Wilma Holmes ('46) was recently featured in The Herald Sun (Durham, NC) under the section "In Your Neighborhood" for an interview regarding a bond issue to build a new recreation center. A Walltown resident, Mrs. Holmes hopes that a new parks and recreation bond can help build a new recreation center for Walltown residents. The current one serves a purpose but it only holds 40 people. A former public school librarian and teacher, Mrs. Holmes even started the recreation center library that bears her name. In fact, Mrs. Holmes also started an after-school program at the recreation center in 1989 that is still up and running today.

Class of 1947

The autobiography of Los Angeles-based civil rights activist, Dr. Ora Sweeting Mobley ('47), "Nobody Gave Me Permission" recently received several endorsements from key public figures including former President Bill Clinton who praised the book for "inspiring and reminding us all the struggles that many have endured while fighting for equality during the Civil Rights Movement". The riveting memoir which captures the dynamic role of Dr. Mobley especially in the development of a new history of Black Harlem, her influence in communities across the U.S. during the civil rights era and the ongoing work she has continued to do in uplifting the case for Black people all over the world, also earned commendation from Congressman Charles Rangel (D-New York), California Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally; The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Braithwaite-Burke and Los Angeles Councilman Bernard Parks.

Class of 1969

In the January 2006 issue of Ebony Magazine, alumnus Billy Pitts (’69) is shown as one of the Ebony Fashion Fair Chairpersons. The world’s premier traveling fashion show begins its spring tour on January 5 in Hopkinsville, KY.

Class of 1973

Cleveland James ('73) has been named Director of Admissions at Central State University in Wilberforce, OH. He formerly served as the Associate Director of Admissions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also holds a master's from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Class of 1980

Cynthia M. Smith ('80), Discipline Chair for Health and Physical Education at Central Piedmont Community College, recently completed all of the requirements for the Instructor Certificate in Holistic Stress Management. Holistic wellness is the integration, balance and harmony of mind, body, spirit and emotions. Ms. Smith studied in Boulder, CO under Dr. Brian Luke Seaward, author of several books including Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backwards and the classic Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water. As a newly certified instructor, Ms. Smith is now available to teach others to de-stress their lives.

Class of 1981

Dennis K. Branch ('81) graduated on October 3, 2005 from the North Carolina Public Manager Program (PMP). This two-year program is accredited through the National Certified Public Manager Consortium. He is a Senior Community Development Block Grant Management Representative with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Raleigh, NC.

Class of 1991

In the December 9, 2005 issue of The Charlotte Observer, alumnus David Washington (’91) is featured for his style of fashion. Mr. Washington, a custom clothier, who designs distinctive wardrobes for his clients, co-owns DW Designs, a clothing design company. After 10 years in corporate sales, he opened DW Designs in Charlotte in the mid ‘90’s. In November, Mr. Washington added a retail component to his business. He and his business partner, Lashanda Milner Murphy, opened shop in the Ivey’s Building, 127 N. Tryon Street, Suite 258.

Class of 1999

Join Cheris F. Hodges ('99) as she reads from her new novel "Second Chances at Love". The Novel Launch Party will take place on February 18, 2006 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm at the Real Eyes Bookstore, 3306 N. Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC.

Class of 2000

Sharon Wright Jackson ('00) was recently elected to the National Association for Children for Enforcement of Support - A National Body that oversees Federal Lobbying for the Rights of Children for Economic and Emotional Support of Children in the Family Courts System.

Class of 2002

The Office of Alumni Affairs would like to send best wishes to Renina Miller ('02) for a healthy recovery. Ms. Miller was wounded in Iraq and recently received a purple heart.

Class of 2003

Lauren Scott ('03) has been chosen by BB&T to serve as a Recruiter for the Management Development Program. A highly sought after position, Ms. Scott will travel to colleges and universities recruiting students for BB&T's Management Development Program. Ms. Scott will be based out of Winston-Salem.