Dignity Justified

According to primary source newspapers, Mrs. Norma Corley was one of the “first Negro students” in the elementary public school system in Winston-Salem, NC. In this podcast, she reflects upon her experiences as a trailblazer after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case that outlawed segregation in schools in 1954.  

This podcast episode continues Dignity Justified's focus on the S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation. Under the umbrella of this CDC is The Conference and Event Center, where our guest Patricia Degraffinreaidt serves as Event Manager. Patricia, who is respected as a creative and visionary planner, skillfully brings listeners into the ever-engaging world of managing banquets, conferences, and much more. Patricia discusses everything you need to know-- from considering, anticipating, and engaging with her to plan your next event. 

Let's explore the Simon G. Atkins Enterprise Center Community Garden. Our guest, Dr. Kyle Luth, is an environmental educator, parasitologist, and gardener who shares how community businesses and residents benefit from this community garden.  Further, he encourages listeners to schedule a time to experience the garden's teaching, growing, and socializing opportunities. Yep, that means growing your very own vegetables, learning how to prepare them from certified chefs, and enjoying garden activities such as Zumba and relaxing to Jazz.  We appreciated his insight and enthusiasm, and you will, too.

Mr. Elliott Lowery is a committed and talented leader. He serves as the Executive Director of E-Motions Family Services, Inc. The mission of the organization is to provide a compassionate, caring, and safe environment for those they serve by offering in-home services, companion sitter services, behavioral services, and respite services.

Dr. Stephanie Hurt, a vibrant advocate for the arts, is the Founder and Executive Director of the Royal Curtain Drama Guild. Their tagline is: Paving the Way to Broadway, Through Heart, Mind and Community. In addition to highlighting her movement and growth within the performing arts, Dr Stephanie discusses two (2) pageants: The Queen Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant which uplifts heritage and benefits 11th grade students enrolled in a Winston Salem Forsyth County School and The NC Plus America 2020 Inaugural Pageant, which is a preliminary to the National Ms. Plus Pageant. 

Today's episode is about community engagement and research. As we know, when trying to impact change to create better schools, housing, and community it is necessary to begin with true historical understanding, accurate information, community engagement, and driven leadership. Further, as young people often advise…” You better ask somebody.” Well, today we are asking Alvin Atkinson, a person who has an extensive track record of effective engagement--so much so that he is nationally regarded as expert in university and community collaborations. In this interview, Calvin has a great conversation with Alvin, who discusses his role as the Community Engagement Lead and Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Economic Mobility (CSEM) at Winston-Salem State University. The organization's mission is to specifically understand the causes of low economic mobility in Forsyth County. 

Chef Demetrius Rolle is the owner of “Simply Obvious” a catering business that has proudly offered services for elite occasions as well as every day family and community events for over 15 years. According to Chef Demetri “Once you see and taste the food, It's Simply Obvious who you'll use.” We engaged with Chef Demetri on an early fall evening during one of the Enterprise Center's Cooking in the Garden events. It was the perfect weather for chili, stew, and soup! Listen as we learn about his introduction to cooking and learning about zucchini and eggplant. You'll also hear him emphasize the importance of food safety.

In this episode we meet Mr. William A. Fulton, of Winston Salem, NC who has enjoyed traveling to places including Marrakesh and Casablanca in Morocco, along the coast of the Mediterranean and in the wine countries of southern France. He credits these experiences, with intensifying his interest in flavor profiles and juice infusion. We met him at the Enterprise Center (business incubator) in WS, where he is an associate and the well-known owner of The Jugo Bar.

Dignity Justified visited the Southeastern Contemporary Arts museum in Winston-Salem NC to experience the Freeman Vines Hanging Tree Guitars exhibition organized by the Music Maker Relief Foundation. Thanks to Wendy at SECCA,  photographer Tim Duffy and Nick Loss-Eaton,  Dignity Justified was able to connect with Mr. Vines, a guitar maker and former blues singer from eastern North Carolina.  Mr. Freeman, who loves the character of wood, has said, “messing with wood is like messing with old cars.” He has artistically created hand carved guitars from all types of wood and found objects for over 50 years. Listen to the wisdom of Mr. Vines as he shares about famous blues artists, his gospel singing sisters, the Glorifying Vine Sisters, and the horrific silenced story of a lynching.  

Recently Dignity Justified visited the Southeastern Contemporary Arts museum in Winston-Salem NC to experience the Freeman Vines Hanging Tree Guitars exhibition organized by the Music Maker Relief Foundation. Thanks to Wendy at SECCA, photographer Tim Duffy, and Nick Loss-Eaton Dignity Justified was able to connect with Mr. Vines, a guitar maker and former blues singer, who hails from eastern North Carolina. Mr. Freeman, who loves the character of wood, has said, “messing with wood is like messing with old cars. He has artistically created hand carved guitars from all types of wood and found objects for over 50 years. We invite you to the wisdom of Mr. Vines as he shares about famous blues artists, his gospel singing sisters, the Glorifying Vine Sisters, and the horrific silenced story of a lynching. 

Styron Bond Jr. and his siblings thoroughly enjoyed life in their entrepreneurial household in Williamston North Carolina. However, during the summer of 1963, many children and teens of this eastern North Carolina town made  sacrifices to participate in 32 consecutive days of direct action protest against segregation that included marches, boycotts, and sit ins. This podcast presents a personal journey conversation with Styron, a participant in the summer of 1963 protests. Listen as Styron opens  his heart to share childhood memories of the family's businesses, his respect for EJ Hayes teachers—including the  legendary Coach Herman Boone ( Remember the Titans ), as well as his overall reflections of his journey. 

In this episode we meet Dr. William Pruitt, III. At a very young age, Dr. William Pruitt III has enjoyed the experiences of traveling abroad. He has also enjoyed careers allowing him to both indulge in travel and to expose students to the wonders of exploring and delving into the cultures of others. Dr. Pruitt served as Assistant Director for Global Collaborations at the University of South Carolina -Columbia. In that position, Dr. Pruitt oversaw student exchange agreements. He also assisted faculty with the development and implementation of their study abroad programs. Currently, he serves as the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Project Manager at the University of South Carolina.Listen as Calvin and Anita learn about Dr. Pruitt's career paths and collecting interest.

Mr. Effley D. Howell, Sr. is the Founder and CEO of Thankful Heritage Museum located in Kernersville NC. Effley is a collector, genealogist, and historian, who grew a personal collection into Thankful Heritage, Inc. (THI) a 501c3 non-profit organization that features African American artifacts dating back to the 1700's. According to the museum's website: “Touring the museum is like taking a trip into a rich history of a people filled with pride and compassion.” Listen as Calvin and Anita have an inspiring and delightful conversation with Mr. Howell.

For many,  a turning point in the modern Civil Rights Movement was when four  North Carolina  Agricultural & Technical College students  initiated a Sit In at the segregated lunch counter of F. W. Woolworth's Department store in Greensboro, NC (1960). That site is now part of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. Along with  restored sections of the original lunch counter, there are various exhibits and initiatives that focus on the ongoing pursuit of civil and  human rights.In this episode John Swaine, CEO of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum and University of Pennsylvania Professor Will Harris, principal scholar of the museum, discuss a range of impactful topics and initiatives, including Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to the Center and the recent programming series, "The Consolidated American Constitution of the Three Foundings."  

In this episode, Calvin and Anita  have a conversation with Mrs. Currie Williams, a storyteller, folk artist, and author. She is also known throughout the storytelling world as "The Apple Lady."  Listen as Currie delightfully shares information about her introduction to the arts and as she reads from, Middle Children are Special, a children's book which she has written and illustrated.  

This episode is the promo for Season One of Dignity Justified,  which promotes the cultural heritage of African Americans by showcasing art, artifacts, images and individuals.