The Courier 07-02-2020

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 21 Free Thursday Juy 2, 2020

A View From A Pew

Religious Leader, Elder Edward O. Dubose Responds to Criticism by Courier Eco Latino Newspaper Publisher

Was That A Nerve?

Page 3

A Perfect Time For A Fresh Start

Columbus Deserves A National Search For The Next Chief of Police And Fire Chief Page 5

A Test For Tucker

PAGE 3

New City Councilor Has a Perfect Opportunity To Showcase Leadership

Page 7

JULY 2, 2020

COVID-19 Testing Sites

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 Phone: 706.225.0106 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5747 Columbus, Ga 31906

Email: couriereconews@gmail.com Visit Us Online At: www.couriernews.org

COURIER THURSDAY JULY 2, 2020

A VIEW FROM A PEW

3

Was That A Nerve?

As the result of an article I wrote in our last publication Edward Dubose, asked for the opportunity to respond. As with anyone who may disagree with anything, I might write be it personal or otherwise I have no problem providing them with “equal �ink” unedited and published exactly the way it was sent.

I am shocked at my friend Wane for defending the status Quo and choosing to write about people pushing for change rather than highlighting how these Corporations could do more. It is true that these corporations you listed give some support to our communities and we are grateful but not over joyed. This support given to our communities doesn't come near what the Black and Brown Community invest in these corporations. Perhaps they are in your budget and you felt the need to defend them - not sure but there are so many other things you could have used your talent on than choosing to attack those who speak truth to power!!!

For example You could have wrote about the "Georgia Peace Officers Bill of Right" passed at the same time the Hate Crime Legislation Bill was passed as a way to appeased Law Enforcement Officers. You could have focused on Columbus Police Department not making any tangible steps toward making change like the rest of the Country almost guaranteeing another incident to occur in this community sooner than later. You could have focused your attention on the voting irregularities that took place in the last election here in Columbus Georgia and across the State. People in the community still complaining about their experiences at the polls. So many issues affecting our community worthy of your time and attention and yet Its ironic that with all these pressing issues you chose to hold up the banner of AFLAC, Synovus and all the other Corporations in Columbus as if you are satisfied with where things are. You chose to take the position of the modern day overseer defending people who don't

need you to defend them and making a statement for them that there is no need for change . I can't speak for Dr. Ralph Huling, but there is no egg on my face because as long as I live I will call out Corporations, City Government, Elected Officials and any who dare to take our communities for granted. I will call them out where they need to be called out and acknowledge them when they need acknowledging.

But never ever will I get comfortable and defend them as if they have done enough!!! I will close in the words of Frederick Douglas: "If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation are men who want crops without plowing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lighting, they want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one or it may be a physical one and it may be both moral and physical, but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without demand. It never did and it never will. FIND OUT JUST WHAT ANY PEOPLE WILL QUIETLY SUBMIT TOO AND YOU HAVE FOUND OUT THE EXACT MEASURE OF INJUSTICE AND WRONG WHICH WILL BE IMPOSED UPON THEM, AND THESE WILL CONTINUE TILL THEY ARE RESISTED WITH EITHER WORDS OR BLOWS OR WITH BOTH" Written by Edward O DuBose Member NAACP National Board of Directors Former Georgia State Conference NAACP President Former Columbus Georgia NAACP Branch President

First, I would be remiss if I didn’t correct you on a number of inaccurate statements. I was not defending the status quo I was merely stating how immediately following your statements the mainstream media shared statements they obviously asked for from Synovus and Aflac before they went on air with their “edited” version of the press conference. That’s what they do in an effort to make us look bad.

Because of our long-lasting friendship, and the fact that you know me better than that, I am going to overlook your comment insinuating that the integrity of my paper is for sale. I realize it no doubt was coming from a place of hurt because I tapped you sort of hard and you didn’t see it coming.

For the record I did have State Representatives Calvin Smyre and Carolyn Hugley on my livestream program last week discussing the Hate Crime Bill.

They were in session but took time out to talk with our viewers. They will back on our newest social media platform CEL TV next Tuesday July 7, 2020 broadcasting live on our facebook page from 7:00 – 8:00pm. They will be accepting questions from viewers; you are more than welcome to tune in and share your concerns about the “Georgia Peace Officers Bill of Rights” for yourself.

On Thursday June 11th, two days after the Georgia primary we had Nancy Boren, Director of Elections and Registration on our program discussing the irregularities associated with our local voting process. In regard to the Columbus Police Department we have reached out to Chief Ricky Boren to appear on our program.

I can also assure you had you mentioned during the press conference with the mainstream media as you did in your response here that “This sup-

port given to our communities doesn't come near what the Black and Brown Community invest in these corporations”.

There would not have been a “previous article”, thus no need for your response. But you didn’t.

Courier Eco Latino newspaper, the only Black and Hispanic bilingual newspaper in the state of Georgia let alone the tri-city.

The NAACP, the IMA, and the Black newspaper could have agreed together, worked together, and presented an important image of a unified front together armed with the facts.

My point is that going forward we must be proactive and not reactive. We must become much more strategic and as a result, we will present ourselves to this community as informed, firm, resolute and dedicated.

Brother Dubose, I could go on, however, the point, or lesson I would hope to be learned from this, is that the whole community now is watching like never before. This is a time where everything we do and say is going to be viewed under a microscope and come under public scrutiny.

I agree that there are a number of issues that need to be addressed, however, more than anything said about the corporations or the group of respected church leaders leveling criticism at those corporations, what was missed was a chance for the NAACP, the IMA, and even the only local Black owned and operated newspaper to have made a powerful statement showing a united front on an issue that at the least needed to be intelligently discussed and further examined.

It wasn't just any old group of men holding that press conference. Reverend Ralph Huling is an IMA past-president. You are a past NAACP State and Branch president. The current IMA president was not notified and the current NAACP president was not notified as a courtesy to them, and neither were we, the

There is just too much at stake for us not to give and do our very best. We simply must work together if we want to be better and be taken seriously in the eyes of the public.

I would hope that in the future you as well as all Black organizations and Black elected officials would take advantage of this reliable resource first when you have important information you wish to relay to our community instead of reaching out to the mainstream media. One thing you can be sure of is that we would never set you up for embarrassment, ridicule or failure.

Since 1827 the Black Press has given voice to our struggles.

And for the past fifteen years our publication has chosen to speak up for the Black and Brown community. We have taken up the mantle as we seek to overcome the effects of discrimination to attain social equality — and continue to plead the cause.

Finally, please know that my constructive criticism was coming from a place of love as it should be.

None of us can do this alone.

Wane A. Hailes

July 2, 2020

PAGE 4

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

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

COVER STORY

PAGE 5

Courier Thursday July 2, 2020

A Perfect Time For A Fresh Start Columbus Deserves A National Search For Leadership

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier With the retiring of Fire Chief Jeff Meyer on January 31st of this year and Columbus Chief of Police Ricky Boren scheduled to retire October of this year it is a perfect time for a fresh start in law enforcement for the second largest city in Georgia.

There is no more important time than now for a fresh start in top leadership with the Columbus, Georgia Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Not only, as their website states, is it a “department rich with tradition with over 180 years of service to the citizens of Columbus, Georgia”, it is also wellknown for their “rich” tradition of nepotism and favoritism in their hiring and promotional practices. Promoting from within will only perpetuate the culture that exists within the department.

The last few months have been traumatic for the policing profession and for communities across the nation, with issues of use of force being questioned. The national and local upheaval in policing is not only about issues of policing and training regarding use of force, however. Equally important is the impact on the level of trust by community members in their police departments.

The community does not believe that the police will police themselves.

Because of cell phones we have seen cops standing and watching but not intervene when it’s clear that another officer is doing something wrong. But if the videos were to show another

officer stepping in and stopping the misconduct, can you imagine what that could do to improve relations between police and community? If you really want to change the way people think about the police here in Columbus, Georgia in addition to “Back Columbus Blue” you have to equally support “Blue Checking, Columbus Blue.” Until that occurs there will continue to be a call for a Citizen’s Police Review Board with subpoena power.

Police departments cannot do a good job if they do not have a high level of trust from all of their various communities. Police rely on help from residents to find out what is happening in the neighborhoods and to work with community members to solve local problems. And building community trust often is not an easy thing to accomplish.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., relating to understanding the roots of mistrust stated; “People hate each other because they fear each other, and they fear each other because they don’t understand each other.” We are still divided in this nation, and we have to find

a way to bring the community together with law enforcement.

Hiring new personnel is a necessity for every organization.

The challenge is finding the right people to do the job and contribute to the agency.

This especially holds true in law enforcement where hiring the wrong person could be detrimental for the officer, the community, the department, and the profession as a whole. The real solution lies in planting high-quality people in law enforcement positions.

At a recent My Black Has A Purpose rally Mayor Skip Henderson said He noted that this feels different. ìThe energy that has been created by good hearts and united voices protesting in a peaceful manner expressing their thoughts and desire for equality and justice to be treated with dignity and respect, that’s gonna keep this movement. We are going to look back on the aftermath of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd and we are going to

recognize that that was the movement that changed things in this country and in Columbus, Georgia.î Henderson also noted that he is committed to advocating for equality and justice and opportunity across the board not just by how people look.

As Mayor and the Chief Public Safety Officer Henderson has the responsibility of appointing the next Chief of Police and selecting the next fire Chief.

If we are to take him at his word, then we deserve a national search for both positions. A perfect example for

change in our community was exercised by the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s national search for their new President/CEO Jerald Mitchell. Sometimes you have to let go of the status quo to grow.

COVER STORY

PAGE 7

Courier Thursday July 2, 2020

A Test For Tucker She shared that at the time she didn’t realize what his ulterior motives were. We were not entirely convinced that she wasn’t aware that she had been used thus we supported her opponent Elaine Gillispie.

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier On June 9th political novice Toyia Tucker was elected City Councilor for District 4. She succeeds Evelyn Turner Pugh who retired last October after serving nearly 31 years. Tucker takes office January 1, 2020.

As the result of Pugh’s early retirement and according to the Columbus Charter, pastor Valerie Thompson of Revelation Missionary Baptist church was appointed by City Council to finish out her term which will expire December of 2020. This was contingent upon a special election, which also appeared on the June 9th primary election ballot.

But an unexpected thing happened. In a three-way race which included in addition to Thompson, Tucker and Elaine Gillispie, a longtime aide to Congressman Sanford Bishop, Tucker garnered the majority of the votes forcing a run-off next month to determine who will finish out Pugh’s term.

On June 22, 2020 Pastor Thompson submitted a letter withdrawing from the District 4 run-off leaving Tucker and Gillispie to face-off for the expired term.

If the previous numbers and turnout is any indication, Tucker should win decisively and expect to take office effective at the August council meet-

ing.

Today, having run a clean, professional campaign, which clearly galvanized the constituents in her district; young, old, male and female from all socioeconomic backgrounds, Toyia Tucker is the first of the politically and socially conscious “up and coming leaders” to break through the “invisible barrier” of political service that has, until now, kept them on the outside screaming, “We’ve Got Next”. Her election is a realization that their vote does count.

And when they plot, plan, strategize, organize and mobilize they don’t have to wait for someone to “pass them the torch”.

For the record we did not endorse Toyia Tucker. This was not personal.

Our decision was based on her previous decision to run against Naomi Buckner for the Muscogee County School Board. It was well known that she was recruited to do so by the former Caucasian school board member Frank Meyers a divisive and disruptive political operative who was basically “neutered” and put out to pasture after being defeated by his opponent Philip Schley during the last election.

Tucker along with Shameika Averett and Tacara Hemingway recently formed “My Black has a Purpose Peace Rally” uniting city leaders, community members and local activist to support George Floyd, a Black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25th. This event brought together over a thousand people of all ages, races and from all walks of life. And they are determined to “stay the course” ensuring that this becomes a movement for change and not just a moment for marching.

Meyers had been known for recruiting and convincing women, specifically Black women to run for political office in an effort to unseat our Black male elected officials.

Examples of his efforts i n c l u d e ; A . J . S e n i o r, Shelia Williams Vanessa Jackson. Once in office, if you didn’t “do his bidding,” (vote the way he told you too), he would turn on you.

She didn’t win but not long after that particular election we had a conversation with Tucker expressing our concern.

It would be hypocritical of us to refuse to recognize her sincerity. Her efforts have garnered our respect and we must commend her along with her team and offer our complete support.

Whether she takes office in August or January she immediately becomes a spokesman for those young people from not just District 4 but the community at large who are seeking equal justice and social change.

Having marched with “the people” she brings to the table a fresh perspective for what the people want. Her test will be how well she is able to articulate those concerns and working with the other councilors to move this community forward. At the same time, as she gains experience, she will be able to educate her constituents as she becomes a guiding force in her most important role; turning protest into policy.

Finally, I’d like to talk to Toyia directly. As one of your constituents residing in District 4, I understand Evelyn Turner Pugh is a mentor to you but please do not get caught up trying to fill her shoes. The greatest compliment to her would be for you to continue to move the District forward. Something to remember, there are young people growing up today who’s only example of servant leadership will be Councilor Toyia Tucker.

Again congratulations. I wish you well.

couriernews.org

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

Edición 21 Gratis

Jueves 2 de julio 2020 (StatePoint) Para los miembros del ejército y sus familiares estacionados lejos de casa y los ciudadanos estadounidenses que viven en el extranjero, la familia y los amigos son conexiones vitales a la vida en los EE. UU. Para las elecciones generales de 2020, esos amigos pueden ser una fuente importante de información sobre la votación, especialmente en el caso de los jóvenes que votan por primera vez. Y este año es aún más importante registrarse y solicitar a tiempo una boleta de voto ausente a fin de evitar posibles retrasos en el correo u otras perturbaciones resultantes de la pandemia de COVID-19.

Cómo Ayudar a los Amigos a Votar en Ausencia ¡Desde Cualquier Parte del Mundo!

Una forma sencilla de ayudar a que voten en ausencia sus seres queridos en el ejército o en el extranjero es remitirlos al Programa de Asistencia para Votaciones Federales (Federal Voting Assistance Program, FVAP), que proporciona herramientas y recursos a fin de asegurar que los ciudadanos estadounidenses puedan votar desde cualquier parte del mundo.

Los votantes pueden visitar FVAP.gov para encontrar fechas límites de inscripción oficial y solicitud de boletas para cada estado, así como información sobre cómo completar una Solicitud Federal de Tarjeta Postal (Federal Post Card Application, FPCA por sus iniciales en inglés), que es el formulario de registro y solicitud de boleta, y la Boleta Federal Para el Voto Ausente por Candidatos No Incluidos (Federal Write-In Absentee Balloto, FWAB por sus iniciales en inglés), que es la boleta de respaldo. Ambos formularios están disponibles en FVAP.gov y se pueden rellenar usando el asistente en línea o a mano. Para obtener información adicional, visite FVAP.gov, envíe un correo electrónico a Vote@FVAP.gov o llame al 1-800-438-VOTE (8683).

Courier Pagina 5