Newspapers / Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / Oct. 8, 2009, edition 1 / Page 12
Part of Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
Derwin Montgomery stretches before the race. Race from fiafte A1 Winning has been the trend for Montgomery of late. He cinched the nomination for the East Ward seat, which is currently occupied by Democrat Joycelyn Johnson, in the primaries, and faces no competition in the General Election. The Winston Salem State senior will become the youngest City Council member in Winston Salem history when he offi cially assumes the position in December. "I thought -it was a good idea," Montgomery said tff the foot race, wjiich occurred on the eve of the runoff elec tion for the Democratic pri mary in the Southeast Wards where incumbent Evelyn Terry also faced a much younger competitor in fellow Democrat James Taylor, who ?V ended u-p winning the runoff. "We're putting that atten tion again back to the elec tions," Montgomery said. "Everybody's' running, so we've got to get everybody out (to the polls)." Besse has a battle on his hands as well. The incumbent will face off against Republican Ted Shipley in his quest to retain the Southwest Ward seat. Claudia Shivers, the Republican candidate for the city's Northeast Ward, came out to support the event. "I think it's refreshing for people to have a new way of doing something political," said Shivers, who will square off against the city's longest sitting Council member. Vivian Burke. in the November 3 General Election. "It gives you just q Small look at what the possi-' bilities are with fresh, new leadership." Montgomery's election is proof positive that the winds of change are blowing in the city. Shivers said. k "1 think Dei*win's win. on the tails of Obama's win, are indicative of the whole coun try's desire for change," she declared. Besse says Montgomery's youthful presence will change the dynamic of the Council. "The Council has been a good group, but we haven't ; had any young folks on it.'" he commented, 'it's going to be such an interesting change to have a genuine young man." As the winner of the race, Montgomery was allowed to select the charitable organi zation where both he and Besse will spend a day volun teering in November. Montgomery chose Samaritan Ministries home less shelter. Talk frim 1 1 kj v?' .4 / ease the discomfort some parents may feel ahoui broaching the subject with their teens or preteens. through education and awareness. Events centered around fos tering healthy dialogue will continue throughout the month. "Let's Talk Month recognizes the importance of a strong partnership between parents and the community," said Mayor Allen Joines in a proclamation declaring October Let s Talk Month in Winston-Salem. "...Honest and accurate education about se\ will promote healthy sex attitudes and behaviors that will endure for generations." Seven panelists, including three teens from area schools, weighed in on the dis- * cussion. Arwilda Cannady. a sophomore at West Forsy th and member of Teen Talk - an initiative of the Forsyth County Department of Public Health to educate and prepare teens to make sound life deci sions - believes abstinence is the best pol icy. "I can't stress enough how important it is to w ait to have sex . and to ask questions if yoirneed help," Cannady said. "Most uninformed decisions only end in failure." Marissa Gordon, a junior at Atkins Academic and Technology High School, offered a different perspective. "I think you should prevent (teen preg nancy) as much as possible, but it depends Photo by Lay la Farmer Addie Hymes speaks. on the mentality of the person," Gordon said. "Age doesn't determine how good of a mother you're going to be. I think teens are capable of taking care of a baby without messing up their own lives or their child's." Other issues raised during the forum ranged from concerns about parental involvement in their children's1 education; to the influences of music, media and the teens' own peer groups; and the role of the church in addressing sexuality. "It is highly unlikely that you will hear preachers preach about these things," commented Rev. Rodney Coleman, pastor of Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Mocksville. "... These are issues that need to be discussed, not only in the African American churches, hut in all churches. There has to be more dialogue about these topics." Parents play a vital role in all aspects of their children's education - sexual or otherwise, said Addie Hymes, Parent Involvement coordinator for the Winston Salem / Forsyth County School system. "1 don't think parents really realize how much power you really have," she commented. "...In a number of house holds, the kids are in charge. The parents are trying to do what the kids want because they want the kids to like them." Cleo Solomon, director of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church daycare center, says she has witnessed the hardships an unwanted pregnancy can give rise to. "From my current standpoint ... I have seen the effects that unplanned preg nancies can have on a family," said Solomon, who spent three decades work ing with youth at the Urban League of Winston-Salem. "Educating teens about sex is an important part of preventing teenage pregnancy." Health educators are available to lead classes to help facilitate discussions at agencies or organizations across the city. For more information, or for a listing of Let's Talk Month events, contact Coleman at {336) 703-3269- or visit wwwjco forsy th.ru -.us. Photos by LaytaTi4{mcr Dan Besse, a longtime long distance runner, gets prepared. Big Read from page AT black township. It was in this small rural community that she developed her fascination for folklore, hearing old tales told on the porch of the village store. As an adult, she traveled extensively, learning about folklore, which she collected into two books. She also wrote four novels, an autobiography and numerous short stories, plays, essays and articles. Hufston's forceful personali ty. style and intelli gence made her an iconic figure among the writers, artists and intellec tuals of the Harlem Renaissance. Despite all that, , U? ..,.w ..Inn MIC WU> [AIUI WIIVII she died in I960. Her neighbors took up a coiiccikhi iu \>ay 101 nci funeral, and her grave remained unmarked until 1973. Hemenway, who recently retired as chancellor of the University of Kansas, discov ered Hurston's work in gradu ate school and was shocked he hadn't been taught about her before. This led to some exten sive reading and research on her. which he used for his biography. "She wasn't some regional writer that maybe was good or maybe wasn't good," said Hemenway. "She was a major American writer." Hemenway told a story about Hurston visiting a small backwoods town in segregated South Carolina in the 1930s while collecting folklore. The town had only one stoplight, and she walked through it even though it was red. A white police officer came up to her and asked her. "Girl, what are you doing crossing against the light?" Boldly, she responded, "Why officer. 1 saw the white folks go on green and I figured the red was for us." Hemenway wasn't sure if the story was literally true or had been embellished a little, but said the meaning was clear. "It seems to me nicating to that white police officer i know your story. I know what you're trying to do. I know you're trying to just lean over and make my life a Jim Crow life, but I'm not He men way . c i going to let you do that.'" ?aid Hemenway. He asked the audience what they felt was most impor tant about Hurston. Many appreciated that she was a strong, liberated, "sassy" woman. Others appreciated her incorporating the language and experiences of African Americans into her work. "She was not afraid to... celebrate and appreciate the common, everyday life of African-Americans and the richness of our culture," said Elwanda Ingram, a WSNl English professor. For more information on Big Read events go to wwwforsythlibrarysirg and click on "On the Same Page 2009" Hanes Buy 3, get the 4th FREE Choose Hanes Sweats, Hanes Multipack Underwear, Hanes Multipack Socks. Free item must be of equal or lesser value. BALI barely, the re* j?x (lu -wvpiow _ Sheer Energy Bra Sale - $15.99 each when you buy 3 or more! Choose from Bali, Playtex and Barely There Bras! Athleticwear Sale - Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off All Champion Athleticwear. Sale item must be of equal or lesser value. L'eggs Hosiery Sale - Only $3 per pair when you Buy 2 packs of 6 for $36 Choose from our 4 best selling styles! Our reg. $20.99 per pack! Hanes Hosiery Sale - Only $4*50 per pair when you Buy 2 packs of 4 for $36 Choose from our 4 best selling styles! Our reg. $22.99 per pack! Comfortwear Sale - Buy 1 Get I 50% Of# Select styles. Sale item must be of equal or lesser value. Hurry, Sale ends Monday Oct. 12th! hanes brands OUTLET Thruway Shopping Center, Lower Level, 336 519-5958, Mon.-Sat. 9 to 9; Sun. 12 to 6 Sales are also effective at Hanes Mill Outlet at Marketplace Mall; selection is limited. ? ? 2009 Hariesbronds Inc. All rights reserved.
Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Oct. 8, 2009, edition 1
12
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75