OFF THE CUFFS With Kimbrough

Vivian Perez Chandler is a community leader, non-profit executive, volunteer, and constant advocate for the Hispanic and Latinx community. Vivian joins Sheriff Kimbrough at the table to discuss her personal journey as a Guatemalan immigrant, her childhood experiences with law enforcement, and her commitment to being a voice for change in our community. “I began volunteering because I didn’t see people who looked like me, and I wanted to be the first.”

“Violence is the easy way out. Killing them is easier than fighting with them, easier than competing with them.” Antonio Stevenson, founder of the non-profit My Brother’s Second Chance, joins Sheriff Kimbrough at the table to talk about the violence in our community. “I’m not telling you something I don’t know. I’m telling you something I’ve lived.”

“The biggest advice that I would give people is nothing good comes easy.” Craig Engels, a professional Nike runner with a mile time of 3:51 and Forsyth County native, sits down with Sheriff Kimbrough at the table. Mr. Engels holds the fastest mile time in North Carolina and has participated in the U.S. Olympic Trials. He discusses what it means to be a professional runner, his perspective on the world, and how hard work can lead to the greatest reward.

“I’m committed to serving the people in this state to make it its best self. There’s so much potential in North Carolina. There’s not a magic switch to fix everything immediately, but we can set conditions for greater success.” Attorney General Josh Stein joins Sheriff Kimbrough at the table and shares his thoughts on improving law enforcement, the opioid epidemic, and his plans for the future.

“I’m a professional failure. I say this because once the sting of failure leaves, wisdom is left.” CJ Beatty, a Winston-Salem native, was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009. He is now a motivational speaker, music-maker, and entrepreneur, and he joins Sheriff Kimbrough at the table to discuss his professional experiences and his personal investment in his hometown.

Akia Pruitt, prospective NBA player and the first 1,000-point, 1,000-rebound player in the Peach Belt Conference, sits down with Sheriff Kimbrough at the table. Mr. Pruitt is attending the Toronto Raptors training camp this month. He discusses the importance of mindset, strong support systems, and daily commitment when striving to reach a lifelong goal.

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, DMV Inspector Alex Molina joins Major Henry Gray at the table. The only Latino to hold the rank of Inspector in the state of NC, Molina knows his work is being scrutinized as representative of something much larger than just him. “There are people, especially in law enforcement, that do care, and I am one of those people.”

Dr. David Priest, Sr. VP and Chief Safety, Quality, and Epidemiology Officer at Novant Health, joins Sheriff Kimbrough at the table. Known nationally as an infectious disease specialist, Dr. Priest considers himself to have been raised as a military kid but to have grown up here in Winston-Salem. He discusses the continuous impact of the pandemic on our community, the Covid-19 vaccine, and the vital need for equitable health care in our County.

“I am tired of seeing young kids dying.” Jaydan, a 13-year-old, sits down with Sheriff Kimbrough at the table to discuss his perspective on life as a young teen living in Winston-Salem. Jaydan sheds light on how young people in our community need mentors to talk with and show them love, as Sheriff Kimbrough has done for him. Jaydan has enjoyed his time with the Sheriff but is looking forward to starting school and seeing his friends again.

Pamela Goodine and Al Thomas are Forensic Peer Support Specialists for the Stepping Up Program with the Forsyth County Department of Public Health. They join Sheriff Kimbrough at the table to talk about their work with individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Both Pamela and Al consider themselves "experts by experience" which uniquely qualifies and motivates them in reducing recidivism.