I am Mary Neely Grissom, retired educator and President/Executive Director of the Historic Neely School Foundation. I am proud to share these chronological events of the historic Neely School. In 1908, my grandfather, Julius Erastus Neely courageously founded the Neely School in China Grove, NC near Salisbury. Julius was the son of a slave….
There’s an old saying that suggests, ‘Power corrupts—and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ Regardless of who the originator of this phrase may have been, we have seen the unfortunate consequences of such expressions of “pseudo-power” in so many settings and in so many ways over the centuries. In the middle of the first century AD,…
The red color of the British Labour Party covered the political board of the United Kingdom’s July 4, 2024, general elections. It did this with 34% of the popular vote, which won them 412 seats, beating the incumbent governing Conservative Party by 291 seats. The Labour Party has now formed a new government commitment to…
Yes. LaKecia Benjamin is a worship leader. She takes her love of God and the gift God gave her and synergizes it into a beautiful worship experience.” Rev. Dierdre’ R. Parker An NPR (National Public Radio) Tiny Desk Concert is a huge deal! So is a Grammy Nomination. LaKecia Benjamin has three nominations and a…
The Black Methodist Church, a cornerstone of African American religious and social life for centuries, finds itself at a crossroads. Decades of declining membership, aging congregations, and societal shifts have left many questioning its future. However, amidst these challenges, seeds of hope are being sown, hinting at a potential revival on the horizon. This past…
Livingstone College professor Felix Adusei-Danso, who serves as chair for the Department of Biology, will be inaugurated as the new Ashanti Chief of Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 6, 2024. The three-hour ceremony will showcase Ashanti culture, tradition, music, dancing, and leaders pledging an oath of allegiance to the Ashanti people. All are invited to…
Meet Reverend Dierdre’ R. Parker, editor of Entertainment & The Arts at The Star of Zion. A masterful wordsmith and award-winning spoken word artist, Dierdre’—also known as “Didi”—began reading the dictionary as a kid. Today, Didi continues to build upon her rich legacy as a poet, an actor, an IACC-certified life coach, an author of…
The 134th Session of the Blue Ridge Annual Conference was held May 22-25, 2024, at the beautiful and scenic Walls/Battle Conference and Retreat Center in Black Mountain, North Carolina. The Quadrennial theme was “The Freedom Church-A movement Empowered by the Holy Spirit.” Bishop Darryl B. Starnes presided. The Missionary Supervisor was Sister Camille Starnes. Presiding…
Against the backdrop of true Spring weather coming to Central New York, pilgrims made their way to Auburn, NY for the 50th Annual Harriet Tubman Pilgrimage. Fifty years is a hallmark and God ordained that we should be led on this occasion by a native son of the region, Bishop Dennis V. Proctor, Presiding Prelate…
The United Kingdom is in the throes of electioneering and campaigning for a general election scheduled for July 4, 2024. The Rev. Dr. Derrill Blue hopped across the pond from Rochester, New York, and dropped a mighty prophetic word in London, England. The occasion was the 28th annual session of the London District Conference of…
The Youth Missionary Society of The A.M.E. Zion Church has completed another project in 2023-2024. “5000 Ties 4 Guys” was our first project directly benefitting the young men in our communities. The Youth Missionary Society is inclusive of young women and young men and seeks to serve them. Each Presiding Elder District was asked…
January 1, 1953 – May 13, 2024 Gayle Helene Tabron, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, transitioned on May 13th, 2024, at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Aldersgate in Charlotte, NC, following a brief illness. Gayle was born on January 1st, 1953, to the late Emma and James Ford in Washington, DC. Gayle’s…
Recent news reports have indicated that the United States economy is currently quite robust. Data points to a low unemployment rate, and an inflation rate that is slowly waning. One economic indicator, consumer sentiment, measures the level of optimism that consumers have about their finances and the state of the economy. Although consumer sentiment has…
The Livingstone College Preaching and Worship Institute has made a profound impact on theological education and ministry development, not only within its immediate community but also on a broader scale. Building upon the concept first introduced by the A.M.E. Zion Board of Bishops’ Preaching Institute held on the campus of Livingstone College several years ago,…
New York, NY… July is a month that symbolizes summer, ambition, and contentment. July’s birthstone is the ruby, which represents satisfaction and happiness. Its birth flowers are the larkspur or the water lily, which have different meanings depending on their colors. The zodiac signs for July are Cancer and Leo, which are associated with emotions, creativity, and leadership. …
Let’s face it, it can be tough existing as a racial minority here in America. From 1619 to the present day, peoples of African Descent throughout the Diaspora have faced insurmountable challenges that no other ethnicity in the history of mankind have faced. Relying on ingenuity, unity, survival instincts, and faith, have all the deciding…
Alcohol, Communication & Assertiveness, Diet & Body Image, Mindfulness, Nature, Nutrition, Sleep, etc. These are all topics that pertain to health and self-care. July is Social Wellness Month, which promotes a theme for us as individuals to prioritize our social wellness. This is done through forming healthy relationships, strong social networks, and support systems, all…
I am not of the mindset that individuals who do not pursue a higher education such as a 4-year degree cannot be successful but those who pursue a higher education are exposed to more opportunities on personal and social levels and are more willing to be active participants in various events.” Caiden Dominick Spears To…
My campaign mantra, “A.I.M. High with Harris,” embodies my commitment to elevate the standards of service and leadership within our church community…I believe that by aiming high, we can collectively reach new heights and realize sustained growth and the posterity of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.” Rev. Keith I. Harris I am The Reverend…
The 2-day Wilmington District Sunday School Convention convened at St. Phillip A.M.E. Zion Church, Wilmington, NC, pastored by Reverend Bettijean Payton on Saturday, June 9, 2024. This convention was a visit to the past and a prayer for a great future for the 2024 graduates. St. Phillip A.M.E. Zion Church was the space where Mrs….
