The Vol. 11 Edition 30 Free Thursday May 12, 2016
Continuing The Legacy Of Leadership
Courier www.couriernews.org
The Voice Of The Community
S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS
SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU GO...HMMMMMM? IF DR. BROWN COULDN’T FIX HER OWN FAILED SCHOOL AS A PRINCIPAL, WHAT MAKES YOU THINK SHE CAN DO IT AS A BOARD MEMBER!
Dr. Robert Wright Endorses Page 13 Evelyn Pugh Allegations, Challenges, Hearings, Appeals And Disqualifications
Who Is To Blame For This Election Fiasco Page 17
Top 9 of 9
Recognizing The Top 9 Students From Area High Schools Page 19
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THURSDAY May 12, 2016
Don’t Take Our Word For It Check Them Out For Yourself Once again, the street committee said six months ago that this election would be “interesting” to put it mildly. Since the beginning we have had a current Caucasian board member, Frank Myers, solicit and be successful in recruiting African American candidates to run against our African American incumbents who have refused to give in to his bullying tactics. The same Frank Myers and one of his “puppet operatives”, who purports to be a “preacher”, have ironically set up a number of “Sock Puppet” profiles. Basically these are online identities used for the purpose of
The Street Committee
deception. Myers and his “puppet preacher man” have created a variety of Facebook pages under assumed names to praise, defend or support a candidate, organization and or cause in an effort to manipulate public opinion. Two of these Facebook “troll” accounts include: “Mcsd Accountability” and Bernie G. Mason”. Check them out for yourself and you will see each posts the same information. You better do it quick though because now that they have been exposed we are sure they will take them down before the week is gone. Mayor Fails Again Why Won’t She Let It Go?
According to the street committee, for the third time, a judge has denied Mayor Teresa Tomlinson’s request to dismiss the lawsuits of Municipal Court Clerk Vivian Creighton Bishop, Muscogee County Marshal Greg Countryman, Superior Court Clerk Linda Pierce and Muscogee County Sheriff John Darr. After three failed attempts to dismiss their cases the question now needs to be asked; who is the real culprit wasting taxpayers money? Are we sure this isn’t just the mayor getting payback for them not supporting her during the last election?
The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper is published bi-weekly *Any editorial content are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper, publisher or staff” Office Location The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 416 12th Street Suite 201 Columbus, Georgia 31901 Email: thecourier@wowway.com Phone: 706.225.0106 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5747 Columbus, Ga 31906 Visit Us Online At: www.couriernews.org
Request for Bids
RFB No. 16-0035 Storing, Transporting & Recycling Waste Tires (Annual Contract) Due: May 25, 2016 – 2:30 PM Kevin Robertson, Buyer RFP No. 16-0017 Construction Services for Bibb Mill Riverwalk Due May 13, 2016 – 2:30 PM Della Lewis, Buyer Specialist
Sealed responses must be received and time/date stamped by the respective due dates shown above, by the Finance Department/Purchasing Division of Columbus Consolidated Government, 100 Tenth Street, Columbus, GA 31901. To obtain specifications, visit the City's website at www.columbusga.org, notify the Buyer via email krobertson@columbusga.org and dlewis@columbusga.org, fax 706.653.4109 or telephone 706.653.4105.
Andrea J. McCorvey, CPPB Purchasing Division Manager
A VIEW FROM A PEW
THURSDAY MAY 12, 2016
Lavoy Powell...A Good Man Gone Too Soon The next day, as we talked, w h i l e t o u r i n g h i s n e w, “Occasions Event Center”, even though we had just met for the first time, it was as if we had known each other for years. The more we shared, the more we bonded. He told me his story of growing up helping his father with janitorial jobs. How he started his first business while still in high school, painting houses and doing yard work. After graduating from George Washington Carver High School in 1977 he started a landscaping business.
His big break came when he received a contract on Ft. Benning landscaping the post commander’s home. That job led to him starting a furniture moving company picking up and delivering furniture to and from various army installations.
He shared with me his health issues relating his heart surgeries and how during those times his faith never waivered. “After all, he explained, my whole life has been based on a leap of faith. I’ve put all I do and have done in his hands and he has never failed me.” This was a sentiment I knew and understood well.
As we look forward to celeb r a t i n g o u r 11 t h a n n u a l Community Service awards program I am reminded how we met and became friends.
It was early 2008, and after two years we had outgrown the Historical Liberty Theatre. Out of the blue I received a call from Lavoy saying he wanted
to advertise his new facility located on Victory Drive in our paper. I agreed to meet with him and we set up a meeting for the following day.
As the conversation began to wind down I shared with him how we didn’t have a lot of money but I wanted to support him by holding our event at the event center. Without hesitation he said he would be happy to accommodate us. When I asked how much it would cost he said not to worry about paying for the use of the facility as I long as I took
3
care of his sound and light man. When I asked him why he would do that for me, he said this and I will never forget it; “Wane I like what you’re doing and I like to support entrepreneurs because someone helped me when I was just starting out. I know we just met but I remember when you started your paper and I heard a lot of people in this community giving you all kinds of hell. But you have stuck it out and you are still here and I’m proud of you. As long as you want to have your event in my building you are welcome and when you are able to afford to pay me then I trust you will because I believe that you are a man of your word.” That’s the type of man Lavoy Powell was.
I am going to miss pulling up at the Huddle House and not seeing my friends long maroon truck in the parking lot or going inside seeing him seated at the end counter, always with his phone to his ear. I’m going to miss our conversations about how much he just enjoyed helping others because so many people over the years had helped him.
Anyone who truly knew Lavoy also knew he never wanted any fanfare or recognition for anything he chose to do for you. That was just his way. Still I’m glad we gave him his flowers while he was living, as we recognized him with one of our Community Service Awards last year. Take care my friend, you will be missed, but your spirit will forever live on.
Wane A. Hailes
Commentary
Page 4
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA News Wire Columnist
Black Comedians React to Larry Wilmore’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner Jokes
President Barack Obama dropped his microphone at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, acknowledging what everyone had already concluded: he slayed it! Larry Wilmore didn’t do so bad as host, either, at least depending upon who is doing the review and if you’re among those willing to dismiss his use of the N-word. But, leave it to comedians like George Wallace to really sum up the evening – in Wallace’s case, probably better than anyone else. “Please come to my 2:17am show at the Waffle House Correspondents’ Dinner,” Wallace wrote on Twitter, right after the event ended. “I’m getting from [Larry Wilmore] what I wanted and didn’t get from Chris Rock at the Oscars: Peak truth-telling…” said Erica Williams Simon, a comedian in her own right and a self-described recovering D.C. political strategist and activist. Read the full commentary on our website at: www.couriernews.org
May 12, 2016
By Raynard Jackson NNPA News Wire Columnist
Black Liberals are Hypocrites When It Comes to the N-word
Once again, two nights ago, liberal hypocrisy was on full display at the White House Correspondents’ Association’s (WHCA) annual dinner. The dinner was begun in the early 1920s and usually the incumbent president and vice president of the United States attend. It is supposed to be a time of merriment and humor; but over time, it has become more and more of a liberal lovefest for the journalistic community in Washington, D.C. Members of this group brag about their supposed storied history, but as is habit with liberal journalists, they only tell you what they want you to know. The first thing one should do is take special note of is the first word in its name. I rest my case. What’s not included in their own historical narrative is the fact that they didn’t allow women to join until 1962. WHCA leaders were forced to change that policy figuratively at gunpoint. Read the full commentary on our website at: www.couriernews.org
COVER STORY
PAGE 5
May 12, 2016
If Dr. Brown Couldn’t Fix Her Own Failed School As A Principal, She Can’t Do It As A Board Member Martin Luther the King of 1968 in an effort to elicit an emotional response is not enough to translate into votes. We need to know we can trust what you say you intend to do for us, that you can actually do it, especially when you run based on your past years of experience.
By Wane A. Hailes
The Courier When I think about how we as a people tend to get caught up in emotions, I think about preachers and Sunday mornings. How many times have we left a Sunday morning service after “some good singing” along with some “good hoopin’ and hollerin’” and when asked what the preacher said, we don’t know. Well that’s what we have to be careful about this election.
As a voter if you are not careful you’ll get caught up in “The Sizzle” and miss “The Steak”. And that’s exactly what some politicians hope you will do. That is why we, at the Courier consistently say you must attend forums and ask questions, serious thought provoking questions of those individuals seeking our votes.
We have to let candidates know that we are not voting for you based upon the number of colorful billboards and yard signs you have plastered all over the city or in a particular district. Nor are we inclined to vote for you because of how loud or how emotionally charged your stump speeches are.
And finally, because it’s obvious your REAL friends won’t tell you this, but believing in 2016, trying to sound like
Case in point; Dr. JoAnn Thomas Brown is running for the Muscogee County School Board for District 1 based on her experience as a former educator with the Muscogee County School District. She touts specifically her tenure as a principal for the last seven years of employment with the district as the reason she is: “The Solution to End Failing Schools”.
If that is the case, our question to Dr. Brown is how can she be the “Solution to Ending Failing Schools” when, as a result of an Open Records Request; we found that Dr. JoAnn Thomas Brown, who served as the Principal for Baker Middle School was relieved of her position as principal on March 8, 2007 for failure to make “Adequate Yearly Progress” for the final five years as its leader. As a result, she was transferred to the Woodall Center as a Special Education teacher.
In the information we received it was noted that the key areas of weakness attributable to her leadership included; “a deeply ingrained perceptions of inconsistency, lack of calm, reasoned support and equitable treatment of all, plus a wont of stability in her daily interactions.
How ironic is it that, given this information, on her facebook page she asks the voters in District 1 to consider her “personal example” from a quote from John Wooden, when they go to the polls:
“The most powerful
Leadership tool you have is your own personal example.”
In a recent mailer Brown has circulated information designed to manipulate public opinion against her opponent.
Allow us to help you distinguish “Brown’s Sizzle” from “The Steak”: “The Sizzle: District 1 has 10 perpetually failing schools
“The Steak: District 1 - has a total of 6 traditional schools not 10 and 1 alternative school that also houses the Catapult Academy. The school of new beginnings is reducing the dropout rate by recapturing young people who have left school without a diploma. All of the schools have shown past growth, which is the new State measurement of success. In 2013-2014 Fort MS had a 23.9-point gain and in 2014-2015 Rothschild had the largest gain of all Middle Schools with a 9-point gain. The recent celebration is Rigdon having a 12-point gain for the just released report “The Sizzle”: Brown says: As your District 1 School Board Representative she will: See to it that every child has the books and basic supplies they need to succeed “The Steak”:The MCSD FY 2015 budget is spending $4.6 million dollars on classroom supplies, books and electronic media. Pat Hugley Green and other board members voted for the budget and the additional $3 million dollars focused specifically at the schools overcoming challenges. “The Sizzle”: Brown says: As your District 1 School Board Representative she will - End the practice of failing to have qualified teachers in every classroom on day one “The Steak”: A license to teach is
issued by the state of GA not a board member and MCSD has 99% certified and Highly Qualified teaching professionals. So school boards would never propose a policy referencing teacher certifications and requirements. “The Sizzle”: Brown says: As your District 1 School Board Representative she will - Re-build teacher morale by increasing the local pay supplement
“The Steak”: First of all - Teachers cannot count on JoAnn Thomas Brown to rebuild their morale, especially if they talk to former teachers who worked for her. The letters and emails of complaints we have accessed through our open records request from teachers who stated she ruled by fear and intimidation are numerous. As it relates to salary increases, teacher pay is determined by the State of GA as well as there pay raises. This year the Governor is offering a teacher pay raise. “The Sizzle”: Brown says: As your District 1 School Board Representative she will give her school board earnings each month back to the teachers
“The Steak”: Now that is the loudest “Sizzle” of all, especially when any one says they will give up their annual salary for them. But when you break it down, you can’t even by a hamburger let alone a steak. You do the math. Muscogee County Board members are paid $12,000 a year. There are 2,338 teachers in the Muscogee County School district when you divide that up I am sure the teachers will look forward to spending the .42 cents they will receive from Dr. Brown each month. The Bottom line is this: Why would you vote for JoAnn Thomas Brown who says “She Is The Solution To End Failing Schools” when on March 8 of 2007, the MCSD administration relieved JoAnn Thomas Brown from her position as principal of Baker Middle School for “failing six years in a row to make AYP. So on May 24, 2016 The only question you need to ask yourself is; Do you want “The Sizzle” or “The Steak”?
PAGE 6
Anthony “AJ” Herring, Jr.
COURIER KIDS
Anthony "AJ” Herring Jr. is the 11 yearold son of Anthony Herring Sr. and Taree Jones. And he is the older brother to sibling Mason.
May 12, 2016
Jakedrea “Niyhae” Morgan
Jakedrea "Niyhae" Morgan at 14 years old is the oldest of two children and the daughter of D30 Radio's Kirsten King.
AJ is a fourth grader who attends Key Elementary where he displays academic excellence receiving A's and B's all year round.
Niyhae is an 8th grader and attends Richards Middle School where she is a Captain of the Varsity Dance Team.
AJ claims Science as his favorite subject "because it's easy and when you get to High School you get to mix chemicals."
She mirrors her mother’s dayto-day operations by producing the Hype Kids Radio Show and the D30 Marketing Street Team.
He is an avid Baseball player who has been playing A-Ball for four years for the White Sox Columbus Pioneer Team as shortstop, and out field.
Her hobbies include spending time with her family, shopping and dancing.
His hobbies include playing with his friends, riding his skateboard and 4-wheeler.
Her favorite quote is "Follow your dream and be yourself."
He hopes to one day become a professional Baseball Player.
EXPERIENCE, INTEGRITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL ALONZA WHITAKER FOR SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE CHATTAHOOCHEE JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Why Whitaker
- 31 years in the legal profession
- Experienced in all aspects of the
law as a judge, defense attorney and prosecutor
- Currently Chief Assistant District
Attorney for all six counties of the Chattahoochee Judicial circuit
- Works with law enforcement and
court agencies in all six counties
of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit
- Mentors new attorneys
- Supervises attorneys and investigators
- Serves as Miniser, Missionary worker and Mentor
Career In Law
- Assistant Public Defender Douglas County- Omaha, NE
Family
Married to the former Ms. Caponier Samuel
- Chairperson, Muscogee County
Proud father of three adult sons:
- Assistant District Attorney,
Loving grandfather of two grand-
Child Fatality Review Committee
Chattahoochee Judicial CircuitColumbus, GA
- Environmental Court & Recorders Court Judge, Columbus
Consolidated Government
- Private practice, Whitaker
& Whitaker, P.C. Columbus, GA.
- Chief Assistant District Attorney, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit Columbus, GA
- Has a career of over 200 jury trials
Immanuel, Christopher and Aaron daughters, Ilyscia and Imani
Education
Diploma Jordan High School
Bachelor of Science Alabama State University Juris Doctorate Creighton University School of Law
The Courier Eco Latino Editorial Endorsements
Page 7
May 12, 2016
City Council District 4
City Council At-Large
City Council District 8
School Board District 1
Evelyn Turner Pugh
Tremaine “Teddy” Reese School Board District 5
Walker Garrett
School Board District 7
Pat Hugley Green
Judge of Superior Court
Athavia Senior
Todd Robinson
Judge of Municipal Court
Norene Marvets
Superior Court Clerk
Municipal Court Clerk
Alonza Whitaker
Cynthia Maisano
Linda Pierce
Vivian Creighton Bishop
School Board District 3
Marshal
Greg Countryman
PAGE 8
Metropolitan Baptist Church 1635 5th Avenue . Columbus, Georgia 706.322.1488
May 12, 2016
P ROGRESSIVE F UNERAL H OME
Service Schedule
Sunday School 9:30 A.M Sunday Worship 11:00 A.M Monday Night Prayer 6:00 P.M Tuesday Bible Study 12:00 P.M & 5:30 P.M
Mission Statement A growing church for growing Christians attempting to grow the Kingdom, one soul at a time.
First African Baptist Church
Pastor Curtis Crocker, Jr.
901 5th Avenue
Columbus, Georgia
Sunday Worship Sunday School 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship 11A.M. Transportation Provided
Call 706-323-3367 Sr. Pastor Roderick Green
Evergreen Covington, CEO
4236 St. Mary’s Road
Columbus, Georgia 31907
706.685.8023
evergreenfc@mediacombb.net
T HE L AW O FFICES OF S HEVON S. T HOMAS & ASSOCIATES
Practice Areas: Misdemeanor . Felony . DUI . Personal Injurury . Auto . Divorce . Family . Juvenile . Probate . Wills
201 9th Street Columbus, Georgia 706.507.5425
F RIENDSHIP B APTIST C HURCH E ARLY W ORSHIP 8AM
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WEBSITE : WWW. FRIENDSHIPMBC . ORG
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(O FFICE )706.323-6996 (FAX ) 706.322.7596 (PASTOR ’ S HOME )706.561.6733
R EV. D R . E MMETT S. A NITON , J R PASTOR
C. B ROWN & A SSOCIATES , I NC . 1300 W YNNTON R OAD
Carl Brown Representative
S UITE #107
Life, Disability, Health, Dental, Mutual Funds, Annuities, Medicare Supplements, IRA’s, Critical Illness
C OLUMBUS , G EORGIA
Office: 706-653-1287 Fax: 706-653-1290 Cell: 706-718-7313 Email: broker59@aol.com
Page 9 A Special To The Courier By Brother Love
We Deserve to Know the Truth
Reportedly, Mayor Teresa Pike Tomlinson and Councilor Clairmont Jerry "Pops" Barnes are so determined this election season to see Muscogee County Sheriff John Darr, Superior Court Clerk Linda Pierce, Municipal Court Clerk Vivian Creighton Bishop, and Muscogee County Marshal Greg Countryman lose their reelections bids that they have been recruiting opponents to challenge each incumbent seeking reelection. You have perhaps heard it said that the mayor boasts and brags that she has 20 Black pastors on speed dial that will do whatever she asks whenever she wants them to do it. What is currently being added to that is Mayor Tomlinson called around to that select group of 20 or more Black pastors asking if the pastors or any members of their congregations were interested in running for elected office,
Thank GOD for Elders
By Tonza Thomas We are challenging the establishment and standing up for civil rights is not sexy. To keep it real, there’s a generation of youth-young adults who have spoken up and said, “Because you said so, does not make it true.” However due to tradition, some folks are completely delusional. Instead of hoping for a great outcome, old folks will do anything to halt a progressive movement. Let me explain, old folks feel that no matter what you do it will never be right but an elder will assist you every step of the way. Young minds have become awakened by the spirit of their elders while ushering in our next generation of leadership. I applaud this generation of courage for standing up, speaking out and sitting at the table post the civil rights movement.
In recent years, we have heard the old battle cries of “we shall not be moved”, “no justice, no peace” and towns burning to the ground nationwide. Though we are proud of President Barack Hussein Obama, we have not been united since. Why can't we do the same at home? Long gone are the days when we would help a young man or woman
Opinion/Editorial
May 12, 2016
more specifically in running against the four elected officials involved in filing the lawsuits against her and the city council. Is that a story that you can or should believe? Well, if you know anything about Mayor Tomlinson or how so many establishment African Americans are blindly supportive of her in whatever she wants to do, even to the point it does not matter if the plot or plan will prove to seriously undermine the Black community now or later, then it is a very believable story. However, I am sure there are pastors in the Black community that could easily confirm if they received a call, or knew of a any fellow pastor that did. The question is if any will come forward to put and end to what this kind of thing could do to damage the credibility of churches and clergy in the Black community.
I believe Mayor Tomlinson made the recruitment calls and came up with one or more takers. Why would she not? She would not be the first one, and will not be the last one if we do not totally expose this kind of crooked politics in the Black community. Regrettably, we invite this type of exploitation on ourselves with our obvious weakness and vulnerability on display 24/7. Thinking we are players but actually being played, we take active part in the further division of our own community to help empower and advance the interests of people that cannot resist using us as tools to accomplish their goals. That is our fault, not theirs. The blame and the shame is on us for appearing so needy, weak, and willingly subservient. We have to drop that "back of the bus" mindset and stand up ramrod straight and proud. We are not superior nor inferior to any other people or group, so let us not act as though we are.
Pops Barnes Councilor Jerry "Pops" Barnes is one of the best examples of a very bad problem coming out of our community. I do not know of any current Black elected official in Columbus that Pops Barnes wants to be in office other than himself. He is totally consumed by the role he plays to the tee. If there is a Black person with position, status, or influence, then Pops Barnes has a problem with the person. His disdain for Vivian Creighton Bishop and Marshal Greg Countryman preceded their filing lawsuits against mayor and council for not following the law regarding the budget process, and the lawsuits are definitely about the mayor and council not following the City Charter. Stay focused on the law not the rhetoric or slanted news articles. You cannot believe a word of what the mayor is saying or suggesting. Her statements are misleading for a reason, and the reason
going astray and take them under our wings. Nowadays, we exploit the talents and visions of those under 45, who volunteer not for pay but for promise. We must courageously stand with this generation for choosing to ask questions, filter out the rhetoric and do the research for themselves. Let's talk about the closing of community schools and recreation centers, Opportunity Schools Districts, ending mass incarceration, ending the school-to-prison pipeline, discovering resources for returning citizens, restoring Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act, defeating the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, implementing livable wages, Medicaid expansion, voter and felony disenfranchisement. The lack of communication is a problem that we can fix but to tell a bald faced lie is wicked. My Grandfather said that a liar won’t tarry in God’s sight.
nities. If all lives matters, yet my family-community continues to suffer then of course black lives matter to me. Find out what matters to you and do your part. When was the last time that you attended a City Council or School Board Meeting (not for photo ops)? Those that are currently in office have a duty to continue to advocate on our behalves in the midst of any campaign. Build relationships with your elected officials, find out their priorities and the process to implement your views, if either agenda is too far left or right at least meet in the middle without selling out or lining your pockets for personal gain. If your feedback is not welcomed, don't get mad, run home with your ball and destroy what you were a part of. Today may not have been your day but tomorrow is ahead of you. How are we going to lobby for legislative changes but not show up at the polls because it's raining? Shame on you...
ers with the other hand and sell you lies just to push a newspaper. The attempt to destroy a good name is being paid for by those of you who sit by, subscribe and have nothing else to do with your time but gossip. Last year, our partnered program assisted in closing the North 5th Floor of the Muscogee County Jail now run and tell that. There's so much more to do than to create a scandal. Don’t be an opportunist because it makes you look thirsty.
Our communities are imperil, dying and at a critical state of unrest. We need all hearts, hands and heads on deck for real life, social justice reform. If you are deeply concerned then I advise you to get involved. We can't afford to continue to sit on the sidelines, watch and not actively support our own commu-
Crooks lurk in the dark... At least that's what my Grandmother said. Many of them do it in your face and in broad open daylight. Some folks will lie, cheat, steal and manipulate through published media to distort actual reality. These bottom feeders exploit citizens of our communities on one hand, attempt to destroy the professional ethics of oth-
SEE Love Page 11
I support respectable media that gets leads, interview the parties, print the truth not speculation and retract if necessary. If you don’t believe everything you hear; don’t believe everything that you read. Be careful of the dog that brings a bone because he has to carry one away. There are responsible media outlets that care about this community just like you. Volunteer, get involved and stay involved. No family is perfect and when I was coming up, family meant being folks. What’s the difference between me and you? If I can’t help you, I sure won’t hurt you. I thank GOD for my elders. Peace and Empower, “Courage Will Not Skip This Generation”!
Tonza Thomas is the president of the lopcal Columbus branch NAACP.
PAGE 10
Chattahoochee Valley Parent2Parent, LLC host 1st Annual Men’s Empowerment Breakfast
Parent2Parent, LLC is a community based organization whose mission is to uplift and strengthen the family unit by providing information, resources and programming to families residing in Muscogee, Harris and Russell Counties. The organization’s primary areas of concentration will focus on family financial literacy, family health (both physical and mental), education/ literacy and job training. On June 18, 2016, the organization will host the 1st Annual Men’s Empowerment Breakfast. Our theme is “A Call to Action”, says Owner and organizer Randalette Williams. Five community leaders in the area of education will be recognized and honored during the event. The breakfast will be held at the East Columbus Family Life Center located at 6001 Buena Vista Road, Columbus,
GA. 31907 at 7:00AM. Guest speaker is Mr. Christopher Lindsey, Principal of George Washing Carver High School. Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at the office of Jimmy Watts State Farm Insurance located at 4309 Armour Road Columbus, Ga. 31904. Proceeds from the breakfast will be used to help send 10 area students on a 12 day technology field trip across the southeast with Estella’s Brilliant Bus Tour (www.estellasbrilliantbus.org) which is making a stop in Columbus, GA. on July 16, 2016. For more information, contact C h a t t a h o o c h e e Va l l e y Parent2Parent, LLC (706) 464-7310
Fire and Burglar Alarm
Security Cameras Surround Sound
1124 Lockwood Avenue Columbus, Georgia 31906 1.800.769.0694 Curtis Stephens
Cell: 706.888.8522
www.alarmcommunicationinc.com
Willis To Serve As President of National Morehouse Alumni Association
May 12, 2016
Dr. Howard C. Willis, newly elected President of the Morehouse National Alumni Association (center); Doug Troutman, President, Columbus Chapter (right) and Don McCarthy, Columbus Chapter, Treasurer (left).
PAGE 11
Love From Page 9
is that she has to keep the citizens blind, deaf, and dumb so they will never catch on and wake up. The mayor is an attorney, but attorneys representing the mayor and council told us from the very start that the lawsuits were all totally frivolous and would be thrown out of court. That was not true then or now, but you are not supposed to catch on. What totally frivolous lawsuits do you know of that are not thrown out on the spot and cost 2 million taxpayer dollars and counting? The lawsuits have not been thrown out, but the attorneys for the mayor and council have filed, count them, 3 appeals to keep from appearing in court. Interestingly, the mayor rejects mediation claiming the civil suits are a matter of the law and must be decided in a court of law. Again, we are not supposed to catch on to her doubletalk because we are not supposed to be that smart.
To offer a little background and insight to Pops Barnes, since defeating Councilor Nathan Suber in a December 2005 runoff election, Councilor Barnes has supported opponents challenging incumbents Pat Hugley Green, Representative Calvin Symre, Senator Ed Harbison, Vivian Creighton Bishop, and Marshal Greg Countryman. Have either one of these elected officials ever done anything to Councilor Barnes? Good question. Knowing the councilor as well as I do, they have not, nor did they really ever have to. Pops Barnes is odd in that way and has always been that way, although he obviously does a fairly decent job bamboozling enough people in District 1 to get reelected to office over any challengers vying for the seat. Ron Jones and I did not find out who the real Jerry "Pops" Barnes was and what he wanted to do to certain Black elected officials until after he won the runoff, but you live and you learn. Thank God we learned and quickly severed all ties with Pops Barnes.
Pops Barnes is however still on a mission, brothers and sisters. What is his mission? Well, it is certainly not a Grassroots Unity Movement for Change mission for sure. Working in concert with others deeply involved in Columbus politics with the objective of unseating specific Black elected officials in order to gain control of elected officials representing predominantly Black constituents, the mission Pops Barnes
signed on to carry out was to find and recruit Black candidates to challenge and hopefully defeat Black incumbents. You are probably wondering if dear old Pops Barnes was duped by Frank Myers, Josh McKoon, or any other political gurus not of the Black community? For a very short period of time I used to think that was the case, but I was blessed to come into a better understanding. Satan never came to Pops Barnes during the time we were involved with the campaign, he was already in him from the beginning of our friendship. No matter a person's station in life, all wickedness springs forth from an evil heart full of sin. The truth is Pops Barnes was being just who he is and probably always will be. Those of us who are conscious understand from the lessons of the Black American experience exactly how envy, jealously, and self-hatred produces a Pops Barnes and even worse than a Pops Barnes, depending on the socioeconomic background of the individual. We have some educated brainwashed brothers and sisters and some uneducated brainwashed brothers and sisters.
The Problem The problem is always the same nagging problem, brothers and sisters. Do not expect the reality of the problem to change if you are not willing to put in at least a little work yourself toward effectively addressing the problem. If you know what the problem is, who the problem is, and what the problem does, then what, if anything, are you prepared to do about putting an immediate end to the problem? Will you continue to play the fool and be the victim? Will you continue to accept and believe the lies told to you about the four elected officials that we all know have served the taxpaying citizens of Columbus well over the years they have been in office? Sure, Mayor Tomlinson in some opinions may be showing supreme confidence by talking big boss stuff about the lawsuits in the Ledger-Enquirer to reporter Mike Owen and before all the news camera, but at the same time she is dodging a date in court where everything could come out and the case quickly decided by a fair and impartial judge. Reporters are supporting the mayor when they neglect to fact-checking the mayor and arm their readers with the truth that is the whole truth. You are not hearing any news editorials or seeing any editorials published in the mainstream newspaper about the mayor ducking a showdown in the court-
room all at taxpayer expense. It is the mayor's poor decision-making and stubborn pride that is going to bankrupt this city, if anything will. The four elected officials and there attorneys are not filing these appeals and putting more and more of your taxpayer dollars in the back pockets of the 14 attorneys representing mayor and council. You and I both know that if mayor and council thought for a single minute they had the law on their side and would win, then they would be dying to get into court so the Mayor Tomlinson herself could take the witness stand and thoroughly explain under oath for the official record and beyond any shadow of a doubt how the sheriff, the marshal, and both court clerks were wrong from the outset and foolishly wasted millions of our taxpayer dollars proving it to themselves and everybody else.
What you and I also know is that Mayor Teresa Pike Tomlinson would not be trying to win by calling up Black pastors in a desperate attempt to recruit them or their congregation members to run against those four elected officials. You just do not have to score very high on the IQ test to figure that one out, which is why I believe intelligent voters will see clear through the mayor's trickery and nonsense and reelect all four incumbents to office regardless of who the opponents are that Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Councilor Jerry "Pops" Barnes are supporting to replace them in office. Every taxpaying citizen should want this thing to play out in court, not at the polls. With millions of our taxpayer dollars that have been paid out in legal fees, and all the confident statements and sly hints that have been made in the news by the mayor, we as taxpayers deserve to know the truth that would come out in a courtroom. We simply deserve to hear a judge's final decision in each lawsuit at this point.
The Pastors And The Mayor We all deserve to know if Mayor Tomlinson has 20 or more Black pastors right in the palm of her hand, or even called up any Black pastors to help recruit candidates. If the calls were made to Black pastors by the mayor, and there certainly appears reason to suspect it to be so, then the pastors who received those calls along with whatever congregation members that signed on to do the mayor's bidding should step up and come clean, if not
May 12, 2016
with the Black community, then certainly to their respective congregations or fellow church members. If there is nothing to hide or be ashamed of regarding the conversations between the pastors and the mayor, then there at least ought to be one among you willing to simply tell the truth and shame the Devil by removing all doubt and speculation. In other words, this is a chance clear the air and clear your conscience at the same time. Right can have no part in wrong, good no part in evil.
Is what is being asked of the pastors regarding the calls an unreasonable request? I do not think so. Consider the fact that local Black pastors have never in the past had a problem admitting to their congregations and the community that the mayor called them up to hold unity prayer meetings, prayer meetings against violence in the city, etc. There was no problem owning up to the fact the mayor called on you then, right? So what makes this case any different if the mayor called on you seeking suggestions for political candidates to challenge the sheriff, the marshal, Superior Court and Municipal Court clerks? Citywide prayer meetings or political candidates, the issues all positively or negatively impact our city and city government. There is nothing to run or keep secret if there is nothing embarrassing or incriminating. Do not act like a conspirator if you did not conspire. Call me crazy, and I am sure some will, but to me it all seems especially simple enough to do for truly committed women and men called into service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is purely a matter of being forthcoming about the truth, nothing more nothing less. There is no confidentiality issues to be betrayed. After all, I am more than sure that Mayor Tomlinson never asked even one of you to not divulge anything about what she said during the phone calls. The mayor is quick and clever. She has identified your weaknesses, understands why you are even have those weaknesses, and knows exactly how to exploit the weaknesses she has individually and collectively pinpointed in you. Knowing she definitely had your loyalty and trust before she even called, the mayor knew she never had to ask you not to say anything since the very nature of the call from her to you placed you in what you might call a compromised position. She has power over you as long as
See Pastors Page 22
Who’s Got Next?...
PAGE 12
May 12, 2016
Young Professionals On The Move
Nadine Haralson, provides up close and personal interviews with young professionals who are making a difference in our community. Join us each issue as we introduce, recognize, and celebrate those individuals in Columbus, Phenix City and Ft. Benning who are… “On The Move”
Blake Hicks
excuse he decided to follow in his older brother's footsteps. He enrolled into LaJames I n t e r n a t i o n a l Cosmetology School where he became a Master Barber.
Charee “Clay” Bailey
Academic Achievement (Atlanta Metropolitan College) (2010, 2011, 2012), Fire Up Downtown Riverdale Finalist and cash recipient (2013), Deans Senior Choice Award cash recipient (2015), and nominated for Bo Bartletts Master Class by Bo, and many more.
"As long as I can remember my brother Brandon has been cutting hair,” explains Hicks. He started when he was just twelve and I would just sit and watch him and take everything in."
By Nadine Haralson
Meet Blake Hicks, brother, best friend, and right hand man to Nappy Root Barbershop owner Brandon Hicks.
Often times when you hear of the Nappy Root Barbershop you quickly associate it with the owner Brandon. But as any successful business owner and entrepreneur knows there's no I in team, and that teamwork makes the dream work.
Born and raised in Davenport, Iowa, Blake, the youngest of five children, and an avid basketball enthusiasts, graduated from Davenport North High School.
Having grown up poor and raised by a single mother, choosing to run the streets and hustle at a young age, and having to mourn and accept the loss of his brother who was killed in 2010, Hicks knew failing was not an option. Instead of using his misfortune as an
The time spent studying his brother’s technique is what Blake says gave him the upper advantage and talents he possesses today. Along side his brother and the other Nappy Root Barbershop family Blake's talents and persistence has helped the shop to become Columbus, Georgia's #1 Barbershop, and three time nominated Best Barbershop at the Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards.
Beyond cutting hair, and lining up edges, Hicks has a soft spot for community service and giving back. Throughout the year you can find him giving to various holiday charities, donating clothing to those in need, and mentoring to the youth. "We didn't have much growing up, so now that I'm in a position, I try to give back as often as I am able" shares Hicks.
Often known as the aggressive, passionate, and humble one, Blake believes his current position is his purpose, whatever the next step is for the shop he's fully committed.
"Real love is from the heart, it doesn’t have to be broadcast. When you see Nappy Root you see me."
The artist has been displayed on several exhibitions locally, across the state and neighboring states. She debuted her solo exhibitions in 2015 entitled Conversation in Art at Riverdale Centre. Her works have been photographed for covers such as Open Studio Postcard, and featured in 2012 Exploit You Magazine Vol. 1 Issue 1.
By Nadine Haralson
Charee "Clay" Bailey is a young, inspiring and future self-proclaimed artist whose talents and persistence will defy the odds of the invisible and less acknowledged black art scene.
Clay, a native of Riverdale, Georgia, who graduated from Westlake High School, went on to receive her Associate of Arts degree from Atlanta Metropolitan (State) College and currently attends Columbus State University as a Studio Art Major. Her father who used to frame works of artist such as Ted Ellis, Frank Morrison or, as society often labeled “the faceless black artists” drew her to art.
Initially showing an interest in band, she started drawing stick figures, from there she began to draw cartoons, mimicking others until she was able to come into her own creative talents. Definitely coming a long way from her stick figure days, Bailey has received numerous awards and recognitions over the past six years such as; Outstanding
Bailey, who refers to art as her "Lady friend", feels art is forever and diamonds are not. She explains her love and passion for art as a relationship similar to that of two humans. "Like with any relationship you have to learn from it, take what you can, nurture and respect it" explains Bailey. "Art keeps me whole, it keeps me humble."
She shares that even though the times have changed, the black art scene still seems similar to that of the 1800's or early 1900's. She feels there's still an invisibility cloak to African American art and not enough widespread exposure as individuals are still being compared to other ethnic groups. Even as a college student the challenges faced when it comes to black art is a lack of African American students majoring in art. In many cases black art isn't being instructed or taught, or the professors have very little knowledge about the color of art. As a student who's set to graduate in a couple of weeks, Bailey says she intends to not only step over those barriers but to knock them down entirely. "My goal is simply to be the best artist living and dead."
Page 13
Dr. Robert L Wright Endorses
Mayor Pro-Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh
May 12, 2016
Continuing The Legacy Of Leadership
Page 14
EVELYN TURNER PUGH...CONTINUING THE LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
Wright: During my time, we had the Municipal Auditorium, and now we have the Columbus Civic Center. Even though the administrative functions of the city have evolved, the place that we met to make leadership decisions about the community is now different. We started in the Government Center, now we have our new Citizen Service Center, which also serves as another example of Evelyn’s input and leadership.
Courier: How did you meet Evelyn Turner Pugh?
Wright: Evelyn worked in my first campaign when I ran for city council. I saw then a strong commitment to serve our city. I knew then that we would hear about her in the future in the area of service to our community. Courier: How has Evelyn’s leadership continued your mission for the district?
In 1970, Bob Wright, along with A.J. McClung was elected as the first black city council members for the Columbus Consolidated Government. Wright represented what was then District 2, but has since been changed to District 4, which Evelyn Turner Pugh currently represents.
We recently got the opportunity to sit down with Wright and discuss the current election for the District and why he is endorsing Evelyn Turner Pugh.
Courier: What were your major challenges when you served on city council?
Wright: Because of the times, we were focused on breaking down the barriers of segregation and creating opportunities for future citizens. We also had the enormous task of creating a new consolidated government that was more inclusive and improving access to city services. An example, what may seem like a small accomplishment at the time, was Mayor J.R. Allen hiring the first black administrative assistant for the city in the Mayor’s office.
Wright: When I was on council I did everything I could for my district and the people in Columbus. I see Evelyn’s continued leadership as building upon that foundation. She has established her own reputation as a public servant, a focused leader, and a strong proponent of opportunities for future generations. I fully understand that the city has changed over the years, but the major challenges remain bringing jobs, transportation improvements, and recreational opportunities to the district.
Courier: What do you think of her leadership of the district?
May 12, 2016
Wright: She has been a critical component of the mission of carrying on some things we started in the city and the district more than 20 years ago. Even though there was a gap in the time I served on council and Evelyn’s current tenure, we are both committed to improving the district. Courier: Can you share some specifics?
Wright: Let me share a couple of examples, during my tenure on the council we opened Belvedere Park. At the time the park was small with a baseball field and concession stand. Evelyn was part of the leadership that built Shirley Winston Park with a gym, football field, multiple baseball diamonds, walking trail, and a multi-purpose recreation center that serves all ages in the district. Courier: What about examples of her improvements around the city?
Courier: Why do you think Evelyn’s leadership is critical to the future of District 4 and the city of Columbus?
Page 15
Wright: I believe Columbus is right on the threshold of great economic growth and job creation, particularly in South Columbus. Evelyn’s knowledge of finances through her experience in the banking industry has been critical in the growth of the city and new economic opportunities on the horizon. We need someone with her vision, knowledge, and relationship building skills to continue the momentum in the district.
Courier: What skills do you think she brings to council that would be hard to replace?
Wright: She has served for years as an integral part of the budget committee where she had to address tax rates, millage rates, and it is critical that we retain someone who has that knowledge and realizes the impact it has on our citizens in the area of property taxes and service fees.
May 12, 2016
Courier: Do you think her personal challenges have affected her passion or ability to serve?
Wright: Absolutely not. Another reason I support Evelyn is her courage. As everyone knows, she lost her husband and is battling Parkinson’s, but through it all, she has proven to be a strong role model and as she deals with her illness on a daily basis, it does not affect her passion to serve our community. As Evelyn says, “I have Parkinson’s, it doesn’t have me.” Others should see her as an inspiration.
Courier: How do you think it would impact her efforts to continue to serve the community?
Wright: It would be easy for her to minimize her role, because of the personal challenges. Many of us are dealing with something, some people give into life’s challenges, but she serves as a role model for others
dealing with issues, but you cannot give up on serving others. Courier: What do you see as some of her accomplishments?
Wright: Even though the changes in the city have been numerous, the one thing that has continued is the quality of leadership that has improved the district and our city as a whole. That is why I am supporting Evelyn’s effort to continue to serve. She has also been involved in the development of the assets along the river, ranging from the creation of the Riverwalk to the Whitewater Rafting and Zip Line activities that bring thousands of visitors to our city, which in turn contributes to the revenue of local businesses and the hospitality industry. If you consider those projects I have already mentioned, and add the Columbus Fall Line Trace, South
Commons, Skateboard Park, The Infantry Museum, and many others, you are looking at more than 1.5 billion dollars in projects that she has been a part of bringing to our city. Courier: Why do you think this particular election is important?
Wright: This election is about the future of District 4 and our city. This is about creating opportunities for economic development, transportation, and recreational opportunities for our children and grandchildren. Courier: What else do you think is special about Evelyn?
Wright: Evelyn is an icon, a true icon. There are people who have unselfishly given of themselves, time and time again, which put her in a special category of leaders who have left their mark on our community for the betterment of all.
PAGE 17
May 12, 2016
Allegations, Challenges, Hearings, Disqualifications and Appeals Who Is To Blame For This Fiasco?
Pam Brown
By Wane A. Hailes The Courier In the past two weeks all four candidates seeking to unseat incumbent John Darr for sheriff have been disqualified. The disqualifications are the result of missing fingerprinting deadlines, failing to file affidavits showing educational qualifications and failing to file certified copies of birth certificates. As a result of the allegations, challenges, hearings, disqualifications and appeals, numerous questions have surfaced regarding; who is to blame for the confusion to who is ultimately responsible for making sure the candidates paper work is complete. Initially, when we first began research for this article, it appeared everyone had something to say. There was plenty of finger pointing and a quickness to, “Pass the Buck”. Now, however, it appears these once talkative folks have gone silent, which suggests to me that they have gone into what we call “CYA” mode, or “Cover You’re A%$”.
So, with that, let me tell you what I was initially told and then share with you who I feel should be held responsible.
Candidates running in non-partisan races, receive their forms and are certified and qualified by a staff member of the Election and Registrations office. For partisan races, where candidates must distinguish whether they are running as a Democrat or Republican, they are required to receive their forms from their respective local parties where their forms are certified and notarized and then brought to the Elections and Registration office. When the staff member receives their forms the
Robert Smith
Nancy Boren
assumption is all of the paper work is complete, accurate and in order.
And this, according to reliable sources, is where the problem started with this election cycle, at least at the local Democratic headquarters. We were informed that on the first day of qualifying, the individuals responsible for assisting candidates were running around like chickens with their heads cut off. It began with the authorized Notary Public, who was on site but did not have his official stamp, so forms couldn’t be notarized. Candidates had to wait for a different notary was contacted and asked to come to the office. Workers were unsure of which forms were needed and so phone calls were continually being made to the Elections and Registrations office for assistance. The scene, according to sources at the Democratic headquarters, was chaotic.
The main reason for the chaos, I was told, is that someone from the state democratic office was supposed to provide training for the local party members prior to the qualifying date. This did not occur, so in essence the local leadership was basically “flying blind”.
This gives credence to many of the candidate’s claims who said there was a lot of confusion at the headquarters but in spite of that they were lead to believe the information they received from the Democratic Party and the forms the party certified and notarized were complete and accurate.
Now to whom I feel is ultimately responsible. In regards to partisan races, if a candidate must go through their respective parties in order to
Mark LaJoye
qualify, then the Party has a responsibility to make sure that each candidate has everything they need, and all forms are complete, accurate and properly notarized prior to submitting them to the Elections and Registration office.
Personally, however, if I were to choose to run for public office I would make sure I know what is needed and what the deadlines are. Given human error I am going to make sure I dot every “I” and cross every “T”. That’s just the way I am and I expect the same from any other individual who wishes to serve, especially one who solicits my vote. So the ultimate responsibility, in my opinion lies with the candidate.
However, as the local department that is tasked with carrying out the duties relating to the conduct of elections, the office of Elections and Registrations should be held responsible for reviewing all of the information for its accuracy and completion when it is turned in and inform the candidate know before they leave their office if they are in
Donna Tompkins
compliance. This is regardless whether the information came directly from the candidate or from one of the political parties. To me that’s just common sense and should be a part of the job description.
In any case you can rest assured that after this fiasco, there will be a number of changes to the process of future elections.
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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2016
HAT’S OFF TO THE
TOP 9
OF
9
THE COURIER ECO LATINO NEWSPAPER’S ANNUAL
RECOGNITION OF THE TOP NINE GRADUATING SENIORS FROM AREA HIGH SCHOOLS WITH THE HIGHEST GPA
PAGE 20
MAY 12, 2016
T HE C OURIER E CO L ATINO N EWSPAPER ’ S A NNUAL
TOP N INE G RADUATING S ENIORS F ROM A REA H IGH S CHOOLS W ITH T HE H IGHEST GPA G EORGE WASHINGTON C ARVER H IGH S CHOOL
Markeisha Wagner
Angel Rosser
Ashley Dorsey
Arlyssa Turk
MarQuell Baker
Latia Carter
Jessica Jones
Cierra Brooks
Alecia Major
Hannah Eubanks
Tanner Goldsmith
Anudeep Nakirikanti
Anjali Patel
Monil Patel
Ishan Sahoo
Anju Shajan
Madeline Snipes
Riuchard Vale
Tatiyana Etienne
Airianna Jones
Anissa Carpenter
Areiyonna Byrd
Madison Dade
Maxwell Myers
Sharlena Porter
TaNia Jones
Tyler Snook
Kyla Kaugdan
Samuel Bahde
Tristan Mattwig
Kaitlyn Peach
Taylor White
Makaiyla West
Caitlin Williams
Jordan Thompson
Georgia Simonds
Haley Anderson
Seth Dixon
Libee Stallone
Macie Edwards
Julie Lumsden
Saphir Oved
Mary Clark
Alivia Davidson
Carly Smith
C OLUMBUS H IGH S CHOOL
E ARLY C OLLEGE A CADEMY
H ARDAWAY H IGH S CHOOL
H ARRIS C OUNTY H IGH S CHOOL
PAGE 21
MAY 12, 2016
J ORDAN H IGH S CHOOL
Asia West
Jacob Gilbreath
Jada Crawford
James Eldridge
Antonio Wilks
Brooklyn Hernandez
Charlena Woods
Christopher Bryant
Markus Wright
Kapatrick Rogers, Jr.
K ENDRICK H IGH S CHOOL
Destiny Murph
Ja’Nia Johnson
Shaine De jesus
Van Erem
Xautyca Hall
Malcolm Rimes
Mykayla Clay
Uniqua Littlejohn
Meredith Donovan
Richard Mobley
Sam Thompson
Jaelyn Fladger
Kristina Spurlock
Madeleine Drew
Xavier Hall
Xzavier French
Zacarriva Humphries
N ORTHSIDE H IGH S CHOOL
Alexandra Pate
Claire Attyah
Courtney McCullar
John Pippins
Josiah Edwards
M. Solis
S HAW H IGH S CHOOL
Alyssa Dean
Anna Corser
Ariel Cantero
Camille Pascua
Celeste Vasas
Eryka Johnson
W ILLIAM H. S PENCER H IGH S CHOOL
Alexius Chadwick
Getzemani Guiterrez
J'Kerreia Garrett
Jastonie Hill
Khea Luckett
Takevia Wilson
Page 22
Columbus Technical College is Hiring!
We are looking for qualified candidates for the following positions:
Adult Education ESL Instructor Part-time Adult Education Instructor (Quitman County) Part-time Adult Education Instructor (Stewart County) Part-time Adult Education Instructor (Muscogee County) Part-time Anatomy & Physiology Adjunct Instructor Associate Degree Nursing Adjunct Instructor Automotive Collision Repair Instructional Aide Part-time Carpentry/Cabinetmaking Adjunct Instructor Cosmetology Instructor Part-time Driver’s Education Instructor Part-time Engineering Technology Adjunct Instructor Esthetics Adjunct Instructor Part-time nstructional Aide – Cosmetology Part-time Interpreter Part-time Microbiology Adjunct Instructor Practical Nursing Adjunct Instructor Sociology Adjunct Instructor Part-time
For more details and to apply for these positions please go to www.columbustech.edu and click “CTC Employment.” Columbus Technical College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pastors From Page 11 you keep the secret. Her hold on you is broken if you come forth with the truth.
The mayor never asked any of you because she never had to ask you to keep quiet. Think about that for a moment or two. It is what they call having your number right off the bat. Please do not get me wrong here. I am not attacking you or trying in any way to ridicule you. That would not be of any help to our community. I am simply telling you what any true old school brother or sister with love in their heart for you would tell you. I am giving it to you straight no chaser. Mayor Tomlinson just up and involved you in some clandestine mess that you were not even thinking about at all when she or her go-between called you up and pulled you into the mess as deep and as far as you were willing to go at the time. In her mind, she never had a thing in the world to worry about.
That is both testament to just how little she thinks of the integrity of Black pastors and just how much she really thinks of her own ability
May 12, 2016
to successfully exercise power and control at will over certain Black pastors in our city.
We know that Satan comes to us because he believes in his power of persuasion over mankind. He identifies every weakness and shortcoming that he can use against us to draw us into partnership and make us his own. Men and women of God, those to which this applies, it is up to you to come forth with the truth and make the Devil a liar on this one. You are not being challenged to do what is right, you are not being call out, you are being called on in love to do what needs to be done in the interest of your community, not to mention your own peace of mind and spirit. It is all up to you and only you. I can only pray to God that one or more of you make the right decision for all the right reasons while it is the right time.
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Oferta válida hasta el 6/30/16; válida para clientes residenciales que no se hayan suscrito a cualquier servicio dentro de los 30 días previos y que no tengan deudas con Charter. *El precio combinado es de $8997 al mes por un año, $10997 al mes el año 2; aplican tarifas estándar después de 2 años; instalación, impuestos, cargos, sobrecargos y otro equipo extra; el paquete que califica incluye servicio Charter Spectrum TV Select, Charter Spectrum Internet y Charter Spectrum Voz; servicios adicionales son extra. **Aplican restricciones. Para calificaciones del programa de recisión de contrato, visita charter.com/buyout. Términos Generales: TV: se requiere equipo de TV y es extra. †Canal, la disponibilidad de la programación de HD y títulos en On Demand depende del nivel de servicio. Latino View: es posible que algunos canales no estén disponibles en ciertas áreas. La programación de Latino View requiere servicio Limited Basic o superior. INTERNET: las velocidades de Internet varían por domicilio. Charter WiFi: aplican cargos por equipo, activación e instalación. VOZ: impuestos y cargos están incluidos en el precio. Los servicios están sujetos a todos los términos y condiciones de servicio que apliquen, los cuales están sujetos a cambios. Todos los derechos reservados. Servicios no disponibles en todas las áreas. Aplican restricciones. Las marcas registradas pertenecen a sus respectivos dueños. ©2016 Charter Communications, Inc.
PAGINA 5
Grafico: Latinas en la fuerza laboral Por Kaitlin Holmes | A pesar de su empleador, su figura paterna, o nivel de ingreso, la mayoría de los trabajadores experimentarán en algún momento de sus vidas un conflicto entre el trabajo y su vida personal. Si se trata de estar en casa para una reparación de emergencia en sus hogares, recoger a un niño enfermo de la escuela, o simplemente recuperarse de su propia enfermedad, la mayoría de los trabajadores necesitan acceso a horarios flexibles y vacaciones pagadas. A pesar de la necesidad casi universal de este tipo de políticas, hombres latinos y mujeres latinas que trabajan— incluyendo a los trabajadores de bajo-y medio-ingresos y a los trabajadores con puestos de trabajo en el servicio de la industria—son a menudo incapaces de ganar días de enfermedad pagados, asegurar un horario de trabajo justo y flexible, o tener acceso a cualquier vacaciones pagadas.
Jueves 12 de Mayo 2016
ENGLISH
Infographic: Latinas in the U.S. Economy Regardless of their employer, parental status, or income level, the majority of workers will experience a work-life conflict at some point in their lives. Whether it is to be at home for an emergency household repair, pick up a sick child from school, or simply recover from their own illness, most workers need access to scheduling flexibility and paid leave. Despite the nearly universal need for such policies, Latino working men and women—as well as lower- and middleincome workers and workers with jobs in the service industry—are often unable to earn paid sick days, secure fair and flexible scheduling, or have access to any paid leave. “This material [article] was created by the Center for American Progress (www.americanprogress.org).”
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¡No dejes que tus deudas te maten! ¿Te estás ahogando en cuentas de tarjetas de crédito, el pago de tu carro, casa o apartamento? ¿Sientes que no hay una salida y casi no puedes dormir porque no tienes suficiente dinero para mantener a tu familia?
¡Hay ayuda para ti y para tus seres queridos! El “Consumer Credit Counseling Services” te puede ayudar con consejería de finanzas. Si eres elegible, podemos reducir los pagos mensuales de tus tarjetas de crédito. Si tu o tus seres queridos tienen préstamos estudiantiles de la universidad, podemos aconsejarte en cómo manejar mejor esas cuentas. Si estás sin empleo y no puedes pagar tu hipoteca, también puedes ser elegible para recibir ayuda del gobierno estatal. Date un alivio. Llámanos hoy al 706-327-3239 para que tengas una vida mejor y más tranquila. Tú y tu familia lo merecen.
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Jueves 12 de Mayo 2016
The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper is published bi-weekly *Any editorial content are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper, publisher or staff�
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Office Location The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 416 12th Street Suite 201 Columbus, Georgia 31901 Email: thecourier@wowway.com Phone: 706.225.0106 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5747 Columbus, Ga 31906 Visit Us Online At: www.couriernews.org
Pagina 2
Jueves 12 de Mayo 2016
The First Annual Harold “Lefty” Encarnacion COMMUNITY SERVANT AWARD
NOMINATION FORM
Name of Nominee____________________________________________ Individual/Company___________________________________________ Title/Position________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________ City____________________________State___________Zip__________ Business Phone________________Home Phone__________________ Deadline May 6, 2016 Please complete the nomination form and mail to the address below: Courier Eco Latino Newspaper P.O. Box 5747 Columbus, Georgia 31906 or Email to: thecourier@wowway.com You May Also Fill Out Nomination Form Online at:
www.couriernews.org
Acerca de la enfermedad por el virus del Zika
a enfermedad por el virus del Zika (Zika) es causada por el virus del Zika, que se propaga entre las personas principalmente a través de la picadura de un mosquito de la especie Aedes. Los síntomas más comunes del zika son fiebre, sarpullido, dolor de articulaciones y conjuntivitis (ojos enrojecidos). La enfermedad, por lo regular, tiene síntomas leves que pueden durar algunos días hasta una semana después de que un mosquito infectado pica a la persona. Por lo general, las personas que se infectan con zika no se enferman lo suficientemente como para ir al hospital y es
muy raro que mueran por causa de este virus. Por esa razón, es posible que muchas personas no se den cuenta de que están infectadas. Sin embrago, la infección por el virus del Zika durante el embarazo puede causar un defecto congénito grave denominado microcefalia, así como otros defectos graves en el cerebro del feto. Una vez que una persona ha sido infectada, es muy probable que sea inmune a futuras infecciones. El virus del Zika fue descubierto en el 1947 y se le dio ese nombre por el bosque Zika en Uganda. En el 1952, se detectaron los primeros casos de zika y desde entonces, se han reportado brotes de zika en la región tropical de África, el sudeste asiático y las islas del Pacífico. Es probable que haya habido brotes de zika en muchos lugares. Antes de 2007, se habían documentado al
menos 14 casos de zika, si bien es probable que haya habido otros casos que no se reportaron. Debido a que los síntomas del zika son similares a los de muchas otras enfermedades, puede ser que muchos no se hayan reconocido. En mayo de 2015, la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) emitió una alerta con referencia al primer caso de infección con virus del Zika confirmado en Brasil. El 1 de febrero de 2016, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) declaró que el virus del Zika representaba una emergencia de salud pública de importancia internacional (ESPII). Se ha reportado transmisión a nivel local en muchos países y territorios. Es probable que el virus del Zika continúe diseminándose en nuevas áreas.
ENGLISH
About Zika Virus Disease
Zika virus disease (Zika) is a disease caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects. Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections. Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 and is named after the Zika Forest in Uganda. In 1952, the first human cases of Zika were detect-
ed and since then, outbreaks of Zika have been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Zika outbreaks have probably occurred in many locations. Before 2007, at least 14 cases of Zika had been documented, although other cases were likely to have occurred and were not reported. Because the symptoms of Zika are similar to those of many other diseases, many cases may not have been recognized. In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. On February 1, 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Zika virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Local transmission has been reported in many other countries and territories. Zika virus will likely continue to spread to new areas. 2100 Comer Ave. Columbus, Georgia 31904 .321.6300
Eco Latino Vol. 11
couriernews.org
S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS
La Voz de la Minoría
Edición 30 Gratis
Jueves 12 de Mayo 2016
Acerca de la enfermedad por el virus del Zika
Pagina 2 Nominations Are Now Being Accepted
The First Annual Harold “Lefty” Encarnacion Community Servant Award
Pagina 2
Courier Eco Latino Group Supports
Pagina 5