From the editor: Recognizing the best of Fayetteville? That's what makes this job fun.
I love my job, but some parts of it are just better than others.
Election night coverage? The best — what an adrenaline rush!
Ensuring our newsroom tells the stories that are important to you, our readers? It’s why we’re here!
You want to know my favorite part, though? Being able to recognize the incredible people who live in our community via two Observer initiatives: the perennial favorite 40 Under 40 and the newer Future Black History Makers.
Future Black History Makers
For the second year, we have partnered with Cumberland County Schools to highlight 28 (29 for Leap Year!) outstanding elementary and middle school students during Black History Month. Our Future Black History Makers are standouts for many reasons, whether they shine academically or on the ballfield or because they can make anyone laugh or they’re a good friend.
We asked these students to share a bit about themselves, and their answers to our questions were heart-warming and wise.
A few examples:
Jordyn Lee, 11, who is in fifth grade at E.E. Miller Elementary School, said her favorite thing about herself is her integrity.
Carrington Ethridge, a 10-year-old in fifth grade at New Century International Elementary School, said her mom is her role model "because she's strong and can take care of her kids no matter what."
Kendrick Gatling, 13, an eighth-grader at Westover Middle School, when asked his favorite thing about himself, said "I like to help other people, especially my friends at school and my family."
Jerome Charmaba, a 12-year-old in seventh grade at Max Abbott Middle School, said if he could go anywhere in the world, he would go to the "Mariana Trench, which is the deepest part of the ocean on earth. To discover and name more life species still hidden underwater."
You can read more about this year’s honorees, including an introductory column by Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly Jr., at fayobserver.com, and be sure to check out the beautiful portraits by staff photographer Andrew Craft.
We’ll be accepting nominations for 2025 in mid-October, so be sure to check fayobserver.com for details.
Learn more: Meet our 29 Future Black History Makers of Fayetteville for 2024
40 Under 40
This initiative, now in its 14th year, recognizes the best and brightest young professionals in our community. It's always such a pleasure to meet these changemakers and learn more about the hard work they do to make the world a better place.
Nominations are open now through Feb. 29. You can nominate someone (or yourself — nothing wrong with a little self-promotion) at bit.ly/40U402024.
Past 40 Under 40 winners include Spring Lake Mayor Kia Anthony; Fayetteville City Council members Mario Benavente and Courtney Banks-McLaughlin; Hope Mills Mayor Pro Tem Kenjuana McCray; Cumberland County Health Director Dr. Jennifer Green; Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West; Chief District Court Judge Toni King; and District Court Judge Tiffany Whitfield.
Pretty impressive group, right? That's just the tip of the iceberg. Among the outstanding past recipients is Adrian Williams, an academic support specialist at Fayetteville State University who was one of our 2023 honorees. I was struck by Adrian's enthusiasm, joy and love for his community, and I asked him what it means to him to be a 40 Under 40 recipient.
Here's what he shared with me:
"This award means a lot to me as it signifies that my hard work and dedication to not only my alma mater of Fayetteville State University, but my community of Fayetteville, North Carolina doesn’t go unnoticed! Receiving this award has rejuvenated my strength and commitment to the field of education and doing community service. It was indeed a privilege to be recognized among my peers and fellow colleagues in the industry along with local government and other amazing people looking to make an impact right here in the All-American City of Fayetteville, NC! I intend to continue to be the change I want to see as well as a servant and transformational leader to help guide our students to become productive members of society!"
Beautifully put, Adrian, and thank you for everything you do.
Meet last year's class: From the editor: Introducing The Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 Class of 2023
We can't continue the work of recognizing people like Adrian without your help, though, and that's why it's so important to nominate young professionals who are making a difference in the community.
I can’t wait to introduce you to the class of 2024. Look for the announcement in June, and in the meantime, don’t forget to nominate someone!
News director Beth Hutson can be reached at bhutson@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3533.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville Observer editor on 40 Under 40, Future Black History Makers
