Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper December 7 2013 by AFRO News

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Volume 122 No. 18

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DECEMBER 7, 2013 - DECEMBER 13, 2013

Court Rules Crack Sentencing Reforms Don’t Apply to Those Already Imprisoned

Braveboy, Black Caucus Meet with Baltimore Clergy By Sean Yoes AFRO Contributing Writer

Prince George’s County Del. Aisha Braveboy (DPr. George’s), chair of the state’s Legislative Black Caucus, met with the Baptist Ministers Conference of

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Del. Aisha Braveboy Baltimore & Vicinity at New Shiloh Baptist Church in West Baltimore Dec. 2 During the breakfast meeting Braveboy and

several members of the Black Caucus in attendance laid out the group’s agenda for the 2014 legislative session in Annapolis. Issues the Caucus wants to bring forward include: economic justice concerns, including fair housing and a raise in the minimum wage; the treatment of ex-offenders; and the plight of the state’s HBCUs. “Our focus is on social and economic justice,” Braveboy said. “We’re focusing on number one, our HBCUs and providing parody and resources an also increasing their independence from the university system so that they can better achieve their Continued on A3

Crack cocaine The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund A sharply divided Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Dec. 3 that the Fair Sentencing Act, which reduced the unfair, unjustified, and racially discriminatory crack cocaine/ powder cocaine sentencing ratio from 100to-1 to 18-to-1, does not apply to thousands of individuals who are currently incarcerated pursuant to sentences imposed under the

discredited 100-to-1 regime. Seven judges concluded that the FSA should apply to those serving sentences under the 100-to-1 federal sentencing structure, but ten judges declared that it should not. “We are deeply disappointed in the outcome of this case. Thousands of people, the majority of whom are African-American, are still serving time under an unfair drug sentencing regime that has destroyed Continued on A3

Negro Leaguer Hubert ‘Bert’ Simmons Placed in Baltimore County Hall of Fame By AFRO Staff Four years after his death and 72 years after he began playing baseball in the Negro Baseball League, Hubert “Bert” Simmons reached home plate at last, but not alone. For Simmons’ widow, Audrey, the search for a dignified, permanent home to commemorate the life and legacy of her husband and many other unsung Negro Baseball Leaguers has been well worth the effort. Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz announced on Nov. 20 that he would provide just that - a permanent home for the “Bert Simmons” exhibition of memorabilia and artifacts in the newly built combined Owings Mills Library and Community College of

Baltimore County. In addition to Audrey Simmons, a great deal of the credit for creating a museum site for Simmons goes to Ray Banks, a longtime friend of Hubert Simmons known as the “Ambassador” for his constant effort to keep the memorabilia on exhibit at shows and fairs.

college and American Legion baseball coach. Far fewer individuals knew that the tall, distinguished, and humble Simmons spent his young adult years playing baseball with some of the best players in the Negro Baseball League. After graduating from high school in 1941, Bert Simmons joined the Civilian

a pitcher and outfielder for the Raleigh Tigers from 19411942. Throughout the years that followed, Bert Simmons continued playing baseball even while serving in the U.S. Army and later while attending college at North Carolina A&T. In addition to the Raleigh Tigers, Simmons

“…Simmons spent his young adult years playing baseball with some of the best players in the Negro Baseball League.” Born in 1924, Hubert “Bert” Simmons was known to many throughout the Baltimore area as a teacher of business and technology for 30 years. Others knew him as a Little League, high school,

Conservation Corps, a jobs creation program started by President Roosevelt. That same year he relocated to Raleigh, N.C. with the CCC, and began playing semi-pro baseball as

played for the U.S. Army (1943-1945); the Greensboro Red Wings (1946-1948); the Ashville Blues (1949); and finally the Baltimore Elite Giants (1950). Simmons could play all 9 positions in

Hubert “Bert” Simmons baseball; however, it was as a pitcher that he established a reputation for his knuckleball. In 2008 when each Major League Baseball team drafted one former Negro Baseball League player to represent the many thousands of others who never played in the Major League, the Baltimore Orioles selected 84-year-old Simmons. Over his years spent Continued on A3

Blaze Burns Out West Balto. Family By Blair Adams AFRO Staff Writer A family of six remains homeless three weeks after flames raced through their West Baltimore row house, a blaze that fire officials said started in a neighboring city-owned vacant house. The fire began early Nov. 13 in the rear of 2812 Boarman Ave., the city-owned property. The flames quickly swept through the walls of the unoccupied house, burning their way through the foundation into the house next door and consuming the home and possessions of Marvin and Ann-Marie Jones and their four children. “We lost everything. We have nothing. Everything is gone,” Jones said. Ann-Marie Jones told the AFRO she had just sent her children to school when she noticed the fire. Her husband was across the street working. Jones said she summoned her husband, shouting “Marvin, Marvin, there is a fire outside!” but flames were already leaping from the rear of their house. There were Continued on A5

The fire left the Jones’ with nothing.

The Afro-American, December 7, 2013 - December 13, 2013

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NATION & WORLD Kanye West Threatens to Boycott Louis Vuitton

Producer and rap star Kanye West has launched another public tantrum, this time against luxury handbag, clothing and accessory design house Louis Vuitton. The influential, outspoken hip-hop recording artist said he is displeased with the fashion line’s lack of Kanye West diversity and considers their pricing “ridiculous.” West took to the air-waves Nov. 25 on 92.3 NOW in New York to not only voice his frustrations but to persuade consumers and his fans not to purchase Louis Vuitton products because the luxury brand decided not to work with him. “Everybody in New York City right now, don’t buy any Louis Vuitton until after January,” West said in an interview with 92.3 NOW. “Now do you want to meet with me?” West, 36, said he was in Paris and wanted to meet with Vice President Yves Carcelle, the head of Louis Vuitton, but Carcelle declined. West claimed Carcelle said, “I don’t understand why we need to meet with you.” When the rapper entered the rap scene he was known as “The Louis Vuitton Don,” always seen wearing signature Louis Vuitton backpacks, hats and accessories. “Influence. They think that I don’t realize my power. They want to marginalize me,” West said. In September, he slammed high-end fashion house Fendi for rejecting his leather jogging pant idea. West, who is trying to get a sneaker contract, initially faced setbacks on that front. He tried to strike a deal with Nike but the shoe manufacturer declined to offer him royalties for his Yeezus collection because he isn’t a professional athlete.

Adidas has agreed to his terms, and West is on his way to create his sneaker collection.

Lawmakers Seek New Laws to Deter ‘Knock-Out Game’

Congressional representatives and municipal authorities across the nation are banding together to propose new laws that toughen punishment for assault convictions linked to the “knockout game.” In a call to action for prosecutors and law enforcement officials, Wisconsin Representative Dean Kaufert (R) asked for stiffer penalties with fewer delays in the prosecution phase. “This is not a child’s prank, this is a serious crime where innocent victims are assaulted, injured and in some instances even killed, and it should be treated that way,” Kaufert said in a Nov. 27 statement. “We want to send any potential perpetrator of this senseless violence the message that if they do this in Wisconsin they will face serious criminal consequences, not a slap on the wrist.” Young participants in the “game” choose a victim at random and punch them in the face with the intention of knocking them out cold in one swing. Many of the unsuspected assaults have been recorded and placed online to amass hits on YouTube and attention on other social media sites. Though some claim that the increased attention from news media in recent days is an attempt to boost hysteria and cause racial divides—most victims are White or of non-African American descent—lawmakers nonetheless are taking steps to introduce bills increasing punishments for taking part in the game. New York Senator Hugh T. Farley announced Nov. 25 that he too will be leading legislative efforts to stop the trend from spreading. Farley joined Assemblyman Ted Tedisco in promoting the “Knockout Game Deterrent Act,” under which New York participants in “Knockout Game” assault cases could face over two decades in prison. The Knockout Game Deterrent Act is still in the draft phase but should be ready for introduction in early December.

Essence Magazine Launches Filmmaking Contest to Improve Portrayal of Black Women

Essence magazine has challenged aspiring filmmakers to counter the distorted portrayal of Black women in film and television, and to showcase images of Black women that depict the beauty, bounty, triumphs and truths of their lives. “We’re launching a Shonda Rhimes will serve short film contest seeking on the celebrity panel of visions of Black women the contest. that are multidimensional, ones that are different from the stereotypical and often negative images that respondents in a recent, groundbreaking Essence study told us don’t truly reflect the totality of who they are,” the magazine stated in an overview of the contest on its web site. According to the study, published in the magazine’s November issue, more than 1,200 respondents said an overwhelming majority of the images they encounter in traditional and social media fall into negative stereotypes—gold diggers, modern jezebels, baby mamas, uneducated sisters, ratchet women, angry Black women, mean Black girls, unhealthy Black women, and Black Barbies. Conversely, respondents said they very rarely saw reflections of who they genuinely are: young phenoms, real beauties, individualists, community heroines, girls next door and modern matriarchs. Magazine officials said they hoped the study would help marketers and content creators to create more authentic images of Black women, a mission that is at the core of Essence. Contest participants are challenged to write and direct an original short film no more than 20 minutes long that presents an image of a Black woman that defies the stereotypes and offers a fresh, unique perspective. The deadline for submission is Dec. 5. A team of Essence editors will choose the contest finalists and a panel of celebrity judges will choose the winner. Those judges include husband and wife producing team Mara Brockand Salim Akil; “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” creator Shonda Rhimes and actress Regina King among a host of others. The winner will be honored at the magazine’s seventh annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon on Feb. 27, held during Oscar week.

The Afro-American, November 30, 2013 - November 30, 2013

December 7, 2013 - December 13, 2013, The Afro-American

Balto. Mayor, Council Members Set for Pay Hike By Blair Adams AFRO Staff Writer While other key city agencies are seeing budget cuts and furloughs, Baltimore’s top elected officials are set to see a 2.5 percent pay hike in January. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s annual salary will rise from $159,380 to $163,365 and Council President Jack Young and City Comptroller Joan Pratt will see an annual salary increase to take them from $105,535 to $108,173. City Council Vice President Edward Reisinger’ salary will go from $67,844 to $69,540 and each council member will see a $1,535 increase from $61,383 to $62,918. The last time City Hall officials saw a pay increase was in 2007, when the annual salary for city council members was $57,000. The raises are the result of a decision by a commission created in 2006 to remove elected officials from the process of setting their pay. The resulting decision by the city’s Commission on Compensation of Elected Officials in 2010 linked pay raises for

elected officials to cost of living increases in pay for city union employees. Many of the elected officials have said they will donate their pay raises to charitable causes. “I will either find a charity to donate my increase to or more than likely I will use it to support stuff that I do in the community,” Councilmember Brandon Scott told the AFRO. Although the state mandates that officials can’t forfeit their salaries, donating is always an option, as opposed to keeping their increases. “It’s an automatic increase that they don’t control,” Young’s spokesman, Lester Davis told the AFRO of the independent commission set up in 2006 as a buffer between that is tied in with the unions. The pay increase would increase the mayor’s salary from $159,380 to $163,365—in a decision she stressed was a decision on city official’s compensation set by the Commission Board and ratified by the Board of Estimates to eliminate the

politics. The commission’s ruling was ratified Nov. 23 by the city’s Board of Estimates. The mayor and council chairman abstained from the vote, Rawlings-Blake said, noting “you can’t vote on your own increase.” “I get to do a job that I would do for free, because I love my job,” she said. Reporters then asked the Mayor what she plans to do with this years raise and she said, “I haven’t decided yet, but in the past I have donated a huge portion to different charities.” “I’ve given my raises to the Maryland Food Bank. I’ve given it to youth works, so we could try to provide more opportunities for young people to find employment so more of them are on the path to be able to provide for themselves and their families as adults,” said Rawlings-Blake.

of that and putting something else on their plate?” According to the Maryland Public Service Commission,

which regulates electric power and other utility companies, state law allows a utility company to request a deposit if a

customer gets two or more turn-off notices in a year. And, the company is not required to send a notice before requesting a deposit. “If a company is in compliance with the regulations, then no actions are warranted by the Commission; however, for deposits of $50 and above, we can request that the company allow the customer to pay the amount in installments to help alleviate financial hardships, as provided in the regulations,” said PSC spokeswoman Regina Davis in an e-mailed response. But, customers can file a complaint with the Commission’s Office of External Relations if they feel the company has violated the law when requiring a security deposit, she added. BGE provides service to more than 1.2 million electric customers and more than 655,000 natural gas customers in Baltimore City, and all or part of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. It is Maryland’s largest gas and electric utility.

Baseball League players now in their late 80’s and 90’s. Former players included Luther Atkinson, Eddie Banks, Jimmy Bland and Al Burrows. Kamenetz estimated as many as 3,000 visitors to the Owings Mills Library / CCBC site daily who will see the displays.

“Let our focus on baseball become genuine again, not just mechanical,” said Banks, who spoke briefly about the lifestyle and love that was once part of the game. “Teach the basics of baseball fundamentals including a respect for the game and its history, which so many of today’s professional players

another and the fact that the law was imposed in starkly racially disproportionate ways. Indeed, Judge Karen Nelson Moore, who joined the majority and concluded that the law does not apply to those who are already serving 100-to-1 prison sentences, acknowledged that the 100-to-1 ratio “led to the mass incarceration of African-American men and has bred distrust of law enforcement in the larger African-American community.” Nationwide, nearly 9,000 individuals—90% of whom are African American--are serving out sentences imposed on them under the 100-to-1 ratio. In its amicus, or “friend of the court” brief in this case, LDF argued that the court’s failure to apply the FSA to individuals serving sentences based on the 100-to-1 ratio would perpetuate an irrational and racially discriminatory sentencing regime. In oral argument, Vincent Southerland, senior counsel in the Criminal Justice Practice at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, urged the court to apply the Fair Sentencing

Act’s new 18-to-1 crack-powder cocaine sentencing ratio to those still serving sentences under the old 100-to-1 ratio. Southerland noted that “everyone—from all three branches of government to the law enforcement community and the American public—has recognized that the old 100-to-1 crack cocaine sentencing ratio was unfair and racially discriminatory. The Fair Sentencing Act was enacted to end that old discriminatory sentencing ratio. It is extremely disheartening that a majority of the judges on the Sixth Circuit failed to see the inherent arbitrariness and unfairness in perpetuating the unjust 100-to-1 sentencing ratio, despite Congress’s command in the Fair Sentencing Act.” In his dissent, Judge R. Guy Cole agreed. “Congress repealed the law because the ratio is unjustified, with the full awareness of its discriminatory effects,” he said. “Using the ratio to deny sentence modifications continues to treat AfricanAmerican offenders more harshly than White offenders, despite Congress’s aim to the contrary.”

Black Caucus wants to create a task force to study the proliferation of sub-standard bank-owned properties in predominately low-income communities of color, which bring down property values in those neighborhoods. “Generally, people, regardless of race their wealth is established through the property that they own and if you don’t have equity in your property you don’t have financial independence,” she said. “It is a huge economic injustice when banks are purposefully treating properties differently… based race, based on economic levels, based on zip codes.” Braveboy has announced her candidacy for Maryland Attorney General, seeking to become both the first Black

successfully compete for job opportunities,” Braveboy said. “So, the “shielding bill,” would say that the record of your conviction would be shielded from the public’s view. But we really need to take another step further… expungement truly gives a person a second chance,” she added. In the wake of nationwide protests by some retail employees who were forced to work during Thanksgiving, and the burgeoning lowwage workers movement in America, Braveboy and the Black Caucus plan to take up the issue of raising the minimum wage in Maryland during the 2014 session. “We are as a Caucus and have been before it got popular nationally on

BGE

Continued from A1 neighborhood, race, gender, creed, age or national origin,” she later added by e-mail. “In some cases, BGE requires a security deposit to open an account for new customers, or to maintain an existing account…. If service was denied for nonpayment during the last 12 months of service, payment of a security deposit will be required in order to re-establish service.” Lighty said BGE allows customers to pay the deposit in installments over a three-month period. And, the security deposit is refunded one year after the full deposit has been received is received if the customer makes 10 out of 12 subsequent payments on time. But, Sharon said, the policy feels like BGE is giving with one hand and taking away with the other. “You give the person the option to get an extension [on their payment] then you turn around and tell them they have to pay for that extension?” she said. Sharon later added, “If they (customers) are asking for an extension it means they don’t have the money. So why are you attaching another bill on top

“You give the person the option to get an extension [on their payment] then you turn around and tell them they have to pay for that extension?”

Hubert “Bert” Simmons Continued from A1

playing and coaching the game, Simmons collected remnants of the by-gone era of segregated baseball and filled Banks’ basement. The public announcement by Baltimore County leaders drew 150 attendees, including several of the remaining Negro

Crack Sentencing Continued from A1

individuals, families and communities,” said Sherrilyn A. Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. “Today’s decision demonstrates that those who are working to eliminate the impermissible role of race in criminal prosecutions and sentences still have much more work to do. We will continue to press this issue in the court” Ifill added that LDF officials “are heartened that seven judges…were willing to rule in favor of a just application of the Fair Sentencing Act. Their powerful dissents encourage us to remain steadfast in our effort to win the release of those held under draconian and discriminatory sentences.” In 2010, Congress passed the FSA to reduce the irrationality and unfairness occasioned by a federal sentencing structure under which 100 grams of powder cocaine triggered the same sentence as a single gram of crack cocaine. Congress made this change in recognition of the fact that powder cocaine and crack are indistinguishable from one

Braveboy Continued from A1

goals.” Braveboy noted an October ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Catherine Blake which declared the state of Maryland in violation of the Constitution “for operating a system of higher education still rooted in segregation.” “Because of the historic

underfunding that occurred for close to 100 years there are still great disparities on the campuses when it comes to infrastructure, when it comes to the number of high demand, unique programs that are offered at the universities…the number of full-time faculty,” Braveboy said. Braveboy also said the

person and the first woman to hold that position. During a November forum at the University of Maryland Carey School of Law featuring the four Democratic candidates for Attorney General (no Republicans have announced their candidacy), Braveboy described mass incarceration as, “one of the most important issues of our time.” During the prayer breakfast meeting at New Shiloh, she spoke specifically about some of the challenges ex-offenders face. “If a person has committed a misdemeanor and has paid their debt to society has been productive and has not re-offended…over a certain period of (years) that person should be able to have the ability to

the forefront of raising the minimum wage,” Braveboy explained. The Caucus wants to see the minimum wage raised from the national standard of $7.25/hour to $10.10/hour. “We support it wholeheartedly, I have been the chief sponsor of the bill I’ll be sponsoring it again next year in Annapolis,” she added. “What we understand is that we can’t continue to have people working 40 hours a week and still living in poverty. When it comes to the poverty level…it impacts are school system, it impacts are criminal justice system, when you see high levels of poverty you see high levels of crime. So, it is smart for us to raise the living standard of all individuals.”

The Afro-American, December 7, 2013 - December 13, 2013

Success Story

BUSINESS

Diane S. Taitt

Interior Architect , ASID, Assoc AIA; Founder and Managing Principal of De Space Designs

Diane S. Taitt

Name of business: De Space Designs, 1353 U Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., a “Wholistic” earth-centered interior architecture & design practice. Brief: Taitt has practiced interior architecture in the U.S. for more than 20 years. She launched De Space Designs in 2005 to focus on “Earth-Centered Design,” a wholistic integrated design concept she created. She studied architecture in Italy and Denmark, backpacked through North Africa, led commercial interior architecture projects in China, and documented a spiritual journey through Indonesia. She has worked with the YMCA, schools, Creative Associates, and The Refuge of Hope and served as a mentor

and adjunct professor. Years at business: 20-plus years of professional experience; seven years as founder and president of De Space Designs Born: London, England Raised: Trinidad & Tobago in the Caribbean College, locations, degrees: Pratt Institute, NYC, Bachelors of Architecture; Baruch College, NYC, Masters of Business Administration, Marketing and Management; Parsons, NYC, Certificate of Set Design; First job: When I was eight years old, I appointed myself creative director of our neighborhood kids theatre production group. The production was held on my parent’s front porch to a full house.

Worst job: Every undesirable job I had helped me focus on what I was passionate about and helped steel my commitment to be an entrepreneur. However, every job requiring me to “toe someone else’s line” was a challenge. Who is (was) your mentor? My life mentors are God, my Dad, and Nature. I’ve had many other mentors throughout my life, however. When I was 18, three people were influential in forging my path to architecture. Lloyd De Souza mentored me at my first architectural internship in Trinidad; he was pivotal in my decision to attend Pratt. My good friend and local artist Christopher Cozier taught me how to paint and see the natural world. Ann Dardaine, a good friend and artist, guided me through a portfolio compilation for my Pratt interview. What inspires you? I am inspired by the genius of nature, truly the greatest artist and designer. I am particularly in awe of the sea, with its myriad of color, pattern and visual textures. My Caribbean roots and childhood experiences inspire my aesthetic sense of design, like feeling the grass beneath my bare feet, feeling the sand between my toes, watching the sun rise with my father on Store Bay Beach in Tobago, watching silvery fish dancing in the early morning light, and smelling aromatic fruit and flowers. The intangible transfer of experience and the essence of a sensual Caribbean land and people are central to the creation of a sensory journey in all my designs. Who (or what) do you credit for your success? Believing in myself and my passion; accepting that it was okay to fail; my unwavering perseverance; possessing an over-arching vision; a keen awareness of the connectivity of humanity, the connectivity of all things with energy and vibrations. What lies ahead for you? We will continue to build our “wholistic” design practice and brand globally. We’re working on a coffee table book on creating sacred spaces. There may be a product line of soft furnishings and furniture in the future. An international partnership that will also provide mentoring, training and a global exchange study program. We want to take our experience to third world countries, helping grow the movement of earth and human-centered design. Advice to the aspiring professional? Follow your passion. Believe and trust in yourself.

Lockheed Martin’s Stephanie Hill Looks to Make a Difference Among Women of Color By Maria Adebola Special to the AFRO Although Stephanie C. Hill describes herself as an “accidental” engineer, a glance at her background shows it’s no surprise that she has risen to become president of Lockheed Martin’s Information Systems & Global Solutions’ Civil Division. Engineering wasn’t in her family background, but achievement is no stranger in the Hill household. Her mother, Doris Cole, is a retired kindergarten teacher and her father, Harry Cole, was the first African-American elected to the Maryland Senate, as well as the first to sit on the Maryland Court of Appeals, that state’s highest court. Their daughter discovered she was talented at mathematics while in the Baltimore public school system. Economics was a natural fit as a major at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), she said. “When I first started college I decided I wanted to be an accountant, and so that’s why I chose the major of economics,” she noted. The so-called “accident” occurred halfway through her undergraduate days when she happened to choose “as an elective, a programming class and absolutely fell in love with it.” She went on to declare computer science along with her economics degree her junior year. When she worked at the career center at UMBC, she learned about engineering jobs before gaining experience with the government as an engineer. “It was one of the best decisions I have made, because coming out of college, I was able to start with Lockheed Martin and get an opportunity as a software engineer.” Two decades later, she is at the top of the defense contractor’s ladder. Hill says her parents played a big role in her career choice.

“The way that I was reared with a focus on excellence, and my father very focused on doing the right thing, making sure you are achieving as much as you can achieve and my mother’s loving hand of care really has given me a balance as I approach the work that I do,” she said. She describes her current position as “one which no day is like the next or like the one before.” Although she has days that are very intense, Hill says that, “through more than 25 years at Lockheed Martin, I have never been bored.” As president of the Information Systems & Global Solutions’ Civil division, Hill spends a lot of time with customers both in Washington D.C. and internationally. She also works with employees, conducting roundtables and brainstorming ways the company can prolong its partnership with government and commercial customers. “We look at what investment we are going to make, what technologies and areas to focus on from an investment perspective, to ensure they are meeting customer’s needs,” she said. Hill is very involved in the effort to reach out to students, especially minority women, in all settings to educate them about the world of STEM careers. She developed the STEM mentoring program that Lockheed Martin partners with schools in Maryland to bring volunteers from the company into the classroom. These volunteers work with students and teachers to introduce science, technology, engineering, and, math in the classroom. “I have a real passion for making sure that people, and young women and minorities in particular understand that science, technology, engineering and math, the STEM field are viable and exciting careers for them,” she said. “So we spend a lot of time in the community.” According to the National Science Foundation, women, particularly women of color, continue to be significantly

underrepresented in almost all science, technology, engineering, and, math academic positions. Hill says that, of all the women who seek a STEM education, only 26 percent of those women achieve STEM careers. “The number is already not high enough for those who know that they want to do the education. We have to get more young women to know how much fun a STEM career can be.” (Courtesy Photo) Hill said there were not Stephanie C. Hill, a lot of women in the work president of Lockheed chart early in her career. 25 Martin’s Information years later, it’s a different Systems & Global story: Lockheed Martin has Solutions. a female CEO, and one of its largest business areas has a female executive vice president. She said she lives by a philosophy of “living a holistic life that makes a positive difference.” “This means that you have to devote time to your family, your friends, and your community,” she said. She also wants to make a difference through her career for not just for her family, but hopefully to inspire a young person unaware of the opportunities in STEM fields. Outside of work, Hill enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She also enjoys cooking and sings in her church choir.

Collection Schemes Fleece Consumers By Edward Johnson Debt has transformed our society. It can be a useful financial tool, or an anchor around your neck. It seeps into every aspect of our life and can be complicated. Easy credit, the desire to keep up with the latest in consumer goods, or the habit of living beyond one’s means can certainly be to blame. However, it is not always a case of overspending. Medical emergencies, the loss of employment, or any unexpected change in income or expenses can cause financial distress. Inevitably, when bills go unpaid, debt collectors come calling. When they do, you should know what is considered acceptable collection conduct. Over the past decade, complaints to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) about the debt collection industry have risen by 58 percent. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) debt collectors are one of the single most-complainedabout industries. While the industry has done an admirable job in establishing a code of conduct and encouraging compliance with acceptable practices, those efforts are only as good as the intent of the collector to follow the rules. As is evident by a number of recent FTC court cases, some debt collectors blatantly ignore the laws. In one case, working out of offices on the east coast, a consortium of rogue collectors threatened consumers that if they did not pay, their bank accounts would be closed, their wages garnished, they would face felony fraud charges, would have to appear in court thousands of miles away from their home, or would be arrested at their workplace. The FTC case showed that many consumers ended up paying the collector for debts they did not owe because they were fearful of the threats and wanted the harassment to stop. As it turns out the

collectors often tried to collect on debts that were not even real. Such substandard marketplace practices are not news to the BBB as the various collectors associated with the scheme had F ratings with the BBB. Recently, scammers have latched on to debt collection as a means to separate consumers from their money. Con artists are now posing as police officers, or members of the Sheriff’s Office to collect on fake debts, tickets and fines. The primary consumer protection law related to debt is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The act prohibits deceptive, unfair and abusive collection practices. The Act does not allow collectors to use obscene or profane language, threats of violence, harassment, misrepresentation of a consumer’s rights, or disclosure of personal affairs to third parties. Reforms to consumer protection laws are currently being explored by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in an effort to modernize the legal framework surrounding debt collection. In the meantime, the BBB continues to remind consumers of their rights. Collectors cannot call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.; contact your friends, family or employer; inundate you with calls; threaten your reputation; or threaten you with arrest The BBB also reminds consumers that collectors, when asked, are required to provide written documentation that substantiates the debt. While consumers should accept responsibility for their debt and use credit wisely, they should never accept harsh or abusive behavior. Edward Johnson is president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving the metro Washington, D.C. and Eastern Pennsylvania region.

December 7, 2013 - December 13, 2013, The Afro-American

Morgan State University Suspends Kappas for Barring Gay Applicant Denial for Being Gay Deemed a Violation of University’s Regulations, Policies & Procedures By Gregory Dale AFRO News Editor Morgan State University officials announced that the Alpha Iota Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is on probation until 2015 following allegations of discrimination. The move comes after Morgan student Brian Stewart said the organization denied him admittance in early October because he is gay. Morgan State officials confirmed to the AFRO that the fraternity had indeed been placed on suspension. The university outlined the grounds of the suspension in a statement. “The Alpha Iota chapter of Kappa Alpha [Psi] has

been determined to have violated certain university regulations, procedures and policies,” the statement from the university’s Office of Public Affairs said. “As a result, the chapter has been placed on disciplinary probation until fall 2015. During the probationary period, the chapter cannot register as an official organization or student group with the university. The chapter cannot participate in any university sponsored event or activity on or off campus.” Brian Fagin, a member of the fraternity who graduated from Morgan in 2008 said the situation is “unfortunate.” “There are good brothers at Alpha Iota,” Fagin, 28, said. “Morgan State had to take the actions they deemed appropriate due to their position, even though I feel a two year suspension is a bit excessive.” People took to social media to opine on both sides.

Ami “Blackchicksrock” Stevenson said on Facebook: “Discrimination should be banned no matter who its against. Does that man’s sexuality change the fact that he is a black college student wanting to join a Courtesy photo Black fraternity? What’s Morgan student Brian the difference between Stewart him and other black males?” Maurice A. Scott said on Facebook: “Discrimination is not good on any level however I don’t know if suspension was the best choice if there is no corrective action to coincide with it such as diversity training and education.”

Richmond-Born Russell Wilson, MVP Contender Dazzles on Monday Night Football By Perry Green AFRO Sports Editor Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson made his case for a NFL Most Valuable Player consideration after a stellar performance in leading the Seahawks to a blowout win over the New Orleans Saints (9-3 record) on Monday Night Football Dec. 2 in Seattle, Wash. The win advanced the Seahawks to an 11-1 overall record,

“Wilson was one of nine AfricanAmericans to begin the season as a starting quarterback, the most in the history of the NFL.”

more than two games ahead of any other team in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Wilson completed 22-of-30 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns, committed no turnovers against an aggressive New Orleans defense. The second-year quarterback has 2,672 total passing yards with 22 touchdowns to just six interceptions so far on the season. His 108.5 passer rating ranks third among starting quarterbacks in the league. Wilson was one of nine African-Americans to begin the season as a starting quarterback, the most in the history of the NFL. He was chosen by Seattle in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the same draft that featured Washington Redskins second-year quarterback Robert Griffin III. Griffin was named NFL Rookie of the Year in 2012, but some observers contended that Wilson had the better rookie season of the two. Wilson finished his first season with an NFL-rookie record 26 passing touchdowns to 10 picks, while Griffin had 20 passing touchdowns to just five interceptions. Wilson so far has

had the better sophomore year. His 22 touchdowns to six interceptions tops Griffin’s 15 touchdowns to 11 interceptions for an 83.3 passer rating. Wilson was born and raised in Richmond, Va. His grandfather, Harrison B. Wilson Jr., was president of Norfolk State University from 1975 Seattle Seahawks to 1997. His grandfather was also a quarterback Russell standout athlete in football, baseball, Wilson basketball and track at Kentucky State University. Harrison Wilson III, Russell Wilson’s father, played football for the University of Richmond as a wide receiver and made the 1980 San Diego Chargers roster before quitting football to become a lawyer. He died in 2010. Wilson’s sister, Anna, is touted as one of the most promising high school basketball prospects in the country.

little to help. “All they gave me was two dumpsters to throw all of our belongings in.” “I don’t have any clothes, I don’t have nothing,” he said. He said teachers at their children’ school donated clothing and shoes, once they learned of their loss. “Some people from my mother’s church gave us some things, my kids are staying at my mother’s house,” he said. The city of Baltimore provided a seven-night stay at a Comfort Inn, extending a two-night stay paid for by the Red Cross’ emergency services. Reggie U. Scriber, deputy commissioner for the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, said in addition to providing estimators to help determine the extent of the damage and two roll-off dumpsters to dispose of the debris, the city is trying to steer Jones to a rehabilitation loan for what’s left of the structure. A Housing Authority spokesperson said once Jones’ application clears the approval process and the city can set up an escrow account for his

rehabilitation funds, insurance companies can be approached to provide protection against another catastrophe. “I didn’t want to see him and his family go through these changes,” said Scriber.

Blaze

Continued from A1 no injuries, as the family was able to get out safely with only the clothes on their backs. The house was the Jones’ first home. They moved to the West Baltimore neighborhood in March 2011. Marvin Jones said he paid $11,000 for the house and invested an additional $35,000 in repairs and upgrades. But he had no insurance on the structure; fire officials estimated damages at $109,273. “We are homeless,” he said, adding that the city has done

Inside the Jones’ burned home

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December 7, 2013 - December 13, 2013, The Afro-American

OPINION

Opening the Doors to Our College and Universities “In America today, college is available to everyone prepared to move forward in life,” Dr. Claudio Prieto, then Assistant U.S. Education Secretary, once observed. “For minorities like us, there are still barriers to obtaining an education, but with hard work, those barriers are manageable....” Most of us would agree. Yet, for Americans of color, acknowledging that educational opportunity is now far greater than in Elijah Cummings our past is not the same as concluding that the very real barriers to a better life can be “managed” easily. Among the most difficult of our remaining challenges is finding ways to pay for the education that will transform our lives. As a society, our future prosperity and national security depend upon properly educating all Americans who are willing to learn. Helping those who are determined to improve themselves through higher education must rank among our foremost priorities. In this Information Age, it should surprise none of us that the average annual earnings for an individual with a college degree are 60 percent higher than are earnings for those whose education ended with high school. Yet, despite the clear benefits of obtaining a college education, far too many Americans are trapped outside the university gates, looking in. I am honored to serve on the Board of Regents of Morgan State University where we are doing all that we can to make a Morgan State education affordable. Yet, despite our best efforts, some students must leave school before obtaining their degrees because they no longer can afford the cost. In my work, both in Washington and here in the Baltimore region, these are tragedies that I am determined to eliminate.

The Congressional Research Service observes that the published annual costs for tuition, fees, room and board at public four-year institutions average roughly $17,000 for in-state students – and often twice that staggering amount at private not-for-profit four-year institutions. Few of us have the financial resources to pay, out-ofpocket, the staggering “sticker price” of a college education. As a result, college students typically must rely upon a combination of grants and student loans to balance the books. Fortunately, federal assistance, approved by the Congress under the Higher Education Act, is available to help college students pay their bills. Each school year, the U.S. Department of Education provides approximately $150 billion in grants and loans to more than 14 million college students. This help flows to nearly 60 percent of all the students who are studying to complete their undergraduate degrees. I strongly support this federal investment in the future of our people. For example, this year, I have authored and introduced H.R. 3446, the FAFSA Fairness Act of 2013, which would simplify and reform the complicated process for students to apply for federal student financial aid when they no longer have contact with their parents. Moreover, I have long understood that there are many other obstacles to prospective college students receiving the financial aid that they need and deserve. For too many, especially for those who are the first in their families to attend college, a prominent barrier is often lack of information. They do not realize all of the help that is available to help them afford their tuition, fees and other college costs. Many do not know how to go about applying and qualifying for this aid. This is the critically important information many students and parents have received in the free seminars that our congressional office has organized each year since I first entered the Congress. Please mark your calendars for the 17th Annual “How to Pay for College” seminar on Dec. 9 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral Street in

It’s the current American reality that’s become a nightmare for millions upon millions whose lives, occupations and economic stability once seemed to embody it. A new survey released Thanksgiving week by the Washington Post and the Miller Center, a nonpartisan, public policy-focused affiliate of the University of Virginia, offers fresh Lee A. Daniels evidence that Americans overwhelmingly still hold fast to the positive beliefs that in the 20th century helped project the buoyant optimism of the American character. For example, 85 percent of Americans think that being able to attend college is at least a part of the American Dream; and 87 percent feel that way about home ownership. A nearly equal proportion – 86 percent – consider that doing better than their parents is part of the American Dream; and 61 percent claim that the idea of the American Dream is meaningful to them personally, while another 18 percent say it’s not meaningful to them but is to other people. However, the true importance of the survey, which has been conducted since the 1970s, is that it’s the latest document to plumb the impact of the economic crisis – the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009 – that’s pushed many Americans into desperate circumstances. In significant measure, that calamity has eroded not just to their financial resources but also their hopes about the

present and the future. More than 60 percent say they worry the economy’s unsettled condition will cause them to be laid off, the largest proportion of concern that question has ever produced. Nearly half, 48 percent, said they feel less financially secure than a few years ago; and 66 percent expect it’ll be harder for people like them “to get ahead” in coming years; while a total of 73 percent say they’re somewhat or very dissatisfied about the country’s economic situation. Only 39 percent believe their children will be able to better the family’s current standard of living; another 24 percent believe their children’s circumstances will roughly match theirs; but 28 percent believe their children will be economically worse off. Not surprisingly, lower-paid workers worry far more than those higher up the wage scale about losing their jobs or running out of money to pay their rent and other necessities before the end of the month. That truism has a greater importance now than usual because more than half of the jobs created since the Recession ended have been low-wage positions paying on average little more than $30,000 a year. The economic hardship faced by these workers – the working poor – and the millions of Americans at or below the poverty line has been underscored in recent months by a number of developments.

The American Dream Lives! But...

They include: • The one-day work stoppages by fast-food workers in dozens of cities across the country to dramatize their very low wages. • The increasing number of states and municipalities that are moving on their own to increase the minimum wage in their jurisdictions (more than 4 million workers are paid the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour). • New research showing the astonishing growth of income

Baltimore. Our free event will include one-stop shopping as representatives from 29 different community and state colleges, public and private universities and scholarship organizations work to inform students and their parents about post-secondary programs and financial aid programs. Then, during the one-hour program portion of our event, I will be joined by noted experts who will share their knowledge about federal and state financial aid benefits, private scholarships, SAT preparation, the college admissions process and the value of our community colleges. Participants will hear from experts provided by the U.S. Department of Education, the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the Central Scholarship, the College Board, Morgan State University and Howard Community College. As taxpayers, we are helping to fund the $150 billion in federal student aid that our government provides to students each year. We each must assure that every local student who needs this help takes the steps necessary to apply and qualify. For all of us, young and older alike, higher education is the door to opportunity. We need only to help each other open that door. Rep. Elijah Cummings represents Maryland’s Seventh Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.

inequality in American society, New York City Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio’s proposal to increase the taxes on the city’s wealthiest resident in order to fund improvements in the public schools. A new poll shows the idea has drawn widespread support from residents – including conservative and wealthy residents – of both New York City and the state. The increasing attention being paid to the predicament of food stamp recipients, who face severe cutbacks in their monthly allotments on top of one they already suffered this month. And, lastly, there was Roman Catholic Pope Francis, in a lengthy official, and startling, document issued two days before Thanksgiving, sharply criticizing the “idolatry of money” and the conservative “trickle-down theories” of economics for having helped usher in a “globalization of indifference” to the plight of the poor. Those criticisms, embedded in the 200-plus page missive, were clearly a call for efforts to reduce the degree of income inequality in Europe and the United States as part of a broader campaign to make compassion a central part of nation’s and individuals’ approach to solving problems. These and other developments raise the question: Are we witnessing the development of a “critical mass” of individuals and institutions of diverse philosophical views, that’s ready to redress at least some of the causes of the dangerous increase of poverty and income inequality? Now, that would be a dream worth working for, in the United States and abroad. Lee A. Daniels is a longtime journalist based in New York City. His latest book is Last Chance: The Political Threat to Black America.

What Would Republicans Do on Healthcare?

Many ardent conservatives are critical of the Affordable Care Act or what they derisively call “Obamacare.” But what are they proposing that proves that they care about uninsured Americans? The Tampa Bay Times’ “Pundit Fact” team discovered some interesting findings when they approached that question indirectly. Specifically, the newspaper looked at the main Republican alternatives to the George E. Curry Affordable Care Act and the patient diagnosis under the GOP proposals was not encouraging. “Not all but most of the nine bills on our list use the tax code to put more money in citizens’ pockets on the condition that the money will be spent on health care,” the newspaper stated. “We found three basic approaches that potentially address insurance affordability.” It cited overhauling health care tax deductions, refundable tax credits and health Savings Accounts. On overhauling health care tax deductions, the newspaper said, “The most generous proposal comes from the conservative Republican Study Committee, which put forward a bill with 100 cosponsors that would give a $7,500 deduction to

individuals and a $20,000 deduction to families. “We saw two big catches here. You would need to have insurance in the first place. Plus, the bill would eliminate the biggest tax break households enjoy today, the portion of their premiums paid by their employer. Getting rid of that $170 billion tax benefit would be a tough sell and a dramatic change to employer-provided insurance.” As for the refundable tax credits, it was noted that they “are like tax deductions, with the big difference that you can claim the credit even if you don’t have taxable income. H.R. 2300 from Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) offers a maximum tax credit of $5,000 for families making up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $47,000 a year.” The paper said, “While the details are different, this resembles the program put forward by President George W. Bush. A 2005 study of the Bush plan by the Tax Policy Center, a joint project by the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, found that ‘lower-income individuals experience the largest declines in uninsurance rates’ under the Bush proposal. “However, of the 45 million people uninsured then, Bush’s $3,000 tax credit plan would have helped only about 2 million people who made less than 200 percent of federal poverty and just a bit over 3 million overall.” The third option – Health Savings Accounts – fared no better. The Tampa paper said, “Thomas Buchmueller, a health economist at the University of Michigan, said it is a major undertaking to provide insurance to those who lack the money to pay for it. “‘Tinkering with tax deductions and making health savings

accounts more attractive is not going to change that basic fact,’ Buchmueller said. ‘Roughly half of the Affordable Care Act coverage gains come from expanding Medicaid. I don’t see anything in these proposals that would do much for the people who will gain Medicaid under the ACA.’” Like so many issues, Democrats and Republicans differ in fundamental approaches. “One of the widest gaps between Democrats and Republicans is the basic understanding of what it means to offer a plan to people of limited means,” the Florida newspaper observed. After a terrible 2-month rollout, the Obama administration finally may be in a position to silence some of its legitimate critics. A report issued Dec.1 by the Health and Human Services Administration disclosed that the primary website, HealthCare.gov, has been successfully overhauled and is now able to support more than 800,000 consumer visits a day. “The new management system and instrumentation have helped improve site stability, lower the error rating below 1 percent, increase capacity to allow 50,000 concurrent users to simultaneously use the site and will help drive continuous improvement on the site,” the report stated. “While we strive to innovate and improve our outreach and systems for reaching consumers, we believe we have met the goal of having a system that will work smoothly for the vast majority of users.” George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.)

The Afro-American, December 7, 2013 - December 13, 2013

COMMUNITY CONNECTION Southwest Academy Principal Selected Among Nation’s Best Principals Karen Barnes, principal of Southwest Academy Magnet School for Science and Engineering in Woodlawn, was selected among 61 elementary and middle school principals from across the nation and abroad to be named 2013 National Distinguished Principals by the National Courtesy photo Association of Elementary Mother Seton students Kayla Lovelace, left, Chase School Principals. Courtesy photo McWhite, Alejandro Martinez, Shayne Williamson and Barnes, who has led Karen Barnes Maydeli Avila-Larios. Southwest as its principal since 2008, was honored with other recipients at an Oct. 25 Tawanna Sawyer - Community Safety Award awards banquet at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, Anne Arundel County Department of Health HIV/STD D.C. She was the only Maryland recipient of the National Prevention Educator Tawanna Sawyer recently received the Distinguished Principal honor this year. “Great leaders develop great schools, and we have a great leader in Karen Barnes,” said Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent S. Dallas Dance. “She is a natural educator, one who puts her heart, soul and wisdom into her work, and she is well deserving of this honor. We are fortunate to have Karen Barnes both at Southwest Academy and as an influential member of Team BCPS.” Established in 1984, the Distinguished Principals program recognizes public and private school principals who make superior contributions to their schools and communities. The principals are selected by NAESP state affiliates and by committees representing private and overseas schools. “Only a principal can move a school from good to great, simultaneously championing children and uplifting the Courtesy photo communities they serve,” said NAESP Executive Director Gail Tawanna Sawyer and her supervisor HIV/STD Prevention Connelly. “We congratulate this class of (principals) for their and Care Program Administrator James Leber proudly steadfast dedication to educating our nation’s children to their hold her award plaques. fullest potential.” Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Poetry Out Loud’ at Mother Seton Academy Health Department Person of the Year Community Safety The eighth graders of Mother Seton Academy present Award. “Poetry out Loud,” 9 a.m. to noon, Dec. 20 at 2215 Sawyer facilitates the Department’s SISTA (Sisters Greenmount Avenue in Baltimore. Students will dramatize Informing Sisters about the Topic of AIDS) program for highwell known historic poems to fulfill their public speaking risk women. SISTA has provided education, counseling and requirements. For more information: 410-563-2833. resources to residents at the Chrysalis House, Ordnance Road

a million reasons to

Correctional Center, Woodland Job Corps Center and other local facilities. “I enjoy helping and interacting with the people of Anne Arundel County and enjoy knowing that I am making a difference,” Sawyer said. Dyslexia Tutoring Program Needs Volunteers! The Dyslexia Tutoring Program’s mission is to teach reading to low-income children and adults with dyslexia or a language-based learning difference at no cost to the student. Clients are assessed and then tutored weekly by volunteers trained in The Orton-Gillingham method of reading, writing, and spelling. Visit http://www.dyslexiatutoringprogram.org or call 410889-5487. Foreclosure Prevention Workshop State Del. Cheryl D. Glenn and Donoven Brooks, State Central Committee member, present a Foreclosure Prevention Workshop, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 7 at Mount Pleasant Church, 6000 Radecke Avenue in Baltimore. The vent, hosted by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, will offer information on foreclosure laws and how foreclosure can be prevented. Homeowners should bring paperwork related to current and former mortgages including loan application, settlement paperwork and lender statements; all foreclosure notices or threats of foreclosure and monthly household budget and pay stubs. To pre-register for a free legal consult, call the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland at 1-800-396-1274, ext. 3052. Respond online by Dec. 5 to mdhope.org or register on site. Dedicated Bicycle Lanes Completed Annapolis Mayor Joshua J. Cohen announced that the Department of Public Works and the Department of Transportation have completed dedicated bicycle lanes along Bay Ridge Avenue. ”It has been a priority of mine to make Annapolis more bicycle-friendly,” Mayor Cohen said. “The recent tragic bicycle fatalities in the county only underscore the imperative to make bicycling safe and convenient not just for avid bicyclists, but for regular families who want to be able to get around town without getting in their cars.”

Courtesy photo

Alderman Kenneth Kirby, left, Mayor Josh Cohen, DPW Dirctor David Jarrell

Bring your stamped letter to Macy’s addressed to Santa At The North Pole, and drop it into our special Santa letterbox. We will count them up, and for each letter received, we’ll donate $1 to Make-A-Wish® up to $1,000,000... and we’ll deliver them to the Post Office.

Share your holiday spirit with us! #MacysBelieve

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The project, in keeping with the City’s Bicycle Master Plan, has replaced the existing parking lane along the section of Bay Ridge Avenue, from Hilltop Lane to Victor Parkway, with 5-foot bicycle lanes. The 2nd phase of this project will involve installing Shared Use Lanes (Sharrows) along the section of Bay Ridge Avenue from Victor Parkway to Forest Drive. The installation of the Bay Ridge Avenue bicycle lanes will create a connected bicycle route from Eastport to Quiet Waters Park and to the Annapolis Neck Peninsula.

afro. com 11/22/13 7:49 PM

December 7, 2013 -December 13, 2013, The Afro-American

Whitney M. Young, Jr. Honorees, Arnold Williams, CPA and Harry Johnson Esq. Eagle Scout James Lambert and Sean Stinnett

Harry S. Johnson, whose trailblazing record includes being the first Black president of the Maryland Bar Association, chairman of the board of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and one of the nation’s leading personal injury litigators, and Arnold Williams, managing director of Abrams, Foster, Nole & Williams, Seated, left, Stacey Williams, Sheila Scott, LaDonnia PA and a Wilson and Audrey Askew. Standing honoree Arnold member of the Williams, Virgie Williams and Sheena Vickers

Honoree Harry Johnson, center, and colleagues from Whiteford Taylor Preston

President’s Round Table, were named Whitney Young Service Award winners for 2014 by the Maryland Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Johnson spoke,

in his acceptance of the award influence of his father, who led a troop of scouts when BSA was segregated. The men were honored Nov. 15 at the Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys. The award recognizes the recipient’s role in assuring scouting opportunities for lowincome and rural youth.

Former Md. Governor Harry Hughes

Ira Himmel, James McLean, Honoree Arnold Williams, Sean Stinnett, Jake Oliver and Virgie Williams

The Rev. Andre Brooks

James Lambert, from left, Brian Steger, honree Harry Johnson, Martin Fletcher, honoree Arnold Williams, CPA, and Sean Stinnett

Photos by Anderson Ward

Scholarship recipients with the members of Sisters 4 Sisters Network Honoree Dr. Willie Jolley poses with Sisters 4 Sisters Network members

Denice Whalen-White, Phyllis Slade-Martin and Dr. Denise McLane Davison

Sharlesha Domonique Williams Deborah Williams and Pamela Harris

Honoree Jewel Diamond Taylor

Awardee, Gloria Jennings and Louis Fields

Judith Clark, treasurer and Lakei Forest Cosby

The Rev. Aaron S. Bell and his mother, Peggy Morris

Honoree George C. Fraser is introduced by Necole Parker

Three prominent inspiration sources-motivation speakers Willie Jolley, Jewel a Diamond Taylor and George Fraser—were singled out by Sisters 4 Sisters Network as the Mitchellville, Md.based women’s networking organization celebrated 11 years of connecting women with opportunity and positive messages. Also honored at the gala at the Hotel at Arundel Preserve Nov.15

were Marion Smith of Baltimore and Cynthia Brooks, daughter of Baltimore’s leading poor peoples’ advocate, Bea Gaddy. On hand to receive Sisters 4 Sisters college scholarships were Shayna Colandro, Amanda Smith, Taylor Squirewell and DeAndre Green.

Award winners with Sisters 4 Sisters Network members

Jennifer Jones, Bill Morris and Alexandria Johnson Boone Honoree Marian Bell

Surprise guest, astronumerologist Lloyd Strahorn

Photos by Anderson Ward

December 7, 2013 - December 13, 2013, The Afro-American

ARTS & CULTURE

Growing Fans in A Unique And Versatile Way A One-on-One Interview with Omar Benson Miller

to avoid that.

By Andrea “Aunni” Young Special to the AFRO Opening this week, the highly anticipated heart-stopping thriller Homefront, is a new movie featuring renowned actor Omar Benson Miller. Miller, best known for his stellar performances in movie such as 8 Mile and Miracle at St. Anna, is also recently known for captivating audiences in the weekly hit drama CSI Miami. Homefront, also an action flick, features Miller in this new dark and cozy hometownstyle story that is filled with unexpected twists, deception, and manipulative lifestyles that breed off of the illegal drug known as meth (methamphetamine). Miller’s character, Tito, is a friendly man trying to keep the peace in a small town. The screenplay for Homefront was written by veteran screen icon Sylvester Stallone and directed by Gary Felder. In a one-on-one interview, Miller shared with AFRO insights on his film. AFRO: Let’s talk about your upcoming movie ‘Homefront,’ what is your character doing? Omar Miller: That’s a really good analysis of it. That’s exactly what my character is trying to do. I play Tito in the film Homefront. The character is Jason Statham’s only friend. And he’s a guy; he’s an outsider that’s moved into a very exclusive, small town. Not exclusive in it’s class or anything like that. Just exclusive in the sense that they don’t take kindly to outsiders. So I’ve actually embraced him and we are doing work together on his house that he is trying to restore. And I’m just trying to keep the peace, and unfortunately I’m not successful at that, so we have an action film.

My Take

AFRO: You have also been a director? Miller: I directed a film, a very small independent film about family that I made with my family. It was a lot of fun! I learned a lot about filmmaking, just the process. It helped me to appreciate the great directors that I’ve worked with. Just helped me appreciate the process of film making in general, even more.

Omar Benson Miller Photo by Christopher Medina/imdb

AFRO: What was it like to work with Sylvester Stallone? Miller: Sly was really, really cool. We had a rehearsal session with the director where we ran our scenes, and improv stuff and came up with new stuff. He was very open to creativity and whatever you were gonna bring. I really, really appreciated that from him. AFRO: Do you feel you are being typecast in Hollywood? Miller: No, I think to be typecast you have to be complicit in that. If you look at my body of work, it’s pretty diverse. I’ve been the good guy, I’ve been the bad guy. I don’t feel like I’m being typecast and I’ve definitely made it a conscious effort

AFRO: You were Private First Class Sam Train in ‘Miracle at St. Anna?’ Why was that your favorite film? Miller: Because of what I was able to do. I was able to do something so, as an actor that was very challenging. He wasn’t really slow, he was really sharp and in tune, just in a common sense sort of way. So I really loved the film, I loved how it came together. I just wish more people would’ve seen it. AFRO: As an actor, you have a unique appearance, you are very tall. You’ve played a lot of supporting roles. Are you interested in the premiere role in a cast versus a supporting role? Miller: For me, I’m always interested in trying to figure out how … I can bring my own physicality in real life to this character, to this role. So, I always want to do that and Homefront is a great example, because they get to use my size. AFRO: Thank you so much for the interview Omar! Miller: Thank you Aunni!

High Unemployment Benefits Capitalists

Byron A. Ellis

Today’s politicians and many economists seldom, if ever, discuss the concept of full employment. It appears that capitalist economies promoted by these politicians and economists are incompatible with full employment. However, full employment is necessary for improving standards of living in capitalist economies. Full employment is where everyone or nearly everyone wanting to work at the going rate is able to get a job. In the absence of full employment, a permanent state of unemployment prevails and the economy is not maximizing its output. There are three different types of unemployment: voluntary (by choice), frictional (in between jobs) and involuntary (unable to find

lay off workers (involuntary unemployment). The concept of full employment has been repeatedly redefined to accommodate, in the words of Marx, “the reserve army” of unemployed workers, so capitalists can easily replace the employed. For example, Friedman introduced the term “Natural Rate of Unemployment,” arbitrarily defined as moving percentage of “naturally” involuntary unemployed labor. However, involuntary unemployment occurs when the money supply falls; and, its incidence depends on the age, sex, color, and skills of individuals. Nonetheless, many politicians and mainstream economists argue that unemployment occurs because the involuntary unemployed are untrained or do not want to work for low wages. Their narrative ignore the facts, employment, as well as wages, is about physical investment: future capital stock (physical assets) is equal to current capital stock plus net domestic investment. Therefore, when the Federal Reserve (Fed) removes money from the economy, it constrains credit and hence consumption and domestic investment. In essence, government policies (monetary and fiscal) determine the level of unemployment. Furthermore, when government officials ignore the concept of full employment they facilitate “the reserve army” of unemployed. Thus, it is difficult to understand why voters continue to reelect politicians (Democrats and Republicans) that are not interested in attaining a full employment economy.

“…full employment is necessary for improving standards of living in capitalist economies.”

work). Involuntary unemployed are individuals that are not working but actively searching for work, they are distinguished from nonparticipants in the labor force, because nonparticipants, although jobless, are not searching for work. Involuntary unemployment occurs when the level of physical investment (construction in housing, plants and equipment) is low. Therefore, involuntary unemployment is about the availability of money in the economy, which creates effective demand, enhancing investors’ returns expectations. It is the expectations of returns that cause physical investments. Both Karl Marx, architect of socialist system that was embodied in the former Soviet Union, and Milton Friedman, an economist who believed a corporation’s prime responsibility is to increase profits for stockholders, said that when economies are moving towards full employment, capitalists would have to pay higher wages, which reduces profits and causes businesses to fail or

Byron A. Ellis, PhD., is Executive Director of The Jethro Project. He researches and publishes articles in the fields of engineering, economics and management. My Take is a social commentary feature that allows AFRO readers to share their insight into a range of topics. Please submit your 250-450 word entries, with My Take typed into the subject field, to editor@afro.com. Include your name, age, occupation and daytime phone number. The AFRO reserves the right to edit or reject any entry.

Out of the Furnace

A Search for a Missing Sibling in Gruesome Revenge Thriller Film Review by Kam Williams

Russell Baze’s (Christian Bale) is stuck in a dead-end job at a rural Pennsylvania steel mill rumored to be closing soon. He’s not in a position to abandon the Rust Belt in search of greener pastures, between having to care for his terminally-ill, widowed father (Bingo O’Malley) and a kid brother (Casey Affleck) suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. Military veteran Rodney Jr. hasn’t been able to make the

Forest Whitaker and Christian Bale adjustment back to civilian life following several tours of duty over in Iraq. In fact, he hasn’t been the same since their mother died. Because of a burgeoning gambling debt, Rodney has agreed to participate in fixed street fights being staged by the bookie (Willem Dafoe) he owes a lot of money. Trouble is he becomes so blinded with rage after being punched, that he can’t be relied upon to throw a contest as promised. Russell is so desperate to save his troubled sibling that he’s

even willing to pay off Rodney’s I.O.U. in increments on his modest salary. But even that plan goes up in smoke the day Russell is arrested for manslaughter after driving under the influence. By the time he’s paroled, Rodney’s disappeared, and is rumored to have been abducted out of state by a ruthless gang of drug dealers led by a sadistic Ramapo Indian (Woody Harrelson) with a short fuse. The local police chief (Forest Whitaker) is sympathetic, but has no jurisdiction in Jersey, which leaves Russell no choice but to take the law into his own hands with the help of hard-nosed Uncle Red (Sam Shepard). Written and directed by Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart), Out of the Furnace is a gritty revenge thriller unfolding against the telling backdrop of a decaying American landscape. Thus, almost overshadowing the desperate search at the center of the story is the sobering specter of an aging national infrastructure irreversibly past its prime. While the gratuitous violence goes over the top occasionally, the film nevertheless remains highly recommended, at least for folks with a cast iron stomach. For, the veteran cast of this character-driven splatter fest proves to be as adept at delivering dialogue as

dispensing street justice. A gruesome showdown between warring clans reminiscent of an old-fashioned, backwoods feud between the Hatfield and the McCoy families. Very Good (3 stars) Rated R for profanity, drug use and graphic violence Running time: 116 minutes Distributor: Relativity Media

The Afro-American, December 7, 2013 - December 13, 2013

SENIOR LIVING

Alzheimer’s Awareness Critical in African-American Community By Alexis Taylor AFRO Staff Writer Peggy S. Jackson was the first to notice that something was awry with her mother, Myrtle L. A. Roselle. The 77-year-old retired educator had always been independent, but lately, it seemed things were a little off. “I noticed some bills were being paid double, some weren’t being paid at all,” Stock Photo Jackson told the AFRO. “One Up to 5.4 million people suffer Alzheimer’s disease in the day I went to go see her and United States. she was sitting on the front porch. The house was full of smoke. She had tried to boil an She was 94 years old. egg and burned it.” According to the Centers for Disease Then came the memory loss. It didn’t take Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 5.4 long before doctors told Jackson what she was million people suffer Alzheimer’s disease in witnessing: her mother’s brain had slowly the United States. Many of that number begin begun to shut down. She was suffering from showing the signs after age 60. Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Alzheimer’s Disease is the most prevalent A once-vibrant part of the Sharon Baptist form of dementia, which, according to the Church, Roselle’s entire demeanor began to National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a term change and there was little she- or anyone used for a variety of illnesses characterized else- could do about it. by a loss of brain function regarding memory, “She began to have a suspicious nature and language, or both. As brain function begins to thought people were stealing from her. She dissipate, the organs controlled by the brain was very active in the church, but had begun begin to fail. to accuse people in the church of theft,” said “The brain is the command center for all Jackson, who admits she knew nothing of of our function,” said Kimberly Lawson, tending to the daily needs of an adult before healthcare administrator for the African she was thrust into the position of full-time American Alzheimer’s and Wellness caregiver. Association. “With Alzheimer’s Disease, there For 17 years she took on the responsibility- could be short term memory loss with long and the stressors that come along with it, until term memory still in tact. There could be an her mother passed away in March of last year. inability complete mathematical solutions and

repetitive questions- a person might come back asking the same questions maybe ten minutes or fifteen minutes after an answer.” Lawson said other symptoms include a change in how one dresses. “The ability to groom themselves declines as the disease begins to run its course,” she said, adding that family members should take notice if elder’s are layering their clothing unnecessarily or bathing irregularly. Lawson also highlighted the importance of awareness in the African American community where hypertension and diabetes are rampant. “Both of those diseases increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease,” she said. According to Cass Naugle, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, dealing with an AD patient usually falls solely on family members- especially when Medicare and private insurance companies refuse to cover needed expenses. “Many people just assume that Medicare will cover it, but Medicare only covers skilled care or acute care. The importance of getting information early on is so that the family can plan for the person’s care.” The Alzheimer’s Association offers onetime $500 grants to offset the financial burdens caused by the disease. According to information released by the Alzheimer’s Association, new mandates within the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) make it easier for persons with early-onset AD to get coverage. The PPACA also makes care more accessible in the homes of patients- rather than only through nursing homes. The Maryland Health Connection is the insurance marketplace for Marylanders. Like Lawson, Naugle said education is the first step in combatting AD. Family members

and concerned caregivers are encouraged to seek help from organizations focused on fighting and researching the disease. “The African American community cares for its elders,” she said. “Often family members start to take over for the person unconsciously. They’ll start getting the groceries, balancing the checkbook, and cleaning the house.” “They don’t think to ask for support for something that should come naturally to the family, but at some point it gets to be more than one person or a family can handle.” Naugle believes the holidays are the best time to check up on family members at risk of developing AD. “If a family member hasn’t been home for a while, they may see changes in their loved one,” she said. “Pay attention to those changes if they look like they’ve lost weight, if they are not bathing, or if they are dressing incorrectly, make a call to the number and we can create a plan for helping that family member.” If you know someone who is experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, please call 1-800-272-3900. Operators are on duty 24 hours a day.

For information and healthcare enrollment call the Consumer Support Center at 1-855-642-8572 or visit Maryland Health Connection.gov. Services for deaf or hearing impaired at 1-855-642-8573.

AARP Introduces Free Health Care Costs Calculator for Retirement Planning AARP has launched a free online “Health Care Costs Calculator,” a major addition to their Ready for Retirement suite of planning tools. In a survey accompanying the release of the calculator, AARP found that just 36 percent of older Americans have taken any steps to save for out-of-pocket health care expenses, though multiple studies show that such costs often reach significantly more than $200,000 for a retired couple. “The free Health Care Costs Calculator can play an important and often overlooked role as families and individuals plan for

Mrs. Santa Donation Form The Afro-American Newspaper family is helping to grant a wish for the area’s most vulnerable. Would you like to help a child or family and create memories that will last a lifetime? For many disadvantaged families, you can turn dreams into reality by participating in the Mrs. Santa Campaign. o I want to join the AFRO’s spirit of giving. Please accept my contribution of $___________ to benefit a less fortunate family. Name_______________________________ Address_____________________________ Organization_________________________ City________________________________ State___________________ Zip_________ Phone_______________________________ E-mail_______________________________ Please send all contributions and adoption requests to:

Afro-Charities, Inc. Attn: Diane W. Hocker 2519 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21218 410-554-8243

retirement,” said AARP Vice President for Financial Security Jean Setzfand. “Health care costs can have a significant impact on retirement savings. With this calculator, AARP aims to help more Americans confidently plan for and achieve retirement goals.” The calculator estimates health costs in retirement by utilizing a database that includes $136 billion in costs from actual health care claims. Individuals can select from 82 medical conditions to estimate how much they may need to spend on out-of-pocket health care costs. The calculator also assumes that individuals will be eligible for and select Medicare Parts A, B and D. After estimating costs with the calculator, users can create a customizable action plan to help save for health care in retirement and make impactful changes in their lives that include planning, saving and making healthy changes. For

aarp.org

example, if a person has “get to a healthier weight” as a goal, the tool will offer possible next steps for pursuing that goal. The Health Care Costs Calculator requires no registration and collects no personal data on any user. The tool is available at http://www.aarp.org/healthcostscalc. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization, with a membership of more than 37 million people over the age of 50.

December 7, 2013 - December 13, 2013, The Afro-American B5

AFRO Sports Desk Faceoff

SPORTS

Should Washington NFL Bench RGIII? By Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley AFRO Sports Desk At 3-9 and virtually out of the playoff hunt, the Washington NFL team is playing for next season. The defense has been horrid and the offense has been all but invisible the last few weeks. But despite poor special teams play, bad play calling and a laughable pass defense, the quarterback play of Robert Griffin III is always the first and last thing to blame if you’re critiquing the Washington team. Whatever RGIII does, it’s at the forefront of Washington’s issues. After a Monday night disaster against the San Francisco 49ers, a few opposing players said they believe Griffin should be benched until he fully heals from an ACL tear he suffered late last season. Benching Griffin could solve a few things for the quarterback personally but it could also open a Pandora’s box that no one associated with the team is willing to risk. Is it worth it at this point to bench RGIII? Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley of the AFRO Sports Desk debate the question. Riley: 11 games into the season, benching RGIII at this point does service to basically nobody. Without a true offseason, Griffin has been horribly bad at times this season. His throws have been off the mark and his decision-making has been questionable. But nevertheless, Griffin still gives Washington it’s best chance of winning. Winning may not mean much now, with the postseason out of reach, but some extra work wouldn’t hurt the sophomore signal caller. Washington took a risk when they started RGIII on opening day. To bench him now, 12 weeks later, makes no sense. Green: It makes sense if you don’t want Griffin to improve and you’re trying to see what you have in Kirk Cousins. Griffin has looked lost out there at times this season, and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s play calling hasn’t helped him. The style of offense Shanahan really wants to run may be more suited for Cousins than RGIII. Instead, Shanahan has to run these college plays to try to take advantage of Griffin’s mobility. The college-style option runs and quick screens worked so well for RGIII last season before the injury.

season is a miracle in its own right. But since the team decided to let him play, they need to stick with him. Like Cousins, Griffin is only a second-year quarterback. They both need the extra playing time to improve their game. If Griffin is going to be the quarterback of this team then he needs to be the quarterback who’s receiving the playing time. Green: Injury aside, RGIII has been flat-out horrible at times. You say he needs to get the work but any quarterback playing this bad might need to get that extra work at practice. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) On game day, a coach Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III warms up before an NFL football has to put his team in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in Landover, Md., Nov. 25. best position to win and right now Griffin is not But NFL defenders have caught on to the trend this season and the best option. The reason why he’s struggled so much this have shut Griffin down. Plus, he isn’t running as often because year is because he’s been forced to be a pocket passer. The he isn’t as elusive as he was pre-injury. I don’t want to say he’s NFL wasn’t made for mobile quarterbacks to run around all still hurt because I don’t believe that. I just think he’s not as day and toss the ball at the very last second before taking a confident, and you can’t be a starting quarterback in the NFL crushing blow. We’ve been forced to watch Griffin morph without confidence. his game into precision passer and the experiment has been a Riley: Washington just won the NFC East last season; it’s disaster. It’s passing quarterbacks, not running ones, who win not like they’re devoid of talent. The pieces are there for the in the NFL. We already know what Griffin is and we know Washington, but the team needs to identify two to four other what Cousins brings. Washington needs to take a hard look players along the offensive line, front seven and secondary at it’s quarterback situation because one style is going to last that can come in and play up to NFL standards. It’s hard to a lot longer than the other. The fact that the mobile Griffin fault Griffin for his performance considering he didn’t have pretty much got his knee blown out in his first year tells me an offseason or training camp to get in sync. Washington has everything I need to know about which player has a better thrust him out there despite his ACL so they must stick with chance of longevity. Cousins could be the best fit for this him. Personally, I feel as though Griffin should have sat out franchise going forward and he needs a chance to take over the this season altogether; he only tore his ACL in January. The reins from RGIII. fact that he rehabbed the injury and made it back to start the

Morgan State Routed by the University of Maryland Morgan State University Basketball By Perry Green AFRO Sports Editor

Sophomore guard Jake Layman scored a career-high 27 points to lead the Maryland Terrapins to an easy 89-62 victory over the Morgan State University Bears on Nov. 29 at the Comcast Center in College Park, Md. It was the sixth time in seven tries that Maryland defeated Morgan State; the Bears upset Maryland, 66-65, during the 2009 season. Morgan State got off to a strong start and led 5-3 early, but Maryland eventually got hot and went on an 11-0 run to take control of the game. The Terps never trailed after the first two minutes and eventually led by 14 points at halftime; they pushed the lead to more than 20 points in the second half. Layman was 9-of-12 from the field and 7-for-10 from the 3-point line. Junior forward Evan Smotrycz scored a double-double for Maryland with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Senior center Ian Chiles led Morgan State with 17 points while senior guard Justin Black added 13 points. “What I take out of this loss is that our guys did not stop playing,” Morgan State head coach Todd Bozeman told reporters after the game. “I told them it’s a long season, and I told them to keep running our offense, because we have to get better at it.” Maryland advanced to 5-2 while Morgan State dropped to 1-7.

CLASSIFIED TYPESET: Wed Dec 04 13:51:28 2013 LEGALEST NOTICES

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT AIR AND RADIATION MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION

TYPESET: Tue Oct 15 19:39:04 EDT 2013

BECOME A FOSTER PARENT

Become a Foster Parent! Treatment Foster Parents work from home, receive a tax-free stipend and professional 24 hour on-call support for providing shelter for a young person who has suffered abuse or neglect. For more information, call the CHOSEN Treatment Foster Care Program at 1-800-621-8834.

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Ad Network Classifieds are published in 65 newspapers.

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ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

Wanted To Purchase Antiques & Fine Art, 1 item Or Entire Estate Or Collection, Gold, Silver, Coins, Jewelry, Toys, Oriental Glass, China, Lamps, Books, Textiles, Paintings, Prints almost anything old Evergreen Auctions 973-818-1100. Email evergreenauction@ hotmail.com

AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, RV’S, LUTHERAN MISSION SOCIETY. Your donation helps local families with food, clothing, shelter. Tax deductible. MVA licensed. Lutheran Mission Society, org. 410-636-0123 or tollfree 1-877-737-8567

BUSINESS SERVICES Drive traffic to your business and reach 4.1 million readers with just one phone call & one bill. See your business ad in 104 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia for just $495.00 per ad placement. The value of newspapers advertising HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER....call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 today to place your ad before 4.1 million readers. Email Wanda Smith @ wsmith@mddcpress. com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

LANDS FOR SALE Waterfront Lots Virginia’s Eastern Shore Was $325k Now From $55,000 - Community Pool/Center, Large Lots, Bay & Ocean Access, Great Fishing & Kayaking, Spec Home www. oldemillpointe.com 757-824-0808.

MISCELLANEOUS AIRLINE CAREERS begin here – Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance training. Housing and Financial Aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 800-481-8974

MOUNTAIN PROPERTY Mountaintop Land Bargain! Next to Ski Area! Only $89,900. Was $249,900. Spectacular mountain homesite set amid tremendous 4 season recreation. SAVE almost 65%. Own in time for ski season. Excellent financing, little down. Wont last, call now 877888-7581, x 167

NOTICE OF APPLICATION AND INFORMATIONAL MEETING The Maryland Department of the Environment, Air and Radiation Management Administration (ARMA) received a permit-to-construct application from P&J Contracting Company, Inc. on June 6, 2013 for the installation of one (1) 100 ton per hour crusher equipped with a 350 horsepower diesel engine, one (1) 100 ton per hour screen equipped with a 94 horsepower diesel engine, and one (1) 500 ton per hour screen equipped with a 111 horsepower diesel engine. The proposed installation will be located at 4300 Shannon Drive, Baltimore, MD 21213.

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AFRO Classified minimum ad rate is $26.54 per col. inch (an inch consists of up to 20 words). Mail in your ad on form below along with CHECK or MONEY ORDER to: WASHINGTON AFRO-AMERICAN CO. 1917 Benning Road, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002-4723 Attn: Clsf. Adv. Dept.

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Pursuant to the Environment Article, Section 1-603, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Informational Meeting has been scheduled so that citizens can discuss the application and the permit review process with the applicant and the Department.

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Copies of the application are available for public inspection. Ask for Docket #15-13 at the following locations during normal business hours.

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An Informational Meeting will be held on December 18, 2013 (Inclement Weather Date: January 15, 2014) at 6 p.m. at the Herring Run Recreation Center located at 5001 Sinclair Lane, Baltimore, MD 21206.

Maryland Department of the Environment Air and Radiation Management Administration 1800 Washington Boulevard Baltimore, Maryland 21230 Enoch Pratt Free Library Herring Run Branch 3801 Erdman Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21213 (410) 396-0996 The Department will provide an interpreter for deaf and hearing impaired persons provided that a request is made for such service at least five (5) days prior to the meeting. Further information may be obtained by calling Ms. Shannon Heafey at 410-537-4433.

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PROBATE DIVISION (Estates) 202-332-0080 PROBATE NOTICES

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND INVITATION FOR BIDS CONTRACT NO. 14001 SX0 TEMPLEGATE PUMPING STATION IMPROVEMENTS CONSENT DECREE-(STATE REVOLVING LOAN) 3708 BRETON WAY, PIKESVILLE, MARYLAND 21208 PIKESVILLE - DISTRICT 3 c 2 CONTRACT COST GROUP D ($1,000,000 to $2,500,000) WORK CLASSIFICATION: G-2 with G-3 Pre-Qualified Subcontractor BID DATE: FEBRUARY 13, 2014 AT 10:30 A.M. EST On or after MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013, the above contract documents (See Note *) may be inspected and purchased from the Division of Construction Contracts Administration, Department of Public Works, Room 300B, County Office Building (COB), 111 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21204, upon receipt of payment of $25.00 (TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS) per contract. All checks should be made payable to BALTIMORE COUNTY MD. NO REFUNDS will be made to anyone. Direct any questions to 410-887-3531. Bidders obtaining documents from another source other than Baltimore County WILL NOT be allowed to submit proposals to Baltimore County.

a. Order Nisi $ 60 per insertion b. Small Estates (single publication $ 60 per insertion c. Notice to Creditors 1. Domestic $ 60 per insertion 2. Foreign $ 60 per insertion d. Escheated Estates $ 60 per insertion e. Standard Probates

CIVIL NOTICES a. Name Changes 202-879-1133 b. Real Property

*Note: Contract Documents will consist of One (1) Paper Copy Proposal Book and One (1) Compact Disk (CD) with all of the required drawings. The CD will be in PDF format. Contractors and Sub-Contractors can purchase paper copies of the drawings from Baltimore County - OIT - Central Printing located in the Basement of the COB, RM G-9 for $1.50 a copy. The proposed work consists of: Upgrade existing station. Renovate Station to increase reliability. A pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. EST at theStation. A second site visit will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. EST at the station. A third site visit will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. EST at the station. This will be the last chance to visit the station. No questions will be answered at this time.

a. Absent Defendant b. Absolute Divorce c. Custody Divorce

The Purchasing Agent reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or bids or parts of bids and to waive technicalities as may be deemed best for the interest of the County.

$ 80.00 $ 200.00

$ 150.00 $ 150.00 $150.00

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Sealed proposals (the entire book) addressed to Baltimore County, Maryland for this contract will be received in the Baltimore County Purchasing Division, Room 148, Old Courthouse, 400 Washington Avenue, Towson, MD 21204, until the time specified on the contract at which time they will be publicly opened and read.

All proposals must be accompanied by a Bid Bond, on the approved form provided, in the amount as set forth in the Information for Bidders. No other form of proposal guaranty is acceptable.

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THE PROJECT IS SUBJECT TO A MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE UTILIZATION GOAL AND FEMALE CONTRACTORS UTILIZATION GOALS. THESE GOAL REQUIREMENTS ARE MORE FULLY EXPLAINED IN THE SPECIFICATIONS. THE MBE/WBE FORMS IN THE PROPOSAL BOOKLET MUST BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF BID OPENING.

Want a larger footprint in the marketplace consider advertising in the MDDC Display 2x2 or 2x4 Advertising Network. Reach 3.6 million readers every week by placing your ad in 82 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. With just one phone call, your business and/or product will be seen by 3.6 million readers HURRY.... space is limited, CALL TODAY!! Call 1-855721-6332 x 6 or email wsmith@mddcpress. com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com

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FAMILY COURT 202-879-1212 DOMESTIC RELATIONS 202-879-0157

NOTE: This project is funded by a State Revolving Loan. Requirements for DBE participation and forms are included in the Proposal Book. The DBE participation supersedes the Standard Baltimore County MBE participation. Therefore, the MBE Standard participation DOES NOT APPLY to this project. Pages 137 A-J DO NOT APPLY.

ONLY CONTRACTORS WHO HAVE BEEN PREQUALIFIED BY BALTIMORE COUNTY AT LEAST TEN (10) DAYS PRIOR TO THE OPENING OF BIDS WILL BE ALLOWED TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS.

Discover Delaware’s Resort Living without Place your ad today Resort pricing! Low in both The Baltimore Taxes! Gated ComSun and The Washington munity, amazing Post newspapers, along amenities, equestrian with 10 other daily facility, Olympic Pool. newspapers five days per New Homes mid $40’s. week. For just pennies Brochures available on the dollar reach 2.5 1-866-629-0770 or million readers through www.coolbranch.com the Daily Classified Connection Network in 3 states: CALL TODAY; SPACE is VERY LIM-

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TYPESET: Wed Dec 04 13:52:24 EST 2013

Keith Dorsey, Director Office of Budget & Finance

City of Baltimore Department of Finance Bureau of Purchases Sealed proposals addressed to the Board of Estimates of Baltimore, will be received until, but not later than 11:00 a.m. local time on the following date(s) for the stated requirements: DECEMBER 18, 2013 * PAVEMENT RESTORATION FOR PATTERSON PARK B50003246 *POLICE UNIFORMS B50003266 JANUARY 8, 2014 *WATER BILL ENVELOPES B50003259

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December 7, 2013 - December 13, 2013, The Afro-American

TYPESET: Wed Dec 04 13:51:48 EST 2013 LEGAL NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR BALTIMORE CITY Case No.: 24-D-13-003581

CAREER CORNER

IN THE MATTER OF John Joseph Fischetti FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO Jennifer Elizabeth Fischetti ORDER FOR NOTICE BY PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to officially change the name of the petitioner from John Joseph Fischetti to Jennifer Elizabeth Fischetti It is this 25th day of November, 2013 by the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, ORDERED, that publication be given one time in a newspaper of general circulation in Baltimore City on or before the 26th day of D e c e m b e r, 2 0 1 3 , which shall warn all interested persons to file an affidavit in opposition to the relief requested on or before the 10th day of January, 2014.

Mary E. Cooper, 63 INSIDE SALES ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Entry-Level Advertising Sales Rep needed for the AFRO-American Newspapers, Baltimore, M.D. Position provides: • • • •

Competitive compensation package Salary and commission plan Full benefits after trial period Opportunity for fast track advancement

Candidates should possess: • Good typing/data entry skills

• Excellent customer service skills • Previous telephone sales experience TYPESET: Wed Dec 04 13:52:07 EST 2013 • Excellent written and verbal 12/06/13 communication skills Frank M. Conaway Clerk

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR BALTIMORE CITY Case No.: 24-D-13-003589

Please email your resume to: lhowze@afro.com or mail to AFRO-American Newspapers, Diane W. Hocker, Director of Human Resources, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218

IN THE MATTER OF Stacey A. Butler FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO Stacey Ann Lawrence ORDER FOR NOTICE BY PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to officially change the name of the petitioner from Stacey A. Butler to Stacey Ann Lawrence It is this 25th day of November, 2013 by the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, ORDERED, that publication be given one time in a newspaper of general circulation in Baltimore City on or before the 26th day of D e c e m b e r, 2 0 1 3 , which shall warn all interested persons to file an affidavit in opposition to the relief requested on or before the 10th day of January, 2014. Frank M. Conaway Clerk 12/06/13

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Mary Elizabeth Cooper was born to Rosie B. Houchens and Thomas Owens on Oct. 22, 1949. Mary, aka “Chick,” was mother, daughter, sister, caregiver, provider, friend, and a good Christian to all who knew and encountered her. Chick was the second of seven children. Those who knew her knew she could never do or give enough of herself. Mary’s love and friendship were definitely unconditional. She always gave a kind word, a sandwich, a piece of fruit, a bottle of water and even money to those in need, whether she knew you or not. Mary received her education by way of the Baltimore City and New York City Public Schools Systems. She played second base for the University of Maryland and Bethel AME baseball teams on Saturdays. She learnedSALES baseball INSIDE from her late father, Mr. Thom. ACCOUNT ADVERTISING In the early ‘70’s Mary partnered EXECUTIVE MARY E. in life and in love with Charles Diggs aka “Eggie.”Entry-Level Together they owned and Advertising Sales Rep operated many businesses, and raised two beautiful children, needed for the AFRO-American Rob and Dianne. Newspapers, Baltimore, M.D. Chick began her spiritual walk in the United House of Prayer For All People where she was a member of the Position provides: • Competitive compensation package Grace Grannies and The Grace Rosebuds. In 1983 Mary • A.M.E. Salary and commission plan joined Bethel under the Rev. John R. Bryant and • Christ Full benefits after trial period reunited with Jesus. Mary knew and believed that our • made Opportunity for fast track imperfections us who we are and kept us humble and in advancement tune with God and the real truth of life. At Bethel AME she was a member on several church choirs, and the Praise and Candidates should possess: Worship team. She served as a stewardess, on the Pastor’s • Good typing/data entry skills Aide, was in• theExcellent customer service skills Missionary Society, The Altar Guild, where she had her • ownPrevious telephone sales experience ministry making gift baskets for visitation. She was member of the WWIN Radio choir under the • Excellent written and verbal

communication skills

direction of Patrick Henderson. She loved preparing food for homecoming picnics and other church events. Sister Mary went above and beyond the call to duty establishing her own street ministry which continued throughout her final days. She fed and clothed the homeless, prayed with them, provided them with scripture, and sought out other resources to help them in their walk(s) of life. In 2009 Mary moved her church affiliation to Empowerment Temple AME Church. Once again Mary infiltrated the choir, and Praise and Worship Team. She continued her Homeless Ministry and participated in the Cancer Ministry. Mary is blessed among women. Like David she sought after God’s own heart. Sister Mary was a gentle giant. No matter how hard you tried, COOPER you could not ignore her. Her presence was felt everywhere. Especially when she played her tambourine. Mary Elizabeth Cooper leaves to mourn; her mother, Rosie B. Houchens, two children; Robert Antwan Joseph, Dianne Annette Cooper-Crencher, (Matthew), four grandchildren; Sade, Joseph, Shanae, Michael Joseph; Robert A., Joseph Jr. (deceased), one adopted granddaughter; Keona, one godson, Jamil Coleman, one nephew, Billy Evans Jr., three great grand, Diamond, Darion, Shyia, three sisters, Agnes Oneta Houchens, Hattie May White, Juddie Ann Houchens, and Elaine Rose Houchens (deceased). Two brothers; Thomas Owens., Joseph Steve Houchens, and four dear friends, Bobby Rakins, Jeannette Sykes-Atkins, Juanita Akinnyi and Paula Scott. Also a host of special aunts, special uncles, and a village of special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Rosa M. Williams, 95 Please email your resume to: lhowze@afro.com or mail to AFRO-American Newspapers, Diane W. Hocker, Director of Human Resources, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, Rosa Mae Williams was bornMD to 21218 the

Government Services Employee late Rev. Eugene Roland Williams and Victoria Nowlin Williams on Nov. 12, 1918 in Timmonsville, S.C. Rosa Mae accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age, was baptized and became a member of Antioch Baptist Church in Timmonsville, S.C. where she served diligently until she moved to Washington, D.C. She was a long time member of Trinidad Baptist Church and a member of the Sunrise Choir and the D.C. Jackson Ministry where she was an active and faithful member until her health began to fail. Rosa Mae graduated from Brockington High School in Timmonsville, S.C. She was employed by Government Service Inc. as a cook and retired after 43 years of dedicated service. Rosa Mae was an excellent cook and known for her home cooked meals ROSA -- she was always willing to share a plate of her delicious soul food with family and friends. She was an outgoing, lively, fun-loving person and was always there

for her family and friends. One of her favorite comments was, “What you see is what you get.” Rosa Mae was preceded in death by her husbands the late Malachi Weston and the late James Marshburn. Rosa Mae was the eighth of 12 children of which 9 siblings preceded her in death. Left to cherish her precious memories are a loving son, Isaiah Weston Sr., (Nurene) of Suwanna, Ga.; a devoted daughter, Barbara L. Marshburn of Landover, Md.; grandchildren, Isaiah Weston Jr., Valerie R. Jimenez, Marc R. Weston, Kevin L. Marshburn and Nakisha N. Weston; greatgranddaughter, April Jimenez, greatgreat grandson, Marcello Jimenez; a sister, Dr. Helen Williams of New Carrollton, Md., and brother, Moses L. Williams of Winston-Salem, N.C.; two devoted nephews, Michael L. Williams WILLIAMS of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Isaiah M. Williams of Washington, D.C. and a host of other relatives and friends.

Hattie A. Privette, 73 Licensed Practical Nurse

Hattie A. Privette (Angie) was born on Nov. 7, 1940 in Baltimore, Md. to the late Isabelle Walker Jones and Dennis McGowan. After a lengthy illness her hard fight came to an end on Nov. 25, 2013. Angie spent all her life in Baltimore, while being educated in the school system. She finally acquired her dream of becoming a licensed practical nurse. Following her education, she married the late Burnie Privette on Jan. 13, 1968. Angie always had an interest in helping people and because of this she was a nurse for the late Dr. Howard (urologist) for over twenty years. Her passion then continued in foster care where she provided a loving home for a number of children. On May 19, 1985 Ann was baptized at Brown’s Memorial and continued as a faithful member until her death. Ann HATTIE loved to sing and she belonged to the Voices of Brown, Pauline Wells Lewis Mass Choir and the Kings Chorale Ensemble.

Ann enjoyed a lot of hobbies from riding motorcycles, she enjoyed going to Capital raceway to see her husband, son and brothers race cars and motorcycles. She also enjoyed bowling, loved going fishing and would skate with the best of them. We can’t forget her love for singing on the choir and the many highlights she had from traveling state to state. We can’t finish about her many endearments without mentioning her love for “hats” and more “Hats.” Ann leaves her beloved family to cherish her memory; one son, Carlos Flowers Sr. (Laura); one sister, Gail McCray (Bo); two brothers, Leon W. Jones Sr. (Jacqueline), and Anthony E. Jones (Jamesetta); one aunt, Adell Strickland; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Angie has a host of nieces and nephews that she treated like her own, her neighbors at PRIVETTE Brookestone Apartments and last but not least the Brown’s Memorial spiritual family along with the Smith Family.

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The Afro-American, December 7, 2013 - December 13, 2013

“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” Buddha “Trumpet players see each other and it’s like we’re getting ready to square off or get into a fight or something.” Wynton Marsalis The Trumpet Summit Experience at the Tremont Grand featuring four master trumpeters, Michael A. Thomas, Alex Norris, Dr. John R. Lampkin and Tom Williams was reminiscent of jazz giants John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie’s panache. The seasoned musicians complimented each other connecting in a harmonious sound that filled the rafters of this historic venue. The Tremont Grand Hotel is a building that exudes old world charm and elegance. The history of Baltimore and the Freemasons is told on the walls of the corridor. The architect is unique. Enter through the hotel entrance on St. Paul Street, take the elevator to the fifth floor, follow the corridor and, guess what?, you are now on the second floor of the Charles Street side. The standing room crowd included state Del. Talmadge Branch, Tiger Lil Vickers, Suzonne Vickers, Sheila Hatcher, Danita Long, Wilhemenia Greer, Regina Pollitt, Maxine Wilson, Mildred Battle, Joyce Logan, Stella and Everett Fullwood, Janet Jones, Robert Ford, Cynthia Jackson, Eartha Lampkin, Charlie and Darlene Stewart and Dr. Charlene Cooper-Boston who was celebrating her birthday to the “sound of music.” The Jazz at the Grand series is hosted by Caprece Jackson Garrett with WEAA’s Doc Manning as the master of ceremonies. “I’ll tell it to the hot, I’ll tell it to the cold. I’ll tell it to the young, I’ll tell it to the old. I don’t want no laughin’, I don’t want no cryin’, and most of all, no signifyin’.” This is Petey Greene’s Washington. Join me and the Executive Host Committee Pamela Reaves, Michelle Morrissey, Lutisha Williams and Marsha Jews at Doni Glover’s 11th anniversary banquet ceremony Dec. 11, honoring Maimouna Youssef, Moonyene Amis-Jackson, Ken Banks, Larry Lancaster, Mearge Tareke, Eric White, Anderson Ward, Kenny Jackson, Nicki Nicholson, Devin Davidson, Allen Meacham, Mark Reutter and Frank Johnson at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park . Gonna be a ball, BMore Style. RSVP www.bmorenews.com. One of the most powerful voices on talk radio is Doni, founder and creator of Bmorenews. Doni is the voice of the community that cannot or will not speak for itself. He is the pulse of our community, keeping us abreast of news, events and political issues that affect our communities that you will not hear on mainstream media. Doni is the Petey Green of Baltimore. A person that without hesitation will say what he thinks oftentimes ruffling the feathers of political leaders and big businesses. “Going to the theater is such a joyous experience. My dad would take my sister and me to plays when we were very young…” Julia Roberts If you are “Waiting to be Invited” to the play at the celebrated Arena Playhouse with applauded

actress Cheryl Pasteur and my gifted sister Karen Johnson Chase performing in a production written by playwright S. M. Shephard-Massat and directed by Amini Courts, your wait is over. You can invite yourself by purchasing tickets at www.arenaplayersinc.com or calling 410-7286500. “Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to.” John Ed Pearce Did you hear about the excitement at the home of Vera and Jimmy Newton? Stay tuned to WBAL TV starting at 5 a.m. weekdays, their son Jason Newton will be the morning anchor replacing Stan Stovall. Welcome home, Jason. “Happy feelin’s in the air touching people everywhere. Plenty love and everything, listen to the people sing. I got myself to remind me of love. My mind and my heart I believe in above. These happy feelin’s I’ll spread them all over the world. From deep in my soul I wish you happy feelin’s…” Frankie Beverly & Maze “…Do you remember the time…” The Jewel Box Revue at the Royal Theater when men impersonated female entertainers. Relive the days of glamour and style as Marvelous Marva Productions brings the Las Vegas Jewel Box Revue to the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Dec. 21. For tickets call 410-547 7328 or Marva at 240-786-7226 or visit www.ticketmaster. com. Viva Las Vegas! “I’ll be there.” “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go…” Join Zach McDaniels, Marty Glaze, and honorary chairs Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Ravens # 27 Ray Rice at the annual Philanthropix Holiday Extravaganza Toy Drive benefitting the Ronald McDonald House. This is the perfect party with purpose-filled people Dec. 12 at Mirage. Throwback Thursday at the Forum is an afternoon of dining and dancing hosted by Nikita Haysbert call 410-358-1101 or info@forumcaterers.com. “Life is a challenge, meet it! Life is dreams realize it! Life is a game, play it! Life is Love, enjoy it!” Sri Sathya Sai Baba Happy birthday Earl the Pearl Monroe, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Lester Buster, George Ray, John Lee, Willie Shelton Owens, Rosa Pryor-Trusty, Pat Thomas, Darren Henson and my daughter Lisa Lee Packer. “While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.” John Taylor During this season of Thanksgiving, we remember the families of Handsome Batts, Carole Todd Johnson, Charles Turner and Agnes Seymour as they mourn the death of their loved ones. “I’ll be seeing you” Valerie & the Friday Night Bunch

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