In The News

Zeta Chapter Hosts Annual Banquet

Tau Nu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. held its annual Community Doves Leadership Banquet recently.  They honored six ladies for their contributions to humanity.

Tau Nu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority held its Third Annual Community Doves Leadership and Service Banquet on Saturday, March 8 at the Union County Agricultural Center in Monroe, NC.

The group recognized six ladies in the community who they deem are making significant contributions through leadership and service.  

This year's honorees are as follows:

• Mrs. Jane Miller

• Mrs. Vancine Sturdivant

• Mrs. Carol Smith

• Pastor Iris Tillman

• Mrs. Margaret Burns Sheppard

• Mrs. Lillian Gatewood Rorie

Honorees (left to right); Lillian Gatewood Rorie, Pastor Iris Tillman, Vancine Sturdivant, Jane Miller, Margaret Burns Sheppard and Carol Smith

Proceeds from the banquet help support the Zeta's scholarship fund.

From The Projects To Prosperity
Guy Marshall inspires youth to dream at NAACP banquet; Marlene Richardson honored



Guy Marshall humbly tells his story Saturday, February 9 during the Anson County NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet at the Lockhart Taylor Center.

By Kimberly Harrington

Guy Marshall said it was the words of his grandmother that inspired him to succeed.

“You can be anything that you want to be,” he recalled her saying.

But on the flip side, whenever he would act out, she would say, “Boy, you ain’t going to be nothing but like your father.”

Those words stung. He didn’t want to be like his father. He hardly saw him. “At age nine or 10, I got tired of my father not being constantly around,” he said.

He said he didn’t realize until later in life that his grandmother was using reverse psychology to get him to behave.

Marshall recounted his youth, having grown up in the projects of Wadesboro, and his road to success as a shoe designer at the Anson County NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet Saturday.

Before starting his own company, Hawk Blade Studios in Raleigh, Marshall designed basketball shoes for Adidas, Puma, and NBA stars such as John Starks, Anthony Mason and Kobe Bryant. He also worked for Tommy Hilfiger. Most recently, he was creative director for the Frye Company, where he successfully reinvented the company’s image while staying true to its roots as an all-American.

Obviously timid about his success, Marshall said he normally doesn’t accept speaking engagements. “But this is home for me. I did it for the kids.”

The banquet’s theme was “Encouraging Our Youth to Dream.” There were about 40 children in the audience as the Anson NAACP was able to allow students in free, thanks to a donation by Rep. Pryor Gibson, who represents Anson County .

Marshall gave his mother, who raised him and three other siblings as a single parent, credit for seeing his art talent and encouraging him to draw.

“We didn’t have much, but she bought me pencils and put me in a drawing class, and that gave me confidence to do everything else in life. I love you, mom,” he said, looking at his mother, Carolyn.

A self-described introvert, Marshall said when anyone ever bullied him; he would get them back by drawing funny pictures of them. It was one of those pictures that caught the eye of his high school English teacher, Ann Hough. Instead of scolding him, she took him straight to the art teacher, who put him in a drafting class.

His drafting teacher encouraged him to attend an N.C. State design camp. It was there that he saw a man drawing cars that sparked his passion to go into product design.

While at N.C. State , Marshall participated in an exchange program with the University of Africa. “Other than the birth of my children, it was the most important thing that happened to me,” he said.

During his senior year in college, Marshall won a prestigious award for his thesis, the “optimal driving environment,” for a passenger car. This won him an internship at Ford Motor Company. Later, he got an interview in Germany for Adidas that catapulted his career.

It was a memorable interview because it relied heavily on his athletic ability. Dressed in a suit, he had to go one-on-one with a basketball player and do well to get the job. He got it.

The first shoe he designed for Adidas sold one million pairs. Because Adidas was successful, Nike wanted to hurt the company, he said. Basketball star Michael Jordan called Marshall himself and offered him a job with Nike, which included $40,000 more than what he was making.

Marshall ’s loyalty to Adidas caused him to turn it down. Adidas, however, matched the offer.

Today, Marshall is creating his own line that will consist of men and women’s boots, women’s handbags, jewelry and outerwear.

“One of the things I was taught was to listen; to see the path that God has laid before me. I’m here now, so this is where He wants me to be,” he said.

The banquet also honored Marlene Richardson, a former educator and community activist. In accepting her award, she asked the audience to stand. “I couldn’t do it without all of you,” she said. She also recognized her husband, Frank, whom she started dating when she was 17. “He taught me how to be a servant.”

Ebenezer Baptist Church , of which Richardson is a member, was awarded $100 for having the most members present at the banquet. The church donated the prize money back to the NAACP as did the speaker his honorarium.

Toastmaster Andy Davis, CEO of Sandhills Regional Medical Center, told the children attending that a dream is no good if you can’t read, write or do arithmetic at a high level.

“There is no doubt that if you have a high school diploma or college degree, you will spend less time in jail and you will earn more money,” he said. “Just play the odds.”  

Donnie Lewis, president of the Anson County NAACP thanked everyone present for coming out to support the effort encouraging children to dream.  She especially thanked the executive board of the branch for helping to organized the event. "The village has come out tonight," she added.

HOLLA!/Hampton B. Allen Library Literary Festival Educates, Entertains  



New York Times Best Selling Author, Omar Tyree (far left) shares his story with youth during Saturday's literary festival

By Kimberly Harrington

If you didn’t leave the HOLLA! Second Annual Literary Festival inspired to read more, write more and learn more, you might want to pinch yourself.

Participants and authors alike praised the event, which was co-sponsored by the Hampton B. Allen Library, saying it was one of the better literary festivals they have attended.

Deanna Manley, author of “The Power of Eve,” said she cancelled another show in order to attend this one, held at the Little Theater in Wadesboro. “You don’t know what to expect at these events until you show up. This is better than some of the other shows I’ve attended.”

Gena Spencer of Wadesboro, who waited all day for the special guest, New York Times best-selling author Omar Tyree, said the literary festival was time well spent.

“I’ve had a good time. I’ll be back next year,” she said.

Tyree addressed the crowd at about 3:30 p.m., promoting his new nonprofit organization, the Urban Literacy Project. The initiative will give him the financial backing to travel across the country to participate in more literary festivals in order to promote reading, especially with young people, and to give away more books.

The organization’s motto is “Readers, Writers and Thinkers Rule the World.” In an animated and comedic fashion, Tyree stressed those three points in his remarks, often talking about his urban upbringing.

The author was 19 years old when he wrote his first book about being a black student in a predominantly white school, the University of Pittsburgh His acclaimed second book, “Flyy Girl,” catapulted him to notoriety.

“The book was famous because those kind of girls never had a book written about them,” he said. Flyy girls were essentially material girls, who prized boyfriends who could take them to the mall and buy them nice things.

Tyree said because he wasn’t financially able to do that for the girls, he decided to write about it.

His 2000 release, “For the Love of Money,” became a New York Times bestseller and earned Tyree an NAACP Image Award.

Tyree urged the audience to find something they like to do, become good at it, and garner supporters, which is the basis of his book in progress.

Alicia Williams of Charlotte was another standout at the program. Her one-woman act took the audience through a journey of black history, spotlighting Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Eckford and the mother of Emmett Till.

The Dance Like David Danced and the Leap of Faith praise dancers, the Anson High School Gospel choir, a comic book writing workshop by Lena the Art Diva and a parenting workshop conducted by author Glenda Manning were other highlights.



Lena The Art Diva (left) had a busy day drawing attendees of the festival

Another highlight of the event was a grant presentation of $1,500 to HOLLA! by the Anson County Writers' Club.  "We wanted to give grants this year to people who encourage children to read and write. What better way to do that than what they (HOLLA!) are doing here today," said Elbert Marshall while making the presentation. There was also an announcement of a $500 donation from an anonymous source.

“It was another great event filled with wonderful authors, great performances and inspiration, said Leon Gatewood, HOLLA! chairman. “This literary festival further advances the mission of HOLLA! (Helping Our Loved ones Love and Achieve). We thank everyone for supporting it. It was a perfect day.”

Kimberly Harrington is a freelance writer living in Wadesboro.  Email her at kharrington@wadesboro.com

Guy Marshall To Speak At NAACP Banquet

Wadesboro native Guy Marshall once turned down basketball champ Michael Jordan



By Kimberly Harrington

When product designer Guy Marshall ventured out on his own, he named his company Hawk Blade Studios.

While some of his clients might not have a clue what that means, folks back in his hometown of Wadesboro probably would.

Hawk Blade is a knife, Marshall said. He gave his company such a name because he wanted to stay connected to things that were unique to his growing up.

A 1984 graduate of Bowman High School , Marshall grew up in public housing in Wadesboro. He was the oldest of four children raised by a single mother, Carolyn. But from whence he came didn’t determine his destination, and that’s the message the Anson County NAACP wants to get across in having Marshall deliver the keynote address at the annual Freedom Fund Banquet at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Lockhart-Taylor Center, Wadesboro.

Marshall has lived in Europe and New York , and traveled extensively from coast to coast. Yet he reveres the fact of still being “a country boy.” This will be his first time returning home for such an occasion, and he is modest about the recognition.

“I’m really honored and humbled by the idea that they (the Freedom Fund Committee) would stop and think about what I’ve done; but I’ve got so many more things to accomplish,” he said.

But what he’s accomplished thus far is worth sharing with our audience, said Leon Gatewood , Freedom Fund Committee chairman.

Prior to starting his own business almost a year ago, Marshall worked as creative director for the Frye Company, where he successfully reinvented the company’s image while staying true to its roots as an all-American brand (one that shod soldiers on both sides of the Civil War and took the Rough Riders up San Juan Hill ). He was also instrumental in the boot company’s foray into accessories, including leather goods, jewelry and handbags, messenger bags, and totes with hand-cast hardware.

Marshall ’s career jumpstarted when he was a student at North Carolina State University , where he played intramural sports and studied industrial design. He won a prestigious award for his senior thesis — the “optimal driving environment” for a passenger car. After graduation in 1990, he went to work at Ford Motor Company.

Marshall ’s passion for sports and design came together when he landed a job designing basketball shoes for Adidas, and he quickly became one of the most prominent designers in his field, crafting shoes for NBA stars John Starks, Anthony Mason and Kobe Bryant.

After a short run at Puma, Marshall went in a different direction, designing both casual and athletic shoes for Tommy Hilfiger, working directly with the famed designer himself.

While working for Adidas, Marshall got a call from Michael Jordan’s people asking him to come work for Nike and design Jordan ’s shoes. Marshall thought it was a prank call and hung up the phone. But Tinker Hatfield, on behalf of the six-time NBA champ, called back and put Jordan on the phone. Marshall still declined.

Today, Marshall ’s clients include Tommy Hilfiger, Ariat and Wellco, plus he’s creating his own line that will consist of men and women’s boots, women’s handbags, jewelry and outerwear.

The Freedom Fund banquet’s theme this year is “Encouraging Our Youth to Dream.” Asked what he would say to young people who dare to dream, Marshall said, “I’m from Wadesboro. I grew up in the projects with a mother who raised four kids by herself. No matter where you are, all of the encouragement that you need starts at home. If you have the right influences at home to allow you to dream, you can accomplish anything you want.”

In selecting Marshall to speak, Gatewood said the committee is looking for ways to encourage young people to dream. “Mr. Marshall is a young black male who is proof that you can rise above your circumstances.”

Donnie Lewis, Anson NAACP president, echoed those sentiments.  “ Marshall ’s story can encourage and inspire other young people in Anson County .”

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling (704) 694-9147 or at the door.

Kimberly Harrington is a freelance writer living in Wadesboro.  Email her at kharrington@wadesboro.com  

HOLLA!/Hampton B. Allen Library Literary Festival 2008 Roster Of Authors!

Omar Tyree
http://www.omartyree.com
Books
Flyy Girl
A Do Right Man
Diary Of A Groupie
Just Say No
For The Love Of Money
Leslie
Sweet St. Louis
Single Mom
Boss Lady
What They Want

Dr. Margaret Reid
Book
Black Protest Poetry: Polemics from the Harlem Renaissance and the Sixties

Cheris F. Hodges
http://www.cherishodges.com
Books
Just Can’t Get Enough
Revelations
Second Chances at Love
A Love of Her
Own and Cautious Heart

Deanna Manley
http://www.powerofeve.com
Book
The Power of Eve

Rory D. Sheriff
http://www.brandnewsheriff.com
Book
Get N’ Serious

Jaisun G. McMillian
http://www.mcmillianentertainment.com
Book
Behind Closed Doors: The Addiction to Power and Control

Janeece Jones
http://www.janeece.net/
Book
Eyes Volume I

Jarold Imes
http://www.holdonbestrong.com
Books
Worth Fighting 4
5 Miles to Empty
U Can't Break Me
Age Ain't Nothing But a Number

Peron F. Long
http://www.peronflong.com
Books
If It Ain’t Right, It’s Wrong
Pulpit Confessions

Daphine Glenn Robinson
http://www.daphinerobinson.com
Book
Brotherly Love and Betrayal 
Momisms: Mama NEVER Told Me There Would Be Days Like This!

J. Hale Turner
http://www.jhaleturner.com/
Books
Orange Clouds Blue Sky
Love to Sing and Dance
Miss Betty’s Daycare

Carla Sarratt
http://www.carlasarratt.com
Book
Freshman Focus

Sharon Denny
www.sddenny.com
Book
EROTIGASM  

Alicia Williams
http://www.bigdoorllc.com
Book
Up From Rock Bottom

Sherri Knotts
http://www.sherriknotts.com
Book
It's His Loss! When the Relationship Ends

Anita Tarlton
Books
Two Watches: The Extraordinary Call of an Ordinary Woman
Co-Author of--- Sowing & Reaping a Fearless Heart: Convicted Not Condemned

David L. Waters Sr.
Book
Sowing & Reaping a Fearless Heart: Convicted Not Condemned 

Blake Karrington 
Books 
Country Boy
All or Nothing

Glenda Horton Manning
www.touchincorporated.com
Books
Marzetta Stood in for Mama
Daddy Was a Big Man
The Be Attitudes of Parenting  

Pam Lawhorne
website
Book
From Minimum Wage To Getting Paid

Anson County Writers’ Club
www.ansoncountywritersclub.org
Book
Anson Pathways
The Anson County Writers’ Club was organized in 1989. We have held contests in prose and poetry every year since then. Every three years we publish a book with the winning entries. We have 3 contests: adult, youth and children. Our purpose is to foster the art of writing in Anson County . We would like to come and speak about the contests and encourage young people to enter. We will have copies of the books for sale.

HOLLA! Conference Urges Support Of Parents

Glenda Manning (standing) shares one of her books with the audience during the HOLLA! Parent Conference.  She will be a presenter during the HOLLA!/Hampton B. Allen Library Literary Festival on February 2, 2008.

For Glenda Manning, it was a woman named Marzetta who stood in for her mother. For a parent in Charlotte who needed support, it was Glenda Manning who stood by her side.

“It only takes one spark to get a fire going,” said Manning of Charlotte. “You’ve got to pass it on.”

In a word, support was the overriding theme at this year’s parent conference, sponsored by HOLLA!, Parent Partners, South Piedmont Community College, Anson County Schools and other community partners Sept. 16 at the Lockhart-Taylor Center in Wadesboro. 

A motivational speaker, Manning is a certified sociologist and chief executive officer/founder of Touch Inc., which provides motivational seminars and human behavioral workshops. She is also a consultant for Parent Partners. A speech she gave in 2005 is credited with starting the HOLLA! movement in Anson County .

Manning encouraged those in the audience by reading from three of her books: “Marzetta Stood in for Mama;” “Daddy was a Big Man;” and “How to Keep Going When you Just Can’t Quit,” which she used as her subject for the program.

“Be ready to stand beside a parent for support,” she said.

When Manning was in fourth grade, it was her teacher who became her friend in the absence of her mother, who was “sick in her mind” and sent off to a facility. This teacher, named Marzetta, is the subject of Manning’s book and was the saving grace that made fourth grade memorable rather than regrettable.

“A child has to know that you care,” said speaker Maxie Johnson Jr., a teacher with the Union County School System. Johnson offered innovative ways in which he reaches at-risk students in his classes, and that often involves having a one-on-one with the parent. “We have to establish a rapport with on another. Everybody has to give the effort.”

The purpose of the conference, titled “Bringing the Village Back to School,” was to inspire parents and the community to become more involved in their children’s education, said Subrina Hough, HOLLA! co-chair.

Manning encouraged HOLLA! (Helping Our Loved ones Learn and Achieve) to keep up the good work. HOLLA! is a local grassroots organization whose mission is to motivate the community to help raise the educational standard of excellence.

“What you’re doing is the right thing,” she said.

“I was very enlightened by the speakers,” said Leon Gatewood, HOLLA! founder and co-chair. “We realize the key to successful children is parental involvement, and we look forward to holding more parent conferences in other areas of the community.”

Adopt A Classroom

Adopt-A-Classroom is a nationwide project that increases the opportunity for student success by empowering teachers with community partners and funds to purchase resources for the classroom.

Adopt-A-Classroom invites the community into the classroom in support of teachers and their students.

By adopting a classroom, donors form partnerships with specific classrooms providing financial and moral support.

The result is a meaningful contribution to education in which donors experience the impact of their effort and celebrate in a classroom’s success.

A donor selects a classroom and makes a contribution for the teacher to use and purchase resources. Donors may search for classrooms by geography, school name, teacher name or other criteria. If a donor has no preference, Adopt-A-Classroom partners the donor with a classroom in the community.

Adopt-A-Classroom directs all of the donations to the classroom teacher in the form of online credit. The teacher uses the credit to shop online from a network of affiliate vendors. The teacher has full discretion to purchase resources that meet student needs. If the teacher is unable to meet classroom needs with the affiliate vendors, Adopt-A-Classroom will work with the teacher on a one-to-one basis.

Adopt-A-Classroom sends each donor an Impact Report, which details item-by-item, dollar-for-dollar what the teacher purchased with the donation.

Donors and teachers communicate throughout the school year, so donors can learn about the difference they have made in the lives of the students. In most instances, donors receive thank you packages, artwork and other student-created projects.

Donors may choose to support the classroom in ways beyond the financial contribution, such as visiting the class, chaperoning field trips and other activities that are coordinated directly between donor and teacher.

To sign up to Adopt-A Classroom in the Anson County School System, go to www.adoptaclassroom.com. Teachers can also go onto this website and sign their classroom up to be adopted.