The
Courier www.couriernews.org
S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS
Inspirational-Informative-Empowering...Your Source For The Truth Vol. 15 Edition 8 Free Thursday March 26, 2020
A View From A Pew
Your Vote Counts! A Candid Conversation With...
Cathy Williams and Walter Taylor Let’s Call a Spade a Spade, It’s Time For Black Folks To Stop Being Afraid”
Candidates for City Council District 7
Page 3 The 2020 Census A Candid Conversation
Pastor Curtis Crocker, Jr. Is The Faith based Liaison For The 2020 Census Page 7
Fear...
L. Renee Richardson Shares Why We Never Get Things Done Pages 9
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MARCH 26, 2020
THE CORONAVIRUS COMMUNITY NEWS UPDATES The Muscogee County School District Will Be Delivering Meals Monday – Friday From 11:30am – 1 2 : 3 0 p m To T h e F o l l o w i n g Locations: Jordan High, Midland Academy, Baker Middle School, Carver High School J.D. Davis Elementary School, Dawson Elementary School, Double Churches Middle School, Fox Elementary School Key Elementary School, Spencer High School *The Muscogee County School District Will Deliver Meals To The Following Apartment Complexes Monday – Friday 11:30am – 12:30pm Elizabeth Canty Apartments Chase Homes, Eagle Trace Apartments Jordan High School, Kendrick High School (Front Of School Area), Midland Academy, Warren Williams Apartments Whisperwood Apartments, Wilson Apartment *Phenix City Schools Will Resume Serving Meals March 30 – April 3 From 11:00am – 11:30am At The Following Locations: Frederick Douglas Apts, Hidden Hills Trace Apts, Whispering Pines Apts Sumbry Hill Apts, Spring Ridge Apts Riverview Apts, Green Leaf Apts, Steeplecrest Apts, Sanford Road Apts Brookwood Park Apts, Lp Stough (Pronounced Stouw – Like Ow) Apts And 420 Mlk Parkway *Piedmont Regional Hospital Is Offering Corona Virus Testing And Implementing A Higher Level Of Safety Restrictions To Visitors. If Yo u H a v e A n y Q u e s t i o n s O r Concerns About Covid-19 Please Call Piedmont’s Toll Free Number At 1-866-460-1119 *Due To Recent Developments Around The Spread Of The Corona Virus, The State Of Georgia Has Postponed The March 24 Presidential Preference Primary Until May 19. *In Response To The Corona Virus The Chattahoochee Libraries Are
Working To Assist Students, Parents And Teachers And Has Created A Guide Of Educational Resources That Can Be Used Remotely During This Time. Students Can Get Live Online Homework Help, An Online Collection Of Tumble Books, And If You Do Not Have A Valid Library Card You Can Sign Up For An ECard. *All Fort Benning Graduations Have Been Cancelled Until Further Notice. This Includes: All Basic Training Graduations, Airborne And Ranger Graduations, Ncoa Graduations, Ibolc And Abolc. Other Base Closures Include: The Benning Club, Bowling And Entertainment Center, All Fitness Facilities. *In Response To Covid-19 Fort Benning Has Modified Hours Of The Following Locations: Exchange: 9 A.M. - 6 P.M. Monday - Saturday; 10 A.M. - 6 P.M. Sunday Commissary: Close At 7 P.M. Long Library: 10 A.M. - 3 P.M. Monday - Saturday, Closed Sundays Main Post Rec Center: 11 A.M. - 8 P.M. Monday - Thursday, Noon - 8 P.M. Friday - Sunday Sand Hill Rec Center: 8 A.M. - 6 P.M. Monday - Friday, 10 A.M. - 6 P.M. Saturday - Sunday Harmony Church Rec Center: 8 A.M. - 6 P.M. Monday - Friday, 10 A.M. 6 P.M. Saturday – Sunday *Peachtree Mall Has Modified Its Hours Of Operation In Response To The Covid-19 Outbreak: The Shopping Center Will Operate Between Noon And 7 Pm Monday – Saturday, And Sundays 12pm To 6pm. Mall Walkers Will Be Granted Access One Hour Prior To Opening. *St. Francis Emory Healthcare Has Limited Patient/Visitor And Entrance Access To Hospital: Limit 1 Visitor To Per Patient (This Goes For Any Surgical Or Outpatient Procedures As Well) No Visitors Under The Age Of 16 Years Of Age All Visitors/Patients To The Hospital Will Be Screened At Access Points
For Hours Of Operation Of Er Atrium, Butler Pavillion, And Main Lobby *In Response To The Corona Virus The Treasury Department And Irs Said Taxpayers Can Delay Paying Their Income Taxes On As Much As $1 Million In Taxes Owed For Up To 90 Days. Ordinarily, Individual Income Taxpayers Must Submit Their 2019 Tax Returns And Pay Amounts Owed By April 15. The Postponement On Payments Applies To Federal Returns. DoubleCheck Your State's Tax Deadlines To See If There Are Any Delays. *The United Way Is Offering Help And Support To Residents In The Counties Of Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, Muscogee, Stewart, Talbot
And Taylor Counties In Georgia And Russell County In Alabama – Some Of The Services Provided Include Rent, Mortgage And Utility Assistance Food, Mental Health And Addictions, Employment Services And Financial Support, Children, Families And Individuals In Crisis, Housing And Shelter *Please Remember To Practice Safe Hygiene And Smart Socializing While The Corona Virus Continues To Spread. emember To Practice Safe Hygiene. If You're Sick Stay Away From Other People And If Other People Are Sick Stay Away From Them. Wash Your Hands With Soap And Water Often, And If No Water Is Available Use Antibacterial Sanitizer.
Have You Lost Your Job Or Have Your Hours Been Cut To Less Than Full-Time Because Of The Covid-19 Virus? The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has adopted an emergency Rule 300-2-4-0.5 Partial Claims, effective March 16, 2020. The rule mandates all Georgia employers to file partial claims online on behalf of their employees for any week during which an employee (full-time/part-time) works less than full-time due to a partial or total company shutdown caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Any employer found to be in violation of this rule will be required to reimburse GDOL for the full amount of unemployment insurance benefits paid to the employee. Download the How Employers File Partial Claims Desk-Aid found on the GDOL Alert Page and follow the step-by-step instructions. Filing partial claims results in your employees receiving unemployment insurance (UI) benefit payments faster, usually within 48 hours for claims filed electronically. Employees for whom you file a partial claim are NOT required to report to a Georgia Department of Labor career center, register for employment services, or look for other work.
The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper *Any editorial content are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper, publisher or staff” The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 1300 Wynnton Rd Suite 104 Columbus, Georgia 3190 Email: couriereconews@gmail.com Phone: 706.225.0106 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5747 Columbus, Ga 31906 Visit Us Online At: www.couriernews.org
THURSDAY MARCH 26, 2020
A VIEW FROM A PEW
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And Another Thing…Let’s Call a Spade a Spade; It’s Time For Black Folks To Stop Being Afraid Vi c e P r e s i d e n t w i t h t h e Chamber gave a power point presentation showing a 20year demographic forecast changing of Muscogee County.
I guess you can tell by the title I’m still pissed off from my last column about Black folks trying to have it both ways, talking Black but voting White. Some may say the title is not politically correct. My response? I don’t give a damn. That’s been the problem nobody wants to hurt your feelings. Well “I'm your huckleberry”. It’s time for some straight talk even if the truth hurts, or is unpleasant to hear. It’s time for Black folks to stop being afraid. . I don’t care how long it takes; I will continue to share this information with Blacks folks in Muscogee County or as my grandmother would say; “put it where the goats can get it”, until it sinks in. In Muscogee County Blacks are the largest demographic and have been since 2009. In
addition, since that time, we have registered more Black voters than any other demographic in the County and more importantly more Blacks have voted than any other demographic in recent elections since then. One thing you can rely on is the numbers do not lie. People do, but numbers don’t. Because of this you can rest assured the White community know the numbers. You see while we have been socializing and fraternizing the leaders in the White community have been analyzing and strategizing. They knew the day would come when the complexion of our community would be more Black and Brown than White. They knew this well before 2009. I know because I was at a Chamber of Commerce meeting in 2008, held at the Columbus Airport where Ron Hinze, then a Sr.
And if you don’t think the white community is aware or concerned about the changing dynamics, especially politically, you only have to read the letter that was mailed this past February to Republicans in Muscogee County by Sheriff Donna Tompkins Reelection Committee. After informing the reader that Marshal Greg Countryman would be her opponent, the letter suggests that “registered Republicans, request a Democratic ballot, during the May 19, 2020 Primary Election, and vote for Donna Tompkins. The letter continues stating once Sheriff Tompkins wins the Primary, she will be on the General ballot on November 3, 2020 where all voters, Democratic and Republican, can vote for her as well as all other candidates.” So, I don‘t understand why Black people in this community are afraid to stand up and outwardly support our Black candidates like the White community outwardly supports the candidate of their choice. As evidenced by their letter in support of Donna Tompkins. There is a reason why the White community is adamant
Sheriff Donna Tompkins Reelection Committee P. O. Box 8215 Columbus, Georgia 31908 February 7, 2020 Friends, Our Sheriff, Donna Tompkins, last week announced her candidacy for reelection as Sheriff. We think it’s important to reelect Sheriff Tompkins and ask for your support as well. Sheriff Tompkins does have opposition on the Democratic Primary ballot. Her announced opponent is Greg Countryman, the current Marshall. Your vote and financial support will make a difference in this election. Sheriff Tompkins must first win the Primary Election to be on the General Election ballot. Early voting begins April 27, 2020 at the Citizens Service Center. Voting for the Primary Election will be May 19, 2020. Sheriff Tompkins will be on the Democratic Ballot. Registered Republicans can vote in the Democratic Primary Election but must request a Democratic ballot. Once Sheriff Tompkins wins the Primary, she will be on the General ballot on November 3, 2020 where all voters, Democratic and Republican, can vote for her as well as all other candidates. You can trust Tompkins. Sincerely Yours, Cecil Cheves Jack Pezold Tracy Sayers Ken Henson
about reelecting Donna Tompkins for Sheriff. The Sheriff is the highest-ranking law enforcement officer in the County. To paraphrase the words from the hospital scene in the movie; Malcom X, starring Denzel Washington, "That's too much POWER for one Black man to have". They will never say that to our faces but we know what goes on behind closed doors.
What they will do, however, as leaders in the White community, is sign their name to a letter to let others that look like them and share their concerns suggest who they should vote for. I implore you to stop being afraid to speak up and stand up for the candidate of your choice. I implore you, as a leader in the Black community, to not be afraid to sign your name to a letter that let others who look like you and share your concerns know who they should vote for. I implore you to stop straddling the fence. Since I have previously evoked Spike Lee, I implore you my Black folks in Muscogee County, to “WAKE UP”.
Wane A. Hailes
The Primary Election Has Been Postponed Until May 19, 2020 Voting Precincts and Locations 101 WYNNTON 2412 WYNNTON RD
115 CAANAN BAPTIST 2835 BRANTON WOODS DR
102 CARVER 3000 MACON RD
116 HOLSEY MONUMENTAL 6028 BUENA VISTA RD
103 ST. JOHN 3980 STEAM MILL RD
117 GENTIAN 4400 REESE RD
104 BRITT DAVID 2801 W BRITT DAVID RD
118 ST. PAUL 2101 WILDWOOD AVE
105 ST. PETER 6507 MOON RD
119 MOON 7300 WHITTLESEY BLVD
106 CONERSTONE 7701 LLOYD RD
120 ST. ANDREWS 4980 HANCOCK RD
107 COLUMBUS TECH 928 MANCHESTER EXPY
121 BLACKMON 5201 WARM SPRINGS RD
108 ST. MARK 6795 WHITESVILLE RD
122 FIRST AFRICAN 901 5TH AVE
109 WYNNBROOK 500 RIVER KNOLL WAY
124 EPWORTH 2400 DEVONSHIRE DR
110 CUSSETA 3013 CUSSETA RD
125 GALLOPS 1212 15TH ST
112 OLOLC 1953 TORCH HILL RD
126 EDGEWOOD 3564 FORREST RD
113 MT. PILGRIM 4400 OLD CUSSETA RD
127 PSALMOND 6550 PSALMOND RD
114 FAITH TABERNACLE 1603 FLOYD RD
Request for Bids RFB No. 20-0061 Reese Road Bridge at Cooper Creek Due: April 22, 2020 – 2:30 PM Della Lewis, CPPB Buyer Specialist Sealed responses must be received, and time/date stamped by the due date 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 , notify the Buyer via email , fax 706-225-3033, or telephone 706-225-4087.
Andrea J. McCorvey Purchasing Division Manager
Courier March 26, 2020
PAGE 5
MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 7 Cathy Williams
Dr. Walter E. Taylor
There is still need in District 7 and the need will only be met with funding from this critical revenue source. As a community, we need to provide our district the resources needed to provide our students the physical environment as well as the technology that will support a high level 21st century education.
Why should the residents of District 7 re-elect you to the Muscogee County School Board? I have lived, worked, played and prayed in this district for over 16 years. In addition, having served on the school board for 8 years as the at-large representative gave me a unique perspective into how a district representative can best serve their schools. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as the District 7 representative for the last four years and have taken special appreciation from the gains that all our district schools have made in their testing scores. I have been able to serve each school with the relationships I have in the district and the community to the benefit of our students and educators. Why should the community support the 2020 ESPLOST Promises made, promises kept. One example is from the ESPLOST funding that has enabled our District 7 students to attend the new, technologically advanced high school, my alma-mater, Spencer High School.
Why are you the best candidate for the position? I know District 7 well, bordering the river, it is one of the most diverse districts in our community. I have served our schools in District 7 for four years, I understand the needs of each school and I actively work with the principals and educators to ensure that they have the tools needed to continue to succeed. For the last 20 years, I have had the privilege of working with NeighborWorks Columbus, located in District 7. The mission of NeighborWorks Columbus is to improve access to affordable housing for our families; our vision is to eliminate substandard housing in Columbus. Shortly after starting NeighborWorks Columbus, I moved into District 7, where I have lived continuously for the last 16 years. I care deeply about the integrity of this office and the people who stand to serve it. It has been my honor to serve the families of District 7 for the last four years and I stand qualified to continue to serve, if re-elected.
upgrades and renovations to many of the schools.
Why are you running for the District 7 seat on the Muscogee County School Board? I constantly see the need to redress the educational and literary needs of our community. Literacy and education are the building blocks to shaping our communities into becoming hubs for successful young adults who will grow up to become productive members of society. 2. Are you in favor of the 2020 ESPLOST? If yes why,?if no why not? Yes, I favor money being brought into and allocated to the district. Funding such as the ESPLOST yields opportunity for getting more qualified teachers into our classrooms, much needed
3. Why are you the best candidate for the position? Given the great levels of ethnic and socioeconomic diversity within District 7; I believe that I am the voice to bridge those gaps that exist. Having being educated in District 7, I can relate to all aspects of the culture. I will not only be the voice of the highly educated business professional, the college educated mother but also the voice of the single parent with 3 children, the working parent(s) with multiple jobs trying to make ends meet, and the parent of the child who has a disability or diagnosis of mental illness. I believe that I have the responsibility to serve as that voice for my neighbors and for my friends so all the youth of District 7 will receive the highest quality of education attainable. I believe that my voice is needed to help ensure that the children of District 7 receive the funding and resources to make that a reality in this new decade.Georgia Chapter.
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Courier March 26, 2020
The Muscogee County School District Seeks to Continue the 1% Sales Tax On a referendum on the May 19 ballot, the Muscogee County School Board will be asking voters to renew the ESPLOST. The following are the 20 proposed capital projects totaling an estimated $185 million. ▪ $45.5 million: Improvements to technology and technology infrastructure. ▪ $25 million: New elementary school. Dawson and St. Marys Road elementary schools, about 1 mile away from each other, would consolidate into a new school, to be constructed on 2025 acres of MCSD property behind Dawson. The latest enrollment figures from the Georgia Department of Education show 59-year-old Dawson had 345 students and 63-year-old St. Marys had 502 students as of October. Dawson’s capacity is 475, and St. Marys’ is 438. With enrollment at Dawson below the minimum for full state funding, Lewis
has said, merging with St. Marys into a new school would make the district more efficient and effective. ▪ $22.5 million: Unspecified renovations and modifications in district’s five-year facilities plan. ▪ $16 million: Bus, vehicle and transportation equipment replacements. ▪ $15.5 million: Athletics facilities improvements throughout the district, including upgrades to middle school football and soccer fields, expansion of Carver and Columbus high school weight rooms, replacement of wooden bleachers throughout the district, upgrade Kinnett Stadium technology, scoreboard and lighting, and resurface Carver and Hardaway high school tracks. ▪ $15 million: Athletics complex for multiple sports and systemwide use, built to specifications that would allow MCSD to host more state championship events. It would be constructed next to
Spencer High School and include a 6,000-seat football stadium, with an eight-lane track and a separate 2,000seat soccer field. This project also would include the $11 million from the current ESPLOST, which voters approved in 2015. But sales tax revenue has been less than expected, so this project was postponed. ▪ $13 million: Arnold Middle School modernization. ▪ $4 million: Hardaway High School addition. ▪ $4 million: Kendrick High School addition. ▪ $3.5 million: Campus safety and security upgrades. ▪ $3 million: Bond issue financing. ▪ $3 million: Columbus Museum upgrades. ▪ $3 million: Furniture, fixtures and equipment throughout the district to
replace outdated items. ▪ $3 million: Jordan Vocational High School College & Career Academy facility enhancements. ▪ $3 million: North Columbus Public Library replacement. It would be built at another location, yet to be announced. ▪ $2 million: School nutrition equipment replacements. ▪ $2 million: Stephen T. Butler STEAM Center upgrades. STEAM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, arts and math. ▪ $1.5 million: Mathews Elementary School addition. ▪ $1.5 million: Playgrounds. ▪ $1.5 million: Secondary science equipment and technology updates. ▪ $1 million: Columbus High School exterior upgrades. ▪ $500,000: Veterans Memorial Middle School band room
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COVER STORY
Courier Thursday March 26, 2020
A CANDID CONVERSATION WITH PASTOR CURTIS CROCKER, JR. AND THE 2020 CENSUS of you! Let’s Stand Together. The Courier: When does the count start? Crocker: Actually, households began receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail March 12th. The Courier: How has or will the
The Courier: So, Pastor Crocker I understand you are the faith Based Liaison for the 2020 Census. What can you tell us about it? Crocker: We are closing in on Census 2020 and it is my prayer we are getting excited about the possibilities of having a successful count. As you know, the census is much more than just a head count. It provides a picture of our nation that helps determine where to build new schools, hospitals, and businesses; how federal funding is distributed; and how congressional seats are apportioned. It also helps us see how our communities have changed over time. That’s why an accurate count is so important. The Courier: As you well know most of us in the Black community are hesitant about trusting the government asking them for what we see as our personal business. What plans do you have to overcome those fears? Crocker: In an effort to assist those who may have difficulty understanding the Census process, we are asking every Church, Mosque, and Temple, with media centers to engage in a citywide Census Sunday, April 5th. The mission is to provide assistance to the elderly, to assist those who may have difficulty navigating the internet and to increase numbers within our communities. The target areas are the Hard to Count (HTC) communities of Columbus. Historically, our Brown and Black communities have not produced the numbers in previous years, however, in an effort to increase participation in these HTC areas, the Faith Based Community can be an influence, but we need all
Coronavirus hinder your process? Crocker: I know this is a difficult time, but we can’t afford to allow this virus to keep us from following through on this. This is too important for us and this community. On April 1 Census Day is observed nationwide. By this date, every home will have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the
invitation arrives, you should respond for your home by phone, online or by mail. The Courier: Any final thoughts? Crocker: Yes indeed. Please, let’s stand together in this effort to Be Counted. We can do this! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me 770-714-671
Courier March 26, 2020
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F RIENDSHIP B APTIST C HURCH
831 6 TH AVE C OLUMBUS , G A
Early Worship 8am Breakfast 9am Sunday School 9:30 am Morning Worship 11am Wednesday Prayer Meeting/Bible Study 7pm Thursday Noon Bible Study 12 noon Sunday Child Day Care Services Available For Those Attending Our Worship WEBSITE : friendshipbchurch.org (O FFICE )706.323-6996 (FAX ) 706.322.7596 (PASTOR ’ S HOME )706.561.6733 friendshipbaptistcolumbus@gmail.com or friendshipbc@juno.com Transportation available, must contact church office by Friday at 12:00 noon.
R EV. D R . E MMETT S. A NITON , J R PASTOR
P ROGRESSIVE F UNERAL H OME Evergreen Covington, CEO
4236 St. Mary’s Road Columbus, Georgia
706.685.8023 evergreenfc@mediacombb.net
Metropolitan Baptist Church 1635 5th Avenue . Columbus, Georgia
706.322.1488 Service Sunday School 9:30 A.M Monday Night Tuesday Bible Study Pastor Curtis Crocker, Jr.
Schedule Sunday Worship 11:00 A.M Prayer 6:00 P.M 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.
Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church Corner of 3rd Avenue and 5th Street Rev. Dr. J.H. Flakes Jr. Way Columbus, Georgia 31901 706.324.2055 Rev. J.H. Flakes, III -Pastor Rev. Dr. J.H. Flakes, Jr. - Pastor Emeritus
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Courier March 26, 2020 COVER STORY Fear: Why I Never Get Things Done
About L. Renee Richardson, MBA Called to preach, teach and lead at the age of 10, L. Renee has served in top ministry and business leadership for 42 years. She is the founder and CEO of three global corporations: twenty-year- old Women of Vision and Destiny Ministries Worldwide, Inc. (WOVD), 16-year-old Wealth and Riches Today, Inc. and the new I AM Worth it Foundation designed to raise $4.0 billion for global women’s and young ladies causes. L. Renee is a highly sought after national and international speaker. She has hosted Christian Women’s Leadership Conferences for 16 years throughout the North America/U.S. Region and has expanded into Asia. She has a B.B.A. from Columbus State University and an MBA from the University of Georgia. L. Renee is an ordained Teaching Pastor by Dr. Ron Cottle. Her book The Widow Oil Tycoon is sold on Amazon. She can be reached at www.wealthandrichestoday.com.
I ran into a businesswoman at an event. As we began to catch up on life, she made this observation: I have a lot of great ideas, but I can never get them done.
Mondays, our online coaching platform for women who desire to go to the next level in their homes, businesses, careers and ministries. We met each Monday for thirty minutes.
As I pondered her statement, I realized that we all can relate to her plight. We all have lots of great ideas, dreams, visions and goals. By the end of the year however, they remain figments of our imaginations. Why is that? I believe she seriously wanted an answer. According to success experts, over half of us will start with New Year’s resolutions. By the spring less than 10 percent of us will still be working on these goals. I believe the root cause of our immobility is fear. Most of us have identified fear when it comes to being afraid or terrified of something. I believe fear manifests itself in more subtle forms and keeps us from doing what we desire.
Guess what? This dream was on the
I asked her what she wanted to do. She recited her list of the three things in life that she has meditated on for years. She knew what to do but was not taking the action steps to bring them to life. She was smart, intelligent, and savvy. She was extremely creative and could build a beautiful business. I remember when I launched Miracle
table for over a year before it became a reality. What took so long? I believe at the subconscious level; I was afraid to move forward. It was the first time I was launching this type of program. Once it got started, the response has been amazing. Now we meet in the mornings Monday-Friday 7am-7:15 am eastern for the Power Up Your FAITH Morning Show featuring Women’s Bible Studies and Complimentary Coaching. It is played on Facebook on our Women of Vision and Destiny Ministries, Inc. page. Fear can deceive us and make us think we do not have the time or knowledge to do something. It’s just that...deception. Fear does not come from God. Fear is a spirit. It comes in and immobilizes our ability to make simple steps and ends up “talking us out of” our dreams. When we experience a failure or setback, we learn to hide our gifts and talents. When our ice cream store closed, I went through my own dark season. Fear tries to whisper in our ears repeatedly. Today we will take control over it!
I told this lady to get a journal and write down her dreams. Just taking that small step will free her to get moving. Once it is on paper, something supernatural happens. It becomes possible. Write out your favorite scriptures, confessions and affirmations each day. Little by little, the spirit of fear will begin to shrink and die. I believe that once we write down our vision, we are halfway to getting our goals completed. As we take the smaller steps, we become empowered to take bigger steps and before you know it, we are up and moving in the direction of our dominant thoughts of God-success and accomplishment. I encourage you to do it afraid until fear packs her bags and moves down the road to bother somebody else. Keep writing out your dreams and make them bigger and bolder every day. Before long, the year will be over, and you will have accomplished so much more than you can imagine. Go Bold in 2020! Email me your success stories at lrenee@wealthandrichestoday.com.
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D.A. McBride’s Millennial Microphone
Why The Census Needs You! For many church goer’s and/or faith believers, 2020 was set to be a year of vision, prosperity, and a whole host of positive adjectives that faith leaders proclaimed on December 31, 2019. Conversely, the untimely passing of NBA Superstar Kobe “Bean” Bryant, the stock market losing 2 years’ worth of earning in less than two weeks, and old viruses with a new mutation (COVID19) causing a world pandemic , all have many people ready to hit the restart button before the first quarter of the year ends. Even NBA star LeBron James tweeted, “What we really need to cancel is 2020! Damn it’s been a rough 3 months. God bless and stay safe.” With all that being said, it is more imperative now than ever before that we stay vigilant on the 2020 Census. The census takes place once every ten years. The reason it is important that we participate is because the 10 questions, which takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, will dictate the next 10 years of our lives.
So what is the census? I’m glad you asked… Every dollar we get from the federal government, whether it’s for SNAP, WIC, Food Stamp Programs, teachers, etc., are basically funded based on the formulas from the numbers of the census counts. They use the population count from our community to determine how much federal funding we will receive in our community. In history, the black and brown population count has been underrepresented. Whether due to a lack of trust, knowledge, or accessibility, this under-representation has severely hurt our community. To make it clearer, you could’ve had a 5-year-old child that is now 15, or even a worst a ten-year-old child who is now twenty and out of the public school system. If he or she did not have an adequate student to teacher ratio, enough school counselors, or a shortage of resources, it is due to the under-representation of the 2010 census. Image getting 40 cents on the dollar because only 40% of the community population was counted during the last census, however, 100% of the community showed up on the first day of school.
Well, what misconceptions are there? Boom! Here you go!
One, in historical precedence of black and brown men was stolen from their families from the early 1900’s all the way up into the civil rights movement. Two, an act of self-preservation, where black and brown men would choose to hide, not be present, or willing not to be counted under the guise that their spouse may receive more benefits in
March 26, 2020
the way of food stamps, WIC benefits, etc. to help cover the gap in the household - even when they themselves were employed. How can we be properly counted? An even better question and I’m glad you asked! There are three ways that you can ensure that you are counted for this census season.
• For the first time in history, you can complete the Census online. Starting on March 12, 2020, you may have or should have received a mailer from the census 2020, addressed: To Resident At, your address. Inside this mailer was a Census ID # that allows you to register at my2020census.gov to complete the census questions. Online census users must be completed by April 1, 2020. All answers to the census questionnaire are confidential and private. • Option number two, if you do not have access to a computer or online resources, based on the area in which you live, you will more than likely receive a paper census that you can complete and return. • The third option is the one we think about the most when it comes to the census, but often the least effective are the enumerators. Enumerators are individuals that physically go house to house in areas with low response rates, ringing doorbells, and knocking on doors to assist individuals and families in completing the census. The reason this is so ineffective is due to the answer rate as well as the issues we stated earlier in regards to people not answering
or misrepresenting the number of family member s in the home.
In the end, to ensure that federal funds are properly allocated to our local community for schools, roads, and other public services please complete the 2020 Census. To help our communities prepare to meet transportation and emergency readiness needs or determining the adequate number of seats for political representation, please, please complete the 2020 Census. Moral of the story, complete the 2020 Census.
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March 26, 2020
COVID-19 Update
Currently, there are four cases in the West Central Health District. There is one in Muscogee County and one in Randolph County, two in Sumter County.
The West Central Health District has established a toll-free number for COVID-19 information. After the recording, callers may leave a message which will be returned within 24 hours. 1-855-962-0955 At this time, the Columbus Health Department is the only collection site in the West Central Health District. Individuals are encouraged to call 706321-6300 to have symptoms assessed before arriving at the drive-thru site. Elderly people and individuals with chronic medical conditions may be have increased risk for COVID-19. We urge all individuals to practice these prevention measures:
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider for evaluation and testing. Individuals who have mild symptoms should selfquarantine for 14 days. If residents have no provider or have no insurance, please contact your local health department for guidance.
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Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care center and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. Physicians can assess their patients using the CDC criteria and their contracted laboratory.
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26 de marzo 2020
ENFERMEDAD
Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) están vigilando de cerca un brote de enfermedad respiratoria causada por un nuevo coronavirus que se identificó por primera vez en Wuhan, en la provincia de Hubei, en China. Esta es una situación emergente que está cambiando rápidamente y los CDC continuarán brindando información actualizada a medida que esté disponible. Los CDC trabajan a toda hora para proteger la salud de las personas. Es función de los CDC preocuparse y actuar rápidamente cada vez que haya un problema potencial para la salud pública. Hay información adicional sobre la respuesta de los CDC al COVID19 en inglés. Cómo se propaga el COVID-19 Propagación de persona a persona Se cree que el virus se propaga principalmente de persona a persona. - Entre las personas que tienen contacto cercano entre ellas (dentro de unos 6 pies de distancia). - Mediante gotitas respiratorias que se producen cuando una persona infectada tose o estornuda. - Estas gotitas pueden llegar a la boca o la nariz de las personas que se encuentren cerca o posiblemente entrar a los pulmones al respirar.
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CORONAVIRUS 2019 (COVID-19)
Propagación mediante el contacto con superficies u objetos contaminados Podría ser posible que una persona contraiga el COVID-19 al tocar una superficie u objeto que tenga el virus y luego se toque la boca, la nariz o posiblemente los ojos, aunque no se cree que esta sea la principal forma en que se propaga el virus. ¿Cuándo se produce la propagación? - Se cree que las personas son más contagiosas cuando presentan síntomas más fuertes (están más enfer- Podría ser posible que haya algo de propagación antes de que las personas presenten síntomas; ha habido informes sobre esto con relación a este nuevo coronavirus, aunque no se cree que esta sea la principal forma en que se propaga el virus. ¿Qué tan eficientemente se propaga el virus? La facilidad con que se propaga un virus de persona a persona puede variar. Algunos virus son altamente contagiosos (como el sarampión), mientras que otros virus no lo son tanto. Otro factor es si la propagación continúa por múltiples generaciones de personas (si la propagación es continua). El virus que causa el COVID-19 parece estar propagándose fácilmente y en forma continua en la provincia de Hubei y otras partes de
China. En los Estados Unidos, la propagación de persona a persona ha ocurrido solo entre unos pocos contactos cercanos y no se ha propagado mucho más hasta la fecha. Hay todavía más que aprender El COVID-19 es una enfermedad emergente y hay mucho más que aprender sobre su transmisibilidad, gravedad y otras características, y sobre lo que pasará en los Estados Unidos. La nueva información que se obtenga fundamentará más la evaluación de riesgos. Prevención y tratamiento En la actualidad no existe una vacuna para prevenir la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). La mejor forma de prevenir la enfermedad es evitar la exposición a este virus. Sin embargo, como recordatorio, los CDC siempre recomiendan medidas preventivas cotidianas para ayudar a prevenir la propagación de enfermedades respiratorias. Estas medidas incluyen: - Evitar el contacto cercano con personas enfermas. - Evitar tocarse los ojos, la nariz y la boca. - Quedarse en casa si está enfermo. - Cubrirse la nariz y la boca con un pañuelo desechable al toser o estor - Limpiar y desinfectar los objetos y
las superficies que se tocan frecuentemente, usando un producto común de limpieza de uso doméstico en rociador o toallita. - Seguir las recomendaciones de los Los CDC no han hecho recomendaciones para que las personas que no están enfermas usen mascarillas para protegerse de enfermedades res Las personas que presentan síntomas del COVID-19 deberían usar mascarillas para ayudar a prevenir la propagación de la enfermedad a los demás. El uso de mascarillas es también esencial para los trabajadores de la salud (en inglés) y las personas que cuidan de alguien en un entorno cerrado (en la casa o en un establecimiento de atención médica) (en inglés). - Lávese las manos frecuentemente con agua y jabón por al menos 20 segundos, especialmente después de ir al baño, antes de comer, y después de sonarse la nariz, toser o estornudar. Si no cuenta con agua ni jabón, use un desinfectante de manos que contenga al menos un 60 % de alcohol. Lávese las manos siempre con agua y jabón si están visiblemente sucias. Para obtener información sobre la higiene de las manos, consulte el sitio web de los CDC sobre el lavado de las manos. Para obtener información específica para el área de atención médica, consulte el sitio web de los CDC sobre la higiene de las manos en entornos de atención médica (en inglés). Estos son hábitos cotidianos que pueden ayudar a prevenir la propagación de varios virus. Los CDC tienen directrices específicas para los viajeros (en inglés). Síntomas En los casos confirmados de la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID19), las enfermedades reportadas han variado de tener síntomas leves a enfermedades graves, y hasta produjeron muertes. Los síntomas pueden incluir: - Fiebre - Tos - Dificultad para respirar
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Eco Latino
S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS
La voz de la comunidad hispana Vol. 15
Ediciรณn 8 Gratis
Jueves 26 de marzo 2020
ENFERMEDAD
CORONAVIRUS 2019 (COVID-19) DEL
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