Thecourier 06 08 17 revised

The Vol. 12 Edition 12 Free Thursday June 8, 2017

OK, So What Now?

Once You Are Finished Celebrating The Defeat Of Camelot, You Do Realize The Problem Still Exits?

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

Career Opportunities Available In The Minority Newspaper Industry...

The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper A Family Owned Business

Page 9

What’s Next For The Columbus Urban League

Lo c a l Businesswo ma n Susan Cooper Accepts The Challenge Page 11

The Historic Liberty District Master Plan Revived

City Manager Isaiah Hugley Seeks Community Support For Area Page 13

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THURSDAY June 8, 2017

In Memorium

The Street Committee

Henry H. Thomas Jr. September 13, 1946-May 30, 2017

Henry Harris Thomas, Jr. passed away Tuesday at St. Francis Hospital. He was 70 years of age.

The son of the late Mrs. Odessa Tolbert Banks and Mr. Henry H. Thomas, Sr., Mr. Thomas was a native of Columbus and a 1964 graduate of George W. Carver High School.

He obtained a Bachelor of Business Studies degree from Columbus College where he also chartered the Theta Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

He was the owner/operator of Thomas and Associates and HHT Properties, retiring following 35+ years of service. He was a member of St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church where he served in the choir and as past president of the Parrish Council.

He was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Pearl), Chattahoochee River Club, and served on the Boards at the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Columbus Pension Plan. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam Era, and was a "faithful employee" of Hazel's Flowers and Gifts.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Tracey Erikka Thomas.

Survivors include: his wife of 41 years, Hazel Rogers Thomas; three children, Henry Harris Thomas V, Valencia Carson and Alronco Grant (Renee); his brothers, Jerry, Reginald, Darryl (LaTonya), Joe (Jeanette), and Larry (Shontel); a sister, Ballarie Ingram (Rev. Claude); loving in-law, Roy T. Rogers (Sharon), Willie M. Harris and Daisy Porter (Bruce); serveral grand and great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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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” Office Location The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 1300 Wynnton Rd, Suite 104 Columbus, Georgia 31906 Email: couriereconews@gmail.com Phone: 706.225.0106 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5747 Columbus, Ga 31906 Visit Us Online At: www.couriernews.org

“It was just a dream of my husband’s to work with young men so that they wouldn’t go astray and to grab them at a certain age so we could mold them and help them as much as we could.”

The mission of the program is to transform young men lives through enlightenment, academic enrichment, and personal empowerment. The organizations goal is to develop and implement scholarship assistance and public service programs that will address the needs of minority students from low income families and other underprivileged eligible groups.

Tashema Johnson, the widow of Columbus promoter James “J.B.” Johnson, has started a nonprofit in her husband’s memory called “JBelieves in You, Inc.”

According to Tashema the goal is to reach males from the ages of 13 years and older to focus on self-respect, mentorship, goal-setting and life-skill incentives.

On May 31st they hosted an official Meet & Greet for the boys of 2017 Summer Mentorship Program. Young men ages 13-17 will be exposed and involved in various activites to promote enlightenment, academic enrichment, and personal empowerment.

On June 3rd a charity event was held at Painting with a Twist of Columbus Ga to raise money for the Non Profit Orginazation.

The youth will participate in Fishing with the Frats June 10th 7-11am Location: Lake Oliver Marina 5501 River Rd, Columbus, GA 31904

“Fishing with the Frats” will be a fundamental learning experience and empowering to the young men of our mentorship program that seeks a helping hand in life and guidance from men that are willing to pass on knowledge and be of great assistance to the community.

A VIEW FROM A PEW

THURSDAY JUNE 8, 2017

I Will Miss You My Friend

When a person close to you passes away you often reflect on the last time you spoke with them and the relationship you shared. That’s exactly what I did when I received word of the passing of Henry Thomas.

To be honest, I can’t say we were close friends or even good friends.

The truth of the matter is over the past 27 years we have known each other the only time we would see each other was when we either happened to be at the same social function or when I stopped by his wife’s shop, Hazel’s Gifts and Flowers.

It was at “the shop”, however, where our relationship was manifested. It was at “the shop” when I first started this publication in 2005 where we began having many meaningful conversations about the importance of having a paper in this community that was not afraid to print what was true and fair without fearing the backlash from the Caucasian or Black community. There were also conversations about my responsibility as a publisher to make sure “I get it right”, meaning that I make sure I report fact not fiction, truth, not gossip or innuendo.

Our conversations helped shape many of the articles that have appeared on these pages.

I will remember the laughs we shared, with Henry sitting where I would always find him, in his chair next to the workstation window and me leaning against the front desk with my arms folded.

When I would share with him what stories I was considering I will miss him as my “reliable source” regarding numerous topics, especially the Columbus Consolidated Government, public policy and the economics of our community. His information was extremely detailed

3

and always credible.

I will remember how he and Hazel would laugh at me when I often complained that I wish I had a tape recorder on me so I would be able to remember to include all of the “information” he provided.

(You would be amazed at how many of Hazel’s little floral card envelopes I have used trying to write down everything he told me.)

Finally I will remember that it was Thursday, May 18th that I stopped by “the shop”. Hazel wasn’t there but there was Henry sitting in his chair, and with me leaning against the front desk, unbeknown to both of us, we would have our final conversation.

I told him I was writing an article about the vote that stopped Camelot Education from becoming a reality with the Muscogee County School District.

After allowing me to vent my frustration, as he always did, he said, “I agree with you but you might want to find a nicer way to say it when you print it in your paper.”

I laughed as I told him, “Yeah maybe, but you know I’m gonna’ do what I gotta do my way.” As I walked out of the door I will remember him smiling that Henry smile as he spoke his last words to me. “I know you will. It will be alright, they’ll get over it”!

We may not have been close friends, we not have been good friends but given our conversations over the years I can say with certainty that we met MerriamWebster’s definition: a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another.

I will miss you, my friend.

Wane A. Hailes

COVER STORY

PAGE 4

June 8, 2017

Career Opportunities With The Minority Newspaper Industry

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

Our new segment “Behind The Scene” is designed to inform those looking for employment and specifically young people who will soon enter the workplace that there are a variety of career opportunities that they may have never considered. This week we go behind the scene with the Black Press.

Contrary to what many have been led to believe “newspapers are not dying”.

Has the industry changed? Yes but name an industry that hasn’t gone through changes over the years as technology and customer preferences have changed.

We are constantly reminded daily that we are living in the age of information.

Today, people of all ages want and consume more news than ever.

According to a University of Southern California study, “Americans are absorbing five times more information a day than in 1986.

As the needs of the community have expanded and mainstream media is perceived as more inclusive, some believe the role of the black press is either no longer needed or at least not so easily defined. Those individuals like Irv Randolph, managing editor of the Philadelphia Tribune, the oldest, continuously running African American newspaper in the United States argues that it is vital and critical that we have a specific outlet for our population. That the mainstream media is still very separate and there are not a lot of opportunities for us to speak or to be heard.

“In order for the Black press and Black media as a whole to truly compete with mainstream media outlets, ownership is the key”, says Sara Lomax–Reese, president and general manager of WURD Radio, Pennsylvania’s only African American-owned talk radio station. “It takes money to have the ability to tell your own story,” she said. “And until

Pictured L-R: Nadine Haralson, Layout & Design/Reporter/Photographer; Wane A. Hailes, Founder/President/Publisher; Valerie Long Hailes, Vice President of Operations/Administative Assistant; Raymond Wane Hailes, Social Media Consultant

we have more economic freedom, it will be hard to change the media landscape”.

The Courier Eco Latino newspaper is a family-owned business and the only bi-lingual publication in the tri-city publishing to the African American and Hispanic communities in both English and Spanish. We were founded for the same reason Samuel Cornish and John B. Russwarm started the very first African-American paper in 1827 called Freedom’s Journal. Freedom’s Journal initiated the trend of African-American papers throughout the United States to fight for liberation and rights, demonstrate racial pride, and inform readers of events affecting the African-American community.

Our focus is specifically on Columbus, Ft. Benning and Phenix City. We place our emphasis and efforts on those political, social or economic issues that impact our lives. We confront the issues that need confronting and ask the questions that need to be asked. That is what we try to do with every issue, in an effort to stand true to the history

of the Black press. Our mission, which we’ve chosen to accept, is to inform, empower, educate, inspire and when appropriate entertain. We offer the African-Americans of our community an opportunity to see the news through Administrative Positions Associated With Newspapers

Editor-in-Chief Oversees all phases of the production of a newspaper. All articles and sections run through the Editor-in-Chief for a review. He is responsible for assigning staff with their stories, along with the section editors.

Managing Editor Helps the editor-in-Chief decide content of the issue. Designs overall layout, and section layouts with section editors.

Copy Editor Proofs reads entire paper, edits copy and photos to fit layout.

News Editor In charge of the News section of the paper.

Reads and edits all news stories, and works out the layout of the sections. Assigns specific stories to writers.

Opinion Editor

the lens of their own eyes. Most times, as you can imagine and have witnessed, that view is a far cry from the view reported by the mainstream media in the tri-city.

See Careers Page 5

Reads and edits the entire opinion section. Usually writes their own column, and manages the layout of the opinion section.

Features Editor Reads and edits feature stories. Assigns stories to writers, and manages the layout of the Features Section.

Sports Editor Reads and edits the entire Sports Section.

Manages layout, and occasionally writes an article for the section.

Photo/Graphics Editor Reviews all photos and graphics in the paper, and edits them to fit layout.

Business Manager Manages money of the newspaper. This manager is in charge of marketing, salaries, and the overall budget.

Advertising Manager Determines the layout of all ads in the

paper. Sells advertisement

PAGE 5

Careers From Page 4

When you consider the number of different positions available in the newspaper industry, due to budget constraints, working at a minority newspaper you will often find employees assuming more than one role.

There are more than 200 African American newspapers publishing in the United States. Like mainstream publications minority newspapers depend mainly on advertising dollars.

Most of us, as publishers, struggle day-to-day to keep afloat due to the disparity of advertising dollars compared to mainstream print publications.

This leads us to develop other streams of revenue that includes developing creative advertising oppor-

tunities such as seasonal and or special sections, quarterly magazines and digital sales. For us, in addition, we provide an advertising agency.

When it comes to the average salaries for the various positions as you can imagine in comparison to mainstream media we cannot compete. To compensate many of us hire individuals as independent contractors.

As family members, we learn early on that when you choose to work for the family newspaper business it is a labor of love.

We realize we wake up everyday with the knowledge that it is because of our commitment to our community, our race, our concerns, and our issues that we are recording and preserving our history our way for years to come.

L-R: Keith Phillips, Graphic Artist & Creative Design; Greg Wilson, Web Design; Indhira Nino, Hispanic Consultant; Markeith Horace, Photography; Wane A. Hailes, CEO; Danita Gibson Lloyd, Communication Strategist; Tony Calloway, Marketing Strategist; Kenneth Davis, Graphic Artist & Creative Design

The Courier Eco Latino Group is focused on the burgeoning AfricanAmerican and Hispanic marketplace and our unique and unparalleled role to help businesses meet the growing demand this specialized market deserves. Cultivating and catering to this market is our passion. It’s the very fiber of our being – our essence. It’s who we are and ALL we do, for WE ARE YOU. We are the only full-service, bi-lingual advertising agency in the tri-city that specializes in crafting and implementing strategically sound, innovative and effective marketing communications programs for the AfricanAmerican and Hispanic market.

June 8, 2017

Page 6

Davis Broadcasting’s 31st Annual Family Day Music Festival

By Staff The Courier

Davis Broadcasting Inc. of Columbus is proud to announce Amerigroup as the presenting sponsor for the 31st Annual Family Day Music Festival. Each year, WFXE- Foxie 105, WKZJ- K92.7, WEAM- Praise 100.7, WOKS - AM1340, WIOL FM/AM ESPN Sports and CBS Sports radio team up to provide the tri-city community with a musical con-

cert, fun family activities, and a Kids Zone brought to you by Hollywood Connection, ABSOLUTELY FREE. The Family Day Music Festival will be held Saturday, JUNE 17, 2017 from 2PM-8PM at Woodruff Park, 1000 Bay Avenue on the beautiful CSU Campus overlooking the Chattahoochee River and is FREE to the public. This year we have 20 musical acts covering Hip-

Hop, Jazz, Southern Soul, Blues, Gospel and R&B … something for everyone in the family. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the afternoon with your favorite radio stations in Columbus GA.

The 31st Annual Family Day Music Festival, Saturday, June 17, 2017, 2pm8pm at Woodruff Park,1000 Bay Avenue on the CSU Campus.

June 8, 2017

PAGE 7

Howard Hewitt To Perform At The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper’s Community Service Awards Event

For twelve years the Courier / Eco Latino newspaper has provided the Tri-City and specifically the African-American and Hispanic communities with a publication of positive, quality of life information.

We celebrate our twelth anniversary with our signature event, “The Community Service Awards” which gives past due recognition to individuals or organizations for their distinguished service to the AfricanAmerican, Hispanic and other minority communities.

Once again our event this year will be held at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center on Saturday July 22, 2017 beginning at 6:30 pm. The program, which includes dinner, is two-fold, an awards program recognizing individuals or organizations of Columbus, Phenix City and Fort Benning followed by a performance featuring national recording artist Howard Hewitt.

Other musical guests will include Anthony Parkman, Chris Kelly, Carlos Bellavista and a special Tibute to Prince.

In addition to our “Publishers Award” we will present our 2nd Annual Community Servant Award” to a Hispanic individual or organization in honor of Harold “Lefty” Encarnacion, a well-known and beloved Hispanic businessman who passed away October of 2015.

Tickets are available for $40 until June 15th after which they will be $50.

Reserved VIP tables are available for $360.

Tickets may be purchased at the Courier Eco Latino office at 1300 Wynnton Rd, Ste. 104 or by calling 706.225.0106 Howard Hewitt

The group Shalamar had an enviable career at the height of the disco era, with several charting dance hits and a high, gleaming profile. After the successful solo departure of fellow vocalist Jody Watley, Howard Hewett split with the group in 1986 to explore his own career. He released several well-received albums of soulful, gospel-tinged R&B, heavy on the romantic slow jams, and contributed to albums by several jazz fusion artists who made use of his supple, multi-octave voice. In 2001, he channeled his church-music influences into a full-on gospel album (and a live follow-up of the same material), creating an even wider fan base for his intimate, passionate crooning.

June 8, 2017

PAGE 8

June 8, 2017

Out Reach In Action: $40,000 In Academic Scholarships and Heritage Gifts Presented to 41 Local Stations in Te Chattahoochee Valley Area

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

Every

y e a r, S I S T E R S , Incorporated and the Gamma Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha K a p p a A l p h a S o r o r i t y, Incorporated host the Senior Soiree to celebrate and honor students who have shown not only a dedication to academic success, but who have accomplished many extraordinary feats during their high school years. This year, the two organizations presented more than $40,000 in scholarships to 41 Chattahoochee Valley area students during its annual gala April 20 at the Green Island Country Club.

“We were excited to offer scholarships not only to students enrolling in four year colleges, but also to students enrolling in technical schools and community colleges in the Chattahoochee Valley area,” commented Carolyn G. Randolph, Co-Chair of the 2017 Scholarship Committee.

A majority of the scholarship funding was provided through proceeds from the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Rosa Parks Women of Courage Breakfast held in March.

Members of the community and the sorority provided additional donations and scholarships.

“We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the community and to our chapter members for supporting this program,” said Bronwyn M. Hughes, Co-Chair of the 2017 Scholarship Committee. “Each contributor helped make a difference in these students’ lives and for that we are very grateful.”

Rochelle Jones, President of t h e G a m m a Ta u O m e g a Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Janet Baker, President of SISTERS, Incorporated, echoed Mrs. Hughes sentiments, “We reached out to the community and they gave back to us tenfold. Their unselfish generosity afforded many deserving students with these scholarships.

We look forward to seeing them continue to soar to new heights as they embark on their college careers.”

The Mistress of Ceremony for the Senior Soiree was Mrs. Anita Smith. Dr. David F. Lewis, Superintendent of the Muscogee County School District, brought greetings and guests were blessed to hear a beautiful solo by Mrs. Karen Jakes accompanied by Mr. Brian Roberts. After a delicious meal and inspiring “Reflections” from Ms. Lyndsey Graddick, a member of Eta Iota Chapter of

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and a junior attending Columbus State University, scholarship awards were presented.

Program participants seated from left: Kaye Flonnory, Chairman, Senior Soiree; Bronwyn M. Hughes, CoChairman Scholarship Committee; Dr. David F. Lewis, Superintendent, Muscogee County School District; Juanita Booker, founder, Vanessa Booker Memorial Scholarship; Rochelle Jones, President, Gamma Tau Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; Brenda Sams, Vice President, SISTERS, Incorporated; Carolyn G. Randolph, CoChairman Scholarship Committee; and Dr. Emmanuel Wilkes, founder Gwendolyn Wilkes Scholarship.

The 2017 Scholarship recipients are: Akira Battle (Columbus) $2500; Allison Nobles (Columbus) $2500; Aleisha Nesbitt (Hardaway) $2000; Jaida Woodson (Columbus) $2000; JaNia Smith (Spencer), $1500 (Dr. Dwayne D. Jakes Memorial Scholarship); Alexis Dixon (Columbus) $1500; Morgan Mitchell (Columbus) $1250; NaKayla RandolphMoore (Central) $1250; Janelle Armstrong (Columbus) $1000; Avian Baker (Northside) $1000; Brandy Bently (Carver) $1000;

Michaela B r o w n (Kendrick) $1000; Erin Buckley (Columbus) $ 1 0 0 0 ; Brittany Bush (Columbus) $ 1 0 0 0 (LaVerna Williams Johnson Endowment Aw a r d ) ; Mackenzie Carter (Harris County) $ 1 0 0 0 (Gwendolyn Wilkes Scholarship); Angelique Cox (Spencer) $1000; Angel Daniel (Brookstone) $1000; Callie Donahue (Central) $1000; Catelyn Ealy (Smiths Station) $1000; Chandler Fletcher (Columbus) $1000; Kendall Fritzky (Spencer) $1000;

Makeda Griffin (Columbus) $1000; Sage Konans (Columbus) $1000; Na’Dstasha Lawrence (Central) $1000; Rebecca Marston (Harris County) $1000; Asia McCants (Central) $1000; Aviaon Navarro (Northside) $1500 (Vanessa Booker Morgan Memorial Scholarship); Cierra Nell (Jordan) $1000; Akiera Palm (Columbus) $1000; Aizya Passmore (Carver) $1000; Sailor Stevens (Harris County) $1000; Ja’Kalya Toombs, (Carver) $1000; Sydney Weisenburger (Harris County) $1000; and Lauren Whitaker (Kendrick) $1000.

Caitlyn Sparks, Jalyn Askew, Tyler Chambers, Kendall Downer, Joshua Long, Brenton Simpson, and Tameron Williams – sons and daughters of chapter members -- received $250 Coleman or Heritage gifts.

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COVER STORY

Page 9

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

For months the school board, community leaders, community activists and some citizens discussed, debated and more often than not disagreed on whether to enter in to a contract with Camelot Education, an education service provider with targeted and effective programs designed to assist: - Students that are struggling academically and risk not meeting promotion and graduation requirements - Students needing a more structured environment with individualized attention and behavior supports and - Students with autistic and exceptional needs.

The effort to hire Camelot Education failed. It was voted on and more board members voted against it than for it. That’s the democratic way and although I disagree with the outcome I have to respect the process.

With that being said it’s no longer important how I feel about those board members who voted against it.

It would be a waste of time and print to continue arguing how unbelievably one Caucasian male was able to influence four other board members, two of whom are African American, to vote against the best interest of close to 75% of the student population who happen to be African American.

It would be pointless, at this juncture, to continue speculating that by joining forces and voting against Camelot Kia Chambers would expect to endear herself to Frank Myers and John Thomas thereby all but guaranteeing being elected as Chairman of the board next January.

However, according to a recent email that was sent to board chairman Pat Hugley Green from Frank Myers, we now can say it is no longer

OK So Now What?

speculation but fact.

In an email sent to Muscogee County Board Chairman Pat Hugley Green on May 31, 2017 at 2:03 PM Frank Myers wrote: Pat: You might as well go along with all this. Kia is going to be the Chair come January, Let’s Give Kia a head start! Thanks Frank So now we have another example of one of us selling our soul for 30 pieces of silver or in this case a chairmanship.

I’m sure she control over suggests but will “connect decide.

will deny she has no what Myers says or in our next issue we the dots” and let you

Back to the topic at hand as it relates to those who feel they have “won”.

What bothers me, however, is in their ignorance as they continue to celebrate their “victory on Facebook and other social media site they fail to realize the problem still exists and no one has a plan how to fix it.

OK fine, you don’t want Camelot, now what?

You are still faced with a school district that serves students with disabilities, emotional or behavioral problems and those who are overage and under-credited.

You are still annually serving 400500 students in grades 3-12 temporarily removed from their assigned school because of severe violations of the district’s behavior code.

And you are still faced with overage students in grades 6-12 who have fallen behind their peers.

When the school you send students to who are temporarily removed from their assigned school because of

severe violations of the districts behavior code ends up suspending 48% of those same students it is obvious outside help is needed. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result.

I’m sure now that Camelot is out of the picture local organizations are salivating in anticipation of being awarded a school district contract as they prepare to present their proposals. I am all for Black folks helping their own and truly believe there is an African American individual or organization out here who can make a difference. I am wary, however, of the usual suspects in this community who continually claim they have the answer to our student’s problems but have never delivered.

We can’t afford to award contracts to someone who claims they have the “perfect program” just because they are Black or because they SAY they know what’s best for “our” kids.

I don’t care how many degrees they have or letters are listed after their last name. We all know that some of “us” have no problem taking advantage of our own for a guaranteed paycheck.

If those board members who voted against Camelot want to prove they really care about the 75% they need to do their due diligence to ensure that anyone requesting and receiving a contract can prove they can make a difference. Not by what they SAY they can do but by proving they HAVE done it.

June 8, 2017

Out of School Suspension 2016-2017

Schools

# Of Suspensions

A.I.M. Aaron Cohn Middle School Allen Elementary School Arnold Middle School Baker Middle School Blackmon Road Middle School Blanchard Elementary School Brewer Elementary School Britt David Elementary School Carver High School Clubview Elementary School Columbus High School Davis Elementary School Dawson Elementary School Dimon Elementary School Dorothy I. Height Elementary School Double Churches Elementary School Double Churches Middle School Downtown Elementary School Eagle Ridge Academy East Columbus Magnet Academy Eddy Middle School Forrest Road Elementary School Fort Middle School Fox Elementary School Gentian Elementary School Georgetown Elementary School Hannan Elementary School Hardaway High School Johnson Elementary School Jordan Vocational High Kendrick High School Key Elementary School Lonnie Jackson Academy Martin Luther King Jr Elem School Mathews Elementary School Midland Academy Midland Middle School North Columbus Elementary School Northside High School Reese Road Leadership Academy Richards Middle School Rigdon Road Elementary School River Road Elementary School Rothschild Middle School South Columbus Elementary School Spencer High School St. Marys Elementary School Veterans Memorial Middle Waddell Elementary School Wesley Heights Elementary School William H. Shaw High School Woodall Program Wynnton Elementary School

We can’t afford another babysitting service. You need to show how your program HAS taken youth from failing his classes to passing his classes, from a disruptive student to a model one. Show me someone who can prove they have accomplished that and you get my vote all day long.

Grand Total

242 24 23 142 178 39 5 42 6 192 21 9 74 30 40 134 6 43 48 11 156 152 18 129 59 48 46 51 149 14 195 334 38 59 93 9 4 53 7 73 49 117 110 36 47 34 213 88 57 61 21 137 6 35

4007

EMPOWER - INSPIRE - INFORM

PAGE 10

EXTRAORDINARY INTENTIONS

By Jonathan “Bam” Rivers

Tell Your Story

The biggest impact you can have on someone else may not come through illuminating your victories, but by illuminating your struggles. There is something magical and encouraging about knowing the depth of a person's hurt, pain and anguish, but watching them come out on the other side. The problems you have dealt with or are currently dealing with can be a solution for the next person.

Your story is unique and can be powerful if shared with the world. Do not let shame, fear or the anticipation of societal backlash keep you from changing lives!

Here is something you need to remember; your flaws demonstrate your toughness, not your weakness! Open your mouth and let the sweet sound of your story permeate throughout your community, city, state and this world...the impact will be extraordinary!

A graduate of Shaw High School and Auburn University Jonathan Rivers is a motivational speaker and TV host.

Rivers can be reached at 706.593.7800 and TEAM B.A.M. at www.jonathanbamrivers.com

June 8, 2017

NAACP President Cornell Brooks Voted Out

By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor)

Why did the NAACP’s national board vote to part ways with their president, Cornell William Brooks? Several longtime members contacted by the NNPA Newswire were shocked to hear the news. Brooks, 56, has served in the position since May 2014.

Some NAACP insiders said that there was a lack of communication between the NAACP’s large board of directors and Brooks. Others say that a lack of fundraising prowess was the reason.

On the day the board voted to end Brooks’ tenure as president (his current contract expires on June 30), NAACP Board Chairman Leon Russell announced that the 108 year-old organization is “re-tooling” and embarking on “an organization-wide refresh” in response to the “audacious challenges” in “today’s volatile political, media and social climates.”

During an interview with American Urban Radio Networks, Brooks was asked why he was being let go. He responded: “I can’t point to any substantive reason. What I can point to is this: the NAACP over the course of less than three years, is more visible, more vocal, growing in members, donors, presence in the courts and in communities across the country.”

Brooks continued: “We’ve had nine court victories against voter suppression in ten months. We not only demonstrated in Flint, we filed suit in Flint…online membership is up 87 percent and online paper membership is up seven percent. Online donations are up 800 percent,” Brooks added. On May 21, Brooks was bombarded on Twitter with positive praise from well-wishers for his three years as NAACP President.

Brooks was also instrumental in spotlighting the damage President Donald Trump’s Attorney General Jeff Sessions will likely do to voting rights with a demonstration in Alabama that resulted in Brooks’ highly publicized arrest.

During a May 19 media call on the end of Brooks’ presidency, NAACP National

Board Chairman Leon Russell and Vice Chair Derrick Johnson told reporters that the search for a new leader will start immediately and focus on, “renewed nimbleness and vigilance so that we can aggressively respond to the current climate of political unrest as well as the assault on human rights.”

Russell also added that, “we don’t have a job description in front of us.”

Russell said that there would be a, “system-wide and strategic revisiting of processes…that will ensure the NAACP can address these 21st century challenges.”

Russell also said that he and Johnson would manage the day-to-day NAACP operations on an interim basis until a replacement for Brooks is found. They also announced a NAACP “listening tour” in an effort to be informed “by the people we serve” and to “harness grassroots energy” while at the same time listening also to current staff, past leaders in the Civil Rights Movement and “philanthropic” groups.

The NAACP makes this startling leadership change at an incredibly crucial time.

President Donald Trump is reeling amidst accusations of collusion with the Russian government, during the 2016 election season and obstruction of justice involving former FBI Director Jim Comey’s investigation of it. Attorney General Sessions easily represents one of the biggest threats to policy issues disproportionately impacting African Americans.

But the NAACP has clearly taken a back seat in terms of national attention. Younger, tighter and more focused movements such as Black Lives Matter, Color of Change and now The Indivisible Movement have leveraged social media and narrowed priorities to push there agendas as the NAACP has remained in a traditionalist managerial model that would appear ill-suited for the times.

The vote by the 64-member NAACP national board to part ways with Brooks took place during a quarterly board meeting in Florida and on the same day that Dr. Rev. William Barber stepped down as NAACP North Carolina State President. Barber has led the Moral Mondays movement in North Carolina and won political and public relations attention as a result. He is now focused on a diverse “poor people’s campaign” modeled after Dr. Martin Luther King’s own work.

Page 11

What’s Next For The Greater Columbus Urban League?

A Candid Conversation With Susan Cooper, CEO/President

Susan Cooper, the interim administrator who has led the Urban League of Greater Columbus the past two years, was recently named the league’s new president and CEO pending certification by the national organization. We spoke with her about her appointment and her vision for the organization.

Courier: In making the announcement of your appointment your board chairman, Bishop L. D. Skinner said; “Susan Cooper is the right choice to lead the Urban League of Greater Columbus She has successfully and flawlessly led the organization through change and adversity, and along with the board of directors, she helped save, rebuild and sustain the Urban League.” How do you feel about that?

Cooper: I am humbled and proud. My selection is a vote of confidence to continue the direction that the board and I have taken, and I am pleased to be asked to serve in this position. The Urban League is a ‘ministry’ to me, and I take great joy in helping people, and fulfilling our mission to empower and equip others to break their own cycle to poverty, and help them equally access the dream of being in the economic mainstream of jobs, education, affordable housing and healthcare.

Courier: Recently it was announced that the Urban League of Greater Columbus would not be receiving funding from the United Way. How will that effect your programming?

Cooper: First, it is important to clarify that we were denied funding for a specific program that does not mean we are no longer eligible as a United Way agency. We provided United Way with a proposal asking them to fund our annual Summer Youth Employment program. Although they did not approve the funding for this particular program we still very much believe in the program

June 8, 2017

and its merits and are excited about our opportunity to hire 50 youth for (the program) instead of the targeted 100 that this grant would have allowed,” We have to build a better case and make a stronger presentation next year and we look forward to the opportunity to do just that.

Courier: As the new CEO what’s your vision for the organization?

Cooper: As you can imagine my vision and mission is the same as that of the organization; to enable African Americans to secure economic self reliance, parity, power and civil rights. I am encouraged that we are reaching our goals by the increase of participants we have served over the years. When we started the revitalization of the organization in 2012 we had fifty (55) individuals coming thorough our doors seeking assistance , programming and training, last year 1800 people came to us seeking help.

Courier: What programs are you currently providing?

Cooper: We have three signature programs; Of course we’ve already spoken about our Summer Youth Employment and Job Readiness Program that serves high school students, ages 16 to 18, and college students, ages 18 to 24.

Youth participate in workshops that cove topics such as customer service, dressing for success, answering telephones, resume building, interview skills, business etiquette, work ethics, conflict resolution, problem solving, budgeting and finances.

Participants spend three to four weeks working at local businesses, corporations and nonprofit organizations.

Our Prisoner Reentry Program offers workforce development and training services to previously incarcerated individuals so that they can successfully re-enter the labor mar-

ket. Our program facilitates a career pathway committee and takes a “skills-based” training approach tailored to the needs of employers and clients, supporting individuals through the attainment of industry-recognized credentials, graduate equivalency diploma and the pursuit of higher education.

Finally our Comprehensive Housing Counseling provides FREE private consultation between a housing counselor and the client, FREE assessment of the client’s situation to determine individual need, FREE information and advice about various programs available to help clients acquire and maintain affordable housing.

Homeowners and renters, regardless of financial status, may receive counseling for a variety of reasons. Clients are

offered individual counseling as well as group workshops to insure that they completely understand their situation, the options available to them and that they are satisfied with their chosen course of action.

Courier: As a businesswoman with a successful real estate and mortgage company how are you going to balnce your time between it and the Urban League?

Cooper: For my entire working career, which includes 20 years of banking and financing alongside eighteen years selling real estate I’ve been able to multi-task. For the past four years I have managed to continue that balance between my business and the Urban League. I have been able to do so because I am fortunate to have loyal, competent and

experienced employees like Pat Allmendinger and Carrie Day who have 30 and 40 years respectively in the banking and finance business. They are well equipped to handle the day– to-day operations. In addition I am excited, as both of my daughters, Whitley and Ashley Cooper both graduates of Kennesaw State University have joined the business.

Whitley who is Vice President and Director of Marketing and Business Development is a licensed mortgage consultant and real estate agent. Ashley, a licensed real estate agent serves as our Vice President and Director of Real Estate Sales.

The Urban League of Greater Columbus is one of only 2 Urban League organizations in the state of Georgia. It was founded in 1971.

June 8, 2017

PAGE 12

2017 Lambda Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Scholarship Recipiants

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier The 38th Annuall Lambda Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, announces it’s Pruple and Gold Golf Tournament to be held at the MWR Fort Benning Golf Course, Fort Benning, Georgia June 24–25, 2017. This medal play tournament will have double shotgun starts at 0800 hours – 1330 hours on both days with flighting after the first day’s play. The cost per participant is $125.00, this includes your golf cart. On June 23, 2017 there will be refreshments for all participants at the Liberty Theater. The Lambda Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity conducts this annually event to honor

High School Seniors with Scholarships to attend the College or University of their choice. This is one of our Fraternity many mandated programs. This year Graduating Serniors will share $16,000.00 adding to over 300 recipients and $430,000.00 given over the past years.

Interested persons may register at the MWR Fort Benning Golf Course or any member of Lambda Iota Chaper of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc. For more information, please call Robert L. Anderson (706) 326 – 5668 or Larry Parker, Jr. (706) 573 – 3953.

1514-5th Avenue Phenix City, AL 334.298.0364

Page 13

June 8, 2017

City Manager Isaiah Hugley Seeks Community Support For Liberty District and center.

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

Four years ago in April of 2013 the 2003 Master Plan, sparked debate and opposition to the mayor’s rezoning efforts to allow the Columbus housing authority to relocate Phase I of the BTW apartments and build 100 multifamily apartments directly across from the Liberty Theatre.

According to those who served on the initial committee who were responsible for developing the “Master Plan” their argument was not that the residents of BTW were not welcome in the area, just not in front of the Liberty Theatre.

Their argument then and now has merit. The 2003 Master Plan for the Liberty District specifically states: “Develop the Liberty Theatre and the block to the east across Eighth Avenue (which is the area directly across from the Liberty Theatre) as Liberty Center, a mixed-use area of loft housing, commerce and entertainment focused on an urban space open to the community.”

They noted that the rezoning request was in direct opposi-

tion to the viability and therefore the vision of and success of the 2003 Master Plan for the Liberty District as developed by the City of Columbus with the input and buy in of its government leaders and citizens. It violated the trust of the community given to this plan...- The Strategic Concept...shows the heart of the District is and should remain the Liberty Theatre - Develop the Liberty Center surrounding the theatre as a mixed use commercial, civic, entertainment and residential anchor - Restore and enhance the commercial core of the District centered on the intersection of Eighth and Sixth Avenue.

- Provide cultural, residential, commercial, recreational and entertainment facilities at Liberty Center as a focal point of the District.

- The overwhelming repeated centering theme is serious mixed use development of Liberty Center within the Liberty district is the focus of revitalization and success in the whole of the Liberty District.

Fast forward to 2017 and the opportunity to revitalize the Liberty District is again front

The renewed interest is the result, in part due to members of Sisters Inc., the charitable arm of the Gamma Tau Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.’s expressed interest in purchasing 1.78 acres of surplus property. The property, which is currently owned by the city, is located at 835 7th Avenue and 618 9th Street in the Liberty District and had been appraised for $58,000.

However, according to City Manager Isaiah Hugley, for only the second time in the past twelve years city council asked for an additional appraisal. Ironically the first time was when another African America, Dr. Robert “Bob” Wright was interested in purchasing Golden Park.

Columbus Council received a second appraisal on land in the Liberty District Tuesday that put the appraised value at $133,500.

The amount was $75,300 more than the initial appraisal prompting Councilor Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson to ask, “Can you help me understand how it’s such a big difference in 14 days?’ Fortunately clearer heads prevailed as Hugleys recommendation to accept the first proposal passed without opposition giving other interested parties the opportunity to bid on the property.

According to Laura Johnson, Director of Community Reinvestment the city received two proposals to purchase the property, one from Sisters, Inc. and another from Joseph M. Lunsford. On May 16, 2017 they both received letters from Johnson stating: “Thank you for your submission of a proposal on April 18, 2017 to purchase the following properties owned by the Columbus Consolidated Government…”

“At this time, the city will be rejecting all proposals to purchase the above referenced properties… Prior to the disposition of these properties, the Columbus Consolidated Government will be reviewing/amending the current Liberty District Master Plan in an effort to assure that any new development will be consistent with any updates.”

The letter went on to state that the City Manager, Isaiah Hugley was planning a public meeting to gain the public’s input on how they envision the future of the Liberty District.

Needless to say something about both proposals being rejected didn’t set well with me. So I went to see Laura Johnson at her office. She informed me that she would rather I contact the City Manager with any questions I had concerning the matter.

My next visit was to the government center where Hugley was more than happy to answer my questions.

According to the City Manager he wasn’t aware that the proposals had been rejected but he did acknowledge he had scheduled one of three public meetings to reopen talks about revitalizing the Liberty District.

I was asked specifically what I thought about the two proposals being rejected and I responded that it sounded suspect to me given that his wife and State Representative Carolyn Hugley is a member of Sisters, Inc. My thoughts were that some might think Mr. Lunsford’s proposal did a better job of meeting the criteria as opposed to the AKA’s not doing so and because he may be partial to his wife’s organization receiving the bid he decided to reject both and start over. He assured me that was definitely not the case.

He went on to share with me the same vision he presented

to those gathered at the public meeting.

“... I’m looking at Uptown and how it’s redeveloped and thriving,” he said. “I’m looking at Midtown and what they’ve done. I’m looking at the panhandle and what they’ve been able to do, the north side of town and what they’ve been able to do. And now we’re working on City Village. It’s time for us in the Liberty District to come together to make it happen.”

According to Hugley his vision is that the Liberty District would be similar to and as vibrant as Broadway in Uptown Columbus. His vision includes an area with a variety of restaurants, businesses and boutique shops along with mixed housing. His hope is someone would see the potential the area has and invest in a business like “The Loft” with a restaurant downstairs and a club upstairs. “We need someone to step up and get the ball rolling”, he says.

I for one would love to see the area revitalized but it will take a collaborative and concerted effort made by individuals who are and have been vested in the area to sit together respecting the deep rooted historical legacy that currently exists and using that as building blocks toward the future.

One of the suggestions to starting the process is to form a committee that would be responsible for developing a new “Master Plan”. That would be ideal but the key to the success of the project will be determined only if the right mix of people end up on the committee. If we are serious about making this work this time that must be our focus.

And the truth of the matter is unfortunately, those who will be the first to ask to be on it, are the main individuals who should not.

June 8, 2017

PAGE 14

Let’s Grow STEAM Gets Ready For 1st Annual River City Soap Box Derby The primary goal of the Let’s Grow (STEAM)X racer clinics and community derby is to provide exciting educational experiences for youth participants in informal settings which offers lasting, positive, and meaningful impact on their future outcomes.

Our (STEAM)X experiences are committed to utilizing every opportunity to help develop our participants positive character traits, connection to community and IGNITE their love for lifelong learning as they engage in fun and educationally based activities.

Participants will also be taught lessons about sportsmanship and selfconfidence as we provide them with

the thrill of competing in a racer they build themselves.

Let’s Grow (STEAM)X believes one of the best things about derby racing – it’s a family affair! You will see single parents, grandparents, community surrogate parents, and traditional families all supporting their youth racer. Community derbies are a great connector for students and parents alike; helping to make new friends that last beyond their racing careers.

Let’s Grow (STEAM)X believes ALL children are equal when racing down a racetrack, no matter what their limitations may be.

In an effort to stay true to our intention of providing access to ALL students at no cost, our derby clinics are open to any student Pre-K thru 12 grade who desire to participate.

However, nominal fees are required for community derby rallies and races.

Students may apply for sponsorship or scholarship for rally and race fees through our program

PAGE 15

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

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5214 St. James Street Columbus, Georgia Church 706.687.6420

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June 8, 2017

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Recibir invitados en su propio verano como un jefe Lleve unos tomates cherry o uva, un paquete de tortellini congelados con salsa de pesto y algunos “bocconcini” tamaño bocadillo, que son pequeñas bolas de mozzarella en aceitunas, ya sea marinadas con hierbas y aceite de oliva o sencillas. Combine estos elementos en un plato grande, en distintas secciones, y proporcione pequeños platos de entremeses y palillos de fiesta para sus invitados.

Para obtener más ideas, recetas y consejos, visite olives.com/pearls.

Con los ingredientes correctos y una alegre disposición de la mesa, recibir invitados en verano puede ser sencillo, divertido y brillante.

(StatePoint) Haga la vida sencilla y deliciosa este verano con aperitivos, botanas y charolas de fiesta de estilo mediterráneo que están listas para servirse en un momento. No importa cuál sea la ocasión, desde barbacoas hasta graduaciones, puede disfrutar de toda una temporada de diversión al aire libre con estas ideas.

Consejos para decorary servir Elija tulipanes, girasoles y gerberas de colores vivos para poner la mesa de un modo alegre. Conjunte los platos de aperitivos con flores para crear una agradable presentación.

Cuando lleguen los invitados, póngales un vaso en la mano para que se sientan bienvenidos y listos para disfrutar sus deliciosos alimentos. La clave para recibir invitados de manera agradable es tanto estar preparado como ser parte de la fiesta. Cree una atmósfera de autoservicio que le dé a usted, el anfitrión, más libertad para disfrutar de tiempo con sus invitados.

Comida básica inteligente Con comida básica inteligente a mano, es sencillo poner en marcha la fiesta. Las aceitunas, por ejemplo, son el eje

de la dieta mediterránea. De intenso sabor, son maravillosamente versátiles. Combinadas con sabores frescos de verduras de temporada, como espárragos, tomates, pimientos morrones y pepinos, pueden darle vida a cualquier plato con una abundante y satisfactoria explosión de sabor. También se conjuntan naturalmente con cualquier queso, añadidas a la pasta o servidas con hummus, panes de estilo rústico y vinos refrescantes de verano.

Una, dos, tres brochetas Pruebe esta sabrosa idea: empiece con palillos para crear brochetas de un solo servicio que los invitados pueden llevar consigo fácilmente mientras socializan. Elija tres o cuatro distintos tipos de aceitunas, pequeños cubos de queso y rebanadas de carnes listas para comerse. Por ejemplo, comience con una Kalamata de Pearls Specialties o aceitunas rellenas de ajo. A continuación, añada una rebanada de su queso favorito cortado en pequeños cubos. Después, combínelos con una rebanada de salami, jamón ahumado o anillos salteados de sabrosas salchichas. Clave todo en un palillo para ofrecer sencillos entremeses de un bocado. Esta combinación de sabores hace

que los invitados vuelvan por más y más.

Golosinas sencillas Para lograr un impresionante plato de entremeses, cubre galletas grandes de cereal integral con una porción de hummus y rebanadas cortadas en cruz de aceitunas Kalamata.

Para agregar color, sabor y textura, pruebe un hummus de remolacha o pesto de albahaca. Combine colores y sabores añadiendo rebanadas delgadas de pepino, queso feta marinado y desmigado o una acidulada salsa de mango ya preparada. Sírvalo de inmediato para mantener crujientes las galletas. Desaparecerán rápidamente y son visualmente muy atractivas.

Barra de aceitunas hecha en casa Elija un surtido de cuatro o cinco distintos tipos de aceitunas para presentarlas en un plato grande. Para ofrecer diversidad de opciones, pruebe las aceitunas Pearls Specialties en las tiendas locales de comestibles, Target y Walmart, que ofrecen Kalamata, Greek Queens rellenas ya sea con ajo o chiles jalapeños, un surtido mezclado griego y clásicas aceitunas negras maduras de California.

Pagina 2

Councilor Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson Hosts Bus Tour of District 7

By Wane A. Hailes Eco Latino

Recently District 7 City Counselor, Evelyn “Mimi” Woodsen hosted a bus tour of her district.

Along with community citizens Police Chief Ricky Boren, City Manager Isaiah Hugley, John Hudgison Director of Building Inspections & Code Enforcement joined the group.

8 de Juno 2017