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Uber Cars to Give Taxi Industry a Run for the Money

July 3 - 9, 2014

Volume 86 • Issue 47

By Terry Shropshire and Roz Edward

Are taxis about to become extinct like the typewriter and VCR? The answer is ‘yes’ if you believe the mayors of big cities like New Orleans and Atlanta, but it will first have to brave a heavyweight battle from the all-powerful taxi lobby. The Uber is bringing the fight to the taxi industry to Atlanta and many other major cities across the country and may cause the demise of the taxicab industry which has monopolized the mobile transportation industry for over a hundred years. Uber cars is an on-demand transportation service which appeals to a more budget-conscious traveler. Many Atlantans are using the cars instead of traditional taxi cabs, which keep their meters running and charge passengers while sitting idle in Atlanta’s horrendous traffic. Users order a car with an application on a phone and no cash is exchanged: it’s all done electronically with a credit card already on file. Traditional cabs are often reluctant to accept credit cards. On the top end of Uber service, an SUV trip in an automobile such as a Lincoln Navigator starts with a $14 base fare, plus $1 or $4.25 per mile after that, depending on how fast

the car is traveling. Those opting to use UberX, which sends a more casual car, like a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, the base fare is $3, and $2 a mile after that if the car’s going more than 11 mph. If you’re crawling along at under 11 mph, it’s 35 cents a mile. “I absolutely love it,” said Maria Joyner of Brookhaven, a marketing vice president for a tech startup. “I love that I can push a button and a car appears.” Mayor Kasim Reed also sees the beauty and the value in the transportation alternative although he anticipates an intense battle over taxicab deregulation. Reed said in a statement: I think they’re going to fight a 15 round fight, and I think that Uber’s going to win. And the taxicab industry is going to have to change and get more flexible. But in the interim, they’re going to flat out fight it out, and mayors are going to be in the middle of it, because the taxicab industry is so old and staid and never had real competition, and now it’s being forced to innovate. Uber has a real challenge. Uber has to maintain the level of quality that made Uber the brand it is today. And I think that

at this point in the life cycle of that business, and that space, they haven’t had time to go out there and do five years and seven years and eight years to see, is your Uber experience the same. Because I had one the other day that was pretty close to a cab. So they’re going to have to fight that out. I know that I’m going to get a mean letter, Uber. I love you. Mayor Reed expects the fight to get as dirty as a close presidential race that will include comparableand ruthless mud-slinging. “I tell you, Uber’s worth more than Sony, but cab drivers can take you out,” he said. “So you’ve got to [weigh that]. Get in a cab and they say, ‘Well that mayor, he is sorry.’ You come to visit Atlanta, they say, ‘Well that Mayor Reed is as sorry as the day is long. Let me tell you how sorry he is while I drive you to your hotel. And I want you to know that crime is up.’ This guy might knock you out.” “I want you to know it can get really real. It’s not as easy as it looks,” Reed added.

NEWS

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July 3 - 9, 2014

MARTA Expanding to Clayton County?

Atlanta’s CBS 46 Michelle Burdo Apologizes for Using ‘Colored’

By Terry Shropshire

By Ruth Manuel-Logan

Next stop on this train … Clayton County. At least that’s what the south Atlanta metro county commissioners are trying to do by putting a MARTA referendum on the ballot in November. The commissioners hope that Clayton County residents will vote for a half-cent tax increase to have the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority services extended into the beleaguered area. Citizens have turned out in large numbers at recent public meetings to express support for moving metro Atlanta’s heavy rail and bus service beyond Fulton

and DeKalb counties for the first time in its existence. As it stands now, the metro county is the only one connected to Atlanta that does not have local bus service. It is also the county with the the highest percentage of households without a vehicle. County commissioners said the move would require a sales tax increase. They will also have to decide the extent of a tax hike.. A full penny hike would finance rail and bus service; a half penny pays for buses only.

TV anchor Michelle Burdo has apologized for using the offensive and derogatory term “colored” when she referred to an African American woman during a summer hair tips segment Monday morning on her program “CBS Better Mornings Atlanta.” “Let me tell you something,” Burdo said to an African American female hair expert. “I’m not a colored woman, but I have kinky hair just like her and when you straighten it every day, it’s….” Burdo then realized at some point what had spilled out of her mouth, paused awkwardly, giggled, and then the segment’s guest expert filled the pause with the word ‘healthier.’ When Tuesday’s show aired, Burdo apologized for using the antiquated term just minutes before the program ended stating: “Yesterday, I made a pretty insensitive remark during one of our segments here on ‘Better Mornings Atlanta.’ I apologize …. Once again, I truly want to say from the bottom of my heart that I really am sorry about that comment. I made that comment in reference to my hair color but I used an inappropriate term.” Someone posted the video of Burdo’s comment on YouTube and irate viewers took to the site to comment on the co-host’s

Michelle Burdo verbal slippage, but the video has since been removed. According to Access Atlanta, Lane Michaelsen, the CBS 46 news director, reportedly told them in an e-mail that he made sure Burdo issued an on-air apology but did not state, whether she would be reprimanded.

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you You’re never alone when you’re on MARTA. Every station is under our watchful eye. We could use your eyes, too. If you see something that’s not right, call us. We’ll take it from there.

Use MARTA’s See & Say App. If you

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Txt MPD: (404) 334-5355 or Call (404) 848-4911 if you see something out of the ordinary.

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Atlanta Daily World

Founded August 5 1928; Became Daily, March 12, 1932

July 3 - 9, 2014

Civil Rights Icons Inducted into ABL ‘Men of Influence’ Hall of Fame By Terry Shropshire

W.A. Scott, II, Founder/Publisher August 5, 1928 to February 7, 1934 Published weekly at 100 Hartsfield Center Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30354 Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta Mailing Offices. Publication Number 017255 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Atlanta Daily World, 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30354 Subscriptions: One Year: $52 Two Years: $85 Forms of Payment: Check, Money Order, VISA American Express, MasterCard MEMBER: Associated Press Atlanta Business League Central Atlanta Progress Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce National Newspaper Publishers Website: www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com Roz Edwards

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Atlanta Daily World is powered by Real Times Media The Atlanta Daily World is not responsible for unsolicited photos, manuscripts, etc., unless return is requested with postage. Address all correspondence to and make checks payable to Atlanta Daily World, rather than to individuals.

One of the giant pillars of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Edward D. Irons, who is frail in body but strong in mind and spirit, stood on the induction podium at the Atlanta Business League’s 8th Annul Men of Influence Reception and Induction Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency hotel and made the ultimate proclamation about his illustrious life. The Dean Emeritus of the Clark Atlanta University School of Business said “I just want to say that God has blessed me to live 90 years. But I am not finished!” he said resolutely amid a rousing chorus of applause that cascaded from the back of the room and rippled toward the stage. “This is a distinct honor for me, particularly since I received a similar award from the National Urban League 35 years ago,” added the educator, banker and entrepreneur. It was apropos and serendipitous that the Atlanta Business League would honor Civil Rights icons on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Bill that was initiated by President John F. Kennedy and ushered through Congress by his successor, President Lyndon B. Johnson, with Martin Luther King Jr. at the White House. Some of the people who were with, or worked in conjunction with King were there in

the room that evening. The legendary Irons’ induction into the Hall of Fame was preceded by the poignant procession of the 2014 “Men of Influence” honorees, who walked single file through a battalion of previous years’ “Men of Influence” honorees before standing on stage to bask in the appreciation and admiration of their distinguished peers. The evening was made possible by the ABL’s partnerships with the local business community, including Georgia Power, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Southwest Airlines,

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and New York Life Insurance Company. The evening had several climactic and powerful moments that enveloped the ballroom. World-renowned scholar, educator and author Dr. Asa G. Hilliard was bequeathed a posthumous honor for his indelible contribution to the world of education and devotion to civil rights. His wife, Patsy Jo Hilliard, accepted the award on his behalf. “I think the most exciting thing for me,” she said as her granddaughter stood beside her on stage, “is that he is joining all the recipients over the years, and those tonight, who worked so hard to try to improve the quality of life for our people. I think they did an outstanding job. Thank you for honoring them.” Dr. Lonnie C. King Jr., an author and founding member of the venerated Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, was also inducted into the MOI Hall of Fame. King was not able to accept the award in person, but he paid the ultimate honor to his wife whom he’d home-cared for during the past 10 years, as he was by her side when she passed away earlier in the day. Terry Shropshire photos

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BUSINESS

Georgia Department of Labor Assists With Job Recruitment The Georgia Department of Labor will help HYUNDAI DYMOS fill more than 80 production jobs for a manufacturing facility under construction in West Point. The plant, set to open in August, will produce automobile seats for KIA. The recruitment will be held Tuesday, July 8, from noon to 4 p.m. in the Callaway Conference Center at West Georgia Technical College, 220 Fort Dr., in LaGrange. The company is recruiting production and assembly associates, maintenance technicians, and quality associates, along with shipping, receiving, and logistics associates. Applicants must have at least one year of experience working on an assembly-line or

in a manufacturing facility. Due to U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, applicants must be at least 18 years old. They must also have a high school diploma or a General Education Diploma. Applicants are encouraged to bring resumes and be prepared to complete a company application. They will be screened for job interviews, which will be scheduled for a later date. The company will conduct a background check and drug test on selected applicants. For more information about the recruitment, contact the GDOL’s LaGrange Career Center at (706) 845-4000.

July 3 - 9, 2014

Georgia Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Atlanta Street Vending Appeal

Essex Bargain Hunt Opens Its Second Superstore in the Atlanta Area

Essex Bargain Hunt celebrated the Grand Opening of its second Bargain Hunt Superstore location in the Atlanta area. The new store officially opened its doors at 250 John W. Morrow Jr. Pkwy Suite 100 on July 1. The new location in the Washington Street Commons Shopping Center, was previously a Ben’s Brands for Less store. Essex Bargain Hunt is a Nashville-based chain of retail stores that acquires electronics, clothing, household goods, HDTVs, toys, and other merchandise through liquidation sales and “asset recovery,” then sells the goods at a deep discount in its stores. The company currently has 23 other locations spread across five Midwest and Southeastern states including Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Georgia, Indiana and Alabama. This unique warehouse clearance center concept store with its unrivalled discount program features name brand manufacturer close-outs, overstock and discontinued items, floor model samples and factory direct volume purchased merchandise. Bargain Hunt sells everything from small appliances, electronics, tools, men’s women’s and children’s apparel to toys, computers, sporting goods and furniture. Bargain Hunt offers a

unique retail shopping experience along with their automatic markdown system. Once a product has been in the store for 30 days it is marked down 10 percent every 10 days until it is discounted to 90 percent off. The strategy keeps the inventory fresh with stores receiving truckloads of merchandise 2-3 times a week. “We are very excited to have this opportunity to expand our business once again in the Atlanta market, bring more jobs to the area and celebrate our Grand Opening with the people of Gainesville and surrounding cities.” says President Robert Echols. Echols continues, “The shopping experience at Bargain Hunt is unlike any other and the savings our customers receive are at times unbelievable. If you like great deals, you will love our store.” Bargain Hunt Superstores are able to offer the lowest prices and deepest discounts on quality merchandise that can be found anywhere in the Southeast. All purchases are backed by a 30 day return policy so customers are able to shop with confidence knowing that their purchases are backed for 30 days from date of receipt.

On Monday, June 30, the Georgia Supreme Court refused to hear Stanley Hambrick’s appeal that would have allowed him and other street vendors to return to Turner Field. Now it is up to Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta City Council to change their vending laws to allow the dozens of street vendors and their employees who previously worked outside of Turner Field to get back to work. Three days before opening day in 2013, Atlanta officials forced all vendors off the streets. In response, Hambrick sued and the Fulton County Superior Court ordered the officials to accept vending applications and issue permits. When those officials refused to obey that court order, Hambrick asked the court to find those officials in contempt and recognize Atlanta street vendors’ right to return to work. The court denied those motions and Hambrick appealed. “For almost an entire month Atlanta’s officials refused to follow an order requiring them to let the vendors return to work,” said attorney Robert Frommer of the Institute for Justice, which represents the vendors. “It is unfortunate that the Georgia Supreme Court chose not to take this opportunity to protect both the vendors’ constitutional rights and the rule of law.” Although the Court’s decision today brings a close to Hambrick’s lawsuit, it opens a new chapter in the fight for Atlanta’s street vendors. Ms. Katrina Taylor Parks, deputy chief of staff for Mayor Reed, told the Atlanta City Council that the administra-

tion was planning to bring vending back to Turner Field but that the ongoing litigation was keeping it from moving forward. With the lawsuit now resolved, Atlanta’s former Turner Field vendors hope that the administration will keep its word and let them return to work. “For over a year, Atlanta’s baseball vendors have been unable to provide for themselves and their families by working at their traditional locations,” said Larry Miller, president of the Atlanta Vendors Association. “The Atlanta Vendors Association looks forward to working with the administration to end this stalemate and bring sidewalk vending back to The Ted.” Miller and Hambrick’s advocacy on behalf of Atlanta’s street vendors has been long-standing. Their efforts began in 2009, when then-Mayor Shirley Franklin signed an exclusive 20-year contract that handed over all street vending in Atlanta to a multi-billion-dollar Chicago company. Miller and Hambrick joined forces with the Institute for Justice in a lawsuit to challenge the vending monopoly, which was the first of its kind in the nation. Due to their efforts, the Fulton County Superior Court struck down the scheme in December 2012 and made clear that Atlanta could not eliminate small businesses by giving a government-created monopoly to a more politically connected company. It was in response to this ruling that Atlanta forced all vendors off the streets and prompted Hambrick to file his latest lawsuit.

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COMMUNITY

AARP Georgia and the City of Atlanta Partner in Age Friendly Forum

The Adamsville Recreation Center ushered in nearly 300 constituents in Atlanta Councilman C.T. Martin’s district recently by participating in the first Age-Friendly Atlanta Public Forum to address safe streets, enhanced housing accommodations, and increased access to social services. AARP Georgia and the City of Atlanta are working jointly to ensure that the city remains relevant to those who want to live their best lives by ensuring inclusivity for residents of all ages. This new designation will incorporate and streamline planning strategies that allow residents to remain in their communities for a lifetime. An Age-Friendly Community is designed to establish an inclusive and accessible environment that encourages active and healthy living for all ages. It also proactively focuses on those elements of communities that enhance independent living with a goal of having older citizens take a more active role in their communities. Atlanta is in the first steps of its

five-year journey to becoming an Age-Friendly Community. An advisory council of key, local community members and leaders will be created. “The first Age-Friendly forum was well attended,” said Charima Young, Associate State Director, Community Outreach, AARP Georgia. “Residents of Southwest Atlanta exemplified the dedication and engagement needed to move the city towards an Age-Friendly Community now and for the future. Constituents of Atlanta City Councilman C.T. Martin are helping blaze a trail to creating communities for people of all ages.” “The City of Atlanta was pleased to join AARP Georgia in presenting this informative public forum,” said Commissioner Andrea Boone of the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services. “We are committed to making Atlanta a model Age-Friendly Community that is equipped with safe walkable streets, enhanced housing accommodations, and increased access to social services.” “A growing number of cities and communities worldwide are striving to better meet the needs of their older and younger residents alike,” said Councilman Martin. “In support of our seniors we can build a community where they can age in place, meaning remaining in the communities in which they have lived and raised their children. That requires city planners to ensure adequate access to grocery stores, medical facilities, public transportation and other amenities in the community.” Martin said he welcomed AARP’s forum to Southwest Atlanta. Other AARP partnership events are planned for the community. The new World Health Organization Age-Friendly designation will serve as a vehicle for inclusive community access that encourages active and healthy aging. “Our city has become known as a welcomed refuge for retirees, and 45 percent of the 1.6 million new people that call Georgia home are age 50 and older. So every time a plane lands Atlanta changes and Georgia changes,” said David Pilgrem, Associate State Director, Advocacy, AARP Georgia.

Gil Benjamin to Lead Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Gil Benjamin has been elected as the chair for Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta and will serve on the board in this capacity during the 2014-2015 fiscal year. Benjamin is the owner of the Primrose Schools of Five Forks. He previously spent 25 years in a variety of executive leadership roles in the property and casualty insurance industry. Benjamin has served on the board of directors since 2008. In Gil Benjamin that capacity, he has been an active member of the executive committee as well as the review committee and chair of the fund development committee. Benjamin has also been instrumental in assisting the Council with cultivating partnerships. During the upcoming year, Benjamin’s leadership will shore up relationships with corporations, foundations, and philanthropic individuals in greater Atlanta. “I look forward to continuing to support girls’ and women’s leadership development. I also take pride in knowing that I am playing a small part in providing opportunities for girls’ experiences that allow them to grow into superior individuals,” said Benjamin. The board’s primary focus will be to increase the membership base and continue to grow Girl Scouts as leaders both locally and globally. The board will assist the Council in providing the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to every girl regardless of financial ability, with the goal of doubling their

financial assistance to 20,000 girls by 2020. Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc. is the premier leadership development organization for girls, serving more than 41,000 girls and 17,000 volunteers in 34 counties in the greater metropolitan Atlanta area, northwest Georgia and Polk County, TN. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information on how to join, volunteer or donate to Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc. call 800.771.4046, or visit www.gsgatl.org

July 3 - 9, 2014

CNN’s Leadership Unplugged Provides Lifetime Experience

When 16-year-old Jillian Martin, participated in Leadership Unplugged 2014: A CNN Experience, she knew the experience would help her determine a career course, she just didn’t know how much I would help. But the weeklong media literacy program which focuses on youth leadership and development for homegrown talent among Georgia sophomores and juniors is a one-of-a-kind experience. Martin says as an aspiring photojournalist the CNN/TBS sponsored program helped her determine that she was on the right path to realizing a dream. “I had such an amazing time … with all of the students and media professionals. It was truly a great experience, that gave me great memories to go along with it,” she say Martin, who recently completed her sophomore year at Starr’s Mill High School competed against 350 applicants to earn one of the 75 places in the program. Leadership Unplugged is one of several summer programs hosted by 21st Century Leaders, whose mission is to inspire the next generation of Georgia leaders, by empowering high school students with essential business and community leadership skills, through programs connecting a diverse group of enthusiastic peers and passionate professionals. During the program, Leadership Unplugged participants resided in Georgia Tech’s dorms and were exposed to various areas of the media business, through interactive workshops led by CNN journalists. Training included: pitching a story; global affairs discussions; a tour of CNN; roundtable sessions with TBS executives; team-building exercises and an etiquette dinner.

Atlanta Family Gets Home Makeover from Local Companies Recently, Construction Resources had the privilege to team up with Sunshine on a Ranney Day, a non-profit that creates dream room makeovers for children with long term illnesses, to help with recipients Tashawn “Ta” and sister Alissa’s bedrooms. The company’s Atlanta Kitchen donated Cambria countertops for the children’s newly renovated bathrooms. This brother and sister were adopted into their current family through the foster system. Eight- year-old Ta was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and a seizure disorder at a young age. Ta uses a wheelchair to maneuver around and enjoys playing wheelchair sports and swimming. Ta’s sister Alissa has severe acid reflux disease and digestive disorders. The children’s mother Ali is a social worker who is passionate about making children’s dreams come true, making them the perfect family for a Ranney Day makeover. The makeover was revealed on June 21, and featured new additions including laminate flooring to increase accessibility of Ta’s wheelchair, an electric chairlift from the garage to the main living area and a roll-in shower. Atlanta Kitchen’s Cambria countertops in Bellingham coloring, complements the greens and neutrals featured in the bathroom decor. The strength of the quartz will offer the family durability and low maintenance upkeep. “We loved having the opportunity to work with an organization as incredible as Sunshine on a Ranney Day,” explained Sonny Hires, co-owner of Construction Resources. “We hope that our contributions helped make a difference in the life of this deserving family.”

FAITH

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Donnie McClurkin on Yolanda Adams Tribute at Essence Donnie McClurkin’s appreciation for Yolanda Adams goes back a long way. So it’s only fitting that the gospel entertainer be among those honoring his fellow “Sunday Best” judge as host of the Yolanda Adams Gospel TribDonnie McClurkin ute at the upcoming Essence festival. In McClurkin’s eyes, the opportunity to host such an event trumps being nervous or excited. “I don’t know what word to use. It’s more of an honor because nobody is a greater supporter of the Gospel music industry than I am,” the singer said. “I am a support person. I want to push what’s happening in the music industry to make gospel music greater than it was before. So by hosting, I get a chance to honor Yolanda.” In giving praise to Adams, McClurkin took a humorous turn while elaborating on how long he’s known the “Open My Heart” vocalist. “Yolanda and I have been friends for almost 30 years and I tried to date her once. You can put that on the record [laughs]. We are best friends. We’re great friends. Sooner or later I’m going to wear her down. Either her or Halle Berry, one of the two.” “But to host and honor Yolanda — who is such a concentrated, focused and hard

worker — is an honor. Everything she does, she does with everything that’s in her. I’m just very happy to take this time to honor her and join different artists to do so,” continued McClurkin, who provided a glimpse of what fans can expect from the tribute. “It’s going to be crazy and it’s going to be holy. We’re going to cry. We’re going to praise God and we’re going to thank God for the gift of Yolanda Adams.”

Yolanda Adams

‘When the Saints’ Brings Sexual Exploitation to Pulpits When the Saints, an international nonprofit working to end the massive global problem of sexual exploitation and trafficking, is embarking on a 20 state cross-country “Close to Home” screening tour of their self-titled documentary When the Saints. The filmmaking team will be in the Atlanta area July 5-7 and available for interviews, speaking engagements and screenings of the film. When the Saints documents the story of one man’s mission to fight sexual exploitation in the heart of Malawi, Africa. With the startling statistics such that follow, the filmmakers believe that change must start from within and are looking to America’s churches to lead the way. • 53 percent of Christian men visit porn sites every week. • Over half of evangelical pastors admit to viewing pornography last year. • Every two minutes a girl is trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. With the average age being just 13. • Only 1 percent of victims of trafficking are rescued Thought provoking and universal, this film is a powerful tool to compel reflec-

tion and examination of mankind’s role in exploitation. “People’s lives will be forever changed as a result of this film. Every interaction with the opposite sex will be forever impacted by what they see after they watch it … It is an honor and a privilege to be called to this important work of defending and speaking on behalf of those who are most vulnerable, oppressed and marginalized,” says WtS founder and When the Saints producer David Peterka. The 20-state tour plans to host 60 screenings from June 15, 2014 to August 25, 2014 for congregations throughout the country. All screenings are free and open to the public. “Every church should take this opportunity to rally its saints around this message,” said David Comstock, pastor of Mid-Cities Church in St. Louis. “The film has the power to both inspire and transform. This is more than a movie, it’s a movement.” For a list of locations and times visit the film’s website or Facebook Events page. In addition to viewing the film, screening events will include time for worship, sharing and prayer, response, and a Q&A period with Peterka. The filmmakers are looking for Host Sites, Partner Groups and Street Teams to help spread their message.

July 3 - 9, 2014

President Obama Addresses Ramadan and Muslims in Statement By Roz Edward

In keeping with his inclusionary policies for all Americans, President Obama issued a special statement to Muslim Americans during Ramadan which began on Saturday, June 28 and will be observed for 30 days, ending on June 27. As many as 5 million of the faithful will fast from sunup to sundown, abstaining from food and drink during this holy time of reflection and introspection. In an official statement from the White House, President Obama said: “On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I extend our best wishes to Muslim communities here in the United States and around the world on the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan. A time for self-reflection and devotion through prayer and fasting, Ramadan is also an occasion when Muslims around the world reaffirm their commitment to helping the less fortunate, including those struggling because of economic hardship and inequality. Here in the United States, we are grateful to the many Muslim American organizations, individuals, and businesses that are devoted to creating opportunity for all by working to reduce income inequality and poverty, not only through their charitable efforts, but also through their initiatives to empower students, workers and families with the education, skills and health care they deserve. … As I’ve done every year as President, I

look forward to welcoming Muslim Americans from across the United States to the White House for an iftar dinner. It will be another opportunity for me to convey America’s appreciation for the contributions of Muslim Americans to our country and to wish Muslims around the world a month blessed with the joys of family, community, peace and understanding. Ramadan Kareem.” To read the president’s statement in its entirety visit atlantadailyworld.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

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July 3 - 9, 2014

Essence Music Festival Brings Best in the Business By Jessica Byrd

Atlanta Daily World

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Prince

Mary J. Blige

Jill Scott

Lionel Richie

Erykah Badu

Ledisi

Charlie Wilson

Stephanie Mills

The countdown begins for the popular and the most anticipated Essence Music festival during this holiday weekend, July 3- July 6. The cultural gathering experience takes place annually in New Orleans, LA attracting over 540,000 men and women globally. This four-day event will entertain attendees with non-stop music, forums, live entertainment, workshops, fitness activities, day parties and more. This annual tradition has become a must-attend event for people around the globe. New this year, the festival jump starts the weekend, Thursday, July 3 with an opening concert featuring Nas, Trey Songz, K Michelle, Jazmine Sullivan and more. Celebrating 20 years, the Essence Festival introduces 20 themed stages featuring some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top musical icons, media personalities, and black community experts in the nation. Stage headliners include; The Superdome Mainstage with performances by powerhouses Prince, Lionel Richie, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Ledisi and Charlie Wilson; The intimate Superlounge stage featuring eclectic crowd-pleasers such as: 112, Amel Larrieux, Big Samâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Funky Nation, Doug E Fresh, Elle Varner, Eve, King, Kourtney Heart, Leela James, Liv Warfield,

Marsha Ambrosius, Naughty by Nature, PJ Morton, Raheem Davaughn, Robert Glasper, Sebastian Mikael, Sevyn Streeter, Stephanie Mills and The Original Pinettes Brass Band. The daytime Essence Empowerment Experience stage showcases a strong motivational lineup featuring influential leaders and personalities including Rev. Al Sharpton, Steve Harvey and Iyanla Vanzant. Additionally, attendees will have free access to all Empower U workshops, a daily workshop featuring topics in love, finances, career, family, education and more. Boasting groundbreaking numbers yearly this weekend affair presented by Essence Magazine, is nothing shy of a good old time mixed with the cultural experiences of music, motivation, inspiration, and entertainment.

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ENTERTAINMENT

July 3 - 9, 2014

‘Little Mermaid’ Musical Puts the Fox Theatre Under the Sea By Maria Odum-Hinmon At the live musical version of The Little Mermaid which runs from July 8 to July 13 at the Fox Theatre, audiences will find themselves “under the sea” as Ariel appears to swim onstage with a little theatrical magic. The production features all the classic songs enjoyed in Disney’s animated film, such as “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World,” as well as several new tunes written by Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken. Singing some of these favorites is Sebastian the crab, portrayed by African American singer/ actor Alan Mingo Jr., who performs in the songs “Kiss the Girl” and the Grammy-winning “Under the Sea.” Alan Mingo Jr. plays Sebastian and Jessica Grové stars as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid.” (Photo by Bruce Bennett, courtesy of Houston TUTS.)

Ashanti is Back and Better

Six years after her last release, singer, dancer and actress Ashanti is back with her fifth studio album – Braveheart – released on her own label. “I am so overwhelmed with the reaction to the music. You know, the fact that I have my own record label, Written Entertainment. We’ve done it on our own and [going] number one on the Billboard indie chart is amazing. You know, the fact that we came in Top 10 on the overall without an engine, it makes me feel like, wow, I’ve accomplished so much.” Ashanti won a Grammy award in 2003 for her self-titled debut album, which at the time set a record for the highest opening sales for a new female artist. A tour is in the cards, but Ashanti is not sure about the scale, explaining: “I am definitely planning on touring. I want to do something kind of intimate, not anything too crazy, just because I feel with this album it’s about being great, it’s about being vulnerable, it’s about being transparent and sincere. I kind of want to be able to feel that and touch the people with it.”

“A lot of the tunes are so catchy,” said Mingo, who also played Sebastian on Broadway. The show tells the story of a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel who longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world on land above. “As I have traveled the country playing this role, many fathers have come up to me saying, ‘My daughter dragged me to this show, but it touched me so much, because it made me realize that [like the Little Mermaid] my daughter is going to grow up one day and have her own thoughts and opinions,’” said Mingo, adding that he had to work on this Caribbean dialect to prepare for the role. Mingo said he has also noticed multiple generations coming to enjoy the production. “I’ll see grandmothers who remember the story of the Little

Mermaid with their daughters and their granddaughters,” Mingo said. “This show becomes an introduction to the theater for the youngest generation. People say, ‘This is the first time my daughter has seen live theater.’ And this can help instill in them the importance of going to the theater.” Mingo, who earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California at Irvine and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland at College Park, said his advice for people seeking to make it in the musical theater business is to study the craft. On Broadway, Mingo has played Tom Collins in Rent, and on the national tours, he has played Donkey in Shrek the Musical, Seaweed in Hairspray and Simba in The Lion King.

Spotlight: Queen Latifah’s Remarkable Life and Career By Steve Holsey

The main issue was her weight. People told her that being plus-size would be a major deterrent to her chances of making it in show business. But she proved them wrong — again and again. Dana Elaine Owens, 44, is big, beautiful, ultra-confident and always has a 1000-megawatt smile. Moreover, many thousands of women relate to her because they know that not every woman is slender, even though the size-obsessed public and media think they should be. “When I was around 18,” she recalled, “I looked in the mirror and said, ‘You’re either going to love yourself or hate yourself.’ I decided to love myself and that changed a lot of things. Whether I make the 50 Most Beautiful list or not, I’m always going to feel like I’m No. 1 most beautiful. Be brave enough to be your true self. I got that from my mom and dad.” She continued, “If we focus on our health, including our inner health, our self-esteem, how we look at ourselves and our confidence levels, we will tend to be healthier people, and trying to get better as time goes on.” But at the same, Latifah believes that food and drink were meant to be enjoyed, and she quipped, “A refrigerator full of water and Gatorade? That’s just not going to happen!” Queen Latifah, who has a Golden Globe Award, a Grammy, two NAACP Image Awards and an Academy Award nomination, among many other honors, is currently enjoying the success of her lively daytime talk show. Latifah was born in Newark, New Jersey, but lived most of her younger life in East Orange, New Jersey. She recorded her first album, “All Hail the Queen,” in 1989 and became an immediate star, and it quickly became evident that there would be permanency to that stardom. She routinely took a strong stance on behalf of herself and all women, demanding respect. “I have always felt strongly about empowering women. By believing in yourself, you can accomplish any goal,” she said. Latifah would go on to record three more successful rap albums, Nature of a Sista, Black Reign and Order in the Court, but in 2004 she introduced an entirely different side of herself with a release titled The Dana Owens Album. On the departure project, she beautifully and believably sang jazz, pop, R&B and standards such as “Moody’s Mood for Love” (featuring its composer, jazz legend James Moody), “Close Your Eyes,” “Baby Get Lost,” “Lush Life” and “I Put a Spell on You.” While her rap fans were not interested in the album, it brought a new and more mature audience to the throngs of Queen Latifah fans. No one knew she could sing and would have a feel for such material. Buoyed by the success of that project, she recorded a

similarly styled album in 2007 titled Trav’lin Light and it, too, was a success. This time she delivered such gems as Etta James’ “Don’t Cry Baby,” Smokey Robinson’s “What Love Has Joined Together,” Bessie Smith’s “I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl” and the jazz standard “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.” By this time Queen Latifah had also established herself as a first-rate actress, having appeared in such movies as Chicago (which earned her an Oscar nomination), Brown Sugar, Bringing Down the House, Hairspray, Taxi, Last Holiday and Set it Off. From 2008 to 2013 she appeared in films such as What Happens in Vegas, Just Wright, The Secret Life of Bees, Valentine’s Day and the vastly underrated Joyful Noise. On television, she was one of the stars of the popular sitcom “Living Single,” that aired from 1993 to 1998, and made guest appearances on an array of other shows, including “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Spin City,” “Eve” and “30 Rock.” Latifah also hosted a talk show from 1999-2001. Queen Latifah says she has no time for negative people. “A lot of people are negative,” she said. “They have too much time on their hands so they discuss everybody else. I have a limited amount of energy to blow in a day.” She was equally candid regarding her feelings on racism. “Racism is ignorant, it’s stupid and it’s old, played out. So beat it with that!” Latifah has never made any claims of being anywhere near perfect, noting; “I made decisions that I regret, but I took them as learning experiences. We often get trapped by our fears, but anyone who has ever had success has failed before.” Despite her many achievements, it is not hard to believe that the best is yet to come from Queen Latifah. — SVH

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Many Gringo World Cuppers Have Wrong View Afro-Brazilian Women By Dion Rabouin

There is indeed a mystique and allure to the women of Brazil, but ever since the arrival of 600,000 foreign visitors to the 2014 World Cup, many are saying they don’t appreciate the attention the aforementioned visitors are bringing. Since the start of the Cup, the overwhelmingly male crowds have often brought with them a perception of Brazilian women as hypersexual vixens. This is played out with cat calls, leering, whistles and sometimes even groping. American journalist Vincent Bevins, covering the Cup for Brazilian newspaper Folha do Sao Paulo, described the atmosphere as a “special” one, where his two female Brazilian friends in Fortaleza were heckled, harassed and “received about 50 marriage proposals from groups of men from around the world.” “Unfortunately, an old stereotype is still present in the minds of some international gringos,” Bevins writes, “and many seem to have come here with the wrong idea.” For Vivian Zeni, a journalist and student from Sao Paulo, much of the nefarious assumptions about Brazilian women fall along racial lines: She told me that since the Cup began, she has been subjected to “abuse” from foreigners who seem to think that black Brazilian women, in particular, are all prostitutes. “They say all types of things as we walk down the street,” she said, “some of them are very aggressive, using bad words with sexual connotations.” But many Brazilian women say that this isn’t new. According to them, the World Cup has only exacerbated this behavior that they are already subjected to regularly in their country, “Foreigners who purchase this image of Brazilian women and come to our country believing that we are here to serve them (including many of them coming to feed a network of sexual exploitation that often victimizes children and adolescents in

situations of social vulnerability) are certainly part the problem,” wrote journalist Aline Valek in an editorial for Brazilian newsmagazine Carta Capital, “[as] much as the Brazilians, who consciously or unconsciously reinforce this machismo, [and] undress us in not only clothing, but humanity.” Zeni says that many travelers may be getting their impressions of who and what Brazilian women are from the images presented at the country’s world-renowned Carnival celebration. “This is a time of year that people celebrate life,” she says. “The way that we dance and dress are connected with that illusion. They see black women dancing and they make this connection with the hyper-sexualization of their bodies.” Whatever the reason, the pervasiveness of certain male presumptions about Brazilian women has carried insidious consequences. In 2013, a survey of nearly 8,000 Brazilian women by the website Olga found that 99 percent had been harassed on the street. The report also showed that 90 percent of Brazilian women have changed clothes before going out because they fear that they’ll be harassed. Additionally, eight in 10 women reported that they had chosen not to go to a location because they feared being assaulted. The Institute for Applied Economic Research found that despite its reputation as a liberal and laissez faire society, many Brazilians often have spartanly conservative attitudes about women. The institute reported that 26 percent of Brazilians agreed that women who wear revealing clothes deserve to be assaulted. It also found that 59 percent said they thought that there would be fewer rapes if women “knew how to behave.” Perhaps foreign travelers should take heed of the advice offered by the title of Valek’s column: “The Brazilian Woman Exists,” it states, “But Not to Satisfy You.” To read this article in its entirety visit atlantadailyworld.com

July 3 - 9, 2014

Atlanta Dream’s Sancho Lyttle Named Eastern Conference Player of the Week By Terry Shropshire

Atlanta Dream forward Sancho Lyttle’s all around game last week led to two victories and earned her the WNBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors. With that distinction, Lyttle becomes the third Dream player to earn Player of the Week accolades this season. Lyttle averaged 16.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game, while not committing a single turnover in 68 possible minutes, a rare and remarkable feat. With the pair of road victories, The Dream has taken control of the Eastern Conference, boasting a 3.5-game lead in the

Eastern Conference with an 11-4 mark. Lyttle had 16 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals during an 81-79 victory at San Antonio on Wednesday, June 25, her sixth double-double of the year. She followed that with 16 points, seven boards, four assists and a steal as the Dream rallied late for a 76-68 victory at Indiana on Sunday. june 29. Lyttle is currently tied for second in the WNBA with six double-doubles, and ranks second in steals (2.6) and tied for fourth in rebounds (9.0). It marks the third Player of the Week award for Lyttle during her career.

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GUEST COMMENTARY

by Dr. Julianne Malveaux

by George E. Curry

CONGRESS DOESN’T GET IT, IKEA DOES

President Obama would like the national minimum wage to rise to $10.10 an hour. By executive order, he raised the minimum wage for federal contractors. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) has threatened to sue President Obama for his use of executive order, which he says circumvents Congressional authority.

If the minimum wage kept pace with inflation, it would be $10.90 by now, a bit higher than the amount President Obama has proposed. The same Congress that opposes an increase in the minimum wage gets an automatic increase in their pay. This is the kind of hypocrisy that engenders indifference and contempt for our elected representatives.

Ikea said it will raise the average minimum wage to $10.76 an hour, which is an increase of 17 percent. Ikea says its goal is to offer their workers a living wage, whether their competitors offer it or not. Half of Ikea employees will get a raise, while those who already earn a living wage will not. The chain now provides other benefits, such as a 401-k match. Ikea has just 38 stores in the United States, which may minimize the impact their wage increase has on its competitors. Still, Ikea has both done the right thing and earned a competitive advantage in the areas where they have stores.

Some members of Congress have insisted that only young people earn the minimum wage. But at least 12 percent of the labor force earns the minimum wage. One in four of them are over 20. Sixty percent are women. One in four of those who earn the minimum wage are parents, supporting children on wages so low that they qualify for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps).

The Gap, too, has increased its wage to $9 an hour, and that wage will rise to $10 an hour in 2015. Seattle has raised its minimum wage to $15, and dozens of municipalities have also increase their minimum wage. When employers and municipalities fail to offer a living wage, they shift a wage burden to the rest of us, as those who earn the minimum wage are subsidized by federal benefits to the poor, which we all pay. This is also true when states refuse to expand the base for Medicaid for the purposes of the Affordable Care Act (ACA, or Obamacare). In more than 20 states, people have to earn less than $11,000, or $23,000 for a family of four. With Medicaid expansion, people can earn as much as $15,000 to qualify for Medicaid, and as much as $32,000 for a family of four. Without the Medicaid expansion, some states are saying that poverty and poor health are acceptable for some of its citizens. The moves by Ikea and the Gap put some wage pressure on their competitors. It also makes it clear that these companies understand that raising wages will not significantly affect their profits. These companies also understand that better paid employees are also productive employees. Memo to fast food and big box stores set on paying the minimum wage or little more – pay your workers a living wage. Ikea gets it, so does the Gap. What’s wrong with the Congress? Whether they are Democrats or Republicans, they have constituents who would benefit from an increase in the minimum wage. Why are they resisting? Might it be because President Obama has pushed for an increase in the minimum wage? If our President pushed for blue skies it is likely that some obstructionist members of Congress would oppose it.

One in six African Americans and one in five Latinos earn the minimum wage. Nearly 35 percent of minimum wage workers have graduate from high school; another 23 percent have attended college. Some would say that minimum wage workers are mostly youth who are “training” for later work. These workers are not only young people who don’t need to get paid. These are adults with education and training, parents, and people who work in key industries, health and education. During the Great Recession, six-figure executives who needed an income stream accepted the minimum wage or just a little more. There were teachers, laid off, who took a pay cut to shelve books in libraries. They were folks who put their pride aside to earn a little money, money they said was better than the nothing they earned when laid off. It is overtime for our congress to offer working people the same wages they get automatically. It is overtime for our Congress to embrace a living wage, or at least a higher minimum wage. Ikea gets it, why doesn’t Congress?

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RIGHT-WING GETS IT WRONG

If you ever doubted that conservatives were sore losers, the recent Senate election in Mississippi should remove all doubt. After complaining for a half century about Blacks not voting for Republicans, African Americans did just that in the GOP runoff between incumbent Senator Thad Cochran and State Senator Chris McDaniel, a staunch Tea Party supporter. And because Blacks did not vote for McDaniel against their best interest, right-wingers are livid. Rush Limbaugh called Blacks who voted for Cochran “Uncle Toms.” According to a transcript of his radio program, he said: “I wonder what the campaign slogan was in Mississippi in the past couple of days: Uncle Toms for Thad? ‘Cause I thought it was the worst thing you could do as an African American. Voting for a Republican is the absolute worst thing you could do, but somehow they were made to believe that voting for old Thad would be fine and dandy.” Later in the program, Limbaugh said, “… Insider Republicans in the Senate bought nine percentage points, eight or nine percentage points from the Black Uncle Tom voters in Mississippi (interruption). Well, isn’t that what they call Clarence Thomas? Condoleezza Rice? They call ‘em Uncle Toms, the Republicans. These guys had voted for Thad? Uncle Toms for Thad.” Glenn Beck chimed in: “I have a question for every Black Democrat in Mississippi: What the hell has this 90-year-old fart – a White Republican, the same White Republican that for years the Democrats have been telling you are nothing but old racists – you tell me exactly what Thad Cochran did for you.” Sean Hannity, speaking on his June 25 edition of his radio program, said: I am so angry at this Thad Cochran/Chris McDaniel race, I can’t even begin to tell you. … And Thad Cochran, seeing his power slipping away after many decades as a senator in Washington, you know, knew that his career was on the line here. And rather than run with dignity and honor and integrity and honor and decency, what did he do? He did just the opposite. And he was appealing to Democratic voters.” Hannity contended Cochran “perpetrated the worst libel, the worst smear against conservatives, against the Tea Party, which is this false narrative that you hear every election cycle from Democrats: that conservatives are racist, that conservatives are mistreating the president because he’s Black. None of which is true.” Let’s take these idiotic comments in reverse order. Yes, Hannity, Cochran’s career was on the

line. McDaniel had edged him by 1,400 votes in the Republican primary and there was no way he was going to win the runoff without appealing to Black Democrats. It wasn’t an issue of “dignity, honor and integrity,” it was about his only chance of winning. Of course, some conservatives are opposed to President Obama because he’s Black. Those who think otherwise are the same ones who believe Fox News is “fair and balanced.” Glenn Beck, I will answer your question about what “old fart” Thad Cochran has done for Blacks in Mississippi: Nothing. Like every Republican in the House and Senate, he earned an F on the NAACP Legislative Report Card. And his opponent thought Cochran was too liberal. As bad as “old fart” was, African Americans are smart enough to know that McDaniel would have been far worst. He would have crapped on them. And given the choice between being assaulted with a fart and endless crap, we’ll go with the fart any day of the week. Hate to be so crude, Glenn, but I had to explain it in a way that even you would understand. Finally, Rush Limbaugh, Blacks who voted in the open Republican primary were not Uncle Toms. Unlike some of your favorite Black Republicans, they were not traitors to their race. Instead, they were performing their civic duty. Had they voted the way you preferred, then that would be a real Uncle Tom. There is doubt that Thad Cochran would not be the Republican nominee without the Black vote, which is why he courted it. All 24 counties with a Black majority went with the incumbent. Perhaps more telling, the turnout in the runoff was up almost 40 percent in those Black counties, compared to just 16 percent in the other counties. Some Republicans have accused Black Democrats who voted for Cochran of being spoilers, but that’s not the case. If African Americans had wanted to be spoilers, they would have voted for McDaniel because he would give Democrats a better chance of winning in November’s general election. It was deeper than that. It’s time for everyone to give Black voters in Mississippi credit for knowing what was in their best interest. What all of the pundits seem to miss is that Blacks were not necessarily voting for Thad Cochran. They were voting against Chris McDaniel. Either way you look at it, they were successful. George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com.

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