"The Have Vans Will Travel Duo"

Courtney and Gregory James have leveraged their passion for helping others with their mission to create a transportation company that addresses transportation challenges and barriers for underserved Forsyth County residents. As husband and wife, this awesome “have vans will travel duo” navigates their company, Support Systems of Forsyth County, from the S.G. Atkins Enterprise Center on MLK Jr. Drive in Winston-Salem, NC.

Taking advice from family members with expertise in transportation to steer their vision and then obtaining federal, state, and local funding sources--the business is now an award-winning transportation system, owning a fleet of passenger vans. Greater Winston Salem Inc. presented Courtney with the Truliant Small Business of the Year Award in 2023. Since this podcast recording, Support Systems of Forsyth County has received a $90,000 contract for the county’s Forsyth Rides program.

Dignity Justified enjoyed their conversation!

In her distinguished high-profile CEO role at the American Civil War Museum, Christy Coleman has conversed with leaders and editors nationwide. In this episode, Dignity Justified is all ears to listening and learning about the groundbreaking work of Historian Coleman.

She has earned numerous awards and honorary doctorates. Time magazine (2018) recognized Coleman as one of the 31 People Changing the South, and Worth magazine (2019) named her one of the 29 Women Changing the World.

According to primary source newspapers, Mrs. Norma Corley was one of the “first Negro students” in the elementary public school system in Winston-Salem, NC. In this podcast, she reflects upon her experiences as a trailblazer after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case that outlawed segregation in schools in 1954. 

This podcast episode continues Dignity Justified’s focus on the S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation. Under the umbrella of this CDC is The Conference and Event Center, where our guest Patricia Degraffinreaidt serves as Event Manager. 

Patricia, who is respected as a creative and visionary planner, skillfully brings listeners into the ever-engaging world of managing banquets, conferences, and much more. Patricia discusses everything you need to know-- from considering, anticipating, and engaging with her to plan your next event. 

Let’s explore the Simon G. Atkins Enterprise Center Community Garden. Our guest, Dr. Kyle Luth, is an environmental educator, parasitologist, and gardener who shares how community businesses and residents benefit from this community garden.  Further, he encourages listeners to schedule a time to experience the garden’s teaching, growing, and socializing opportunities. Yep, that means growing your very own vegetables, learning how to prepare them from certified chefs, and enjoying garden activities such as Zumba and relaxing to Jazz.  We appreciated his insight and enthusiasm, and you will, too.

Mr. Elliott Lowery is a committed and talented leader. He serves as the Executive Director of E-Motions Family Services, Inc. The mission of the organization is to provide a compassionate, caring, and safe environment for those they serve by offering in-home services, companion sitter services, behavioral services, and respite services.

Dr. Stephanie Hurt, a vibrant advocate for the arts, is the Founder and Executive Director of the Royal Curtain Drama Guild. Their tagline is: Paving the Way to Broadway, Through Heart, Mind and Community. In addition to highlighting her movement and growth within the performing arts, Dr Stephanie discusses two (2) pageants: The Queen Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant which uplifts heritage and benefits 11th grade students enrolled in a Winston Salem Forsyth County School and The NC Plus America 2020 Inaugural Pageant, which is a preliminary to the National Ms. Plus Pageant. 

Today’s episode is about community engagement and research. As we know, when trying to impact change to create better schools, housing, and community it is necessary to begin with true historical understanding, accurate information, community engagement, and driven leadership. Further, as young people often advise…” You better ask somebody.” Well, today we are asking Alvin Atkinson, a person who has an extensive track record of effective engagement--so much so that he is nationally regarded as expert in university and community collaborations. In this interview, Calvin has a great conversation with Alvin, who discusses his role as the Community Engagement Lead and Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Economic Mobility (CSEM) at Winston-Salem State University. The organization’s mission is to specifically understand the causes of low economic mobility in Forsyth County.