Neighborhood Hope Dealer

This past weekend, Fayetteville State University held its annual commencement ceremony for 2023 graduates. The ceremony caps off a journey that many did not believe would finish for variousreasons. Graduate students usually have entered the “real” world and have a plethora of challenges thathinder their progress. One graduate, Dominique Womack, almost had her journey halted indefinitely. However, Dominique defied the odds and walked across the stage with her fellow Broncos.

The Douglas Byrd graduate was recently hospitalized with a condition named endometriosis.According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue growsoutside the uterus. Endometriosis affects up to ten percent of women between the ages of 15 and 44.Women affected by endometriosis are less likely to reproduce. Dominique spent three months in and out of the hospital with complications from endometriosis. On the morning of her last procedure, she went into a state of shock and was rushed to the OR. Though she would become infertile, Dominique’s passion for children did not dwindle. 

Before she was hospitalized, Dominique was planning the third annual Art Gallery of Hope for the organization KidsPeace. On their website, KidsPeace says, “The experts at KidsPeace provide emotional and physical health care and educational services in an atmosphere of teamwork, compassion, and creativity". Their mission is to give hope, help, and healing to children, adults, and those who love them. Some of the most powerful healing is done with art. During her two-month recovery, she planned the Art Gallery of Hope and continued to paint. In addition to being a student, she also worked as a full-time student teacher. “Our kids need us”, says the East Carolina University graduate. She was told to take a break and heal. However, her support system provided the motivation and assistance needed to push forward with the event. 

One of her supporters is Paddy, the owner of Paddy’s on Raeford Road. Womack has known Paddy since she was 19 years old. This year, the 3rd annual Art Gallery of Hope will be held at The Church Entertainment Lounge at Paddy’s Irish Pub on May 21, 2023, from 5 PM until 9 PM. The dress code is Black attire. The event will include a silent art auction, a cash bar, food, and live music. 

Live music is right up Dominique’s alley. She graduated from ECU in 2005 with a broadcasting degree. While working toward her degree, Dominique started her radio career working at WZMB, the on-campus college station. Just like painting, radio helps Dominique “get out of her feelings”. She loves the creativity that comes with production. “I love to get behind the mic and be who you want to be”, says the radio personality. After completing college, she returned home and took on a job at Cumulus Broadcasting. She started at 640AM and later moved to Rock 103. After a brief hiatus, Womack returned to the studio. 

When asked about plans for expanding the Art Gallery of Hope, the Fayetteville native expressed that she plans to keep the event local to ensure she is helping the children of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. She understands the importance of building up the youth because they will build and maintain the community. Tickets for the Art Gallery of Hope are available on Eventbrite. For more information, contact (910) 778-6462. Salute to Dominique and every activist getting active. Peace.