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Volume 87 • Issue 9
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October 9 -15, 2014
Attorney Ernest L. Greer Leads the Field in Business, Law and Living
I’ve just always worked hard. If I am going to fail in life, it won’t be because I didn’t leave it on the field. - Ernest L. Greer
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NEWS
October 9 -15, 2014
Atlanta Attorney Ernest L. Greer: An Advocate in Court and Community
By Roz Edward Comfortably situated on the 25th floor of a chic Buckhead office high-rise —where floor to ceiling windows offer a spectacular view of the Atlanta’s version of the Magnificent Mile — are the impressive offices of an extraordinary local leader. Seated beneath a colorful, contemporary painting which playfully contrasts the sophistication of the sleek white leather furnishings, Ernest Greer appears to be a slightly bothered by a business call he just had. “It was time to pull the trigger and I couldn’t allow the (ambiguity) to continue,” he admits, conceding that he prefers the diplomatic approach to resolving client issues. Greer, vice president and co-managing shareholder of the Atlanta office of Greenberg Traurig LLP, and the recent recipient of the prestigious Sankofa Award, presented by the National Bar Association, is noted for being one of the most respected attorneys in the nation. Greer’s experience in complex legal matters, including class action litigation, construction and contracts, make him an exceptionally qualified advocate for the state’s business community. Having become the first attorney in a leadership position with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Greer also puts his remarkable talents to work for the state’s business community. And while lesser men would consider the challenges of such weighty positions as too much to take on, Greer, just 47, embraces every opportunity to serve Atlanta and the state of Georgia. But when you’re a high-powered attorney and partner in one of the TOP 25 law firms in Atlanta and charged with oversight for more than 2,100 attorneys worldwide, leadership is fundamental. ADW visited Greer in his Atlanta office and spoke with him about work, the economy and his community. On the grind…
“I’ve just always worked hard. If I am going to fail in life, it’s won’t be because I didn’t leave it on the field. I’ve always lived my life with a strong focus on my work ethic. I’ve always tried to do the right thing, even when my sense of justice or my head tells me to seek retribution or revenge, I’ve always, through the blessing of God, been able to pull myself back and be nice. “The two greatest accolades I get day in and day out are people say I am the same way I was 30 years ago and they say I’m nice. That’s really important. My parents taught me that good things happen to nice people so I have always lived my life that way. “I love my firm. I will tell you that law firms are challenging in the sense that there are so many bosses and partners. But my firm has given me the opportunity to be who I am and be what I am about. They have not challenged me on that, they have supported me on it.” On challenges for Georgia businesses… “Revenue is always an issue for businesses. Without it they can’t survive. So the (Georgia) Chamber of Commerce has created a program called Georgia-to-Georgia where it’s asking corporations to sign up and support doing more business with Georgians by 2 percent. So if Georgia Power is doing 30 percent of its business with Georgia companies, we want them to increase that to 32 percent, that focus being revenue attainment. “Another challenge is workforce development. You hear that there are jobs out there, but people may not have the skills or background to get them. For example when Georgia created tax credits that allowed us to become an entertainment mecca, it had a 5 billion dollar impact on our economy. But when you speak to people involved in that industry, they will tell you that they are having trouble finding people who can build sets. So the Chamber is working with officials and corporations to figure out the right mix in education to take advantage of opportunities presented. We’ve extended the HOPE grant to
technical colleges, not just four-year institutions. “And then there’s transportation. Georgia has suffered as it relates to transportation. Our highways are more crowded than they have ever been before. But then on the flip side, we have a fabulous port and the world’s busiest airport. Those are great transportation infrastructures, but the day-to-day traffic issues are big issues. “For us to continue as the No. 1 state in the nation for doing business, we have focus on all of these issues — revenue enhancement, workforce development and transportation.” On small business… “We do know that Georgia has been pretty favorable to small businesses in the state. Small business has played a pretty significant role in Georgia. In fact, our economy grows in large part because of the creation of small businesses and the improvement of small businesses. “I’ve just always worked hard. If I am going to fail in life, it’s won’t be because I didn’t leave it on the field. I’ve always lived my life with a strong focus on my work ethic. I’ve always tried to do the right thing, even when my sense of justice or my head tells me to seek retribution or revenge.” On giving… “Throughout my life I have been able to help individuals, and I picture the people I have been able to help. My platform has allowed me to assist people with getting jobs, help people who are in difficult financial positions and to be involved in making decisions that change people’s lives. My platform has allowed me to do the things I dreamt of doing for my family when I was a young kid. “When students at Spelman faced a financial crisis because of the federal government’s decision not to renew or issue student loans, and it looked like the senior class would suffer some casualties because of it, my wife and I were able to make a significant (financial) contribution. “When the Center for Civil and Human Rights asked me to sit on the board to help the Center, my wife and I made sure that we gave them a sizeable material contribution. And when Impact church — a church that I don’t attend —and Olu Brown asked us to help, my wife and I did. We saw something that we believe in and that is people from diverse economic backgrounds worshipping under one roof.” On his accomplishments… “I’m not 50 years old yet. I look at the things I’ve accomplished to date as my elementary and middle school education. I feel like I’m in high school now. When you’re an African American male and you have a degree of prominence, like being an African American man who’s a partner in one of the Top 25 law firms in Atlanta, you’re called on to do a lot of things.”
Atlanta Daily World Our Lifestyles. Our Opinions. Our News. 2
Atlanta Daily World
Founded August 5 1928; Became Daily, March 12, 1932 W.A. Scott, II, Founder/Publisher August 5, 1928 to February 7, 1934 Published weekly at 100 Hartsfield Centre 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 Edward
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POLITICS
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October 9 -15, 2014
VoteRunLead Brings Together Thousands City Council Requests Action Plan to Combat Ebola and of Women for Day of Action Contagious Diseases
At the current rate of progress, men will be the majority of political officeholders for the next 500 years. Currently, in the nation’s 100 largest cities, only 13 percent of mayors are women and three percent are women of color. Nearly half of all U.S. states have never had a woman governor. And women of color comprise only five percent of the nearly 7,500 state legislators across the country. VoteRunLead, the first online platform aimed at reshaping the leadership in America and opening the door to greater gender equity at all levels of government, believes that critical voices are missing from policy discussions and solutions across the nation. On Wednesday, Oct. 15, VoteRunLead will host launch parties across the nation, with one right here in Atlanta. With the release of Invitation Nation, an e-tool enabling Americans to invite the women in their lives to run for office, VoteRunLead is gearing up to change the ratio of political leaders. VoteRunLead Executive Director Erin Vilardi announced that the organization’s signature program Invitation Nation will invite half-a-million women to run for local and state offices across the United States. “Invitation Nation is tapping into the brilliance of American women to create a tidal wave of diverse new state and local leaders,” Vilardi said. “We need to unleash the full potential of this democracy by inviting a nation of women to run. VoteRunLead uses the
power of our social networks and the ease of technology to reach them. Our mobile phones and laptops are our best recruitment tools.” Invitation Nation, powered by Target, is a national campaign with partners such as Vision2020, ManUp, Take the Lead, Representation2020, Political Parity, Barbara Lee Family Foundation, Higher Heights for America, and Women Legislators’ Lobby as well as a growing list of top national and local organizations to help launch this innovative initiative. VoteRunLead’s strategy to accelerate the number of women at the leadership table is simple: Invite them on a massive scale. In a peerto-peer economy, people donate to causes their friends support and read news stories their friends send them. VoteRunLead is challenging the nation to spend their peer social capital to get more women in office by asking three women in their lives to run. “We’re going to hurry history by identifying political talent and by building the largest network of women leaders this country has ever seen,” said Vilardi. Alumni from around the country who have completed VoteRunLead training programs and have become political forces themselves, will attend the Oct. 15 launch parties, sharing their experiences and encouraging others to begin their political journey.
The Atlanta City Council approved a resolution Monday requesting a briefing from all affected city departments on a plan of action and preventive measures regarding the world wide threat of Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (Ebola). The measure was sponsored by Atlanta City Councilmember Felicia Moore. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ebola has been declared an epidemic and the largest outbreak of the virus in history, particularly affecting West Africa. The first case of the virus in the United States was diagnosed on September 30 in Dallas. The Departments of Police, Fire, Corrections, Aviation, Parks and
Recreation, Public Works/Solid Waste Services and Watershed Management all have specific and important roles in managing the potential threat of the virus to employees who are on the front lines. “Preparedness is key to successfully controlling any outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of intervening measures,” Moore said. The legislation calls for city departments to submit a plan within 30 days to the council on a plan to protect city employees, a plan to contain threats to the general public and provide resources needed, i.e. training, protective gear, decontamination procedures and other protocols to deal with Ebola and contagious diseases.
Publishes Every Thursday
Herman Cain Is Back! Launches $9.99 Online Channel By Ruth Manuel-Logan The “Hermanator” is back! Former pizza magnate and former Republican candidate for the 2012 presidential nomination Hermain Cain at it again, but this time his entrepreneurial spirit has concocted up a business venture. The politico’s subscription-based eponymous online television network allows fans to listen to his voice all day. The recently launched Herman Cain Channel at $9.99 a pop is an obvious play on his famed 9-9-9 tax plan during his failed campaign. The plan was called “9-9-9” because it would have replaced today’s complicated federal tax code with a three-part system, consisting of a 9 percent flat tax on individuals, a 9 percent flat tax on businesses, and a 9 percent national retail sales tax. According to the very-married Cain, who was ousted from his presidential bid because of his womanizing ways, viewers of his television network, which was reportedly launched with the aid of TAPP-TV, will be treated to his “unique take on the news you need to know about,” according to the website. And
Cain, who already hosts a daily radio show, promises exclusive hard-hitting scoops from interviews to video chats to behind-the-scenes footage from his appearances. There will be streaming commentary on the site, but if viewers want to personally interact with the 68-year-old, they can ask questions and post videos. Cain claims that he will personally answer them. “My new channel is all about digging deeper into real solutions for the economic and spiritual problems facing America today. I’m looking forward to mixing it up with my members face-to-face, in a way we can’t do on the radio or campaign trail – and doing so with humor and hard facts,” Cain contends. Potential subscribers can also check out the site’s seven-day free trial offer if they are curious. TAPP-TV also helped launch fellow Republican and former presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s online channel. for a mere $99.99 a year, viewers will get treated to a year’s subscription to the site.
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BUSINESS
Fox Glove Center Welcomes New Medical Director Fox Glove Center, a 109-bed Genesis HealthCare® Skilled Nursing Facility, is proud to welcome Dr. Tanesha M. Handy, M.D., M.B.A. as its new full-time Medical Director. Fox Glove Center offers short-stay and longterm care. With residents and their families foremost in her planning, Dr. Handy will utilize her past experience and expertise to ensure that Fox Glove Center patients and residents continue to receive personalized service, compassion, and care. Dr. Handy, received her Doctorate of Medicine from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. Dr. Handy is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and completed her residency through Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center located in Baltimore, MD. “Fox Glove Center is a Genesis HealthCare facility already doing so much right,” Dr. Handy enthusiastically explains. “Fox Glove Center utilizes Genesis HealthCare’s
AtlAntA DAily WorlD
physician model of care, which encourages on-site collaboration between me and the onsite care team, along with family physicians and surgeons. This method allows for a much more hands on approach to care that leads to better patient outcomes and satisfaction.” “We are very excited to welcome Dr. Handy,” explains Administrator, Jason Wedemeyer. “We could not think of a better person to join our medical care team.” Genesis HealthCare is dedicated to improving the lives we touch through the delivery of high-quality healthcare and everyday compassion. The organization is one of the nation’s largest skilled nursing care providers with more than 400 skilled nursing centers and assisted living residences in 28 states nationwide. Genesis also supplies rehabilitation therapy to nearly 1,400 healthcare providers in 45 states and the District of Columbia.
Get Connected, Stay Informed
Atlanta City Council Approves Ban the Box Legislation The Atlanta City Council approved an ordinance on Monday, Oct. 6 expanding efforts to eliminate discrimination against potential applicants for jobs with the City of Atlanta who have prior criminal convictions. The legislation was sponsored by Atlanta City Councilmember Kwanza Hall and co-sponsored by City Council members Natalyn Archibong, Andre Dickens and Joyce Sheperd. “I am grateful to my Council colleagues for their support of this initiative,” said Hall. “Under Mayor Reed and the Department of Human Resources, the City of Atlanta has established a progressive track record on this issue. Today’s passage of the ordinance codifies a practice that opens opportunities to consideration for government employment that many local governments across the country do not yet offer.” While the City of Atlanta’s current application process no longer requires an applicant to reveal a prior conviction on an application, the legislation officially makes it city policy except when state and/or federal laws require criminal background investigations for certain positions, including positions that involve work with children, positions in law enforcement, and other sensitive positions. “We applaud the City Council for taking this step toward ending employment discrimination against people with prior convictions,” said Marilynn Winn of Women on the Rise, a grassroots organization of formerly incarcerated women. “I have personally experienced the ‘box’ resulting in my automatic disqualification many times. I may have all the skills and qualifications, but if I’m asked to check that box, I can’t even get an interview. Everybody deserves the chance to work and put food on their table and a roof over their head. We’re glad that the City of Atlanta recognizes that many of us with backgrounds
October 9 -15, 2014
have a lot to contribute and a fair hiring policy means we may actually have a chance to do just that.” By codifying this fair hiring policy, the City Council has shown its commitment to real policy solutions to the crisis of mass incarceration, said Xochitl Bervera of the Racial Justice Action Center. “Employment is both the number one barrier for people coming home from prison and jail and the most significant factor in whether a person stays in the community with their family or returns to prison,” she said. “Blanket disqualification is not just unfair, it’s bad policy -- both increasing recidivism and removing skilled and hard working people from the hiring pool. We’re glad the Council is taking this step and look forward to seeing a similar policy governing all businesses who contract with city.” Studies have shown that individuals with criminal records suffer from pervasive discrimination in many areas of life, including employment. Employers have increased the use of background checks considerably, with the majority of large employers in the U.S. now screening their potential workers for prior convictions. Each year the City of Atlanta and Fulton County have 2,400 people returning home from Georgia’s jails and prisons seeking employment. Research shows that lack of employment is a significant factor in recidivism rates, with people who are employed proving significantly less likely to be re-arrested. Hall’s legislation was developed as part of the Ban the Box Program, a national movement with the goal of increasing employment opportunities for individuals with prior criminal convictions by removing the question regarding prior criminal history from employment applications.
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COMMUNITY
October 9 -15, 2014
Judge Penny’s SisterTalk 2014 Women’s Conference Returns The Judge Penny Brown Reynolds Foundation will host Judge Penny’s SisterTalk 2014: A Women’s Empowerment Conference for women and girls ages 12 and older on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Georgia International Convention Center located at 2000 Convention Center Parkway in College Park from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.. Registration is free. In 2013, over 2000 attendees benefited from expert speakers addressing issues ranging from financial planning, social issues, emotional health, and self-empowerment. The conference convenor and keynote speaker will be the Honorable Penny Brown Reynolds, Emmy-nominated, national television personality, former State court trial Judge and community leader. “We’re excited to return for a second year as we address the negative images often portrayed of today’s women and girls,” said conference founder Judge Penny Brown Reynolds. “We are proud to announce that Dr. Bernice King, CEO, The King Center will receive The Sister of Substance Award during our conference luncheon for her work to liberate women and girls throughout the world.”
This year’s conference will kick-off with “An Evening of Celebration & Inspiration: Reclaiming our Community,” Friday, Nov. 7 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, at 7 p.m. This family night of praise will bring together top Gospel greats including Dorinda Clark-Cole, Wess Morgan and others. The event is free and open to the public. Most importantly, is serves to bring awareness to the murder of our children epidemic. Conference highlights include a Town Hall Meeting discussing the progress and challenges for women during the last 50 years. It will feature “Empowering Women in the 21st Century” workshop presented by The Coca-Cola Company, Pivot Television will present a private screening of the film Teach, by Davis Guggenheim and hosted by Queen Latifah. Other partners include, SunTrust, who will provide information on financial well being and literacy. The Chickfil-A Foundation and The Atlanta Dream will focus on the “Reclaiming our Daughters” panel discussion during the TeenTalk section of the conference. Conference attendees are asked to register online at sistertalkconference.com or judgepenny.com.
Katerina Taylor 1st Female President in DeKalb Chamber’s 75-Year History Katerina Taylor possessed a set of intangibles and enviable work portfolio that made her candidacy for presidency of the Dekalb County (Ga.) Chamber of Commerce irresistible to the executive selection team. Taylor’s strong business acumen, knowledge of the local civic and market landscape and optimum organizational skills, coupled with her gregariousness and indefatigability, made her the “optimum” candidate to become the first-ever female appointed president of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce in its 75-year history. Taylor, who ended her tenure as the vice president at SunTrust Bank, is taking over for her predecessor Leonardo McClarty, who resigned after a decade at the helm of the DeKalb Chamber in May to take a job in York, Pa. Taylor indicated she will appropriate her large reservoir of energies into fostering an ambience in DeKalb County, the eastern suburb of Atlanta that reportedly contains one of the wealthiest collections of African Americans in the nation, that illuminates its attributes in a way that steers business into the county. “I am excited about the opportunity to lead the chamber as its first female president. My goal is to drive progression in DeKalb through business advocacy, collaboration, community, and a diverse high-performing staff,” she said in a Sept. 17 statement. “I have an outstanding board of directors that have been supportive as the chamber has been in transition. We have great partners in Economic and Workforce Development, Tourism, Education and in the community at large. The spirit of business dwells here and I am grateful for the opportunity.” Taylor joined the chamber’s executive team in 2012 as director of memberships and had been serving as interim president since McClarty’s departure. That “interim” designation out to be a “try out” for Taylor. Board Chairman John Shelton said the organization underwent a cumbersome vetting process to find its new president. Taylor stood out among the crowd of applicants. “Her knowledge of the local market, goal orientation and high energy level made her the optimal candidate for the position,” said Shelton, who is DeKalb Medical’s president and CEO. Taylor’s selection as the president resulted from her vault of accolades and achievements, but also because
of the way she advanced whatever capacity she served the chamber in previous positions. For example, Taylor restructured and regenerated the new member reception program, resulting in a 20 percent hike in attendance. Also, her superlative organizational skills were on display when she handled the details for the organization’s 76th annual meeting. The executive board reported that her worked helped triple the gross revenue and doubled the chamber’s net profit. Moreover, Taylor founded the Women Executive Leaders of DeKalb, the chamber’s first women’s resource group, as a way to facilitate more effective networking, comradarie and collaboration among women-owned businesses. Taylor has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Texas Wesleyan and an MBA in Finance from Argosy University. She serves on numerous nonprofit boards, including United Way of Greater Atlanta, CHRIS Kids, and Boy Scouts of America.
Speed Limit Raised to 65 MPH at Top of Atlanta Perimeter
North Atlanta drivers can now exhale. Well, perhaps a little bit. The top of the highway perimeter in Atlanta will finally join the south side of Interstate 285 by raising the speed limit to 65 miles per hour to hopefully ease the congestion that happens everyday during morning and afternoon rush hours. The new electronic signs are along the interstate in Fulton, DeKalb and Cobb counties. Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has removed the old 55 mph speed limit signs and took the black bags off the new signs and turn them on. GDOT officials said will not only
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increase the speed limit, but they’ll make it adjustable according to weather and traffic conditions. Officials said most of the day the signs will stay at 65 miles per hour, matching the new limit on the south side of the perimeter. But at times of congestion like rush hour, accidents, or bad weather, the speed limit will move in 10 mile-per-hour increments all the way down to 35. GDOT say the highway should remain at 65 mph between 18 and 20 hours each day. Some commuters remain skeptical but are willing to see if the changes work.
EDUCATION
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October 9 -15, 2014
Ford Launches Second Annual HBCU Community Challenge Competition Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Company Fund are encouraging students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities to submit proposals in a competition to earn scholarships while also contributing to their communities. Up to $75,000 in scholarships and university and community grants will be awarded to the winning student team and project. Now in its second year, the HBCU Community Challenge– an extension of a signature Ford Fund education program, Ford College Community Challenge – is being conducted in collaboration with the Tom Joyner and Rickey Smiley morning shows. Both radio shows will
support efforts to generate awareness around the program within the community. The program seeks to encourage students to design community projects that address pressing local needs. The theme is “Building Sustainable Communities.” Each proposal should creatively address a pressing community need that focuses on at least one of these areas – mobility, alternative energy, sustainability/water, and systematic approaches to meeting community needs. Student and university scholarships will be awarded to the winning team, with each winning project being awarded a grant for teams to implement their innovative work. Three teams will be selected to present their proposals to a panel of judges that includes radio personality Tom Joyner and Ford executives at Ford World Headquarters in December. “Last year’s program was such a success for us,” said Shawn Thompson, manager, Ford Multicultural Marketing. “All of the teams came to Dearborn with not only a great deal of creativity, but with an infectious energy around wanting to improve their communities. We look forward to another exciting program.” Howard University, Fayetteville State University, Tuskegee University and Huston-Tillotson University were the finalists in last year’s challenge. Huston-Tillotson University won first place with its innovative Dumpster Project.
Interested students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities can learn more about the competition and submit their proposals by visiting www. blackamericaweb.com/hbcuchallenge or www.rickeysmileymorningshow. com/hbcuchallenge, between now and Nov. 9. “Ford Fund is committed to empowering future leaders through community programs,” said Pamela Alexander, director, Community Development, Ford Fund. “We are truly excited to team up for the second year with the Tom Joyner and Rickey Smiley morning shows to bring this innovative initiative to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities community. We look forward to receiving and reviewing the student proposals.”
Talkin’ Black … Experts Say History Has Heavy Influence on Race’s Speech
Georgia’s public colleges, technical colleges, and universities
YOUR FIRST STEP BACK TO COLLEGE ALWAYS SEEMS THE HARDEST.
By Jessica R. Key
SO WE MADE IT EASIER. Is there even such a thing as “talking Black”? John Baugh, Margaret Bush Wilson professor of Arts and Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., said the real answer lies in one’s history, not race. “Many African-Americans, especially if they are descendants of slaves, have distinct linguistic characteristics that are identifiable by what we linguists call ‘African-American vernacular English,’” said Baugh. He uses the example of President Barack Obama. He is Black, but not a slave-descendant, therefore his linguistic experience growing up in Hawaii is different from someone who traces their ancestors to Georgia sharecroppers. “It’s not about race, it’s about your linguistic heritage,” he reiterated. The way Blacks
With a simpler enrollment process and more ways to transfer your college credits, one of our personal advisors can help you get back to school sooner than you think. You’ll have more class options – online or on campus – to fit your schedule. And the best part is you’ll be earning a degree with real value from a respected and affordable Georgia college. We’re ready to help you build a plan. Visit GoBackMoveAhead.org or call 1-844-GOBACKNOW today to get started.
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speak is unique to their experience. “Many well-educated African-Americans, especially if they grew up in urban neighborhoods, adopt one style of speaking in their profession and they have another style they use informally,” said Baugh. He expands on his point using retired Gen. Colin Powell and former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice as examples. Both are slave descendants, but neither use those language characteristics. However, if you look at activists Jesse Jackson or Rev. Al Sharpton, while their grammar may be standard English, their pronunciations are patterned after slave descendants. “People speak like the people they interact with and more importantly those they seek respect from”, says Baugh.
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FAITH
Donnie McClurkin Wins Dove Award
By Oretha Winston One of gospel music’s beloved talents Donnie McClurkin continues to make his mark in the music industry. The 45th Annual GMA Dove Award winners were recently announced during the awards ceremony at Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville. McClurkin, unable to attend the event because of the Festival of Praise Tour won an award for Traditional Gospel Album of the Year. His Duets album released on RCA Inspiration
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Largest Church in America Named and It’s Not Who You May Think
features performances with Tye Tribbett, Erica and Tina Campbell, Tramaine Hawkins, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Preashea Hilliard, Justin Savage, Marvin Sapp and Israel Houghton. The GMA Dove Awards program was pre-taped and will air Sunday, October 12 on the Trinity Broadcast Network, a global platform that reaches more than 100 million homes in the U.S. and is the world’s largest faith-and-family television group, airing a broad range of church and ministry programming.
A new list published in Outreach Magazine names Andy Stanley’s North Point Ministries as the largest church in America. As exciting as this designation may be, Stanley is already focused on the next best thing, fostering the next generation of church leaders. In an essay for Outreach Magazine, Stanley explained “One of my favorite quotes that sits on my shelf in my office is from Al Ries in a marketing book called Focus. He says, ‘The next -generation product never comes from the previous generation.’ His point is, whatever’s next is going to be created by the next generation.” Stanley says he is on a hunt for future leaders. “Our job now is to continue to invest in
Former Cogic COO Bishop Jerry L. Maynard Celebrates 50 Years of Pastoral Ministry Bishop Jerry L. Maynard Sr. 50 years, (all together in Indiwill celebrate 50 years of pastoana, Georgia and Tennessee) ral ministry on Sunday, Oct. 12, has been able to change with the at Cathedral of Praise COGIC times. Maynard is not a pastor located at 4300 Clarksville Pike stuck in the 1970’s, 80’s or 90’s, in Nashville, TN. Maynard, Maynard is a 21st century paswas born in Indianapolis, then tor, that embraces technology to moved to Muncie, Indiana in take the message of Christ to the his teenage years to live with his masses through live streaming grandparents Rev. Samuel and and TV, instead of waiting for Mrs. Lena Maynard, founders the masses to walk through the of Maynard Temple COGIC. church doors. Maynard received the call to Not only is Bishop Maynard the ministry at age 17. Upon Bishop Jerry L. Maynard Sr. a pastor, but he is an entreprethe death of his grandfather, neur. Maynard serves as the Maynard was appointed to the pastorate of CEO of Jelama Records, Inc. The first project Maynard Temple at age 21 making him the on the Jelama label was nominated for two youngest pastor in the state of Indiana. prestigious Dove Awards for Traditional AlMaynard serves as the pastor of Cathedral bum of the Year and Traditional Song of the of Praise COGIC in Nashville, TN, where Year. Maynard is also a best selling author, he was appointed pastor by the late Bishop who has written three books, Living Beyond Gilbert E. Patterson. When Bishop Maynard Expectancy, Christian Maturity, and Maxiwas appointed to the church, formerly named mize Your Potential. A noted speaker, Bishop Pentecostal Tabernacle COGIC where he Maynard has lectured at Ball State Univergrew the membership from 143 to more than sity, Taylor University, Indiana and Indiana 4000. Also, under Bishop G.E. Patterson’s State Universities, Cross Roads Bible College, administration as Presiding Bishop of the Clark University and keynoted the nationally Church of God in Christ Inc., Bishop May- known Soul Winners Conference. nard succeeded to the pinnacle of the largest Bishop Maynard is married to Dr. Mary T. African American denomination as chief op- Maynard who retired as the Deputy Superinerating officer. tendent of Schools in DeKalb County Georgia. Bishop Maynard although pastoring for
the 30-something men and women who are the age we were when we started. We need to keep our ear to the ground, and we need to look at who’s messing with the rules around the edges and invest in them.” Stanley recognizes that while he may have been the “it” preacher of his time, there’s a time coming when he will have to pass the baton.“We should not create a model or a vision or an approach to ministry on the assumption that because we figured it out in the late ’80s, we’re going to figure it out in the 2000s.”Referring to the old guard, Stanley said“We’re done. We’re here to facilitate the success of this generation.”
Our Lifestyles. Our Opinions. Our News. 7
ENTERTAINMENT I’m Rich! Nene Leakes Now Highest Paid Bravo Reality Star
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By Terry Shropshire “Real Housewives of Atlanta’s” longtime star Nene Leakes has just gotten a big pay increase, making her the highest paid Bravo reality star. Leakes is now going to earn $1.5 million a year. “[Bravo] brokered the deal because she is the most popular housewife of any of the Bravo franchises,” a source told radaronline.com. “Without NeNe, ‘RHOA’ wouldn’t be the ratings blockbuster that it continues to be. While some of the other shows including ‘RHONJ’ and ‘RHONY’ have endured ratings slumps, Atlanta has never had to endure that,” the source said. “NeNe made it known she would need a significant raise to do the upcoming season, and Bravo had no choice but to agree to it.” Earlier this year while appearing on Arsenio Hall’s show, Leakes disclosed that her earnings was okay.
October 9 - 15, 2014
“You know what, the pay is okay, but I don’t know if it’s worth what you saw on the clip. I began this so many years ago with other girls,” she said. “And I’m the only original that’s left. It has changed a lot over the years. I thought, or at least I think, people would tune in to see the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ because they would get to see fabulousness and a good old read, and never the hair pulling and the punching and all that kind of stuff.” In addition to her reality show and acting gigs, Leakes, 46, has proven to be an astute multifaceted businesswoman. Her new clothing line for HSN sold out in a day. The source added, “NeNe is a very smart businesswoman. She knew she could demand it and get it.”
Mayor Kasim Reed Dishes About Strip Clubs and Celebrities
As the 59th Mayor of Atlanta, Kasim Reed has been at the helm of the entertainment mecca for the last four years — but he took a break from his duties earlier this week to pop into the Dish Nation studio and dish on some of his favorite ATL celebrities. Reed, 45, is so tuned into the city that he says he often runs into famous faces like rapper Ludacris, goes to Outkast concerts, and even hangs with Usher at his house to smoke cigars. “Usher and I hang out, I go over to his house to smoke cigars,” the Mayor revealed. “And Ludacris, I just see him everywhere.” When drilled on what celebrity Reed would see fit to take over his role as Mayor, he joked, “That’d be Jermaine Dupri. He already calls himself the Mayor! So he’s already taking over.” Known as home to some of the finest gentlemen’s clubs in the nation, Reed also expounded on his thoughts on the best strip club in Atlanta. “This is tough,” he said. “But before I became mayor I’d recommend Magic City — based on my brother’s recommendation!” Reed also reveals he stays up late to watch Dish Nation with his daughter.
A Day of Dunham: An All-Star Tribute to the Legacy of Katherine Dunham Carol Lloyd, founding Publisher of La Danse Noire – a premiere black dance magazine, will present an all-star tribute honoring world renowned choreographer, Katherine Dunham called, “A Day of Dunham”. The tribute will be presented by the newly found and emerging non-profit, La Danse Noire, Inc., as a celebration of the legacy and life of the late Katherine Dunham whose impact on modern dance has been felt the world over. Carol Lloyd Intellectuals and artists all over the world have lauded her beauty, warmth, spirit and artistry whose wide ranging accomplishments include the the dramatic role of Georgia Brown in the Broadway production of “Cabin in the Sky”; and in such films as “Stormy Weather”, “Pardon My Sarong” and “Star Spangled Rhythm”. She also produced the musicals “Tropical Revue”, “Carib Song” and “Bal Negre” on Broadway, choreographed “Deux Agnes Sont Venus” in Paris and “Aida” at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. Dancer, choreographer, author, educator, and social activist, Dunham had one of the most successful dance careers in American and European theater of the 20th century. She was widely known as the matriarch and queen Mother of black and modern dance. “A Day of Dunham” will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25 at International Atlanta Airport’s Westin Hotel, and is produced by La Danse Noire. Honorees for this all-star tribute include: Frances Katherine Dunham Davis, an original Dunham Company member and the first black ballerina with the Paris Opera Ballet (1948); Ms. Trina Parks, a former Dunham Company member and first African American James Bond Girl villain (Thumper in Diamonds are Forever), and Edward L. Brown, former Dunham Company member and PATC dance instructor. “A Day of Dunham” will feature morning panel discussions, master workshops and an evening dinner tribute and soiree honoring these pioneers in the field. There will also be a special recognition of famed choreographer of Broadway, television and film, Otis Sallid. The goal of this all-star tribute to Katherine Dunham is to not only keep the Dunham legacy alive, but to empower young people through dance.
Rickey Smiley
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SPORTS
Beats by Dre Banned by the NFL
Best of Atlanta Football Classic With Ludacris and Other Celebs
Downtown Atlanta metamorphosed into Atlanta Football Classic central over the weekend as fans of South Carolina State and North Carolina A&T squared off at the Georgia Dome. Rapper Ludacris and 2Chainz joined baseball icon Hank Aaron, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the Rev.
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The National Football League has banned the use of the ultra-popular headphones, Beats by Dre. That’s because the NFL has struck an exclusive deal with the struggling competitor Bose in a deal that was struck back before the season started. As a condition of that agreement, Bose’s headphones would be the official headphones of the league. The NFL ban reportedly goes into effect immediately. Beats Electronics has worked extensively to get athletes wearing its product, featuring stars like Colin Kaepernick in its advertising, and sponsoring numerous others. The deal will prevent players from using the headphones specifically while they’re on camera, as that is vital publicity for Bose, which ranks far behind Beats in the headphones market.
Jesse Jackson for the weekend filled with activities, seminars and was facilitated by 100 Black Men of Atlanta. The weekend included a parade by the college bands and featured high school band competiton. Take a look at some of the hottest celebrity and fan photos from the event.
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Though Beats by Dre are expensive — headphones costing $100 or more — Beats dominates with 61 percent of the market share, compared to Bose’s 22. Most consumers forgot that Apple bought Beats by Dre back in May for a whopping $3 billion, citing the company’s headphones and music streaming service as reasons for the acquisition. TechCrunch later updated its story to say Beats would be gradually rolled into iTunes instead. Another important thing to note is this isn’t the first time a major sporting body has decided to ban Beats. FIFA tried a similar tactic as the NFL’s ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but prominent players, including Mario Balotelli and Neymar defied that ban and visibly wore the headphones.
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ANNOUNCEMENT The Summerhill, Mechanicsville, and Peoplestown Community Fund, Inc. will accept applications from community-based, nonprofit organizations serving at least one of the three named neighborhoods. Applications available beginning September 15, 2014, at www.smpcommunityfund. org with a deadline of October 30, 2014, at 5 p.m. Persons interested in applying may attend the SMP Fund application workshop: September 30, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Mechanicsville Library Community Room, 400 Formwalt Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30312. Applicants attending the entire workshop will have three bonus points added to their application score. RSVP for workshop to Grants Administrator, grants@smpcommunityfund.org. RFP – POWER – 103014 - SRS ADVERTISEMENT for PAD-MOUNTED SWITCHGEAR & AUTOMATIC RESTORATION SYSTEM The City of College Park is accepting Sealed Proposals from qualified vendors for Pad-Mounted Switchgear & Automatic Restoration System. Sealed proposals will be received no later than 3:00pm on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at the City of College Park Purchasing Department, 3667 Main Street, College Park Georgia, 30337 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. Bids received after the above date and time, or in any other location other than the Purchasing Department will not be considered. A bid packet may be obtained from the City of College Park Purchasing Department, 3667 Main Street, College Park, Georgia 30337, or from www. collegeparkga.com. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at 3:00pm on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at the City of College Park City Hall. Questions arising after the Pre-Bid Meeting will be accepted via email ONLY, to bgregory@collegeparkga.com until close of business (COB = 5:00pm EST) on Thursday, October 16, 2014. An Addendum listing all Q&A, clarifications, etc. will be posted at www.collegeparkga.com on or about COB on Thursday, October 23, 2014. It is always the vendor’s responsibility to check the City’s website for any/all addenda. A Bid Bond of ten percent (10%) is required with submitted bid packet. Successful vendor will be required to provide Performance / Payment Bond for one hundred percent (100%) of full contract amount before execution of contract. The City of College Park reserves the right to reject any or all bids based on past performance and to waive technicalities and informalities and re-advertise. All Minority, Woman and Small Businesses are strongly encouraged to apply. Only responsive proposals that are determined to meet the requirements and criteria set forth by the City of College Park will be considered.
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GUEST COMMENTARY
GUEST COMMENTARY
by George E. Curry
by Dr. Julianne Malveaux
VOTER SUPPRESSION — 2014
THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT AFTER HOLDER Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. hasn’t left the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building yet, but civil rights activists are worried about whether a strong advocate in Holder’s mold will succeed him. Holder recently submitted his resignation after nearly six years on the job, making him the fourth-longest serving U.S. attorney general in history. The news of Holder’s resignation was so significant that civil rights leaders Al Sharpton of the National Action Network, National Urban League CEO Marc H. Morial, NAACP President Cornell William Brooks and others, upon reading about Holder’s impending departure on an iPad that was being circulated, interrupted a press conference with the parents of slain Ferguson, Mo. youth Michael Brown and the mother of New York chokehold victim Eric Gardner, to praise Holder. Sharpton said, “The civil rights community has lost, in effect, the most effective civil rights attorney general in the history of this country.” In a statement issued later, former NAACP Board Chair Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, said: “There has been no greater ally in the fight for justice, civil rights, equal rights, and voting rights than Attorney General Holder.” Several high-profile decisions will greet Holder’s successor, including whether to file federal civil rights suits in the cases of: Off-duty security guard George Zimmerman in connection with his killing Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Black teenager, in Sanford, Fla. In a state trial two years ago, Zimmerman was acquitted of second-degree murder and manslaughter; Staten Island, N.Y. Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo choked Eric Gardner, 43, to death on July 17, as the victim said, “I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.” Garner, who was unarmed, was under suspicion of selling loose, untaxed cigarettes. No state charges were filed against the officer. The choking and the failure of paramedics to administer CPR was captured on cellphone video and. Officer Darren Wilson shot Michael Brown, 18, to death on Aug. 9 in Ferguson, Mo. In a brief confrontation, Wilson had asked Brown, who was unarmed, to stop walking in the street. Brown had his hands in the air at the time he was shot at least six times by Wilson, according to witnesses. Although it has not been announced, some news reports say that the Justice Department has decided to not pursue civil rights charges against Zimmerman. Though there is always much excitement surrounding announcements that the Justice Department is considering filing civil rights suits, it is not a simple matter of taking a suspected wrongdoer to trial. In order to be successful under federal hate crime laws, prosecutors must show that Officer Daniel Pantaleo, in the case of Eric Gardner, and
Officer Darren Wilson, in the case of Michael Brown, intentionally killed the victims because they were African American. That is a high standard that is tough to meet, regardless of who is attorney general. In addition to watching how Holder’s successor address high-profile police misconduct cases, eyes will also be on other key areas such as voting rights. When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, Holder made it clear that states would not have a green light to reinstate obstacles that make it more difficult for people of color to vote. He sued Texas and North Carolina to underscore that point. The November mid-term elections will be extremely important because it will be the first time in nearly 50 years that 15 states with a history of racial discrimination, most of them in the South, will be conducting elections without the Voting Rights Act requirement that they pre-clear any major voting changes with the Justice Department or a federal judge. In addition, the next attorney general will be evaluated on whether he or she is aggressive in seeking criminal justice reform. Earlier this year, Holder said, “Our criminal justice system works only when all Americans are treated equally under the law. That’s why, in 2010, Congress passed the landmark Fair Sentencing Act, marking the culmination of persistent efforts – with the leadership of President Obama – to reduce unjust disparities in sentencing for similar offenses involving different types of drugs.” He also said, “Today, I’m urging Congress to pass common-sense reforms like the bipartisan Smarter Sentencing Act, introduced by Senators Dick Durbin and Mike Lee – which would give judges more discretion in determining appropriate sentences for people convicted of certain federal drug crimes. “This bill would also provide a new mechanism for some individuals – who were sentenced under outdated laws and guidelines – to petition judges for sentencing reductions that are consistent with the Fair Sentencing Act.” Holder did more than resuscitate a civil rights division that had been highly politicized and packed with lawyers with little or no civil rights experience. He began the long process of restoring faith in the criminal justice system. His successor should be equally committed. If not, instead of reflecting justice, our prisons and jails will be filled with, in the words of comedian Richard Pryor: Just-us. George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service. He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach.
This week the Supreme Court blocked an appeals court ruling that would have restored seven days of voting in Ohio. In just three sentences, the court reduced voting access to tens of thousands of Ohioans, in yet another effort to suppress the vote. In North Carolina, the Appeals Court granted an injunction to restore same day registration and out of precinct voting. It didn’t strike down early voting restrictions because of time constraints, but they did acknowledge that reducing early voting is a way to suppress the vote. If the North Carolina case goes before the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court is likely to lift the injunction in North Carolina, again making voting more difficult. When the Voting Rights Act was attacked, too many tuned out and turned off from the details, although leaders like Barbara Arnwine of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law warned that we would begin to feel the effects of this legal setback with various forms of voter suppression. The Lawyers Committee developed a “map of shame” to show the many states that had curtailed ballot access. Either more ID has been required, the days and times of voting have been changed, the number of polling places has been reduced, or other barriers have been introduced to curtail voter access. Those who would suppress the vote in 2014 have put those who advocate ballot fairness on notice. 2014 is the first step toward a suppressed or stolen 2016 election. The stakes are high, both now and in 2016. Presently, Democrats hold the Senate, and provide at least some help to President Obama on issues of political and economic fairness. It is very possible that Republicans will take the Senate; it is a foregone conclusion if people don’t vote this year. Republicans now hold the House of Representatives; their presence is the House is likely to increase without a strong vote on November 4 (and in the weeks before, with early voting). President Obama’s effectiveness has been weakened by the Boehner Congress that has thwarted the him at every turn. Although these last two years of the Obama Presidency are lame duck years where little is likely to get done, the duck will be not lame, but paralyzed, if the Republicans hold both the House and the Senate. President Obama’s only pow-
ers, then, will be the Executive Order and the veto. It is unlikely that the minimum wage will be adjusted upward, or that other economic fairness matters will be addressed if Congress is a Republican stronghold. Lots of pro-democracy organizations are working to get out the vote for the 2014 elections, with local and state office as important as federal office. Secretaries of state, for example, are the chief elections officers for their state. As such, they have significant power around the mechanics of voting. They can decide to open more polling places, to have more (or fewer) voting machines available, and to manage the details of voter registration. In Ohio, where a week of early voting has now been eliminated, Nina Turner, a charismatic African American state legislator with her efforts clearly focused on justice, is a candidate for Secretary of State. Her election would be an antidote to voter suppression efforts in Ohio, and an inspiration for those who cherish election fairness. Imagine how different voting conditions would be if in states like North Carolina, Florida, and other “stars” on the Map of Shame had progressive Secretaries of State! Voter suppression is not new. We’ve seen grandfather clauses, poll taxes, and literacy tests as historical barriers to the vote. Now, we see a reduction in voter flexibility, with more ID requirements, fewer early voting days, and stricter rules about voter registration. Still, those who would suppress the vote can do so only if we allow it by failing to vote. There are too many important elections to be decided, like Nina Turner’s in Ohio, for voters to stay home.
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