www.afro.comJanuary 10, 2015 - January 10, 2015,
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Selma’s Depiction of LBJ’s Reaction to ‘Michael Brown’ FB Voting Rights Role Challenged Post Forces Dispatcher to Quit By Zenitha Prince Senior AFRO Correspondent There is a loud buzz surrounding civil rights drama Selma. The film, partly a profile of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. but mostly a dramatization of pivotal civil rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., in 1965, highlights what Temple University professor Molefi Kete Asante called
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one of the most “historic” and “heroic” moments in the nation’s history. The protestors were agitating to achieve equal voting rights for Black Americans. On the one hand, Selma has received critical acclaim, garnering several Golden Globes nominations and considered an Oscar contender. “I loved the film. The film is so real...it’s powerful... it made me cry,” said Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., who was severely beaten during the March 7, 1965 march that came to be known as Bloody Sunday, in an interview with MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell. The very existence of the film is in itself a great achievement since “Hollywood for so long had avoided a film about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement,” said Gary May, history professor at University of Delaware. May, like many others, also praised the film’s elevation of the protestors’ role as agents of their own destiny. “At last, African Americans are the heroes of their own story,” he said. Others are not so
laudatory, however, particularly supporters of President Lyndon Johnson who said he was unjustly portrayed. The film downplays Johnson’s role, shows him as waffling on the voting rights legislation in favor of the War on Poverty, and as having a contentious relationship with Dr. King. In an opinion piece for the Washington Post, former Johnson advisor Joseph A. Califano Jr. said the film should be shunned. “The film falsely portrays President Lyndon B. Johnson as being at odds with Martin Luther King Jr. and even using the FBI to discredit him, as only reluctantly behind the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and as opposed to the Selma march itself,” Califano wrote. “In fact, Selma was LBJ’s idea, he considered the Voting Rights Act his greatest legislative achievement, he viewed King as an essential partner in getting it enacted Continued on A3
Read another critique of Selma on B7.
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Former Baltimore County 9-1-1 dispatcher Kelli Murray. Murray resigned from her job on Jan. 6 after a Facebook post led to harassment and a call for her ouster by the local police union.
Kelli Murray, the Baltimore County dispatcher whose Facebook post on the death of Michael Brown led to online harassment and the local police union calling for her ouster, is pondering whether to resign from her job as her first day expected back to work approaches. Around early December, Murray had responded to a Facebook post by a fellow dispatcher in which the dispatcher said she was confused as to why people were rallying over Brown when police die in the line of duty on a regular basis. That post also referred to Brown as a ‘thug,’ according to Murray, and included phrases such as ‘who cares that he died’ and ‘let him bleed out.’ “That hurt my feelings,” Murray told the AFRO during a phone interview on Dec. 30. “I can only imagine how Mike Brown’s mother felt. It took me some time and then after a while I responded to it on my own personal page.” Murray’s response read, in part, “So, it’s okay to KILL Continued on A3
ACLU Md. Sets Ambitious Agenda For 2015 By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO
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By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO
Requiring law enforcement agencies to report data on civil asset forfeitures, reforming the law enforcement officers bill of right (LEOBR), and legalizing marijuana are all on Maryland’s American Civil Liberties Union’s 2015 legislative agenda. “Civil
asset forfeiture is rife with potential conflicts of interest,” explained Toni Holness, public policy associate for ACLU MD during an interview with the AFRO, “because you have a system wherein local law enforcement agencies are funding themselves . . . with assets that are taken from everyday
Many of Baltimore’s problems are structural and can only be addressed with long-term solutions said former Baltimore mayor, Sheila Dixon, during a recent and wideranging conversation with the AFRO on the state of the city. Dixon said the nature of politics does not lend itself to this
enforcement officer can seize property from citizens if they believe the asset – whether a car, or cash found on a citizen – could have been used in a crime. Proceeds from the sale of these assets are often used to bolster law enforcement agencies’ budgets, even
“Civil asset forfeiture is rife with potential conflicts of interest.” – Toni Holness
Former Mayor Sheila Dixon Discusses State of the City
approach to policy making, but that greater courage must be shown by the city’s leaders in laying out long-term visions and trusting that the community will support them to see those visions through. “Dealing with systemic issues, for elected officials, is not something they focus on because it’s long-term,” Dixon said. Dixon served as AFRO file photo
By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO
Marylanders, and the standard of proof for taking assets is really
Sheila Dixon
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low, it’s just a preponderance of the evidence.” According to Holness, a law
Continued on A4
Joan Williams’ Pasadena Redemption Ride Eludes Network Media Recognition By AFRO Staff Many viewers watched this year’s Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. with the expectation of at least a snippet about Joan Williams who graced the city banner float finally, after originally having been invited and disinvited in 1957. While local and national media outlets had previously carried stories about the original slight and the impending correction, Williams’
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Joan Williams led the Rose Parade banner float on January 1, 2015.
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Jan 14–Feb 8 This fictional account of a real night in history imagines the moment when Cassius Clay celebrated his 1964 world heavyweight boxing title victory in a small Miami hotel room with his friends, activist Malcolm X, singer Sam Cooke, and football star Jim Brown.
BEFORE THEY WERE ICONS THEY WERE FRIENDS
ONE NIGHT in MIAMI... By Kemp Powers Directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah
LIMITED ENGAGEMENT! TICKETS START AT $19 410.332.0033 | centerstage.org
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Maryland School Systems Grapple with Influx of Central American Minors By Annika McGinnis Capital News Service
ANNAPOLIS — In July, she came on foot and by bus, traversing thousands of miles on a harrowing month-long journey through Mexico to the United States. She had hoped to come legally — but, threatened by gangs in El Salvador, 18-year-old Yanci said she was forced to flee. Now a student at Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, Yanci is one of thousands of Central American “unaccompanied minors” finding a new home in Maryland’s Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. Since August, most of the minors who came to Maryland over the summer — often to escape gang violence in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador — moved into the two jurisdictions. As alarm over the influx quieted in September when numbers slowed, school systems took up the challenge of educating the non-English-speaking, often-traumatized youth. CNS is withholding students’ last names in this story due to privacy concerns and school confidentiality codes. Maryland received 3,301 minors by Sept. 30 — the sixthmost nationwide— and Montgomery and Prince George’s counties took in more than 2,000, U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement statistics show. Most moved in with friends or family in longstanding Central American immigrant enclaves that are battling poverty, low education rates and gangs. School enrollment is required to maintain immigration status. In Prince George’s County schools, more “unaccompanied or homeless youth” registered through November of this school year than all of the last school year. In one year, Montgomery County saw a two- to three-fold increase in the number of Central American students. The dramatic spike has strained school resources, causing program waitlists, bigger classes and longer hours — and schools say they need more staff, mental health services and parent outreach to tackle the group’s challenges. “When you’re in a new language, new cultural environment, everything is new… a lot of newcomers can walk around just being shell-shocked,” said Karen Woodson, director of Montgomery County’s ESOL/Bilingual Programs. “The children are fleeing violence in their home countries… many of them may have had traumatic journeys crossing the border — you’re dealing with a student that has tremendous need.” “Too Much Work” In a large, chattering classroom in Prince George’s County’s Northwestern High School in mid-November, one ESOL teacher called her class to order. “Guys, lápiz down, she said. “Ojos on me.” Colorful sticky notes on a wall map labeled each student’s
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Karen Woodson, director of Montgomery County’s ESOL/ Bilingual Programs, on Nov. 6 in the Montgomery County Public Schools’ International Student Admissions Office at Rocking House Road Center in Rockville. origins:those from El Salvador spilled off the sheet. It was a “newcomer” class in the English for Speakers of OtherLanguages, or ESOL, program, which teaches international students language along with academics. Across the hall, ESOL teacher Sue Donegan said her class had grownfrom 12 to 23, reflecting Prince George’s 4,852 new international students and English language learners who enrolled between April and October. About 40,000 international students were enrolled in the county by the end of October. The county enrolled 5,550new students over the entire 2011-2012 school year, and 7,628 in 2013-2014. At Northwestern, with 550 ESOL students, some gym and art classeswere cut because so many students couldn’t understand their teachers, school ESOL chair William Melvin said. Both counties’ ESOL programs received more federal funds this fiscalyear than last – Prince George’s received $337,029 more, a 14 percent gain – but since funds were based on last year’s enrollment, officials said resources were “tight.” Prince George’s new “school-based budgeting,” which frees principalsto use ESOL funds elsewhere, also creates uncertainties. Over the summer, Prince George’s International Student Counseling Office increased hours and staff to register students, but now, “you’ve got equal or (fewer) counselors doing intake for more families, and it’s too much work,” said outreach counselor Patricia Chiancone. She added that made it difficult to plan or implement programsecessary to help the unique group of students. Still, schools have responded as best they could, enhancing staff professional development programs centered on Spanish skills and training on the kids’ unique challenges. Prince George’s County counselors and principals received training on Hispanic immigrants, and the county is expanding its 15-week “Spanish for Staff” language program from one school last year to five or six schools this year, Chiancone said. Montgomery County is crafting an “unaccompanied minors toolkit” to include lesson plans representing immigrant children’s cultures and teacher strategies to encourage the new students. “This New Person Called ‘Mom’”But three months into the school year, educators said schools need more staff training on issues of family reunification and dealing with students battling trauma. Many children were reunited with parents they hadn’t seen in 10 to 15 years, so most crises stem back to “leaving their grandparents in their country and not feeling comfortable with this new person called ‘mom,’” Northwestern High School ESOL counselor Meg Evans-Headley said. “A lot of times, schools say, ‘oh, we’re going to call you into a meeting about your kid,’ and you’re sitting there, and the kid’s sitting there, and there is clearly a problem between you,” Chiancone said. “You feel like you’re an incompetent parent, and the kid feels like oh, you don’t love them, because in the first place you abandoned them.” Chiancone often learns of family problems when leading emotional development activities with newcomer groups. “At first, I felt happy because I came to know my mom and dad, and I had 15 years of not knowing them,” she read from one child’s response paper. “But I felt bad, because I left my grandma in my country, and it was with her that I was brought up. And when I got here, I had serious problems with my dad -- and it was horrible; he treated me very badly.” Prince George’s County is holding a new program for parents on how the school system works and will implement another focused on family reunification, Chiancone said. Lack of strong parent-child relationships made the teacherstudent one even more important: “A lot of the times they really depend on the teacher,” Chiancone said. Battling Trauma, Schooling Gaps Educators said students needed more mental health services to help newcomers battling emotional issues or post-traumatic stress disorder. Some students expressed suicidal thoughts, Chiancone said. She knew an 11-year-old who witnessed his father’s murder in Central America after he refused to pay gangs. She’d heard of another kidnapped at home and then tortured on his journey. Most of the kids have suffered trauma, even once they arrive, Melvin said. “You see a mark in anBGE arm and they say – ‘oh, I fell,’ and Advertiser: then you push them a little harder -- ‘oh, my mom grabbed me, and then, well, she tried to kill me; she threw a knife and Publication: Afro American missed me,’” he said. “Then we hold them and call the police and try to deal with it.” Insertion Date: 2015 Schools send studentsSaturday, identifiedJan. with 3, such issues to talk with social service workers and counselors. Four county high Ad Size: 7.28” x 10” schools have “wellness centers,” which provide physical health treatment and mental health counseling. But an intensive Montgomery for Title: ReliabilityCounty - Highprogram Wire Acts newcomers that includes mental health counseling, the (Helicopter) Multidisciplinary Educational Training and Support program, was Ifoverwhelmed with a 37-student waitlist this fall before the you have received this publication material county eventually hired twoquestions new teachers. in error, or have any about it please Challenges deepen with students’ varying education levels: contact the traffic dept. at Weber Shandwick Many have missed years of school, especially in areas where atblock (410)safe 558access, 2100. Chiancone said. gangs (See more on Afro.com)
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January 10, 2015 - January 16, 2015, The Afro-American
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With BLISS Driving Academy, An Entrepreneurial Spirit Finds Her Niche By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO When Dawn Simmons opened the BLISS Driving Academy last October, it was the culmination of a long search for the right outlet for her entrepreneurial energies. Fun and engaging classes are what set Bliss apart, says Simmons, who may have found her entrepreneurial niche with her driving school but remains engaged in a number of business and social endeavors. “I’ve always believed that training of any kind doesn’t have to be like watching paint dry,” Simmons told the AFRO about her approach to teaching driver’s education, in which she employs a conversational teaching style, with students and herself sharing their experiences. Simmons, who holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Walden University, says she always knew that she had wanted to be self-employed, but that she took her time, exploring various ventures, before settling on opening a driving school. Opening BLISS, which stands for ‘Being Licensed, Insured, Safe & Secure,’ made sense in no small part because it guarantees a captive market. “It’s a requirement,” explained Simmons. “You can’t get a license in Baltimore—in Maryland—without going to driving school.” Simmons also works as a business consultant and a virtual assistant, sells hand painted glassware, as well as running a program in which she guides high school students with a business idea through the start-up process. She has also
LBJ’s Role Continued from A1
— and he didn’t use the FBI to disparage him.” Mark Updegrove, director of the LBJ Presidential Library, also decried the characterization of Johnson, saying it “flies in the face of history.” “In truth,” he added, “the partnership between LBJ and MLK on civil rights is one of the most productive and consequential in American history.” The film’s director, Ava DuVernay lambasted Califano’s assertion that Selma was the president’s idea and civil rights leaders agreed. “Notion that Selma was LBJ’s idea is jawdropping and offensive to SNCC, SCLC and Black people who made it so,” she wrote on Twitter. She also defended her choice to change the script, which originally was more slanted to Johnson and his role. “I wasn’t interested in making a white-savior movie; I was interested in making a moviecentered on the people
Dispatcher Continued from A1
black children and their lives do not matter because they may or may NOT have made a bad decision? And Police officers should be able to kill them and get away with it because they CHOSE to accept a position that PAYS them -to puts [sic] their lives in danger. . . . I would rather MY son be approached by so called THUGS, then for him to encounter any policeman. MY SON IS BLACK!!! & He is intelligent, he is well mannered, he cares about people, he does not carry weapons!!!!! Please don’t kill my son!” On Dec. 20, weeks after her original post, Murray heard that her response had been circulating online. Murray says that she called out sick on Dec. 21 after hearing about the attention the post
of Selma,” she told Rolling Stone. “What’s important for me as a student of this time in history is to not deify what the president did,” she added. “Johnson has been hailed as a hero of that time, and he was, but we’re talking about a reluctant hero. He was cajoled and pushed, he was protective of a legacy — he was not doing things out of the goodness of his heart.” Historians and civil rights leaders agree that President Johnson did express misgivings about introducing the Voting Rights Act so soon after passing the 1964 Civil Rights Act, while Dr. King felt the urgency of immediate action. Still, that didn’t mean they were enemies. “The film’s suggestion that Johnson was an enemy of King was just wrong.The most serious problem is the film’s depiction of Johnson being involved in J. Edgar Hoover’s efforts to smear Dr. King. There’s no question that Hoover set out to destroy King’s lifeand reputation. But there is no evidence that Johnson was involved,” said May, who alsocriticized aspects of the film. was receiving, but attempted to return to work on Dec. 22. “That was my last day of work because as I was working, I received two calls from people from different states asking for me, and asking if I worked there, and wanting to speak with a supervisor,” said Murray. “At that point I was extremely emotional, I was afraid for my safety and I left. I left work and I haven’t been back.” Murray says that before leaving she met with her immediate supervisor as well as chief of Baltimore County’s 9-1-1 center Marie Whisonant and Assistant Chief Jason Bivens, who expressed that she would not be disciplined in any way and that they were prepared to release a statement on her behalf. “I have not seen how that has come to fruition at all,” said Murray, who also asked during this meeting
Dawn Simmons, owner and lead instructor at BLISS Driving Academy, LLC.
Photo by Roberto Alejandro
taken her hand painted glassware and turned it into a social event called ‘Sip and Stroke,’ in which folks gather at an establishment for wine and to paint their own glasses. “I know it sounds weird but when you hear the name
Wikipedia
Lyndon B. Johnson “Johnson would have preferred, I think, working with older, more established civil rights leaders like the NAACP’s then-president Roy Wilkins...people he could control,” added the professor and author of Bending Toward Justice: The Voting Rights Act and the Transformation of American Democracy. Still, Johnson and King were allies. “They were somewhat uncomfortable allies, but they shared the same goals. that an internal investigation be conducted into who was releasing information about her anonymously. FOP Lodge 4, which represents Baltimore County police officers, released a statement on Dec. 22 saying that while they acknowledge Murray’s first amendment rights, they did not feel someone with her views should be working in a position where she could impact officer safety. “In the law enforcement community, dispatchers serve as a lifeline to get us accurate information and backup when we call for them. We rely on this hoping they act promptly and without prejudices that will put our lives in jeopardy,” read part of the FOP’s statement. A Facebook page titled ‘Fire Kelli Murray Now’ also sprung up, with many commentors making disparaging remarks about Murray. According to Don Mohler, chief of staff to Baltimore County executive Kevin Kamenetz, Murray “has not been suspended, and she has not been asked to not return. She can return at any time.” Murray told the AFRO that she had asked for resources from her superiors, including access to a union representative, but that she had received no response. Mohler
it piques your interest,” said Simmons, ever aware of the importance of branding and marketing. “I’ve got a couple things pulling at me but it’s all worth it,” said Simmons. “If you look at anybody who has gone from zero to millions, they have multiple streams of income, so I’m following that blueprint.” Simmons says that her classes at BLISS are fairly evenly split between young adults just learning to drive and older residents who know how to drive but never received their licenses. The biggest challenge with the adults is getting them to break their bad habits, since many of the things experienced drivers do on a regular basis will cause you to fail a formal road test. With her younger students, the biggest challenge is getting parents to realize that driving school is just part of the learning process, not its entirety. “A lot of times what parents think is they come to driving school and they don’t have a responsibility to their child outside of driving school, not realizing that Maryland also requires 60 hours of additional driving outside of the classroom,” said Simmons, adding later, “the real practice comes in with the parent outside of driver’s ed.” The BLISS Driving Academy is located at 132 W 25th Street, and anyone interested in learning more can visit its website at www.blissdriving.com. Driver’s education is a prerequisite for receiving a license in the state and BLISS’s program consists of 10, three-hour sessions totaling the legally mandated 36 hours of classroom instruction.
The problem is that while Johnson and King had the same goal, they had different timetables.” Black leaders with firsthand knowledge of the pair’s interactions agree. “Dr. King wanted to move, we all wanted to move [and] make this thing happen,” Lewis, then-leader of SNCC, recalled. “President Johnson wanted to wait and not move so fast. He said in effect, ‘I just signed a Civil Rights Act. We don’t have the votes in Congress. If you want me to get a voting rights bill passed, make me do it.” Andrew Young, Dr. King’s lieutenant and a frequent participant in the negotiations between the White House and the Civil Rights Movement, concurred. The relationship between Dr. King and President Johnson was “intense” and there were often “gentlemen’s disagreements” but the pair remained cordial, he recalled in a panel discussion at the LBJ Library’s Civil Rights Summit last April “Dr. King saw himself as having to keep the pressure on,” Young said, while Johnson had to weigh
political considerations. “Right after [Dr. King won] the Nobel Prize, President Johnson talked for an hour about why he didn’t have the power to introduce voting rights legislation in 1965, and gave very good reasons,” Young added. “He kept saying, ‘I just don’t have the power. I wish I did.’ When we left, I asked Dr. King, ‘Well, what did you think?’ He said, ‘I think we’ve got to figure out a way to get this president some power.’” The marches on Selma-then a jurisdiction with some of the most egregious examples of Black disenfranchisement--was the answer. The images of nonviolent protesters being bloodied, bruised and brutalized seared the national conscience and gave Johnson the impetus he needed. On March 15, he gave an address before a joint session of Congress in which he invoked the civil rights mantra that “we shall overcome.” The next day, the voting rights bill was introduced. Despite whatever initial hesitation he may have felt, Johnson played an undeniably
integral role in the Voting Rights Act’s passage, Norton said. “With the 1965 act coming so closely on the heels of the Civil Rights Act, it would have been difficult to pass without two key ingredients: The march on Selma was one. The other ingredient was, perhaps, the most important legislator the Congress had ever seen--Lyndon Baines Johnson,” she said. The VRA was much more challenging politically and would be met with more resistance, the lawmaker added. “There was a reason the Civil Rights Movement went with the Civil Rights Act first. By going for voting rights you were going straight to theheart of the White Democratic racist power structure.” That’s why the legislation needed someone with Johnson’s “singular” legislative skills and the uncanny ability to deliver votes, she added. “The people standing in the way were his friends, Southern Democrats,” Norton said. “So it took a lot of guts and a lot of skill.”
said it was his understanding that in such circumstances, employees normally contact their union representatives directly. Mohler emphasized, however, that in this situation the county has taken no disciplinary action. As to whether any internal investigation was being conducted to determine who had been releasing information about Murray’s shifts and identity, Mohler said he was barred from commenting on what would be an internal personnel matter. Murray, who has worked as a dispatcher for eight years, and received the Telecommunicator of the Year Award in 2013, called her employer for the contact
number of her employee union, the Baltimore County Federation of Public Employees on Jan. 6, according to Dayvon Love, director of research and public policy for Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, a youth-led Baltimore policy think tank that has been representing Murray publicly since the controversy broke loose. During that phone call, Murray was informed by Whisonant that she had been placed on unpaid leave through Jan. 9, and that they call center was expecting her return to work on Jan. 10, says Love. Murray was also informed during that call that an internal investigation had indeed turned up a county
employee at another agency who had looked up Murray’s information, but Whisonant said she could not divulge who that person was, says Love. When she spoke to the AFRO last week, Murray indicated that she felt whoever had released information about when she was on duty had done so with the intention of having her bullied and harassed. “If this person that intentionally did this to me is still employed with Baltimore County, and I don’t even really know who this person is . . . I don’t feel safe returning,” said Murray, who is still weighing whether to resign from the job she has performed without incident for eight years.
In Loving Memory
Quinton Bernard Wilkes, Ph.D October 31, 1941 - January 1, 2015 Dr. Wilkes was born in Washington, DC, and grew up and attended public schools in High Point, North Carolina. A 1963 graduate of Morgan State University, he was a devoted member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and several other distinguished honor societies. Additional highlights include service to the US Army, and becoming the first African American male to earn a Ph.D. from Fordham University’s psychology department. Above all of this,
Quinton was a devoted father, grandfather and friend. We will miss you, your strength and courage!
Love, Your Family
Memorial services will be Saturday, January 10th at 12:30 to honor the life of Dr. Quinton Bernard Wilkes. Services will be at Wylie Funeral Home, 9200 Liberty Rd., Randallstown, MD 21133 410-655-9200 Repast to follow 2:30-4:30, location TBA
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The Afro-American, January 10, 2015 - January 16, 2015
January 10, 2015 - January 10, 2015, The Afro-American
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MD HBCUs continue to fight for civil and human rights
The Maryland higher education system (MHES) views and treats Coppin State University (CSU) as a ghetto school in the “hood” on North Avenue. Their view is rife with many of the stereotypes law enforcement By Ken Morgan agencies attributed to Michael Brown and Eric Garner in justifying their murders. The System is trying to shoot and choke Maryland HBCUs to death. The Maryland Reporter and that other newspaper represent unofficial mouthpieces for the MHES. They allow their reporters to write half-baked stories passed off as objective news and write biased editorials on issues affecting HBCUs. Barry Rascovar is an example, writing for the Reporter recently. In a story covering the selection of Robert Caret as the new chancellor, he goes out of his way to throw Coppin and University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), two HBCUs,
Commentary
and Coppin professor Virletta Bryant “under the bus.” His context for his diatribe is similar to an old racist Tarzan, Jane and the natives movie that save the natives from themselves. Roscovar paints the good White man, Caret coming in to save the USM’s thriving White schools through “improving the performance of the bottom-rung schools” (UMES and CSU, two of the four HBCUs). The reporter then says, “Coppin’s sorry status remains deeply troubling. There’s a sharp disconnect between the abysmal performance of Coppin compared with the rest of the UMS campuses.” He then admonishes the “misinformed” Virletta Bryant, the Coppin professor who chairs USM’s faculty council. Her sin was that she failed to give the answer he was looking for in commenting on Caret’s appointment. Roscovar says, “If that’s the best a Coppin professor heading the system’s faculty council has to offer, no wonder Coppin students are getting such a poor education.” So here are some facts the reporter failed to mention. Federal Court Judge Catherine Blake Oct. 7, 2013 ruled that the higher education system still maintained vestiges of segregative practices that provided disparities between TWIs (Traditionally White Institutions) and the
ACLU Md. Agenda Continued from A1
though no criminal finding regarding the property may ever occur. Currently, there are no reporting requirements with respect to the practice, making it impossible to know how often assets are seized; what process exists for confiscating and, if no crime is found to have been committed, returning seized assets; or who is most affected by the practice. “Based on what we’ve seen in other criminal justice arenas, it would be reasonable to suspect that persons of color, communities of color are being disproportionately targeted, and so that is just another reason why we need greater data about what’s
going on, because we can’t be sure,” said Holness. ACLU MD will be advocating for legislation that will requires greater reporting of data, and contain substantive provisions to insure greater accountability by law enforcement regarding any assets seized. Holness said ACLU MD will also be engaged in another criminal justice arena with a disproportionate effect on communities of color, the criminalization of marijuana. ACLU MD will take a twopronged approach to this issue, working to strengthen the decriminalization law passed in 2014, and removing the exception for paraphernalia, that makes
Dixon
Continued from A1 mayor of Baltimore City from 2007 to 2010, resigning amidst a scandal around her alleged misappropriation of gift cards. The former mayor remains popular, regularly greeted by residents. On the city’s economy, Dixon points out that the city is heavily reliant on its property tax, and on additional fees or taxes like Maryland’s piggyback tax, which is currently being challenged before the Supreme Court. This, according to Dixon, limits the number of people willing to commit to living in the city. The multiple layers of fees on the same residents, causes them to take the income earned in the city out to the surrounding counties where they end up living. “I think public-private partnerships, as well as regional partnerships, is the way we’re going to need to go,” said Dixon. “We’ve lost population, Baltimore County is gaining every day, and I think that a lot of our people work for the city but live in the counties. I’m not talking about a commuter tax . . . but I think there are some regional things we could collaborate on that I’m not sure if that’s being looked at. And a publicprivate partnership can only be a win-win on both ends.” Dixon said that in thinking about publicprivate partnerships and development in general, it may be necessary to rethink the lowest-bid model that is standard in most government-funded construction projects. “I think that needs to change because one of the things that we were beginning to work on and really [look] at is, even though it’s the lowest bid, how many change orders, in the long run for that project, did it take for that company; and whether or not if you might’ve gone with the second bid, or the third, if those change orders would have happened,” said Dixon, referring to requests by developers or contractors to make changes to the initial approved bid and subsequent contract. “So a lot of times the lowest bid still ends up
possession of paraphernalia a criminal offense. “Folks on either side of this issue recognize that the law that was passed is a bit flawed,” said Holness. “Pragmatically it’s not one that lends itself easily to law enforcement to implement. So I think on both sides of the aisle you’ll find folks if not eager, at least amenable, to fixing the law that was passed last year.” The ACLU MD will also be working with Del. Curt Anderson (D) of Baltimore City’s 43 District to pass a legalization bill to tax and regulate the sale of marijuana in the state. In early December, Anderson told the AFRO his bill would
being what the third bidder bid because of the change orders. So I think it’s got to be the most responsible, and you have to really assess it, and I don’t necessarily support having the lowest bid all the time because sometimes you come in low just to make that number so you can make that contract, but then those addendums come in.” On public safety, Dixon said it is necessary to pursue a comprehensive approach. Her ideas ranges from early intervention programs that identify and address warning signs, programs that strengthen families, and an approach to policing and public safety that rejects the zero tolerance approach and focuses providing resources to help those with issues in their past make better choices moving forward. She also discussed expanding programs like YouthWorks, which provides city teenagers with summer employment opportunities. Dixon also said the city should have more authority over the Baltimore Police Department, as approximately 80 percent of its budget comes from city coffers. The nature of politics, with its ever present focus on the next election cycle, impedes this sort of broader approach to the city’s well-being since plans like these may not pay – Sheila Dixon dividends for years, making it harder for politicians to claim credit for progress. Dixon called this concession to political cycles “a lack of courage.” “I think the city definitely needs someone who’s going to articulate a long term vision, but also involve and engage the community to be a part of that effort as well,” said Dixon. While Dixon would only use the word “possibly” when discussing her potential involvement in the mayoral elections in 2016, she did share her belief that residents need to hear more from their elected officials. “I think what people need to hear is that . . . no neighborhood in the city is getting more or less, but that we’re trying to balance what we do for people to be able to live healthy and safe . . . . And I think that’s important because now it’s unbalanced in a lot of ways,” Dixon said.
“I think the city definitely needs someone who’s going to articulate a long term vision, but also involve and engage the community to be a part of that effort as well.”
HBCUs in the system. The newly appointed chancellor Caret’s actions helped to instigate the plaintiffs’ (HBCU students and alumni) lawsuit while president of Towson. Caret attempted to initiate an MBA program with UB, when Morgan State University had already started one. The judge found that TWI duplication of HBCU programs was a primary contributor to the disparate treatment of the Maryland HBCUs. Blake suggested remedies to address disparities that included transferring programs duplicated by the TWIs to the appropriate HBCU. Coppin’s main competitors are Towson, UB, UMBC and UMCP. Blake ordered plaintiffs and defendants to bring her a proposal within parameters of the remedies she identified. The implementation of Blake’s proposed remedies should impact low retention and low enrollment. So the state’s posture has been to drag its feet on the matter and tighten the screws on the weaker under resourced HBCUs such as Coppin and UMES through severe budget cuts based on low enrollment. Rascovar’s job is to obscure the facts. What worsens the issue is that the UMS has maintained a blind eye to the fact that likely contain a provision granting expungements to anyone convicted of simple possession for some period, perhaps 10 years, prior to legalization. Anderson indicated those convicted of distribution or intent to distribute would not
many of our students have to work and go to school as well as to deal with economic and social conditions confronting most working class Blacks, including loss of jobs. A significant number of our students come from the Baltimore school system that continues to underprepare students. These students face a difficult challenge enhancing their skills sets to do the academic work while confronting crises in their lives. These forces result in high drop out rates and too often low enrollment. Considering disparities and other factors mentioned, Coppin like many other public HBCUs through the tenacity and intelligence of our students, perform a stellar job in educating students. Mr. Rascovar, Coppin is in good standing with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Coppin’s accrediting agency. Our students think they get a good education including Dr. Bryant’s students. Barry, do your homework. Ask them. The civil rights battles started in 1865 and are still not over. Dr. Morgan is coordinator and assistant professor of Urban Studies at Coppin State University.
employment opportunities, and not only employment opportunities but scholarship opportunities; so we’re talking about academic opportunities, employment opportunities, and the impact is not isolated to that individual. . . . [B]ecause we
groups who have taken on the fight to reform a statute many consider a roadblock to accountability for abuse by law enforcement officers. Holness says their principal focus will be on legislation requiring public reporting of police misconduct and
“Folks on either side of this issue recognize that the law that was passed is a bit flawed.” –Toni Holness receive similar consideration, since the unlicensed sales of marijuana would still be illegal under a tax and regulate measure. According to Holness, the preference of ACLU MD would be for any expungement provision to be extended to those with distribution convictions as well. “When people have a criminal record, it really marginalizes them from
know that communities of color are disproportionately criminalized, what you’ll see is entire communities – communities of color in particular – be impacted by criminal records,” said Holness. Reforms to the LEOBR are also on deck. Holness says the organization will use its experience and expertise to assist those community members and
Williams Continued from A1 presence at the Jan. 1 event attracted no mention from the major TV networks. The Twitterfeed lit up with tweets of disappointment: Kevin Turner: @nbcroseparade: it would have been nice if you told the story of Joan Williams, who was denied the honor to ride in the parade in 1958. Robin Caldwell: …Sad b/c I only watched b/c of Mrs. Williams. #BlackLivesMatter. Shadow: Why no mention of #JoanWilliams and #sikhfloat? Susan A. Kitchens: Watched @KTLA’s rerun to confirm Joan Williams NONcoverage. These weren’t the only messages being sent. Joan Williams’ son, Robert “Chip” Williams, who is teaching at a university in Turkey, texted his sister, Angela, who was in the parade stands, that the banner float had passed and their mother had not been mentioned by the announcer. Joan Williams told the AFRO that this was apparently the choice of the coverage producer, according to station operators who responded to myriad calls inquiring about the omission. “I was just concerned that in this racially contentious atmosphere, someone missed the opportunity to share a good news story,” Joan Williams said. “A situation that has come full circle with an open apology. It bothers me that they didn’t see the value of sharing something like this.” She was nevertheless fully encouraged by the supporters along the parade path. “They were out there freezing their little butts off, but they were waving and highfiving,” she said. “They had made signs and huge posters. It was really something. It was wonderful.” I was probably an instance of the right hand not knowing what the left hand was doing. This was the stance of Robin Wood, Joan Williams’ daughter, who lives in Baltimore. She said she was comforted by the fact that her mother didn’t know what was going on during the parade.
reforming the LEOBR’s provision preventing police misconduct from being investigated by anyone other than law enforcement. “It’s the issue of who is policing the police,” said Holness. “It’s the issue of who is policing the police,” said Holness. “They cannot police themselves. The conflict of interest in cases of police misconduct and brutality is very clear.”
“She got such a kick out of the enthusiasm of the crown. They were waving and calling her name,” Wood said. “That was great!” She said the whole thing was pretty shocking. “People from KTLA had been to her house more than once and had done two stories on her on their station, broadcasting nationally to ABC on programs like World News Tonight,” Wood said. “So it was reasonable to expect some comment during the parade, but none of that translated, apparently.” She said it was kind of disappointing to everybody. “Another slight, but a different kind of slight.” Joan Williams is now ready to put the whole thing to rest, but she was willing to recount how her husband, the late Robert W. “Bob” Williams, a renowned Tuskegee Airman, felt when she was originally disinvited to participate in the 1958 parade. “Bob was very upset and disappointed in them. He was willing to do whatever I felt needed to be done,” Williams said. “But I didn’t want to go any further with it. We were new in Pasadena, just moved from Los Angeles and we were feeling our way.” She did concede that it was kind of a rude introduction to the new, much more conservative place. “Bob was always a fighter for our rights and didn’t let anyone walk over us,” she said. “But he kind of went along with it at that time, but stayed alert to anything else that might take place.” She said the incident reminded them and other young couples that they needed to be involved and not just sit on the sidelines. “One of Bob’s battles was the public golf course that was being managed as if it were a private club,” Williams said. “He made signs and stirred up a protest until things were changed. He wasn’t going to take any crap off anybody.” With all the fight that was going on in the South, and us being so far away, the only way we could be involved was to be active in our own city,” Williams said. After all, she said she really hadn’t wanted to Miss Crown City in the first place.
January 10, 2015 - January 16, 2015, The Afro-American
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HEALTH
Defining Food Deserts is a Numbers Game ANNAPOLIS — Food deserts are a significant issue in Maryland — but just how severe they are depends on whom you ask. Although the term has been in common use for years, there is no allencompassing definition of what constitutes a food desert. Baltimore provides a perfect example of the disagreement. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates about 15 percent of Baltimore City residents are living in food deserts, while the city’s Baltimore Food Policy Initiative says it’s more like 20 percent based on a study conducted by Baltimore City Department of Planning and Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. And a national hunger-relief organization, Feeding America, estimates 22 percent of people living Baltimore City are “food insecure.” The reasons for these
In their food desert report to Congress, the USDA recognized these concerns: “Obviously, whether walking to a supermarket is feasible or not depends on more than just distance — it could also depend on whether the individual is capable of walking that distance, whether there are safe sidewalks on which to walk, and controlled intersections, and whether there are other barriers, such as crime, that may make walking to a store dangerous.” Another limitation of the one-mile measurement is that it’s calculated using a straight line, which will not represent the real distance when zig-zagging through city blocks or if a major obstacle, such as a river or highway, stands in the way. Still, the report concludes that, “despite these limitations, (using one mile as a) definition of walkability is grounded in the literature.” The USDA then cites three other reports, which all conclude that distances
discrepancies stems from each organization’s definition of the term “food desert.” “In general, you’ll see that every definition looks at what food is available, and income level,” said Laura Flamm, food access coordinator for Baltimarket, an online grocery ordering service for Baltimore residents with low access to food. “But there is really nothing set in stone.” The USDA’s definition of a food desert says that for it to be included, a census tract must be defined as both lowincome and low-access. For a census tract to qualify as low-income, either the poverty rate must be at least 20 percent or the median family income of that tract must be at or below 80 percent of the area’s median family income. To qualify as low-access, either 500 or more people, or one-third of a census tract’s population, must live at least one mile from a supermarket or grocery store. Using these parameters, about 15 percent of Baltimore City residents reside in a food desert. However, using a onemile radius to identify food deserts may ignore unique hurdles associated with travel in an urban setting.
of more than a half mile are walkable in urban settings. But according to the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, one mile is too far. When they created their “Baltimore City Food Environment Map” in 2012, they defined a food desert using one-quarter of a mile as a reasonable distance to a grocery store or market. “The USDA was constrained for coming up with a number that worked on a national level — but we know that if you drill down further you can get more accurate,” said Amanda Behrens Buczynski, a senior program officer for John Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. “The boundaries of Baltimore City aren’t that large and when we considered distance to the supermarket, we had to consider that you’d be carrying groceries, too.” Behrens Buczynski was a project manager for the mapping project. While this alternative map was based on the same census data as USDA’s, it also considered vehicle access and income as factors to determine food deserts. In their definition of a food desert, the median household income is at or
By Dani Shae Thompson Capital News Service
below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, and 40 percent of households do not own a vehicle. Using these measurements, about one in five, or 20 percent, of Baltimore City residents live in a food desert. Although Johns Hopkins and the USDA may disagree on how to define food deserts in Baltimore City, they agree that something can, and maybe should, be done to eradicate them. Urban farming, community gardens, public markets and farmers markets in Baltimore City offer some healthy food options for food desert areas, but they are not enough to alleviate the problem entirely. Baltimarket, a virtual supermarket program run by the Baltimore City Health Department, may provide another means for addressing low access to food in some neighborhoods. Baltimarket partners with Shoprite grocery store to deliver food to those living in food deserts in Baltimore City. “We are the first program in the country to address food access in partnership with a major retailer,” said Flamm. The program is 5 years old, and manages four
locations in Baltimore City where locals can come to order groceries online and then pick them up a day or two later from the same location.
Food stamps are accepted through the program and deliveries are made at no additional cost thanks to funding by the United Way of Central Maryland and Kaiser
Permanente, Flamm said. This December, Baltimarket will expand their program to two new sites in the city.
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The Afro-American, January 10, 2015 - January 16, 2015
Martha Priscilla Phillips Lansey, Former ‘AFRO’ Advertising Clerk Dies at 96 By Gregory Dale AFRO News Editor Martha Priscilla Phillips Lansey was a devoted wife and mother who spent her life lending her talents and devoting her time to her community. Her Dec. 20 death has left a void in the lives of those who love her, but also an enduring legacy for her friends and family to remember. Benjamin Phillips IV, president of the AFRO and also Lansey’s nephew, described his aunt as “beautiful, classy and kind.” “She always greeted you with a smile and made you feel that you were so special,” he said. “Auntie wanted you to share what was going on in your world and was so attentive to every word. You could not leave her presence without her kissing your cheek, wishing you well and squeezing a few dollars in your hand with a wink.” Born on Oct. 6, 1918 to Mary Elizabeth Brown and Frank W. Phillips Sr., Lansey was raised in Anne Arundel County and attended Baltimore City Public Schools. After graduating from Baltimore’s Douglass High School in 1936, she attended Cortez Peters’ Business School, which set the stage for her extensive professional career. Lansey made history when she was hired for an office position at Archer Laundry. African Americans had never been employed in an office capacity, prior to her hiring. A short time later, she married her high school sweetheart, businessman Edward Gaines Lansey Sr. in 1941. After working as a bookkeeper for the Druid Laundry, her husband’s family business, she came to the AFRO. During her tenure at the newspaper, she worked as an advertising clerk in the classified ad department. Carolyn Alston, 73, a former AFRO advertising account executive , described Lansey as a “sweetheart.” “She was always willing to help people,” Alston said. “She was a really sweet person who also did her work very well. I could not say anything bad about her at all.” Lansey moved on from the AFRO and later held positions at the YMCA of Central Maryland and the Baltimore City Court of Common Pleas, where she retired in 1983. When she wasn’t working, she was spending time with her family and providing service to the community. According to relatives, she made clothes and Halloween costumes for her children. Also, as a member of Baltimore’s Immaculate Conception Church she donated gifts and knitted quilts for the sick. The highlight of her service to the church was her position as the treasurer of the anniversary committee during the church’s 150th Jubilee Year. Lansey was feted for her service by a host of organizations including the Mother Lange Guild, the Frederick Douglass High School Alumni, the Constant Care Community Health Center and the Ladies of Charity of the Immaculate Conceptions. She leaves behind four children, Priscilla, Yvonne, E. Gaines Jr. and Patrick Lansey; one granddaughter, Stephanie Clarice Lansey Delgado; one great-grandson and a host of other relatives. Her husband Edward and her son Frank preceded her in death.
“You cannot find this education anywhere else.” We are now accepting applications for the Spring 2O15 Workshop at Macy’s! We invite all minority and women-owned businesses to apply for The Workshop at Macy’s! You’ll gain insight from seasoned Macy’s pros and Macy’s partners, and get the tools you need to succeed and sustain growth in the retail industry. Apply today at macysinc.com/workshop PicTured: Amber Lee-Forrester, Kane & couture. Past participant of The Workshop at Macy’s.
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January 10, 2015 - January 16, 2015 The Afro-American
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EDITORIAL
Protesting the Protesters What is it with the police in New York? The city has been host to multiple #Icantbreathe and #blacklivesmatter protests following the deaths of unarmed Black men such as Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. and Eric Garner in Staten Island, N.Y. Then, a few days before Christmas, Ismaaiyl Brinsley shot his ex-girlfriend in Baltimore before driving to New York City. Along the way, this man with a history of domestic violence and criminal activity, Instagrammed a picture of a gun with the message “putting wings on pigs.” After arriving in New
York, he shot and killed two police officers. The problem is now the NYPD, in the form of the police union head Pat Lynch, is saying the mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio, contributed to an atmosphere that encouraged Brinsley to kill cops by sympathizing with the protesters. To make their displeasure known officers have now become the protesters by turning their backs while de Blasio delivered eulogies at the funerals of both officers murdered by Brinsley. To add insult to injury recent news reports suggest that the
rank and file NYC police have also initiated a work slow-down that indeed may result in an increased crime rate for New York. The police, who carry guns and are paid by taxpayers to protect the citizens of NYC, have descended to behaving like children. The protesters are not saying all police officers are bad. Just the ones who shoot unarmed Black people. For the police union to be unable or unwilling to understand the distinction is criminal.
The Republicans Control Congress. Now What? The third-highest ranking member of the Republican controlled House of Representatives gave a speech before a White supremacist group run by David Duke in 2002. And while Steve Scalise of Louisiana apologized after the information came out late last year and received some mild admonishments from his party, he still has his leadership position. These are the people who now control both the House
and the Senate following last year’s election. As Republicans take power this week they are making noises about leading and passing legislation in the 114th Congress. They say their priorities are things like the Keystone XL pipeline, and heathcare reform. But with the radicals in the Tea Party still exerting influence look for them instead to focus on obstructing and attempting to roll back President Obama’s agenda for the
remainder of his term. Things like his executive actions granting a legal reprieve to some undocumented immigrants and opening up relations with Cuba are likely to come under fire from Republicans. And let’s not forget their continuing efforts to eliminate Obamacare, which has given millions of people access to healthcare. While the Republicans say they want to act like grownups now that they’ve got the power, we’re not holding our breath—buckle-up.
COMMENTARY
The Year Ahead: ‘No Vote-No Voice?’
Saschane Stephenson
On New Year’s Eve, demonstrators in Cleveland, Boston and New York marched amongst street revelers. On one hand, I appreciated the fact that the protestors remained committed to keeping the message “Black Lives Matter” before the nation. On the other hand I wondered for a moment, “What if…, and what then?” What if there was a hidden force that pre-qualified whether or not a person could vent their frustration, or
anger, as a protestor? What if in order to march in protest, be it in Ferguson, New York, or any part of the country, every person of voting age— who had no impediment to exercising that ability—would have to provide proof that they voted in their last (i.e., 2014) local Primary and General elections? What then? Plainly, what if all protestors got a message of: “No Vote— No Voice.” “No Vote—No Protesting.” That’s a pretty crazy prospect isn’t it? Or is it? There’s a lot of hype around Presidential elections; but the numbers show over and over again that people become downright lethargic when the time rolls around to spend a couple minutes or a few hours to scrutinize and vote for individuals who then “control” their lives for two to four years at a stretch. Sherriff, Attorney General, circuit court judge, states attorney, you name it—they all contribute to setting the tone and policy of local judicial systems, and they all get put into place by a vote or non-vote. In 2014, the mid-term voter turnout numbers were abysmal at best; and it was low whether or not voters came from preppy or poor neighborhoods. There’s a lot of gratitude for those who exercise their right to vote, and who show up at town hall meetings when they
could very well be watching the latest episode of “The Voice.” However, the sad thing is that thousands in the brown and Black communities sat out on voting in 2014; and therefore, what by default did they choose ‘not’ to happen in their communities? How did that and all past inaction contribute to the “the system” folks are now so mad about? Historian John Henrik Clarke once said, “There is more to progress than marching. We’re doing ‘show-biz’ liberation. It’s not liberation.” In America, we march to express our feelings and to release pent up frustrations. In this instance, protestors are marching against forceful community policing and against the tensions between police and Black/Brown communities. But, the elephant in the room is, what next? Is the marching that we’ve seen, or participated in, merely “show-biz liberation” like Clarke referenced? Good for the television cameras; good for social media posts and twitter handles; good for a temporary patch on frayed nerves; but representative of only moving ‘one inch in a yard-long’ effort toward real change. Gratefully, there’s nothing that pre-qualifies anyone to protest; and so everyone can join in the rallying cry for reform in our law enforcement and judicial systems. Looking out into the vastness of our future, it truly feels
like we are on the edge of something. We are on the edge of choices. The words of poet June Jordan are ones we’ve heard before, “We are the ones we have been waiting for!” In the time ahead, the collective “concerned” community has got to do more than reactionary protesting. By all means, protest. Let your voices be heard. Then come together, plan, and participate fully. That’s how real and lasting change will set in. Saschane Stephenson is a freelance writer in Baltimore, Md.
The American Conscience: 21st Century Racial Injustice from the Perspective of Black Youth Whichever stance you take concerning the events in Ferguson, I believe every American can agree that painful images of decomposing dead bodies on the pavement, mourning mothers crying on our televisions and police officers receiving death threats weigh heavily on the American conscience. However, Antonia Alakija it would be ignorant to believe these events are new occurrences in America. Racial violence and systemic injustice defined the Jim Crow era and these events remain a reality in the 21st century despite their less obvious forms. The events in Ferguson only served as the boiling point that returned this issue to the forefront of national discussion. On Nov. 25, 2014, my family and I sat in front of the television in utter disbelief. Although the verdict flashed repeatedly across the screen in big bold letters, we could not begin to wrap our heads around the grand jury’s decision to
not indict Officer Wilson. Judging by the silence in our living room, neither my parents nor my little brother could easily swallow the non-indictment of Officer Wilson either. A solemn tear rolled down my mother’s face as we watched the people of Ferguson embrace Michael’s mother as she bawled openly on national television. For a moment, our wet eyes met each other and I knew we were thinking the same things. What do we now tell my little brother, a young Black boy just like Michael, to make him feel safe growing up in America? In this instant, we reached our own verdict as a Black family, we cannot assure him of anything without lying. I cannot tell my brother the police have his best interest in mind because law enforcement officers fail to show African Americans that #blacklivesmatter. According to a study done by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau, Black drivers are twice as likely as White drivers to be arrested during a traffic stop, even though consensual searches of Blacks were 37 percent less likely to uncover weapons, 23.7 percent less likely to uncover drugs and 25.4 percent less likely to uncover any other type of contraband than consensual searches of Whites. Fatal occurrences of racial profiling such as the events in Ferguson have stripped many Black mothers of their opportunity to gently parent their innocent Black sons.
Instead of giving my little brother comforting assurance of the equitable laws of our nation (as every American parent should be able to do), that night my mother opted to address my brother out of fear and love, a pitiful combination. She told him he must address police officers as “sir” (but not to even make eye contact unless completely necessary), to get rid of all his black hoodies, stop blasting loud music through his Beats and to always wear his hat facing frontwards. Basically, she told a growing Black boy, “Be the antithesis of a stereotypical Black man in society and then you will be safe. Be the antithesis of who society expects you to be so that you can be safe in America.” My little brother can change the clothes he wears, but the color of his mahogany skin is indelible and will make him a target in the eyes of law enforcement officers nonetheless. My mother’s pleas were merely hopes that my goofy, intelligent, six-foot, 13-year-old Black little brother will not be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong police officer. (see more on Afro.com) Antonia Alakija, 17-year-old African-American female, is senior editor-in-chief of the student run newspaper at the National Cathedral School, and can be contacted at aalakija@ cathedral.org.
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The Afro-American, January 10, 2015 - January 16, 2015
“HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS FROM ME AND MINE” Happy New Year to you, my friends, readers, and fans. I’m praying that 2015 will be better than last year for all of us. You know, I just realize that you have been reading me; “Rambling Rose” in the AfroAmerican Newspaper for almost 18 years comes February 14, 2015. Mannnnnnnnnnn! We had a lot of conversations with you. I am so happy that my Boss, Jake Oliver called me in 1997, which seems like yesterday and invited me to bring “Rambling Rose” to their publication and be a part of the Afro family. It has been a joy and a blessing to share my stories, and to tell you what is going on in our community thru the entertainment world about everyday people. With both publication, The Afro and the Baltimore Times together, I am celebrating 28 years as their Entertainment Columnist and thanks to you, my fans and supporters, you have made me one of the most popular Entertainment Columnist “Rambling Rose” on the East Coast. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I hope to continue to talk to you for many years to come. You keep reading me and I will keep writing. I know you must have heard by now that one of our own Baltimore comedian, now, actress, talk show host, author and Oscar Award Winner, “Mo’Nique” is returning to Baltimore to give us one hell-la-va show on Saturday, January 10 at 8 p.m. at the Hippodrome Theatre, located at 12 N. Eutaw Street. She will be joined by many of our local comedians that will make you laugh until your stomach hurt. “The Mo’Nique and Friends Comedy Show” are produced by Kleon Da Comedian and The Kle Team with music provided by DJ Don Juan. Kleon Da Comedian & the Kle Team were founded in May of 2005 by Baltimore native Keith Norman, also known as Kleon Da Comedian. The Kle Team is a successful independent entertainment group whose members are all 30 years of age and under. Kleon and his team produce comedy shows and sketches, movies, and stage plays. The Kle Team also supports and develops charity events that involve feeding the homeless several times throughout the year in various parts of the country. It has been a long time since I have seen Mo’Nique and I am looking forward to being at her show. I remember the first story I wrote about her being a very funny and gifted comedian when she was at the Baltimore Comedy Factory Outlet and when she cut the ribbon to her own Comedy Club years later. Now look at her now. We are so proud of her. For tickets and more information, call 410-837-7400 or purchase tickets at Ticketmaster. Looking ahead, the Maryland Van Council is having their Annual Dance at the Pikesville
Justin Thomas, renowned multifarious musician, who is gifted and can play many instruments with perfection, one of Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund recipients when he was 7 years old, was back in Baltimore, performing and sharing the stage with renowned Warren Wolf Jr. at the Caton Castle recently.
Chef Patrick, right, takes over the kitchen with his staff serving from his fantastic menu for the patrons at Slim Butler’s new night club, called TD II Lounge, located 1173 W. Hamburg St. in South Baltimore. Community Hall, 40 E. Sudbrook Lane in Baltimore on Saturday, January 17, 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. They will have live entertainment featuring Habit Band and DJ music. Also, yours truly, “Rambling Rose” will be there doing a book signing. It is Cabaret style, so BYOB with free set-ups. For ticket information, call Swat at 443-416-4016. The Kings Landing Women’s Service Club is having their Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 8-10:30 a.m. at Martin’s West, 6817 Dogwood Road in Baltimore. Their speaker will be Jesse Wineberry, CEO of Broadcast Urban Filmworks and yours truly; “Rambling Rose” will be there for a book signing. For ticket information, call 410-6633199. Well, my dear friends, it is about that time, and out of space. Remember, if you need me, email me at rosapryor@aol.com or call me at 410-833-9474. UNTIL THEN, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.
Mo’Nique Angela Hicks, professionally known as Mo’Nique, our Home Girl, is returning to Baltimore for a night of comedy and entertainment; headlining the “Mo’Nique and FRIENDS COMEDY,” 8 p.m., Jan. 10, at the Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St.
Eleanor Janey, one of Baltimore’s Jazz musician promoters, and a long- time member of the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund poses with one of our first place recipients in 1997. Shown here at the Caton Castle recently where he performed and I understand he took the roof of the sucker. BRAVO! JUSTIN THOMAS, BRAVO! The organization is so proud of you.
January 10, 2015 - January 16, 2015, The Afro-American
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The Guardsmen Organization at New Year's Eve Gala 2014
More than 50 Guardsmen from the National Association of Baltimore Guardsmen served as hosts to their spouses, girlfriends, family members and friends at their New Year Eve’s Gala. Visiting Guardsmen were also in attendance from California, Boston, Chicago,
New York and Virginia. As the countdown came closer to the stroke of midnight, the 300 guests moved to the window in the Marriott Waterfront hotel to watch the fireworks set to explode at midnight.
Eric and Kelly Register, Julie Gray Manley, Kenneth Manley
Beverly and John Carter
Bryant and Lawanda Jenkins
Steph and Debra Jackson, Aileen and Dwight Taylor
The delicious variety of entrees, with an assortment of desserts and cocktails, including the bubbly champagne toast to the New Year made for a fun-filled evening with couples dancing throughout the evening and early morning with sounds of the Rah Jazz Band.
Dr. Argin Hutchins Jr, Dr. Mychelle Farmer, Marcellous Frye Jr.
Shannon Gaines, Lola Redmond, DeShanta Rhea
John and Deidre Stokes, Felecia and Ben Philips IV
Kenneth and Dale Thompson, Maria and Aaron Burnett
Steward and Pamela Beckham, Teri and Ted Alexander Del and Danny Henson, Dr. Patricia and Hon. Kurt Schmoke
Walt and Donna Pearson, Cecil and Sheryl Flamer
Sheila Brooks, president, President's Round Table with Sharon Pinder, director, Mayor's Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development
Brenda and Bill Jews
Dr. Donald Wilson, Patricia Wilson, Dr. Marcia Henson Coakley, Frank Coakley, Erica F. Cryor, Michael Cryor, Baltimore Guardsmen President Calvin and Sharon Butler
Entrepreneurs of the Presidents’ RoundTable slowed their usually busy pace to enjoy each other’s company at a holiday gathering at the Rusty Scupper restaurant in the Inner Harbor Marina. “This is an opportunity for us to see each other in a social gathering; leaving your work and pressures behind you and enjoy each other and your guests,” said Sheila Brooks, founder/CEO of SRB Communications and president of the PRT. Jeff and Beneak Hargrave, Mahogany Interiors All during the year the members help each other grow their businesses and advocate for minority businesses, particularly women. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and full of Christmas cheer.
QC Jones, TMI Solutions; Wanda Wickham, executive director, PRT; Hans Edwards, Edwards & Hill OfficeFurnitue
Harry William Holt Jr., Robert L. Wallace, Jeffrey Hargrave Robert Wallace, Stanley Tucker, Harry William Holt Jr.
Sharon Page, John Walters, Shelonda Stokes, Calvin Mims
Garland Williamson, Donna Stevenson, Jim Davenport
Beneak Hargrove, Karen Scott-Mims, Sheila Brooks, Wanda Wickham All Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine
B2
The Afro-American, January 10, 2015 - January 16, 2015
The annual kickoff Christmas party for the combined chapters of The Links was held, Dec. 7, at the Grey Rock Mansion in Pikesville. The Baltimore, Harbor City and the Patapsco River Chapters joined together to enjoy the holidays with great food, dancing and lots of good fun.
Links Lisa Lomans, Dr. Thelma T. Daley, Rev. Yvonne Robinson, Nikita Haysbert
Carol Foreman, Hon. Marilyn Mosby, Jacqueline Hrabrowski The Hon. Patricia Jessamy, president, Baltimore, Md. Chapter Links; Audrey Quarles, Lydia McCargo-Redd
Links Teri Alexander, Terri Parker, Pamela Beckham, Kelly Mason
Dorothy Johnson, Virginia Watkins, Lynda Perry, Carolyn Cole Dominique Allen, Nicholas Johansson, Dr. Crystal Watkins Johansson
Frances Christmon, Beth Williams, Hon. Joan Pratt
Howard Jessamy, Hon. Patricia Jessamy, Rep. Elijah Cummings, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Rosalyn Smith Dr. Lenora Caldwell, Marilyn Harris Davis, Patricia Roulac, Leah Perry
Geanelle Griffith Herring, Cylia E. Lowe, Llauryn Iglehart-Howard, Robin Ott
Links Gloria Parker, Merry Macer, Del. Adrienne Jones, Dr. Frankie Martin
Omega Man Mike Currie is “steppin” for the crowd!
Art Colbert Jr. and Lydia Barkley Stephanie and Ronald Thompson
Dara and Steve Williams
Links Ivy Gates-Smith, Darlene Moss, Alice Pinderhughes
Members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Tau Pi Chapter celebrated their annual holiday with a black tie event, Dec. 13 at the BWI Airport Marriott. More than 300 partygoers attended the Signature event with the chapter who commemorated 39 years of service to the Howard County community. Proceeds will assist in funding the chapter’s programs and initiatives for the upcoming year.
Rosalind RobinsonAmbrose and Jerry Watkins
Charles and Marsha Owens
Chester Williams, Luther Clark, Adam James, Marcus Williams
David K. Charon, basileus, Tau Pi Chapter, Yolanda Charon, Dr. Teri Hill, delegate - elect
Sam Williams and LeNora Ali Garner
Dr. and Mrs. Adams E. McKee
Benjamin and Felicia Phillips Nyjda, Michael, and Renee' Littlejohn
Patrice White and Paul Trotter Jr. Mary and Alfred Bracey
Standing, Clarence Jeffers III, Sherry McDaniels-Thomas, Teresa PayneNunn, Daphane Gilliam, Chelsea Reynolds, Benjamin Reynolds III, Pathe' Diagne. Seated are Delois Jeffers, Desiree Mitchell, Cheryl Taylor
Wanda Nelson, Robin Steele, David Steele
Sheila Prather, Austin and Dorothy Phaire
Sisters Dr. Iantha Tucker, Dr. Jannette Dates, Dr. Mabel Murray All Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine
January 10, 2015 - January 16, 2015, The Afro-American
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ARTS & CULTURE
‘Empire’ Review
Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson Co-Star in Nighttime Soap Opera of Shakespearean Proportions
Photo courtesy of Fox/Facebook
The cast of ‘Empire.’
By Kam Williams Special to the AFRO Luscious Lyon (Terrence Howard) is the ailing CEO of Empire Entertainment, a company he built into a music industry titan while his wife Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) was doing 17 years behind bars for a crime that he committed. Like a modern-day King Lear, he’s ready to surrender the throne to one of his heirs. Lear had three daughters, Luscious has three sons, and that similarity is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of unabashed
allusions to the works of William Shakespeare made in the opening episode of Empire. Directed by two-time Oscar-nominee Lee Daniels (for Precious), the premiere of this nighttime soap opera is mostly devoted to introducing characters and setting the stage for the impending struggle to control the thriving family business. There’s ambitious eldest son, Andre (Trai Byers), a Stanford MBA married to a greedy ice princess (Kaitlin Doubleday). Middle child Jamal (Jussie Smollett) is quite a talented performer, but he’s also gay and out of the closet, a potential career-killer in the homophobic realm of macho hip-hop. Finally, we have youngest bro Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray), a budding rap star already on the rise. Complicating matters is the fact that their mom’s just been paroled, and she’s eager to stake a claim to her rightful share of the firm for having quietly taken the rap for their former-drug dealer daddy. Among the supporting cast members are Gabby Sidibe as Luscious’ assistant Becky, Jennifer Joan Taylor as Dr. Shahani, and Tom Gaitsch as an attorney. Though a tad melodramatic for this critic’s taste, the show’s over the top antics are apt to cultivate a loyal following among the desired demographic, provided Lee Daniels and his creative team come up with a weekly cliffhanger to keep the audience curious enough to tune in again and again and again. A word to the wise: Thou cannot go wrong by pilfering plotlines from the brilliant Bard of Avon.
Very Good (2.5 stars) Rated TV-14 Running time: 42 minutes Distributor: Fox Television Network To see a trailer for Empire, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBzu_jKLJek
CHRIS NASHAWATY
“ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL FILMS OF THE YEAR.
A reminder of what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did for this country. David Oyelowo is magnificent. He reveals the King who is not in our history books — his humor, his human failings, and his self-doubt. Director Ava DuVernay brilliantly uses a micro event as a way into a larger, more compelling macro story. ‘Selma’ arrives with a raw-nerve urgency and timeliness that no one could have anticipated .
”
PETER TRAVERS
A TRULY GREAT AMERICAN FILM.”
“ FROM MICHAEL MANN DIRECTOR OF HEAT, COLLATERAL AND THE INSIDER
ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR
ONE OF THE BEST PERFORMANCES OF THE YEAR David Oyelowo as .
NEW YORK FILM CRITICS ONLINE BOSTON SOCIET Y OF FILM CRITICS
LEGENDARY PICTURES AND UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENT A LEGENDARY PICTURES/FORWARD PASS PRODUCTION A MICHAEL MANN FILM CHRIS HEMSWORTH “BLACKHAT” TANG WEI VIOLAEXECUTIVEDAVIS RITCHIE COSTER HOLT MPRODUCED CCALLANY YORICK VAN WAGENINGEN AND WANG LEEHOM MUSIC BY THOMAS TULL p.g.a. MICHAEL MANN p.g.a. JON JASHNI p.g.a. BY HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS ATTICUS ROSS PRODUCERS ERIC MCLEOD ALEX GARCIA WRITTEN DIRECTED BY MORGAN DAVIS FOEHL BY MICHAEL MANN A UNIVERSAL RELEASE
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The Afro-American, January 10, 2015 - January 16, 2015
AFRO Sports Desk Faceoff
SPORTS
Thirty and Over Club—Is LeBron James Breaking Down at Age 30?
that he’s averaging the lowest point total since his rookie season, which should definitely be a concern considering Cleveland’s lack of scoring depth. If his second stint in Cleveland is going to be a success, then James is going to have to be the dominant player that we’re accustomed to seeing. Right now, that’s not happening.
By Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley Special to AFRO
So far, LeBron James’ return to the Cleveland Cavaliers hasn’t exactly blown anyone away. But the Cavs are still a formidable team and have already passed the halfway mark of last season’s 33-win season, sitting at 19-14. However, with the news that James will miss the next two weeks with knee and lower back strains, how will Cleveland fare without the NBA’s best asset? The Cavaliers’ star forward has delivered some outstanding games this season. But he was already lacking the explosiveness that defined his early career, and his latest body tweaks have the look of issues that could linger deeper into the season. James turned 30 years old in late December, and admitted to reporters that he has “over 41,000 minutes” on his body. James was expected to take Cleveland to the next level, but is he already breaking down before things get started? Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley of the AFRO Sports Desk debate the question. Riley: A few strains here and there don’t mean James is breaking down, they’re just normal NBA wear and tear. Slowing down might be one thing, but James doesn’t appear ready to break down at this point. He’s still averaging 25.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game. He’s still a fantastic player. You can’t realistically expect him to be jumping over defenders like he did during his first stint in Cleveland. He’s a better player now and a better leader. His points are down but he’s averaging his most assists since the 2009-2010 season, when he was the league’s MVP. He’s not as explosive, but he’s not breaking down either. He’s still in his prime and the best small forward in the game.
Riley: There are several other reasons why James is averaging his lowest point total since his inaugural year, and they have nothing to do with his game breaking down. He’s on a completely brand-new team, joining players with whom he’s only shared limited minutes during Olympic and All-Star play. For all we know, his scoring numbers could be down based upon his lower back and knee troubles. I’m not ready to close the book on James yet, and say his body is breaking down. A couple of weeks of rest should do wonders, and I’m sure he’ll dominate once again upon his return. There are plenty of other superstars around the league who have missed more time than James this season.
LeBron James Green: James’ athleticism has been depreciating for years now, and things have bottomed out this year. He’s breaking down. He’s looked exhausted in some games and flat-out dead in others. You mentioned assists, Riley, but failed to mention
Morgan State Loses Fifth Straight, Falls to Cal State Northridge By Perry Green AFRO Sports Editor The Morgan State Bears’ losing slump extended to five games following a 78-62 defeat at the hands of California State University at Northridge on Jan. 2 in Northridge, Calif. The Bears, who also lost to University of California Riverside on Dec. 30 and to Marquette College on Dec. 28, now carry a 2-13 overall record. Morgan State gave California State-Northridge a tough matchup early on. The Bears scored 40 first half points and trailed by only five points at the break. Junior guard Dontre Pretlow scored 13 points with five assists in the first half and senior guard Blake Bozeman added 11 points. But both players were shut down in the second half; Pretlow and Bozeman scored just three more points each to finish with 16 points and 14 points, respectively. Meanwhile, Cal State Northridge senior forwards Stephan Hicks and Stephen Maxwell took over the game; Hicks scored a game-high 22 points and Maxwell dropped a double-double of 20 points with 11 rebounds. Next: Morgan State will finish its West Coast trip with a Jan. 5 matchup against St. Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif. The Bears then return to Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play with a road contest against Delaware State in Dover on Jan. 10.
Green: You’re right, there are stars who have missed more time, but they’ve also been explosive and dominant when they’ve returned. I can tell you’re hinting at Oklahoma City Thunder stars Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, but the two of them have returned to post some monster games. James gets a pass based upon his tenure in the league, and I don’t really expect him to be spending significant time in the gym at this stage in his career, but he has looked winded quite often this year. He’s playing like an advanced veteran instead of the young stud that he was during his first stint in Cleveland, and that’s hard for a lot of people to accept. But if Cleveland is going to win anything, we need to see the James that was MVP-caliber, not the one in a suit on the sidelines.
Coppin State Ends Non-Conference Schedule, Extends Losing Streak to 10 By Perry Green AFRO Sports Editor Junior guard Sterlin Smith scored a game-high 16 points and senior guard Taariq Cephas added a double-double of 12 points with 10 rebounds along with eight assists and seven steals, but the Coppin State Eagles nevertheless fell to the University of Akron’s Akron Zips, 79-62, in a non-conference matchup on Dec. 3 in Akron, Ohio. It marked the Eagles’ 10th straight loss as they slid to a 1-14 overall record. Coppin State kept the score tight against the Zips (9-4) during the first 10 minutes of the game, and the score was tied at 15-15 midway through the first half. But Akron slowly broke down Coppin State through the last 10 minutes of the first half to take a 43-33 lead into halftime break. Akron continued to build on its double-digit lead during the second half with a balanced offensive attack; 11 players scored for the Zips, including six players with at least nine points. Sophomore center Isaiah Johnson led all Akron players with 13 points. Next: Facing tough non-conference opponents, Coppin State’s lone win of the season came over Goldey-Beacom College on Dec. 1. The Eagles will look to get back on track when they begin Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play, starting with a Jan. 10 matchup against Howard University in Washington, D.C.
January 10, 2015 - January 16, 2015, The Afro-American
B5
A Grateful Nation?
The Doris “Dorrie” Miller Story - Part Three By MarshaRose Joyner Special to the AFRO Being born into the Jim Crow era in America the story I’m about to tell you is not foreign. In fact it is all too familiar.
Black Troops in the U.S. Military
During the years of the American imperialist quest the U.S. Navy was for the most part an integrated service, picking up “sailors” of any color and from any country who were willing to serve. Sailors moved from the Navy to merchant sailing continually during their life at sea. All vessels carried Blacks, although race was not always noted on the ship rosters. Naval vessels suffered from chronic manpower shortages. Since “The War of 1812” was principally a Naval War, a large number of African-American sailors with prior Revolutionary War experience were sought after. The Navy began enlisting Blacks in 1861 for the Bloody Civil War... Free Blacks sought service in the Navy, because the Army would not have them until the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 made enlistment possible . . . Six African-American seamen would be awarded the Medal of Honor. Robert Smalls was the African-American Naval hero of the Civil War. From 1866-1899 the US Navy patrolled the oceans, engaged in brief conflicts and performed “good-will” visits in ports throughout the world. During this period, seven Medals of Honor were awarded to African-American seamen. Once the Navy began “landsman training” that is, specialized training for recruits, they no longer had to depend on men from coastal communities with maritime training, and they also no longer need Blacks. The Navy preferred to have its servants be Asians and in 1919 the Navy stopped enlisting Blacks. In the early 1930s as the United States prepared for war with Japan, Asian sailors were no longer sought after and the numbers of African Americans had dwindled to less than one percent. By 1933 the enlistment for African-American sailors had begun again. The Navy preferred “Unspoiled young Negroes” therefore recruiting men from the south was much favored over those from the Northern cities. Congressmen appointed two Blacks to the Naval Academy as midshipmen in the 1930s, but the White officers at Annapolis convinced them to seek lives outside the Navy. World War II consumed the United States in the early 1940s. At the same time, this country was also fighting another major war: segregation. This battle permeated the Navy more than any other branch of the military. The Secretary of the Navy at that time, Frank Knox, was a major catalyst for the continued segregation within the Department of the Navy. Hitler espoused the theory of the “Superior “Even Aryan Race” as Hitler espoused the theory of the “Superior Aryan Race”, the United States military practiced the theory of “African-American mental inferiority.” The Army War College study of 1940 described the AfricanAmerican as having ‘less developed mental capacities.” The Navy was accepting “coloreds” on a limited basis as stewards. “The Marines were accepting NO non-white men. During the first six months of 1940 the Army accepted 30 AfricanAmericans total to all of its schools,” wrote historian Duane B. Bradford.
Jews and Catholics did not fare much better
In the biography of Admiral Hyman Rickover “Rickover, Controversy and Genius,” authors Norman Polmar and Thomas B. Allen write, “Jewish midshipmen were “sent to Coventry” for all of their four years at the Naval Academy. No midshipmen could speak to him; no one could acknowledge their existence.” The idea of “Coventry” seems to have begun around the time of the Civil War between Charles I and Parliament. Royalist prisoners were sent to Coventry, a redoubt of the Parliament supporters. Another theory holds that the townspeople of Coventry so disliked having troops quartered there that they ostracized women seen even speaking to the soldiers. So, being “sent to Coventry,” for a soldier, meant isolation. By extension, the term 4 came to mean being ostracized by one’s peers. The sending of a midshipman to Coventry was unofficially tolerated at Annapolis, although the practice was not officially acknowledged in any way. A member of the Class of 1915 said, “All Jews lived in
Coventry” during their time at the Academy. The all has been denied by others, but there is no doubt that anti-Semitism was at times strong enough to exile Jewish midshipmen at least to a psychological ghetto and ultimately to Coventry.” Filipinos and Guamanians who chose to come to America following a dream after a period of untold harassment and brutality, enlisted in the Navy only to become “Messman.” Servants! Carlos Bulosan wrote, “I feel like a criminal running away from a crime I did not commit. And this crime is that I am a Filipino in America.” Naval Academy records indicate that Emilio Jose Olivares, USNA Class of 1923, was the first USNA graduate from the Philippine Islands. An act of Congress approved 29 August 1916 authorized the appointment of four Filipinos, one for each class, to receive instruction at the Naval Academy. Filipino midshipmen as Foreign Nationals Carlos Bulosan were not eligible to be commissioned in the U.S. Navy (All graduates received a regular diploma of graduation but are NOT commissioned in the U.S. Navy.) Emilio Jose Olivares, USNA Class of 1923 commissioned 2LT US Army, Philippine Scouts. Olivares (2nd) had served through WWII and was integrated into the Regular US Army CAC, after WWII.
Filipinos in the U.S. Navy
In l903, the U.S. Navy listed 9 Filipinos in the ranks; by l905, there were 178. 5. Filipinos were restricted to the Messman/steward rating until the late l970’s, but they were found throughout the Navy, on ships, at shore stations, and wherever senior Navy officers were assigned. Between World War I and World War II, the number of Filipinos remained more or less constant at roughly 4,000. Despite their restriction to the Messman/ steward rating, duty in the Navy was far preferable to remaining in the barrio. A Filipino steward remaining in the Navy until retirement could lump his retirement pay and savings together and live rather handsomely in his Philippine hometown. World War II precluded the enlistment of native Filipinos in the Navy, but immigrant Filipinos in the U.S. were allowed to join both the Navy and the Army. After the allied landing in l944, native Filipinos were again recruited by the U.S. Navy, with 2000 enlistments by l946. The primary motivation for Filipinos to join the Navy was, and is, poverty at home. The 1946 wartime devastation at home left little hope for a future in the Philippines. “Jim Crow was the name of the game. Everything was separate; nothing was equal. Segregation was in full swing. There were white and black drinking fountains, white and black sections in the railroad stations, the bus station; everything. And there was no “choice.” You had was to try to make the best of it or get in trouble. Prejudice was something George C. Cooper we lived with every day of our lives.” –George C. Cooper, “The Golden Thirteen” The Secretary of State, Cordell Hull’s total prejudice toward the Japanese and other minorities had a major impact in the pre-war negotiations in particular and the conduct of the war in general. This cartoon in Vanity Fair’s August 1935 issue satirizing Emperor Hirohito offended the Japanese government so much; Ambassador Hiroshi Saito demanded apologies from both the magazine’s publisher and Secretary Cordell Hull.
The Golden Thirteen
In 1943 the secretary of the navy agreed to commission Black officers, and 16 candidates were chosen from the ranks to undergo accelerated officer training in the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois. Most, but not all, of the 16 had been to college, and some had advanced degrees; most of them also had been athletes, and all had exemplary service records. From January through March 1944, they went through officer training in segregated facilities at Camp Robert Small in Great Lakes under the tutelage of White officers. All passed the course, but only 13 received commissions, 12 as ensigns and 1 as a warrant
officer. (The reasons for the rejection of the final three were never given. Some have speculated that the navy, accustomed to a certain failure rate among officer candidates, did not want the Black group to Emperor Hirohito cartoon be seen as performing better than Whites.) The graduates were given assignments that fit within the navy’s segregated system—for instance, training Black recruits, overseeing all-Black logistics units, or commanding small vessels such as harbor tugs, patrol craft, or oilers that were mostly crewed by Black sailors. Only one made the navy his career after the war ended; the rest went on to a number of civilian careers, including education, business, social work, and the law. While Black men in officers’ uniforms drew stares in nearby Chicago, the harshest reaction came from the Navy. The 13 were not allowed in the officers’ club at Great Lakes. And they were not given the full authority of officers. The Golden Thirteen also faced taunts and disrespect from enlisted men. In Newport News, Va., Ensign Cooper was on a Navy base with his wife and infant daughter. A sailor walked up, came within inches of his face and called him a “Black s.o.b.” Only the intercession of his wife prevented a fistfight. They received their commissions without graduation ceremony or fanfare. The Golden Thirteen’s commissioning picture was on the cover of Life magazine and you guessed it – no names.
The Golden Thirteen
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The Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) is issuing a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) No. MAA-REOI-15-102 to Establish, Operate and Maintain a Non-Exclusive Concierge Hotel Reservation Service Concession at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. MAA is seeking public and industry feedback regarding a concierge hotel reservation service concession at the Airport. MAA welcomes all suggestions, ideas and concepts which would complement a concierge hotel reservation service concession and enhance passenger experiences. Please contact Morris E. Williams, III, Manager, Division of Commercial Business Activities at 410-859-7036 to arrange for pickup of the REOI specifications in person or receipt of the REOI by regular mail. Alternatively, the REOI may be downloaded from the MAA website at: http://www.marylandaviation.com/bids.html Respondents should prepare responses in accordance with the requirements for submission set forth in the REOI under the section titled, INSTRUCTIONS & FORMAT OF REOI SUBMISSION. Written responses must be received by 4:00 p.m. (local time), January 22, 2015. Submissions may be emailed to maareoiresponses@bwiairport.com or sent to the following physical address: Ms. Helen M. Tremont, C.M., Director Office of Commercial Management Maryland Aviation Administration Third Floor, Terminal Building PO Box 8766 BWI Airport, MD 21240-0766 Note:
When submitting REOI responses sent by overnight mail (e.g. FedEx, UPS, etc.), omit the P.O. Box in the above address.
All submissions will become the property of MAA, and will be used to assess the interest in and the potential options for a concierge hotel reservation service concession at the Airport.
NAME: ________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________ PHONE NO.:____________________________________________ CLASSIFICATION: ______________________________________ (Room, Apt., House, etc.) INSERTION DATE:_________________
BALTIMORE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER Legal Advertising Rates Effective October 1, 2008 PROBATE DIVISION (Estates) 202-332-0080 PROBATE NOTICES 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
Sanitary Contract 918 - Improvements to the Headworks and Wet Weather Flow Equalization at the Back River WWTP - City of Baltimore
Principal Items of Work for this project includes, but not limited to, construction of new Headworks Facilities on an existing portion of the Back River WWTP site. Significant existing underground utilities exist on the site of the new facilities and shall be addressed during construction. The facilities include an Influent Pumping Station, Fine Screen Facility, Grit Removal Facility, Equalization Pumping Station, Equalization Storage Tanks, Emergency Power Generation Facility, miscellaneous Flow Distribution Structures, Odor Control Facilities, associated electrical and control systems and associated site improvements. This project is tentatively scheduled for advertisement in the First Quarter of 2015 with substantial completion required to occur by December 31, 2018. Long lead items have been pre-selected by JMT and the City of Baltimore and include the influent and equalization pumps, traveling bridge grit system and above ground storage tanks. Please contact Ben Asavakarin at 410-316-2395 or bena@jmt.com to inquire about obtaining electronic copies of the draft design documents. It is stressed that this is not a procurement solicitation and no award will be issued as a result of responses received from the industry. Additionally, the City of Baltimore and JMT will not be responsible for any cost incurred by the respondents in furnishing comments and information.
a. Absent Defendant b. Absolute Divorce c. Custody Divorce
ORDER FOR NOTICE BY PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to officially change the name of the petitioner from Moshe Gvirtz to Mark Gewirtz It is this 24th day of December , 2014 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 24th day of January, 2015, which shall warn all interested persons to file an affidavit in opposition to the relief requested on or before the 10th day of February, 2015 Frank M. Conaway Clerk 01/09/15
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR BALTIMORE CITY Case No.: 24D14002626 IN THE MATTER OF Larvenia Lott FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO Larrivenia Lott ORDER FOR NOTICE BY PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to officially change the name of the petitioner from Larvenia Lott to Larrivenia Lott
$ 80.00 $ 200.00
$ 150.00 $ 150.00 $150.00
To place your ad, call 1-800-237-6892, ext. 262, Public Notices $50.00 & up depending on size, Baltimore Legal Notices are $24.84 per inch. 1-800 (AFRO) 892 For Proof of Publication, please call 1-800-237-6892, ext. 244
To advertise in the AFRO Call
410-554-8200
TYPESET: Jan 07 13:54:23 EST 2015 TYPESET: Wed Jan 07 13:53:56 ESTWed 2015 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR BALTIMORE CITY Case No.: 24D14003561 IN THE MATTER OF Moshe Gvirtz FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO Mark Gewirtz
$180.00 per 3 weeks $180.00 per 3 weeks $360.00 per 6 weeks $125.00
FAMILY COURT 202-879-1212 DOMESTIC RELATIONS 202-879-0157
TYPESET: Wed Jan 07 13:53:31 EST 2015
The City of Baltimore and Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT) are inviting prospective general contractors to review and discuss the Draft Design Plans and Specifications for Sanitary Contract 918 for the sole purpose of eliciting and gathering industry comments. When advertised, the anticipated Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is E13003 Water and/or Sewer Treatment Plants and Pumping Stations. Cost qualification range for this work will be over $225 million.
$180.00 per 3 weeks
CAREER CORNER
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE INSIDE SALES
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT Advertising Sales Professional needed for EXECUTIVE the AFRO-American Newspapers, Washington, D.C. or Baltimore office. Entry-Level Advertising Sales Rep needed the AFRO-American Positionfor provides: • Competitive compensation package Newspapers, Baltimore, M.D. • Salary and commission plan • Full benefits after trial period Position provides: • Competitive compensation package Opportunity for fast track advance• It is this 8th day of ment December, 2014 by the • Salary and commission plan Circuit Court for Bal- • Full benefits after trial period should be: timore City, • Candidates Opportunity for fast track • advancement Self starters ORDERED, that publication be given one • Money motivated time in a newspaper of • Goal-oriented should possess: general circulation in Candidates • Experienced in online/digital sales Baltimore City on or • • Good typing/data entry skills Confident in ability to build strong before the 8th day of • Excellent customer service skills territory January, 2015, which • Previous telephone sales experience • Previous sales experience preferred shall warn all interested persons to file • Excellent written and verbal communication skills an affidavit in opposi- Please email your resume to: dhocker@ tion to the relief reafro. quested on or before email your resume to: com Please or mail to: the 23rd day of lhowze@afro.com or mail to Afro-American Newspapers January, 2015. AFRO-American Newspapers, Diane W. Diane W. Hocker, Hocker, Director of Human Resources, Director of Human Resources Frank M. Conaway 2519 N. Charles Street, Clerk 2519 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21218 1/09/15 Baltimore, MD 21218
January 10, 2015 - January 16, 2015, The Afro-American
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Selma: A 2014 American Historical Epic Drama Movie
The Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy & Martin Luther King, Jr. he said. In the film, the King-Abernathy partnership that was formed during the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955, spurred by Rosa Parks, simply does not exist – save for one small jail scene.
A Paramount Pictures photo of “Selma,” from left to right: Tessa Thompson plays Diane Nash, Omar Dorsey plays James Orange, Colman Domingo plays Ralph Abernathy, David Oyelowo plays Martin Luther King, Jr., Andre Holland plays Andrew Young, Corey Reynolds plays Rev. C.T. Vivian, and Lorraine Toussaint plays Amelia Boynton. By MarshaRose Joyner Special to the AFRO At this time when voting and other civil rights are under attack in America especially by the state and federal governments I was looking forward to the movie Selma. I was so sure it would tell the people who were not yet born 50 years ago a real view into the events of that era. Dr. John Elliott Churchville wrote in his essay “The Quiescent/Self-Liberative Contradiction’s Encounter with African Mis-Education” “African[American] educators (learners-teachers-students) of our children must be radical— i.e., they must be revolutionaries committed to the liberation of our children from ideas and worldviews that demean them and us as a people, and must be able and willing to confront the lies and contradictions found in learning materials and make them part of the dialogue with students. Dialoguing with studentsteachers-learners is the critical component in the learning process.” Selma is a 2014 American historical epic drama film directed by Ava DuVernay and written by Paul Webb. It is based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by James Bevel, Hosea Williams, and Martin Luther King, Jr. of SCLC and John Lewis of SNCC. I say 2014 American historical epic drama because in some very important details it differs from the 1965 real life epic drama. Selma has received wide acclaim from film critics. Inasmuch as the movie is beautifully shot and the characters a magnificently portrayed, Jason Moran, composer of the music for the film, is memorable. For the majority of Americans who will see this film it is the only window they will have to the events that unfolded during the strife and struggle of the fight for the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Inasmuch as most people really DO believe what they see on the big screen, especially when Oprah is one of the producers, the producers had an obligation to get it right. And they missed it. If you don’t know the history of the three Selma marches in March of 1965 – well, I wish the movie had gotten it right.
February 18, 1965 - During a march in Marion, Alabama state troopers attack the demonstrators. State trooper James Bonard Fowler shoots and kills Jimmie Lee Jackson. Jackson was unarmed. Fowler was charged with murder in 2007 and pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2010. Jimmie Lee Jackson’s murder is portrayed at a different time and place later in the movie. Jimmie Lee Jackson was a deacon of the St. James Baptist Church in Marion, Ala., ordained in the summer of 1964. Jackson had tried to register to vote without success for four years. Jackson was inspired by SNCC who had touched off a campaign against Alabama restrictions on Negro voting and attended meetings several nights per week at Zion’s Chapel Methodist Church. This desire to vote led to his death at the hands of an Alabama State Trooper and to the inspiration for the Selma to Montgomery marches. The 1965 Selma Movement could never have happened if SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) hadn’t been there opening up Selma in 1962 and 1963. The later nationally known movement was the product of more than two years of very careful, very slow work. Much has been written about the miss-representation of role of President Johnson in the film. And since I have come to think of President and Lady Bird Johnson as personal friends, I have to agree with much of what has been written.
Signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act – Washington, D.C. Aug.6, 1965,
LBJ Library Director Mark Updegrove alleged the film portrayed President Johnson as an obstructionist and said, “When racial tension is so high, it does no good to suggest that the president of the U.S. himself stood in the way of progress a half-century ago. It flies in the face of history.” Former Martin Luther King Jr. aide Andrew Young said, “President Johnson did not say ‘it had to wait.’ He said, ‘I have a great agenda.’ …We did not expect him to commit. We were really kind of letting him know that we had to pursue voting rights. His agenda, I found out later, was that he thought that the Great Society…would be easier for him to bring first. If he had said that, we would probably have agreed with him. But we didn’t have a choice.” Young also criticized the film’s suggestion that Johnson ordered the FBI surveillance and harassment of King and said, “It was actually Robert Kennedy who signed the order allowing the FBI to wiretap all of us. … We knew we were bugged, but that was before LBJ.” I am sure that the falling out between King and Johnson occurred not as depicted in the film but in 1967. This occurred after King took a stand against the administration for shortchanging the War on Poverty while spending billions of dollars on the Vietnam War. But that break occurred when King made his blistering speech against the war in New York City April 4, 1967. King delivered the speech, sponsored by the group “Clergy and Laymen Concerned About Vietnam,” after committing to participate in New York’s April 15, 1967, anti-Vietnam war march from Central Park to the United Nations sponsored by the Spring Mobilization to End the War in Vietnam. One year to the day they killed him.
The widow and children of Civil Rights leader Ralph David Abernathy and close friend of Dr. King issued a statement of complaint about the film Selma. Ralph Abernathy III the son said Donzaleigh Abernathy, a sister who is an actress in Los Angeles, had obtained a copy of the script “Selma” and sent it to Atlanta. Members of the family — particularly Juanita, the widow of the civil rights leader — didn’t like what they saw. The character of Ralph David Abernathy, played by Colman Domingo, “was not articulate. My mother was very upset – they made it seem like he was an uneducated man. He was more concerned with eating food,” the son said. Some adjustments were made, the Abernathy family says, yet they remain dissatisfied. “The depiction of the role of my father is grossly mischaracterized,” Ralph Abernathy III said. But it is now a matter of omission rather than commission,
“At times history and fate meet at a single time in a single place to shape a turning point in man’s unending search for freedom. So it was at Lexington and Concord. So it was a century ago at Appomattox. So it was last week in Selma, Alabama (March 7, 1965). There is no Negro problem. There is no southern problem. There is no northern problem. There is only an American problem. Many of the issues of civil rights are very complex and most difficult. But about this there can and should be no argument. Every American citizen must have the right to vote...Yet the harsh fact is that in many places in this country men and women are kept from voting simply because they are Negroes... No law that we now have on the books...can insure the right to vote when local officials are determined to deny it... There is no Constitutional issue here. The command of the Constitution is plain. There is no moral issue. It is wrong--deadly wrong--to deny any of your fellow Americans the right to vote in this country. There is no issue of States’ rights or National rights. There is only the struggle for human rights.” President Lyndon B. Johnson
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The Afro-American, January 10, 2015 - January 16, 2015
Support the Open Internet Preserve the Open Internet…Expand Digital Access…and Bring the Transformative Benefits of Broadband Technology to All Americans! Today, no binding rules exist requiring the broadband industry to keep the Internet open and free. The Federal Communications Commission must act to ensure that the internet remains free and a platform for economic growth, innovation, entrepreneurship, and broadband investment and deployment. These goals – plus the FCC’s existing “Section 706”authority to enact effective open Internet rules – represent the soundest way to expand digital opportunity to ensure equal and unimpeded access to all services. Reclassifying the entire Internet as a “public utility” and subjecting it to regulations created 80 years ago for utility telephone companies is an approach proven to deter the investment needed to continue building faster, farther-reaching networks… proven to deter full digital citizenship for all. It’s time to encourage the necessary social and economic inclusion to keep America competitive in the 21st century. This is the next chapter in our unceasing struggle for full citizenship – offline and on. All communities deserve a vibrant, growing, and Open Internet.
Yes to 706
National Urban League
No to Title II
nul.org @NatUrbanLeague