Local Talent Showcased at the Share the Dream Talent Show

By Jacquie Jeffers, State Martin Luther King, Jr. Commissioner

The 10th-annual Share the Dream Talent Show was held on January 13, 2018, with local artists and performers sharing their talents with the crowd at the Greenfield School in Wilson, North Carolina.

The talent show was created by Governor Appointed State Martin Luther King, Jr. Commissioner Jacquie Jeffers as way to unite the community in a family oriented setting to share their diverse talents. Bringing people together to fellowship while being entertained, network and raise funds for the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club set the tone for an enjoyable evening. From ticket takers to sound and set up, volunteers turned the Greenfield Gym into a location for displays on tables of information regarding Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s: Steps for Nonviolence Flyers, anti-bullying, preparing for college and the State’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission.

Activities of the day included reading of a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Proclamation, from Governor Roy Cooper, read by Commissioner Jeffers.

The Share the Dream Community Spirit Awards were announced:

Jerri Batts. Source: Jacquie Jeffers

Attorney Rhyan Breen — An attorney with the Farris and Farris Law Firm, Ryan Breen has reached out to this community by holding karaoke fund- raisers for the Arts Council. What better way to have fun while serving the community! He also serves on the Y.O.U.T.H. Board of Directors and as a member of the MCEC Advisory Council with the Knights of Columbus.

Ms. Crystal Carter Kirby — She is the proud owner of Crystal Clear Photography and is active in the Bail Bonding business. She is a volunteer for sporting events and is a positive role model for young girls with her clothing style and appreciation for making positive choices to help others.

Mrs. Jerri Batts of AXA Financial Planning has been supportive of young people in this community and beyond. Recently, she assisted the Whitfield Baseball Clinic for young men across our state. She touches the lives of many with her unselfish support.

Rev. Rodney W. Alston owner of the Making a Difference Barber Shop on Nash Street sets the standards for his clients that is often lost in today’s world. No sagging pants or bad language is allowed in his barber shop! His priority is to be an example for the children so that this city will be respectable and safe.

Rev Rodney Alston. Source: Jacquie Jeffers

Mr. Jeff Quick is the manager of Big Lots. Whenever he is approached with projects that involve children, he has a listening ear. Then, he reacts with unselfish giving to provide incentives for good grades, attendance and good character. When you visit Big Lots, he has a smile on his face and doesn’t hesitate to answer questions.

The Emcees for the talent show:

Crissy O of Music and More Productions-Works with children with Special Needs to motivate them to incorporate music with communication. She is a professional recording artist, songwriter, program director and musician.

Darian Cahill — CEO of Hand in Mine Incorporated. This new, nonprofit organization’s purpose is to give young men ages 9-12 life skills through sports. These skills include but are not limited to: leadership, teamwork, confidence, decision- making, problem solving, self -awareness and creative thinking. All though sports are great we have to get our youth to understand at a young age sports are simply an outlet and a means to an end. By introducing our Miners to sports, we can grab their attention and trust. We help them to understand why education should be valued over sports.

The 2018 Share The Dream music line-up:

PERFORMER	SONG/PERFORMANCE
PRECIOUS ATKINSON	HERO
STEVIE HINNANT	PRAY
LADY J	SHARE THE DREAM
EMMANUEL JONES	THAT WAS THEN…THIS IS NOW
SHARE THE DREAM AWARDS	STATE MLK COMMISSIONER JEFFERS
MARLEY BARBERIO-KNIGHT (rapper)	“LOVE VS FEAR”
CHALIEE SWANER-AUGUSTIN	ESSAY
EVERETT SILVER (singer)	“I AM GOD”
WE JUST LOVE STEPPIN’ (line dancing)	“TESTIMONY”
DEIDRA CAMARA (singer)	“TOO GOOD AT GOODBYES”
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION	HIP HOP LEAN ON ME
“I HAVE A DREAM” — MARJORIE, ANNA, CALOB, JACOB
ANDREW MONEY (singer)	“FEELIN’ THE VIBE”
DAMARCO RICHARDSON (dancer)	“GLORY”
THAT’S LIFE (skit/song)	“HE STILL LOVES ME”
ABNORMAL MUSIC GROUP (singers)	“S SONG”
CYNTHIA COOPER (singer)	“EVERYDAY PEOPLE”

Participants in this year’s Share The Dream Talent Show:

PRECIOUS FINCH
STEVE HINTON
EMMANUEL JONES (Hunt High)
MARLEY BARBERIO-KNIGHT (Sallie B Howard)
CHALIEE SWANER-AUGUSTIN (Sallie B. Howard)
EVERETT SILVER-Talk Show Host
WE JUST LOVE STEPPIN’ Line Dancing
DEIDRA CAMARA
ANNA, CALOB, JACOB and MARJORIE ETHRIDGE (“I Have A Dream” Excerpts)
ANDREW MONEY
CYNTHIA COOPER
CHARLES JEFFERS
RENNA MAYES
JAMES GOODMAN
EVERETT SILVER
ABNORMAL DANCER
DEIDRA CAMARA
EMMANUEL JONES
SAMUEL THOMAS

With thanks to the W.J.L.S. We Just Love Stepping Line Dancers:

Zartisha Davis aka Mz Zee
Ernest Davis aka Trouble
Janice Coe aka Mama Soul
Brenda Dawson aka Butter
Nina Blossom aka Classic Chick
Shirley Best aka Speedy
Virginia Higgs aka Sassy V.A.

And, thank you to the audience for their participation! Each activity was added to provide a fellowship opportunity. People were able to converse, sing together, and network.