The Vol. 10 Edition 6 Free Thursday June 18 2015
Wright Symposium Scheduled For August
Courier www.couriernews.org
The Voice Of The Community
S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS
A Clean Slate For New Beginnings And A Better Tomorrow
ABC News Anchor Byron Pitts will Moderate A Business Empowerment Symposium Hosted By Bob Wright Jr. Page 7
Gloria Battle To Receive 2015 Publishers Award
Celebrating 10 Years Community Service Awards Set For Saturday July 25, 2015 Page 11
Gamma Psi Boule’ Includes Prominent Citizens
The Late Dr. Delmar Edwards Founded The Local Boule’ In November of 1989. Page 13
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THURSDAY June 18, 2015
Medical Center Secrets According to the street committee a credible source close to the situation claims that one of their executive management team allegedly does not possess the necessary qualifications for the position he currently holds. When reviewing their website that claim becomes more credible when it is noted that all but one, Oliver Banta, Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Executive Management teams biographies states which College or University they attended. Banta’s biography states that he holds an undergraduate degree from Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska. A visit to the community college website reveals that they offer Associates degrees. His only other educational accomplishments includes that he has completed extensive coursework in Computer Science at University of Nebraska - Lincoln and holds numerous certifications. Banta joined Columbus Regional Health three years ago, coming from Nebraska Heart Hospital and Heart Institute where he served as Vice President of Information Technology. It is possible Oliver Banta may have been recruited by Douglas Colburn who joined Columbus Regional in 2010 and currently serves as Vice President, Operations with Midtown Medical Center. Prior to coming to Columbus Coburn worked at Nebraska Heart Hospital and Heart Institute as the Chief Information Officer and Director of ITT. Colburn holds an undergraduate degree in Computer Information Systems from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska and master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska. The street committee is not suggesting that there is anything wrong or new about colleagues bringing each other along with them when the opportunity arises. In this case, however, it is being alleged that Banta did not have the educational requirements for the position he now holds when he was hired and when it was recently revealed of his shortcomings it is further being alleged in an effort to “cover their tracks” Banta has been directed, by Columbus Regional to enroll at Columbus State University full time to obtain, at a minimum a Bachelors Degree in his field. We will continue to monitor this situation and wait to see who will take the blame for this “oversight”.
The Street Committee African-American Principals Deserve A Chance
The Street committee wants to know when will current African-American principals and assistant principals with the Muscogee County school district get the opportunity to lead high schools in North Columbus? There are a number of African-American principals with proven track records of educational excellence in their current schools. With everything being equal and if buildings truly don’t matter, according to school board members Frank Meyers and John Thomas then Superintendent David Lewis should do an overall swap of leadership. Michael Barden, Marty Richburg and Matt Bell who are at Shaw, Northside and Hardaway respectively should switch with Johnny Freeman, Alonzo James and Chris Lindsey from Spencer, Kendrick and George Washington Carver. The problem is the Caucasian principals won’t go. The street committee believes if you can teach and lead, you can teach and lead anywhere. The perfect example is Dr. Marvin Crumbs with Columbus High school who continues to lead his school to top ranking in the state annually. Inquiring minds want to know when will we get our chance?
Countryman vs Tomlinson According to the street committee, contrary to what some are saying, this constant back and forth between the Marshal and Mayor seems personal. If you notice although four city officials have sued the city only one, Countryman, continues to be called out. Here is the Marshals response to former mayor Bob Hydrick article that appeared in the May 15th issue of the Columbus Ledger Enquirer: Former Mayor Bob Hydrick said he is 110 percent in support of Mayor Tomlinson's proposals in the 2016 budget. Mr. Hydrick has a right to his opinion, albeit misguided. He conveniently overlooks Mayor Tomlinson's disregard of the Charter as it reads, not as she wants it to read. One would have expected a former mayor to address this troubling conduct in an Op-Ed. Despite Mr. Hydrick's 46-year-old memories, the language of the Charter is clear and unmistakable. It states: "Such budget requests shall be incorporated into the overall consolidated government budget for submission by the Mayor to
the Council." During my tenure every mayor has followed Section 8-105 of the Charter as written. Regrettably, Mayor Tomlinson's disregard of this one simple, clear sentence has already cost the taxpayers legal fees of well over $1 million, and this figure will likely top $3 million before this is over, which seems to be of little concern to her. The mayor is wasting taxpayer dollars because she can't admit she is wrong and the Charter is right. The elected officials did not have this problem with their budget requests before Mayor Tomlinson decided to reinvent the Charter. I don't know about Mayor Hydrick, but the two mayors preceding Mayor Tomlinson were not confused about what the Charter said regarding our budget requests. They clearly understood the Charter. No other mayor's actions have caused four citywide elected officials to file lawsuits insisting the mayor follow the Charter. Those mayors followed the law. If Mayor Tomlinson had done so we would not have these costly lawsuits. The issue at hand, and presently before a judge, is much too important for us to rely on Mr. Hydrick's memory of the charter writers' intentions and the "little history lesson" he offered up with it, especially given the unambiguous language of the Charter itself . Mr. Hydrick mentioned the fact that the Marshal's Office has been in existence since 1831. He did not say, or perhaps didn't know, SEE MORE PAGE 8
The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper is published bi-weekly *Any editorial content are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper, publisher or staff Visit Us Online At www.thecourierecolatinonewspaper.com
Office Location The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 416 12th Street Suite 201 Columbus, Georgia 31901 Email: thecourier@wowway.com Phone: 706.225.0106 Mailing Address P.O. Box 5747 Columbus, Ga 31906
TRUST GOD
THURSDAY June 4, 2015
A VIEW FROM A PEW
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What’s Important To You? that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else, the small stuff.”
Recently I found myself reflecting on the loss of my father just over a year ago. Needless to say it has forced me to realize that my time too one day will come. Unfortunately when I look back on my life there have been many things and people I have taken for granted. Not intentionally mind you but still, I am guilty. I ran across two short stories that I’ve shared with you before but somehow, today they have a much greater meaning for me. The Important Things A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They
agreed that it was. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up the remaining open areas of the jar. He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.” “Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party, or fix the disposal.” “Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.” Live And Work Father was a hardworking man who delivered bread as a living to support his wife and three children. He spent all his evenings after work attending classes, hoping to improve himself so that he could one day find a better paying job. Except for Sundays, Father hardly ate a meal together with his family. He worked and studied very hard because he wanted to provide his family with the best money could buy. Whenever the family complained that he was not spending enough time with them, he reasoned that he was doing all this for them. But he often
yearned to spend more time with his family. The day came when the examination results were announced. To his joy, Father passed, and with distinctions too! Soon after, he was offered a good job as a senior supervisor which paid handsomely. Like a dream come true, Father could now afford to provide his family with life’s little luxuries like nice clothing, fine food and vacation abroad. However, the family still did not get to see father for most of the week. He continued to work very hard, hoping to be promoted to the position of manager. In fact, to make himself a worthily candidate for the promotion, he enrolled for another course in the open university. Again, whenever the family complained that he was not spending enough time with them, he reasoned that he was doing all this for them. But he often yearned to spend more time with his family.
times Father had to work on Sundays entertaining clients. Again, whenever the family complained that he was not spending enough time with them, he reasoned that he was doing all this for them. But he often yearned to spend more time with his family. As expected, Father’s hard work paid off again and he bought a beautiful condominium overlooking the coast of Singapore. On the first Sunday evening at their new home, Father declared to his family that he decided not to take anymore courses or pursue any more promotions. From then on he was going to devote more time to his family. Father did not wake up the next day. I don’t know about you but I am going to change some things in my life. Mainly I need to rearange my priorities. Life is to short to worry about the small stuff and at the end of the day, it’s all small stuff.
Father’s hard work paid off and he was promoted. Jubilantly, he decided to hire a maid to relieve his wife from her domestic tasks. He also felt that their three-room flat was no longer big enough, it would be nice for his family to be able to enjoy the facilities and comfort of a condominium. Having experienced the rewards of his hard work many times before, Father resolved to further his studies and work at being promoted again. The family still did not get to see much of him. In fact, some-
Wane A. Hailes
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Opinion/Editorial By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist
By Brother Love Special To The Courier
Time For Young People To Stop The Violence “I only recently embraced my status as an “elder.” Actually, I describe myself as an “episodic elder,” eager enough to take one of those lovely “senior” discounts when it serves my purpose, yet reluctant to turn in my party card. Elder status hit me upside the head, though, when a young woman told me she was “tired” of my generation preaching to hers. I’m willing to stop preaching when young leaders step up. I applaud the Black Lives Matter movement, and am excited when those who are of not African descent join this movement. Still, I am waiting for the same young leaders to demand that their peers stop killing one another. I’m not embracing the right-wing hype about Black-on-Black crime, because they don’t address White-on-White crime. I’m not suggesting that the movement for police reform take a back seat to anything else (after all, we can have more than one movement at a time). I am suggesting, however, that young African Americans confront their peers and say “enough.” When “elders” say it, we are accused of preaching, but someone needs to say it. What if the young people who abhor the killing of their friends and neighbors took shooters and their associates to task? What if they got up in their faces (in safe spaces, of course) and demanded to know why some of the young people who could contribute much to our community have now been massacred in the streets? Some of those who lost their life were victims of mistaken identity, or trapped in the wrong place at the wrong time – some were little girls playing on their porches or sitting on Grandma’s lap. Some of them were simply walking home from school. Some of them were in the middle of simple misunderstandings and lost their lives because of an errant glare, a careless word. Some, like Charnice Milton, survived childhood on to go to her grave at 27. Charnice was a talented, ambitious young reporter determined to tell the story of Southeast Washington, the part of the nation’s capital with the highest concentration of African Americans, the highest poverty rate and, more recently, the primary target of gentrification that pushes poor Black residents out of the homes in favor of young, affluent, White “urban pioneers.” Her death was more than a faceless statistic – it was personal. Charnice was in my office fact-checking my most recent book for a few weeks, and she literally shimmered when she spoke of the stories she hoped to tell. She didn’t want to be the story, she wanted to tell the story of the least and the left out and of the people and organizations making a difference. Charnice’s dreams of telling untold stories, along with her body, were tragically shattered when a depraved young man used her body as a human shield to protect him from a drive-by gunman. See Malveaux Page 10
Is It About The Spending Or Not Bending?
June 18, 2015
By DeMarcus “Blakkfist” Dixon Special To The Courier
‘My Shocked Face
Mayor Teresa Pike Tomlinson persists in her vindictive attempts to wreck the Muscogee County Marshal’s Office hoping to hurt Marshal Greg Countryman. The mayor is pulling out all the stops trying to convince taxpayers that Marshal Countryman is wasting our tax dollars. She wants us to turn against Marshal Greg Countryman and believe whatever propaganda she throws out. We all read in the Columbus LedgerEnquirer where Sheriff John Darr said that Mayor Tomlinson was lying. An attorney for Superior Court Clerk Linda Pierce told the same newspaper that Mayor Tomlinson was telling an outright lie. You simply cannot believe Teresa Pike Tomlinson for a minute. She will twist the facts and distort the truth, especially when she wants to have her way about whatever she wants done. Marshal Greg Countryman runs one of the most efficient and effective offices in the Columbus Consolidated Government. He always has and always will. He appreciates being elected to office by the voters. He is not one to waste taxpayer dollars or betray the trust the citizens have placed in him, which is a lot more than I can say for a few others holding or that have held elected office in this city. Mayor Tomlinson, along with Councilors Barnes, Allen, and Davis would never come close to doing the job Marshal Countryman has done while in office. He is a credit to his uniform and a credit to the Columbus Consolidated Government. He is trusted by the people. Since taking office as marshal, Greg Countryman has moved the Marshal’s Office forward by leaps and bounds. He has improved standards and training, which helps to keep deputies, as well as citizens safe. He has also tremendously improved the level of service to the customers that use the services of the Marshal’s Office. What of those things are a problem? Well, the real problem they and others have with the marshal is that he does not act like some small-town hick marshal they would like him to act like. Greg Countryman has unquestionably been an exemplary marshal. If levels of mendacity and favoritism were not so high with this mayor and some of these councilors, then they would be praising Marshal Countryman for his service to the city and his positive image of law enforcement and Columbus Public Safety. But things are different here in Columbus because it is Columbus. In Columbus, Georgia some can, some can’t, and some better not, under the threat of punishment if you dare. Greg Countryman is being maligned and persecuted because he is a god-fearing man that refuses to be kicked around by Mayor Tomlinson and members of council that dislike the marshal for whatever personal reason. No matter how much Councilor Berry “Skip” Henderson denies that targeting of the Marshal’s Office is personal, the citizens easily recognize there is clearly a double See Love Page 10
I have often said “the only thing more upsetting than racism is when Blakk people act surprised when racism rears its ugly head.” The simple fact is this country has been built on the backs of Afrikan people, both literally and figuratively. Many people will argue that “slavery” was a long time ago and now it’s just used as a crutch or the infamous “race card”, if you will. However, such logic is disrespectful to intelligent people that understand the ramifications that such an incredibly stressful situation can have on one’s psychology. Moreover, it is not my intention to only highlight the psychological affects that obviously still plague Afrikan people, but also discuss the lingering effects on our European counterparts. Police brutality may be new to those who do not know what unwarranted terror of officers of the law feels like, but to Blakk peoples it is a narrative we know all too well. Consider this, some of the major responsibilities of the first police officers in America were to control return, and punish runaway slaves. This clearly shows an adverse relationship with Blakk people and law enforcement agencies, since the inception of police officers. Not only does this illustrate how a natural distrust can form within the Blakk community, but more importantly how this history could breed a culture of prejudice within the institution itself. It is imperative to come to this realization, because then the argument of individual integrity can be put to rest and the real issue of institutional encouragement can be addressed; or at least recognized. For the many people that accept there is something terribly wrong with how Blakk people are treated by law enforcement officers, the only thing left to discuss is what is to be done? For the youth that demand to be heard, and others interested in immediate actions to display their dissatisfaction, their answer has been to riot. I don’t agree with that as a productive strategy; however unlike most I don’t condemn those who engage in such activity. If people feel they are voiceless, when they find an alternate form of communication it is better to show them the message has been received; not condemn their desperation. In addition, many advise to march to bring awareness, and show a peaceful solidarity. While I am all for peaceful protests, I personally feel marching has been exhausted, and if not coupled with a specific economic boycotting plan then it becomes nothing more than an activity to make people feel less lethargic in demanding equality. My proposal would be to thoroughly immerse ourselves in the understanding of the law and challenge ourselves to meet brute force with unshakeable unity, but I have been called a dreamer before. Despite a spike in media coverage bringing notoriety to the innocent and unarmed youths losing their lives by the very hands that have been empowered in order to protect them, many are still in denial See Dixon age 10
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C OVER S TORY
June 18, 2015
A Clean Slate For New Beginnings And A Better Tomorrow Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening events. The monthly networking events place the members in direct contact with their customer along with other proprietors.
Research has stated black owned businesses thrive in Columbus. One study on Nerdwallet.com used four metrics under which economic environment was studied: 1) number of businesses per 100 people, 2) unemployment rate, 3) black median income, and 4) cost of living index. In addition they used three metrics under which black-owned business success was studied: 1) percentage of black-owned businesses, 2) average revenue of blackowned businesses, and 3) percentage of black-owned businesses with paid employees. Simply put, these factors produce a favorable environment for black-owned businesses. I can’t imagine the Chamber of Commerce does not have a hand in this.
ernmental institution and they do not write or pass laws. It can however, lobby on the behalf of local businesses. This organization consists of individuals invested in the improvement of economic, civic, and cultural well being of the city it serves. Two primary functions of the Chamber of Commerce are: 1) to act as the spokesmen for professionals and attempt to put in place their needs 2) to render a specific product or service that will be beneficial for businesses and the community as a whole. They are to promote new local business prospects and improve the prosperity of existing businesses. Basically they are the middlemen between business owners and the government. Actions of the Chamber of Commerce is specific to the city it services and its goals are specifically designed around that city as well.
The Chamber of Commerce is a business network that advocates on behalf of the city. Webster’s dictionary defines the Chamber of Commerce as; “an association of business people to promote commercial and industrial interests in the community.” I asked around and so many of us are unaware of the Chamber’s functions. It wasn’t until recently that I understood its full scope. It is not a gov-
Columbus’ Chamber of Commerce, (on their website) states “Our goal is simple… to help grow your business.” They provide their members with advertising, and with a Chamber membership the business is more credible. They advocate for your business through legislation and local economic development. The Chamber of Commerce also assists with publicity and exposure through
By Barbara Johnson The Courier
I met with the new President and CEO, Brian Anderson and the Executive Vice President of Economic Development, William P. Murphy. They returned my phone call and promptly set up a meeting. They were gracious hosts and spoke open and honestly about their goals for the city’s improvement. They wish to develop the middle class because they believe they are an overlooked demographic. They want more attention on the youth by giving them a better scope of their possibilities through apprenticeships, mentoring and higher education. Duel enrollment in schools builds the confidence needed to achieve success in these programs. Once their education is attained their talent should be retained. This will require cooperation from businesses for the progression of the city. Brian Anderson’s personal belief is “Every person should have a job that reflects their talent and will” he would like this to be reflected in Columbus’ population. Inclusiveness was stressed. They want to be in conversation with all segments o f t h e c o m m u n i t y. T h e y acknowledged that there should be better communication between the chamber and the public, as a whole, regarding their role and how they can usher Columbus into its potential greatness. Mr. Murphy says they want a “community plan that ALL people buy into.” I have been told there were problems in the Chamber of Commerce under the old administration. I believe with new leadership comes new possibilities. Just like Brian Anderson, I am new to the area and hope to shine a new light on the Chamber. I had the pleasure of attending a cor-
porate mixer hosted by the Chamber recently. Mr. Anderson was in attendance. He was very polite, social and stayed the duration. I enjoyed myself and found everyone in the Chamber of Commerce to be welcoming. I think they should be given a clean slate, Mr. Anderson in particular, on which to write his own legacy, good or bad. No one should be punished for someone else’s mistakes. We did not give up on America under the Bush administration and then we got President Obama. I am in no way comparing Mr. Anderson to Barack Obama, I am merely attempting to promote optimism in this new leadership. We need to remain hopeful about our city’s possibilities because once people lose hope they’re dead; dead to the future because the will to try has perished. In the spirit of hope, the Chamber of Commerce asks that we fill out this survey to provide our opinion. www.surveymonkey.com/s/GreaterColu mnus The data collected will
be used as a part of the Regional Prosperity Initiative “to raise levels of prosperity in Greater Columbus.”- Chamber of Commerce. This initiative comprises of four phases and is projected to last through January 2016, ending in February 2016. This will hopefully, guide the city in a direction we ALL can be proud of. Remember, you can’t complain if you don’t speak up. You can visit their website to learn more about this project. “Help make a Greater Columbus”
Barbara Johnson joins the Courier Eco Latino newspaper as a reporter. Johnson has a Bachelor of Arts Degrree in African and Afro-American Studies from the University of Michigan
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June 18, 2015
Who’s Got Next?... Young Professionals On The Move Nadine Haralson, provides up close and personal interviews with young professionals who are making a difference in our community. Join us each issue as we introduce, recognize, and celebrate those individuals in Columbus, Phenix City and Ft. Benning who are… “On The Move”
Nopazzo Hines Jr.
By Nadine Haralson The Courier “Self realization is something most young adult don’t consider an important asset to their lives, but for 21 year old Nopazzo Hines Jr., a young professional “On the Move”, it was essential for him to learn sooner rather than later. Born in Montgomery, AL, Nopazzo moved to Columbus, Georgia with his family. Spending most of his life in the Church, Hines, started playing the keyboard at the tender age of eight. Graduating in 2012 with an advanced diploma from Russell County High School in Seale, AL, he went off to college attending Alabama State University. A former member of FBLA and The National Beta Club while in High School, Nopazzo explains he set off for college without a “goal nor purpose”. No longer playing basketball, it left time for him to live a life of partying, and wrong decision-making. Deciding to return home to Columbus to prevent him from continuing down the wrong path Hines decided to pursue a barbering career, something he’s had an
interest in since he was 13. He enrolled in the Rivertown School of Beauty and graduated in 2014 with his Master Barber License. Even through he was accomplishing a lot, Nopazzo found himself eventually with the wrong crowd and in trouble with the law. Accepting his brief stint with the law as a wake up call stating, “some things in life just aren’t worth it, and will cost you more than you want to pay”, says Hines. “It seemed like everything I tried to do that God didn’t have set for my life failed”. Nopazzo Hines is next and “On the Move” because he has chosen to learn from his mistakes early in life, remembering his spiritual roots and sharing that with his community whether it be with the youth, or older adults, he is consistently giving encouragement and motivating others to stay involved in the community. A current musician at New Life House of Prayer, a barber and team member at Over-Flo Salon and Barbershop, (2015 Beauty Honors award recipients) he uses the term “Iron sharpens Iron” in crediting Over-Flo for assisting in the perfection of his craft. Nopazzo is also part of Chain Breakers United a group that finds ways to help the community by giving free haircuts the first Monday of the month to the homeless, and Barbers United an organization that brings unity to the Barbershop community. Quoting 1 Corinthians 10:23(NLT) as his favorite scripture “You say, I am allowed to do anything, but not everything is helpful. You say I am allowed to do anything, but not everything is beneficial.” Nopazzo says he learned, “not everything that glitter is gold, some stuff you have to let pass in life, you have to be strong enough to make the right decisions, so you can get to where you’re destined to be.” WOW! words of true growth and purpose.
Janell Lewis er political figures, media moguls and entertainers. As the Assistant News Director at WTVM News Leader 9 and WXTV Fox 54 News, Lewis daily operations ranges from but not limited to overseeing anchors, reporters, photographers and production, to deciding which stories to cover and assigning tasks. It is a position that allows and ensures the newsrooms are diverse and represent our community. “ I like to assist, inform, empower, and entertain, states Lewis.
By Nadine Haralson The Courier Anyone who’s grown up, as an Army brat knows it’s hard to call anywhere home, having to move from place to place. Just take it from Janell Lewis who, born in Germany, has lived from coast to coast, but, lucky for us, decided to call Columbus, Georgia home. A graduate of an HBCU, Winston-Salem State University and proud RAM, she also attended graduate school in Washington DC at American University. She holds a BA in Mass Communications, a Minor in Spanish, and a Masters of Arts in Journalism and Public Affairs. Lewis is what one would describe as a benevolent individual. Since her days as a college student she has been heavily involved in the media, striving to make sure minorities are covered fairly. As an undergrad she began writing, producing, and reporting on NPR’s WSNC 90.5 and WSJS 600/1200 radio, moving on to become a producer and manager at NBC 7 in San Diego where she was named a top “40 Under 40” to watch. She is Emmy nominated, and has won several media honors. Lewis’s hard work has granted her the honor and opportunity to interview (the Senator) Barrack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, the late Tim Russert, and oth-
Janell is not just a behind the scenes kind of gal, she likes to take the lead and make things happen in the community. In 2014 she started and holds position of President of a non-profit organization the Columbus-Metro Association of Black Journalist Inc. (CMABJ), a chapter affiliate of the National Association of Black Journalist. “Being blessed and seeing so many people who are less fortunate keeps me motivated to stay involved,” Lewis says. A board member of the Columbus Chamber’s Young Professionals, a Red Cross board member and advisor with the Columbus NAACP chapter, Janell is kept busy but makes sure she saves time and love for the Big Brothers/Big Sister programs a program she is passionate about. “There’s no way I can sit back with the privileges I’ve been afforded, and simply not step up to help those in need or empower others.” Stating she’s capable of creating a home any place she lives, Janell’s ultimate goal is to own a TV and radio station and have a management role with a program such as 60 Minutes. Somewhere in between work, enjoying sports and watching reruns of Gold Girls, Lewis would love to start a family. “You only live once”, explains Janell, “might as well enjoy it.”
C OVER S TORY
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June 18, 2015
Wright Symposium On Business Empowerment Scheduled For August 20 By Wane A. Hailes The Courier The inaugural Bob Wright Symposium On Business Empowerment is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2015, from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm, at the Cunningham Center, Columbus State University (CSU). Dr. Linda Hadley, Dean of the Turner College of Business at CSU, is assisting with the coordination and support of this symposium. The conference will feature world class business leaders and executives sharing invaluable business insight, knowledge and experience, in addition to networking opportunities for attendees. “The symposium is designed to expose members of our community to successful entrepreneurs who are industry trailblazers and respected thought-leaders within their fields,” said Bob Wright. “This is also the first event of its kind to take place in my hometown of Columbus, Georgia, the proud home of several influential minority business and community leaders.” The conference will be moderated by ABC News Anchor/Reporter, Byron Pitts, and some of the business leaders scheduled for the event include: • Dr. William F. Pickard, Chairman and CEO of Global Automotive Alliance, LLC, of Bloomfield Heights, MI • Deryl McKissack,
Chairwoman of the Board, McKissack & McKissack Construction, of Washington, DC • Earl Stafford, Chief E x e c u t i v e O f f i c e r, Wentworth Group, LLC, of Reston, VA • Emanuel Jones, Georgia State Senator, President of the Legacy Automotive Group, of Atlanta, GA • R u s s e l l Wr i g h t , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SENTEL Corporation, of Alexandria, VA • Gale Hill, Owner and Operator, AJH, Inc. dba M c D o n a l d ’ s Restaurants, of Columbus, OH • Khary Lewis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Infinite Services & Solution, Inc., of Columbus, GA • Sylvester Hester, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Global Automotive, LLC, of Duluth, GA • Veranda Dickens, Chairman of Seaway Bank and Trust Company, of Chicago, IL • Tommy W. Dortch, Jr., Chair Emeritus of 100 Black Men of America, and Chairman and CEO of TWD, Inc., of Atlanta, GA Individual registration for the full conference is $150.00. The event is sponsored by the Delta Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and the Alpha Georgia Education Foundation. For additional sponsorship opportunities, contact Douglas Bryant, 706-5665875, or douglasbryant@ml.com.
June 18, 2015
PAGE 8 MORE FROM PAGE 2 that every deputy in the Marshal's Office has Georgia Peace Officers Standard and Training certification. Yes, the Marshal's Office has a duty to perform in the court. We also have, however, a sworn duty not to ignore violations of the law, to protect lawabiding citizens whenever necessary, and to assist other law enforcement officers when needed or requested. What person in their right mind would expect a Marshal's deputy to ignore a drunken driver speeding through a school zone endangering the lives of innocent children, or not to respond to an active shooter situation on school grounds when the call is heard? In a matter of life and death, the person facing the threat doesn't care about the color of the officer's uniform. The deputies serving in the Marshal's Office are all dedicated to total duty and service to the community. While the Council was discussing reduction of the Marshal's staff, Marshal's deputies responded to 911 calls to assist with directing traffic and to answer alarm calls due to bad weather. Marshal's deputies have never flinched when asked to help their brothers and sisters in law enforcement. Duplication of service? No! Duty and service? Yes! Mr. Hydrick asserted that Mayor Tomlinson is doing the right thing by bringing the Marshal's Office
back in line with the duties envis i o n e d b y t h e C h a r t e r. Furthermore, Councilor Gary Allen, who has shown he is perfectly willing to punish these deputies in an effort to send a strong message to me, stated that "the duties of the Marshal's Office are clearly outlined in the Charter." That is incorrect. Thus you have a former mayor and
Requests for Bids/Proposals RFB No. 15-0032 Trailhead Buildings for South Lumpkin Multiuse Trail Due: June 17, 2015 – 2:30 PM Della Lewis, CPPB Buyer Specialist Plans, specifications and bid documents are available for a nonrefundable fee of $75 from the Engineering Department, 2nd Floor – Government Center Annex, 420 Tenth Street, Columbus, GA, telephone 706-653-4441. 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.
Andrea J. McCorvey, CPPBPurchasing Division Manager
member of the original charter commission, along with a long serving city councilor, who apparently have not taken the time to read the Charter they claim clearly outlines the duties of the Marshal's Office. Mr. Hydrick contends that the mayor is simply trying to do the right thing. What is right about the mayor proposing to transfer
eight Sheriff's Office deputies to the Columbus Police Department, or cutting six deputies from a Marshal's Office that has proven in every way to be efficient and effective in service to the community? I seriously fail to understand how any right-thinking person could earnestly say that the mayor's flagrant violation of the Charter is anywhere close to
what is right. What should be more apparent by now is that Mr. Hydrick's zealous support of Mayor Tomlinson has blinded him to the larger issue of her intentional and direct violation of the Charter and her oath of office. That is the real story here. Greg Countryman, Muscogee County Marshal
PAGE 9
June 18, 2015
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PAGE 10 Malveaux From Page 4 Tears have been shed, hands have been wrung, and teddy bears and flowers have been left at the place where Charnice was slaughtered. A few days from now, someone else will be shot and the crying and handwringing will begin again. So far this year, 18 people have been killed in Ward 8 – almost one each week. The tears shed for Charnice are special tears for this amazing young woman, and yet they are the all-too-regular tears for lost life, for names that don’t quite make the news.
Love From Page 4 standard. standard in effect, and lie after lie to cover up for that double-standard. Mayor Tomlinson and some councilors do not want the citizens of Columbus to have a highly trained and ready Marshal’s Office on the job. They consistently praise Chief Ricky Boren, they constantly lift up the Columbus Police Department, but they turn right around and try to tear down Marshal Greg Countryman and the Marshal’s Office. Mayor Tomlinson, who serves as public safety director, targets both Sheriff Darr and Marshal Countryman because they are elected by the voters, she has no control over them, and they can publicly challenge her when she is being untruthful in what she tells the public, which is how it should be. The mayor and council should not have power and authority over other elected officials, but the mayor is determined not to let little things like the facts or the truth get in her way. That is why Mayor Tomlinson is suddenly so high on Chief
Dixon From Page 4 However, if you are a follower of Blakk art whether it is Jean-Michel Basquiat or Public Enemy it will become more than apparent that police brutality is anything but a new phenomenon. Furthermore, the tactics used to combat this inexcusable criminal behavior are equally under fire, and as far
June 18, 2105 Some young leaders are quick to blame heartless police or and the right-wing obsession with crime – even while it is declining in some cities – but how many in Washington, D.C., in Baltimore (where 43 people were killed so far this year), in Harlem, in Third Ward or Fifth Ward Houston, in St. Louis, were killed not by cops, but people who look like us? At some point, we ought also be able to say, simply: Stop the killings! According to the Pew Research Center, “While blacks are significantly more likely than whites
to be gun homicide victims, blacks are only about half as likely as whites to have a firearm in their home (41% vs. 19%).” Thanks to the National Rifle Association, there has been a proliferation of guns in our nation. According to federal figures, there were 310 million nonmilitary firearms in the United States as of 2009. That’s an average of nearly a gun per person in our nation of 318.9 million people, making us the most heavily armed country in the world. There are more gun sellers in the U.S. than
McDonald’s or grocery stores. Even so, the NRA opposes any legislation to reduce easy access to guns, and offer clichés such as “guns don’t kill, people do.” But guns don’t fire themselves. Meanwhile, young African Americans are mowed down like bowling pins, and except for the occasional reporting of an exceptional life, those who are killed are also ignored. It is time for young leaders to take their peers on, to step up and demand that the violence stop. It is time for these leaders to demand that media outlets cover the cumulative loss
of life and the individuals who have been killed, without tediously parroting the mindless and non-contextual conversation about Black-on-Black crime. I write this not as an episodic elder preaching, but as a seasoned warrior asking her esteemed young leaders to take this baton and run with it.
Ricky Boren and the Columbus Police Department, playing them up larger than large in the public. She is currying favor with a chief that probably was not that happy with her as public safety director in the first place. Mayor Tomlinson is not worried about overall citizen safety. She is worried that it is her most favored law enforcement agency that saves your life, that keeps you safe, that answers the call to your home when you and your family are in distress. If it is CPD, then she can take credit away from Chief Boren. If it is the Sheriff’s Office or Marshal’s Office to the rescue, then Mayor Tomlinson cannot steal or share in the credit, not that she would now want to. Pettiness, politics, and playing favorites is going to cost some innocent citizen or some law enforcement officer their life. The potential is certainly there for someone to get killed while these childish games are being played out right before our very eyes. We as citizens must not continue to remain silent about Mayor Tomlinson trying to pit
one law enforcement agency against the other in our city. The problem in Public Safety and in the Columbus Consolidated Government is not Sheriff John Darr or Marshal Greg Countryman. The problem in Public Safety and the Columbus Consolidated Government is that we unfortunately have elected and reelected a mayor and some councilors that are willing to divide, denigrate and decimate the offices of other elected officials, punish their personnel, diminish the quality of service provided to us as citizens, and wastefully spend millions of our taxpayer dollars trying to prove they are right when they are wrong. I am trusting God that the judge in the civil lawsuits that the four (4) city-wide elected officials were forced to file will rule very soon rule in favor of Municipal Court Clerk Vivian Creighton Bishop and Muscogee County Marshal Greg Countryman. A fair and just ruling from a fair and just judge will expose the crookedness and corruption and serve
to open even more eyes to our local government and some of its leaders. The citizens of Columbus want Marshal Greg Countryman as our marshal. The citizens want the Muscogee County Marshal’s Office. They do not just like Marshal Countryman, they love and appreciate Marshal Countryman and his deputies. The Muscogee County Marshal’s Office is known throughout the state of Georgia, which obviously makes some people in the Columbus Consolidated Government very uncomfortable, for reasons they are too cowardly to publicly admit. Many influential citizens and leaders in other cities think much more of Marshal Countryman than our mayor and the aforementioned councilors. Just what does that tell you? Shame on Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and shame on the councilors taking part in her efforts to divide Public Safety and divide this city trying to hurt Marshal Greg Countryman and the deputies that put their
lives on the line daily in service to every citizen of this city. The attitudes and conduct of this mayor and councilors is corrupt and reprehensible. Poor leadership only begins to describe what they are doing. Marshal Greg Countryman is dedicated to the people as well as to duty. Mayor Tomlinson and these councilors are exclusively dedicated to bringing Marshal Countryman and the Marshal’s Office down at the expense of citizen safety, which is abominable, to say the least.
as I’m concerned are just as problematic as the brutality itself. For instance, body cameras are leading the conversation for solutions when many of the acts of brutality have been caught on tape, and yet the recordings still do not translate to justice. It seems that over time police killings of Blakk peoples have
only grown in popularity and has become alternate retirement plan for racist cops. I do not wish for this trend to continue, but if it does I will respond to those who are surprised with the blankest stare I can muster while expressing… this is my shocked face.
Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based author and economist. She can be reached at www.juliannemalveaux.com
Note: It is time that you know exactly what Mayor Teresa Pike Tomlinson is up to and why she is supported in her nefarious efforts by a number of our city councilors. There will be much more information to follow in coming editions of the Courier. I promise it will be very interesting, very informative, and very revealing. You will not want to miss a word of the continuation of “Is It About The Spending or Not Bending?”
PAGE 11
June 18, 2015
Courier Eco Latino Newspaper To Celebrate 10 Years Of Service To The Community By Staff The Courier This year we celebrate a special milestone. For ten years the Courier / Eco Latino newspaper has provided the Tri-City and specifically the AfricanAmerican and Hispanic communities with a publication of positive, quality of life information. In celebration of our ten year anniversary we will again host one of our our signature events which gives past due recognition to 25 individuals or organizations for their distinguished service to the AfricanAmerican, Hispanic and other minority communities. Our event this year will be held at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center on July 25, 2015. The program, which is two-fold, will be first, an awards program featuring those 25 individuals or organizations of Columbus, Phenix City and Fort Benning. The nominees will be chosen in an "Academy Awards Style affair, complete with the pomp and circumstance that goes along with such an event. Awardees will receive an obelisk representing a symbol of recognition and achievement. The second part of the event will be a reception held in their honor immediately following the awards program. In addition to our initial awards six years ago our P r e s i d e n t / P u b l i s h e r, Wane A. Hailes began the tradition of presenting our Publishers Award to an individual who exemplifies distinguished service to our community. Those individuals have included:
Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, State Representative Calvin Smyre, Judge John D. Allen, Dr. Robert L. Wright, Jr., Rev. Dr. Johnnie Flakes, Jr., Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh and Gregory A. Davis, Founder and Owner of Davis Broadcasting, Inc. This year we are proud to announce that the 2015 Publishers Award recipient is Gloria Lowe Battle. Our musical guests will i n c l u d e A n t h o n y Parkman, J a m y s a “HumminBird” Ly t e s w i t h special guests The Chemistry Project, featuring “Big Saxy” Charles Ray Robinson. And by special request, appearing “One Night Only” it’s the Premiere Old School DJ W a n e Hailes. So join us and help us celebrate our 10-year celebration with a night of Good Food! Good Fun! And Good Times. Tickets are $30 each. VIP tables of 8 are available for $250. Get your tickets today at 416 12th Street Suite 201 or call us at 706.225.0106.
June 18, 2015
PAGE 12
THE 109TH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE NATIONAL BAPTIST CONGRESS SET FOR JUNE 21 – 26, 2015
Atlanta, Georgia - The 109th annual session of the National Baptist Congress (NBC) will convene in Atlanta, Georgia and will be held June 21–26, 2015 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel, located at 265 Peachtree Center Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georia 30303. The annual gathering of this year’s Congress is expected to host several thousand delegates, pastors, ministers, laypersons, and friends.
Reverend Dr. William E. Flippin, Sr., pastor of the Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in DeKalb County on Glenwood Avenue, is the host pastor for this year’s session. “We are honored that Atlanta was chosen to host the 2015 Congress, and I am humbled to serve as this year’s host. My goal is to make this year’s event the largest and most successful in its history,” said Dr. Flippin. The Reverend Micheal Benton, senior minister of the Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia, serves as co-host pastor.
Returning to Atlanta for the first time in over twenty years, the Congress will feature a robust program of over fifty courses and activities. These learning experiences are a part of various programs offered by NBC that include the School of Biblical Studies, School of Personal & Spiritual Growth, School of Missionary Education, School of Christian Teaching Methodology, School of Ministry, and the Youth Congress. Workshops and seminars
include sessions exclusively for women seeking to improve their leadership skills, for preachers seeking to improve their sermon preparation and delivery, and for ministers interested in the area of evangelism, development of youth ministries, and church growth. The Congress will continue the tradition of presenting internationally acclaimed guests to address attendees and delegates. Congress general sessions will feature keynote addresses delivered throughout the week, including the opening address and ceremony on June 24 by Dr. T. B. Boyd III, President/CEO. On June 25, Dr. Bernard Yates, President of the National Primitive Baptist Convention, will address the Congress during the morning session, as will Dr. Cordell Brooks, National President of the NAACP, on June 26. This year’s Congress will also feature a keynote by 10th District A.M.E. Bishop Vashti McKenzie Murphy for the inaugural Women of Wisdom Luncheon on June 23. A full list of course offerings, speakers, and presenters is available in the current editions of The National Baptist Union Review, as well as online at www.nationalbaptistcongress.org.
Registration information and details on hotel accommodations can be found on the Congress website at www.nationalbaptistcongress.org. For more information, please call Winsor Barbee at The Marketing Collaborative at 212.920.9147.
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C OVER S TORY
June 18, 2015
Local Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity...Gamma Psi Boule’ Includes Prominent African Americans one who was eligible for membership was eligible and qualified for leadership. The founders were so certain of this fact that the fraternity selected its officers by lot, a custom that continued for the most senior officer until 1970. Central to this idea was the Boulé: the Council of Chiefs, or the leading noblemen of the society.
The original members and their wives pictured here included: Left to Right standing: Clifton Johnson, Lionel Baker, M. Delmar Edwards, James E. W. Crosse, Calvin Smyre, Robert L. Wright, James C. Jackson, William H. Mayweather, Albert W. Thompson, Gregory M. Rucker, Price Walker, Sylvester McRae, Issac S. Hadley, Eli Gardner, Henry L. Cook, William S. Odom, Jr., Howard C. Willis, Aldric M. Hayes, Julius H. Hunter, Jr. and Gregory A. Davis. Archousai standing left to right: Rowena Baker, Janice Rucker, Karen Mayweather, Belita Walker, Linda Hadley, June Wright, Mamie Cook, Rochelle Odom and Cheryl Davis. Seated left to right: Rose McRae, Fannie Gardner, Alice Jackson Ozella Thompson, Catherine Hayes, Betty Edwards, Saundra Hunter, and Sandra Willis.
By Wane A. Hailes The Courier Founded in 1907 Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, also known as the Boule, is the first Greek letter fraternity to be founded by African American men.
Significantly, unlike the other African American Greek letter organizations, its members already have received college and professional degrees at the time of their induction. The fraternity's insignia is the Sphinx.
From the beginning, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity was a learned society, a social fraternity and an advancement organization, albeit a quiet one. As well, the fraternity believed absolutely in the equality of standing of its members and insisted that any-
Locally, In the late 1980,s the city of Columbus, Georgia, provided fertile ground for Sigma Pi Phi, and it was Dr. M. Delmar Edwards who first planted the seed there. Traveling around the country as he did, Dr. Edwards had met Archons from New York to Baton Rouge. He had been a guest of Kappa Boulé in Atlanta. So when he arrived in Columbus from the VA Hospital in Tuskegee – the first black surgeon in Columbus, Georgia – he began to organize the area’s best, brightest, and most accomplished men of character. With support from
Archons Huel D. Perkins, Butler T. Henderson, and Bob V. Franklin of the Grand Boulé Growth and Expansion Committee, Gamma Psi Boulé was set apart with Archon Edwards as its first Sire Archon. The charter group of twentysix Archons became one of the most active boulé s in Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. Gamma Psi Archons have served with distinction on Regional and Grand Boulé committees at all levels, while continuing the tradition of getting to know the best of one another. The boulé also established the Gamma Psi Foundation, which has pledged more than $250,000.00 in scholarship aid to deserving Columbus Metro Area students. The organization continues to exist today. Picture and historical information provided by the Columbus Black History Museum & Archives located at 315 8th Street Columbus, Georgia. 706. 507.3466
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June 18, 2015
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June 18, 2015
PAGE 18
June 18, 2015
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Pagina 19
Jueves 18 de Juno 2015
Los Testigos de Jehova invitan a todos a asistir a la asamblea de 2015 "Imitemos a Cristo" Jehovah's Witnesses will soon hold their annual conventions at the Columbus Civic Center Arena. They extend an open invitation for all to attend. The theme of this year's program is "Imitate Jesus!" William Goodman, a convention spokesman, states: "Jesus, the founder of Christianity, is widely considered as one of the most influential and significant men who ever lived. As Christians, a core belief of Jehovah's Witnesses is that Jesus lived his life as a model for us to follow. The 'Imitate Jesus!' conventions will examine Jesus' life, as outlined in the Bible, and emphasize how all-regardless of their background, lifestyle, or religion-<:an benefit in practical ways from his example and teachings. A highlight of the program will be the keynote address on Friday morning, entitled 'Concealed in Him Are All the Treasures of Wisdom.'"
MORE RACE FROM PAGINA 5
No es suficiente escribir y hablar sobre la diversidad—lo cual, al ser honesto, todavía muy pocos espacios de jóvenes hacen, incluso los que se identifican como progresistas. También debemos asegurarnos que quienes se enfrentan los desafíos de comunidades LGBT, comunidades de color, y la comunidad de gente con discapacidades estén
Starting this weekend, and continuing for the next three weeks, Jehovah's Witnesses will extend personal invitations to everyone from the Northern Florida Panhandle as well as Southwest Georgia and Eastern Alabama to attend the convention. Locally, all of the area's ten congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses will help distribute printed invitations to the convention. There is no admission fee. Conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses are supported entirely by voluntary donations. The first of two three-day events to be held in Columbus Ga. will begin Friday July 3, 2015, at 9:20 a.m. An estimated 9,400 will come to the Civic Center Arena for the Bible-based programs. Jehovah's Witnesses in the United States are organizing 453 conventions-in 29 languages-in 124 cities. Worldwide, there are over 8,000,000 Witnesses in more than 115,000 congregations.
incluidos en la conversación a largo plazo, no solo para un evento aquí y allá, o para un foro en los medios de comunicación. Y mientras que no debería ser necesario decirlo, esta columna no se trata de crear excusas para que los empleados no hagan su trabajo. Se trata de poder supervisar a los empleados de maneras que satisfacen las
necesidades del individuo y la organización, con la esperanza de que resulte en mejor trabajo y una fuente de información donde aquellos más afectados por los temas que los progresistas abordan se conviertan en los líderes de los movimientos progresistas. Tenemos que comenzar a predicar con el ejemplo. Sara Audelo es la Directora de Política para Generation Progress. Su trabajo
se enfoca en dirigir soluciones políticas dirigidas sobre los jóvenes para la justicia económica, los derechos civiles y humanos y la democracia. Para hablar con un experto, favor de ponerse en contacto con Jennifer Molina via email a jmolina@americanprogress.org o por teléfono al 202.796.9706.
Pagina 5 Race From Pagina 2
jóvenes que salieron a las calles de Ferguson, vi en ellos los activistas jóvenes con los que he tenido el privilegio de trabajar. Recuerdo que caminé a la oficina con ojos lloroso después de haber visto las noticias y las imágenes en directo de los activistas en Ferguson por Twitter. Yo paré en un Dunkin Donuts y compre una caja de golosinas. Al llegar a la oficina, ofrecí a mi equipo las donas y un espacio para hablar sobre lo que estaba en nuestras mentes. Por lo que todos nosotros nos identificábamos con los miembros de la comunidad en Ferguson, y todos estábamos dedicados diariamente a los temas de la justicia social, lo que hice fue un simple gesto que les permitió expresar sus preocupaciones y compartir sus sentimientos antes de sumergirse nuevamente en la rutina del trabajo. Puede que estas pequeñas conversaciones no hayan cambiado el transcurso de la historia, pero proporcionaron un momento de reflexión y reconocimiento que nuestras comunidades estaban enojadas y lastimadas. Tristemente, la brutalidad policial no es el único problema contra el cual mis colegas y yo debemos luchar. Algunas personas a quienes yo he supervisado nacieron en otro país, y otros tienen padres que son inmigrantes. Para quien trabaja con milenarios, esto es relativamente común: 15 por ciento de esta generación nació fuera de los Estados Unidos. Así que mientras que mi trabajo es presionar a los legisladores y los políticos para que pasen leyes que incluyan a todos, algunos de nosotros en nuestras comunidades—mis colegas—son testigo de la separación de familias facilitada por los oficiales del gobierno o cuestionando su lealtad a los Estados Unidos. Esto a menudo provoca respuestas difíciles y emocionales al trabajo que están haciendo en torno a la inmigración y otros asuntos importantes. ¿Cómo puede uno trabajar con oficiales electos cuando esos mismos oficiales electos se refieren a miembros de tu propia familia como “criminales”, y pasando legislación que facilitaría la legislación? Y que se hace cuando un legislador lucha tanto en contra de dejar a las personas vivir sus propias vidas? ¿Cómo se reacciona cuando bloquean la igualdad de matrimonio y las leyes contra discriminación que protegen contra ser despedido y aseguran el derecho de permanecer en su vivienda? ¿Y qué pasa cuando uno trabaja en un lugar como el Distrito de Columbia que sí tiene estas protecciones, pero su familia y sus ami-
Jueves 18 de Juno 2015 gos están constantemente alerta, porque su habilidad de usar el baño está en cuestión, o cuando se les niega a sus familias el derecho al cuidado de salud por proveedores discriminatorios? Para los supervisores en organizaciones de justicia social como yo, y especialmente para aquellos que supervisan a los jóvenes que todavía se están encontrando a sí mismos en sus carreras, es importante por lo menos reconocer estos desafíos personales. Estos desafíos son reales y pueden tener impacto en las vidas personales y profesionales de los jóvenes. Tanto si se trata de la deuda estudiantil que le obliga a alguien a tomar un trabajo adicional durante el fin de semana, o si las personas se ven obligadas a escuchar a aquellos que nunca han vivido una vida de la clase obrera decirle a su comunidad cómo levantarse de la pobreza por sus propios esfuerzos, esa clase de experiencias pueden desencadenar sentimientos negativos y desmoralizantes que pueden conducir a los más afectados por los problemas de justicia social a dejar sus puestos. Mientras que muchos supervisores no necesariamente se han enfrentado a muchas de las dificultades a las que sus empleados se enfrentan, ellos de cualquier manera deben ser sensibles a aquellos que sí tratan con esas dificultades. Por ejemplo, yo entiendo que es muy común que los jefes apoyen a sus empleados valorados que se están divorciando o luchando contra una adicción a las drogas o el alcohol—como debe ser. Sin embargo, como las conversaciones con compañeros y jóvenes activistas han sacado a la luz, estos mismos jefes suelen ser menos sensibles a las necesidades de sus empleados con miembros de familia encarcelados o con miembros de familia sin hogares. Cuando las comunidades de color son criminalizadas y enfrentan tasas más altas de encarcelación—frecuentemente debido a la guerra contra las drogas y los delitos relacionados con las mismas—esta clase de apoyo es importante. ¿Cómo se supone que debemos luchar en nombre de los más necesitados si no podemos trabajar en contacto directo con ellos, o tomar dirección de ellos? La falta de diversidad en el personal y entre el liderazgo de las organizaciones progresistas es entendida como una forma de insensibilidad cruel por muchos individuos dentro de las comunidades por las cuales decimos que estamos luchando. No es suficiente escribir y hablar sobre la diversidad—lo cual, al ser honesto,
SEE MORE RACE Pagina 6
PAGE 4
Georgiacares está aquí para ayudarle! La zona de River Valley Agency on Aging Georgiacares Programa responde a las preguntas acerca de: - Bajo Costo Medicamentos Recetados Programas Asistencia Mecánica y cómo aplicar (LIS) - Revisión de su Medicare Resumen - Programa Medicare (MSP) - Servicios Preventivos Medicare - Senior Medicare Patrol-SMP (Medicare Errores, fraudes y abusos
Jueves 18 de Juno 2015
¿Su iglesia y/o organización basada en la fe o organismo de un grupo superior y/o alto cargo del ministerio? ¿Le gustaría saber más acerca de cómo proteger a los adultos mayores en su comunidad de medicare/Medicaid Errores, fraude, abuso y el robo de identidad? Medicare preguntas? ¿Está girando 65? Llame a la oficina hoy Georgiacares que prepare una presentación de su iglesia u organización a aprender sobre el programa de Medicare, ayuda extra para aquellos que califican, Medicare servicios de prevención y asistencia mecánica llamada prescripción oportunidades de trabajo voluntario llame al 1-866 -5524464, Opción 4 y pedir Shameika Averett, Coordinador Georgiacares
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Pagina 2
Jueves 18 de Juno 2015
Los 10 Hechos Importantes Que Se Debe Saber Sobre Los Inmigrantes De Hoy
sita son conversaciones acerca de cómo se puede mantener la diversidad en las comunidades y en las posiciones de liderazgo en el mercado laboral. Esto es particularmente verdadero y valioso para las organizaciones progresistas y las que trabajan en el espacio de la justicia social, cuales trabajos se centran en torno a los más necesitados. Yo se esto de primera mano. Como una mujer latina y una supervisora nueva, con un equipo de individuales que se identifican bajo varias razas, yo he buscado ideas y herramientas para volverme una mejor líder. Tristemente, he
En el transcurso de la última década, se ha vuelto más y más común que las organizaciones anuncien posiciones de empleo que específicamente animen a las personas de color; lesbiana, homosexual, bisexual, transgénero; o a las personas con discapacidades a aplicar para puestos de trabajo. Aunque esto es un paso muy importante hacia la expansión de la diversidad entre los candidatos, y proporciona una señal clara que esas identidades son valoradas, se requiere más medidas de acción son necesarias. Lo que se nece-
el 2012, los latinos componían un 11 por ciento de los votantes elegibles, con los estadounidenses de origen asiático constituyendo 6 por ciento. Para el año 2024, se espera que estos dos grupos crecerán a 15 por ciento y 8 por ciento, respectivamente. En el país, hay más de 904.000 inmigrantes adultos LGBT. De estos inmigrantes, 30 por ciento, o 267.000, son indocumentados. Los inmigrantes juegan un rol importante en la economía de los EE.UU. Estudios han encontrado que los inmigrantes tienen más probabilidades que los estadounidenses nativos de iniciar y tener sus negocios propios, y que los inmigrantes estadounidenses o sus hijos han fundado más de 40 por ciento de compañías Fortune 500. Habían 11,2 millones de inmigrantes indocumentados viviendo en los EE.UU desde enero del 2012. Esto es una disminución de la población estimada en el año 2007 de 12.2
Este junio marca el segundo Mes de la Herencia del Inmigrante, cuando los americanos celebran la diversidad de sus raíces inmigrantes, y recuentan sus historias familiares de sacrificios y contribuciones. Estas historias forman la columna vertebral de los EE.UU. Para marcar el Mes de la Herencia del Inmigrante, aquí hay 10 cosas que necesitas saber sobre los inmigrantes hoy: Hay 41 millones de personas nacidas en el extranjero viviendo en los EE.UU. Juntos, este grupo constituye 12,9 por ciento de la población en general. Este porcentaje sigue por debajo del punto más alto relacionado con la inmigración en el año 1890, cuando 14,8 por ciento de la población era de origen extranjero. Los latinos y los estadounidenses de origen asiático son un segmento creciente del electorado estadounidense. En
Por Sanam Malik con Philip E. Wolgin
acusar al policía Darren Wilson por la balacera de Michael Brown, de 19 años, yo recuerdo estar despierta por horas, viendo como los jóvenes—mis prójimos milenarios, mi generación de activistas de justicia social—armaron manifestaciones de protesta para demandar justica. Fue un momento muy emotivo para mí. Como una ex maestra que trabajó sobre todo con jóvenes Latinos, yo vi a mis alumnos en Michael Brown. Pero también vi amigos que han sido acosados por la policía y comunidades que han sido ignoradas por demasiado tiempo. En cuanto a aquellos SEE RACE Pagina 5
altas tasas de asesinos hacia las mujeres transgénero de color, la lucha para aumentar el salario mínimo—todos temas que los progresistas deben abordar. Pero para luchar la buena batalla, las organizaciones progresistas de justicia social deben tener empleados que vienen de estas comunidades, a quienes les afectan personalmente estos problemas, y a quienes se les proporciona el apoyo necesario para hacer este trabajo con eficacia y de una manera sostenida. Por ejemplo, en las secuelas del malestar en Ferguson, Missouri, y tras el fracaso de un gran jurado que decidió no
encontrado pocos recursos, porque muchos son muy específicos al ambiente empresarial y un nivel un poco más superficial de lo que yo esperaba encontrar. Puede ser que como hay tanto enfoque en contratar a una mezcla representativa de personas, hay una tendencia de olvidar lo que se necesita para mantenerlos en los puestos por el largo plazo. Por si alguien no se ha dado cuenta: Durante el año pasado, vi a nuestras comunidades diversas salir a las calles a afrentar una variedad de temas importantes—la brutalidad policial, la separación de las familias debido a la deportación, las
los EE.UU y la sociedad americana. Para impulsar aún más el potencial de esas contribuciones, la expansión de DACA y el programa DAPA—que están actualmente esperando la decisión de la corte—necesitan seguir hacia adelante para proveer una sensación de alivio temporal que es muy necesaria para millones de familias estadounidenses. Por último, el congreso debe aprobar un camino permanente a la ciudadanía. Esto añadiría 1,2 trillones de dólares al Producto Interno Bruto en los próximos 10 años, y crearía hasta 145.000 trabajos nuevos por año. Reparar el sistema inmigratorio americano asegurará que todas las personas viviendo en el país puedan maximizar su potencial y contribuir a una prosperidad americana compartida. Sanam Malik es Asistente Especial para el equipo de Política Inmigratoria en el Center for American Progress. Philip E. Wolgin es el Director Asociado para el equipo de Inmigración. Para hablar con un experto, favor de ponerse en contacto con Jennifer Molina via email a jmolina@americanprogress.org o por teléfono al 202.796.9706.
y la Acción Diferida para los Padres de Americanos y Residentes Permanentes Legales o DAPA, por sus signas en Ingles, mantendrán a las familias juntas y aliviarán a millones de personas alrededor del país. Casi 3 millones de aquellos elegibles son de México y América Central, con 630.000 individuos adicionales de Asia. Los programas de acción diferida impulsarán a la economía de los EE.UU. significativamente. Durante los próximos 10 años, se estima que el producto interno bruto de los EE.UU crecerá por unos $230 mil millones. A medida que la economía crece, los americanos también verán como sus salarios crecen por $124 mil millones en el transcurso de la próxima década, y habrá una creación de alrededor de 29 mil puestos de trabajos por año para todos los estadounidenses. Los inmigrantes indocumentados pagaron $11,84 mil millones en impuestos locales y estatales en el 2012. Si las directivas de la acción diferida fueran implementadas en su totalidad, los ingresos fiscales estatales y locales aumentarían por $845 mil millones estimados adicionales por año. Los inmigrantes son una parte importante de la economía de
millones de inmigrantes indocumentados. Adicionalmente, 16,6 millones de personas viven en familias con un estatus mixto, que contienen individuos autorizados y no autorizados en la familia, incluyendo 5,5 millones de niños nacidos en los Estados Unidos. Desde marzo del 2015, casi 750.000 personas han aplicado para la Acción Diferida para las llegadas durante la Infancia, o DACA por sus siglas en inglés, y las aplicaciones de 665.000 personas han sido aprobadas. DACA ha tenido un impacto significativo y positivo en las vidas de aquellos que obtuvieron estatus temporario: un estudio de la Universidad de Harvard encontró que 60 por ciento de los beneficiarios de DACA reportaron haber conseguido trabajos nuevos, y 45 por ciento reportaron aumento en los salarios. Adicionalmente, 57 por ciento de los beneficiarios de DACA han obtenido una licencia de conducir, dándoles más movilidad y flexibilidad para apoyarse a sí mismos y a sus familias. 5 millones de padres y DREAMers adicionales recibirán permisos de trabajo temporarios y alivio de las deportaciones bajo los programas de acción diferida. La introducción de DACA en el año 2012, la expansión del 2014 de DACA,
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Los 10 Hechos Importantes Que Se Debe Saber Sobre Los Inmigrantes De Hoy
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