Up & Coming Weekly

10 UCW FEB. 24 - MARCH 2, 2010 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM "For when you truly know your past you know you have a place in the future" That's the motto of Black History4Ever, an organization designed to celebrate and preserve the history of African-Americans. Along with providing information on "national history makers," the organization's unique mission profi les "everyday African- American little-known fi rst-time achievers and hometown heroes of all races that advocate equality for African-Americans whom too, have a story to tell." On Saturday March 6, the nonprofi t organization GOTDAD's (Giving Opportunities through Dedication and Devotion) is sponsoring its 7th annual black History 4Ever Quiz Bowl at the Market Fair Mall. The Quiz Bowl will begin at 10 a.m. Top prize is $500 per age group. There are four age group categories 8-9-year-olds, 10-12-year-olds, 13-15-year-olds and 16-18-year-olds. Joe McGee, founder/ director of GOTDAD's describes the organization as a group of military and civilian dads who recognize the challenge of balancing their jobs — from dangerous military missions to long hours at work — with spending time with their families. McGee explains that while they are in the early stages of registration, they have received a great response. He said this is the largest number of participants to date, and he credits the spurt of the participation to the group's invitation to the public schools to participate. McGee also explained there are plans to expand to a statewide competition in 2011 and nationwide by the year 2012. McGee suggested the use of home-made fl ash cards from index cards, and small study groups as excellent methods of preparation for the quiz bowl. The questions used for the competition are found on the Web site, no tricks or gimmicks. To learn more about the Black History 4Ever Quiz Bowl or to register for the competition and retrieve study questions, visit the Web site at www.blackhistory4ever.com, to register click on the registration form. After completing the registration form the applicant will receive an e-mail confi rming his/her slot in the quiz bowl. Students with no computer can register by calling (910)978-2829. Prizes will be awarded to all participants at end of the competition. For more information about GOTDAD'S visit the Web site at www.Gotdads.org. Black History Quiz Bowl Slated at Market Fair Mall by GAIL PITTMAN Every morning while in garrison, the soldiers of Fort Bragg hit the streets. They run miles and miles. And when they are deployed, they exchange their tennis shoes for boots and instead of the safe run along Gruber Road, they climb through mountain passes and pound streets littered with IEDs. To show its support for these troops, the USO of North Carolina Fort Bragg Center is hosting its 2nd Annual 5K Walk/Run for the Troops on March 6 at Fayetteville Technical Community College. They are asking the community to put on their running shoes to do more than just raise funds for the troops. They want the event to truly show the community's love and support for its troops. Participants will walk or run in honor and memory of service men and women. There were more than 400 participants who helped raise more than $12,000 for the fi rst walk/run. With such a great outcome last year, the goal is to double the number of participants and funds raised. All proceeds go to the Fort Bragg USO's facility and outreach programs. The local organization sends care packages to service members while they are deployed overseas. It also gives rack pack items, which are basic necessity items that are already waiting for service members in their rooms so they have the essentials they need after they return from deployment. With those special programs and so much more that is offered by the nonprofi t organization, it's important for the community to participate in events and fundraisers. Volunteers are always welcome. There will be fun for all ages in addition to the main walk/run event. Participants can rest legs and relax backs in massage chairs that will be in service. Some will leave with more than their free T-shirt as they win prizes from drawings. The children will appreciate the delicious snow cones, exciting activities and friendly clowns that will be on hand for entertainment. Enjoy the refreshments and warm interaction with other supporters of service men and women. "Valley Auto World and quite a few businesses in the community already support the USO of N.C. at Fort Bragg and this is such a big event, we couldn't do it without them," says USCNCFB Center Director, Hoku Hobbs. "Last year was a huge success and we want another great turnout to benefi t the troops and families of Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. The proceeds go towards our outreach programs and maintaining our 4,200 square foot facilities that have recreational equipment, computers with Internet access, free wifi and other services. It's really a home-away-from- home and everything is free for our patrons who are usually single soldiers who live in surrounding barracks." There are several ways to show support. Register online for $20 adult, $12 for participants under the age of 16. Those unable to make it out on race day can still show support by donating $20 and the event T-shirt will be sent by mail. Others can register at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the walk/ run. The race starts on Hull Road at Parking Lot #5, on the campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College. The race starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. so put the baby in the stroller, dress comfortably, don't forget the camera and come out to support local troops. Show Your True Colors at the USO Walk/Run for the Troops by CHANEL COLEMAN GAIL PITTMAN, Contributing Writer COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 106 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com. CHANEL COLEMAN, Contributing Writer COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 106 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com. Harriet Tubman Former Fayetteville Mayor Marshall Pitts

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