90th ANNUAL FOUNDER'S DAY 2025 HONOREES

Ms Coley is a native of Durham, NC, and English major graduate from North Carolina Central University, she began her career in New York City working in radio promotion at WKTU‑FM, where she notably discovered and managed the rap duo Kid ’n Play for five years Spectacular Magazine. Returning to Durham in the early 1990s, Coley produced a nationally syndicated television show, The Electric Factory, and served as News Director for FOXY radio before launching Spectacular Magazine, driven by her observation that mainstream media too often spotlighted negative stories about Black people while sidelining positive accomplishments Spectacular Magazine. Through the magazine and its radio show (started in 2009), she has provided news, lifestyle, entertainment, sports, and investigative reporting with a mission: to enlighten, empower, and entertain her audience.

Under her leadership, Spectacular Magazine produces original content and organizes major community events in North Carolina, including the annual MLK/Black History Month Parade, Juneteenth Celebration, and Man/Woman of the Year awards—serving as a vital platform for honoring local and regional Black leadership and culture.

 As NC State Juneteenth Director under the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, she has advocated for educational and legislative recognition of Juneteenth since the early 2000s, helping spearhead the official NC celebration and advancing statewide observance prior to national federal recognition in 2021.

Coley's vision continues through strong collaboration with her son, Lawrence Davis III, who serves as President and Marketing Director of Spectacular Magazine, helping expand its digital presence and community impact. Through news, radio, events, and advocacy, Phyllis Coley remains committed to telling “stories that make a difference”, fostering positive representation, community empowerment, and transformative cultural visibility in Durham and beyond.

Dr. Jerry Head, Jr was born and raised in Madison, Georgia where he graduated from Pearl High School at the age of 16. He Received the Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education  from The Fort Valley (Ga.) State College now University, in Fort Valley, Georgia (1973); the Master of Arts in Education Degree in Music Education from Tennessee State University (1974); and the Doctor of Education Degree in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (1983). 

Dr. Head’s professional career spans 21 years as an instructor of music; Instructor of Music and band director at Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, N.C., Assistant Professor of Music and Band Director at North Carolina Central University, Durham, N.C.; and an Instrumental Music Teacher with the Person County School System, Person County, N.C. After retiring as a music instructor, Dr; Head vigorously pursued his interest in photography. Numerous of his portraits were featured in the exhibitions at the conventions sponsored by the Professional Photographers of North Carolina. 

His true passion is in providing photographic services to many of Durham’s civic, social, fraternal and religious organizations. And, a special enjoyment comes from making photographs of varying generations of families Dr. Head has archived the lives and activities of many Durham “Institutions”.

Dr. Head has been an active member of White Rock Baptist Church in Durham, NC since 1977.  He was Co-organizer and first president of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity (professional music society) at Fort Valley State University – the first chapter at an HBCU in the state of Georgia; There are numerous recognitions and accomplishments, including but not limited to: Listed in the 1972-1973 edition of “Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities;” Graduate Assistant with the Tennessee State University “Aristocrat of Bands” (1973-74); President of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Band Directors Conference (1985-89); Organizer of the first annual All-CIAA Marching Band; Previous member of the North Carolina Music Educators Association and the College Band Directors National Association; Received the Durham Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc “Unsung Hero” Award (2012); Past President and Board chair of the James E. Shepard Sertoma Club where he was honored with the Sertoman of The Year Award (2004);  Past Chairman of the Durham Community Martin Luther King, Jr. steering committee; Member of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People; Recipient of the Ebonettes Service Club 2016 “Dare To Make a Difference” award; and a recipient of the Bennet College Durham Alumni Association “Friend of Bennett” award. He was voted twice as a favorite Durham portrait photographer by readers of the Durham Herald-Sun Newspaper; 

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Dr. Head enjoys golf, is absorbed with auto repair and maintenance, and he derives pleasure from watching You Tube viewings of old jazz music videos, auto repair/maintenance, social justice speeches, and documentaries.

Senior Pastor, Big Bethel AME Church | Inaugural Faculty, Hampton University School of Religion

An accomplished author, Dr. Augustine’s recent works include When Prophets Preach: Leadership and the Politics of the Pulpit (2023) and Called to Reconciliation: How the Church Can Model Justice, Diversity and Inclusion (2022). His academic writings appear in respected publications such as Theology Today, Howard Law Journal, and University of Richmond Law Review. He is also a frequent speaker and lecturer both nationally and internationally.

Among his many honors, Dr. Augustine has been inducted into the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers (2024), received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service (2017, 2024), and was named “Outstanding Alumni Brother of the Year” by Alpha Phi Alpha. He is also a recipient of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award and was featured in Ebony Magazine’s “30 Leaders of the Future.”

A decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, Dr. Augustine holds degrees from Howard University, Tulane University, United Theological Seminary, and Duke University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree at the University of Alabama. He is married to his beloved wife, Michelle Burks Augustine, and together they are the proud parents of two college students, Mason and Jillian.

Founded: 1907 Headquarters: Durham, North Carolina Original Name: Mechanics and Farmers Bank (now known as M&F Bank)

Mechanics and Farmers Bank was founded in 1907 by a group of visionary African American leaders in Durham, North Carolina, during the height of Jim Crow segregation. It emerged as part of the thriving Black Wall Street district in Durham, which became a national model for Black entrepreneurship and economic independence.

Founders:The bank was organized by leaders of the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company—one of the largest and most successful Black-owned insurance firms in the nation. Key figures included John Merrick, Dr. Aaron Moore, and C.C. Spaulding, all of whom recognized the need for a financial institution that would serve African Americans who were denied services by white-owned banks.

Purpose and Legacy:M&F Bank was established to provide fair access to banking, loans, mortgages, and business financing to African American individuals and enterprises. It played a pivotal role in empowering Black-owned businesses, supporting homeownership, and promoting community development at a time when racial discrimination excluded African Americans from most financial services.

Growth and Impact:

• By the mid-20th century, M&F Bank expanded to other parts of North Carolina, including Raleigh, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem.

• It became one of the few Black-owned banks to survive the Great Depression.

• The bank consistently maintained its mission to support underserved communities and promote economic justice.
  

Modern Role: Today, M&F Bank remains one of the oldest and continuously operating Black-owned banks in the United States. It is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and continues to prioritize lending to small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals in historically marginalized communities.

Significance: M&F Bank is not just a financial institution—it is a symbol of Black resilience, empowerment, and self-determination. Its legacy is deeply tied to the economic history of Black America and the ongoing pursuit of financial equity.