo- tomers. “Customer service “The pandemic made Contact info mentum going in 2021: is how you hold onto them. businesses think about ʺ˘˥˔˟˗ʽˢ˛ˡ˦ˢˡϧʪʣʧʠʦʪʩʠʣʧʬʪ * Fine-tune your mes- Sometimes the customer their operations in a very [email protected] saging. Research shows service that has the most in-depth way,” Buitron that effective branding is impact is that which pro- says. “Going forward, more connected with a com- vides an unexpected solu- small-business owners will pany’s authenticity, so it’s tion. Train your people to be better positioned for think outside the box and success if they really important to coordinate http://tcpfdn.org/2020PBBE messaging across all chan- make it goal No. 1 to make learned from what it took nels. “Your branding is customers much happier to survive 2020.”