November 22, 2014 - November 22, 2014, www.afro.com
Volume 123 No. 16
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The Afro-American
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NOVEMBER 22, 2014 - NOVEMBER 28, 2014
Ferguson Waits
Progressive Groups Seek Common Ground With Hogan
By Zenitha Prince Senior AFRO Correspondent A pall has blanketed the city of Ferguson and the surrounding St. Louis area in Missouri as the community awaits the grand jury’s decision in the Michael Brown case. “It is very quiet, very eerie,” said the Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, of Baltimore’s Empowerment Temple, who is on the ground in Ferguson. “There’s a very somber mood, almost like that of a family in the waiting room of a hospital awaiting word of a loved one.” Or, perhaps, it is the eye of the storm—which is what many predict would be unleashed in Ferguson if the grand jury does not indict Darren Wilson, the White
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By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO
Photo courtesy of the St. Louis American
Demonstrators held a “die-in” protest Nov. 16 just in University City, just outside of Ferguson. police officer who shot and killed Brown, an unarmed Black teenager, back in August. Ferguson was buffeted by a wave of unrest after the killing, but protestors settled into peaceful demonstrations over the past couple of months. Still, residents’ frustrations have simmered over the long wait.
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, this week, declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the grand jury decision and signed an executive order activating the Missouri National Guard to support law enforcement during any period of unrest. “All people in the St. Louis region deserve to feel safe in their communities and
to make their voices heard without fear of violence or intimidation,” said Gov. Nixon. “Public safety demands that we are fully prepared for any contingency, regardless of what the St. Louis County grand jury or the U.S. Department of Justice decides.” But civil rights leaders say Continued on A3
Larry Hogan is not Martin O’Malley. Not even close. And while this raises a number of concerns for groups pursuing progressive agendas in Maryland, there is currently optimism that, on a number of issues, enough common ground may exist between progressives and a Hogan administration to move legislation forward. “I think that there is some cause for concern about Hogan,” said Charly Carter, executive director of Maryland Working Families, a grassroots political organization that seeks to improve the lot of working-class families by way of a progressive agenda. “I think that Larry Hogan was unabashedly a conservative when he ran. . . . He’s certainly talked about shrinking government and cutting taxes—particularly the corporate tax rate—and I think all of those things can lead us to believe that we do face some challenges from him,” said Carter. According to Carter, because Maryland is facing a revenue shortfall and Hogan has expressed a commitment to the idea of shrinking government, there are grounds for concern that Hogan might freeze hiring at state agencies, attempt to reduce the number of public employees or leave key appointed positions— particularly in the social services arena—open in order to cripple the ability of agencies or departments within agencies, Continued on A3
Dep. Chief Lawrence Wins Suit Against State Over Racially Motivated Firing By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO Race was discovered to be the motivating factor behind the dismissal of Deputy Chief Gregory Lawrence when he was fired from the BWI Airport Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) this past March. Judge Nancy Paige in Lawrence’s wrongful termination suit against the state. Paige has ordered for Lawrence to be reinstated back to his position and to receive full back pay and benefits. “The combination of a racially inhospitable environment at BWI FRD and the ongoing failure of management to support [Lawrence’s] integration into that environment . . . all lead me to conclude that it was more likely than not that the only reason for termination of [Lawrence] was his race,” Paige wrote in a 55-page decision describing the racially hostile environment of the BWI fire service. “I conclude that [Lawrence] would not have been terminated if he were not African American.” Lawrence was fired this past March after an internal audit of his use of his state vehicle found what Paige dismissed as essentially minor discrepancies in Lawrence’s reporting of mileage, among other things. The Maryland Aviation Authority, which defended Lawrence’s termination in court, claimed the audit was undertaken because of a minor accident Continued on A5
Ben Phillips Elected President of Regional Press Assoc. By AFRO Staff
to attract and sustain readership, he said. Phillips accepted the mantle of leadership—or in this case a gavel— from Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, publisher of The Daily Record, who will become MDDC’s immediate past president when her term ends at the end of 2014. Her successor praised
Benjamin M. Phillips IV, president of The Afro-American Newspapers, was elected the new president of the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association’s Board of Directors at the group’s annual meeting Nov. 13. In his first address to the Continued on A5 Association’s membership, Phillips said he is looking forward to “working with the staff and board, to figure out common ground for growth.” An area that offers that potential and the focus Photo courtesy of the MDDC Press Association of his one-year term as president Ben Phillips, center, was elected president of the MDDC Press Association’s Board of Directors. Here, he stands would be digital with MDDC board members Geordie Wilson, Karen products and using technology Acton, Mike Kilian and Suzanne Fischer-Huettner.
Photo by Roberto Alejandro
Attorney Alan Legum (seated right) with Dep. Chief Gregory Lawrence, who recently won his wrongful termination suit against the state of Maryland.
‘Butt Shot Guru’ Released from Prison, Pens Self-Esteem Memoir By Shantella Sherman Special to the AFRO Kimberly Smedley, an Atlanta native, known as the ‘butt shot guru’ has once again gained the media spotlight. She was recently released from prison after serving a 36-month prison sentence for illegally injecting commercialgrade silicone into the buttocks of clients in hotel rooms in various cities around the country, including Baltimore and D.C. Smedley said her clients paid as much as $1,600 in cash for the cosmetic enhancements. In an exclusive interview with the AFRO, Smedley, who has authored a new memoir, The Backside of the Story: My Personal Journal into the Black Market Butt Injection Scandal, said that while Continued on A5
Copyright © 2014 by the Afro-American Company
Photo by Shantella Sherman
The ‘butt shot guru’ Kimberly Smedley spoke with the AFRO about her new book and the need to improve the self-esteem of young girls.
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The Afro-American, November 22, 2014 - November 28, 2014
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Texas Teacher Fired for Racial Tweet About Ferguson
A Dallas-area teacher was fired Nov. 14 over a raciallycharged tweet she sent regarding the protests in Ferguson, Mo., following the shooting death of Michael Brown. Vinita Hegwood, who is Black, was fired by the Duncanville
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The Duncanville school board said in a statement that Hegwood was given an opportunity to explain her side of the story, The Los Angeles Times reported, but that the board voted unanimously to terminate her.
Former NFL Vikings Player Orlando Thomas Dies from ALS at 42
Orlando Thomas, who played seven seasons in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings, died Nov. 10 in his hometown of Crowley, La. He was 42. Thomas was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), in 2007, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately, respiratory failure. ALS made headlines this summer through the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge,
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Vinita Hegwood was fired over a racially-charged tweet she sent.
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Independent School District Board of Trustees on Nov. 14, one day after she resigned from her job as an English teacher at Duncanville High School, USA Today reported. “Who the (expletive) made you dumb duck (expletive) crackers think I give a squat (expletive) about your opinions about my opinions RE: Ferguson? Kill yourselves,” Hegwood’s Nov. 7 tweet read. In a statement released Nov. 13 by the Texas American Federation of Teachers announcing Hegwood’s resignation, she said the tweet came after “a series of threatening and racist attacks” made against her during a debate over Brown’s death on the social media site, according to Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA. “My reaction in no way reflects the standards to which I have held myself and my students for the last 20 years of teaching,” she wrote. “I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I regret the embarrassment that it has caused the school district.”
Orlando Thomas died Nov. 10 from ALS. which raised more than $21.7 million for research into the disease. “If there was ever a test to strip your fight, courage and toughness and make you wallow in self-pity, this would be the disease and yet he was so incredible in his fight and never once made it about him,” Thomas’ agent, Mark Bartelstein, told Bloomberg News. In his time in the NFL, Thomas had 457 tackles, 22 interceptions and two touchdowns. Thomas led the league in interceptions in 1995, with nine.
Festival of Trees to Mark 25 Years of Holiday Cheer
Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Festival of Trees, now in its 25th year, is easily the largest of its kind on the East Coast and annually creates a kind of wonderland that people from near and far can hardly resist. The holiday fantasyland returns Nov. 28-30 to the Maryland State Fairgrounds with fairyland forests, gingerbread towns, holiday goodies and activities for all ages. While walking in Festival of Trees’ winter wonderland – complete with more than 700 trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses decorated by local designers, corporations and schools – festival goers will enjoy hourly entertainment and a visit to SantaLand, Santa’s ultimate theme park featuring “reindeer” pony rides, carousel rides, carnival games, train rides, a remote control car racetrack and more. In addition, the Festival of Trees will feature over 100 gift boutiques and a silent auction, making it a great place to kick off the holiday shopping season. Attendees and Institute supporters can also start their own online Happy Holidays FUNdraising page to raise money for Kennedy Krieger. For every $10 raised to support the children and families of the Institute, supporters will receive one free ticket to Festival of Trees. The raffle at this year’s Festival of Trees features $2,500 in cash prizes. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $2 at the event or online at www.festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org. Proceeds from Festival of Trees, presented by BB&T, support programs at Kennedy Krieger and give the gift of hope to the thousands of children treated at the Institute.
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The Afro-American Newspaper invites you to participate in this year’s toy drive! With your help we hope to grant many children their holiday wishes.
Toy Drive Events: Friday Dec. 5 6pm to 9pm
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Friday Dec. 12 6am to 10am
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We collect new, unwrapped toys for ages 0-12 in original packaging. Please visit the next Toy Drive Event or drop off donated items at the Afro American office, 2519 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21218.
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NOVEMBER 28 – 30, 2014 FRIDAY & SATURDAY 10AM–9PM SUNDAY 10AM–6PM
MARYLAND STATE FAIRGROUNDS Adults $13 • Kids & Seniors $7
IF SANTA HAD A THEME PARK, THIS WOULD BE IT!
Proceeds benefit the children of Kennedy Krieger Institute
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The Afro-American, November 22, 2014 - November 22, 2014
November 22, 2014 - November 28, 2014, The Afro-American
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SAFE Gets a Hand from SECU to Donate Sleeping Bags to Baltimore’s Homeless Youth SAFE (Safe Alternative Foundation for Education, Inc.) – the Baltimore-based foundation begun by former local athlete Van Brooks to inform young people about the importance of obtaining an education – will be giving away sleeping bags to homeless youth in Baltimore City this weekend. The sleeping bag giveaway is part of the “We Care Campout to End Youth Homelessness,” a block party and resource fair being held, 4-8 p.m., Nov. 22, at War Memorial Plaza, 101 N. Gay Street in downtown Baltimore. Sponsored by the Baltimore City Youth Commission, the Campout will feature free food and entertainment, as well as distribution of
blankets, toiletries, and, of course, sleeping bags to homeless youth. SAFE collected sleeping bags with the help of several local donors, including SECU – the largest state-chartered financial cooperative in Maryland. SECU also recently held a food drive at its 22 branches throughout Maryland to benefit the Maryland Food Bank and other organizations providing meals to those in need. In addition to handling distribution of donated food, SECU contributed $2000 to the Maryland Food Bank on behalf of individual school districts throughout the state in support of the “Kids Helping Kids” campaign.
“Both the SAFE Sleeping Bag Collection and the Maryland Food Bank support represent SECU’s continuing commitment to support activities within the communities we serve,” says Carmen David Mirabile, assistant vice president of marketing at SECU. Mirabile explains that SECU began working with SAFE earlier this year when the foundation launched Yards for Success, a flag football program designed to help area students mix fun and fitness with education. SECU, which has a long history of helping young adults understand the basics of money management through several financial literacy programs and initiatives like its Millionaire’s Club and Junior Achievements partnerships,
handled the financial literacy aspects of the program, providing participants with basic information and practical advice on issues impacting their future financial well-being. In addition to the Sleeping Bag Collection and Yards for Success, SAFE has given away backpacks with school supplies and food baskets for Thanksgiving, and has adopted families for Christmas and refurbished a community basketball court.
Bryant added. “Never did he speak about the responsibility of police to not be aggressive, to not use brutal force to not aggravate protestors. It’s as if citizens are in this alone.”
K-9 dog units, armored vehicles and SWAT officers clad in bulletproof vests and military-grade rifles, some of whom launched tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowds and called demonstrators “animals.” “If we see violence, make no mistake, the responsibility for it lies with law enforcement,” said Damon Davis, a community organizer with the Don’t Photo courtesy of the St. Louis American Shoot Coalition, a coalition of approximately 50 local A demonstrator particpates in a “die-in” protest held organizations formed in the outside of Ferguson. wake of Brown’s slaying. Shoot Coalition released its plans for dealing “For nearly 100 days, the with the outcome of the decision, including preponderance of violence has come at the negotiating with law enforcement to adopt a hands of police. We have proven we can de-militarized response to potential unrest and peacefully assemble and function at a protest, to establish “safe spaces” where people can can the police say the same?” protest without fear of police intrusion. It has been local groups such as the Don’t “If Officer Wilson is not indicted, we Shoot Coalition that has made preparations will do our part to try to de-escalate violence to deal with the potential fallout of the grand without de-escalating action,” said Don’t jury’s decision, Bryant said. Shoot co-chair Michael T. McPhearson, “The preparation has not been from executive director of Veterans For Peace, mainline organizations or national civil in a statement. “We are providing a number rights figureheads,” the well-known conflictof supports to promote a peaceful response, conciliator said. “It’s been a grassroots but nothing will make a difference unless effort—students teaching the tenants of the police do their part by giving protesters non-violent protest, churches getting first aid adequate space. That’s the key to peaceful supplies ready….” outcomes.” Earlier this month, for example, the Don’t
For more information or to donate to SAFE, visit www.safealternative.org or contact Van Brooks at 443-453-8181 or info@safealternative.org.
Ferguson Waits Continued from A1
Nixon’s announcement has only heightened tensions and resentment among protestors. NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks said the governor’s decision was “both premature in its application and presumptuous” given the weeks of peaceful protests in Ferguson. “Governor Nixon’s decision to declare a state of emergency without evidence of violence or danger only threatens to stir up tensions and denigrate the peaceful efforts of countless non-violent activists,” Brooks said in a statement. Nixon’s action was made worse in that he seemed to focus on protestors, calling on them to avoid looting, rioting and violence, Rev.
“Public safety demands that we are fully prepared for any contingency, regardless of what the St. Louis County grand jury or the U.S. Department of Justice decides.” –Gov. Nixon In fact, activists say, it the law enforcement response that should be of highest concern. In the wake of Brown’s shooting, law enforcement was criticized for deploying
Progressive Groups Continued from A1
to accomplish their mission. On some issues, however, Carter does see potential common ground. She cites the success of minimum wage increases and paid sick leave measures in red states during this last election as an area where even conservative voters seem to be on board with an agenda item traditionally seen as the province of liberals. “[Minimum wage and paid sick leave] should be something we should be able to work on together and we’re hopeful we can do that,” she said. Similarly, Sara Love, public policy director for the ACLU MD, sees a number of areas—including mass incarceration and overuse of SWAT teams—where progressives and Republicans like Hogan can work together. “We spend so much on mass incarceration that we could make a system that is more fair, just and more fiscally responsible. We look forward to working with the governor on that,” said Love, who notes that Hogan has already stated a willingness to grant parole to persons given life sentences as juveniles. Just as high incarceration rates impose heavy costs on the state, so do the overuse of SWAT teams. “They’re incredibly expensive,” said Love. “These are highly trained law enforcement officials, so from a fiscal standpoint overuse of them doesn’t make fiscal
sense.” Love is optimistic that fiscal concerns on the right will combine with social justice concerns on the left to move legislation forward on a number of these issues, noting that in her experience of Maryland, Republicans and Democrats do actually work together. Bebe Verdery, director of the Education Reform Project at the ACLU of Maryland, says that since 2009, when the recession hit, funding for Maryland schools has been rather flat as the state sought to balance its budget, causing schools to lose ground. “Under a new administration that has vowed to roll back some taxes, we would have a concern that education could be one place you decide to cut,” said Verdery, who hopes that Hogan will recognize the value to all counties of state funding for public schools. Changes to the formula that determines how much the state gives to public schools, however, would require legislative action by the General Assembly. Verdery notes that while there is some discretionary state aid that could be cut directly by the governor-elect, the formula itself is largely safe in light of the current make-up of the General Assembly. Jeff Pittman, communications director of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (ASCME) Council
3, which represents state employees in Maryland, says his union is eager to work with both Democrats and Republicans to ensure that state workers have the means necessary to provide the various services they are tasked with, and which they must provide regardless of the budget situation. “At this point we’re feeling it out. There are a lot of new folks, Republicans and Democrats, in the legislature. We’re reaching out to all of them,” said Pittman, who noted that his union was cautiously optimistic about their ability to work with Hogan as well as the new faces in the General Assembly. Pittman did, however, describe his union’s experience of negotiating with former Republican governor Robert Ehrlich, in whose administration Hogan worked, as a “bitter experience.” “We’re still hopeful that Hogan will honor his word that he really wants to be a different kind of governor. That’s why we’re reaching out,” said Pittman. The saving grace for all of these groups, whose agenda items are most commonly found on the left side of the political ledger, is that the General Assembly is still largely Democratic. It is therefore unlikely to capitulate to the political concerns of the governor as often happened under O’Malley with progressive agenda items, according to Carter. “We don’t have that problem anymore,” said Carter. “There’s a very clear distinction between what this governor will want, and what the legislature will want, and I don’t think this legislature will be as concerned about hurting the reputation of the governor or hurting his feelings. I think that, in a way, helps us.” ralejandro@afro.com
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The Afro-American, November 22, 2014 - November 28, 2014
HEALTH Medicare’s “Extra Help” program helps people with limited income pay for their prescription medications Making ends meet should not mean going without your medications. If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Extra Help to pay for some health care and prescription drug costs. Drug costs in 2015 for most people who qualify for Extra Help will be no more than $2.65 for each generic drug and $6.60 for each brand-name drug. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services estimates that more than 2 million people with Medicare may be eligible for Extra Help, but aren’t currently enrolled to take advantage of these savings. A recent law changed how your income and assets are counted: • Life insurance policies don’t count as resources • Any help you get from relatives, friends, and others to pay for household expenses—like food, mortgage, rent, heating fuel or gas, electricity, water, and property taxes—doesn’t count as income
Many People Qualify and Don’t Know It
Even if you were previously turned down for Extra Help due to income or resource levels, you should reapply. If you qualify, you’ll get help paying for Medicare prescription drug
coverage premiums, copayments, and deductibles. To qualify, you must make less than $17,505 a year (or $23,595 for married couples). Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some extra help. Your resources must also be limited to $13,440 (or $26,860 for married couples). Resources include bank accounts, stocks, and bonds, but not your house or car.
There’s No Cost or Obligation to Apply
It’s easy and free to apply for “Extra Help.” You or a family member, trusted counselor, or caregiver can apply online at socialsecurity.gov/i1020 or call Social Security at 1-800-7721213. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778. All the information you give is confidential. You can also get help in your community from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC), and many tribal organizations. For information about how to contact these organizations, visit Eldercare.gov. To learn more about Medicare prescription drug coverage, visit Medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. This information prepared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
HBCU NEWS
Dillard University Alumni Association Hosts Annual Scholarship Brunch In keeping with a more than 10-year tradition, the Dillard University Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area Alumni Association hosted its annual Scholarship Jazz Brunch Nov.1. Family, friends, and other supporters joined local alumna at the Washington Navy Yard Catering and Conference Center for food and fellowship. “We are excited to not only continue a tenured tradition, but to have the opportunity to bring a little New Orleans flavor to the nation’s capital while raising money for our beloved university,” said Erica M. Williams, president of Courtesy photo the association. Dillard University is located in New Ronald Lee, vice Orleans, La. president, left, Kristin The event featured a brunch buffet, champagne Clarkson, recording mimosas, and a New Orleans Second Line complete secretary; Erica Williams, with umbrellas and handkerchiefs. president; Charline Jacob, corresponding secretary; Funds raised during the event will go to the Candis Milbourne, Fannie N. Ridgeway Endowed Scholarship, which parliamentarian and is given to the university’s upperclassmen who are Sidney Green, chaplain residents of the D.C. Metropolitan Area.
Mrs. Santa Donation Form
The Afro-American Newspaper family is helping to grant a wish for the most vulnerable. Would you like to help a child create memories that will last a lifetime? For many disadvantaged families, you can turn dreams into reality by participating in the Mrs. Santa Holiday Charity Drive.
UMES receives awards for teaching, research and innovation PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (Nov. 17, 2014) - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a co-winner of the “1890 University of the Year” award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. UMES and North Carolina A&T State University shared the honor awarded by the association’s Council of 1890 Universities. It recognizes best overall performance in teaching, research and innovation over the previous two academic years. President Juliette B. Bell accepted the award during APLU’s 2014 annual meeting in Orlando, Fla. earlier this month. UMES’ increase in the number of undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs — the largest among institutions considered for the award — also earned the council’s “International Student Development Award.” The 1890 awards are based on self-reported data submitted in such categories as student retention, research, alumni engagement, revenue and expenditures, which are judged by peers. Twenty historically black institutions comprise APLU’s Council of 1890 Universities. Bell is chair of the council’s executive committee.
o I want to join the AFRO’s spirit of giving. Please accept my contribution of $___________ to benefit a less fortunate family. Name_______________________________ Address_____________________________ Organization_________________________ City________________________________ State___________________ Zip_________ Phone_______________________________ E-mail_______________________________ Please send all contributions and adoption requests to:
Afro-Charities, Inc. Attn: Diane W. Hocker 2519 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21218 410-554-8243
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November November22, 22, 2014 2014 -- November November 22, 28, 2014, 2014, The The Afro-American Afro-American
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Marshall Eddie Conway Tells His Story at Morgan U. Baltimore’s Black Panther By Yolanda Thomas Special to the AFRO
The medium-sized crowd was quiet as Marshall Eddie Conway told his story and talked about his newest book, “Marshall Law.” Hosted by Dr. Raymond Winbush, director of Morgan’s Institute for Urban Research, the Nov. 6 forum in the Communications building served as a proper forum for Baltimore’s Black Panther to talk about the radical activism that began with ensuring children went to school with full stomachs. Conway talked about his early days before the Panthers. A former sergeant in the army, he found himself pondering his responsibilities and felt ready to make a difference after witnessing a horror that left him traumatized. “One morning, I woke up and I looked at the newspaper that the army put out, Stars and Stripes, and I saw a tank sitting in the middle of Newark, N.J., with a machine gun on top of it, and a little soldier with his hands an inch away from the trigger; and it was a 50-caliber machine gun. I saw that and I had to question myself, ‘What am I doing here? What am I doing in the army? What am I doing with that uniform up there, hanging on my locker? And what is going on in the Black community’? That gun was pointed at 25 to 30 Black women standing on the corner in the middle of a protest! I questioned that and I questioned my role in that.” That horrid imagery
influenced his desire to come back to the United States from Germany. “I decided it was time to come home to see if I could find a way to help reform what was a problem in America, whatever those problems were. We, as a people, in general weren’t making any progress. We didn’t have the money, the jobs or the political power to do that.” After much investigation, he discovered that “a tremendous number of Black children were going to school every morning hungry, in America in 1968, in the richest country in the world.” He said, “I knew then, that I had to do something about it. I found that the Black Panther Party was feeding those children; and contrary to what people believe today, because of Cointelpro, The Black Panther Party was not a nationalist, ultranationalist, militant, radical kind of group; it was a group that believed in self-defense. That’s how it was created, that was the initial name: Black Panther Party of Self Defense.” After years of watching “organizers get shot down in the street, churches get blown up, dogs being sicked on people and children being hosed across the street,” the Black Panther Party formed with the attitude that “we’re organized, but we are not going to let you sic you dogs on us; we’re not going to let you blow up our churches without a fight; we’re not going to let you hose us down in the street. So we’re going to be able to defend ourselves
Party. He was falsely accused of a crime he did not commit. Of his transition, he says, “The world did change, which is horrible, to be quite honest, but I never kind of like, lost
“It was us deciding that we wanted to exercise our rights as human beings in America on the planet to protect ourselves that created the first problem.” –Marshall Eddie Conway Photo by Yolanda Thomas
Marshall Eddie Conway recently visited Morgan to talk about his newest book, “Marshall Law.” and we demand the right to do that.” Conway said it was only when “we decided that we were going to exercise that right according to the constitution, that all of a sudden the laws got changed. ‘You can’t have guns anymore; you can do this, you can’t do that, it’s wrong.’ So it was us deciding that we wanted to exercise our rights as human beings in America on the planet to protect ourselves that created the first problem.” But there was a second problem. “It was us feeding children; it became clear that us feeding the children, us setting up breakfast programs and opening the doors and having 300 hungry children come in, in the various cities represented a public relations embarrassment to America,” Conway said. For 43 years and 11 months, Conway was a
‘Butt Shot Guru’ Continued from A1
she had no medical training and the procedures were illegal, her ultimate desire was to help women desperate for cosmetic enhancement. “My intentions were never to hurt anyone because the same thing I was injecting in other people I have in myself,” said Smedley, who received similar injections in 1999. “I had the injections because growing up I would always get singled out because my butt was so flat. I really felt like I was helping women to feel better about themselves. However, I’ve learned that [the injections] are only a temporary fix because all of the issues that I had, I still struggled with them after the injections. It really was like putting a bandage over a sore, but not really addressing the wound. You have to deal with this from the inside first.” Smedley, taunted as “ironing board booty” by cousins and later rejected by men who saw her lack of posterior as unattractive, grew increasingly self-conscious about her appearance. “I knew I wanted to cosmetically fix the way I looked. Did I use wisdom? Absolutely not. I never once asked him for any information or any type of literature or anything,” Smedley said, referring to the friend that gave her butt injections 14 years ago. “I just knew that I wanted it and I wanted it bad. I laid down and it hurt so much and I wasn’t even numbed. I cried and I took the pain because all I could think about was how I was going to look when it was all over.” While the physiques of African women has long been both maligned and conscripted,
American popular culture has created a highly sexualized beauty aesthetic that tends to contort and reframe women’s bodies through digital body augmentation. It is this toxic visual culture that Smedley says her book aims to counter. Factoring in the fascination the world has maintained for the Black body, Smedley documents the rise (and fall) of the Hottentot Venus and the quiet embrace Black society has for hips and buttocks. “We allow media to have too much of an impact on our children. Young ladies need to know that what they see on television and in magazines is not reality. These women’s images have been put through Photoshop, and it is only an illusion. When you see the person in person, they do not look like their pictures because we are constantly being sold a fantasy,” Smedley said. The reality of cosmetic butt injections has only recently become apparent to Smedley who said that in the 14 years since her own injections, she has developed osteoarthritis. Oddly enough, Smedley also said that the one noticeable side effect of the injections is that over time her buttocks has gotten bigger. “It just keeps getting bigger. If I gain weight, I don’t get bigger anywhere else. I started out covering up my behind because I didn’t have one, and now I’m covering it up because I do. At some point you just don’t want that type of attention because there is a difference between a gaze and a gawk,” she said.
Phillips
Continued from A1
Fischer-Huettner and expressed gratitude for the excellent working relationship they established during the Association’s transitional year. The current president was also given an award for her dedicated service on behalf of the Association. Also newly elected to one-year terms were Geordie Wilson, publisher of The Frederick News-Post, as vice-president, and Mike Kilian, executive editor of The Daily Times, as treasurer. Karen Acton, CEO of Post Community Media, was re-elected as secretary. Several persons were re-elected to three-year terms, including Ed Dulin, president /CEO of Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA and David
fairly easy because I always kept abreast of what was going on and I had always worked with young people,” he said. “The secret about working
Fike, president of APG Chesapeake. Current immediate past president, Paul Milton, assistant managing editor, targeted media of the Baltimore Sun Media Group, was also elected to a threeyear term. Founded in 1908, the MDDC Press Association counts all of the daily and most of the non-daily newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and D.C. among its active members. The Association serves its diverse membership in areas of common concern, including, professional training and development, legislative representation, and First Amendment issues.
political prisoner as a result of FBI director, J. Edgar Hoover’s disdain for all things related to the Black Panther
touch. I organized the whole time I was in prison; I kind of kept up with stuff.” He did admit it took him a few days to adjust. “You know; just the shock from being in the cell to being in the world. I think I adjusted
with young people is that they make you aware of the changes. You pull them up and tell them, ‘That ain’t right,’ and they’ll tell you why it is and what you should be doing.” Y3thomas@gmail.com
Morgan Confab Emphasized Impact of Rites of Passage on Black Men’s Health
By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO
African-Americans account for almost 25 percent of deaths due to heart disease despite making up only 13 percent of the American population, and Black men are the most likely to die of cancer of any group or gender, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Both are conditions that one can help prevent by establishing healthy habits early, and a recent conference at Morgan State University tackled the importance of helping young Black men develop healthy masculine identity through rites of passage, and the way such rites can improve health outcomes for Black men. “Rites of passage is something that provides lots of information on proper growing into adulthood, and one of the most important things about growing into adulthood is health literacy,” said Dr. Keith Hunter, one of the organizers of the Nov. 8’s ‘Optimal Health for Black Men Conference’ at Morgan State University, and an anesthesiologist who has been practicing medicine for 33 years, during a conversation with the AFRO prior to the conference. For Hunter, health literacy is about identifying misconceptions, like the idea that you are prostate cancer free if you have no trouble urinating, and correcting such misconceptions with the appropriate information. This is equally true of developing healthy masculine identity, central to avoiding many of the risky behaviors in which young men participate and which can have health consequences now and later in life. According to Dr. Raymond Winbush, director of the Morgan State University Institute for Urban Research, one of the sponsors of the conference, many young Black men receive misguided signals about their entry into adulthood—in the past, various youths have cited to Winbush receiving their driver’s license, the day they became fathers, or the day they became gun owners, as their entry into manhood—and this lack of appropriate and healthy rites of passage into adulthood for Black boys sets them on a path of less than
ideal health. Rites of passage programs utilize culturally informed exercises and challenges to help boys learn to master their behaviors and take responsibility for their maturation, symbolically guiding them into adulthood. Through this process, these young Black men are then better equipped to take the necessary preventative steps that ensure a healthy future. “What we’re trying to do is show how rites of passage programs can be used to enhance the healthy development, not only physically but psychologically, of Black boys,” said Winbush. Of course, ensuring healthy development requires not only better lifestyle choices, but also a more robust engagement with the health care system, an industry many AfricanAmericans are reluctant to trust because of a history of abuses against Blacks. “The first anesthesia was tried on some poor brother in South Carolina where they put ether on his face and just left him,” explained Hunter of a problematic history that extends far beyond the notorious Tuskegee experiments, and citing the book ‘Medical Apartheid’ by Harriet Washington. “Gynecological surgeries, cesarean sections, lots of things like that were first tried by a very lauded surgeon named J. Marion Sims, but he basically turned his African-American slaves into morphine addicts as he perfected his techniques.” Hunter described this as “a morbid history”, and Winbush noted that this history has stood in the way of better health outcomes for many African-Americans, who “know and have been the victims of a bad health care system as it is exercised towards Black people.” “Optimal health is when you have knowledge about all aspects of yourself— physically, mentally, spiritually—that you understand how your body works, but that you also understand how your mind and thought processes work,” said Winbush. “It’s understanding what is needed in the community to make you healthy. Being aware of the availability of certain services, how to utilize them. Being healthy is more than just an absence of sickness, it’s being aware of your place in the environment.” ralejandro@afro.com
Lawrence Wins
Continued from A1 with damages totaling less than $1000. The authority claimed that Lawrence’s use of the vehicle to pick up a personal prescription on his way to work was an inappropriate use for a state vehicle. Paige, however, rejected this claim. She concluded that Lawrence’s termination was most likely because of his race. She even suggested that the audit was only undertaken when it appeared Lawrence might rise to the position of fire chief after the former chief’s retirement in 2013. Though the decision was issued in his favor, Lawrence is not celebrating just yet. “I feel pretty good, but it’s not over,” said Lawrence in comments to the AFRO. “I’m not working. I’ve not been made whole. I’m still on edge a little bit until…[I] find out if I’m going to be returning to work.” While Lawrence’s attorney, Alan Legum, is unsure of what the state will decide after
the ruling, he suspects that the 84 distinct findings of racial discrimination in the final document will be evidence enough to reinstate Lawrence back to his position. [1]“They would have a very difficult task legally to do anything with this decision,” said Legum. For Henry Burris, one of the witnesses for Lawrence and second vice president of the Vulcan Blazer’s, Baltimore City’s chapter of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF), the ruling represents a teaching moment in history of the United States fire service. “If organizations . . . understood what I call systemic, institutional racism in the United States fire service, I think it could be a beginning of highlighting what African Americans go through by being fire fighters and paramedics throughout the United States,” said Burris.
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The Afro-American, November 22, 2014 - November 28, 2014
COMMUNITY CONNECTION Wells Fargo Taught Financial Literacy for Urban League’s Leadership Fellows
A group of 65 Baltimore teenagers met Nov. 1 at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) to prepare themselves for college and career. The students, all Leadership Fellows in the Greater Baltimore Urban League’s Saturday Leadership Program, forgo an opportunity to sleep in on a Saturday to meet monthly at Baltimore’s colleges and universities. The third session, hosted by UMBC focused on financial literacy as a strategy to prepare for college and career. Wells Fargo facilitated the sessions for the Leadership Fellows and their parents. The day began with a welcome by UMBC Courtesy Photo associate professor of psychology A Wells Fargo volunteer gives a Shawn Bediako presentation. and included a college tour. During lunch, the students and parents met several Meyerhoff Scholars and other UMBC students to learn a bit more about life on campus and the different opportunities available at UMBC and during college as a whole. After the session, the Leadership Fellows expressed a desire to learn more about “being safe with your money” in areas such as credit cards, bank accounts, and protecting against insurance fraud and identity theft. Now in its second year, the Urban League’s Saturday Leadership Program aims to foster college and career awareness and aspirations while reinforcing the cultural value of “lifting as we climb.” The Urban League’s cadre of Young Professional volunteers facilitates most sessions with Wells Fargo and other expert guest facilitators conducting specialized workshops. Each monthly session follows a similar cycle, with structured time for peer networking, topical workshops, networking with
the Urban League Young Professionals, learning about notable Black Baltimoreans who succeeded professionally while giving back to their communities, taking the college tour, and reflecting on the day. Each day is introduced and concluded by a Saturday Leadership Fellow. Nine Baltimore institutions have partnered with the Greater Baltimore Urban League to host the Saturday Leadership Program: Coppin State University, Goucher College, Johns Hopkins University, Loyola University, Morgan State University, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Stevenson University, University of Baltimore, and the University of Maryland Baltimore County. The program serves Baltimore students grades 8-12 with a citywide reach. Leadership Fellows attend 37 schools and represent 49 neighborhoods. For more information on the Saturday Leadership Program, please contact Estelle Young at eyoung@gbul.org or visit gbul. org.
Boy Scouts Held Town Hall Meeting at Coppin
The Baltimore Area Council, BSA held a town hall meeting at Coppin State University, Nov. 13, in partnership with the CSU Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and Morgan State University’s Morgan Community Mile Initiative to discuss the benefits of Scouting in the Community. Audience members had a chance to hear from several panelists including but not limited to, 4th District Baltimore City Councilman Bill Henry, Baltimore City Police Lt. Jeffrey W. Shorter, Baltimore City Fire Department Battalion Chief Carl Bull, Minister Duane Williams Jr., a member of Bernard “Jack” Young’s office, and CEO of City Ranch, Ahesamahk Dahn. Throughout the evening, panelists discussed several ways youth and college aged students could get involved in the city’s Scouting movement. Several panelists shared their personal stories and answered questions from the audience. Additionally, a preview of a Scouting film was shown, “Troop 491: The Adventures of the Muddy Lions.” This film is scheduled to be screened at the inaugural Baltimore International Black Film Festival, 4 p.m., Dec. 3 at the Charles Theatre in Baltimore. For more information about Scouting in Baltimore City, please visit www.baltimorebsa.org or e-mail jspellman@ baltimorebsa.org For more information about Coppin State University’s Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, please contact Tenyo Pearl at tpearl@coppin.edu or call 410-951-3522. To view the trailer of “Troop 491: Adventures of the Muddy Lions,” visit: http://www.troop491-movie.com/
Courtesy Photo
Tenyo Pearl, left, Carl Bull, Maurice Hines, Joseph Spellman, Lucas Hines, Alfred Griffen, Glaci Hines and Ellis G. Brown Jr. For more information and to purchase tickets to the upcoming screening of “Troop 491,” please e-mail: jfugate@baltimorebsa. org For more information concerning the Morgan Community Mile Initiative, contact Ellis Brown at community.mile@morgan. edu or 443-885-4178.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town!
Santa’s highly anticipated arrival in downtown Baltimore will conveniently coincide with the Nov. 21 grand opening of the Waterfront Partnership Ice Rink this holiday season! Registration to the 4 to 6 p.m. event includes a free hour of skating and skate rental for the first 100 children, a giveaway, and a performance by the Next Ice Age dance troupe. Those among the first families to skate on the rink, can then join Santa in his parade to the Harborplace Amphitheater, his home for the holiday season. For additional details on Santa’s Arrival or to register for ice skating, please visit: http://itsawaterfrontlife.org/events/. For information on the Waterfront Partnership Ice Rink, visit: http://innerharboricerink.org.
Girls Mentoring Group Invites New Members
The World Berries International Sisterhood Open House and Interest Meeting will be held 6 p.m., Nov. 22 at the Grind House Juice Bar, 2431 St. Paul Street in Baltimore. World Berries is a mentoring and rites of passage program for girls 6-13. For additional information visit worldberries.org or call Mama Ngina at 443-857-0352.
November 22, 2014 - November 28, 2014 The Afro-American
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EDITORIAL
What is Ben Carson thinking?
Ben Carson, conservative author and noted neurosurgeon, is acting as if he may run for president as a Republican. Despite his conspicuous lack of political experience this man is taking steps to run for the most powerful office in the country. And he appears to have some of the Republican right excited at the prospect. He’s given up his position on Fox News as a commentator (broadcasters can’t employ political candidates because they would then have to give their opponents equal time) and over the weekend he aired a 40-minute documentary/political ad called “A Breath of Fresh Air: A New Prescription for America” in 37 markets. The infomercial details his rise from poverty in Detroit, and the difficult journey from having a 13-year old mother, to graduating from Yale University, to being the first person to separate twins that were conjoined at the head. And while these are all admirable things, they alone in our opinion, are not qualifications to be president. The ad, like his speeches, is light on policy prescriptions. Carson, who is fond of the phrase “I don’t want to offend anyone but…,” is staunchly against political correctness, hates
Obamacare and is prone to comparing himself to the Founding Fathers and Jesus. There are very few instances of people being elected president without having served as some sort of elected official. Dwight Eisenhower was one; however, he was a five-star general in the Army and was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during World War II before becoming president. When you hear Carson go off on one of his many diatribes against political correctness, (and really, who is against taking other people’s feelings into account before saying something?) he sounds like the kind of person who says, “I’m not a racist but...” right before telling a racist joke. And just as you would strongly suggest to someone who started a sentence that way that they stop before something unfortunate comes out of their mouths, Ben Carson should reevaluate his presidential ambitions. There are myriad ways he could help America and the Black community. This isn’t one of them.
COMMENTARY
Our Strategy for Success As Washington prepares for a Republican-controlled Congress, I, like most Americans, have concluded that expanding our economy must remain our top domestic priority. Acknowledging the importance of more broadly shared economic growth will enhance, not diminish, our ability to achieve other national objectives in the areas of education, healthcare, housing, the environment and federal budgetary discipline. Elijah Cummings This is not an ideological statement. Rather, as former President Clinton has pointed out, it is basic math. Nations can only achieve the goals that they can afford. That is why the new Congress must focus its primary attention upon the ways in which our economy is working - and not working - for the American people. Consider, for example, the national employment numbers for September. There was some good news. Our economy added 214,000 jobs in September, the ninth month in a row with greater than 200,000 new jobs. The national unemployment rate fell to 5.8 percent, compared to 7.2 percent a year ago. This continued economic progress reflects well upon President Obama’s economic leadership. Our private sector has now created 10.6 million new jobs over the last 56 months - and our nation is steadily climbing back from the worst economic crisis of our lifetime. Yet, these abstract economic statistics also reflect some intensely human and deeply troubling struggles as well. Far too many American families are being left behind in our modestly resurgent economy. Our current economic challenges go beyond unemployment. Jobs are coming back, but living wages are not. Millions of Americans are suffering in what economist and former Labor Secretary Dr. Robert Reich has accurately called a “wageless recovery.” As a result, in an American economy that is largely dependent upon consumer spending, far too many Americans have far too little money to spend. For the affluent and less affluent as well, widespread suffering and anxiety continue to stifle our overall economic growth. It is clear that the pain is especially intense for Americans of Color. Our unemployment rate remains twice that of Caucasians;
and too many of the new jobs replacing those that have been lost are parttime, lower-wage positions without benefits. The Bush Recession devastated the equity in our homes; a shocking number of Black businesses are struggling; and the jobless rate for our young people remains mired at crisis proportions. Yet, we also know that we are not alone in our suffering. Indeed, most Americans who are being left behind in the current economic order are not people of color - they are White. In our shared economic struggles rests the foundation for an emerging, multi-racial coalition that can achieve real economic change. The progressive, multiracial and ecumenical coalition that elected President Obama in 2008 and 2012 has not vanished. That experience taught us that, with an effective strategy and the right candidate for office, we have the ability to win national elections. Even our electoral defeats in 2010 and this year have reminded us of an important truth. Although Americans of every racial heritage are suffering from the inequitable economic policies of our time, far too many White, working class Americans are not voting in their own economic selfinterest. They are correct that their tax burden is too high. Yet, their more fundamental problem is that their incomes and family wealth are too low. Our nation’s working class families may have come to this country in different boats, but we all are in the same boat now. In this truth is the basis for a strengthened, multiracial coalition for political and economic change. I am proud to work in the Congress with leaders like Senators Barbara Mikulski, Ben Cardin and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts who understand what needs to be done to expand economic opportunity for America’s working families and are willing to fight for those goals.
New Senate Majority Leaders is Clueless
In response to what he calls the president’s “war on coal,” future Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell says, “I’m going to war with him.” For McConnell, the historic agreement the president signed with the Chinese, committing them for the first time to dramatic reductions in their greenhouse gases, is an outrage, an assault on “my state.” McConnell has just been reelected by the citizens of Kentucky, albeit a small Jesse L. Jackson minority of them. (In a Sr. state where fewer than half of those eligible showed up, McConnell won with the votes of about one-fourth of the eligible voters). But seldom has a leader so clearly demonstrated that he will allow ideology and special interests to overrule both common sense and the common good. For McConnell, architect of the Republican scorched earthobstruction against all things Obama, going to war with the President is old hat. Among other things, he led the repeated Republican efforts to repeal Obamacare. Only, it turned out that health care reform is remarkably popular in Kentucky
where the governor embraced it and hundreds of thousands have benefited, particularly from the expansion of Medicaid that McConnell is against. During the campaign, McConnell tried to square this circle by suggesting inaccurately that the Kentucky program could continue even if health care reform was repealed. In part to make up for that foolishness, he was forced to run one of the most expensive Senate races ever to save his seat in a deep red state. Now McConnell is proving that he is a man of the past, not a leader for the future. No matter how much he may stick his head in the ground, climate change is already a real and present danger. Even the Pentagon acknowledges that. The berserk weather that is already roiling the world has concentrated the minds of responsible leaders in governments, militaries, businesses and societies across the globe. Sen. McConnell may promise to use his post as Senate majority leader to stand in the doorway and try to block change, but he will find that he is on the wrong side of history. Imagine what a more responsible leader of “coal country” would do. McConnell could easily go to the President and demand a major program to transform the region, a TennesseeValley-Authority-sized program that would make coal country a center for manufacturing windmills and solar panels and other renewable sources of energy. He could demand funds for rebuilding the region’s energy infrastructure, for investing in its schools, for retraining its workers. He could argue that any just transition must include a real promise of jobs – with the government as the employer of last resort if necessary. He
As Sen. Warren recently observed in her Nov. 7 Washington Post article: “The American people want a fighting chance to build better lives for their families. They want a government that will stand up to the big banks when they break the law; a government that helps out students who are getting crushed by debt; [and] a government that will protect and expand Social Security for our seniors and raise the minimum wage.” There is wisdom in Sen. Warren’s “American Agenda.” As my departed colleague, friend and teacher, Sen. Paul Wellstone, often observed, “People yearn for a politics of the center. Not ‘the center’ so widely discussed by … pundits, but, rather, a politics that speaks to the center of people’s lives.” For the American families of every racial background who are struggling and fearful about our future, our shared priority of a more inclusive, sustainable and equitable economy is the most pressing challenge of our time. It also is the blueprint for our progressive coalition’s future political success. Congressman Elijah Cummings represents Maryland’s 7th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.
could demand investment in new hospitals and public health facilities, both to care for the miners afflicted from their work in the mines and to be a source of employment and good health in the future. He could be the leader who launches a long overdue renaissance for the region, rather than trying to hang on desperately to its no longer sustainable past. But of course to do that, McConnell would have to represent the common good of his constituents rather than the special interests – the oil and coal companies – that helped pay for his campaign. He’d have to accept that in a time of national and regional emergency, his conservative anti-government ideology should take a backseat to vital public investment and planning. Like Lyndon B. Johnson embracing the cause of civil rights, or Ronald Reagan reaching out to Mikhail Gorbachev, eighth and last leader of the Soviet Union, on nuclear disarmament, he’d have to have sufficient vision to ignore the brickbats of his allies on the right. McConnell shows no sign of rising to the historical opportunity before him. Instead, he will howl at the rising tides, deny the reality around him, and continue the unrelenting partisan warfare that has brought him to his current position. A war on coal? Sen. McConnell will fight for the interests of the coal companies and the oil interests. But the greatest damage inflicted on the people of coal country will be done by its newly re-elected Senator who simply doesn’t have a clue. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. is founder and president of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition. You can keep up with his work at www.rainbowpush.org.
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The Afro-American, November 22, 2014 - November 28, 2014
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
November 22, 2014 - November 28, 2014, The Afro-American
Reginald Lewis Museum Hosts a Grand Time of Celebration
Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore City State’s Attorney-elect and Nick J. Mosby, Baltimore City councilman district 7
Dr. Leslie King Hammond, board chair of the RFLM
Former Judge Marcella A. Holland, Beverly Cooper, Gala co-chair, Paulette Brown, Gala honoree and president-elect, American Bar Association and Beverly Carter, Gala co-chair
Dr. Skipp Sanders, executive director, Paulette Brown, Gala honoree and president-elect, American Bar Association and former chief judge Robert M. Bell
In commemoration of 10 years of venerable history keeping, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum Gala, held Nov. 1, honored the life and work of the Maryland Delegate, Howard “Pete” Rawlings, by recognizing people like him who served the community with dignity and integrity. The late Del. Rawlings was the first African American to become chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee in the Maryland House of Delegates, having served the 40th Legislative District in State Del. Adrienne A. Jones, speaker pro tem and gala Baltimore from 1979honorary chair and Bernard 2003. “Jack” Young, Baltimore City Council president
Photos by Glenwood Jackson Guest holding up the Children’s Access Program Bus, in support of bringing children to the museum
Mrs. Carolyn Fugett, Reginald Lewis’ mother and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Gala honorary chair
Mr. and Mrs. Victor March, board member (dancing to the music of the Panama Band) Andrew Bertamini, board member, Gail Clough, director of development and Helen Yuen, director of marketing
Leo V. Williams III, board member; Cori A. Ramos, director of Sales & Special Events
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Jason Newton, emcee
Leonard J. Attman, board member and Phyllis L. Attman
Congressman Elijah Cummings
Guest holding up the Children’s Access Program Bus, in support of bringing children to the museum
Roslyn Fugett Wiley, board member, Wanda Draper, Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, Jason Newton, emcee for the evening and Dr. Sanders, executive director
Jimmy Britton and Marcine Britton, Class Act Catering
Loyola Blakefield Grads Reunion Tim Porter, keynote speaker
Duane Davis, Jimmie Robinson, Joseph Forman and Derrick Lee
Many of the more than 400 African-American graduates of Loyola Blakefield in Towson, Md., gathered Nov. 1 for a reunion program with conversation around scholarship dollars for future students. Following brunch, all eyes turned to a football game against St. Mary’s Riken of Southern Maryland. Photos by Anderson Ward
Tim Porter, Councilman Carl Stokes and honoree Ken Montague
Honoree Br. Paul Cawthorne and Ralph Moore
Justin Brooks Tony Guy Erich March and Victor March
Anthony Day, Loyola Blakefield President
Ralph Moore and honoree Frank P. Fischer
Michael Guye
Jonathan Stanley, Garry Colbert, Marvin Campbell and Steve Blake
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The Afro-American, November 22, 2014 - November 28, 2014
Dr. Melissa Marshall, Andre Marshall Howard James, Alonzo Andrews, Henry James, Albert Davis, Walter Collins
Marie Davis, David Connor, Faye Long, Bill Long, Sidney White, Barbara White, Stephanie Cheeks, William Cheeks Gladys DeLoatch Henry
Barbara Brown Coad
John and Betty Carrington
Anne Poindexter, Mitchell Penn, Emmalene Penn, Ronald Finch James Toney, valedictorian and Curtis Myles
Dunbar Alums Partied Like It Was 1964 By Yolanda Thomas Special to the AFRO
Marla Lofton Johnson and Alonzo Andrews
Mrs. Calvin Williams, Daniel Odom, Marshua Odom
Many Dunbar High School grads gathered for their annual prayer breakfast, while the class of 1964 held its 50th reunion. “I had no idea we would be here in 12th grade because of the Vietnam War,” said Walter Collins, alumni committee president and president of the class of 1964. When it comes to keeping in contact, he says, “It was not difficult to maintain communication over the years because we lived within walking distance of each other. A lot of people passed,” he said, “as a matter of fact, we’re doing a posthumous honor for Willis Turnipseed; he was also a committee member and he was well liked. The last time I saw him was at a gala in 2013.” Albert Davis, class vice president said, “I worked together for 30 years after high school with Willis Turnipseed. He said he wanted to do something special for the 50th, but I never got the call.” The bond between members of the Class of 1964 was very strong, Davis said. “We went to the same recreation center, the same elementary school; we spent more time with each other than with our own families. We had no idea when we walked into that school that we would be children of change,” he said. “We went through the assassination of President Kennedy and Dr. King and we were bombarded with the social ills of the world; the assassinations brought us closer together. It was pandemonium in the hallways; I feel like it brought us together more. Those experiences made us a unique group of individuals,” Davis said. “We started at the 10 year reunion, and have had a reunion for the 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 45th and now 50th. We do three activities a year as a class; two fundraisers where we give scholarships to needy students [we give at least 2 scholarships a year] and one free event to thank the people who contributed to the fundraisers.”
Red velvet owl cake Bob Smith,Milton Garnes, Sandra LaRueGarnes, Mary Battle, Patricia Cooper
Joyce Johnson, Mrs. Leonard Thompson, Leonard Thompson, Johnny Smith, Mamie Carter-Smith
Dolores Taylor, Class of ‘48, Henry Fowlkes, retired Baltimore City Fire Department chief
Henry Goode Principal Tammy Mays
Rev. Dr. Tamara England, Class of ‘84
Diane Leach saying “I am NOT too proud to beg.”
Gay Williams, class of ‘81, receiving her lifetime membership
Thaddeus Goode Sr. and guest
Dr. Norman Ross leading the singing of the Alma Mater
Concept for the new lobby
Rev. Fritz Outlaw and Gloria Bolling Porter, Class of ‘62
Class of ‘66 Husband & wife, class of ‘56
(Front table) Nathan Irby Jr, Frederick Stewart, Loretta Wells, JoAnne Hall (Rear table) Arlene Fields, Laura Logan, Photos by Yolanda Thomas Sidney Fields, Jean Pierce Jackson
Rev. Jackie Tuggle Taylor, Class of ‘65
Fitzhugh Alford, ‘81, president of Dunbar Alumni Association, with his wife
Reginald Bennett Sr, Barbara Manigault Williams, Alma Barton Wechsler, Freddie Bee
Rev. Juanita Maye, Class of ‘82
November 22, 2014 - November 28, 2014, The Afro-American
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ARTS & CULTURE
Movie Review: ‘Beyond the Lights’
18th century racism, is the exact opposite of this emotionally distraught Rihanna-wannabe character coping with the rough, unforgiving world of music. Her versatility, dexterity and inner and outer beauty is amazing to watch. She’ll have a long career. Parker as Kaz plays it like a young, muscled Sidney Poitier. His characterization is virile, ambitious, gentlemanly, yet loving. The two actors make the characters and their romance come alive. They have real chemistry. You want Noni and Kaz—through the arguments, misunderstandings, breakups and make-up sex—to endure. Driver as the mother from hell turns in her best performance in years; her Macy is selfish, relentless and possessed. Colson “Machine Gun Kelly” Baker co-stars as Kid Culprit, Noni’s label mate, duet partner and ex-paramour. He’s suitably mean and aggressive, in a Chris Brown should-have-been-jailedyesterday kind of way. The film is nicely shot (Tami Reiker) and edited (Terilyn A. Shropshire, Love & Basketball) but perhaps its strongest tech elements are the over-the-top costume design by Sanda Hernandez (The Secret Life of Bees) and the snappy musical
By Dwight Brown NNPA Film Critic
Quick Rihanna, check to see if someone stole your diary. This ode to young Black chanteuses fighting personal demons feels like the story of her life. But in fact, it’s the brainchild of writer/director Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball), who knows her way around a romantic drama. Noni (Gugu MbathaRaw, Belle), a singer, has been driven to superstardom by her overbearing stage mother Macy Jean (Minnie Driver), who must have taken lessons in emotional abuse Courtesy Photos from Michael Jackson’s dad. Nate Parker and Gugu Mbatha- Raw star in "Beyond the Lights." As a kid, Macy shamed her daughter when she came in second at talent contests. She’d make her throw the runner-up trophy score with songs by Terius away. Noni, would retreat, put an emotional wall up around herself and sing her favorite song, “The-Dream” Nash and “Blackbird,” the tortured-soul Nina Simone version. Richard C. Baker that have Prince-Bythewood’s script sets the turbulence of the mother/daughter relationship in a block just the right blend of R&B, of cement. Noni is trapped. Mom is living through her daughter, pushing her to succeed at any hip hop and swagger. costs. Like Michael Jackson, sometimes under pressure, harried offspring succeed, but they selfThe sweetness and pop destruct too. culture feel that keeps this All looks well one night after a glitzy Billboard awards show in L.A. Noni has won a Best film afloat is a testament Song trophy and looks dazzling, but behind the big smile and haughty demeanor, she’s just a to the nimble, smart, very sad little girl in a stripper’s dress. Noni decides to jump off a balcony. Providence sends sensitive direction of an angel to save her. His name is Kaz (Nate Parker, Red Tails). He’s a cop moonlighting as a Prince-Blythewood, who Gugu Mbatha-Raw as “Noni.” security guard. She grasps his hand as she dangles perilously between the 12th floor and the hard, turns her script into a very cold pavement. romantic love story for twentysomethings or those who can remember back to their young The script pushes these two disparate souls together like it was destiny. She’s an artist, adult relationships. Her sensibility touches on a contemporary, urban melodrama that could be sensitive, insecure, wayward. He’s a straight-shooter cop, being groomed by his ambitious police construed as formulaic or predictable, but what she’s really doing is using strong romantic/drama captain dad (Danny Glover) for a political career and city council seat. Noni’s frayed-nerve storytelling technique to her best advantage. She’s knows the genre, and she’s working her vulnerability and rampant sensuality are played perfectly by Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Mbatha-Raw’s magic. role in Belle, as a confident, bi-racial granddaughter in a white British aristocratic family facing You’ll walk away from this film lighthearted and wanting to hold someone’s hand.
AFRO First Edition Launches Daily Fare A Launch Party celebration was held, Oct. 23, at the School of Global Journalism at Morgan State University to welcome talk show host Sean Yoes and the very popular First Edition to the afternoon drive. First Edition, that had previously been broadcast one day a week on
WEAA FM 88.9, has now been extended to five days a week, the 5-7 p.m. time slot. Sponsored by the AFRO, the show’s larger platform allows for more in depth coverage of local and national issues of interest to the African-American community. GIRLS NIGHT OUT 2014
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Join the the he women wom omen en of of AB A ABC’ ABC’s BC’ C s Board Board Boar d off Directors for a candid discussion about issues impacting women with New York Times bestselling author, inspirational speaker, lawyer, life coach and Executive Producer of “Iyanla Fix My Life.”
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The Afro-American, November 22, 2014 - November 28, 2014
Author’s Corner
Overlords Karma: Miami’s Urban Chronicles Volume I
politician in Miami. I met him through my job in government. He tragically committed suicide which inspired me to tell his story in my current book.
Hailing from Miami, Fla., Thomas Barr was born in Lake City, S.C., home of the second African-American astronaut, Dr. Ronald E. McNair, who was killed on the Challenger space mission. At age 17 he graduated Bethune-Cookman University with honors. While in college he was inspired to write when he read Black Boy by Richard Wright. He began writing short stories for campus publications and entered the Air Force after college. He thereafter began a career in government as an intern with the Ohio legislature and later became employed with the Florida Senate. Thomas Barr’s writings reflect the everyday struggle of the average individual trying to make something of life. Every person has a story to tell and the job of an inspirational writer is to bring those stories to life for the good of all.
What’s the overall theme? It’s a focus on the pressures some minority professionals face. Many experience obstacles in trying to assimilate to the modern day American culture of occupational processes.
By Thomas Barr Jr.
What was the impetus for writing this book? It was the death of a well known African-American
past. He was allowed to be bad and stretch the moral content of the story in regards to various circumstances in the book. For what audience is it written? My book is for the audience that can relate to the pressures of assimilation whether it is school or work. All can relate to obstacles and the various ways of coping which could be viewed as destructive or healthy. This book is designed to begin the discussion of identifying contention and developing healthy resolutions.
What surprised you about the development Thomas Barr of the book? The book development was a two- fold process. It What do you most want the reader to learn? included the creative side and then the business side. I love I would like for the reader to learn more about their inner to write, so the creative side was fun. However, the business self upon reading this book. Get in touch with your true feelings on issues and be true to who you are. “Be true to side is a lot of work. I was surprised in the amount of work it took to market the product and get the material to the readers. yourself” as the saying goes. Which character excites you most? I enjoyed developing the character Ray Sutter in the book. He was a seedy malevolent figure with a questionable
Other books you’ve written? Other books I’ve written are Risen and The Notorious P Man Sam due to be released in the coming months.
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November 22, 2014 - November 28, 2014, The Afro-American
“I love you because the earth turns round the sun; because the north wind blows north sometimes. I love you because the Pope is Catholic and most Rabbis Jewish; because winters flow into spring and the air clears after a storm; because only my love for you despite the charms of gravity keeps me from falling off the earth into another dimension.” Nikki Giovanni “Oh yes it’s ladies night oh what a night.” Kool and the Gang The response was overwhelming when over 65 women joined me for a happier hour at Horseshoe Casino Guy Fieri’s restaurant. Caesar’s Vice President Alex Dixon and Executive Casino host Franklin James welcomed the ladies and arranged escorts for a private tour of Horseshoe providing impressive VIP treatment. The guests enjoying the oversized ½ price entrees and refreshing 2-4-1 cocktails were Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Diane Hocker, Bea Grant, Jackie Golden, Karenthia Barber, Janet Johnson, Blanche Templeton, Marsha Jews, Pat Roselle, Libby Massey, Wanetah Wilkins, Everene Johnson-Turner, Jacqueline Richardson, Judge Yvonne Holt-Stone, Beverly Carter, Judge Marcella Holland, Sara Smalley, Rosemary Atkinson, Dr. Charlene Cooper-Boston, Honorable Salima Marriott, Wanda Watts, Joan Brown, Rita Cooper, Janet Nance-Richardson, Brenda Baker, Maxine Turnipseed, Jackie Robinson, Myra Queen, Kay Curry, Anne Davis and Eunice Jenifer-Robinson. “When a lovely flame dies, smoke gets in your eyes” The Platters Friends and cigar aficionados gathered at Slow Burn Cigar Shoppe & Smoking Lounge to party with cigar diva Beverly Fauntleroy on her birthday. Over 100 people and dolls enjoyed cigars, cognac and dancing at the quaint shop located at 701 Frederick Ave. The unique party hosted by Baltimore 3 Cigar Divas and Troy of New Beginnings Barbershop started the evening off in the white tent with paint/sip and smoke where guests painted on canvas or wine glasses as they smoked their favorite cigar. The event catered by Chef Brian Hart’s delicious delectable allowed the guest to munch and mingle. “Santa Clause is coming to town” The Friday Night Bunch, The JUGS and Baltimore City Pinochle Bugs are sponsoring a Toy Drive to collect new toys for AFRO’s Mrs. Santa to distribute to children for Christmas. Bring your new toys to Colin’s Restaurant 3653 Offutt RD in Randallstown on 6 to 9 p.m., Dec. 5 and Dec. 12. On Dec. 10, Mrs. Santa will be collecting toys on Antique Row at Phaze 10 Restaurant 855 N. Howard Street from 6 to 8 p.m. “He’s the little boy that Santa Claus forgot and goodness knows he didn’t want a lot” Nat King Cole Mrs. Santa needs your help so Santa won’t forget any boys and girls this Christmas season. A special thanks to Colin’s owners Dante and Candes Daniels and Phaze 10 owners John Carter, Tony Randall and William Hudson for supporting Mrs. Santa and their year round community support and involvement. “These are a few of my favorite things” Holiday shopping is easy at Creative Artisans Marketplace with local artisans including photographer Anderson Ward and Trena TaylorBrown Dec. 7 at The Summit Chase Clubhouse. Contact Rose McNeill beadornedjewelry@ gmail.com “And may the Lord make your love grow and overflow to each other and to everyone else, just as our love overflows toward you.” 1 Thessalonians 3:12
Happy 39th anniversary Donald and Judy Rainey, happy 25th anniversary John and Euvonne McKenney and happy 16th anniversary to Ursula and Mason Guthrie wishing you many years of “love and happiness”.. “If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.” Winnie the Pooh What a delight talking with my dear friend Bernice McDaniels when I called to wish her a happy 94th birthday; she said Val we never did get our lunch date. I’m going to surprise her soon with a lunch date. Friends who joined Bernice for a birthday celebration were Michele Emery, Rita Cooper, Maggie Wiggins, Barbara Lambert, Barbara and Sam Owings, Audrey and Sam May, Eliza Johnson, Wilma Bowser, Laura Byrd, Eleanor Matthews, Leah Hasty, Dr. Elbert Strothers, Juanita Addison, Edna Smith, Denise Smith, Charles and Yvonne McDaniels, Blanche Beckham, and Jacqueline Richardson. Send cards of prayers and blessings to Bernice at 711 W. 40th St., Baltimore, Md. 21211. “Over and over I marvel at the blessings of my life; each year has grown better than the last.” Lawrence Welk Happy birthday to the folks celebrating their birthday, James “Peck” Bogan, Gregory Simmons, Rosa “Rambling Rose” Trusty, Napoleon Sykes, Grace Grant, Deartra Tarter, Ernestine Scroggins, Attorney John Wood, Ellen Chittams, Michael Bowen Mitchell, Rudy Dillard, Attorney Harry “Sterling” Johnson, Ralph Wright, Willard Wright, Gwen Betts Wright, Mildred Harper, Beryl Johnson, state Del. Adrienne Jones, Tyronna Freeland, Attorney Brittany Pritchett, Ackneil Muldrow ,Kenneth Patterson, Veris Lee, Bryant Jenkins, Joanne Pulley, Tyres Jones, Carolyn Chissell, Regina Clay and Sandi Matthews. “Old friend, it’s so nice to feel you hold me again. No, it doesn’t matter where you have been my heart welcomes you back home again” Phyllis Hyman Wanetah Wilkins informed us that The Original McCullough Homes is having a reunion Nov. 28 at the Arch Social Club, one of the oldest operating clubs in the city. Contact Steve at 443-825-5249. Get well wishes to 95 year old Odessa Atkins, Arlene Adams, Bernice McDonald and Leah Goldsborough Hasty both recuperating at Keswick. Condolences to Carolyn Cole on the death of her brother Raymond Holland, Sarah Holley on the death of her life partner George Wallace, Jacqueline and Felecia Taylor on the death of their mother Katie Taylor and to Addie Brown on the death of her husband Garland Brown. Be Thankful and pray for calm for Ferguson Missouri Valerie & the Friday Night Bunch Living for the weekend
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TYPESET: Wed Nov 19 14:44:12 2014 LEGALEST NOTICES
want on this one Of a kind parcel with CITY OF BALTIMORE long frontage For family DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION to enjoy. NOTICE OF LETTING Special Financing CALL Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates OWNER 800-888-1262 of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for BALTIMORE CITY NO.TR15004; RECONSTRUCTION OF ALLEYS CITYWIDE will be www.hillcrestrealty.us received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204 City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. December 17, 2014.Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of LOTS & Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon. The Contract Documents may be ACREAGE examined, without charge, at the Department of Public Works Service Center located on the first floor of the AbelWolmanMunicipalBuilding, 200 N. Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 as of November 14, 2014 WATERFRONT LOTS-Virginia’s Eastern and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $75.00. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All Shore Was $325K Now contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of from $65,000 - ComBaltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should munity Center/Pool. 1 call (410) 396-6883 or contact the Committee at Room 634, Charles L. acre+ lots, Bay & Ocean Benton Bldg. , 417 E. Fayette St., Baltimore, Maryland21202. If a bid is Access, Great Fishing, submitted by a joint venture (”JV”), then in that event, the document Crabbing, Kayaking. that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes.The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this Custom Homes www. project is A02601 - Portland Cement Concrete Paving. Cost Qualification oldemillpointe.com Range for this work shall be $500,000.00 to $1,000,000.00. A ”Pre-Bidding 757-824-0808 Information” session will be conducted at 10:00 A.M.on December 5, 2014 at 417 EastFayette Street, Room 724,Baltimore, Maryland 21202. PrinREAL ESTATE cipal Items of work for this project are ”Class I Excavation, 5” Sub-Base Using Crusher Run, & 7” Plain Cement Concrete Pavement Mix No. 7. RENTALS TheMBE goal is 23%; WBE goal is 10% Retire on Rentals In this market you can obtain financial independence with the acquisition of the right properties. With my help, get cash flow and equity immediately. LPP 202-391-4609
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APPROVED: Bernice H. Taylor, Clerk Board of Estimates TYPESET: Wed Nov 19 14:42:09 EST 2014
1 Col. Inch Up to 20 Words
NOTICE OF LETTING Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for RP 14827Northwest Park Playground will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 24, 2014. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon. The Contract Documents may be examined, without charge, in Room 6 located on the first floor of the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, 200 N. Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 as of Friday, November 21, 2014 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $50.00. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call 410-396-6883 or contact the Committee at 3000 Druid Park Drive, 1st Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21215. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (”JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is G90041 Installation of Playground Equipment Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $100,000.01 to $500,000.00. A ”Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted at 2600 Madison Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21217 on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. Principal Items of work for this project are: Installation of Playground Equipment, Earthwork and Site Preparation The MBE goal is 2% The WBE goal is 1% RP 14827
Frank M. Conaway Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates Clerk of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for BALTIMORE 11/21/14 CITY NO.TR15015; BRINE FACILITY AND BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204 City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. DECEMBER 10, 2014. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon. The Contract Documents may be examined, without charge, at the Department of Public Works Service Center located on the first floor of the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, 200 N. Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 as of November 7, 2014 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $100.00. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prerequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call (410) 396-6883 or contact the Committee at 3000 Druid Park, Baltimore, Maryland 21215. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (”JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is F16000(ELECTRICAL).Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $400,000.00 to $500,000.00 A ”Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted at 10:00 A.M. on November 14, 2014 at 417 East Fayette Street, Richard Chen Conference Room, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Principal Items of work for this project are -Building Improvements- LS; & Salt Brine System - LS. The MBE goal is 26%; WBE goal is 4% APPROVED: Bernice H. Taylor, Clerk Board of Estimates
AFRO Classified minimum ad rate is $26.54 per col. inch (an inch consists of up to 20 words). Mail in your ad on form below along with CHECK or MONEY ORDER to: WASHINGTON AFRO-AMERICAN CO. 1917 Benning Road, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002-4723 Attn: Clsf. Adv. Dept.
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APPROVED: LEGAL NOTICES TYPESET: Wed Nov 19 14:43:23 EST 2014 Bernice H. Taylor Clerk, Board of Estimates APPROVED: IN THE CIRCUIT Rudolph S. Chow, P.E. COURT FOR Director of Public Works TYPESET: Wed Nov 19 14:42:28 EST 2014 BALTIMORE CITY Case No.: 24D14003027 CITY OF BALTIMORE IN THE MATTER OF DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Austin Marshall KanNOTICE OF LETTING deah FOR CHANGE OF Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates NAME TO of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for BALTIMORE A s h t o n K a n d e a h CITY NO.TR15008; URGENT NEED CONTRACT CITYWIDE will be reMarshall ceived at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204 City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. DECEMBER 17, 2014. Positively no bids will be ORDER FOR received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of NOTICE BY Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon. The Contract Documents may be PUBLICATION examined, without charge, at the Department of Public Works Service The object of this suit is Center located on the first floor of the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, 200 to officially change the N. Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 as of November 21, 2014 name of the petitioner and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $75.00. from Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. Austin Marshall All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prerequalified by the Kandeah City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties to should call (410) 396-6883 or contact the Committee at 3000 Druid Park, Austin Kandeah Baltimore, Maryland 21215. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture Marshall (”JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The It is this 30th day of Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is a02602 October, 2014 by the (Bituminous Paving) and D02620 (Curbs, Gutters & sidewalks).Cost Circuit Court for Bal- Qualification Range for this work shall be $1,000,000.00 to $2,000,000.00 A timore City, ”Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted at 10:00 A.M. on ORDERED, that pub- December 5, 2014 at 417 East Fayette Street, Room 724, Baltimore, lication be given one Maryland 21202. Principal Items of work for this project are -HMA Supertime in a newspaper of pave 9.5 MM for Surface, PG 64-22, Level 2 1,700 Ton; HMA Superpave general circulation in 12.5 MM for Surface , PG76-22, Level 2 1,000 Ton. The MBE goal is 19%; Baltimore City on or WBE goal is 6% before the 30th day of N o v e m b e r , 2 0 1 4 , APPROVED: Bernice H. Taylor, which shall warn all Clerk Board of Estimates interested persons to TYPESET: Wed Nov 19 15:09:19 EST 2014 file an affidavit in opposition to the relief requested on or before CITY OF BALTIMORE the 15th day of DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION December, 2014. NOTICE OF LETTING
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FAMILY COURT 202-879-1212 DOMESTIC RELATIONS 202-879-0157 a. Absent Defendant b. Absolute Divorce c. Custody Divorce
$ 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 TYPESET: Wed Nov 19 14:43:45 EST 2014 TYPESET: Wed Nov 19 14:45:47 EST LEGAL 2014 NOTICES BALTIMORE CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING ON BILL NO. 14-0428 The Land Use and Transportation Committee of the Baltimore City Council will meet on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 4th floor, City Hall, 100 N. Holliday Street to conduct a public hearing on City Council Bill No. 14-0428. CC 14-0428 ORDINANCE - Rezoning - A Portion of 2051 South Hanover Street - FOR the purpose of changing the zoning for a portion of the property known as 2051 South Hanover Street, as outlined in red on the accompanying plat, from the B-3-2 Zoning District to the M-3 Zoning District.
City of Baltimore Department of Finance Bureau of Purchases Sealed proposals addressed to the Board of Estimates of Baltimore, will be received until, but not later than 11:00 a.m. local time on the following date(s) for the stated requirements: DECEMBER 10, 2014 *AUTOMOTIVE HARDWARE AND FASTENERS B50003871 THE ENTIRE SOLICITATION DOCUMENT CAN BE VIEWED AND DOWN LOADED BY VISITING THE CITYS WEB SITE: www.baltimorecitibuy.org
BY amending Article _ Zoning Zoning District Maps Sheet(s) 76 Baltimore City Revised Code (Edition 2000) NOTE: This bill is subject to amendment by the Baltimore City Council EDWARD REISINGER
TYPESET: Wed Nov 19 14:43:05 EST 2014 Chairman PUR-1269 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS REGARDING QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE PROPOSALS FOR AVIATION ENGINEERING SERVICES The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland is requesting Qualifications and Experience Proposals from Aviation Engineering Firms to provide professional engineering services at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. For further information, please refer to the Washington County website: www.washco-md.net and click on the ”Purchasing & Engineering Bid Listing”, or you may contact the Purchasing Department, telephone 240-313-2330. By Authority of: Karen R. Luther, CPPO Director of Purchasing BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
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November 22, 2014 - November 28, 2014 The Afro-American
CAREER CORNER
TYPESET: Wed Nov 19 14:47:45 EST 2014
Church of St. Michael and All Angels is seeking a Sexton/ Events Attendee (15 hours/wk with occasional overtime) to provide janitorial services, set-up and cleaning for evening/ weekend activities. Self-motivated individuals with knowledge of janitorial supplies should contact 410-685-3128 or smaa_md@verizon.net.
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE INSIDE SALES ADVERTISING ACCOUNT Advertising SalesEXECUTIVE Professional needed for the AFRO-American Newspapers, Washington, D.C. or Baltimore office. Entry-Level Advertising Sales Rep needed for the AFRO-American Position provides: Newspapers, Baltimore, M.D. • Competitive compensation package • Salary andprovides: commission plan Position benefits after trial period • • Full Competitive compensation package • • Opportunity Salary and commission plan for fast track advancement
afro.com • Your History • Your Community • Your News
• Full benefits after trial period • Candidates Opportunity for fast track should be: advancement • Self starters
• Money motivated Candidates • Goal-oriented should possess: • Good typing/data entry skills • Experienced in online/digital sales
• Excellent customer service skills • Confident in ability to build strong territory • Previous telephone sales experience • Previous sales experience preferred • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
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Please email your resume to: Pleasedhocker@afro.com email your resume to: lhowze@afro.com or mail to or mail to AFRO-American Newspapers, Afro-American Newspapers Diane W. Hocker, Director of Human Resources, Diane W. Hocker, 2519 N. Charles Street, Director of Human Resources Baltimore, MD 21218 2519 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21218
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The Afro-American, November 22, 2014 - November 28, 2014