Maya Angelou hosted Oprah Winfrey at one of her homes on Valley Road in Winston-Salem. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Stars aren’t just made in Hollywood. Our city is home to many celebrities and personalities known nationwide. Think actors, best-selling authors, artists, influencers, and prominent business starters — the Twin City has them all.
While some called Winston-Salem their home at one point of their lives, a handful were born and raised in the city. Without further ado, here are some of Winston-Salem’s most famous alumni:
Chris Paul | The Winston-Salem native attended Wake Forest University and led the Demon Deacons to a school record of 27 victories. He recently launched a line of plant-based snacks, Good Eat’n, available in stores like Walmart.
Angela Bassett (left), Rosemary Harris (middle), and Ben Folds (right).
Photos via Wikimedia Commons
Ben Folds | The Emmy-nominated composer and NYT bestselling will return to his hometown for an in-concert performance alongside The Winston-Salem Symphony on Saturday, Oct. 11.
Angela Bassett | The actress, who grew up in the Twin City through the age of four, is well known for her role as the queen of Wakanda in the “Black Panther” movies. She spent summers in Winston-Salem with her aunt as a teenager.
If parking downtown stresses you out, consider this. The city is seeking the public’s opinion on the transit system to create more job opportunities + offer an easier way for visitors to navigate around downtown. Take the online survey to share your take.
Civic
Passionate about advocating for the fire department? There are seats open to serve on Forsyth County’s new fire commission board. The role includes studying the county’s fire and rescue services while coming up with solutions. Applications due on Tuesday, Oct. 27, by 5 p.m.
Trending
Dancing with the Stars, Season 34, is out. The television show pairs celebrities and pro dancers as they perform weekly in the competition. Get your cha-cha on at Real World Ballroom or Fred Astaire Dance Studio and learn new dance routines right here in the Twin City.
Stat
$826,875. That’s how much it costs to retire in North Carolina. The Tar Heel State ranks No. 25 out of 50 states when it comes to retiring comfortably, and the Twin City continues to shine as one of the best places to retire in the US, earning a spot on the list for the fifth year in a row. (Triad Business Journal)
Pump up the beat with a special edition of the NIGHT MOODS concert series this Friday, Oct. 3. Hosted by NCMA Winston-Salem in the historic Hanes House, and co-curated by Durham’s Slingshot Festival, this electronic evening explores cutting-edge sounds + visuals. Details and tix.*
Here’s your learning opportunity of the day. The Winston-Salem Police Department is one of only three law enforcement agencies in NC authorized to operate these Skydio drones to assist in emergency responses. Its goal is to enhance public safety and expedite real-time information to officers. These drones are stationed in three places: Wake Forest University, the UNC School of the Arts, and Forsyth Technical Community College.
A great lightweight women’s sweater. Choose your favorite color (we’re eyeing navy and burgundy) and pair this basic top with jeans for an easy outfit this fall. Bonus: Some colors are 24% off.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I can’t believe we’re already in October. Time certainly flies by. Here’s a picture to say goodbye to September. I snapped this view during my walk along Long Branch Trail. You can see the progress being made on Phase II of Innovation Quarter. I can’t wait to see this project once it’s done. Do you have a picture of any part of the city you’d like to share? We may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
I would ask WStoday readers where this photo was taken, but it seems almost too easy to guess, doesn’t it?
}})
