2026 Freedom Fund Banquet

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 Mr. Faison graduated from Williston Industrial High School in 1946. He dutifully served in the US Army and received honorable discharge in 1954 as a Second Lieutenant. His love was educating and helping young people reach their academic achievement goals. His first teaching job was at West Pender Elementary School where he served as a teacher and community boy scouts’ leader. He later served as PTA President at Rocky Point Elementary. He was the first fulltime African American Instructor at Cape Fear Technical institute (now Cape Fear Community College). His passion for preparing students for careers and employment opportunities at industries was noted as one of his greatest achievements.  He wrote the first curriculum initiative for minority students in vocational education which later expanded to become the Region O’ Council for Minority Students. (ROCAME) in New Hanover County.  

 Mary Faison was a vocational teacher at Pender County Training School in Rocky Point and Pender High School, Burgaw, NC. Her major was Home Economics Education, and she had a great love for music and playing the piano. A consummate seamstress, she always helped students appreciate the proper aspects of daily life; whether it was taking pride in your appearance, your conduct, your personal health and mannerism, she was always willing to give advice about proper etiquette in such a manner wherein you felt comforted and safe. Her classroom served as a beacon welcoming students into a peaceful home-like safe-space. She was well known for her soft voice, her comforting and beautiful smile and being a model parent to her son and granddaughter, Christa, whom she loved dearly. . The Faison’s were faithful members of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Rocky Point for over 30 years. 

Ambassador Mattie R. Sharpless graduated from Pender County Training School in Rocky Point. She was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Central African Republic. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate October 1, 2001, when she began working in the CAR’s capital, Bangui. She served in this position for two years. She started her government career working stateside in 1965 with the Department of Agriculture (USDA). She worked with the United States Foreign Agriculture Service also. Her life’s journey has taken her to points beyond Africa, Belgium, Switzerland, and France. Mattie pursued higher education at North Carolina College in Durham, NC where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business education. The college became North Carolina Central University, and she returned to earn a master’s degree in business administration and economics. A portion of US Highway 17 stretches five miles between Union Bethel Road and the Onslow County line is named in her honor. 

  Dr. Johnny Batts, Jr. attended Sloop Point Rosenwald School as a child from the first through the sixth grade. He is a retired physicist born in 1942 in Pender County. He credits Ms. Billingslea as a multi-talented teacher who helped him develop his love for science and music. She also helped cultivate his talents in math and science as well as his musical ability. She required students to explain their reasoning when solving the problems. Another technique she used was for older students helping younger students solve problems. Later research defined this as “peer learning” or peer tutoring. He is well known for his work at NASA. Dr. Batts will honor scholarship awards for those majoring in Physics. However, he has focused on updating the major to include Stem classes which include Science, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering and any related field. 

Dr. Reta Moore Shiver served as Director of the Pender County Social Services Department for over 30 years. She was a member of Mt. Moriah AME Church in Rocky Point.  Dr. Reta Moore Shiver’s family sponsors will honor scholarship awards for recipients who plan to major in Public Service. She was a strong and fierce advocate for fairness and equality. She made sure that the ratio of employment opportunities for people of color to work in public service and health was equitable in Pender County. When she met opposition, she fought with courage, poise and grace, Christian love and humility for all people. Dr. Sheba Shiver, her daughter, will serve as contact and a liaison for this scholarship.

The son of James H. Faison Jr. and Mary R. Faison, Judge Faison served as judge for the 5th Judicial District Court. He was appointed to the position by Governor James Hunt in 2000.   A proud graduate of North Carolina Central University in Political Science and Judge Faison earned his license to practice law in 1989. He is also the Pastor at Byrd’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Rose Hill, NC. He is married to Mrs. Angela Faison, a retired Environmental Planner and avid supporter of her husband and the work he does in the ministry and the judicial system. They have one daughter, Christa, who is an educator and a very accomplished violinist.  

 Claudia Stack was an educator, author and an award-winning filmmaker. Her videos can be found on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudia-Stack. Her many works included a 2012 film documentary “Under the Kuduz” about the history of the Rosenwald Schools in Pender County and “Carrie Mae: An American Life (2015) story focusing on schools that African American families help build during the segregation era. As a preservationist, she worked tirelessly with local citizens and community leaders in the restoration of these historically unique buildings that served as institutions of learning for black children in rural America. This scholarship will honor recipients majoring in History, the Arts, Videography, English and Film.