The Courier

The

Courier www.couriernews.org

S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS

The Voice Of The Community: Inspirational-Informative-Empowering

Vol. 13 Edition 17 Free Thursday August 16, 2018

A View From A Pew

Minority Business Spotlight

TAYLOR CPA & ASSOCIATES, PC President, William A. Taylor Jr., CPA

Publisher Wane A. Hailes “A View From A Pew”...Some Parents Are Raising “Baby Bigots”...Racism At The Olive Page 3 Garden

Davis Broadcasting, Inc, Hosts “The State Of Black Columbus” Part I

Was The Event Informative?

That Depends On Whom You Ask Page 7

Parents, What You Need To Know...

Athletic Director Battles Says If Your Child Participates In A School Sport It May Cost You Page 9

Page 5

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THURSDAY August 16, 2018

Big News According to the street committee Tiny Washington, longtime Clerk of Council, was allegedly let go from her position with the city. We’ll keep you posted.

Setting The Record Straight

In our publication dated August 2, 2018 an article appeared titled: “Let’s See How The Muscogee County Board Members Respond”.

The article references school board member Frank Myers posting of a cropped photo of Columbus

The Street Committee

business woman Maggie Reese backside in a bikini with a comment that says, “You need to lose 30”. Although we had access to the same information, and did speak directly with some of the female board members, a portion of our story was taken from an article that appeared in the Ledger Enquirer on July 27, 2018 written by Mark Rice without giving him the appropriate credit. Our article has been rewritten and appears below. I have reached out to Mark and apologized assuring him it was not my intent to not give him credit for his 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 31906 Email: couriereconews@gmail.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. 19-0005 Uniforms for Public Safety Departments (Annual Contract) Due: August 29, 2018 – 2:30 PM Heather Scheuttig, Buyer

Sealed responses must be received and time/date stamped by the respective 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 https://www.columbusga.org/finance/purchasing/docs/opportunities/Bid_Opportunities.htm, notify the Buyer via email BidOpportunities@columbusga.org, fax 706.225.3033 or telephone 706.653.4105.

Andrea J. McCorvey Purchasing Manager

Help Wanted

Strong Parental Involvement in Community Education (SPICE) needs parents to teach other parents and their children family literacy using computers. Training set to begin in September.

Please respond by August 20 for interview.

Contact: sarnetwork@gmail.com or 762-821-1107 EOE

A VIEW FROM A PEW

THURSDAY AUGUST 16, 2018

3

Row G, Seat 19 All Over Again, This Time At The Olive Garden The doors opened and the usher, an attractive African- American young lady, asked if I needed assistance. This being my first visit to the Springer Theatre since the renovation, I welcomed the offer and followed her to my seat. As I sat waiting for the theatrical production of Ragtime to begin, I couldn’t help but marvel to myself at the beauty of this historical treasure. I recall someone telling me that the facility was renovated to resemble the original facility.

Taking this opportunity to gaze around, I thought back to those days that now seem so long ago when “coloreds” were only allowed in the balconies of these venues. Not tonight, tonight we were “One Columbus.” We were Black, White, Korean, Asian, and Latino people all coming together to find two and a half hours of live entertainment in this place called The Springer.

Just as I settled down to revel in my thankfulness for not having to endure the “good ole’ days” of Jim Crow, three Caucasian patrons were ushered to my row; row G, seats 15 through 18. As the two ladies and one man (all middle-aged), passed me I heard them question each other as to who would sit in seat 18. They decided that Danny, another member of their party would sit in 18 being that he was late. Danny arrived and locating his friends proceeded past me to seat 14. When told he had seat 18, he absolutely refused to sit in it and stood up instead. To diffuse the situation, the other gentleman reluctantly moved into seat 18.

About the same time this occurred, two Caucasian females were ushered to the row G (my row, again), seats 20 and 21. Seat 21 sat down relieved; however, seat 20 was nervous. Realizing she placed her purse on the floor next to me, she conspicuously moved her fake Gucci purse to the opposite side.

A non African American might say that I am either overreacting to the situation, I misread it, or they may make my favorite remark; “Why do you have to make everything a racial issue?”

Well, I didn’t make this a racial issue...but that’s what it was.

In the meantime, I sat in row G, seat

19, commandeering the armrests from seats 18 and 20 as they uncomfortably sat, each turned away from me.

One generation from slavery, I sit with hope. I have hope for “One Columbus” because as Ragtime ends Tateh (an immigrant in the musical), finds love and happiness with his new wife and their multi-cultural family in America.

That happened to me fourteen years ago. Fast forward to this past Sunday August 5, 2018.

My wife wanted some of their unlimited “famous house salad” and I had a craving for a bowl of unlimited Pasta e Fagoli soup so of course we ended up at Olive Garden. As we waited in the lobby for our name to be called we took our seats in the waiting area, she, on the bench where three young Caucasian children all under 11 years of age sat and I sat in a chair next to her. Almost immediately the child next to my wife got up and moved to the other end of the bench.

Being a grandmother of nine children my wife didn’t think anything more of his actions than kids just being kids.

I, on the other hand, thought it a bit strange and said to myself, “really?”

About a minute later their mother came out of the restroom and instead of sitting in the seat next to my wife she walked to the end of the bench where her son had moved and made him stand up so she could sit in his spot.

There they were, huddled together at the end of the bench looking like idiots.

My wife turned to me reading my mind as I said to myself, “I’ll be damn”.

I’m not upset with the children because they only emulate the teachings of their parents. Hopefully, at some point in their lives, they will grow to understand and respect our differences. In the meantime this was just another reminder for those who want us to believe that we have seen the last vestiges of racism. Unfortunately, today, fourteen years later in 2018 there are still parents in our community raising “baby bigots”.

Wane A. Hailes

PAGE 4

F RIENDSHIP B APTIST C HURCH

831 6 TH AVE C OLUMBUS , G A

August 16, 2018

E ARLY W ORSHIP 8 AM B REAKFAST 9 AM S UNDAY S CHOOL 9:30 AM M ORNING W ORSHIP 11 AM W EDNESDAY P RAYER M EETING /B IBLE S TUDY 7 PM T HURSDAY N OON B IBLE S TUDY 12 NOON S UNDAY C HILD D AY C ARE S ERVICES AVAILABLE F OR T HOSE ATTENDING O UR W ORSHIP WEBSITE : WWW. FRIENDSHIPMBC . ORG (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

First African Baptist Church 901 5th Avenue

Columbus, Georgia

Sunday Worship 8am Early Morning Worship Sunday School 9:30am Morning Worship 11am Transportation Provided

Call 706-323-3367 Sr. Pastor Roderick Green

Metropolitan Baptist Church 1635 5th Avenue . Columbus, Georgia

706.322.1488

Pastor Curtis Crocker, Jr.

Service Sunday School 9:30 A.M Monday Night Tuesday Bible Study

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

P ROGRESSIVE F UNERAL H OME Evergreen Covington, CEO

4236 St. Mary’s Road Columbus, Georgia

706.685.8023

evergreenfc@mediacombb.net

THURSDAY August 16, 2018

Minority Business Spotlight

TAYLOR CPA & ASSOCIATES, PC

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

We recently sat with the CEO and founder William Taylor with a candid conversation about his business.

The Courier: What services does your company offer?

Taylor: We provide a broad range of services to help clients efficiently operate their businesses and plan for their financial futures. They can provide you with expert tax, accounting, advisory, reporting, and financial planning services.

The Courier: Your staff has grown considerably from when you first started.

Taylor: You are absolutely right. Today when you choose Taylor CPA & Associates, PC, you gain access, not only to our staff, but also to an expanded team of advisors. Over the years we have carefully assembled a group of business experts to ensure that you get thorough advice from every financial realm: financial planning, insurance, securities, technology, acquisitions, and an array of specialty industry areas. If you have financial needs, we have the expert solution.

The Courier: As a small business

PAGE 5

sometimes what we need is a jumpstart to make sure we are on the right track. Does your company allow for that or do you have to sign a long term contract?

Taylor: Our company can assist you in a variety of ways. Short-term or long-term, individual, small business or corporation—whatever your goals, we can help get you there. We can help you save tax dollars whenever and wherever possible. We can help you increase your net worth, year after year, utilizing retirement plans, insurance, real estate, or a family-owned business. We can help you acquire wealth to provide for future needs, such as a growing family, college tuition, travel, or a second home.

TAYLOR CPA & ASSOCIATES, PC Columbus, Georgia Location 1230 Brookstone Centre Pkwy Columbus, GA 31904 Main: 706.494.3802 Fax: 706.494.7797 info@taylorcpafirm.com

TAYLOR CPA & ASSOCIATES, PC Atlanta, Georgia Location 934 Glenwood Ave Suite 140 Atlanta, GA 30316 Main: 706.494.3802 Fax: 706.494.7797 info@taylorcpafirm.com

PAGE 6

THURSDAY August 16, 2018

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OPINION

Page 7

Thursday August 16, 2018

The “State Of Black Columbus”...Was The Event Informative? That Depends On Whom You Ask

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

Presented by Davis Broadcasting, Inc., the local Black-owned radio station, it was billed as “The State of Black Columbus - Assessing our Community, Leadership and the Organizations that Serve Us”: A special community edition of Sunday Conversations, hosted by Teddy Reese.

The event, held at the Liberty Theatre Cultural Center on Wednesday August 8th at 4pm was designed to help our community discuss issues and find answers to the problems that currently plague our community. Guest panelist included: Dr. Curtis Crocker Jr., Tamika McKenzie, Rev. Adrian Chester, Linda Parker, Rev. J. H. Flakes III, Dr. Judy Purnell, Demetrius Ernest and Destiny Elliot.

It was a great idea and a timely subject. The question, however, is did those in attendance walk away with the information they expected? That depends on whom you ask.

One attendee had this to say: “The Host Teddy Reese, Co-Host, and Panel did a phenomenal job in stirring the thoughts of change and starting the talk of actionable items that can be taken in moving our community forward. Now is the time to keep this conversation going, to build upon it, but most importantly to work with the community leaders to create the change

we want to see in our community.”

Columbus”, it cannot be held on a Wednesday afternoon at 4pm, it cannot be held on the first day of the school year and most important it cannot be relegated to a one-hour con-

Another: “If this was “The State of Black Columbus Part I”, where were the city leaders? The panel should have included, at the very least City Manager Isaiah Hugley, Muscogee “The Host Teddy Reese, Co-Host, and Panel did County School a phenomenal job in stirring the thoughts of change Board Chairperson and starting the talk of actionable items that can Kia Chambers, be taken in moving our community forward. Now Marshall Greg is the time to keep this conversation going, to Countryman and build upon it, but most importantly to work with State Court Judge the community leaders to create the change we Ben Richardson.”

- Have different moderators for each topic. There are enough African Americans who are experts in their field who will be a great resource of information.

- Those who are asked to be moderators should avoid the perception of it just being an opportunity to promote their own political aspirations.

- Advertise on all media outlets through their community calendars. This is important if the intent is to reach the entire Black community.

want to see in our community.”

And still another commented: “Why invite the public if we aren’t going to be given the opportunity to speak? The moderator seemed to talk more than the panelist.”

Here’s my take on the event. It was a great first step toward addressing a

topic that is well over due in this community where we have been the majority demographic since 2009. However, when you talk about having a discussion about “The State of Black

versation. The problems facing our community are far too serious and far too complex for that. By the way, we get upset when “mainstream” media underestimates our crowd numbers let’s not be just as negligent by doing the opposite. The number of individuals attending the event was not 120 but instead it was exactly 78, and that includes those on the panel and the media covering the event. I know because I counted them and had another attendee do the same. We both came up with the same number.

I understand there will be more “conversations” planned and I look forward to them. In the meantime here are a few suggestions that I believe would be helpful to insure a more productive, inclusive and meaningful dialogue: - The next “State of Black Columbus” should be a summit scheduled on a Saturday from 9am-5pm

- Allow for audience participation by asking them to write their questions on a card and have a representative from the panel read them to the panel. This will eliminate the tendency of some to ramble on before getting to the point.

I will end with these words from Demetrius McBride one of the outspoken millennials who attended the event: “Rome was not built in a day and the “State of Black Columbus” cannot be fully discussed in 1 hour. Let’s have these real conversations and try our best to make real change for the best for our community.”

PAGE 8

Breathe, Relax And Unwind With Just Breathe Intimate Event Center Daniels’ mentee and quickly put her artistic design skills to use to fill the role of creative designer.

“It’s all God’s work,” says Neely.

“We’re thankful, humble, and grateful for the opportunity to allow our gifts and crafts to be cultivated.”

“We love that we can grow together as a team and individually,” adds Daniels.

By Olivia Gunn Special To The Courier

A relaxed intimate setting for your next special occasion is what Just Breathe Intimate Event Center is offering the tricity area. It’s the ideal spot for events such as bridal showers, date nights, sip and paints, photoshoots, baby showers, girls’ nights, business meetings, and more. Kurandi Daniels, Terri Neely, and Kierra Robertson are the women behind the venue and celebrated their grand opening in June. Now, they’re ready for Just Breathe to bring a feel of intimacy to the area.

Located off of Veterans Parkway in Columbus, the venue was brought to life by the trio who started out as business partners and grew to become more like family. The creation of the event center began when

Daniels, a visionary and wellness concierge, decided to revive the location that previously served as her massage therapy business, House of Ma’at. The business was damaged by a fire in 2016. “I decided to rebirth the business after much prayer,” says Daniels.

N e e l y, a n experienced event decorator and designer, was initially sought out by Daniels to stage the building, but soon became Just Breathe’s operations manager and director of logistics. Robertson started out as

Just Breathe is not your typical event venue. In addition to the close and personal atmosphere it provides, services to include furniture rental, a massage suite, event decoration, stationary design, and much more are offered.

Robertson mentions that the vibes and energy that she and her partners have also distinguishes their place from any

Just Breathe Intimate Event Center caters to all cherished and intimate affairs. The women behind the vision say they want their guests to relax and enjoy a nice environment. The venue is customized to accommodate a variety of event schemes. Together as a team, Daniels, N e e l y, and Robertson aim to provide the ideal place to bring closeness and intimacy among others.

August 16 2018

a consultation, call 706-2217260 or justbreatheevent5402@gmail.com

Just Breathe Intimate Event Center is located at 5402 15th Avenue Columbus, Georgia.

For more information or to schedule

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other. “Our personalities and the relationships we build with people set us apart, explains Robertson. “Our energy is different from any other workplace or establishment.”

Besides giving the ultimate intimate experience for guests, the ladies plan to host their own exclusive “Just Breathe” events each month.

“We’ve gotten away from intimacy. No one’s connecting anymore. That’s why we want our site to be intimate and a place where you can invite your closet people and really have an experience”, says Daniels.

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COVER STORY

Page 9

Parents If Your Child Is Going To Play A Sport Here Is What You Need To Know...

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

As the school year begins there are always many questions parents will have regarding a variety of subjects or issues.

One of the issues that were recently brought to our attention relates to school sports, specifically, if my child participates on a school team, as a parent, what am I responsible for and what is the school responsible for? To find out the answers we met with and had a candid conversation with Jeff Battles, the Muscogee County Athletic Director.

The Courier: If a child is selected to play for a team in the Muscogee County School District is there a fee the participant has to pay?

Battles: Yes there is an initial fee a student pays to play a particular sport.

In addition there may be other fees associated with the sport that is passed on to the players. That fee is determined from school to school.

Courier: Who pays for transportation cost when the bus takes the players of a school to games out of town?

Battles: The Muscogee County School Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletic department covers the cost of all regular season and play-off games.

Anything off-season the school is responsible for.

Courier: Who pays for equipment and uniforms needed at a school for various sports?

Battles: That responsibility depends on the school and the sport. As I stated earlier the uniform and equipment cost may be included in the initial fee. If the school buys the uniform it stays with the school. If the participant pays for the uniform it is theirs. As you can imagine a lot of that depends on the

wear and tear of the uniform. For example; Football uniforms generally last four years, baseball, softball and soccer uniforms usually one season. Again it depends on the school your child attends. Some schools provide everything at no cost. At others you pay for everything.

Courier: Who pays for referees and umpires for games for various sports at each school?

Battles: Each school is responsible for paying for their own officials. For the most part that expense is covered by the ticket sales from each event.

Courier: To offset the cost to the parents some schools provide fundraising activities.

Battles: That is correct and again that is up to the individual schools. I do not know of any school in the district that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offer fundraising activities. Some offer a lot of fundraisers some offer a few.

Courier: If a group of parents decide they want to provide a fundraising event specifically to host a banquet for the team or are able to get someone to sponsor the event financially, will those dollars go toward that event?

Battles: That has been a confusing issue in the past so let me clarify what happens and what they should do.

Unless it is put in writing when the dollars are turned in all monies got into the general school fund and the school can use it any way they wish.

If parents raise money and they want to designate it for a specific purpose they must put in writing what the money is to be used for and attached the check to it. In that case the money has to be used for that purpose and that purpose only.

Thursday August 16, 2018

Muscogee County School Board Members Contact Information

Kia Chambers Board Chair

At Large Member Term Ends:2018 706-577-3218 706-748-2002 Fax 5656 Veterans Parkway Columbus, GA 31904

Mark Cantrell Vice Board Chair

District 6 Term Ends:2018 706-393-4000 706-748-2002 Fax 8724-25 McKee Road Upatoi, GA 31829

Patricia Hugley Green

John Thomas Committee Member

Vanessa K. Jackson Committee Member

Naomi Buckner Committee Member

Laurie C. McRae Committee Member

Cathy Williams Committee Member

Frank Myers Committee Member

District 2 Term Ends:2018 706-577-3732 706-748-2002 Fax 6 Audobon Court Columbus, GA 31904

District 5 Term Ends:2020 706-617-9179 706-748-2002 Fax 1925 Preston Drive Columbus, GA 31906

District 3 Term Ends:2020 706-617-7985 706-748-2002 Fax 3751 Robin Road Columbus, GA 31906

District 7 Term Ends:2020 706-617-9488 706-748-2002 Fax 731 1st Avenue Columbus, GA 31901

Committee Member District 1 Term Ends:2020 706-687-2888 706-748-2002 Fax P. O. Box 6177 Columbus, GA 31917

District 4 Term Ends:2018 706-563-2258 706-748-2002 Fax 620 Baxley Way Columbus, GA 31907

District 8 Term Ends:2018 706-718-9955 706-748-2002 Fax P.O. Box 5345 Columbus, GA 31906

PAGE 10

August 16, 2018

The First African Baptist Church

178th Anniversary at 3:00 P.M., Sunday August 12, 2018.

The guest speaker will be Rev. Michael Sherman, Pastor of Wynnton Hill Baptist Church, Columbus, Georgia.

The theme â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because God stands with us and strengthens us, through faithfulness we continue to serve the present age.â&#x20AC;?

901 Fifth Avenue Columbus, Georgia.

Rev. Roderick B. Green, Pastor.

Everyone is invited to attend this historic celebration.

For more information, contact the church at (706) 323-3367

Thursday August 16, 2018

Page 11

Local Artist C Ross Is Making His Mark On The Gospel Arena the opportunity to broaden his creative horizons. His life experiences have given him ample material to express himself both lyrically and musically.

By Staff The Courier

C Ross has been singing for as long as he has been talking. With three Georgia All-State Chorus selections and a host of talent show victories among his accomplishments, the Columbus, Georgia native relocated to Atlanta to focus on his budding music career. After arriving in Atlanta, He began working with various producers who gave him

C Ross, who used YouTube to teach himself to play the piano, is quickly establishing himself as a multi-talented music force with the rare ability to sing, compose, write, produce, dance and entertain at a level that defies his young age. The first single penned by C Ross, Make You My Girlfriend, quickly made its mark across the World Wide Web. His latest single, “Keep Winning”, is bound to have even more impact.

Though unique in style, C Ross’ musical styles are reminiscent of his many musical influences including Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Kirk Franklin, and Outkast. With such a variety of influences, his performances appeal to people of all ages and from all walks of life Even with his dedication to his music, C Ross graduated from the prestigious Atlanta Country Day School, one of Atlanta’s elite private schools. During

the graduation ceremony C Ross was recognized for his musical talent, and mesmerized the audience with a virtuoso performance. That he mesmerized the audience was no surprise; the twist was that he sang in Latin and drew a standing ovation! C Ross is now focused 100% on his music career. He continues to perfect playing the piano, bass guitar, and he has made tremendous strides in learning ProTools and other software.

Despite his vast talent and accomplishments, C Ross clings to his southern values and maintains a humble spirit, making him extremely likable. He is extremely respectful; anyone who is perceived as an authority figure will undoubtedly be greeted as “Sir” or “Ma’am.” He has been blessed with a universal appeal that will earn him fans from America’s inner cities to the European countryside. As the Minister of Music, C Ross directs other musicians, soloists, and the church choir. C Ross, whose style may be described as Inspirational Pop / R&B-based Soul, has dreams of changing the world with

song by sending a positive message.

He is currently seeking business relationships with individuals and entities in the music industry that can help him accomplish his goals.

C Ross recently had an album listening party hosted by Pam Dixon of Praise 100, a Davis Broadcasting station.

PAGE 12

Counseling Psychology Adults, Children, and Family Therapy Depression Behavior Management PTSD ADHD Anxiety Anger Management

APT Counseling Services Dr. Ambroes Pass-Turner 1501 13th Street Suite R Columbus, Georgia 31901 706.366.0960

www.drambroespass-turner.com

August 16, 2018

August 16, 2018

PAGINA 13 lServicios para niños fatherandchild-slideshowPara los recién nacidos y niños pequeños:

Los certificados de nacimiento - de conseguir una copia del certificado de nacimiento de su hijo a la paternidad reconocimientos, nuestro Registro Civil personal está listo para ayudar.

Niños con necesidades especiales - Ofrecemos servicios para niños y jóvenes con necesidades especiales , desde el nacimiento hasta los 21 años y sus familias. Estos servicios están diseñados para ayudar a los niños a alcanzar su salud física y desarrollo óptimo, así como para reducir al mínimo los efectos de las posibles complicaciones secundarias.

Inmunizaciones - Las vacunas son una parte importante de mantener a su hijo sano y seguro. El departamento de salud del condado puede ayudar a asegurar que las vacunas de su bebé estén al día.

Apoyo a la Lactancia - La investigación ha demostrado que no hay mejor alimento que la leche materna durante el primer año de vida del bebé. El programa WIC ofrece muchos beneficios a las madres que amamantan. Visita nuestra página de Apoyo a la Lactancia para más detalles.

WIC - El programa Mujeres, Infantes y Niños (WIC) es un programa de nutrición que proporciona alimentos saludables, educación sobre nutrición y otros servicios de forma gratuita a las familias que califican Georgia.

Pagina 2

FAMILIA

16 de agosto 2018

Hispanic Faith Community Embraces Child Sexual Abuse Training Despite the issue of child sexual abuse being taboo in the Hispanic community, Rev. Dr. Ivelisse Quinones successfully brought together several leaders of the Hispanic faith to learn about the issue on Saturday, July 28th.

The training took place at St. Luke United Methodist Church where Rev. Dr. Ivelisse is an associate pastor and lead pastor for the Hispanic ministry.

Her position over the years as a Director for Hispanic Ministries in the South Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church has allowed her to have connections with pastors throughout the southern part of the state. The pastors and their churches represented include the following: Pastor German Lainez of Amistad y Vida (Holiness); Pastor Juan Carlos Diaz of Iglesia de Dios Nuevo Pacto (Church of God); Pastor Jose Resto of Jesus es el Senor (independent); Pastor Jose Villegas of Iglesia Bautista (Baptist); Pastor Gerardo Espinoza of Antoquia (independent); and Pastor Ivelisse Quinones of LA Cosecha de St. Luke (Methodist).

Rev. Dr. Ivelisse Quinones facilitated the Stewards of Children sexual abuse prevention training in Spanish. The primary goal of the class was to educate adults on how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The bilingual facilitator stressed that such a training is crucial for the Hispanic community as she is well aware of her culture tending to shy away from speaking about sexuality in general.

Being aware of the sensitive nature of the topic, she started the class with a sit-down breakfast to allow the participants to socialize prior to the two hour class which included a video and group discussion. The video included powerful testimony from adult survivors of child sexual abuse, recommendations from community leaders, and pearls of wisdom from experts in the field. The nonprofit organization Darkness to Light, based out of Charleston, SC, created the curriculum in 2005. The curriculum, offered in English and Spanish, currently is being delivered in all 50 states and in over 15 countries around the world. Building Toward Wellness Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization led by Rev. Dr. Johnny Flakes III, has been instrumental in offering the class to various local communities for free due to grant funds from the Office of Crime Prevention.

Despite the common avoidance of the discussion of child sexual abuse in the Hispanic population, the audience was overwhelmingly engaged. They watched the video intently, took detailed notes, asked appropriate questions, and shared poignant information. They learned how to teach youth to be more aware of their surroundings. It also opened their eyes to be more mindful of things that are occurring close to them by learning how to intervene as bystanders.

Rev. Dr. Ivelisse pressed upon the audience of religious leaders that not everything is fixed with prayer and fasting alone which is part of their ethos. She stressed that they additionally must be vigilant, proactive, and willing to report any suspected concerns of child sexual abuse. The pastors and church volunteers learned that they are all mandated reporters and if they report in good faith any such concerns, they are protected by law. However if they do not report any suspected concerns of abuse, they are at risk of being charged a misdemeanor. It also was reiterated to the audience that law enforcement investigating a crime of abuse are solely seeking justice for the crime and not concerned about immigration status. The fact that 90% of children who are sexually trafficked were previously sexually abused was also noted in the video. If a child under 18 receives anything of value (food, housing, money, clothing, jewelry, etc) in exchange for a sex act or adult entertainment performance, they are victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. Overall, the class was wellreceived. Not only were several positive comments written about the program’s success and importance, but eight individuals expressed interest in becoming facilitators themselves.

Rev. Dr. Ivelisse Quinones became one of two bilingual facilitators in our area in November of 2017. She, along with Mrs. Daisy Lynton (also present at the recent training), are making great strides in educating the Hispanic community on such a much needed subject. If the Hispanic community is not given the crucial information about how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, this population of children will continue to be at high risk. There are a number of factors that make Hispanic children vulnerable with family structure being the most important one. Children living without both parents are TEN times more prone to be sexually abused compared to chil-

dren living with both biological parents (1). Additionally, children living with a single parent and a live-in partner are TWENTY times more likely to be sexually abused as a child compared to those living with both biological parents (1). This is the greatest risk factor to children being sexually abused.

Unfortunately youth are THREE times at risk of being sexually abused if the parent(s) is not in the workforce (1).

Children living in rural cities are approximately TWO times more prone to be sexually abused as youth (1). Thus our community at large cannot afford to be uneducated about the topic of child sexual abuse prevention.

Please feel free to reach out to either of the bilingual facilitators, Mrs. Daisy

Lynton (706-662-8515) or Pastor Ivelisse Quinones (706-327-4343) for trainings in Spanish.

For more information about how to receive the Stewards of Children training in English, contact Brett MurphyDawson, MD at webuildwellness@gmail.com, 706-5079789, or visit her at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunlightPsychiatrist/ 1 Sedlak, A.J., Mettenburg, J., Basena, M., Petta, I., McPherson, K., Greene, A., and Li, S. (2010).

Fourth National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect (NIS–4): Report to Congress, Executive Summary. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

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Eco Latino Vol. 13

Ediciรณn 17 Gratis

jueves 16 de agosto 2018

couriernews.org

S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS

La voz de la comunidad hispana

Comunidad Hispana de Fe Abraza el Entrenamiento de Abuso Sexual Infantil

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