The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 01-18-2018

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 2 Free Thursday January 18, 2018

Under The Dome...

A Black Perspective

Join The Courier Newspaper And Davis Broadcasting, Inc. As We Broadcast Live From The Georgia State Page 7 Capital

2018 MLK, Jr. Unity Award Recipient

Mayor Teresa Tomlinson Receives The Coveted Alpha Award Page 9

Black History Museum Announces New Director

Mark Alexander, Columbus Native, Named To Run Museum Page 11

There Are Many NAACP Chapters Living up to the Mission of the Organization The NAACP of Columbus, Georgia Is Not One

Allegations Of Financial Mismanagement and A Blatant Disregard of the Organizations By-Laws Continue To Plague Local President Tonza Thomas

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THURSDAY January 18, 2018

Call It A Premonition But...

Truth Is Our Vindication We are well aware that some, not all, of our readers took offense to the cartoon that appeared in our June 22, 2017 publication titled: “Has Kia Chambers Sold Out Our Children For A Seat At The Table?”

We took a lot of heat for it. What was lost to the “some”, however, was we were not insinuating a sexual connotation but rather to show that MCSD board member Frank Myers was manipulating Kia. The caption that accompanied the cartoon speaks to that: “Kia You’re Doing Great! No Need To Worry About What They Say, You’re Part Of The Team Now! Keep Voting The Way I Tell You And Remember You’ll Be Chairman of The Board Come January. I Promise”.

Well the votes have been cast and Frank Myers has gotten his wish. Those voting in favor of Kia Chambers as Chairman of the Muscogee County School Board were: Frank Myers, John Thomas, Vanessa Jackson, Mark Cantrell and Kia Chambers. Cantrell was voted as Vice Chairman.

This recent picture speaks for itself.

For the record our argument has never been whether Kia has the right nor have we questioned her ability to be the chairman. Our problem is the lengths she has shown she is willing to go and who she will align herself with to do so. Once again Myers has proven

The Street Committee

that he can “BUY” or manipulate Black folks by playing to their ego. Make no mistake about it, Kia can deny it 24/7 365 but the Black community knows Kia Chambers was used by Myers to get rid of Pat Hugley Green. If she doesn’t know that, then shame on her.

If she does, that means she doesn’t care and that’s even worse. Whichever is the case she just lost our respect.

She can try to explain it differently but her actions are proof positive that “Kia is for Kia, not the kids.” We reported it would happen on June 22, 2017 and it came to fruition January 16, 2018.

You can call it a premonition if you like, but truth is our vindication.

There’s A New Sheriff In Town And Her Name Is Donna Tompkins According to the street committee a memorandum dated November 2, 2017 was sent to all Muscogee County Bonding Companies from Sheriff Tompkins stating; Effective November 2, 2017 professional bonding companies must first receive the personal approval of the Sheriff or Designee prior to posting bond or combination of bonds which total Twenty thousands ($20,000) dollars or greater and Twenty thousands ($20,000) or greater for out of county bonds, for any one individual. This will ONLY be done Monday through Friday during regular business hours of 8AM to 6PM. The Sheriff may, at his/her discretion, require additional collateral for such bonds. In this event of additional collateral a copy of it will be filed at the Sheriff’s Office on the next business day. What this means is if an individual is arrested on Friday after 6pm and their bond has been set at $20,000 or more, regardless whether you have the money or the property to cover your bond you have to remain in jail until the Sheriff returns to work the next business day to approve it.

The street committee spoke with the Sheriff and she explained that the information we received is true. The reason for the change in policy, according to the Sheriff, is too many of the local Bonding companies have been operating out of compliance showing that they

are overextended in what they say they have in security to match the bonds.

“Until all of the bonding companies can show they are able to secure any bonds of $20,000 or over she is not allowing them to do so unless they can prove to her they can. Because the information cannot be proven over the weekend they have to wait until it can be done during regular business hours Monday–Friday between 8am to 5pm.

To date there are only three (3) Bonding companies that are operating in compliance with the Sheriffs department. If that is the case the street committee suggests that the three Bonding companies that are in compliance should not be penalized and as such, be allowed to write bonds in excess of $20,000. What do you say Sheriff?

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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

A VIEW FROM A PEW

THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018

Do You Know Your Purpose For Life? Are You Still Looking?

Or Have You Given Up? that they’ve been searching for.”

“What about the third type?” asked the young man.

“They are the individuals who get frustrated that they haven’t found what they are looking for, so after a day, a week or a year or more, they give up, walk away and never find gold.”

Slightly confused, the young man asked, “What has this got to do with finding my purpose?”

“Aah yes, the age-old question.” the old man smiled and looked his companion in the eye. “There are those in life who look for their purpose and seem to find it almost immediately.

From a young age they have a clear sense of purpose and pursue their dreams with energy and enthusiasm.

Some others have to look a bit harder, perhaps for many years, but if they persist and keep looking, they will find something to live for. Finally, there are those who want to know their purpose, but they become frustrated with the search and give up too soon, returning to a life of meaningless wandering.”

“Can everyone find their purpose?”

My son visited with me recently and we found ourselves in a discussion about finding ones purpose and passion for their life.

Although I have finally come to grips that he will not be following my footsteps into the newspaper business, I am excited for the path he has chosen.

The following is a story I shared with him. Perhaps it may help you.

“A frustrated young man went to see the wise man in his village.

“I don’t know what to do with my life. How do I find my purpose?” the young man asked.

“Follow me,” said the old man.

Silently, they trudged together to a far away river where they found dozens of prospectors panning for gold.

“There are three types of

prospectors here,” the sage said.

“Is there gold in the river?” the wise man responded.

“There are those who strike gold straight away.

Excited, they take their plunder, cash it in and live comfortably for the rest of their lives. Then there are those who pan for years.

They know that there is gold here and they have seen others strike it rich, so they persist until they too find the gold

“Keep looking.”

“What do you mean?” the young man inquired.

“So, how do I find my own purpose?”

“But what if I want to find it quicker?”

“Son, there are no guarantees that you will be able to find it quickly, the only guarantee is that if you give up and stop looking for it, you’ll never find it.”

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The young man looked despondent, feeling that he had wasted his time with the old man.

He felt a reassuring hand on his shoulder, “I can sense your frustration, but let me assure you, if you can find your true calling in life, you will live with passion, make the world a better place, be richer than you could imagine and feel as though the very face of God Himself is smiling upon you.

That may happen next week, next year or in the years ahead, but the search will be worth it and your life will never be the same again. So for now, your purpose is to find your purpose.”

“Thanks.”

“Oh, and there’s one other thing that I forgot to mention.”

“What’s that?”

“Just as those men and women need to get down to the river with a pan to find their gold, so we need to remain active to find our purposes, we don’t find it sitting around at home doing nothing.”

It was getting late, so the two men turned for home and began their long walk back to the village.

As they walked, the young man was deep in thought about what he had just learned, and the wise man smiled to himself, knowing that conversations like this were an important part of living his own purpose.”

What about you?. Do you know your purpose for life?

Are you still looking? Or have you given up?

Wane A. Hailes

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F RIENDSHIP B APTIST C HURCH

831 6 TH AVE C OLUMBUS , G A

January 18, 2018

E ARLY W ORSHIP 8AM B REAKFAST 9:AM S UNDAY S CHOOL 9:30 W EDNESDAY P RAYER M EETING /B IBLE AM M ORNING W ORSHIP 11AM S TUDY 7PM 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 Sunday School 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship 11A.M. Transportation Provided

Call 706-323-3367

Sr. Pastor Roderick Green

St. James Missionary Baptist Church

“Put God First”

5214 St. James Street Columbus, Georgia

Church 706.687.6420 Residence 706.563.3256 Cell 706.315.5749 Dr. Ralph W. Huling Senior Pastor

www.stjamesmsybaptist.com hrwhuling@aol.com

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 January 18, 2018

COVER STORY

Allegations of Financial Mismanagement, and a Blatant Disregard of the Organizations Bylaws Continue To Plague Local NAACP President Tonza Thomas management and a blatant disregard of the organizations By-Laws levied against Tonza Thomas the local president. It has gotten to the point that no less than 20 members, as required by the organizations by-laws, have filed an article X which calls for her expulsion, suspension or removal.

The Allegations 1. - Although the local branch has received monies no monies have been deposited in the “authorized” NAACP bank account. The treasurer of the organization has not received monies for deposit since August of 2017.

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

It was a little over a year ago when I wrote how reluctant I was to speak ill of our local branch of the NAACP. My comments, at that time, were based on a meeting I attended where some members of the nominating committee lobbied a complaint that they were not given the opportunity to vote on the slate of officers. Where it was brought to the attention that the by-laws were not and had not been followed in other instances. There entire discussion resembled the first presidential debate between Trump and Clinton

My solution, offered at that time was this: “I don’t care if you use that red colored hot water bottle “Big Mama” had hanging on the back of the bathroom door when we were kids, that blue bottle of Phillips’ Milk of Magnesium, Dulcolax, the vintage Haley’s M-O laxative or you prefer the Jamie Lee Curtis touted Activia, our Columbus NAACP is in definite need of an enema.”

Here I am again and my position has not changed. As a matter of fact the recent revelations as have been reported to us makes it imperative that in order for the local organization to grow, the current leadership has to go.

For the past year there have been numerous allegations of financial mis-

- A letter was sent to President Tonza Thomas on December 15, 2017 from the State President of the NAACP, Phyllis T. Blake referencing a new bank account that was opened at Wells Fargo Bank by her and 1st Vice President Freddie Williams. In the letter Blakely stated this action was done “without proper discussion and/or voting process and requested “that you take immediate action to cease and desist depositing monies and close that banking account: meet with the treasure, Mrs. Erma Everett, so the two of you can deposit all funds into the original NAACP Columbus Branch bank account.” It was also noted in the letter, per Kevin Myles, Regional Director of the NAACP... “Under no circumstances can two Presidents sign and countersign checks; only a President and Treasurer or a Vice President and Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer. All monies that come into the Branch must come through the Secretary to be logged and then handed to the Treasurer for deposit.”

Blakely went on to note that not only was the establishment of this separate and unauthorized bank account a violation as it relates to banking procedures it is clearly inappropriate, a breach of the Bylaws and fraudulent by law.

Article VII, Section 4.a The duties of the Treasurer shall be: To receive all monies of the NAACP Unit and promptly deposit the same in the name of the NAACP Unit in a separate account or accounts in a responsible bank or trust company. No money shall be withdrawn from any account

except by check signed by the Treasure and countersigned by the President.

Although President Tonza Thomas received the letter from the State President of the NAACP over a month ago, as of our print date, no action has been taken to adhere to her request.

As of the result of President Thomas’ refusal there has yet to be an accounting of how much monies were received from sponsors and ticket sales for the Freedom Fund Banquet, which was recently held on January 5th of this month, and the Primus E. King Breakfast which was held on December 9th of last year.

2. - As a breach of the Bylaws President Tonza Thomas has called and held meetings that do not adhere to the time frame according to the organizations Bylaws.

3 - At a recent general membership meeting, in a blatant disregard of the Bylaws President Thomas threw out the list of delegates to the upcoming state election, which had been voted on and approved this past August of 2017 and held new elections eliminating the current national board member Ed Dubois and former local President Abe Wallace and replacing them with Frank Myers operative a new member to the NAACP Nathan Smith.

What the reader needs to understand is that Thomas is seeking the seat as the State President of the NAACP and the delegates she replaced were not supporting her.

The mere fact that Thomas has not been abiding by the bylaws suggests that this is an opportune time for the African-American leadership in our community to step up to the plate and lead.

Once again I would ask that It’s time for State Representatives, Carolyn Hugley, Calvin Smyre, Senator Ed Harbison and Congressman Sanford D. Bishop to contact the national NAACP office and recommend that they take control of the local branch to include selecting and appointing all local leadership positions.

As one who has first hand experience

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of the problems that exist with the local branch National Board member Ed Dubois should lead the charge. For him to sit back in silence at this critical time would be paramount to condoning the actions of the current President.

Once the organization has been “cleaned out”, if you will, then they need a transfusion. The branch should work toward attracting more volunteers, and members through a major PR campaign.

Once the “new blood” has been infused in the organization then a strategic plan needs to be developed to address the real issues of the community.

The people being hurt the most are those who lack adequate representation.

There is no doubt the NAACP can be that voice, but not until we relieve the constipation.

Finally, as a result of these recent allegations of financial mismanagement we understand some sponsors of the Freedom Fund Banquet are reconsidering future support of the organization.

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Request for Bids

RFB No. 18-0027 Double Churches Park – Parking Addition Due: January 17, 2018 – 2:30 PM Della Lewis, CPPB, Buyer Specialist

RFB No. 18-0032 Bradley Circle Slope Failure Repairs Due: February 14, 2018 – 2:30 PM Della Lewis, CPPB, Buyer Specialist

Sealed responses must be received and time/date stamped by the respective due dates shown above, by the Finance Department/Purchasing Division of Columbus Consolidated Government, 100 Tenth Street, Columbus, GA 31901. To obtain specifications, visit the City's website at https://www.columbusga.org/finance/purchasing/docs/opportunities/Bid_Opportunities.htm, notify the Buyer via email dlewis@columbusga.org, fax 706.225.3033 or telephone 706.653.4105.

Andrea J. McCorvey Purchasing Manager

January 18, 2018

LIFE INSURANCE No Exams

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ISSUES AGE 18 THROUGH AGE 85 ALL APPLICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO

CURRENTUNDERWRITING GUIDELINES

CALL TODAY!

(706) 304-8290

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Under The Dome

…A Black Perspective

By Staff The Courier

Join the Courier Eco Latino newspaper and Davis Broadcasting, Inc. Wednesday February 7, 2018 as the collaborative voice of the Black community broadcasting live from the Georgia State Capital via facebook and radio with; “Under The Dome…A Black Perspective”.

The date, annually set aside as Columbus Day in Atlanta, exposes investors of the Chamber and representatives from the region to state agencies directly impacting our community. Specific areas of interest typically addressed include transportation, economic development, defense education, and tourism.

The hosts for the day, Geniece Davis Granville, Vice President/General Manager Davis Broadcasting, Inc.; Semone Doughton of The Doughton Report, CEL TV and Wane A. Hailes, President Publisher Courier Eco Latino newspaper will provide interviews with our local Black elected officials along with other state and local leaders including: C o l u m b u s M a y o r Te r e s a Tomlinson, Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Brian Anderson, members of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus and more.

Request for Bids

RFB No. 18-0029 Lot Clearing Services (Annual Contract) Due: January 31, 2018 – 2:30 PM Heather Scheuttig, Buyer

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 https://www.columbusga.org/finance/purchasing/docs/opportunities/Bid_Opportuniti es.htm, notify the Buyer via email hscheuttig@columbusga.org, fax 706.225.3033 or telephone 706.653.4105.

Andrea J. McCorvey Purchasing Manager

January 18, 2018

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Notice of Public Comment Period

January 18, 2018

Columbus Consolidated Government will hold a public comment period from January 14, 2018, through February 12, 2018, regarding proposed changes to the following

bus routes operated by METRA: Route 1 – East Wynnton; Route 3 – St. Mary’s Road / Buena Vista Road / Schatulga Road; Route 4 – Fort Benning; Route 5 –

North Highland / Columbus State / Peachtree Mall; Route 6 – Columbus State / Milgen Road; Route 7 – Columbus South; Route 8 – UpTown / Civic Commons; Route 9 – Bradley Park / Columbus Park Crossing; Route 10 – Airport Thruway / Veterans Parkway; Route 11 – Warm Springs / Weems Road; Route 12 – Veterans Parkway / Civic Center / Victory Drive. Written comments on the proposed service changes will be accepted at two public hearings. A court reporter will be available at the pub-

lic hearings if citizens prefer to give comments verbally. The public hearings will be held on January 30, 2018 with an information session from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

and public comment session from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm and on February 1, 2018 with an information session from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm and public comment session from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Both public hearings will be held at the METRA Transit Main Office in the Training Room, 814 Linwood Boulevard, Columbus, GA. Comments

may also be submitted throughout the public comment period by mail to METRA Transit System, Attention: Proposed Service Change Comments, P.O. Box 1340, Columbus, GA 31902-1340; by email to metrainfo@columbusga.org; by fax to (706) 653-4420; or by calling METRA’s customer comment line at (706) 225-4590 (English) or (706)

225-4606 (Spanish). Comments submitted by means of email, fax or phone must be received by 5:00 pm, February 12, 2018; mailed comments must be postmarked by February 12, 2018. For more information, visit the METRA website at www.columbusga.org/Metra or call (706) 225-4581 (English) or (706) 225-4606 (Spanish).

THURSDAY January 18, 2018

COVER STORY

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The 5th Annual MLK, Jr. “The Dream Lives” Celebration Culminates With The 2018 Unity Award

By Staff The Courier

The CourierHundreds braved the cold weather to participate in the 5th annual “The Dream Lives” weekend. The celebration began with the Dragonfly

Groundbreaking ceremony for the Columbus MLK Trail. For the 3rd year the Courier Eco Latino newspaper sponsored the MLK 1 mile walk/run, MLK 5k and the MLK 10 K with over 250 runners participating. The event contin-

ued as the community gathered at the historical Liberty Theatre for the unity march and concert with national recording artist Ruthie Foster. On Monday morning Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes, III Senior Pastor of the Friendship- West

Baptist Church Dallas Texas was the guest speaker at the 32nd annual MLK, Jr. Alpha Unity Awards breakfast. Mayor Teresa Pike Tomlinson was the recipient of the 2018 Alpha Phi Alpha Unity .Award.

learn more >

B BORN BOR RN TO T BE B G GRE GREA EA AT By the time she’ e’’s s ready to attend college, the majority of all jobs will require education and training beyond high school. Jobs in healthcare, community services, and STEM will grow the fastest among occupational clusters. T To o be ready for these jobs of the future, students in grades K-12 need learning experiences that meet them where they are, engage e them deeply y,, let them the progress at a pace that meets their individual needs, and helps them master the skills for today and tomorrow.

The Every Student Succeeds Act empowers parents like you to make sure that the opportunity for a great To o get involved, invo visit www.nnpa.org/essa. education is the standard for every student. T

Made possible e by a grant frrom the

© 2017 National Newspaper Publishers Association. All rights reserved

THURSDAY January 18, 2018

EMPOWERING

Davis Broadcasting of Atlanta Announces Gregory A. Davis Jr. Vice President and Market Manager of Atlanta, GA

Greg Davis Jr’s responsibilities includes local and national sales efforts as well as strategic marketing initiatives for Davis Broadcasting Inc. Prior to joining the family owned business Greg worked as regional account manager for Sony Electronics Inc. West Coast/Southwest Region.

Greg Davis Jr. is a graduate of Morehouse College and The University of Georgia Terry College of Business.

Recently he has been selected as one of Columbus and the Valley’s 40 under 40 and Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2016 30 under 30.

Gregory A. Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “I am very proud of his contribution to the radio industry, his integrity, passion and care for people he works with”.

Davis Broadcasting Inc. operates 5 stations in Atlanta and 6 stations in Columbus.

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The Columbus Black History Museum & Archives Names Mark Alexander Its New Executive Director

Competence” in collaboration with Auburn University and Indiana University. The project has been utilized as a history civics teaching tool nationwide within school systems.

The Columbus Black History Museum & Archives is proud to announce that Mark Alexander has been named the new Executive Director.

Davis Broadcasting Inc. of Atlanta recently announced that Greg Davis Jr. after 6 years as Director of Sales and National Sales Manager for the Columbus and Atlanta markets will be responsible for leading Davis’ newest Atlanta acquisition of WJZA AM/FM Smooth jazz 101.1 FM and 1310am.

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Born in Columbus, Georgia and educated in the Phenix City School System upon graduation Alexander accepted an academic scholarship at Alabama A&M University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science and was named a Harry s. Truman History Scholar nominee his work as a contributing researcher for a published work entitled “Past Jewish Life in East Alabama and West Georgia”.

Mark went on to further his education obtaining both a Masters’ and an Educational Specialist Degree in Education from Troy University

With a passions for history and cultural preservation Mark was appointed lead History teacher in the Lee County School System and helped develop a three year web based teaching tool project entitled “Plowing Freedoms Ground “: Promoting Civic

“As stated in June of last year, the Columbus Black History Museum & Archives is poised and ready to step up to the next level, says Wane A. Hailes, owner and acting director. We are excited for the addition of Mark Alexander to our team. His educational background and passion for history will be integral to our vision, as we become a museum and educational resource of local stature. It will be his expertise and that passion that will take the Columbus Black History Museum & Archives to this next level that includes the completion of a spacious new museum and the development of strategic partnerships with colleges, school systems, and other cultural and educational organizations that will expand the museums outreach and impact.”

“I look forward to this opportunity and more important building on founder Johnnie Warner’s vision of providing an enriching memorable and one of a kind experience to each and every individual that visits the Columbus’ Black History Museum & Archives,” said Alexander.

THURSDAY January 18, 2018

COVER STORY

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Spotlighting Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking fraud, or coercion was used”. Essentially, engaging a child in any form of a sex act or adult entertainment performance in exchange for anything of value, even food, is sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Currently, human trafficking is the second largest criminal enterprise and quickly surpassing the drug trade as it is increasingly more lucrative to sell a child for sex.

By Brett Murphy-Dawson Special To The Courier

On December 31st, 2013, former President Barak Obama wrote a proclamation in January 2014, declaring it as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The month would end on a celebratory note of National Freedom Day, February 1. In his formal proclamation, the former president stated the following: “This month, I call on every nation, every community, and every individual to fight human trafficking wherever it exists. Let us declare as one that slavery has no place in our world, and let us finally restore to all people the most basic rights of freedom, dignity, and justice.”

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, “Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons or modern-day slavery, is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological. Exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking, regardless of whether any form of force,

In order to truly comprehend the gravity of this prevention month, it is important to look at the state of our children affected by commercial sexual exploitation. As a child psychiatrist who is also a parent, there is nothing more horrific than the crime of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), which is also known as Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST). It is estimated that 300,000 children are trafficked per year in the United States. Of children being trafficked, 89% have current or prior contact with the foster care system. In addition,1.3 million are homeless which tends to be a factor for sexual exploitation of boys. Also,one third of runaways are approached within 48 hours by traffickers. Moreover, the average age of a child being trafficked is 14 years old in Georgia, however it is as young as 11 years old on a national level. Unfortunately, more than 90% of children who are being trafficked were previously sexually abused. Since the majority of children are sexually abused by someone they know and trust, they seek love and attention from anyone who will give it to them. This makes the grooming process of the trafficker that much easier, and the cycle of victimization repeats itself horrifically.

Not only is DMST a national issue, it is a state issue. At least 7,200 men purchase a trafficked child for sex per month in Georgia. In 2016 alone, over 400 children were identified in Georgia as victims of sex trafficking although many go under the radar. It is also significant to note that of the children identified in our state, 89 % had current or prior foster care involvement and they came from 102 of the 159 counties. This issue is a widespread problem that is not secluded to Atlanta.

We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge that DMST is occuring within the city of Columbus as well. In 2017, over 400 children were in foster

care in Muscogee county, whereas there were less than 100 foster families to place them locally. The foster care crisis in our city makes such children extremely vulnerable to being sexually exploited. The over 300 children who need foster placements likely get placed outside of our county, retraumatizing them as they are removed from their schools, extended family, churches, and support network.

Additionally, Hispanic and African American girls are disproportionately represented in DMST and especially vulnerable to sexual abuse.

The sequelae of being trafficked multiple times a day for months on end is staggering. Once a child is trafficked, their life expectancy is reduced remarkably to only seven years. They suffer from sexual assaults, physical violence, poor nutrition, STD’s/AIDS, overdose, or suicide. The psychological impact is equally devastating, including PTSD, depression, trauma bonds with the trafficker, substance abuse, anxiety, and shame.

Despite the bleak picture, there is a ray of hope on the horizon. Since 2014, Micah’s Promise has been leading the community in education and advocacy of stolen childhoods from DMST under the guidance of director, Ms. Bobbi Starr. Through the grace of God, Ms. Starr and her board are now in the Capitol Campaign stage of raising the necessary funds to build a therapeutic treatment facility which will provide daily, long term therapy,and maximum watchful oversight (MWO) for girls 12 to 17 who have been victims of DMST. Currently there are only two therapeutic treatment facilities for victims of DMST in the state, with only 31 beds between them. Micah’s Promise is in a mentorship program with Wellspring Living, one of the two facilities, and will utilize their proven model and best practices.

Another aspect of hope is in the form of prevention. By educating the community on how to prevent child sexual abuse, it will greatly reduce the number of cases of DMST in the future.

Building Toward Wellness Community Coalition (BTWCC) collaborates closely

PAGE 12

with Micah’s Promise as they lead the community in this prevention training.

BTWCC, a nonprofit organization started in 1992 by the late Rev Johnny Flakes II to promote wellness in minority communities, has been instrumental in locally promoting the prevention of child sexual abuse since 2013. The program used is called Stewards of Children (SOC) which educates adults on how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. It is imperative that at least 5% of our adult population in our county become trained in this evidence-based program such that we can normalize the prevention of child sexual abuse. It is noteworthy to acknowledge that in addition to training approximately 800 adults in our county since 2013, BTWCC held its first bilingual training last week at the Tree of Life Healthcare.

Micah’s Promise and BTWCC will continue educating, collaborating and partnering with law enforcement, child serving organizations and agencies within the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit to fight the issue of DMST and Childhood Sexual Abuse. There are many ways to invest in the lives of children and prevent both sexual abuse and DMST. To learn more or schedule a SOC or DMST training, contact Dr. Brett MurphyDawson or Ms. Bobbi Starr at info@micahspromise.org. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center number is 1 (888) 373-7888 to report any concerns of trafficking as well as to receive extensive information on the national level in English, Spanish or 200 other languages.

About The Author Dr. Brett Murphy-Dawson is a double board certified child & adolescent psychiatrist who is a prevention advocate for child sexual abuse in Columbus, GA. She is an active board member of BTWCC, Micah’s Promise, and Emanuel Preparatory School of Math & Science.

Sunlight Psychiatric Services, P.C. P.O. Box 8766 Columbus, GA 31908 Office: 706-507-9789 Email: murphybnmd@att.net www.facebook.com/TheSunlightPsychiatrist/

18 de enero 2018

Pagina 4 Credito Pagina 4 Any eligible debts not paid through the assets are discharged. This will be in the public records section of the credit report.

5. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy – a legal process in which a consumer enters into a payment plan to pay off creditors using future income. These are arranged by the courts. Once the payment plan is complete, remaining eligible debts are discharged. This will be the public records section the credit report.

6. Charge-off – The balance on a credit obligation that a lender no longer expects to be repaid and writes off as a bad debt.

7. Collection – Attempted recovery of a past-due credit obligation by a collection department or agency.

8. Credit bureau – A credit reporting agency that is a clearinghouse for information on the credit rating of individuals or firms. Is often called a “credit repository” or a “consumer reporting agency”. The three largest credit bureaus in the U.S. are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

9. Credit history – A record of how a consumer has repaid credit obligations

in the past.

10. Credit obligation – An agreement by which a person is legally bound to pay back borrowed money or used credit.

11. Credit report – Information communicated by a credit reporting agency that bears on a consumer's credit standing. Most credit reports include: consumer name, address, credit history, inquiries, collection records, and any public records such as bankruptcy filings and tax liens.

12. Credit score – This term is often used to refer to credit bureau risk scores.

It broadly refers to a number generated by a statistical model which is used to objectively evaluate information that pertains to making a credit decision.

13. Discharge – when the court releases a consumer of responsibility for a debt as part of the bankruptcy process.

14. Dispute – a right consumers have to challenge and require investigation of information they believe is incorrect or their credit reports.

15. Default – A failure to make a loan or debt payment when due. Usually an account is considered to be “in default” after being delinquent for several consecutive 30-day billing cycles.

16. Delinquent – A failure to deliver

even the minimum payment on a loan or debt payment on or before the time agreed. Accounts are often referred to as 30, 60, 90 or 120 days delinquent because most lenders have monthly payment cycles.

17. Finance charge – this is the credit cost, which includes interest and other charges that can be applied within the terms of your contract.

18. Fixed rate – an annual percentage that does not change.

19. Inquiry – An item on a consumer's credit report that shows that someone with a “permissible purpose” (under FCRA rules) has previously requested a copy of the consumer's report. Fair Isaac credit bureau risk scores take into account only inquiries resulting from a consumer's application for credit.

20. Grace period – the time you have to pay the bill in full and avoid interest charges.

21. Late payment – A delinquent payment; a failure to deliver a loan or debt payment on or before the time agreed.

22. Public Records – There are three types of public records that can appear in your credit report: bankruptcy, civil judgments and tax liens. You don't specify which is in your credit report. Personal bankruptcy is usually either Chapter 7

or Chapter 13.

23. Tax lien – In essence, a tax lien is the government's claim against all or some of your assets based on your failure to pay a tax debt on time. They may occur at the state or local level, or at the federal level. These liens come with many possible personal and legal implications.

24. Transaction fees – these are fees charged for certain uses of your credit line, for example, receiving cash advances form an ATM. 25. Variable rate – an annual percentage rate that may change over time as the prime lending rate varies or according to your contract with the lender.

Whether you are new to credit or have years of experience with credit, it’s always a good idea to understand what, when, why and how to use your credit wisely. NeighborWorks Columbus knows how to prepare you, helping you to understand the importance of credit and how it will benefit you in the future, whether it’s for a new car or for a new home. For more information, please visit our website: www.nwcolumbus.org or call us at 706-324-4663.

Pagina 2

By Kathy Rosado Neighborworks Columbus Eco Latino Crédito, como usted ya sabe, es un acuerdo de recibir efectivo, bienes o servicios ahora y luego pagar en el futuro.

Es muy importante conocer el lenguaje de crédito. Crédito tiene su propio vocabulario que es importante a la hora de decidir qué tipo de crédito desea o le hará falta y descubrir cuáles son las mejores opciones para usted. He aquí algunos términos más comunes.

Lenguaje Básico de Crédito 1. Cuota anual – un cargo especial por utilizar servicios de tarjetas de crédito, la cual podría variar entre $15 a $55.

2. Tasa de porcentaje anual – la cantidad de cuánto le costará el interés de crédito, expresado como un porcentaje anual.

3. Quiebra o bancarrota – proceso a través de la corte de quiebras que podrá legalmente liberar las deudas de una persona.

4. Capítulo 7 – un proceso legal en el que los activos del consumidor se utilizan para pagar a los acreedores.

Cualquier deuda elegible no pagada a través de los activos se descarga. Esto estará en la sección de registros públicos del informe de crédito por un periodo de 10 años.

5. Capítulo 13 – un proceso legal en el cual un consumidor entra en un plan de pago para pagar a los acreedores usando ingresos futuros. Estos son arreglados por los tribunales. Una vez que se completa el plan de pago, las deudas elegibles restantes se descargan. Esta será la sección de registros públicos del informe de crédito por un

Entendiendo Crédito – Parte II

periodo de 7 años.

6. Tirada a pérdida “Charge off” – El saldo en una obligación de crédito que el acreedor ya no espera que se pague y se anota como una deuda incobrable.

7. Cobro o Colección – Intento de recobro de una obligación de crédito vencido a través de un departamento o agencia de cobro.

8. Buro de crédito – una agencia de informes crediticios que es un centro de intercambio de información sobre la calificación crediticia de individuos o empresas. A menudo se llama un "depósito de crédito" o una "agencia de informes del consumidor". Las tres oficinas de crédito más grandes de los EE. UU. son Equifax, Experian y TransUnion.

9. Historial de crédito – el récord de como el consumidor ha repagado sus obligaciones a través de los años.

10. Obligación de crédito – un acuerdo o compromiso de pago por lo que una persona está legalmente ligado para repagar dinero tomado prestado o uso de crédito.

11. Reporte de crédito – información comunicada por una agencia de crédito que influye en la posición de crédito del consumidor. La mayoría de los reportes de crédito incluye: nombre del consumidor, dirección, historial de crédito, indagaciones, registros de cobro y cualquier registro público como la quiebra o embargos de impuestos.

12. Puntaje de crédito – este término se usa a menudo para referirse a los puntajes de riesgo del buró de crédito. En términos generales, se refiere a un número generado por un modelo estadístico que se usa para evaluar objetivamente la información relacionada con la toma de decisiones de crédi-

to.

13. Alta – cuando el tribunal libera al consumidor de la responsabilidad de una deuda como parte del proceso de quiebra.

14. Disputa – un derecho de los consumidores a impugnar y exigir que se investigue la información que consideran incorrecta o sus informes crediticios.

15. Incumplimiento – una falla al hacer el pago de un préstamo o deuda a su fecha de vencimiento. Por lo general, se considera que una cuenta está "en incumplimiento" después de haber estado en mora durante varios ciclos de facturación consecutivos de 30 días.

16. Morosidad (delincuente) – una falla para entregar incluso el pago mínimo de un préstamo o pago de deuda en o antes del tiempo acordado. Las cuentas a menudo se consideran morosas de 30, 60, 90 o 120 días porque la mayoría de los prestamistas tienen ciclos de pago mensuales.

17. Cargos por financiamiento – este es el costo del crédito, que incluye intereses y otros cargos que se pueden aplicar dentro de los términos de su contrato.

18. Tasa fija – un porcentaje anual que no cambia.

19. Indagación – un artículo en el informe de crédito del consumidor que muestra que alguien con un "propósito permitido" (bajo las reglas de FCRA) ha solicitado previamente una copia del informe del consumidor. Los puntajes de riesgo del buró de crédito de Fair Isaac tienen en cuenta solo las consultas resultantes de la solicitud de crédito del consumidor 20. Periodo de gracia – el tiempo permitido para pagar la factura en su totalidad y evitar los cargos por intereses.

21. Pago tardío – Un pago en mora; una falla en entregar un pago de un préstamo o de deuda en o antes del tiempo acordado.

22. Registros públicos – existen tres tipos de registros públicos que pueden aparecer en su informe de crédito: bancarrota, juicios civiles y gravámenes fiscales. No especifica qué está en su informe de crédito. La bancarrota personal suele ser el Capítulo 7 o el Capítulo 13.

23. Embargo de impuestos - en esencia, un gravamen impositivo es la reclamación del gobierno contra todos o algunos de sus activos en función de su incapacidad de pagar una deuda tributaria a tiempo. Pueden ocurrir a nivel estatal o local, o a nivel federal.

18 de enero 2018

Estos gravámenes vienen con muchas posibles implicaciones personales y legales.

24. Cargos o tarifas de transacción – estas son tarifas cobradas por ciertos usos de su línea de crédito, por ejemplo, recibir anticipos en efectivo de un cajero automático.

25. Tarifas variables – una tasa de porcentaje anual que podrá cambiar a lo largo del tiempo como la tasa de interés principal o de acuerdo con su contrato con el prestamista.

Ya sea que usted es nuevo con el crédito o tenga años de experiencia con crédito, siempre es una buena idea entender qué, cuándo, por qué y cómo usar su crédito sabiamente.

NeighborWorks Columbus conoce como prepararlo con su crédito, puede ayudarle a usted entender la importancia del crédito y como le beneficiara a usted en el futuro, sea para un auto nuevo o para su nueva vivienda. Para más información, puede visitar nuestra página electrónica: www.nwcolumbus.org o comunicarse con nosotros a través del 706-324-4663.

ENGLISH

Understanding Credit – Part II Credit, as you already know, is an arrangement to receive cash, goods or services now and pay for them in the future.

It is important to know what the credit language is. Credit has its own language that are important when deciding about what kind of credit you want or may need and to discover what are your best options. Here are a few words most common: Basic Credit Language 1. Annual fee – credit card providers usually, but not always, require you to pay a special annual charge for using their service, amounts could be $15 to $55.

2. Annual percentage rate (APR) – an amount of how much interest credit will cost you, stated as an annual percentage.

3. Bankruptcy – A proceeding in U.S. Bankruptcy Court that may legally release a person from repaying debts owed. Credit reports normally include bankruptcies for up to 7 and 10 years.

4. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy – a legal process in which the consumer’s assets are used to pay off creditors.

Crédito Pagina 4

Eco Latino Vol. 13

Edición 2 Gratis

jueves 18 de enero 2018

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Spotlighting Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking

couriernews.org

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

La voz de la comunidad hispana

Entendiendo Crédit – Parte 2 Understanding Credit...Part 2

Hispanic and African American girls are disproportionately represented in DMST and especially vulnerable to sexual abuse.

See Courier Pagina 12

Mayor Teresa Tomlinson Unity Award Recipient Pagina 2

The Delta Lambda Iota Chapter Of Alpha Phi Alpha Presents There 2018 MLK, Jr. Unity Award See Courier Pagina 11