!!Wanted!!
2011 African American Families of the Year
Do you know of an outstanding family that should be nominated for Family of the Year? Click here to nominate!
2010
Traditional Family
Mr. & Mrs. La Monte Jones Family
Single Parent Family
Ms. Pamela Beatty Family
Extended Family
Ms. Rose McCallum Family
2009
Traditional Family
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Wright Family
Single Families of the Year
Ms. Evangela Turnage Family
Ms. Jocelyn L. Daniels Family
Extended Family
Mr. Billy Ray Stewart & Mrs. Melody Lewis-Stewart Family
2008
(Deceased legislators)
The Honorable Bernard Allen Sr. Family
The Honorable Howard J. Hunter Jr. Family
The Honorable John Douglas Hall Family
Honorable William N. Martin Family
Honorable Jeanne Lucas Family
Honorable Robert Holloman Family
2004
The Anita Robinson Christmas Family
The Anita Robinson Christmas family is an exemplary model of the “extended family”. Anita, better known as “Grandma,” is raising six children - two grandchildren, two adopted children and two foster children, all girls.
Anita provides not only love for her kids, but also a sense of discipline, responsibility and respect. In the Christmas household everyone has a job to do, sharing the load of cleaning, laundry and yard work. Before leaving the house, each family member must have herself “in order,” meaning, clean ironed clothes and neatly combed hair. Realizing how difficult it is to make it in this society, Anita does not believe in sparing the rod, with love as the foundation, discipline is a must and respect is required. Education is a focus in the family also. Holding an Associates Degree in Accounting, Anita instills in her children the importance of doing well in school. She is always willing to go the extra mile to assure that her children achieve academically. She is an active member of the SPARC Academy PTA where all of her children attend school.
The Christmas family is very active in the community. They attend Longview United Methodist Church. Anita is a Girl Scouts leader and also volunteers with the Salvation Army. She is known for the culinary delights she often shares with the volunteer organizations.
Anita’s financial discipline along with her accounting background has helped the family achieve several economic goals. She is a savvy investor and has been able to finance two separate family vacations each year, one in the fall and one in the spring. She has also been able to purchase a beautiful new home for her family.
STRENGTHENING THE BLACK FAMILY, INCORPORATED is pleased to honor the Anita Robinson Christmas family as an example of the love and bond that can be established in an extended family.
The Lee and Gayle Dunn Family
The Lee and Gayle Dunn Family is an excellent example of the traditional family including father, mother, and two siblings, Travis, and Troy. Travis and Troy are being mentored by their parents, Lee and Gayle to pursue academic heights and to give back to the community. Both are in the honors programs at their schools and they are taught that planning, organization skills and the desire to succeed are needed to accomplish their goals. Lee E. Dunn, Jr. is an Insurance Underwriter and Business Administration graduate of North Carolina A&T State University. Gayle T. Dunn is a Claims Adjuster and Economics graduate of Hampton University. Travis G. Dunn is in the 11th grade at Enloe High School and Troy C. Dunn is in the 8th grade at Carnage Middle School.
Lee E. Dunn, Jr. is a certified City of Raleigh baseball umpire and basketball official. In past years, Lee has coached mitey mite and little league sports at the Biltmore Hills, Lions Park and Worthdale Community Centers. Mr. Dunn is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and supports the fraternity’s education and community service projects. The family attends First Baptist Church in Raleigh, where Mrs. Dunn works with the Children’s Ministry and is a Sunday School teacher. Mr. Dunn is a Trustee and Travis and Troy are members of the handbell choir and youth chorus. Troy is a member of the Youth Usher Board.
Mrs. Dunn is a member of the Hampton University Alumni Association and an active member of Omicron Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. In addition, Travis and Troy Dunn are members of Top Teens of America. Travis is an accomplished violinist. He has attended the NC School of the Arts in Winston Salem, NC, and is being trained by the “Young Eight” which included various renowned African American violinists. He attended the Governor’s School of NC in Winston Salem, NC during the summer of 2004. Troy is a member of the Math and Science Enrichment Network (MSEN) pre-college program sponsored by NC State University.
The Dunn Family believes in a strong African American presence within the community. Their activities for educational achievement, spiritual growth, community service, and the cultivation of work ethics for economic stability, allows them to share ideas and serve as positive role models for all youth.
STRENGTHENING THE BLACK FAMILY, INCORPORATED salutes this outstanding family.
The Lawrence Murray Family
The recipient of the “Single-Parent Family of the Year, “ award is the Lawrence Murray and his two daughters, Ashley and Jelisa. Lawrence is an outstanding role model because he has overcome some challenges—all for the love of his daughters—that changed the lives of the entire Murray family members. Lawrence’s role as a single parent was not easy, but he was persistent in caring and nurturing his daughters, as he made sure they were ready for each day. Lawrence’s driving force was a steadfast belief in himself and the ultimate goal of raising loving, healthy children.
The Murrays are active members of Macedonia Apostolic Church in Raleigh. Ashley and Jelisa, who are 11 and 7 years of age, respectively, sing in the choir. Lawrence has also been very active in his community. He was a participant in the Fatherhood Program through Raleigh Nursery, Big Brothers and community programs in Chavis Heights. Ashley and Jelisa have been Girl Scouts, members of the YMCA, and other after school programs. Lawrence’s persistence led the Murray family to improve its life economically and educationally. It was a joyous day for the Murrays when they moved from their apartment in Chavis Heights to a home they now own.
Lawrence enrolled in Wake Technical Community College and received his credentials in Office Systems and in North Carolina Child Care. Following the completion of these programs, he became a floater and later a teacher’s assistant in the Crosby Head Start Program. Presently, Lawrence is a teacher at Learning Together, an interdependency and inclusive education program, and is pursuing an AA degree in Early Childhood Development.
In addition to being dedicated to his work, Lawrence stays focused on his daughters, ensuring that their homework assignments are complete, visiting their schools, and advocating for them when needed. Members of the Lawrence Murray family are proud of their accomplishments and wish to inspire other single parents to continue to make great strides in rearing loving and healthy children, regardless of obstacles that they might encounter.
STRENGTHENING THE BLACK FAMILY, INCORPORATED salutes this outstanding family.
The Keith and Katrina Hicks Family
The Keith and Katrina Hicks family is an example of a family to be admired. The couple has done an outstanding job as husband and wife and as father and mother. They believe in having a Godly home in which there is mutual respect for each other. Open communication is required and all opinions are heard and respected.
The Hicks family members are active members of Faith Missionary Baptist Church. Keith is the Sunday School Superintendent and Katrina is the assistant youth director. Their daughter, Gabrielle, is the assistant president for the youth choir and their son, Jarie, is a youth usher. In the community, Keith is a volunteer coach for several sports with the Garner Parks and Recreation Department. Jarie is a member of three different sports leagues. Gabrielle (Gabby) is a Pop-Warner cheerleader and a member of several teen organizations including Top Teens of America and Black Achievers. Katrina has been a volunteer for the YMCA for over 12 years where she works with other youth and families.
Keith and Katrina understand the value of being good role models for their children and other children. Teaching their children respect and responsibility is a priority in this family. Keith said, “We are like our own little village; no one is alone, although the road may be long and hard we stand at the battle ground together.”
As a young couple, Keith and Katrina recognized the value of long term economic planning and have taught their children to do the same. They approach their finances from a spiritual, financial, educational, health, and personal perspective. Katrina attended St. Augustine’s College. Because of a desire to embark on new endeavors, Keith is pursuing further education at Campbell University in Bowie’s Creek, North Carolina. Gabby and Jarie attend Wake County Public School System where they are honor students. Keith and Katrina believe that a good education is essential to success in life and they work hard to instill the same in their children.
STRENGTHENING THE BLACK FAMILY, INCORPORATED salutes this outstanding family.
2003
The Kenneth and Jonica Rowland Family
Traditional Family Of The Year
The Kenneth and Jonica Rowland Family is an excellent example of
the traditional family including father, mother and four siblings,
Kenton, Kendra, Jeremiah Rowland and Kenneth Moore. Giving back
to the community is a guiding principle for the family. Kenneth
and Jeremiah Rowland have instilled in their children spiritual
values, independence, responsibility and the act of volunteering.
Mrs. Rowland is flutist at Higher Call Christian Church where she
and her family attend and participate in church activities. Kenton,
a student at Martin Middle School, is the class representative and
a member of the football team. Kendra is enrolled at Powell Elementary
School where she is performer in the drama group that will participate
in Pieces of Gold. Jeremiah, also is a student at Powell Elementary
School, plays Junior Recreational Football at Lyons Park. Kenneth
Rowland takes time with his children and finds time to help coach
a little league team. He serves not only as a role model for his
children, but the other children in Southeast Raleigh.
Education is a key priority for all members of the Rowland family.
They have encouraged and supported one another in maintaining academic
success. Kenneth, the eldest son, is completing his program at Shaw
University. Mrs. Rowland is a senior at North Carolina State University
majoring in Applied Sociology. She is a writer for THE NUBIAN, the
student newspaper. Mr. And Mrs. Rowland attended a financial literacy
class sponsored by the North Carolina Hunger Network. Strong work
ethics have enabled them to maintain economic stability in these
difficult times. They all participate in community fundraising activities
to support worthy causes such as reducing the burden of diabetes
and heart disease. This is usually done through the various walks
held in the Triangle.
Inspiring their own family and other families to improve the quality
of life through spiritual values, education, economic well-being
and health are hallmarks of this strong family.
STRENGTHENING THE BLACK FAMILY, INCORPORATED salutes this outstanding
family.
The Barbara Stephens Family
Extended Family Of The Year
This mother of four, two adopted Ryan Stephens 10
and Rean Stephens 5, and two foster children, Xavious Stephens 5
and Jawonte Stephens 3, qualifies as an exemplary model of the extended
family. This is a true example of a loving family that has been
carefully pulled together. Ms. Stephens has developed a solid foundation
for the successful rearing of her children. She has taken parenting
classes and last fall participated in a class on Effective Black
Parenting. She is a member of the Development Disabilities Support
Program. A strong advocate for her children and children in general,
she has completed a workshop on child advocacy. She goes on field
trips and visits the school on a regular basis.
Ms. Stephens takes all of the children to church
regularly. She is a member of Tupper Memorial Baptist Church where
she serves as an usher, church secretary, Sunday School secretary
and choir member. She attends conferences that focus on helping
children. The children attend the Salvation Army After School Program.
Ms. Stephens decided to become a foster mother because of the need
for African-Americans to adopt African-American children. She is
vice president of Friends of Black Children and treasurer of the
Disabilities Support Program. With the support of her family, church
and friends, she has been able to provide a loving and caring environment
for her family. She still finds time to care for her mother who
is 83 years of age and visually impaired.
This graduate of North Carolina Central University
deserves the highest accolades in the establishment of this extended
family.
STRENGTHENING THE BLACK FAMILY, INCORPORATED salutes
this outstanding family.
The Wanda S. Satterwhite Family
Single Parent Family Of The Year
The Wanda S. Satterwhite Family is a PROFILE IN COURAGE of the
single parent family. Wanda Satterwhite is a very supportive mother
and loving parent. She has lived with the difficulties of the
disease polio her entire life. She never allowed her disease to
hinder the way she brought up her daughter. Ms. Satterwhite’s
mother instilled in her that there is nothing you cannot do and
through her strong Christian faith, she has prevailed.
Ms. Satterwhite and her daughter, Shanella, participate with
Young’s Missionary Baptist Church. Shanelle and her mother
participate in Black Achievers at the Garner Road YMCA and Top
Teens of America. Shanelle volunteers at the New Hope Community
Center tutoring children with their homework. Ms. Satterwhite
has always participated with Shanelle in all of her extracurricular
activities. She has managed to balance life and work in order
to meet the needs of her daughter.
Ms. Satterwhite is a leading community mother in the Southgate
community. She encourages the children living in her area to stay
in school, work hard and always give their very best. She has
set up her home to be one of comfort and encouragement. Ms. Satterwhite’s
influence on Shanella encourages the senior from Southeast Raleigh
High School to attend school daily, walking a mile to get there.
Both mother and daughter work very hard at being self sufficient
economically. Ms. Satterwhite works two jobs and over the past
ten years has been saving and preparing for Shanella’s college
education. She has also been researching investment opportunities
and real estate properties. One day she hopes to purchase a new
home for her family and some properties to rent.
Ms. Satterwhite graduated form Miller Business College. She
has encouraged Shanella to follow her dreams and further her education
on the collegiate level. Shanella will enter a college next year
where she can focus on art and fashion design. Shanella currently
serves as an art honor student at Southeast Raleigh High School
and her number one fan continues to be her mother.
STRENGTHENING THE BLACK FAMILY, INCORPORATED salutes this outstanding
family.
The Irene and Kenard Nears Family
Blended Family Of The Year
The Irene and Kenard Nears Family is an exemplary
model of the “blended family”. Irene and Kenard brought
to this union daughters, Sara and Keeauna , from their previous
marriages.
Irene lost her first husband and became the single
mother of her biological daughter, Sara. During this time Irene
welcomed into her home Meredith, a teenage girl, who had been
tossed between foster homes and gave her a stable, loving and
secure family. Irene also returned to school, working and attending
college to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from
Shaw University. When Irene married Kenard, he brought with him
another teenage daughter, Keeauna. Through their remarkable strength
of character, devotion and wise parenting, the Nears have created
a personal habitat of shared respect and deep connections. Statistics
say this situation would not be successful; however, Irene and
Kenard have turned tragedy into triumph.
The Nears serve as active volunteers in the foster
parent programs and Irene has been involved with this program
for the last decade. Irene also volunteers with the Guardian Giving
Program to provide Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children and
her daughters join her in this effort.
As a family, the Nears worship together at St.
Raphael Catholic Church in Wake County. Kenard is employed at
Family Youth, Incorporated and is pursuing a doctoral degree at
North Carolina State University in Guidance Education. Both Irene
and Kenard live economically and creatively to prepare for their
daughters’ future education and their own professional development.
Their eldest daughters Meredith and Sara have begun their first
year at Fayetteville State University and Peace College, respectively.
The youngest daughter, Keeuana, is a student at Sanderson High
School. Irene and Kenard are diligent to identify and secure resources
that will lead to greater economic, health, employment and educational
opportunities for themselves and then pass this vision to other
families in their sphere of influence.
STRENGTHENING THE BLACK FAMILY, INCORPORATED is
pleased to honor the Irene and Kenard Nears Family for their efforts
to ensure the survival and strengthening of black families while
still underscoring those traditional values which serve to strengthen
all families. Their personal mission to enhance the quality of
their own and their children’s lives while also seeking
to improve the lives of other black families who reside in Wake
County is commendable.
STRENGTHENING THE BLACK FAMILY, INCORPORATED salutes
this outstanding family.
View 2002 Families
of the Year
|
