In Our 24th Year Issue No. 1950 December 2006 www.theacphoenix.com Associate Consultants Serving the Triad FREE
ADD SASSY TO
YOUR STEP
By Erin C. Perkins
WCP Communications®
These boots are not just made
for walking; they are also made for
self-expression, so go ahead and
put your best foot fonvard. At least
that is what Lisa B. Gonzalez is
Alisa B. Gonzalez
doing.
As the owner and creator of the
unique shoe boutique “Sassy
Steps”, Gonzalez, 35, prides herself
on offering unique styles, great
prices and excellent sen/ice. “When
you look good, you feel good,” she
insists. Sassy Steps, which held its
grand opening on Oct. 28, 2006,
carries ladies shoes, handbags and
jewelry; everything you need to
create a look that is right for you.
A fan of fashionable, yet
affordable footwear, Gonzalez
wanted to bring something awe
some to Winston-Salem. “[Sassy
Steps] is like a Rodeo Drive for
Winston-Salem”, she said. “We
carry shoes that are not easily
found in department stores. The
shoes here are unique and
over-the-top.” The reasonably
priced footwear ranges from $55 -
$150. “The ambiance of the store is
amazing,” Gonzales stated. There
is an array of shoes from various
designers that shoppers are unlike
ly to find in mall. There is a type of
shoe for every woman and every
personality. “Everyone can find
somefhing. As a woman, you wear
many hats, so you can find a shoe
that fits you. At Sassy Steps you
Continued on Page 7
WINSTON-SALEM LISC TO HOLD AWARDS PROGRAM
AT WACHOVIA ATRIUM
WINSTON-SALEM - Winston-
Salem LISC, which has played a
significant role in the recent
infusuion of local commercial and
residential development by
providing millions of dollars in
grants and loans, and its
„ . , „ Community Development
® Partners, will hold its second
community development awards program on December
7 at Wachovia Bank. The program will recognize indi
viduals and organizations that have been instrumental in
the revitalization of low-wealth neighborhoods in
Winston-Salem.
Among the honorees is Monica Lett, who has been
a staple in housing development as an employee for the
city of Winston-Salem. Lett has announced that she is
retiring from the city after more than 20 years.
‘This is an opportunity to recognize individuals and
organizations significant to Winston-Salem develop
ment, especially in areas that historically have been dis
enfranchised,” said Paula McCoy, the LISC program
director. “Dr. Lett has been a champion in housing
development in Winston-Salem for years, and we are
proud to honor her.”
Winston-Salem LISC is an affiliate of the national
nonprofit organization headed by Michael Rubinger, for
mer executive of the Pew Charitable Trusts, one of the
largest private foundations in the country. The national
organization is chaired by Robert Rubin, the former sec
retary of the U.S. Treasury. Since the LISC opened an
office in Winston-Salem In 1999, the agency has com
mitted more than $4.5 million in grants and loans to
development organizations for community projects in
struggling neighborhoods.
In addition to Lett’s honor, awards will be presented
to individuals in several categories, including communi
ty development, foundation support and volunteerism.
Some of the awards presented include bricks made by
George Henry Black. Black made an exceptionally
Important contribution to the 20th century by sustaining
traditional handcrafting of bricks, when most brickmakers
abandoned this practice for more efficient brickmaking
machines. In the 1940s, Black established a brickyard
approximately 100 feet behind his Winston-Salem resi
dence, which he continued to operate until the 1970s.
At the request of the state department In 1970, the'91-
year-old Black traveled to Guyana, South America, to
share his age-old craft with villagers of that country.
Black’s handcrafted bricks created many of Winston-
Salem’s finest homes, businesses and churches. He is
honored with a statue in front of the Forsyth County
office building.
For more information on the awards program, call
the LISC Winston-Salem office at (336) 722-5400.
FAMILY, FRIENDS AND
COMMUNITY RALLY AROUND
FORMER MAYOR
By John Raye
When Kenneth Fox was elected mayor of
East Spencer, a small, overwhelmingly Black
town near Salisbury, the election made nation-
al news. Kenneth Fox was really Kenneth Fox
Muhammad, a member of the Nation of Islam.
The fact that a member of the so-called
“Black Muslim” organization could be elected
to such a prestigious post raised more than a
few eyebrows, way beyond the borders of
North Carolina.
Five years after that historic election,
however, Kenneth Fox is no longer the mayor.
In fact, he no longer lives in East Spencer.
Today, Kenneth Fox is behind bars, in federal
custody, and serving time for a crime that
family, friends and community supporters describe as “a crime of being too trusting,
too nice”, and to some long time supporters, “way too Black!”
The trouble began shortly after the election in 1997. Fox, a graduate of North
Carolina Central University and member of a close-knit East Spencer family, was
widely known as a “brother who cared deeply for Black people and who wanted to
make a difference”.
Continued on Page S
INSIDE
An Exemplary
Community
Servant ....
Vision is
Vitai . . .
Kenneth Fox
Safety Tips
for a Happy
Holiday Season
Christmas Past
Through
the Eyes of a
Chiid
Battling Breast
Cancer
with New
Treatments,
Awareness and
Support
Merry Christmas!
Who Do I
Trust . . .