WWW.TRIANGLE TRIBUNE.COM DHHS seeks to The Triangle reassure patients, providers By Rose Hoban RIBUNE N.C. HEALTH NEWS TTHE TRIANGLE’S CHOICE FOR THE BLACK VOICE All dressed up and ready to … wait? That was the prevailing sentiment in Pinehurst last week at the annual Center for In- VOLUME 21 NO. 27 WEEK OF DECEMBER 15, 2019 $1.00 tegrative Health Conference designed to help Medicaid pro- viders, contractors and patients share best practices. Even though the Pinehurst resort was decked out in holiday finery, many of the folks who attended were feeling profoundly unset- Rivals Jordan and tled as they tried to grasp what was happening with the Medi- caid transformation that was supposed to roll out last month, Hillside split their then in February and now, who knows? doubleheader in junior “We’re just kind of like sitting on the edge of our seats waiting to be told what to do next,” said Jenny Gadd, chief compliance varsity basketball. officer with Alberta Professional Services, a mental health agency that works with people with intellectual and devel- opmental disabilities. “It’s been really disheartening and unclear where to go from here.” For four years, the Department of Health and Human Services, physical and mental health service providers, the managed care Please see DHHS/2A NC health TMLA cadets earn care awards in Kentucky costs COURTESY rise Nursing By Yen Duong N.C. HEALTH NEWS workers North Carolinians spend a greater share of their money on health care costs than the national fill gap average. A new report shows that in 2018, North Carolinians in rural paid almost 14% of the state’s median income on employer-sponsored areas health plan premiums and deductibles, up from By Nadia Ramlagan around 11% in 2008. For N.C. NEWS SERVICE comparison, in 2008, the average American spent RALEIGH – Access to men- just under 8% of median tal-health care in rural com- income on premiums and munities continues to shrink, deductibles. By 2018, that but a team of nurse prac- rose to 11.5%. titioners aims to change that. About half of Americans The University of North get health insurance Carolina-Chapel Hill has re- through their employers, ceived $6 million in federal according to the report funding to recruit, train and published by The Com- financially support 70 pri- monwealth Fund, a non- mary-care nurse prac- profit research institute. titioners specializing in Using federal data from a mental health who will work survey of over 40,000 exclusively in rural areas. American employers, the Dr. Victoria Soltis-Jarrett, researchers concluded that Carol Morde Ross distin- premiums and deductibles guished professor of psychi- have grown faster than in- atric-mental health nursing come, which means at the university, is leading they’re taking a higher per- the effort and said mental- centage of family incomes. health needs in the state are The data did not con- outpacing the number of sider copays, which means COURTESY health care providers. that people are likely Two cadets from the Thomas Mentor Leadership Academy were honored recently in "The mental health system spending even more of Louisville, Kentucky, at the Rumble, Young Man, Rumble banquet. in North Carolina is over- their income on health Trey Breeden won the Muhammad Ali Spirituality Award, and Aahron Benthall earned whelmed," Soltis-Jarrett said. care costs. “Health care "So it's not that it's broken so and health insurance cov- the Muhammad Ali Respect Award. much as it's just over- erage are essential to For more information about the academy, visit www.tmlacademy.org. whelmed and inundated with people’s well-being and fi- referrals because primary nancial security,” said care doesn't know nec- David Blumenthal, pres- essarily how to manage these ident of the Common- individuals." wealth Fund. “And yet Suicide is now the second- employer health care cov- leading cause of death erage is leaving millions of among the state's young families exposed to high Education board examines people, and, in 2016, more and potentially unafford- than 1,000 North Carolinians able costs.” ended their own lives, ac- Next year, the penalty for cording to the state Depart- not having health insur- decline in exam pass rates ment for Health and Human ance will be $0, effectively Services. eliminating the individual By Greg Childress Soltis-Jarrett added in the mandate created by the Af- THE POLICY WATCH southeastern part of the fordable Care Act. Not only The percentage of teachers state, natural disasters have do high premiums keep passing state licensure exams compounded stress from the people from choosing in- has fallen to 80 percent, leav- opioid crisis. surance, but high deduct- ing some members of the State "One, in particular, is in the ibles can keep even Board of Education to wonder southeast of North Carolina insured folks from using if students are being short- where they've had a lot of health care, said the report changed by ill-prepared tragedy with the two hurri- authors. teachers. canes, flooding, there's a lot When deductibles add up A report shared with SBE of poverty," she said. to 5% or more of a family’s members last week showed She said allowing nurse income, the Common- the passing rate on state practitioners to provide wealth Fund calls those teacher exams falling from health care without oversight families underinsured. Un- 96% percent in 2014 to 80.2% from physicians could allow derinsured families are the in 2018. nurses to expand their serv- norm in 18 states, includ- “I know there are other path- ices even more. ing North Carolina, where ways to teaching, but if you "I've actually even had average deductibles are spent four years at a university physicians say, 'Is there any $3,325, or 5.7 percent of in an EPP [Education Prepara- way we can get rid of this re- median income. Many tion Program] and can’t pass striction or requirement?' I families fall into the the content test and the ped- think is how they put it," she “family coverage glitch.” agogy test, then we have a said. For single-person pol- The SAVE Act, introduced problem and it’s showing up in CLAYTON HENKEL icies, employees qualify our test scores,” SBE member earlier this year by Rep. Josh for marketplace subsidies Amy White said during the Quality is this North Carolina’s teacher’s superpower. Dobson and Sen. Ralph Hise if they spend more than from Spruce Pine, both Re- board’s monthly meeting. most in low-wealth districts who are not adequately 9.86 percent of their in- White and others questioned publicans, would lift state re- come on premiums. But with the lowest-performing equipped to help students strictions that now require whether the falling scores re- schools,” White said. “Those grow and perform at the rate that doesn’t work for flect a decline in teacher qual- nurse practitioners to be su- family plans: in NC, fam- are the hardest teaching seats they should.” pervised by a physician. ity. to fill, so it gives me great SBE member J.B. Buxton said ilies spend an average of “This is probably most con- 10.25 percent of their in- pause that we would be put- EPPs should give licensure cerning to me because I know ting educators in those seats Please see HEALTH/2A that teacher vacancies occur Please see BOARD/2A ### Index Address: 115 Market St., Suite 360-G Publisher: Gerald O. Johnson Follow The Tribune on News 1A Religion 5A Durham, NC 27701 Managing Editor/Sports Editor: Bonitta Best Classifieds Sports 6A (919) 688-9408 Advertising: Linda Johnson 4A Focus 8A © 2019 The Triangle Tribune www.triangletribune.com 2A NEWS/The Triangle Tribune Sunday, December 15, 2019 DHHS seeks to reassure Health care costs for patients, providers NC employees rise Continued from page 1A ruary one, that people were on contract until December Continued from page 1A fordable Care Act, ex- charged by providers of organizations that will run geared up to do that work, 13 in order to staff the come on premiums but plained Hughes Waren Jr. care to commercial in- the new system, and North they were prepared to do phone calls coming in from don’t get the subsidies. “If of the North Carolina Asso- surers and that are passed Carolina’s entire health that work, and then we people around the state people are facing premium ciation of Health Under- on to employers,” Radley care system has been gear- changed it and that just trying to figure out what is costs that high, at which writers. For example, the said. ing up for the change. creates lots of chaos and going on. About 150,000 point do they decide to not federal out-of-pocket limits Waren, who has worked Under transformation, the conflict with folks.” Medicaid beneficiaries had continue having insur- for family plans are rising in health insurance since Medicaid program will go That chaos was reflected chosen which managed ance?” Collins asked. “At to $16,400 in 2020 versus 1997, doesn’t think that from one that pays for in comments from care care company they wanted what point does it become $12,600 in 2014. “Larger North Carolina employers each individual visit, shot providers, who had put in to get their care from. The a matter of public policy to employers have greater are passing the buck to and test, to one that pays a lot of work to make the rest of the people who think about addressing control of trying to keep employees, and attributes providers a lump sum in changeover, and who are were slated to change over, that affordability issue?” their benefit plan the same the higher percentage here exchange for better health also stymied in their ef- more than a million North Carolina is one of as it was the year prior,” to lower median income: outcomes for beneficiaries. forts. Gadd said her agency people, were supposed to 14 states which has not ex- said Waren, who has $58,038 in 2018 versus a But the ongoing tug of was gearing up to hire a be assigned to managed panded Medicaid, which worked with businesses national average of war between the General new compliance officer to care companies early next would allow people who with 10 employees to $64,202. Assembly and Gov. Roy handle the new paperwork year. That’s also on hold. don’t qualify for Medicaid, those with more than 700 “The issue, in my opin- Cooper over the budget that managed care will Richard expressed hope but who earn less than 138 employees. “In the groups ion, is not the insurance and over expanding the bring. “We have interviews that when the General As- percent of the poverty that are over 50, over 100, premium. The issue is the Medicaid program to in- scheduled and stuff, like sembly returns to Raleigh level ($35,535 for a family you don’t see much of cost of care,” Waren said, clude an additional hun- we were just about to make in January for an abbrevi- of four), to pay little or no their out-of-pocket limit or referencing hospital dreds of thousands of that move,” she said. “And ated session, DHHS’ premiums for Medicaid deductibles changing mergers causing higher low-income beneficiaries then this came down, so budget issues will finally coverage rather than much over the last five, six prices. “The higher the has brought that transfor- now I’m like, I don’t know get addressed. The depart- buying their plans on the years.” hospital costs are, the mation to a screeching if [we] should proceed or ment has not yet cal- marketplace. Part of the problem is [more] insurance com- halt. In November, the de- wait.” culated the cost of the All the costs that go into that employers aren’t mo- panies have to adjust their partment announced it DHHS is experiencing suspension, but Richard the Commonwealth Fund tivated to lower employee base for plans to cover the was suspending the work some of that chaos as well. put it in the millions, per- calculations are increasing: contributions, the report cost of those rates.” to facilitate the changeover Richard said the agency haps in the tens of millions deductibles, premiums said. David Radley, a co-au- Since many large em- because they didn’t have had not laid employees off, of dollars. Some of that paid by employers and thor, used Massachusetts, ployers are so scattered, the budget dollars. And but multiple contractors cost will be in restarting how much employees with an average 26 percent they can’t negotiate lower that has people wondering will have to go. He also said contracts and getting spend toward those pre- employee contribution to- prices, Radley said, citing what to do. it was likely the managed things back up to speed miums. In 2008, about 71 ward premiums, as an ex- Walmart, the nation’s At a session, leadership care companies will lay off when the process does go percent of employer-spon- ample. largest employer, as an ex- from the DHHS worked to contractors and technical forward. Some of the cost sored insurance plans in- In that state, employers ample. “When they go to provide reassurance that experts they had hired to is that open enrollment cluded deductibles; by compete for employees by the local hospital and say, the delay is just that, a create information man- will have to be redone be- 2018 that number was 87 offering more generous ‘Give us a better price,’ the delay, and that the change- agement software, enroll- cause beneficiaries who se- percent. benefits. “The biggest local hospital says, ‘No over would happen even- ment systems, data lected plans before may Employers with fewer source of increased costs thanks.’And if that’s true tually. But Medicaid head analytics and lay the change their minds. than 50 employees use in- in our health care system for Walmart, it’s true for Dave Richard was unwill- groundwork for change. “The longer it takes us to surer-offered plans that right now seems to be the everybody.” ing to put a date on it. “We “We just can’t continue to restart, the harder it’s meet mandates from Af- increasing prices that are do not want to set a date have those folks on during going to be, both to get until we have absolute cer- the timeframe, when we these people back and to tainty about the budget,” don’t know when we’ll go then recreate that,” Kinsley he told N.C. Health News. live,” he said. “And we said. “The longer we delay, Senate passes bill to save “We feel that the two times don’t have the access to it’s kind of an exponential previous to this that we’ve the dollars.” or at least multiplicative had the go-live date, the The department is keep- impact to try to get the ing the enrollment broker team back together.” funding for HBCUs November launch and Feb- By Collin Binkley House, it was applauded as million a year to more than AP EDUCATION WRITER a rare instance of coopera- 100 schools designated as tion in a Congress that has State Board of Ed The Senate recently Historically Black Colleges remained deeply divided passed a bipartisan deal and Universities, along over a range of issues. that would permanently re- with other institutions that “This is an example of the store funding to histori- serve large shares of His- examines decline in kinds of important goals panic and Native American cally black colleges and we can achieve when both universities and other students. sides reach across the aisle schools that serve large Previous legislation to find common ground,” licensure exam pass rates shares of minority stu- promised to provide that said Sen. Doug Jones, D- dents. funding every year, but it Ala., the bill’s sponsor. Continued from page 1A Despite the falling pass- taken at the end of the fis- The legislation also expired at the end of Sep- “This is wonderful news exams before teachers ing rate, Tomberlin said cal year in which they would simplify the federal tember after the Senate for students and faculty at complete the program. data show teachers pre- completed an EPP. “So, form used to apply for stu- failed to renew it. The im- minority-serving institu- That way, any deficiency a pared by the state’s EPPs there are going to be more dent financial aid. passe threw budgets into tions across the country.” prospective teacher has are the most “effective” teachers who come out Although the amended jeopardy at scores of If enacted, the bill would could be addressed before and most “persistent” and do not pass the test bill has yet to go before the he or she goes to work, he teachers. “They stay in the but go ahead and are em- permanently grant $255 Please see HBCUS/3A said. profession longer and ployed in a North Carolina Since 2016, teachers they perform higher than school, and therefore have been given up to those prepared through they’re going to show up three years after complet- other routes,” Tomberlin on initial pass rates as fai- ing an ed prep program to said. lures,” Tomberlin said. He pass licensure exams. North Carolina has 52 ed contends that’s not the They receive an initial li- prep programs approved most accurate way to cense and can work as by the SBE. They include measure the state’s pass- teachers while preparing private and public univer- ing rate if teachers are to take the tests. Before, sities and colleges as well going to be allowed up to teachers were not allowed as smaller programs three years to pass exams. to enter the classroom to created by school districts Moving forward, Tom- work without having and nonprofits to feed the berlin said the state will passed state licensure teacher pipeline. In some measure passing rates of exams. “What is the moti- states, the licensure pass- EPP teachers as cohorts. vation for us putting ing rate is calculated using Tomberlin acknowl- teachers in seats who are only students who have edged that “something’s not qualified or equipped completed an ed prep pro- happening” to send the to teach adequately?” gram. In those states, a passing rate plummeting White asked. program completer is de- but doesn’t believe it’s be- Tom Tomberlin, director fined as someone who has cause the state’s EPPs have of educator recruitment both finished the program declined in quality. and support, explained and passed state licensure The NCDPI report shows that school district leaders exams, which effectively a nearly 11 percent de- say teachers who have gives the state a 100% crease in the number of been through an ed prep passing rate. students completing EPPs program but didn’t pass li- In North Carolina, the li- from 2014 to 2018. In censure exams are better censure passing rate re- 2014, 5,113 students com- hires than long-term sub- flects the percentage of pleted the program com- stitutes. teachers who passed tests pared 4,446 in 2018. Political fights for 2020 begin to emerge By Kirk Ross legislative and congres- sional races would likely CAROLINA PUBLIC PRESS sional districts. yield a two-seat pick up for In a unanimous ruling, a With legal challenges to Democrats but noted that three-judge panel in Wake the state’s congressional any changes beyond that County Superior Court and legislative maps are unlikely given the way overseeing the challenge to closed, candidate filing for the districts were drawn. the state’s congressional North Carolina’s 2020 elec- Although a two-seat change districts authorized the use tion cycle opened last is likely, “few districts are of new maps approved by week, setting in motion poised to be genuinely the General Assembly last what promises to be a con- competitive,” Crystal Ball month and lifted an earlier tentious year of campaigns Associate Editor J. Miles order preventing the elec- up and down the ballot. Coleman wrote. “Though tion from going forward. The three-week filing the new map is altogether Former U.S. Attorney period opened December more reflective of the state General Eric Holder, chair 2, after an unusually quick in terms of its expected of the National Democratic resolution to the latest delegation, North Carolina Redistricting Committee, legal fight over the state’s is a competitive battle- said the new maps repre- congressional maps. ground state; in that re- sented an improvement, Since this is a presiden- gard, none of the new but voters still deserved tial election year, North districts mirror the state’s better. Carolina’s primary election purple demeanor.” The committee’s affiliate, moves from early May to So far, as a result of the the National Redistricting Super Tuesday, March 3, new districts, one incum- Foundation, has been during which 14 other bent has announced his re- working with plaintiffs in states will also hold pri- tirement, and nine have the case. maries. Filing ends at noon filed to run in the new dis- A recent Sabato’s Crystal December 20, with early tricts. 2nd Congressional Ball analysis of the con- voting scheduled to begin District GOP Rep. George gressional districts by the February 13. Holding, who ousted Rep. University of Virginia The filing season marks Renee Ellmers in the 2016 Center of Politics agreed the end, for now, of the primary, announced he with the consensus view nearly decadelong series of would not run again. that the shift in congres- legal battles over state Please see POLITICAL/3A 3A NEWS/The Triangle Tribune Sunday, December 15, 2019 Political fights for 2020 begin to emerge Continued from page 2A President Donald Trump, publican primary to deter- Current members of was mentioned by the mine his challenger for Congress filing to run in Washington Examiner as a governor is a two-way race their new districts last potential replacement for between Lt. Gov. Dan For- week were Democrats White House acting Chief est and N.C. Rep. Holly Alma Adams, G.K Butter- of Staff Mick Mulvaney, the Grange, R-New Hanover. field and David Price, and second year in a row for The field of candidates in Republicans Greg Murphy, the rumor. both parties to replace For- Virginia Foxx, Richard Hud- Last week, The Hill re- est as lieutenant governor son, Dan Bishop, Patrick ported that Walker has stands at five Democrats McHenry and Ted Budd. been polling to determine and five Republicans. No candidates have filed his chances in a primary Democrats include Van yet in the redrawn 2nd against either Budd or U.S. Duyn and N.C. Reps. Congressional District, Sen. Thom Tillis, who is Yvonne Holley, D-Wake, which is now entirely currently without a pri- and Chaz Beasley, D-Meck- within the borders of Wake mary challenger after Gar- lenburg. Republicans in- County, but Deborah Ross, land Tucker’s clude Ellmers, R-Dunn, and former state representative announcement last week state Sen. Andy Wells, R- and 2016 Senate candi- that he would drop out of Catawba. Current state date, has said she intends the race. Meanwhile, the Schools Superintendent to run. field of Democrats seeking Mark Johnson is also ex- Four-term 7th Congres- to challenge Tillis ended pected to file for lieutenant sional District Rep. David the first week of filing at governor. Rouzer is expected to file five candidates, including Also well-populated after soon as well, but two Re- front-runners N.C. Sen. the first week of filing is Erica Smith and former the Democratic primary to publicans, Reps. Mark COURTESY Walker and Mark Meadows, N.C. Sen. Cal Cunningham. replace Johnson as super- could be considering other Gov. Roy Cooper made intendent with four candi- options. Last month, his reelection bid official dates already in the Meadows, who is close to last week. For now, the Re- running. Senate passes bill to save ‘String Queens’ changing funding for HBCUs Continued from page 2A amid mounting concerns estimated to save $2.8 bil- schools enrolling millions over the fate of the fund- lion over a decade. face of classical music of students. The funding is ing. Their agreement “It’s hard to think of a primarily meant to support would permanently extend piece of legislation that BLACKNEWS.COM science, technology, engi- the $255 million in annual would have more of a last- funding, a shift that has ing impact on minority stu- The three members of neering and math pro- drawn wide support from dents and their families the fast-rising, all-black grams for minority education advocates. than this bill,” Alexander women musical group, The institutions. “This permanent funding said. He added that it takes String Queens, have each The Senate’s stalemate solution, which would “a big first step in simplify- experienced racism during over the funding was tied stave off unnecessary cuts ing the FAFSA for 20 mil- their musical career. Ho- to a broader battle over the for our institutions, will lion American families.” wever, they used it as fuel Higher Education Act, a allow HBCUs to continue Sen. Patty Murray, D- to serve as an instrument federal law governing col- fostering innovation and Wash., the ranking Demo- for change and diversity in leges and universities that inspiring future leaders in crat on the Senate classical music. was last reauthorized in the STEM disciplines — education committee, ap- Starting out as soloists in 2008. and that helps our nation,” plauded the deal but said Washington, D.C., Kendall Sen. Lamar Alexander, R- said Michael L. Lomax, the funding never should Isadore, Élise Sharp, and we try to partner with at various KIPP DC middle Tenn., chairman of the president and CEO of the have lapsed in the first Dawn Johnson have each people who look like us schools, where they teach Senate’s education com- United Negro College Fund. place. heard a number of racist and who have a similar young musicians how to mittee, blocked a tempo- The bill would cover the “I’m glad that we were remarks that really hurt message as us." play traditional classical rary extension of the cost through savings gen- able to reach a deal that them. Two years ago, the Aside from bridging the music as well as improvisa- funding in September and erated by simplifying the provides minority-serving three started playing in big gap between different tional techniques. In re- instead moved it to a pack- Free Application for Fed- institutions with the cer- concert halls and since races, they are also intro- turn, they discover new age of bills he’s pursuing eral Student Aid, or FAFSA. tainty of funding they de- then, they have tried to ducing a fresh take on clas- music from their students. as part of a piecemeal re- By making it easier for the serve,” she said. “Now, I push for racial diversity. sical music as they The trio released their newal of the Higher Educa- Education Department to look forward to continuing "We're actually modeling incorporate mainstream self-titled debut album, tion Act. But Democrats gather applicants’ tax in- to work with my Repub- what we believe the musi- pop in most of their sets. which featured covers rejected the proposal, vow- formation from the Inter- lican colleagues on efforts cal world should be like," The trio even does using the arrangements ing to move toward a more nal Revenue Service, the to overhaul the Higher Sharp told the DCist. "And mashups people would they have been performing comprehensive update of proposal promises to re- Education Act in a compre- even [in] the people that likely never imagine to hit live on stage. They are also the sweeping education move up to 22 questions hensive, bipartisan way work with us on our off but they did. set to perform as ensem- law. from the form and elimi- that does right by all stu- graphic design and our The String Queens also ble-in-residence in Wash- Both sides announced a nate other administrative dents.” production in the studio, serve as orchestra directors ington, D.C. compromise this week hurdles. The changes are SUNDAY DECEMBER 15, 2019 PAGE A4 AUCTIONS HOLIDAY/GIFT SERVICES

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W orship B riefs

RALEIGH Dec. 15, 2 p.m., The Hil- Christmas cantata will COMPASSIONATE ton Hotel, 3800 Hills- be presented on Dec. 22 BAPTIST borough St. The public is at 10 a.m. The theme is 2310 Compassionate invited. “The Night That Christ The Christmas Angel Was Born.” Tree program is going DUKE MEMORIAL on. Select an ornament 504 W. Chapel Hill St. DUKE CHAPEL from the tree and return NC Raise Up will host Duke will hold four all gifts by Dec. 18 to the its first Solidarity Awards Christmas Eve services at secretary’s office. Dinner on Dec. 17, 6-9 2, 4, 6 and 11 p.m. The • Christmas with Com- p.m. Register at services also will air live passionate is Dec. 21, 6 www.eventbrite.com. on the Duke Chapel web- p.m., Lea Community site and YouTube chan- Family Center, 2500 HILLSIDE HIGH nel. Poole Rd. Semi-formal Annual popular pro- event. duction of Black Nativity Send your church news will be performed Dec. to: The Triangle Tribune, BAPTIST PRESS DURHAM 20-22 at Hillside High 115 Market Street, Suite Tony Evans is the first African American to publish a study Bible and one-volume WORD EMPOWERMENT School, 3727 Fayetteville 360-G, Durham, NC Bible commentary. Word Empowerment St. Visit www.blacknativ- 27701; e-mail info@trian- Church will host a spe- itydurham.com. gletribune.com; or fax cial holiday giving cam- 688-2740. Deadline: Tony Evans publishes paign by giving away a WEST DURHAM Tuesday by noon. car to a family in need on historic study Bible and 1901 Athens Avenue AROUND THE TRIANGLE RALEIGH DURHAM CLINIC commentary BREAKFAST PARTIES: A beginner’s clinic in BAPTIST PRESS books of the Bible and to before African Americans A pancake breakfast for • Boys & Girls Club of fencing is Dec. 22, 1:30-3 volunteers and supporters Durham & Orange p.m., Mid-South Fencers NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After help readers see how eter- were allowed in our major is Dec. 17, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Counties will host a holi- Club, 125 N. Gregson St. 50 years of pastoral mini- nity and history are con- institutions of biblical Learning Together cafete- day party and goodbye to Visit midsouthfencer- stry, Tony Evans has re- nected by this unifying learning due to segre- ria, 568 E. Lenoir St. its current building on Pet- sclub.org. leased "The CSB Tony theme of the glory of God gation." tigrew Street on Dec. 16. Evans Study Bible" and through the advancement Evans said the root of di- FUNDRAISER KWANZAA "The Tony Evans Bible of His Kingdom." visions, like those sur- John Fey will run for 24 AARP Hayti Legacy Kwanzaa Commentary" with Life- Evans is the senior pas- rounding race, come from continuous hours to raise The next AARP Durham celebration is Dec. 26, 1-9 Way's B&H Publishing. In tor of Oak Cliff Bible Fel- people not having and ex- money for Healing Tran- Chapter #189 meeting is p.m., Hayti Heritage doing so, he becomes the lowship in Dallas and the ercising a worldview driven sitions Dec. 22, 3 p.m. at Dec. 18, 2-4 p.m., Durham Center, 804 Old Fay- first African American to founder of The Urban Al- by God's Kingdom. He re- Historic Oakwood Ceme- Center for Senior Life, 406 etteville St. publish a study Bible and ternative, a media ministry called being rejected by a tery, 701 Oakwood Ave. Rigsbee Ave. one-volume Bible com- whose radio broadcasts church because of his race. HILLSBOROUGH mentary. are heard by millions each "That's an illustration of ASSISTANCE VIGIL AWARDS "I'm humbled. I'm from week on more than 1,400 how I was hearing some- Applications for the Low- Annual Homeless Memo- Nominations for the an- urban Baltimore. I would radio outlets across 130 thing preached and wasn't Income Energy Assistance rial Vigil is Dec. 21, 6 p.m., nual Pauli Murray Awards never have thought I would countries. He has been seeing it worked out in so- Program are being taken Durham Central Park, 501 end Dec. 31. Visit www.or- be in this place," Evans breaking racial barriers for ciety," he said. through Dec. 31. Visit Foster St. angecountync.gov. said. "I know God could much of his ministry. In Helping people grasp a www.ncdhhs.gov. have used someone else. 1982, he became the first Kingdom-oriented mindset The fact that He's allowed African American to grad- has been part of his mini- me the opportunity to do uate with a doctoral degree stry and is a reason he de- this with my weaknesses from Dallas Theological veloped his study Bible and KNOW YOUR BLACK HISTORY and with my flaws, it Seminary. commentary. If an individ- shows me grace, it shows "To be the first of any- ual develops a "compre- me mercy, it shows me thing is an honor," Evans hensive Kingdom gratitude." said. "But you want to han- approach" to life, Evans Due to the historic nature dle honors in the right way said, they can see how the of the study Bible and com- – to carry yourself in a way Bible addresses everything mentary, the Museum of that recognizes you are a they face. "I've not found an the Bible in Washington, tool that God didn't have issue yet that a Kingdom D.C., has informed Evans to use. You are privileged approach will not address they will be placing the because He used you. That in a simple form." publications on display in ought to make you a better Evans has served as the the future. servant, not a bigger star." chaplain of the NBA's Dal- Evans said he wanted to Evans also noted there las Mavericks for three dec- create "The Tony Evans being a "downside" to ades and counting, the Study Bible" and "The Tony being the first African longest standing NBA chap- Evans Bible Commentary" American to reach certain laincy. He is also a former to "show the kingdom milestones because it chaplain of the NFL's Dallas thread throughout all the means "it took a long time Cowboys. Pastors less optimistic Meet Wall Street’s first black millionaire about economy’s impact BLACKNEWS.COM who defied every conven- "The Prince of Darkness" In the mid-1800s, Jere- tion of his time. because of his success, but miah G. Hamilton was a During his career as a it went a lot further. on churches well-known African Ameri- stock broker on Wall Street, In 1863, several white can figure on Wall Street. Hamilton was the only men broke into his house By Aaron Earls 14 percent in September form," said McConnell. "It's Although his origins were black millionaire in New with the intention of lynch- BAPTIST PRESS 2018 to 26 percent this not surprising that fewer lowly, possibly slave, he re- York City. ing him, but he wasn't year. African American NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As churches are seeing year- portedly was the richest He used a lot of his for- home at the time. pastors are the most likely retail stores hope the holi- over-year growth in 2019 black man in the United tune to invest in real es- Despite death threats, he to say the economy is hav- day shopping season gives without a similar stimulus States, possessing a for- tate. For example, he paid went on to live a long, ing a negative effect on their bottom line a lift, to their congregants' take- tune of $2 million, or in ex- about $7 million to buy up prosperous life. their congregation (49 per- American Protestant pas- home pay." cess of $250 million in quite a bit of land and When he died in May cent), while white pastors tors are less sure the econ- Larger churches are more today’s currency. property in areas known 1875, he was about 68 are the most likely to see a omy is helping their likely to see increased giv- In his book, “Prince of today in New York as Asto- years old and still consid- positive impact for their congregation this year. ing from 2018. Half of Darkness,” historian Shane ria and Poughkeepsie. ered the wealthiest black church (33 percent). Pas- Around 2 in 5 pastors of churches with 250 or more White reveals the larger- A victim of racism, he man in the United States. tors of the smallest congre- Protestant churches in the in attendance (50 percent) than-life story of a man was sarcastically labeled gations, those with fewer United States (41 percent) say offerings are up this than 50 in attendance, are say the economy is having year. Forty-two percent of most likely to say the econ- no impact on their church, pastors of churches with omy is having a negative according to a new survey attendance of 100 to 249 Legislators seek to curb impact (37 percent) and the from Nashville-based Life- say the same. A third of least likely to say it's hav- Way Research. The rest are congregations with 50 to ing a positive one (17 per- nearly split on whether the 99 in attendance (34 per- cent). cent) have seen an increase rise in maternal deaths effect is positive (30 per- Whatever the economic cent) or negative (26 per- in 2019, while only a climate is outside the terical, their concerns are- "One of the big causes of cent). "Fundamentally, the quarter of churches with By Nadia Ramlagan church, around 3 in 4 pas- n't being taken seriously, death is postpartum hem- U.S. economy is in a similar fewer than 50 (25 percent) N.C. NEWS SERVICE tors say their offerings this medically seriously," Ban- orrhaging. And so, if you're place that it was a year have seen a similar uptick. RALEIGH – The American year have been at or above dele said. not able to get your follow- ago," said Scott McConnell, African American pastors Academy of Physicians and last year's. More than a Legislators have intro- up and see the doctor, then executive director of Life- are again the most likely to other groups are continu- third (37 percent) say their duced two bills – the Mater- you are at risk of experi- Way Research. "Yet pastors see a negative financial pic- ing to press Congress to church's giving has been nal Health Quality encing complications post- are less optimistic about ture in their congregations. pass two bills aimed at re- up so far this year. The Improvement Act and the delivery." this outside influence on More than a third (36 per- ducing the nation's high same percentage (37 per- Helping Medicaid Offer Ma- Bandele also pointed out their church than they cent) say their giving is maternal death rate. The cent) say it has been the ternity Services Act – that, that reforming how hospi- were in 2018." below 2018, while 22 per- U.S. continues to rank as same as 2018. Close to 1 in if passed, would help close tals and other health care While the 30 percent of cent say the offering is one of the most dangerous 5 (21 percent) say their of- the racial bias gap and ex- providers view and interact pastors who believe the above last year. About half countries in the developed fering totals are below last tend Medicaid coverage to with pregnant women of economy is having a posi- of all Protestant pastors (51 world to give birth, espe- year's levels. new moms for up to 1 year. color may be the most dif- tive impact is more than percent) say their total of- cially for women of color. Those numbers are not According to NC Child, 1 ficult obstacle to over- triple what it was in the ferings in 2019 have been Monifa Bandele, senior as strong as in the 2018 in 5 women of reproduc- come. first part of this decade, it's about what they budgeted, vice president of Moms LifeWay Research study tive age in North Carolina is But she said the Maternal down sharply from the 45 while 23 percent say they Rising, said medical biases when 42 percent of Protes- uninsured. Bandele said Health Quality Improve- percent who felt the same have been higher than often mean black women's tant pastors said their of- health care access for new ment Act could be a start. way in 2018. The percent- budgeted and 23 percent concerns during and after ferings were above 2017, moms following delivery is According to the Centers age of pastors who feel a say lower. pregnancy are ignored. 37 percent said giving was critical. for Disease Control and negative impact from the Last year, 48 percent said "Too often, women, and the same, and 15 percent "Right now, in many Prevention, around 700 economy increased for the giving was similar to the especially black women, said it was below. "Last states, Medicaid, once a women die each year in the first time since 2010. budgeted amount, 29 per- are in the hospital or year was the first year in woman gives birth, will United States from compli- After falling in every sur- cent said offering exceeded they're with the health care which many Americans continue to cover the child, cations during pregnancy vey from a high of 80 per- budget, and 19 percent provider, and the things had lower withholding but the mom drops off or delivery. cent in October 2010, the said it was lower than that they're raising, they levels because of tax re- within weeks," she said. percentage jumped from budgeted. are considered to be hys- Time for WWW.TRIANGLETRIBUNE.COM Blue The Triangle Bears to TRIBUNE ‘fess up Sports SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2019 – PAGE 6A about coach HBCU BASKETBALL

The Rudy Abrams curse at Livingstone College con- Hillside, Jordan split tinues. Football coach Daryl Wil- liams has been released. Wil- liams’ photo is still on the COURTESY football roster page, but that Livingstone star guard Roger doesn’t mean anything at Ray is in the record books. LC, which doesn’t have a sports information director. (That’s another story.) Interestingly, neither ath- Ray letics director Lamonte Mas- sie-Sampson nor president Jimmy R. Jenkins Sr. are makes talking, but it’s the worst kept secret around. history at What is it with HBCUs? If you fired the LC man, go on and admit it. SOME- By Bonitta Best BODY saw him [email protected] BONITTA cleaning out his Livingstone senior guard Roger BEST office. It’s Liv- ingstone, for Ray added his name to the Blue crying out loud, Bears history books last week. NOT Clemson! Ray scored 45 points in a dou- Williams just finished his ble overtime win over Virginia fifth season and led the Blue State to become LC’s all-time Bears to a disappointing 4-6 leading scorer. He also added 10 record. After winning their BONITTA BEST rebounds and 10 assists for a tri- first four games, they sub- The good news is Jordan girls prevented a shutout. The bad news is the 3-pointer by ple-double. sequently lost their final six. Neida Robles-Velasco with 5 minutes 11 seconds left in the game was the only field WOMEN But let’s look at those four goal by the Lady Falcons, who lost 53-3 to rival Hillside last week in junior varsity action. wins, shall we: Clark Atlanta N.C. Central (1-8) (0-10), Elizabeth City State Hillside teammates N. Campbell and V. Bullard tied for a game-high 10 points apiece. The team held a locker room re- (2-9), Lincoln (0-10) and veal to show off its updated digs. Allen (3-6). ‘Nuf said. Video of the renovations can be I don’t understand why viewed on the Eagles’ website. coaches schedule puppies After another tough foe this for out of conference and weekend in Iowa, the Lady Eagles then can’t compete with the return home for two easier big dogs when the confer- contests: Washington Adventist ence season rolls around. on Tuesday and Division II Lin- Some critics will say that if coln (Pa.) next Saturday. a team is young or inex- Teammates Kieche White and perienced, it’s good to let Pauline Afriyie lead the team in them get a few wins in early scoring with 12.7 and 12.3 points to build their confidence. per game, respectively. OK, but what happens to that confidence when they St. Augustine’s (4-3) start to get beat like a rented The Lady Falcons will be look- mule? ing to break a two-game losing The Blue Bears were shut streak this weekend, although out in three of their last six one of the losses was an exhi- games. Virginia Union bition at North Carolina A&T. started the downfall in a SAU hosts Elizabeth City State much ballyhooed matchup. and then Virginia State on Mon- “Who would have thought day before traveling to Claflin on that Livingstone would have Wednesday. a better record than Virginia Kaaliya Williams continues to Union?” the media wrote. lead the team in scoring with (OK, that was just me.) The 15.1 ppg. Quiera Gilmore is sec- Panthers took care of any ond at 13.1 ppg. equality comparison with a 44-0 thumping. Shaw (3-4 overall, 0-1 CIAA) BONITTA BEST St. Augustine’s was next. The Lady Bears get a second Livingstone blew a 10-0 half- In the boys game, Jordan led from start to finish in the 49-36 victory. RJ Bridges led all shot at Virginia State within two time lead to lose 20-12. scorers with 12 points. Teammates Nate Byers and Elijah Omar added 9 points each. J. weeks. Shaw lost to the Lady Tro- Shaw and the Blue Bears Williams led the Hornets with 7 points. jans, 62-47, on December 2. The team travels to Richmond this were tied at halftime, but the Above: Jordan coach Andrew Zeillmann encourages his team in the fourth period. Bears pulled out a 27-20 vic- weekend for the rematch that tory. will count in the conference Next came back-to-back standings. VSU is the beginning shutouts to Winston-Salem of a five-game road trip, with Liv- State and Fayetteville State. ingstone upcoming next Thurs- Then, if you’re going to day. The Lady Bears are on a have any hope of keeping HBCU FOOTBALL two-game losing streak. your job, you’d better beat Senior Dejoria Howard leads your rival. Instead, Johnson the team in scoring with 16.6 C. Smith took the Commem- ppg. orative Classic trophy with a 34-6 win to close out the MEN regular season. N.C. Central (2-8) Now, tell me again about The Eagles were 4-8 around this that confidence! same time last year, but their Williams guided the Blue schedule this year is much Bears to a 5-4 record in tougher. Mainly because nobody 2015, their best finish since in the state has the guts to play the Rudy Abrams era in the them. late 1990s. But LC couldn’t NCCU still has yet to win on the sustain the momentum, and road. The team travels to LSU on hasn’t had a winning record Tuesday before closing out the since. year at home against Mid-Atlantic Williams’ release puts the Christian on December 20 at 7 HBCU coaching vacancy list p.m. at five: Benedict, Central State, Fort Valley State, How- St. Augustine’s (2-4) ard and Livingstone. The Falcons went 0-2 at last weekend’s McAfee Memorial New Falcons? Classic on Morehouse’s campus. The first name to come off SAU lost to the Maroon Tigers, that vacancy list was St. 61-51, and LeMoyne-Owen Col- Aug’s. Who would have Royster, Stanley earn top lege, 60-59, in overtime on a thought. buzzer-beater. I don’t know which is The Falcons host Elizabeth City more surprising: that they State this weekend and Virginia were the first or that they ac- MEAC postseason honors State on Monday in nonconfer- tually hired someone not in- ence contests. ander Jones. The Chesa- Jalen Gaddy and Gary Jefferson house. By Bonitta Best Stanley is the eighth peake, Virginia, native tied are the only two players averag- Former Fayetteville State [email protected] FAMU player to win the the conference in sacks (9) ing double figures, at 16.3 and 12 assistant David Bowser, who award but the first in 10 North Carolina Central de- and tackles for loss (16). points, respectively. was hired on November 25, years. fensive end Darius Royster “He never complains. He is a great choice for the job. and Florida A&M quarter- just shows up every day Shaw (3-4, 0-1) You don’t find many 20-year Aggies, Braves rematch back Ryan Stanley were with a positive attitude and After getting blown out by Vir- assistant coaches at one in- The Celebration Bowl is named the 2019 MEAC de- works hard…This award ginia State, the Bears played a stitution anymore. set. fensive and offensive could not have gone to a thriller against Bowie State before Why Bowser was never the North Carolina A&T State players of the year, respec- more deserving player,” losing 100-87 in overtime. head coach at FSU is a mys- and Alcorn State will meet tively. NCCU coach Trei Oliver Freshman duo Nigel Martin and tery, but one thing is for for the second consecutive The announcement was said. Dhashon Dyson combined for 53 sure, he’s the best hire St. year. streamed live Tuesday at Stanley led the conference points (34, 19), but Shaw ran out Aug’s has made since Lon- The Braves earned their the annual National Football in passing and broke four of steam in OT, especially after nie Blow – both times. trip after rallying to defeat Foundation & College Foot- program records: passing Martin fouled out with 3 minutes Falcons football hasn’t fin- Southern, 39-24, in last ball Hall of Fame press con- touchdowns, completions, 11 seconds left. ished above .500 since 2012 weekend’s Cricket Wireless ference in New York. attempts and yards. He The loss was Shaw’s third under former coach Michael Royster is the second SWAC Championship Game. Costa. That streak surely is threw for 2,566 yards and straight but was a nonconference Eagle to earn the honor but 23 TDs. matchup. about the change. the first since 1971 by Alex- Please see ROYSTER/7A 7A SPORTS/The Triangle Tribune Sunday, December 15, 2019 North Carolina player Jake Lawler fights depression; impacts others By Adrianne Cleven UNC MEDIA HUB CHAPEL HILL – From ninth grade through his sophomore year in col- lege, UNC linebacker Jake Lawler considered taking his own life every day. “I think with depression, you just wake up every morning when you’re in it and the world around you has been darkened, and GOHEELS PRODUCTION you feel like you’re the Jake Lawler with his parents, Michelle and Andy, on reason for it,” Lawler said. senior day. “The colors don’t look as vibrant as they used to, 2019 seasons. His parents, that a close team dynamic the sounds aren’t as loud Andy and Michelle Lawler, helps create a “level of as they used to be, the knew he was making less comfort” for players who world isn’t as friendly as of an impact in college decide to share their strug- you once thought it was.” than he had hoped. Still, gles. Over the years, he Lawler suffered with de- they were shocked when said that men have be- pression largely in silence Lawler called home in come increasingly open to during those six years. But April to tell his parents discussing their feelings after telling a few friends about his depression. “He and seeking help. and family members, did an amazing job of hid- Hollier communicated Lawler published a 2,000- ing it …,” his brother said. with Lawler through the word online essay titled “A “You never would have publication of the essay, New Life” about his strug- been able to tell…” and helped connect him gle. In it, he writes about The seeds for Lawler’s with mental health re- depression had been sown sources within UNC’s ath- Alcorn State will try to win its first Celebration Bowl. being bullied, feeling inad- equate, wanting to commit for years. Not only is de- letic department. Now, suicide, and, finally, find- pression written into his Lawler attends sessions ing solace through writing. family’s genetic code, with UNC sports psycholo- The response to his work Lawler was bullied grow- gist Dr. Jeni Shannon for was “overwhelming,” ac- ing up. His middle school his depression. She helped cording to his parents. peers ridiculed his physi- him work through emo- Teenagers and other par- cal appearance, calling tions he felt after publish- ents reached out to the him “fish lips” so often ing the essay and then Lawler family with their that some students didn’t helped him delve into the own stories of mental ill- know his true name. When causes of his illness. ness. One father, who had his black friends found out “Carolina treated him lost his 18-year-old son to that Lawler’s father is like he had a broken arm suicide, sent Lawler the white, they ostracized him or that he had – God forbid eulogy he read at his son’s by calling him “cracker” – cancer,” Andy Lawler funeral. A 15-year-old boy and “white boy.” said. “They treated it like a who had been planning to “If I was too weird for the sickness, which is what it kill himself reached out to white kids and too white is. And they wanted him to say that the post had for the black kids,” he get better.” changed his mind. For writes in ‘A New Life,’ On November 21, Lawler Lawler, the replies to his “what was I?” announced his plans to story opened the door to Though he was a suc- graduate one school year peace, healing and com- cessful student in high early, cut short his colle- munity. school with a 4.0 GPA and giate football career and Royster, Stanley take top Jake Lawler is not Jake a tight circle of friends, he move to Los Angeles to Lawler without football. came close to killing him- find work in the entertain- He began playing the sport self twice: once in high ment industry. Though his in seventh grade and school and once in college. football career is ending, it MEAC postseason honors joined South Mecklenburg “I sat on a bucket in the gave him a sizeable plat- High School’s varsity team shed behind our house form on which to share his with a belt laced between story. And he has advice team. as a freshman. His interest Continued from page 6A my fingers,” he writes in for others who may be in football, which sur- It is their 17th overall conference his essay. “My hands were struggling with the same Black college finalists prised his parents, quickly championship and fourth in the last shaking uncontrollably, illness. The list is down to four. became the start of a well- six years. and I dropped the belt “For the love of God, tell The finalists for the Black College documented journey. He “It’s a testament to these young men more than a few times. I somebody,” Lawler said. “I Football Player of the Year Award are made ESPN’s list of top in how they play the game,” said ASU tried in every way to force mean, holy moly. That’s Stanley, Alcorn State QB Felix Harder, 200 high school players, coach Fred McNair, the old brother of myself to go through with changed my life. That’s the North Carolina A&T running back Jah- was ranked No. 17 among the late, great Steve McNair. “They it, but staring at the abyss thing that changed my life. Maine Martin and Tennessee State defensive ends and re- worked hard all through camp and of death made me realize It wasn’t the piece, it wide receiver Chris Rowland. ceived official offers from through the season to get to this something. I wasn’t ready wasn’t doing speaking "The Black Player of more than 10 programs, point, and this is where they wanted to go.” events or getting tattoos or the Year Award showcases the im- including the Georgia, to be.” Though Lawler was nerv- reading my comic book or mense talent of our HBCU student- Oklahoma and Virginia ASU senior wide receiver LeCharles ous about sharing his de- anything like that. It was athletes today," Doug Williams, Black Tech. Pringle was named the game’s offen- pression with the entire when I told my parents, it College Football Hall of Fame co- But after injuring his sive most valuable player after catch- football team, Michelle was when I told Mike founder and 2011 inductee said. "Each shoulder and labrum dur- ing a career-high 145 yards and a Lawler said the group “re- (Carter), it was when I told finalist has had an incredible season, ing his senior year in high touchdown. acted with complete love.” my friends, it was when I and we are excited to celebrate their school, Lawler, 21, was Teammate defensive back Juwan That doesn’t surprise told the world.” success." redshirted in his freshman Taylor earned defensive player of the Dwight Hollier, UNC’s sen- Since the day he went The finalists will be recognized at season. game with 11 tackles, an interception ior associate athletics di- public with his story, the Celebration Bowl, with the winner The 6-foot-4 defensive and a forced fumble. rector for student-athlete Lawler said that he hasn’t announced on February 22 at the lineman has made just 8 The CB is December 21, noon, in At- health, well-being and pro- considered suicide once. BCFHOF induction ceremony and pre- career tackles while at lanta. The Aggies defeated the Braves, UNC, during the 2018 and gram outreach. He said 24-22, last year. sented with the Trophy.

St. Aug’s Nash named Doris Robinson award to Region 2 team Morgan State linebacker Ian McBor- St. Augustine’s senior linebacker rough and Alabama State offensive MEAC players in the Durrell Nash is among five CIAA lineman Carl Thompson are among 13 players named to the Conference finalists for the 2019 STATS FCS Doris Commissioners Association Division Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award. Robinson was the wife of the late, NFL – Week 14 2 All-Super Region 2 Team. Nash, named to the first team, led legendary Grambling State coach MEACSPORTS.COM played, 50 carries, 157 Antonio Hamilton: CB, the CIAA in total tackles (92) and tack- Eddie Robinson. She also was a school yards; 60 catches, 330 New York Giants, South teacher, which is why the award A look at how former les per game (10.2). MEAC football players yards, 3 TDs Carolina State, 4th season The other four are Chowan running honors an FCS student-athlete who ex- Week 14: recorded a spe- cels in the classroom and the com- fared in Week 14 of the back Deshaun Wethington and Win- NFL season. Darryl Johnson: DE, Buf- cial teams tackle in a 23-17 ston-Salem State defensive back Da- munity. The winner will be falo Bills, N.C. A&T State, loss to the Philadelphia announced on December 16. ryus Skinner, who also made the first Rodney Gunter: DT, Ari- rookie Eagles team, and Chowan linebacker Donald McBorrough has a 3.29 GPA in busi- Week 14: saw action as a Season stats: 13 games ness management. Thompson posts a zona Cardinals, Delaware Boone and Elizabeth City State wide State, 5th season reserve in a 24-17 loss to played, 6 tackles receiver Dajuan Greene on the second 3.6 GPA in computer information sys- the Baltimore Ravens tem. Week 14: had a sack and 2 quarterback hits in a 23- Season stats: 13 games Javon Hargrave: DT, 17 loss to the Pittsburgh played, 7 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Pittsburgh Steelers, S.C. Steelers sack State, 4th season Season stats: 13 games Week 14: had 2 tackles in played, 31 tackles, 9 TFL, Tony McRae: CB, Cincin- a 23-17 win over the Ari- 3 sacks nati Bengals, N.C. A&T zona Cardinals State, 3rd season Season stats: 13 games Antoine Bethea: DB, Week 14: assisted on a played, 47 tackles, 7 TFL, 4 New York Giants, Howard, special teams tackle in a sacks, 1 forced fumble 14th season 27-19 loss to the Cleveland Week 14: had a team- Browns Darius Leonard: LB, In- high 13 tackles, including Season stats: 13 games dianapolis Colts, S.C. State, a TFL, in a 23-17 loss to played, 15 tackles, 1 TFL 2nd season the Philadelphia Eagles Week 14: had 9 tackles, a Season stats: 13 games Brandon Parker: OT, TFL, 2 interceptions and a played, 93 tackles, 2 TFL, Oakland Raiders, N.C. A&T TD return in a 38-35 loss 2 fumble recoveries, 1 in- State, 2nd season to the Tampa Bay Bucca- terception. Week 14: saw action in a neers 42-21 loss to the Tennes- Season stats: 10 games Joshua Miles: OT, Ari- see Titans played, 92 tackles, 6 TFL, 5 zona Cardinals, Morgan Season stats: 8 games sacks, 4 interceptions, 2 State, rookie played forced fumbles, 1 TD Week 14: was not active Season stats: 7 games Ryan Smith: CB, Tampa Joe Thomas: LB, Dallas played. Bay Buccaneers, N.C. Cen- Cowboys, S.C. State, 5th tral, 4th season season : RB, Chi- Week 14: saw action as a Week 14: had 4 tackles (1 cago Bears, N.C. A&T State, reserve in a 38-35 win over special teams) and a forced 3rd season the Indianapolis Colts fumble in a 31-24 loss to Week 14: had 3 carries Season stats: 9 games the Chicago Bears for 7 yards and 6 catches played, 4 tackles, 1 forced Season stats: 13 games for 24 yards in a 31-24 win fumble played, 26 tackles, 1 Nate Byers scored Jordan’s first 7 points in the fourth quarter to help the Falcons over the Dallas Cowboys forced fumble pull away from Hillside. He scored 9 points for the game. Season stats: 13 games 8A FOCUS/The Triangle Tribune Sunday, December 15, 2019 Hillside New Tech student turns disappointment into opportunity

By John McCann SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE DURHAM — You know Father Time is gaining ground when you catch yourself telling your kids to turn down that music. “Lots of loud music,” Me- linda Squires remembered. “While we live in a pretty decent-sized home, it was- COURTESY n’t enough distance for me Ashley Blake wrote a book of poems to deal with depression. to get away from all of that boom-boom-boom and, you know, all of that Raleigh poet publishes scratching.” She was talking about D- Rock. He was cutting up. “It was a lot of times say- book to heal from ing, ‘OK, that’s enough.’ But I didn’t realize at the time he was in there trying depression and trauma to learn how to coordinate music together and blend music together, and all that “Life became isolated all of cused on the thing that’s By Lori D.R. Wiggins type of stuff.” CORRESPONDENT a sudden.” hurting us,” she said. Losing her job made the DJ D-Rock is her son, RALEIGH – Imagine being She writes: the voices transitions more difficult, Darrius Nelson, a junior at in a dark place – mentally, from within have begun JOHN MCCANN she suspects, because as a Hillside New Tech High spiritually, emotionally their quarrels/of destruc- Darrius Nelson, an aspiring deejay, works an event. multidisciplinary artist and School. dark – and a friend visits tion and lies/the prickliness poet passionate about And this is about starting equipment and starting tough for him. Yet he just to sit with you while of their tongues laced with bridging cultural and eth- wherever you are — putting in the work — driv- wanted to stay close to the you cry. Readers of “Mid- death/intelligently dia- nic gaps, “my job was part wherever you are, start ing his mama crazy, but music. Now he’s making night Harvest” don’t have logue/my of my identity,” said Blake, right there. putting in the work. “Try- money at it. to imagine. worthlessness/their tawdry who worked as a creative A couple of years ago, ing to get good,” Nelson ex- “When you work so hard Author Ashley Blake talk pummels me/guilt and director. Nelson tried for a job with plained. on something, you just offers a collection of 25 shame seep into my veins/I For over two years, Blake an organization for which Here’s how good he is: thrive into it,” said the poems that intimately ex- find myself hiding in the turned to her pen. “I he was previously em- In November, three ladies young man who took rejec- plore dark feelings of noth- shadows/like an infant needed language to handle ployed. He figured he’d be celebrating their 50th tion and remixed it. “Never ingness that can frantically rocking forth the things that were hap- a shoo-in the second time birthdays threw a com- give up. One setback can accompany seasons of and back/to ease the terror pening,” she said. She had- around. But things didn’t bined party downtown in lead to so many open pain, sorrow, grief, and de- I face. n’t set out to become an work out. The Cotton Room at doors.” pression, but her words By the end of the poem, author, but quickly recog- So, get the picture: Nel- Golden Belt. It was a And all the parents said, also unveil “there is good- hope emerges. “It feels like nized recurring themes in son, at the time, was black brunch situation with “Amen!” ness in sorrow, growth in I have to do a lot,” Blake the poems she wrote, de- and young and, because bacon and sausage and bis- “To get a rejection from a brokenness, and that we said, “but I command my- veloped an arc, and de- the job didn’t work out, un- cuits and eggs that also in- summer job and to say, aren’t so alone in our lone- self to keep hopeful.” She cided to share her deepest, employed during summer cluded a separate station ‘You know what, I’m gonna liness.” writes: amidst the darkest feelings with break from Hillside New for made-to-order chicken take this and turn it into “It’s an anthem for my- clatter/the tiniest voice of others – with a twist. Tech. and waffles; you know, all my job,’ and not only for self,” said Blake, 31, who all/the defender of truth “Resounding hope is “I felt disappointed in the stuff that will send the summer but this can grew up in Raleigh. “It’s a /diligently lights the fur- written here,” Blake said of myself,” Nelson said. “I your butt into a coma. carry him for the rest of his reminder to choose to see nace within/I command “Midnight Harvest.” “I have was determined to find a But the birthday girls life, if he chooses,” Squires the good things and beauty myself to hear him as read a lot of things and job and get some money hired DJ D-Rock, and he said. “I preach to him that in the moments that are he/stokes the embers of have written a lot of things for the summer.” had those old folks in that a college education is very really difficult. My hope for truth/one by one/keeping about grief and sadness, Of course, drug dealers Cotton Room doing the important. But it’s also im- it is to bring light into dark me alive/truth births free- and it seems to end that try to explain that to their Wobble and otherwise get- portant to have several places.” dom. way. I personally didn’t lawyers all the time. ting down. strains of income and Blake knows darkness And just as “Midnight want it to end that way. I But Nelson’s no weed “I love me some old- being diversified in what and difficulty. And she Harvest” seeks to illumi- wanted people to feel com- worker. school music,” Nelson said. he can do, and I think this knows the difficulty of nate the darkest hours with munity in loneliness; to “Deejaying was the only “I can take you all the way is just something that he darkness. Severe depres- a harvest light and energy, feel the emotion of what option,” he said. back to the ’60s, ’70s and can have in his portfolio.” sion became a part of her Blake has launched a visual it’s like to walk through He’d gotten two turn- work myself back up to life after she was raped at poetry series, “The Girl grief, but know that’s not tables and a microphone in current music.” Reach John McCann at 14, she said. Her father left Who Sees,” as another way the end of the story.” Christmas 2017. He hit the Nelson believed high johnthomasmccann@gmail the same year. Since, bouts to make poetry more relat- The self-published book power buttons on his school band would be too .com. of postpartum depression able “for people who like to was released in October on accompanied the births of scroll instead of picking up Amazon and Kindle. each of her three children a book,” she said. Written in free verse, “Mid- COLLEGE HAPPENINGS in the last five years. Dur- In March, Blake also will night Harvest” presents po- ing one pregnancy, Blake host a poetry event in Win- etry that is intentionally said, she also lost her job ston-Salem at the inter- approachable and relat- national Breath and the Durham Tech student and loved ones, and she able. In the “defender of and her husband, Mike Clay conference, which truth,” Blake writes about Blake, moved their family brings together creative “how the voices in our to Harnett County, quietly arts performers to explore receives community head are attacking us and surrounded by farmland. the intersection of faith trying to convince us that “My personality is very and art. She also will per- there’s nothing beyond this much not that,” she said. form. impact award moment, to keep us fo- By Marcy W. Gardner SCHOOL NEWS SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE DURHAM – Nathan Jen- kins was awarded the Community Impact Stu- dent Award last month by North Carolina Campus Compact, a statewide net- work of colleges and uni- versities that is committed to educating students for civic and social respon- sibility. Jenkins, simultaneously earning his high school di- ploma from Middle College High School and his associ- ate’s degree from Durham Tech, was one of only 22 students across the state to receive the 2019 award, which honors one student leader at each member school for their deep com- Jenkins mitment to community in- creased attendance at tionwide to identify gifted volvement and the ability voter engagement events.” students, and meet their to inspire peers. Jenkins said he hasn’t de- special educational needs. Jenkins strengthened termined his career path Shawna Young, executive Rani Dasi and family. voting engagement efforts but knows he wants to be director of Duke TIP, said ORANGE COUNTY at the College by serving as involved with nonprofit or- she anticipates the grant Three new Chapel Hill- a Democracy Fellow, a role ganizations no matter what will significantly increase Carrboro school board he holds through a part- direction he takes. the program’s ability to en- members and one ree- nership between Durham gage often hard-to-reach lected member were sworn Tech and the Campus Vote DUKE UNIVERSITY student populations, a pri- in at the December 5 meet- Project. A grant to the Duke Uni- mary objective of Duke ing at the Lincoln Center. “There are things that versity Talent Identifica- TIP’s current strategic plan. Rani Dasi is beginning people just don’t know and tion Program (Duke TIP) “We have been working her second term. She rights that people are not will allow the program to very deliberately over the served as board vice chair exercising just because expand its sustained en- past three years to diver- from 2016-17 and chair they don’t have the infor- gagement of academically sify our portfolio of oppor- from 2017-18. mation,” Jenkins said. talented students in grades tunities for students, She has also served on “When you’re educating 4-12 from traditionally un- families and educators,” the board of the Public someone about the fact derserved populations. Young said. “The Javits School Foundation, the that they can vote and to The nearly $2.2 million grant will play a key role in see the look on their face Family Success Alliance Deon Temne grant was awarded by the allowing us to reach this and the Walking Classroom when they realize the U.S. Department of Educa- important goal.” sistant principal. ton, D.C., for 20 years as a Institute. rights they have, it just tion through its Jacob K. Ja- These efforts will be led Ashton Powell teaches cybersecurity program Jillian La Serna is an as- makes a difference.” vits Gifted and Talented by Duke TIP’s research biology at the North Caro- manager and senior engi- sistant professor of Educa- Erin Riney, Durham Tech Students Education Pro- team, under the direction lina School of Science and neer with the United States tional Leadership at the director of student engage- gram, which supports and of research director Mat- Math. He holds a Ph.D. in Department of Commerce. University of Charlotte. ment, nominated Jenkins. carries out evidence-based thew C. Makel, as well as neurobiology from the Uni- He is the chief operating Prior to joining the faculty “Nathan is the most ef- research, demonstration various program areas at versity of North Carolina at officer for Farmer Food- at Charlotte, La Serna was fective Democracy Fellow projects and innovative Duke TIP. Chapel Hill. share. the principal for Carrboro we’ve hosted,” Riney said. strategies. More than 3 million stu- Deon Temne is a veteran The Board elected Mary Elementary School. She “He has increased engage- Ultimately, the program dents have benefited from of the U.S. Army, where he Ann Wolf as its new chair, also worked as a classroom ment at voter education seeks to enhance the abil- TIP programs and re- served for 14 years. He and Amy Fowler as vice teacher, dual-language events, increased voter ity of elementary schools sources since 1980. also worked in Washing- chair. reading specialist and as- preregistrations, and in- and secondary schools na-