WS Chronicle

Thank-you

To the Editor:

The Chronicle’s 29th Community Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 22 was an outstanding event of which the Winston-Salem office of Legal Aid of North Carolina felt privileged to be a part of in such a commendable way. It is with sincere gratitude that I, on behalf of the Legal Aid staff, thank the City of Winston-Salem’s Human Relations Commission for bestowing upon us the inaugural Human Relations Breaking Barriers Award, which was presented at the awards banquet.
I thank the Commissioners for establishing an award that is specifically designated for a community agency, organization, business or non-profit which seeks the furtherance of fair housing opportunities within Winston-Salem. By establishing this award, the Commission brings attention to the continuing issues and challenges many of our residents still face when trying to find a decent place to call home. Legal Aid is proud to partner with the Human Relations Department of this city as we seek to help those who are discriminated against.
It is fitting that this award was given just days before the month of April, which is designated Fair Housing Month. The Human Relations Department states that “Fair Housing Month promotes the federal Fair Housing Act and its laws against housing discrimination.” It is my hope that all residents will take the time to attend the many programs planned by the Human Relations Department during this month. And as Legal Aid has done for the last 52 years, we will continue to partner with those who fight against injustice, and to fight for those who are voiceless.
Finally, I thank The Chronicle for faithfully providing a positive forum for 29 years, through its annual awards banquet, to recognize community leaders and organizations who understand the meaning of being a servant leader. The Chronicle has provided 40 years of service to this community by reporting positive, community-based, articles that uplift our community and by seeking to bring us together as we strive to help each other make Winston-Salem a better place to live, work and raise our children.

Sincerely,

R. Yvette Stackhouse
Managing Attorney, Winston-Salem office of Legal Aid of N.C.

Valene Franco

To the Editor:

I am supporting Valene Franco in her effort to become one of our District Court Judges. I have had the opportunity to work with her through Leadership Winston-Salem for several years.
I support her for three reasons: her passion to serve, her judicial temperament and her 15 years of legal experience. She has earned the right to serve and is genuine, sincere and focused on making a difference.
Her campaign is about more than her accomplishments and experience, though. It is about her commitment to justice through service to the community.
Vote Valene Franco for District Court Judge.

Sincerely,
Nigel D. Alston

Supporting
students

To the Editor:

Students are the future of our city, state, nation and world.  We must make sure they have access to effective and caring teachers who teach a relevant curriculum that prepares them for college, careers and lifelong learning.   In addition, they must have a safe learning environment with appropriate relationships with school staff and friends.
In order to prepare students for a globally competitive society, they must be able to use technology and digital media strategically and capably. Their learning environment should be multicultural and allow for a diverse exchange of ideas, experiences, and relationships.
To further enhance and supplement learning experiences, extra-curricular options must be available that are rigorous and spark personal interests. Parents and the community will work with schools to support these experiences too.
Lastly, as our children evolve into self-motivated students who are held accountable for learning and good character, we will always praise and reward them for hard work and outstanding accomplishments.
As a potential school board member and former student of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, I believe that all students should have access to a quality education and good life.  Therefore, if elected on May 6, I am ready to serve you and this community effectively and successfully.  I only ask you for one thing in return – that you continue or plan to serve our community too.

Malishai Woodbury, educator and candidate for the WS/FC School Board, District 1

Help kids say
no to alcohol

To the Editor:

Are you aware that teen drinking costs the state over 1.5 billion dollars every year? This is due to youth violence, traffic collisions, injury poisonings and all of the other symptoms of alcohol use. In addition to costing the state money, it has also changed many lives. When alcohol is involved in the lives of teens, no good can come from it. It inhibits growth, impairs already underdeveloped decision making skills, and causes teens to do or get involved in risky behaviors they may not normally do. Teen drinking incidences cannot be completely prevented, but one thing that could definitely help is parents talking with their children. Some parents don’t, and those kids are the ones who are more likely to binge drink. Parents should also keep an eye on their supply to make sure their children stay out of it.
One of my relatives, who is now a recovering alcoholic, started drinking as a teenager (which made him two-to-three times more likely to become an alcoholic), and it affected him for the next 30 years of his life. If he had some parental guidance and if his access to alcohol had been reduced, he may not have had this serious addiction. Please talk with your children about alcohol and prevent this from happening.

Victor Brown, member, Youth Advisory Council of the Coalition for Drug Abuse Prevention