The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 04-25-2019 by Webbasedpublications

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Courier

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. 14 Edition 9 Free Thursday April 25, 2019

Towing Wars

District Attorney Julia Slater Makes NAACP President L.K. Pendleton Wait 45 Minutes, Provides 10 Minutes To Address Her Decision To Appeal Gates Order For A New Trial

Columbus Towing & Recovery vs Griffin & Griffin Page 2 Towing

A View From A Pew

Black Businesses...We Must Page 3 Do Better

Danita Gibson Lloyd

Former “Garden” Employee Responds Pages 6

Will He Or Won’t He?

Harbison Puts An End To The Rumors Pages 9

PAGE 5

THURSDAY April 25, 2019

The Street Committee

There Is A War On The Horizon In Columbus...A Towing War Columbus Towing & Recovery vs Griffin & Griffin Towing

The street committee has it that there is a “Towing War” on the horizon in Columbus, Georgia and it’s not Reality TV. According to the street committee the city held a bidding process for the towing contract for Muscogee County. The two towing companies competing for the bid are Columbus Towing & Recovery and the Black owned towing company, Griffin & Griffin Towing. According to recent city council meetings the process has been riddled with numerous discrepancies, allegations of defamation and misrepresentations. According to the street committee Griffin & Griffin Towing had the lowest bid but for some reason there is a push to give the bid to Columbus Towing & Recovery. For the first time they were considering splitting the contract which, on the surface seems fair.

However the split was only going to be beneficial to Columbus Towing & Recovery. When it appeared that “boat wasn’t going to float” City Council, all of a sudden, decided to rescind all offers and start the bidding process over. We recently obtained pertinent information via an open records request. Join us in our next publication as we fully address this issue in our cover story: Towing Wars…in Black & White.

Request for Bids/Proposals RFB No. 19-0049 Lot Clearing Services II (Annual Contract) Due May 1, 2019 – 2:30 PM Heather Biddle, Buyer RFP No. 19-0012 Concessionaire Services for Parks & Recreation Sports Facilities (Annual Contract) Due: May 3, 2019 – 5:00 PM Heather Biddle, 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.gov/finance/purchasing/docs/opportunities/Bid_Opportunities.htm, notify the Buyer via email BidOpportunities@columbusga.org, fax 706-225-3033, or telephone 706-2254087. Andrea J. McCorvey Purchasing Division Manager The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper *Any editorial content are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper, publisher or staff” The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 1300 Wynnton Rd Suite 104 Columbus, Georgia 3190 Email: couriereconews@gmail.com Phone: 706.225.0106 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5747 Columbus, Ga 31906 Visit Us Online At: www.couriernews.org

A VIEW FROM A PEW

COURIER THURSDAY APRIL 25, 2019

Dear Black Businesses, It’s 2019 We Have Got To Do Better business you, you own a shop! My final visit was to a Black owned family restaurant. Let me speak directly to the owner here. We are patronizing your establishment because we know the food is good. Because of this we can tolerate waiting to be seated and we can tolerate waiting to receive our food but what we don’t appreciate is not being acknowledged at all. Your waitress walked past our table four times without a word. A simple: “I’m sorry for your wait, I’ll be with you in just a minute” would have sufficed. But no, instead, when she finally comes to take our order she has an attitude. Like she’s doing us a favor.

I love my people Lord knows I do, but sometimes, my dear Black business owners; you test my resolve to continue supporting you. I know I’ve been sort of hard on my people in the past but as I continue to say; when we know better, we do better. I recently tried to patronize three Black businesses and all I can say is; we’ve got to do better. I stopped by a business whose sign on the door says they are open from 9am to 5pm. nobody was there. It was 9:15 am. Although I was frustrated I started giving the owners the benefit of the doubt. After all the weather was sort of bad, they could have been caught up in traffic. Maybe they were rushing to get here and got stopped for speeding. Just when I finished justifying why they might be late here they come, RUNNING OUT OF THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR! If you live next door to your business and you are late getting to work, you are not tardy you are LAZY!

We have got to do better my people. There ain’t no excuse for that. I stopped by another Black owned business only to find the all to familiar sign on the door saying, “We’ll be back in 30 minutes.” So I’m sitting there wondering, when did they leave? I don’t know if they just left or if it’s the 27th minute. Should I come back in 28 minutes or should I wait because you’ll be back in 3 minutes? I get even madder because the sign says; “We’ll be back”. If that’s the case why couldn’t one of them stayed behind and kept the business open, “in case a customer came by?” here’s a suggestion why not invest in a sign with a clock that shows potential customers exactly what time you will return. AND BE BACK WHEN THE CLOCK SAYS YOU WILL BE BACK! Special note: If you have to hang a sign on your door when you step out because you are the only employee, you don’t own a

We didn’t have to ask for a menu because it appeared that a smudge of everything they were serving was on her smock and shirt she was wearing. And another thing; If you know you have a crowd of people patronizing your restaurant everyday at the same time, shouldn’t you have enough food to get you through lunchtime? I don’t need your waitress coming back to the table telling me: “They just dropped the chicken, it’s going to take about 20 minutes, you want to wait or do you want something else? Hell no I can’t wait, I’ve got a meeting to get to in 45 minutes! So I start going down the list selecting another item and everything I ordered they were out of. They were out of pork chops, but they have chittlins’. I don’t eat chittlins’. They were out of Mac & Cheese, just ran out of collards but they do have green beans. They are all out of rolls and corn muffins but they have “wonder bread”. So you mean to tell me I drove all the way over here with my mouth watering for some good

ole’ soul food only to find out you have nothing I want? To top it off, now the elbows of my shirt are sticky from some type of syrup, jelly or gravy because the tablecloth wasn’t cleaned off properly. As I wait on my food I have plenty of time to look around and the longer I waited the more critical I became. First, both my chair and table having one leg shorter than the others. Every time I put my arms on the table it moved and my chair swayed like my grandmothers rocking chair. I looked down and realized two pieces of folded newspaper had been kicked from under both pieces of furniture. Once I replaced them I was ok.

The air conditioner was out of order so they had the door open, which would have been ok but they didn’t have a screen door. As customers we spent more time swatting flies than eating. They should have issued fly swatters with their utensils. The ceiling fan was running but it was making so much noise and moving so much I thought it was going to fall from the ceiling. And it was dusty. The dust was so thick you could see it on the side of the blade! You could tell it hadn’t been touched in months. There were cobwebs on top of cobwebs hanging from the ceiling to the point where I wanted to get a broom and clean. Speaking of utensils can I get you to inspect the silverware and cups before you bring them to the table? When we come to a restaurant we understand that we aren’t the first and only person to use the silverware. For the most part it doesn’t really cross our minds until we get a fork with what looks like hardened egg yolk in between the prongs. And if I get another cup of coffee with a lipstick

print on it I’m gonna go DMX, “Up in here! I guess you can imagine what my bathroom experience was like. Turned on the light. Three bulbs were blown. The remaining bulb was 40 watts. Good thing I am familiar with my body parts other wise it could have been ugly. I reached for the toilet paper expecting to find it on the holder but it wasn’t there. As I started to panic I turned around in the darkness and saw a roll on top of the back of the toilet. I reached for it only to realize it was at the end of the roll, only four sheets left. My stress level went up to 10. I reached for the cabinet praying that there were some extra rolls. Yes! Jackpot! Went to the sink, no soap just some hand sanitizer. This is totally unacceptable! In a bathroom you need some “scrubbing and some bubbles” going on. Looked around and there were no paper towels. Now I understand why the toilet paper was down to the end. When I got back to my seat I noticed an awful sour nasty smell. Someone had spilled something on the floor and the waitress was cleaning it with a mop and water that hadn’t been changed in days. They tried to mask it with Clorox but somehow it made it smell worse. The mop smelled like clothes you forgot you left in the washer for three days, sour and musty. Made me want to throw up in my mouth. Finally the food arrived. Although it wasn’t what I originally wanted it was fine. It was great actually and of course I will be back. In spite of my “experience” I tipped the waitress 20% but on the receipt I wrote, “We have got to do better!”

Wane A. Hailes

COVER STORY

Page 4

April 25, 2019

Instead Of Scheduling A Meeting At A Later Date, DA Julia Slater Makes Local NAACP President Wait 45 Minutes And Only Gives Her 10 Minutes NAACP President, L.K. Pendleton spoke with the media immediately following the conclusion of her meeting with the District Attorney. “First of all, in regards to the District Attorney ignoring my various attempts to meet with her, she said that she wasn’t aware that I had been trying to meet with her and that because she respects me as a leader in the community that’s why she gave me the ten minutes.” “When I asked why she felt compelled to appeal Superior Court Judge John D. Allen’s decision for a new trial, Slater claimed that there are some things the public does not know about the DNA evidence and that she believes in her heart that Johnny Lee Gates is guilty.“ “My response to her was I don’t know what else we need to know other than reading the report and what we’ve been given at Judge Allen’s review of everything involved with the case.”

of racists behaviors used to select a jury at the trial of Johnny Lee Gates. This is troubling because the evidence of the prosecuting attorney’s Doug Pullen and William Smith’s systematic race discrimination has been well documented in numerous publications and during the recent trials at which she was in attendance.” “So that is where we are. I don’t believe

...for District Attorney Julia Slater to tell the NAACP President that she was not aware of racists behaviors used to select a jury at the trial of Johnny Lee Gates is a flat out canard, a prevarication. For those searching for a dictionary, a LIE! “She did say that her responsibility is to all citizens and that she would reconsider her decision. But for me that is kind of duplicitous in that you can reconsider the decision, however you believe that in your heart he is guilty.”

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier After numerous attempts to meet with District Attorney Julia Slater, the local branch of the NAACP held a press conference in the government center at the DA’s office, where the organizations newly elected president, Pastor L. K. Pendleton, requested a face to face

meeting with her. She was notified that the District Attorney had a busy schedule but she would see what she could do. Rather than schedule a future meeting day and time, after waiting for close to forty-five minutes, Pendleton was notified that Slater could give her ten minutes prior to her next meeting.

“One of her comments did stand out to me however. During our conversation I asked her whether or not she felt if the former DA and prosecutors in the case conducted themselves in a racist manner in the case of Mr. Johnny Lee Gates.” “She indicated that she was not aware

it is likely she is going to change her mind because she believes in her heart he is guilty, however I am going to take her at her word.” “The DA has the power to let Johnny Lee Gates go free because she is the chief prosecuting officer. As an organization the NAACP wants to know where the District attorney stands, is this a matter of human rights or civil rights or a matter of discrimination?” When asked what the next steps for the NAACP would be, Pendleton

See Gates Page 5

Page 5

COVER STORY CONTINUED

April 25, 2019

Good Day DA Slater: I am writing to thank you again for our meeting today. During our meeting, I asked you, whether or not you felt that the former DA conducted himself in a racist manner in the case of Mr. Johnny Lee Gates. You indicated that you were not aware of racists behaviors used to select a jury at the trial of Johnny Lee Gates. While I was stymied by your response - as the racist manner in which the former DA used for jury selection is common knowledge, I have provided as you already know, a link to such end.

stated that she would be meeting with the Executive Board of the organization to discuss strategic options to moving forward. For our part, as a news media reporting from a Black perspective, there were a number of issues that stood out to us. First, and foremost we will take the NAACP President’s word over the District Attorney’s when she said she made numerous attempts to contact her for a meeting. Either the DA is lying or her office staff is incompetent at their jobs for their failure to properly relay messages to her. Second we find it most disingenuous to tell someone that they respect him or her as a community leader yet have them wait for 45 minutes in the lobby and then only give them ten minutes. If Aretha Franklin was living I have no doubt she would be giving the DA the “side eye”.

I am aware that this case was tried by a jury (unfairly) and they found Mr. Gates guilty and it is your obligation to appeal. I am also aware that such a case should go to appellate courts as this is what they are designed for, to review such decisions. However, I hope that your obligation is to lead by the truth and not procedure. And to do so, you cannot support such conduct for your beloved community while someone is acting in such a racist manner. This offends the nostrils of God and is a miscarriage of justice. I will say again, this matter concerning Mr. Gates is a matter of human and civil rights not about appeals and procedures. Thank you for agreeing to reconsider your decision as I am trusting you to right this wrong. - LK Pendleton, President Columbus Branch NAACP

Internet is a beautiful thing when it comes to finding public figures comments. In an article written by Bill Rankin, appearing in the Atlanta Journal Constitution on March 19, 2018 he wrote in part:

Finally for District Attorney Julia Slater to tell the NAACP President that she was not aware of racists behaviors used to select a jury at the trial of Johnny Lee Gates is a flat out canard, a prevarication. For those searching for a dictionary, a LIE!

“…The Muscogee County District Attorney’s Office has yet to explain or defend the exclusion of black jurors by its prosecutors in the 1970s. Instead, in a recent court filing, it said Gates’ claims should be rejected because he is relying on just seven capital cases. To prevail, Gates must show systematic exclusion of blacks “in case after case, whatever the circumstances, whatever the crime and whoever the defendant or victim may be,” the DA’s office said.”

Slater must have forgotten that the

The DA’s office had repeatedly refused

to turn over its jury notes to Gates’ lawyers until Senior Superior Court Judge John Allen ordered prosecutors to release the records to the plaintiffs in March. District Attorney Julia Slater told the AJC Monday that she will have no comment for now on the filing. Slater took office

about 30 years after the events described in the motion. As an attorney I will leave DA Slater with a quote from someone whom she should be real familiar, former Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis. “Sunlight is said to be the best disinfectant.” “Selfishness, injustice, cruelty, tricks and jobs of all sorts shun the light; to expose them is to defeat them.”

COVER STORY

Page 6

April 25, 2019

Former Columbus Botanical Garden Employee Danita Gibson Lloyd...”Setting The Record Straight” the glaring inaccuracies which attempt to brand me and my role as merely “record keeping and support”. Again, I will not break tradition with “tit for tat” but will once again let my work speak for itself as I did in my farewell letter to the CBG Board shown below summarizing my contributions as Director of Development and Marketing. This email was sent at 7:00 am on February 6, 2019, the morning after my contract ended.

Farewell & Thank You

Publishers note: In our last issue we included a “Candid Conversation” with Jenny Adams and Debbie Lane, the current and former board chairman’s of the Columbus Botanical Garden. They asked to meet so they could clear up what they believed were a number of inaccuracies in our reporting specifically relating to the contribution of Danita Gibson Lloyd, the former Development & Marketing Director. After reading their article Ms. Lloyd asked for an opportunity to respond. We have provided her response here.

“Good morning Wane, Thank you for this opportunity to respond - on the record - regarding statements made in the April 11, 2019 Courier article, “A Candid Conversation.” First and foremost, let me say, it is not customary for me to publicly speak on terminated business relationships. However, I am making an exception to address statements which defy the work product, contributions and successes achieved during my service from February 5, 2018 to February 5, 2019 at Columbus Botanical Garden where I worked fulltime as a contract employee in the role of Director of Development and Marketing. While I do not intend to expound on every statement made as I truly believe my work speaks for me, I must address

“One year ago I began an exciting journey with Columbus Botanical Garden as your Development and Marketing Director, and I want to say thank you. There have been great successes, and I’m proud to have played a part as a “Brand Ambassador" for the Garden. I’m delighted to see new people visit the Garden who, heretofore, didn’t even know it existed. I’m equally delighted that many of these new visitors like our "Sip & See" attendees converted into new members which helped the garden enjoy a greater than 100% growth in membership from 274 members to 554 at year-end 2018. Membership is now 572! It was absolutely music to my ears to help bring new revenue and guests to the garden with Rhapsody in Bloom Jazz in the Garden. Thank you for taking a chance on this idea and helping CBG enjoy a sold out, diverse, profitable event with close to 600 attendees, 16 new sponsors and widespread exposure and media coverage. On an educational front, it does my heart so much good to see the thriving partnership between Blanchard Elementary and the Garden as an official Partner in Education (PIE) and as a Partner At Large with Muscogee County School District and the Chamber of Commerce. It was my pleasure to apply for and receive approval for this important strategic alliance in addition to forging a partnership and sponsorship with STEAMx Career Expo and Columbus State University for interns.

I look forward to seeing all the great things our fabulous Children's Education Coordinator Ellen continues to do with these programs and partnerships. Lastly, I learned a great deal and will be forever grateful for the knowledge I gained working on the "Growing Towards Greatness" $10 Million Capital Campaign. Having the opportunity to assist in foundation presentations as well as site visits and one-on-one presentations with Sam was an invaluable experience made all the more meaningful and spectacular by learning from the CBG "development genius" Charlie. The wonderful milestone of exceeding $7 million is a spectacular accomplishment. I'm proud to have played a part in this initiative that's going to make the Garden an even greater community treasure for all of Columbus and the region. I continue to believe "great cities have great gardens," so I wish you continued success as you embark upon the public phase. Once again, thank you for this wonderful opportunity. It's been a meaningful experience to have worked with such an amazing, enthusiastic and supportive board. If I can ever assist any of you personally or the Garden in the future in any capacity, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to many years of enjoying my garden membership and to seeing the Garden realize its full potential as we grow towards greatness, together. All the best to Stefan & team in our 20th Anniversary and beyond!

One point the 4/11/19 article did capture accurately is that of “record keeping.” I did keep records and spent countless hours creating development reports so many of those record details, milestones, foundation presentations, presentation rehearsals, donor meetings, site visits, debriefings, etc. are engrained in my memory. I might add, I remember exactly where the numbers were when I started – certainly not $5 million, not in advance gifts OR outstanding pledges. Why do I remember that? I remember because looking at the spreadsheets and numbers at that time, I knew we had lots of work to do and lots of money to raise! Yet, I was optimistic and excited about working primarily with the dynamic team of my former bank president, Sam Wellborn, from my CB&T Management Associate days who was the Capital Campaign Chair; our hardworking, dedicated interim executive director and the capital campaign guru Continued On Page 7

Page 7 who had successfully executed at least 14 campaigns in our city. So, don’t get me wrong. I reviewed those reports daily, and I remember -- the milestones we collaboratively achieved and celebrated – like exceeding $2 million, $3 million, $4 million, $5 million, $6 million and $7 million the month prior to my exit. I remember the board treasurer, who when he reviewed my reports compared with his, reported they “balanced to the penny”. I remember because I had to create and disseminate reports and updates via email or even text messages if there was even the slightest uptick in our numbers. I remember accompanying Sam on one such donor visit where he and I went asking for one six-figure amount, and we were elated when the prospective donor called me back on my cell phone and indicated he and his foundation were going to double what we asked for! Memories like this are quite simply unforgettable – not mere record keeping or support. Wane as I wrap up, I just want to say I thoroughly enjoyed my role of serv-

COVER STORY CONTINUED ing the community via Columbus Botanical Garden. I hold dear my experiences, lessons learned and the genuine friendships gained with some through my association at the Garden. I look forward to continuing my service via DGL Communications where we are laser focused on helping small to mid-size businesses and nonprofits enjoy greater brand awareness, top-ofmind awareness and exposure which will increase their overall bottom line profitability and marketing position. Thanks! Publishers note: Regarding her termination and that of the two groundsmen, we reach ed out to Capital Campaign Chair Sam Wellborn who, worked with Danita during her employment for his response. “I was not on the Board at the time of the terminations of the three employees. Further, I did not know about the terminations until they were public knowledge,” he said. Regarding her contribution toward the Capital Campaign he confirmed with the following statement: “I would estimate that Danita was present on about 75 percent of the presentations that we made to potential donors.”

April 25, 2019

SORORITY ROW

Page 8

Courier Thursday April 25, 2019

Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter-Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Finer Womanhood Scholarship Luncheon

By Staff The Courier In observance of Finer Womanhood, Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. recognized five outstanding ladies of the community for their extraordinary community service. The number five is noteworthy of the five founders of our sorority. The 2019 honorees were recognized at the chapter’s luncheon which was held at the Country Club of Columbus. The 2019 distinguished honorees were as follows: LaVerne Jackson, Vanessa Jackson, Tresa Hart-Williams, Merlina Salamanca and Pamela Williams. Ms. LaVerne Jackson, a trailblazing health professional continues her work as a volunteer Community Health Advisor with the West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition, Volunteer Clinical Breast Exam Assistant with the John

B. Amos Cancer Center, Holsey Chapel CME Health Care Ministry President and a member of Live Healthy Columbus. She has received numerous awards including the 2011 LPN of the Year. Ms. Vanessa Jackson is the founder of Success for Kids Program, which addresses the needs of children. Additionally, she has served as a member of the Southeast Atlantic Homeless Veterans Outreach Project for over 20 years and volunteers in her community aiding disadvantaged families, senior citizens and anyone else who needs help. Ms. Jackson also serves District 3 on the Muscogee County School Board. Mrs. Tresa Hart-Williams is a retired educator with 35 years of experience in the classroom. Since retirement Tresa has worked as a volunteer with

CCSC (Combined Communities of Southeast Columbus) since 1985. CCSC, Inc. is a community-based nonprofit organization whose programs have included clean up drives, multicultural diversity, voter registration and tutoring at-risk and other youths during the school year and summer in Reading, Math and other academic subjects.

River Residential Services (PRRS) includes a facility for women and those with special needs. This ministry was borne out her heart after witnessing the care that her ailing father, a proud U.S. veteran was receiving. Her community service has garnered her numerous awards including the Mary Cason Award for Community Service.

Mrs. Merlina Espiritu-Salamanca played a central role in advocating for an internationally diverse Columbus and a city that welcomes its International guests and residents. She is the founding president of the International Network of Columbus. This organization is a non-profit that advocates for inclusivity in our community and enhance education. She was president of the AAUW, Columbus branch that sponsored the College Re-entry Women Scholarship Program at Columbus State University. Mrs. Salamanca also worked closely with the late Lonnie Jackson in support of his tutorial program and participated in the programs MLK Celebration. Currently, the International Network is in partnership with CSU in sponsoring activities for International Students and in awarding scholarships.

The guest speaker for the luncheon was Dr. Rosemarie Farngalo who is the National Mental Health Director and Chair of the Southeastern Regional Executive Board of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Farngalo has over thirty years in the field of mental health and is currently a school psychologist in DeKalb County, Georgia and a behavior consultant for the State of Georgia, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. The luncheon was enjoyed by all. Proceeds will support our scholarship program for deserving high school students in the area.

Mrs. Pamela Williams has spent her entire life serving in ways that exudes service: service to her God, community, veteran dependents and others in need of services. Her ministry-Peaceful

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Rho Rho Omega Chapter Presents ‘Arts ’ Awards During Pink Ice Ball By Staff The Courier Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Rho Rho Omega chapter presented ARTS awards to two deserving local citizens during their 21st annual Pink Ice Educational Ball on Saturday, April 6 at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. Proceeds from the Ball benefit

the chapters’ high school scholarship fundraiser. The theme of the Ball was ‘A Salute to the Harlem Renaissance’. Dr. Shae Anderson of the Liberty Theatre Cultural Center and Mr. Warren Williams, Director of Bands at George Washington Carver High School were the chapters’ 2019 Arts Honorees.

COVER STORY

Page 9

Courier Thursday April 25, 2019

Senator Ed Harbison Puts An End To The Rumors...”The Voters Will Decide When I Step Down By Wane A. Hailes The Courier Here is something to remember, when you start to hear rumors that may ultimately effect your plans, rather than continuing to wonder if they are true, the best thing to do is go straight to the source.

He also suggested that if anyone had any doubt they could have always picked up the phone and called him.

For the past six months or so rumors have been circulating in the African American community that Senator Ed Harbison will not seek another term in office, electing instead to assist his son in taking over his seat.

So let me tell you what he told me. He is not retiring, stepping down, or even considering not running for another term. And no he is not grooming his son to take over his seat either. To put it in his own words; “The voters will decide when I step aside. I will continue to serve as long as the voters see fit. And when my time is done the voters will decide who has next, not me. I have no control over that.”

I decided to call him for myself. Harbison, who has served as member of the Georgia State Senate representing the 15th District, since 2012, answered the phone by the second ring. When I asked him about the rumors he noted that he had been hearing them also but had no idea how they got started.

If you are not aware let me share with you what’s at stake if he, as well as State Representatives, Calvin Smyre and Carolyn Hugley are not in office in 2020. Upon completion of the 2020 census, Georgia will draft and enact new district maps. This article will chronicle the 2020 redistricting cycle in Georgia.

In Georgia, both congressional and state legislative district lines are drawn by the state legislature. A simple majority in each chamber is required to approve redistricting plans, which are subject to veto by the governor. If neither of our current Black elected representatives are in place during the decision making process when they draw the lines we, as African Americans could very well be left without representation that looks like us. Even worse, someone with less longevity who has not had the opportunity or the years of developing relationships with others in the legislature could very well find them selves serving one term and end up with their residence drawn out of the district. If you don’t think it will happen ask former State Representative Jed Harris. He was elected and after serving one term he found his home drawn out of the district he represented.

Let Us Make Man: A Gathering To Reclaim Black Manhood By Gerry L. White, Ph.D., LMSW LUMM, Member Special To The Courier What do you get when you combine a group of African American Men: attorneys, educators, ministers, law enforcement officers, entrepreneurs, a psychologist, social worker, community leaders, elected officials and a radio personality? Now consider including, they are Alphas, Kappas, Omegas, Sigmas and members of the Masonic order; and finally, add to the mix, they are Christians, Muslims, Buddhist, Yoruba, Spiritualists, etc. The end result is the formation of an organization of African American men with a single mission: To Reclaim Black Manhood. According to Derrick Boazman, a founding member and conference convener, “Naturally, those assembled come from various religious, social and cultural backgrounds; however, we set aside any and all differences in order to take on the Herculean task of uplifting our people and filling in the gaps as needed.” Members have concluded that their efforts are best served by uniting and working together to provide an opportunity to educate the community in those areas that are critical to the Black family, and ultimately, to our sur-

vival as a people. This year marks their 13th Anniversary which will culminate on April 27, 2019 on the campus of Columbus State University, which is the institution’s second time hosting the event. There will be 13 powerful sessions for the purpose of getting participants to take the knowledge, instructions and written materials back to their families, communities and religious organizations, and continue the work of family and community improvement. Conducted by experts and practitioners who are actually working in the field, these modules include: 1) Law and Black Society; 2) Social Media and Beyond: TechKnowledge for Youth Development; 3) The Art of Community Organizing; 4) Mentoring; 5) Conflict Resolution; 6) Restoring The Black Family; 7) Recognizing the Genius in Black Youth; 8) What’s Next? College, Career or Trade; 9) Let’s Talk: Understanding Mental Health Issues and Solutions in the Black Community; and 10) Gangs, Cliques and Crews: The Misguided Spirit of Our Young Warriors; 11) Building Black Business: How and Why; 12; Spiritual Development: Unpacking the Power We Possess; and 13) Motivating Youth to Join “The Movement” LUMM place great value on the importance of education and that is why though company and individual donations, more

than $30,000 was raised this year academic scholarships for high school Seniors. Let Us Make Man: A Gathering To Reclaim Black Manhood is open to the entire community. We encourage men, women and children to attend. Churches are encouraged to bring their members, schools to assemble their youth groups, single mothers to bring their sons and daughters, and families to gather to begin the restoration process. LUMM is known for excellence in training, developing and empowering Black Men (and women) to rebuild and transform the Black Family and Community. According to its members, “our organization has as its expressed purpose to change the way we see and interact with one another, operate in the community, hold each other accountable and accept that no one individual or organization can restore us or our families to our former glory. We must accept that it takes an entire community working on one accord. We invite everyone to register for Let Us Make Man: A Gathering to Reclaim Black Manhood, by logging onto our website www.letusmake-

man.net or by simply calling toll free at 1(877) 5398-1626. We look forward to seeing you this April 27, 2019 at Columbus State University. To get on a LUMM bus near you , simply log onto www.LUMMExpress.EventBrite.com

Courier Thursday April 25, 2019

PAGE 11

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

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 Service Sunday School 9:30 A.M Monday Night Tuesday Bible Study Pastor Curtis Crocker, Jr.

Schedule Sunday Worship 11:00 A.M Prayer 6:00 P.M 12:00 P.M & 5:30 P.M

Mission Statement A growing church for growing Christians attempting to grow the Kingdom, one soul at a time.

Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church Corner of 3rd Avenue and 5th Street Rev. Dr. J.H. Flakes Jr. Way Columbus, Georgia 31901 706.324.2055 Rev. J.H. Flakes, III -Pastor Rev. Dr. J.H. Flakes, Jr. - Pastor Emeritus

P ROGRESSIVE F UNERAL H OME Evergreen Covington, CEO

4236 St. Mary’s Road Columbus, Georgia

706.685.8023 evergreenfc@mediacombb.net

Courier Thursday

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Destined Des D to Succeed Whatever your child wants to be is within reach when you are ed. Your engagement in involved. Your engagem their education will prepare them future.. for the future Too learn more about the Every SStudent tudent ct (ESS SA) A) and how you can Act (ESSA) Succeeds A advocate for your children, visit us at www www.nnpa.org/essa .nnpa.org/essa Sign-up for our ESSA ESSA alerts at www.nnpa.org/essa www.nnpa.org/essa

April 25, 2019

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A CANDID CONVERSATION

April 25, 2019

Tax Commissioner Lula Huff Discusses Muscogee County’s Partnership with the Georgia Department of Revenue And The Implementation Of The New Georgia DRIVES Motor Vehicles System ily renew online will not experience delays. Courier: I understand this is a statewide change but what specifically can we expect locally during May 23 and May 24, 2019? Huff: Locally County Tag Offices will not be able to process transactions. and all online motor vehicle related services including online tag renewal services will be offline May 21 – May 27. Courier: How will this impact Georgia customers and drivers?

We were recently informed that in the coming months the Georgia Department of Revenue will implement the New Georgia DRIVES Motor Vehicles System. We sat down with our local Tax Commissioner to discuss how it will effect Columbus residents. Below is our “Candid Conversation.”

Courier: The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) is installing a new state-of-the-art system, Georgia Driver Record and Integrated Vehicle Enterprise System (DRIVES), to upgrade and modernize the vehicle registration and titling system. Why? Huff: The new Georgia DRIVES system will enable more self-service options, improve customer service, and enhance data integrity. Courier: When will the change take effect and will customers be inconvenienced? Huff: Any time you have a change of this magnitude there will be some inconveniences. With that being said, beginning May 21st, some online vehicle services and location hours may be reduced in preparation for the system upgrade. Implementation of the new system will require the vehicle registrations and titling services to be unavailable Thursday, May 23rd & Friday, May 24th. During June, customers may experience longer than normal wait times when visiting the tag office. Vehicle owners with renewal dates in May and June who normally renew in person are encouraged to do so prior to May 21st to avoid delays. Individuals who ordinar-

Huff: In the first month of the DRIVES system, walk-in customers may experience delays and longer than normal wait times. To avoid such delays, Georgia residents with May and June renewal dates are encouraged to renew prior to Monday, May 20th. Customers and dealers seeking to conduct any title transactions should complete their business at a county tag office prior to Thursday, May 23rd.

Dealers will be able to initiate electronic title and registration (ETR) transactions and issue temporary operating permits (TOPs) over Memorial Day weekend. Law enforcement will still have access to motor vehicle records through a statewide backup file. The Department of Driver Services will not be affected.

Courier: I’m sure you will be inundated with calls but for those with computer access is there a website where customers can receive additional information? Huff: Definitely. They can visit the following website at columbusga.org for more information on upcoming scheduling changes.

25 de abril 2019

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Consejos para manejar el asma y evitar sus desencadenantes a mantener controlada la presencia de tales alérgenos. Para obtener consejos de limpieza específicos para los alérgenos, así como estrategias para reducir el crecimiento del moho y los ácaros del polvo en su hogar visite, Lung.org/espanol/asma. Esté prevenido: los artículos de limpieza que tienen olores y fragancias pueden causar que broten los síntomas del asma. Revise la etiqueta y ajústese a productos seguros y respetuosos con el asma.

(StatePoint) Más de 26 millones de estadounidenses viven con asma, lo que incluye a 6.2 millones de niños. Si bien no hay cura, el asma puede manejarse y tratarse a fin de que quienes tienen la afección puedan vivir vidas normales y sanas, tanto bajo techo como al aire libre. Mayo es el Mes de Concientización sobre el Asma y una gran oportunidad para aprender más acerca de los desencadenantes comunes – entre los que tenemos infec-

ciones respiratorias, alérgenos, irritantes, ejercicio y emociones–, así como entender mejor lo que ocasiona sus síntomas. Para empezar, la Asociación Estadounidense del Pulmón está ofreciendo los siguientes consejos. 1. Combata alérgenos en interiores. La caspa de los animales, los ácaros del polvo y el moho son alérgenos comunes que se encuentran bajo techo y que pueden causar síntomas de asma. Mantener un hogar limpio puede ayudar

2. Evite el humo y el tabaco. Se sabe que cualquier tipo de humo, incluido el humo del tabaco, así como el humo de los cigarrillos electrónicos o el “vapeo”, irritan las vías aéreas del pulmón. Si tiene asma, no fume y evite estar cerca de personas que lo hagan. Si necesita ayuda para dejar de fumar, visite Lung.org/es panol/dejar-defumar o llame al 1-800-LUNGUSA.

empeore. Debe estar consciente de que fenómenos meteorológicos extremos tales como la sequía, las inundaciones, los incendios forestales y los tornados pueden crear irritantes y alérgenos transportados por aire para las personas con asma. Utilice el Índice de Calidad del Aire que se encuentra en el sitio de la Asociación Estadounidense del Pulmón a fin de mantenerse al tanto de las condiciones actuales y ayudar a protegerse contra la contaminación del aire exterior. Conviene que las personas que sufren de asma eviten ir al aire libre los días en que el valor del índice de calidad del aire esté por encima de 100 o en las categorías naranja, rojo, púrpura o café. 4. Conozca sus propios desencadenantes. Evitar y controlar los desencadenantes de su asma comienza ante todo con

identificarlos. Trabaje con su médico a fin de averiguar qué alérgenos o irritantes puedan estar causando los síntomas del asma; una prueba de alergia puede ayudar. Juntos, usted y su médico pueden crear un Plan de Acción Contra el Asma que incluya encontrar soluciones sencillas con objeto de reducir su exposición a los desencadenantes de su asma y facilitarle la respiración. Puede aprender más sobre su asma y cómo manejar los desencadenantes en Lung.org/espanol/asma y a través de un curso interactivo gratuito de una hora en línea en Lung.org/espanol/asthmabasics-en-espanol. Si sufre de asma o ama a alguien que la padece, tome medidas para comprender mejor la afección y reducir la presencia de desencadenantes comunes en su vida cotidiana.

3. Manténgase al tanto del tiempo. El cambio climático aumenta el riesgo de que la contaminación atmosférica

Taylor funeraria se esfuerza por proporcionar a quienes servimos un servicio completo en cada detalle e impecablemente ejecutado en honor de una vida que ahora puede ser sino un grato recuerdo. Ofrecemos la mayor calidad en servicios profesionales, instalaciones y equipos. Proporcionamos un servicio de "Viva la vida". También ofrecemos, sin cargo, Pre arreglado y Pre-Funded planes funerarios, seguros de consultoría, servicios de notario y apoyo de duelo.

www.thetaylorfuneralhome.com taylorfuneral@bellsouth.net Telephone: 334-298-0364 Fax: 334-298-0186 1514 5th Avenue P.O. Box 2333 Phenix City, AL 36868

Eco Latino

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

La voz de la comunidad hispana

Vol. 14

Edición 9 Gratis

Jueves 25 de abril 2019

Consejos para manejar el asma y evitar sus desencadenantes

The RiverCenter of the Performing Arts A Formal Affair

See Page 4

www.thetaylorfuneralhome.com taylorfuneral@bellsouth.net Telephone: 334-298-0364 Fax: 334-298-0186 1514 5th Avenue P.O. Box 2333 Phenix City, AL 36868

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