Hazel Royal Wins Ward 2 in Runoff Election
New Bern Pastor Hazel Royal defeated local businesswoman Jennell Reddick during Tuesday's runoff election earning 377 votes to Reddick's 341 votes.
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Hazel's Vision for New Bern
What She Will Fight For
As Alderman of Ward 2, Hazel Royal looks forward to successful collaborative endeavors to make New Bern the best city to live, work, and grow in. She looks forward to implementing a local government that includes all residents and represents the voice and needs of all the communities that comprise Ward 2.
Equality of Opportunity
One of Royal’s greatest desires is to see equity achieved for all people. She has dedicated her life and ministry to making that desire a reality. As the Director of Abundant Life Community Services, she has spent 21 years partnering with organizations such as the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and the City of New Bern to provide resources and services to people in low-resource communities. Under Royal’s leadership, ALCS served over 200,000 pounds of food during the COVID-19 pandemic and supported disaster relief, educational, and transitional housing efforts.
Community Engagement
Having grown up in the Craven Terrace Public Housing and Pembroke communities, Royal has found home and community in Ward 2 throughout her life. Royal engages and serves the community as an Administrative Pastor for Abundant Life Ministries, the Director of the non-profit Abundant Life Community Services, the president of the East Coast Coalition of Pastors, a Chaplain of the New Bern Police Department, and a board member for over a dozen community-focused organizations. Her deep roots in Ward 2, dedicated service, and community partnerships speak to a servant leader who works tirelessly to promote quality living for all residents.
Advocacy for Ward 2
Royal is not only a recognized leader and advocate for Ward 2, but also a lifelong resident who has the familiarity and years of service needed to represent “the voice” of Ward 2’s communities. Her commitment to advocacy is shown in her long record of participation on numerous boards and committees, including United Way, Five Points Revitalization, and Neuse River Community Development Corp, Inc. Royal has earned accolades for this extensive civic engagement, including a nomination for Craven County’s Distinguished Woman, a recipient of the NC Governor’s Award, the Sun Journal 52 Faces Volunteer Recognition, the Craven County Trailblazers Coalition Leadership Recognition Award, and the Vision Forward Community Award.
Inclusion of All People
Royal is committed to representing the needs of all people in Ward 2. She has built inclusive communities through her ministry and provided services to underserved communities with disparities in access to quality services through ALCS. Her community service and advocacy work focuses on improving outcomes, eliminating disparities, maximizing resources, and providing all residents with the education and tools they need for self-sufficiency and quality living.
Economic Development for Ward 2
As a native New Bernian, Royal has an intimate understanding of the economic triumphs and challenges in Ward 2’s communities. As the Director of ALCS, Royal has launched community initiatives focused on providing education and resources to youth and adults in underserved communities. Initiatives include a free after school program for at-risk students through partnerships with North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Craven County Schools, Family Life Education for families to learn skills that foster health and economic opportunity, and Temporary Transitional Housing to support families transitioning from homelessness to stable independent living. These and other initiatives are giving people across Ward 2 resources that support them in earning a living wage, optimal health and wellness, and financial stability.
Why Vote for Hazel Royal?
ward 2 is her roots
- Native New Bernian
- Lifetime resident of Ward 2
- Born on Second Avenue
- Raised in Craven Terrace & Pembroke
Years of Service
Years Living in New Bern
Honors & Awards
Pounds of Food Served
A History of Community Activism and Leadership
The impact of Royal’s leadership and contributions extend as well to civic participation that includes numerous boards, committees, accolades and a nomination.
Ordained Minister of the Gospel, Abundant Life Miracle Center
1991
1992
Nominee, Craven County Distinguished Woman, Community Service
Recipient, NC Governor Jim Hunt Outstanding Achievement Award
1994
2000
Established Abundant Life Community Services (ALCS)
Recipient, 52 Faces Community Volunteer Award
2017
2021
Recipient, Craven County Trailblazers Coalition Community Service Award
Recipient, Vision Forward Community Service Award
2021
A History of Community Activism and Leadership
The impact of Royal’s leadership and contributions extend as well to civic participation that includes numerous boards, committees, accolades and a nomination.