QEA presents honors during posh Legacy Ball
Dr. Joe L. Dudley Sr. roused the audience at Quality Education Academy’s 13th annual Legacy Ball on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Knotts
He and Pastor Anthony Knotts of The Embassy Church International were inducted as new “Legacy Awardees” at the black-tie affair that took place in the public charter school’s new auditorium.
QEA, which serves grades K through 12, likens its annual ball to the glitzy Oscars. Hundreds of faith and community members, parents, teachers, staff, students and others walked an actual red carpet and were treated to a formal three-course dinner. The previously inducted 42 honorary “Legends” who have contributed to the lives of the people of Winston-Salem in various ways were welcomed.
Dudley, founder and CEO of hair and skin care company Dudley Products, shared his testimony of growing up in North Carolina and rising to success because of his commitment to his people and community.
Simon Johnson with Dr. Joe L. Dudley Sr.
He urged everyone, especially the students of QEA, to become job-makers and not just job-takers. Dudley spoke about his own children, including his daughter’s business, Balance Day Spa, earning a recent mention in Forbes magazine. Dudley agreed to remain connected to QEA, especially in helping to train future entrepreneurs.
He ended his remarks by motivating the audience, which chanted, “I Am, I Can, I Will!” – the title of Dudley’s book.
Knotts, of The Embassy Church International, made a substantial contribution to the school and assured the audience he was going to become a very familiar face around QEA. He gave a tearful acceptance speech and presented a placard that urges people to wake up like gazelles and the lions: running. It will be placed in one of the school’s buildings.
QEA CEO Simon Johnson was surprised when he was presented with the new “Still Standing Award,” along with Headmaster Emeritus J. L. Covington and longtime supporter Martha March.
Judge Denise Hartsfield was the mistress of ceremonies for the gala. Grammy-nominated Christopher Brinson and The Ensemble performed spirit-filled songs, including their hit, “What If God is Unhappy With Our Praise?” Gospel recording artists Soul Purposed also presented soul-stirring selections, and comedienne Debra Terry-Stephens entertained the audience with side-splitting humor.
The event was made possible by many supporters and sponsors, including Inez Covington Johnson, James L. Covington, Eshe Johnson, Simon Johnson, Lyman Stamps, Edward Salter, Lovell Jackson, Margaret Pitts, Robert Turner Sr., Errol Hinds, Monica Hinds and Kerry March.
