Thecourier 08 04 2016

The Vol. 11 Edition 35 Free Thursday August 4, 2016

Run-Off Election Offers Clear Mandate

The Re-Election Of Pat Hugley Green and Cathy Says To Frank Myers... No More “Plantation Politics”

Courier www.couriernews.org

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

The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 2016 Community Service Awards Featured National Recording Artist Jeffrey Osborne The Voice Of The Community

Page 9

Pastors Tell Frank Myers Enough Is Enough!

Local Pastors Fill School Board Chambers In Support Of Superintendent David Lewis Page 11 Excuse Me Ms. Jackson, Who You Wit?

Vanessa, With The “Fall Of Frank” You Only Have Six Months To Decide. Choose Wisely Page 13

Photo by Nadja Cook

Pages 5-8

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THURSDAY August 4, 2016

Really Mark?

According to the street committee there were some who were surprised when District 6 School Board member Mark Cantrell showed up at Pat Hugley Green’s victory celebration last week.

Of course on the surface, this would be what you would expect from an individual who has worked beside you for years. However, we know that Cantrell has been one who has, on numerous occasions, voted with Frank Myers and John Thomas. Recently, however, Mark has been the subject of Myers ire most notably receiving one of Frank’s infamous text messages threatening to unseat him during the next election. So where some may see it as an innocent gesture, the street committee sees it as a woeful attempt to align himself with black folks who are not afraid of Myers bullying tactics and were able to ward off his attempts to boot them from the board. All we can say to Mark is, Good luck with that! Unless your voting habits change you are on your own with Frank.

The Street Committee

Don’t Hold Your Breath!

The street committee wonders if Joann Thomas Brown and or Shelia Williams made congratulatory phone calls to their opponents after last week’s election?

At least being co-workers they will have each other to console. That’s going to be some post election staff meeting though.

We Have Got To Do Better!

The street committee is embarrassed to even share these numbers with a people who should know better. In the recent run-off election between Pat Hugley Green and Joann Thomas Brown in District 1, it should be noted that there are 15, 903 registered voters however, only 1420 actually voted. In the District 7 race between Cathy Williams and Shelia Williams there are 11,261 registered voters, only 607 actually voted. According to the street committee the problem isn’t registering people to vote, the problem is making sure they go to the polls and actually cast a ballot. This right here is a damn shame!

So you mean to tell me 2027 individuals decided who would represent our children out of 27,164? Something is definitely wrong with this picture. There are a whole lot of ancestors turning over in their graves right now in disgust.

“Puppet Boy” Silenced..

His Strings Have Been Cut The street committee has received numerous phone calls about the dismantling of the troll accounts that were set up

by Frank Myers operative, “Puppet Boy”, most notably “The Real Courier”. One has to wonder if Kinetic Credit had anything to do with it. It is not unusual for corporations to have policies and procedures in place along with moral clauses that prohibits certain behavior Easy choice huh “Puppet Boy? Employment or First Ammendment rights. Have two seats and stay seated

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 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 Visit Us Online At: www.couriernews.org

A VIEW FROM A PEW

THURSDAY AUGUST 4, 2016

2,027 vs 27,164, There’s No Excuse For This!

3

We have either forgotten, didn’t know or worse, no longer care that it took three constitutional amendments, the 14th, 15th and 24th before we as African Americans could vote in the United States.

African Americans weren’t given the right to vote in the U.S. until 1869.

The fact that so many people fought for the right to vote and to this day, we are still fighting against discriminatory practices that hinder our civic right makes it more embarrassing when we have a turnout like we did at our recent run-off election.

In the recent election between Pat Hugley Green and Joann Thomas Brown in District 1, out of 15,903 registered voters only 1420 actually voted.

In the District 7 race between Cathy Williams and Shelia Williams of 11,261 registered voters, only 607 actually voted.

That means a grand total of 2017 actual voters out of 27,164 registered voters made a decision that will last for the next four years.

Locally, there are more African Americans than any other demographic who are registered to vote in Muscogee County. We have the numbers to affect any election in the future.

I propose it is time for the NAACP, Urban League, IMA and any other concerned organization to redirect our resources from registering voters to getting those who are registered to the polls.

We can’t allow this to continue. We just can’t!

Wane A. Hailes

An Editorial Cartoon Say What? You’re Worrying Me About That Measly 30 Pieces of Silver? Shelia You Need To Shut The Hell Up And Take Your Ass Back To Work!

And Frank, Fooling With Your Ass, Not Only Have I Lost This Election After Spending Close To $30,000 Of My Own Damn Money, But Now I’ve Got All Kinds Of Folks All Up In My Damn Business!

The Hell With You And Josh!

Don’t Call me No More!

Now, Now Ladies Let’s Calm Down!

This Was Not My Fault!

It Was Those Damn Preachers! I Don’t Know Where The Hell They Came From Or How They Were Able To Rally Their Congregations So Quickly!

Besides I’ve Got Problems Of My Own Like What To Tell Josh And The Others!

In The Meantime Margaritas & Tacos On Me!

Frank, You Lied.

You Said You Would Make Me A Board Member, Some Wizard You Hey JoAnn, Do You Think They Going To Want Us To Give Them Those 30 Pieces Of Silver?

School Are! Are Back

COVER STORY

Page 5

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

2016 Community Service Awards

Each year the Courier Eco Latino Newspaper recognizes 25 individuals or organizations that have provided distinguished service to the African American, Hispanic and other minority communities. Additionally we recognize one individual annually with our prestigious Publishers Award. This year we added an additional recognition, the first annual Harold “Lefty” Encarnacion Community Servant Award in recognition of Harold Encarnacion, business leader and community servant who passed away on October 13, 2015.

This year’s Publishers Award went to Juanita Booker. Well-educated, dedicated, and talented she spent her entire career in education with the Muscogee County School District, beginning as a teacher for 12 years, then as a director of guidance at two junior high schools for 13 years, and finally as the coordinator of guidance services for the Muscogee County School District for 20 years. She retired on March 12, 1998, after 45 years of exemplary service to the students of Muscogee County.

August 4, 2016

The First Annual Harold “Lefty” Encarnacion Community Servant Award was presented to City Councilor Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson. Elected in 1995 as a city council member representing District 7 in Columbus, Georgia, she has the distinction of being the first Hispanic to hold political office in the state of Georgia. She along with “Lefty” are the co-founders of the Tri-City Latino Festival, which is now in its 4th year.

An added attraction this year included national recording artist Jeffrey Osborne.

The Grammy award-winning artist sang for over an hour serenading the sold out crowd with all of his hit songs.

Also performing were singer songwriter Allen Cook from Atlanta, Georgia and Generational Voices from Columbus, Georgia.

Photos By Horace Photography

August 4, 2016

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Photos By Horace Photography

OUR 2016 COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

Sherricka Day Crayons, Crafts & Kids

Dolores Blanco Community Volunteer

Randalette Williams Books, Boyz & Barbershops

Pastor Lowell Cliatt Tree Of Life

Shawn Raleigh O.M.N.I.

Shalon Chester Columbus Girl Scouts

Michael King CCGTV

Rodney Mahone Columbus Ledger

Trenna Trice UNCF

Andrew McBride Boy Scouts

Rev. Corey Neal Greater Peace Baptist

Commissioner Ronnie Reed

Dominick Perkins Perkins & Associates

Vernita Harris Delta Sigma Theta

Toya Winder Community Center

Darrell Grissom Community Volunteer

William Rockemor Clothing Connection

Cheryl Johnson WCGCC

*Photos unavailable for Warren Steele, Jerry Latta and Dr. Cathy Cook

Photos By Horace Photography

August 4, 2016

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Photos By Horace Photography

Photos By Horace Photography

COVER STORY

Page 9

August 4, 2016

Pat Hugley Green And Cathy Williams Win! Run-Off Election Offers Clear Mandate To Frank Myers...

No More “Plantation Politics”

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

It’s official. After five months of innuendos, threats, distortions of facts and flat out lies, it is clear a mandate has been set. With the re-election of Pat Hugley Green and Cathy Williams, school board member Frank Myers has been neutered as it relates to his ability to gain control of the board.

Since 2010, beginning with the election of Jerry “Pops” Barnes, Myers has been practicing “plantation politics” with our community. The act of elevating select individuals of a minority group over the larger collective was used by European powers to control their colonies. Frank Myers adoption of this practice, and his recruitment of African American candidates from our community to run against our African American incumbents have been viewed as “picking political cotton”, with him serving as the overseer.

In 2012 Myers continued his “plantation politics” with his “Boot The Board” efforts, however, given the results of the current election, there is no doubt that his stranglehold on our African American community has been forever loosened. It is clear that neither he nor anyone else, not of our community, will ever again be allowed to tell us what they are going to do and precede to do it without fear of consequence.

With the resurrection of the unified voice

of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, our Black elected officials as well as our grassroots leaders standing as one, the future recruitment of individuals such as Vanessa Jackson, Shelia Williams and Dr. Joann Thomas Brown, who can be easily swayed by outside influences who do not have our best interest at heart, will no longer be tolerated.

As with most bullies, we are sure there will be some effort by Myers to “save face”, if you will, by trying to reach out to members of the African American community. After all he needs to prove to his “white buddies he still has some control over the Black community.

However, as the result of the covers now having been pulled back from him revealing his tactics of deceit and deception, we expect, and anticipate the leaders of the Caucasian community to soon step in and chastise him for his actions.

Why, because his disruptive behavior and actions threatens to unravel the years of racial cohesiveness leaders in our respective community’s have worked so hard to achieve.

With recent state test scores showing Muscogee County School District not only outperforming the other districts in Georgia’s second-tier cities but also outperforming three counties in science and social studies at every grade level tested, from third to eighth grade it is time to move forward.

The re-election of Green and Williams, is a testament that the concerned voters in Districts 1 and 7 have sent a clear mandate that Dr. David Lewis’s plan is working and they have confidence in their two elected officials to assist him in the continued implementation of the same.

Their mandate to Frank Myers and John Thomas is to either get on board, or get out of the way. The train is about to leave the station and they don’t care if they are on it or not. If they do decide to get on board, the both of them need to find a seat and unless they have something constructive to say the need to keep their mouths shut.

By the way, according to our street committee there is a concerted effort growing in the Caucasian community to “Boot The Two” from the board. As a matter of fact I believe there is also a new website called: “NoMoreFrankandJohn.com

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August 4 2016

Metropolitan Baptist Church 1635 5th Avenue . Columbus, Georgia 706.322.1488

Service Schedule

Sunday School 9:30 A.M Sunday Worship 11:00 A.M Monday Night Prayer 6:00 P.M Tuesday Bible Study 12:00 P.M & 5:30 P.M

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

First African Baptist Church

Pastor Curtis Crocker, Jr.

901 5th Avenue

P ROGRESSIVE F UNERAL H OME

Columbus, Georgia

Sunday Worship Sunday School 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship 11A.M. Transportation Provided

Call 706-323-3367 Sr. Pastor Roderick Green

Evergreen Covington, CEO

4236 St. Mary’s Road

Columbus, Georgia 31907

706.685.8023

evergreenfc@mediacombb.net

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COVER STORY

August 4, 2016

Pastor’s Speak Out...Tell Frank Myers, Enough Is Enough Proving that, “a hit dog will holler”, although his name was never mentioned, Frank Myers spoke up saying, “I know who you’re talking about. I guess I’m the 800-pound gorilla in the room.”

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

In the words of the hip hop trio De La Soul; “Glory, glory hallelu” and may I add Amen! Not since the early 90’s with Rev. James Swanson, the late Rev. Tony Thompson and the late Rev. Johnnie Flakes, Jr. have I seen the pastors of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance in Columbus, Georgia stand unified with one voice and make a difference in Columbus, Georgia.

As the scriptures says in Ecclesiastes “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to keep silence, and a time to speak. And that was the case on Monday, July 18th when 40 members of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and their respective parishioners, led by the organizations

president, Rev. Ralph Huling, descended upon the Muscogee County School Board meeting and addressed its members.

Huling, speaking on behalf of those present, explained, “We just want to let you know that we have our eyes on this board, we’re here to support the superintendent, and some things that have been done in the past no longer are acceptable.” He also addressed the attempts by some on the board to micromanage the administration, trying to “stack the board” and his “mafiastyle” tactics to unseat incumbents.

Huling took his seat to a standing ovation, which included school board members, Pat Hugley Green of District 1, Athavia Senior from District 3 and Shannon Smallman of District 7.

Myers then proceeded to mention the board members he helped elect since he’s been “trying to help fix this education system for 14 years.” Those members included Pat Hugley Green and Naomi Buckner of District 4. “If that’s stacking the deck, then I’m stacking the deck.”

However Athavia A.J. Senior quickly responded; “Four years ago, he was looking for candidates that he could control, candidates who would do what he wanted to do, so that he can tell this board and control it in a hostile takeover and run it,” Senior said. “…

Four years ago, when I took this seat in January and raised my hand and voted a certain way, he became a hostile enemy. I was attacked, I was bullied and I was threatened

by Mr. Myers.”

Pat Hugley Green also spoke up in an effort to “set the record straight.” She reminded Myers that other individuals and groups helped her get elected besides him such as members of the IMA, the Democratic Party and area

fraternity and sorority members. “They got my message out to the voters, not to have any strings attached to me,” she said, “but for me to do what’s right.”

There is no mistaking that over the years I have had my qualms regarding the African American clergy in this community. I have also had no problem voicing my concerns, but the truth of the matter is that this was an evening to be proud of our clergy.

Rev. Huling was articulate, forthright, on point and focused. He didn’t preach a sermon and he wasn’t backing down.

When Myers attempted to speak down to him, “Rev.” put him in his place telling him, “We are not your old time preachers. We are educated, degreed individuals. This is who you are dealing with”.

The crowd exploded with applause as Myers turned “beet red”.

It is refreshing to know that we now have an organization we can turn to when faced with issues that concern our community. What I witnessed, today’s IMA is an organization that will not be afraid to speak up on our behalf.

In the words of “Old Mr. Johnson” from The Color Purple”, “The dead has arisen”.

Who’s Got Next?...

PAGE 12

August 4, 2016

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”

Dominick Perkins

the Free and Accepted Mason’s, President of the Muscogee County Young Democrats and Campaign Committee Chair of the Young Democrats, Perkins has not only built a door for himself, but a passage way for others to follow.

Zuleika Amin

Georgia to be closer to her mother. With Columbus having a slower atmosphere than Atlanta Zulieka soon became eager to find a new venture and immediately began thinking of a way she could start her own business and be able to give back to her community at the same time.

Although diversity in politics has improved, Dominick Perkins understands that white men still dominate at all levels, that’s why as a Political Consultant there’s never a time you’ll find him slacking during election time or in it’s off season. “In order for the most under served of our population to be heard, people like me, who work in politics and grew up as poor minorities, have a responsibility to be their voice in politics,” explains Perkins.

By Nadine Haralson The Courier

It’s not always often that you will find a young minority truly interested in politics. Well, you may, but not one so heavily involved, with as much passion, purpose and with sincere dedication as Dominick Perkins.

Born and raised in Columbus, Georgia and having grown up in Benning Hills, Dominick made the decision at a young that he didn’t want to become another statistical product of his environment.

Holding on to that thought, in 2000 he graduated from Spencer High School, continuing on to obtain several degrees, an AA in International Affairs (Georgia Military college), a BS in Political Science (Georgia Southern University), and a Masters degree in International Relations (Troy University).

“I’m just a firm believer, that if opportunity doesn’t knock, then build a door”, states Perkins. As a proud member of

In May of 2016 Amin became a business owner with the opening of Zone Barbershop located near Peachtree Mall. Zone is a multicultural shop with a diverse staff with many talents that caters to men and women.

“The idea, that men can come in receive a nice tailored cut, a pedicure/manicure, and relax is good business” say Amin.

When not out rallying for positive city officials, Dominick is encouraging the students of Vincennes University (Ft. Benning) where he’s the Political Science instructor to become more politically aware and engaged by offering them an opportunity to actually be a part of the process. “When I share my story I often see a sparkle in their eye.”

Dominick explains that his biggest achievements are the successful campaigns he’s been a part of and knowing that he helped a good candidate get elected or reelected is his personal reward. “When an elected official I worked with helps pass a law, enact a new ordinance, or starts a new program that impacts the lives of middle class, poor and minority citizens, I feel a sense of accomplishment” says Dominick.”

If the purpose of human life is to serve, show compassion and the will to help others, then Dominick Perkins is on the right path.

Facebook.com/DominickPerkins Twitter: @Dom4thewin.

By Nadine Haralson

Zuleika Amin is a Georgia native. She attended Clark Atlanta University where she graduated with honors and received her Bachelors in Psychology. After several years as a restaurant manager Amin decided to return to school to receive her Masters in Human Resource. Upon graduation she held a position as a Human Resource specialist for the Atlanta, Georgia public school system.

In 2012 she moved to Columbus,

Zuleika feels that bringing confidence and boosting clients self-esteem through cuts and hairstyles is a positive influence that affects everyone and the community like a domino affect. When a person feels good about him or herself they will pass it on to the next individual.

With a philosophy of “just do it” Amin’s goal is also to be a positive influence and role model for here eleven-yearold son Jaylen, who she loves to spend every free moment with. “I really just wanted to own something that I can help other people,” explains Zuleika, “my goal is not to become rich but to be able to give back.”

For more information on how to become part of The Zone Barbershop you can contact Zuleika Amin at (706822-2505

COVER STORY

Page 13

Ms. Jackson, This Could Get Nasty But The Choice Is Up To You! Now Ms. Jackson, as a director of Childcare Network with 20 years of experience in early childhood care and education, I feel compelled to give you the benefit of the doubt that in your own early school year’s you were not one of those individuals standing on the corner dressed in a Onesie, wearing a football helmet and cowboy boots waiting patiently for the short bus. I want to do this although the fact Myers so easily swayed you implores me to think otherwise.

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

(To the tune of “Nasty Girl” by Vanity 6) Ms. Jackson: Last March Frank was pleased to meet you He was quick to tell you his name He made you believe in his mystery Even convinced you to play his game

From March To July you were living a fantasy Your own little Frank Myers world But July 26, reality brought it home Come 2017 January 1, You will be all alone

I want to suggest to you that by the time you take office in January, Frank Myers efforts to control the board will have been completely neutralized. I clearly understand what he may have told you back in March, when he recruited you to run against Athavia “A.J.” Senior for District 3, but you must know by now all of that has changed dramatically.

Five months ago, when he convinced you that he had the power to get you, Shelia Williams and Joann Thomas Brown elected and together with him and John Thomas he would have the votes necessary to control the board, I can imagine seeing the three of you jumping around with glee oblivious to the fact that he was just using your egos to control the three of you like puppets on a string for his own personal motives, thus my cartoon.

But I am past that now because, out of the three of you, you were the only one successful in your bid for election.

Trust me when I tell you this, however, if the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance had been fully aware of what Myers was up to prior to the May election, you would be sitting somewhere with Shelia and Joann, braiding each others hair, talking about “woulda’, coulda’ shoulda’.

Come January 2017 will be your time, however, to prove that your shoe size isn’t higher than your IQ and depending on how you respond to the first voting opportunity in opposition to Myers and Thomas will determine our willingness to welcome you back to “the neighborhood”. After all as Donnie says, “We Fall Down, but we get back up again”. Besides you may have just “bumped your head.”

In six months, without the covering of Frank, you are going to find yourself all alone with an important decision to make. That decision will present itself in a question, and that question, in the words of the late Bernie Mac is, “Who You Wit? And Ms. Jackson, please let’s not be cute by saying, you’re “wit” the kids. As has been previously determined you’re already straddling the fence of doubt intellectually, so don’t insult my intelligence by acting as if you are clueless regarding what is being asked of you.

August 4, 2016

As I close Vanessa, I can call you Vanessa can’t I? I ask because regardless of the outcome I believe we are destined to be close, in any case, the choice is yours.

I will leave you alone for now, giving you plenty of time to mull over this article, what has transpired these past five months and what is ahead for you in the future.

As a community we hope you make the right choice. When you do, please know we will welcome you home with open arms. As a matter of fact, just in case we are sleep when you come to your senses, we’ll leave the door open and the light on for you. And you’ll find a fried bologna sandwich on the stove and a fresh pitcher of “red” Kool-Aid waiting for you in the fridge.

If not, then Ms. Jackson, it’s gonna get “Nasty”.

PAGE 14

Albert Jones IV

COURIER KIDS

Albert Jones IV (6) is the son of Albert and Brittney Jones and older brother to Julius Jones. Soon to be a first grader young Albert is already making a name for himself in the academic world. While attending Double Churches Elementary for Pre-K he received the “Good Citizens” award and he was one of four students to receive the “Principal’s Award” at Downtown Elementary Academy.

He has been accepted into the magnet program for this upcoming year.

His favorite subject is science.

When Albert isn’t focusing on school he likes to spend his free time hanging out with his family, camping, fishing, and catching bugs and frogs with his mom, dad and little brother.

As of now, being a future first grader is pretty demanding, so young Mr. Jones isn’t quite sure of what the future holds, but feels he could be whatever he wants to be as long as he is a good boy and follows the rules.

Anza Fraizer

August 4, 2016

YAnza Fraizer (11) is the Daughter of Rashonda Frazier, and she will be attending Eddy Middle School as a sixth grader this school year.

Last year as a fifth grade student at Key Elementary, Anza maintained her position as an A/B honor roll student with Math and Science being her favorite subject. During last years 2015/2016 academic calendar year she was part of the Math and Science Club. She participated in the Reading Bowl as well as the school Spelling Bee where she was runner up. She also received the highest score in English Language Arts on the Georgia Milestone as a Key Student.

In Ms. Anza’s free time she likes to draw, dance, and hang out with her friends who often refer to her as funny, outgoing and the life of the party.

As for the future Anza Fraizer would one day like to be a fashion designer.

Request for Proposals

RFP No. 17-0005 Snack Machine Vending Services for Various Locations (Annual Contract) Due: August 19, 2016 – 5:00 PM Heather Scheuttig, Buyer RFB No. 17-0007 Dispensers and Liquid Laundry Detergents (Annual Contract) Due: August 17, 2016 – 2:30 PM Kevin Robertson, Buyer RFB No. 17-0006 Traffic Safety Equipment (Annual Contract) Due: August 10, 2016 – 2:30 PM Heather Scheuttig, Buyer

RFB No. 17-0002 South Lumpkin Trail – Phase II Due: July 20, 2016 – 2:30 PM Della Lewis, Buyer Specialist RFB No. 17-0004

Paper Products & Related Supplies for Columbus Civic Center and Ice Rink

Due: August 3, 2106 – 2:30 PM Heather Scheuttig, Buyer

Sealed responses must be received and time/date stamped by the due date shown above, by the Finance Department/Purchasing Division of Columbus Consolidated Government, 100 Tenth Street, Columbus, GA 31901.

To obtain specifications, visit the City's website at http://www.columbusga.org/finance/Excel_Docs/Bid_Opportunities.htm, notify the Buyer via email hscheuttig@columbusga.org, fax 706.653.4109 or telephone 706.653.4105.

Andrea J. McCorvey, CPPB Purchasing Division Manager

Page 15

COVER STORY

A Weekend To Remember in Columbus friends of one’s youth, because there is something special about friendships that were cultivated in an environment when one could express themselves without holding back or worry about families and the weight of life in the “real world”.

By Nadja Cook Special To The Courier

Have you ever had one of those moments you did something out of character, were in peace with the impromptu decision made, and the whole event turned out much better than you ever imagined because you chose to go with the flow? Well, that is just what happened on a late weekend in July.

One afternoon, my musician husband, Allen, informed me that he was invited by a long lost college buddy to do a gig in Columbus, Georgia for an awards ceremony for his company. I usually am not able to go to my husband’s gigs since spouses are not allowed, but in this case I asked if his friend would allow me to tag along. I was up for getting out of the house and spending a night away with him and even being part of this mini reunion.

Also, I love to take pictures and was looking forward to acquiring more images for my collection. Hence, Allen promptly contacted his friend and to my delight, not only did he invite me, he offered for me to sit at his table for the event.

The drive down to Columbus from Snellville (for those who are not familiar, that is a town next to Stone Mountain, GA) went without a hitch. As we arrived at the venue, I could see and feel the excitement in my husband’s voice as soon as he spotted his long lost college friend, Wane Hailes.

As he parked the car and got out to hug one another, another friend of theirs, Don (aka Donald Clemons) who they had not seen in almost four decades also pulled up and more hugging commenced. It really reminded me later the importance of keeping in touch with

The award ceremony hosted by The Courier Eco Latino newspaper, Wane Haile’s company, was a success. In the process, I had the pleasure of meeting his hard-working, beautiful wife, Valerie, his daughters, guests and even the legendary Jeffery Osborne who did a phenomenal job of entertaining everyone there. As I ran my eyes through the articles of the well-organized, complimentary magazine, The Courier Eco Latino, laid on the seats, I was amazed at how many people and groups were involved in making a difference in the lives of their community in a small city such as Columbus. It made me wonder how many black and Latino people throughout history had never been acknowledged for the work they invested for their communities. It also got me thinking how many of these people had to work hard, like a salmon swimming upstream, in a hostile climate created by a handful of powerful few that control most outcomes, in order to arrive where they did and those who are still fighting the “good” fight. I was raised overseas all my youth and many of the issues that continue to plague the black and Latino communities rarely took place in my environment, so I always feel like an outsider looking in.

However, my husband experienced many still ongoing matters throughout his youth in inner city St.Louis so he has more of an emotional connection with the issues at hand. It was great to have been invited to partake in the celebration of all those folks who had achieved so much and made a difference in one fashion or the other.

The next day Allen and I had the pleasure of driving around Columbus and visiting Columbus State University, the Museum, and the well-developed, clean and friendly down-town area. Wane joined us and Don to walk the River Walk while catching up on the 40 years of events of their lives. Needless to say, I was enjoying the many photoop moments and soaking in the summer sun while marveling at how

beautifully this whole area was developed considering what this entire area used to look like through historical pictures. (I did research and read on the history of this city).

I am very thankful for this short but powerful and relaxing trip. I learned much about several people by asking many pointed questions, because that is the only way to get to know them beyond superficial conversation. It was genuinely wonderful to see old friends reunite and bond and rekindle their friendships. I came home inspired to share my experience with close friends, so perhaps they could connect with those in Columbus in the near future to do projects in spite of the two hour distance. However, last, but not least, I appreciated the honesty, transparency and courage of Wane Hailes and

August 4, 2016

his wife for what they have been doing and continue to do in this hostile, selfcentered, narcissistic society and stand with those who are desperate to put out the truth even though it may cost them dearly and they may be eventually silenced. Ahhh… the paradox of fighting for peace and justice for the advancement of humanity. As our three children grow up and are introduced little by little to society and have to make decisions of their own, my hope and prayer is that they will grab the bull by the horn and choose to make their community a better place with the help of our Creator, by doing their part.

We have been kindly invited back for next year’s ceremony. I look forward to more adventures and stimulating conversation as well as results ordained

by God.

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PAGE 17

August 4, 2016

Page 18

Rho Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc Attends AKA National Convention

August 4, 2016

By Staff The Courier

Members of the Rho Rho Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc attended the 67th AKA Boule July 914th in Atlanta, GA. With over 22,000 members in attendance, chapter members participated in several Boule Service Projects in which they initiated in the Tri-City area throughout the program year.

Those projects, part of the Sorority’s themed ‘Launching New Dimensions in Service’ included One Million

Backpacks, Seasonal Wraps, CPR Training and Demonstrations, Little Dresses for Africa, 1908 Playground Project, Childhood Hunger Initiative, ASCEND program for high school students, and Think HBCU to name a few.

The event set a State of Georgia and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. record for the largest seated dinner at the Georgia World Congress Center with 22,000 people being served on July 13. The next AKA Boule will be held in Houston, Texas in 2018.

Thank You! Your Vote Of Confidence Is Important To Me! I Look Forward To Continuing Our Work Together Towards Improving The Muscogee County School System For Our Children

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PAGINA 5

Jueves 4 de Agosto 2016

PAGE 4 world in 2013—the last year for which U.N. statistics are available. That year, Honduras had the world’s highest per capita homicide rate, at 90.4 homicides per 100,000 people; El Salvador ranked fourth, with a rate of 41.2 homicides per 100,000 people; and Guatemala was fifth, with a rate of 39.9 homicides per 100,000 people.

Since then, the situation in El Salvador has dramatically worsened following the 2014 breakdown of a 2012 truce between two of its largest and most powerful street gangs: MS-13 and Barrio 18. In 2015, El Salvador became the most dangerous country in the Western Hemisphere, with a homicide rate of 108.5 per 100,000. This made it 24 times more dangerous than the United States, which had a homicide rate of 4.5 per 100,000 in 2014. The violence in some of these countries’ cities is even worse. For example, San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, averaged one murder every hour in August 2015—the highest number of murders since the end of the country’s horrific civil war in 1992.5 The 2015 homicide rates in both Honduras and Guatemala improved to 62.5 and 29.2 homicides per 100,000 people, respectively.

To put these numbers into context, other countries in Central America—such as Costa Rica, at 8.5 homicides per 100,000 people; Nicaragua, at 11.3 homicides per 100,000 people; and Panama, at 17.2 homicides per 100,000 people—all had significantly lower homicide rates in 2013. Nicaragua, for example, is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, yet it is far safer than all of the Northern Triangle countries.

These safety differentials help explain why some from the Northern Triangle countries are fleeing not only to the United States but also to neighboring countries. From 2008 to 2014, the United Nations documented a 1,179 percent increase in Salvadoran, Guatemalan, and Honduran asylum applications in Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Belize. From the beginning of fiscal year 2014, more than 120,000 unaccompanied children and an additional 120,000 people in family units—generally mothers with children—have come to the United States.

El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala also rank among the top four in terms of femicide rates—the killing of women and girls— globally. Last year, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR, released a report revealing that women who fled the Northern Triangle and Mexico for the United States described “being raped, assaulted, extorted, and threatened by members of criminal armed groups, including gangs and drug cartels.”

High homicide and femicide rates are not the only indicator of rampant crime and violence in the Northern Triangle. Extortion, for

Jueves 4 de Agosto 2016 example, is endemic. It is estimated that residents of these three countries pay a total of at least $641 million in extortion annually. The latest available statistics also show a sevenfold increase in kidnapping in El Salvador between 2012 and 2013.

These levels of crime and violence across the Northern Triangle did not arise in a vacuum: They are fueled by profound economic insecurity. More than 40 percent of Salvadorans live in poverty—and more than 12.5 percent live in extreme poverty. The economic situation is even worse in Guatemala and Honduras. In Guatemala, 54.8 percent of people live in poverty and 29.1 percent live in extreme poverty, whereas, in Honduras, those figures are 69.2 percent and 45.6 percent, respectively.

Poverty, however, is not the region’s only economic challenge. Inequality—a longstanding feature of Central American economies—remains staggering across the Northern Triangle. Based on the latest available comprehensive data from 2011, Honduras and Guatemala rank among the bottom 12 countries in the world in terms of their Gini coefficients—a figure used to measure income and consumption disparity—while El Salvador ranks 30th. The rankings place the Northern Triangle nations among countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the poorest in Latin America and the Caribbean, such as Angola, the Central African Republic, South Africa, Haiti, and Zambia.

The region’s economic challenges are exacerbated by a relative lack of global competitiveness. Guatemala, at 78; Honduras, at 88; and El Salvador, at 95, all rank in the bottom half of the 140 countries examined in the 2015 World Economic Forum’s “Global Competitiveness Index.” Each ranking is weighed down significantly by the business cost of crime and violence, where the countries rank near dead last: Honduras, at 133; El Salvador, at 137; and Guatemala, at 138.

Although Central America launched a regional economic integration system in 1993 with the creation of the Central American Economic Integration System, or SICA, effective integration has been hampered by— among other factors—a lack of critical cross-border infrastructure that has held back the region’s global competitiveness.

Deeply dysfunctional judiciaries across the Northern Triangle also contribute to the region’s run-away levels of crime and violence, as well as its lack of economic development and competitiveness. Impunity is a fact of life in the region: The vast majority of serious crimes go unpunished by judiciaries that are either corrupt, institutionally incapable of effective prosecution, or both.

The inability of courts to administer justice and protect basic rights serves as an enormous deterrent to investment in the region,

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 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 Visit Us Online At: www.couriernews.org

which could drive expanded economic development.

All of these factors—extreme poverty; a lack of opportunity; a dysfunctional justice system; and astonishingly high rates of violence and crime—combine to push children and families out of the region. This report, along with a companion report focusing on shortterm recommendations, lay out a comprehensive approach to the Northern Triangle refugee issue. Given the deep roots of the challenges facing the Northern Triangle countries, there is no simple solution—this crisis will not be solved overnight.

Thus, this report provides two sets of pro

posals: medium and long term. The medium-term recommendations focus on refugee processing solutions both in the countries of origin and across the region, giving children and families a place to flee in the region without having to make the dangerous journey to the United States. The long-term recommendations, meanwhile, aim to tackle the root causes of violence, poverty, and insecurity facing the Northern Triangle. These focus on integrating U.S. efforts—within the U.S. bureaucracy and across the Northern Triangle—as well as efforts by the United States and Central America to enhance economic development, promote the rule of law, and target illicit networks.

Pagina 2

Jueves 4 de Agosto 2016

Un plan para abordar la situación de los refugiados Centroamericanos a medio y largo plazo

Por Dan Restrepo and Silva Mathema Center For American Progress Introducción y resumen Es imposible poder entender el flujo de refugiados viniendo desde Guatemala, Honduras, y El Salvador – colectivamente conocidos como los países del Triángulo Norte de Centroamérica – sin entender las condiciones económicas y de seguridad de estos tres países. A pesar de diferencias importantes, los tres países del Triángulo Norte están entre los lugares más pobres de las Américas y más violentos del mundo.

Basado en estadísticas de la Oficina de las Naciones Unidas Contra la Droga y el Delito, o UNODC (por sus siglas en ingles), Guatemala, Honduras, y El Salvador eran tres de los cinco países más peligrosos del mundo en el 2013 – el último año para cual el ONU tenía estadísticas disponibles. Ese año, Honduras tenía la tasa de homicidio per cápita más alta del mundo con 90,4 homicidios por cada 100.000 personas; El Salvador cayó en 4to lugar, con la tasa de homicidio en 41,2 homicidios por cada 100.000 personas; y Guatemala cayó en 5to, con la tasa de homicidio de 39,9 personas por cada 100.000 personas.

Desde entonces, la situación en El Salvador ha empeorado dramáticamente siguiendo la ruptura en el 2014 de un pacto del 2012 entre las dos pandillas callejeras más poderosas: MS-13 y el Barrio 18. En el 2015, El Salvador clasificó

como el país más peligroso del Hemisferio Occidental, con una tasa de homicidio de 108,5 homicidios por cada 100.00 personas. Est o resulto en que el país se encontrara 24 veces más peligroso que los Estados Unidos, tuvo una tasa de homicidio de 4,5 por cada 100.000 personas en el 2014. La violencia en ciudades de unos de estos países es todavía peor. Por ejemplo, San Salvador, la capital de El Salvador, tenía un promedio de un asesinato cada hora durante agosto del 2015 – el número más alto de asesinatos desde el fin de la horrífica guerra civil en el 1992.

La tasa de homicidio en el 2015 de Honduras y Guatemala ha mejorado a 62,5 y 29,2 homicidios por cada 100.00 personas, respectivamente.

Para poner estas cifras en contexto, otros países en Centroamérica – como Costa Rica, con 8,5 homicidios por cada 100.000 personas; Nicaragua, con 11,3 homicidios por cada 100.000 personas; y Panamá, con 17,2 homicidios por cada 100.000 personas – tuvieron tasas de homicidio considerablemente más bajas en el 2013. Nicaragua, por ejemplo, a pesar de ser el segundo país más pobre en todo el Hemisferio Occidental, es más seguro que todos los países del Triángulo Norte.

Estas diferenciales de seguridad pueden ayudar a explicar por qué individuos de los países del Triángulo Norte están huyendo no solamente hacía los Estados Unidos pero también a los países vecinos. Entre el 2008 y el 2014, el ONU documentó un aumento de 1.179 por ciento en aplicaciones de asilo Salvadoreñas, Hondureñas, y Guatemaltecas en México, Panamá, Nicaragua,

Costa Rica, y Beliz. Desde el comienzo de año fiscal 2014, más de 120.000 menores sin acompañantes y otras 120.00 más personas en familias, usualmente madres e hijos, han llegado a los Estados Unidos.

El Salvador, Honduras, y Guatemala también están clasificados entre los cuatro países en el mundo con las tasas más altas de homicidio contra mujeres y niñas, o femicidio.

El año anterior, la agencia de la ONU para los refugiados, ACNUR, hizo público un informe revelando que las mujeres quienes huyeron del Triángulo Norte y México para los Estados Unidos describieron que “fueron violadas, asaltadas, extorsionadas, y amenazadas por miembros de grupos criminales, incluyendo pandillas y los carteles de droga.”

Altas tasas de homicidio y femicidio no son los únicos indicadores de crimen rampante y de violencia dentro del Triángulo Norte. La extorsión, por ejemplo, es endémica. Es estimado que los residentes de estos tres países pagan un total de por lo menos $641 millones en extorsiones anualmente. Las estadísticas más recientes y disponibles informan que hubo un aumento de siete veces más en los secuestros en El Salvador entre los años 2012 y 2013.

Estos niveles de crimen y violencia a través del Triángulo Norte no vino por caso de un vacío: son alimentados por una profunda inseguridad económica. Más de 40 por ciento de los Salvadoreños viven en pobreza – y más de 12,5 porciento viven en pobreza extrema. La situación económica es todavía peor en Guatemala y Honduras. En Guatemala, el 54,8 por ciento de la gente vive en pobreza y el 29,1 por ciento vive en pobreza extrema, mientras que en Honduras las cifras son 69,2 por ciento y 45,6 por ciento, respectivamente.

La pobreza, a pesar de todo,

no es el único problema económico dentro esta región.

La disparidad económica – una característica persistente de las economías centroamericanas – sigue impactando a la región del Triángulo Norte. Basado en las últimas estadísticas disponibles del 2011, Honduras y Guatemala califican entre los 12 países más bajos del mundo en términos de su coeficiente de Gini – una cifra usada para medir la disparidad entre los ingresos y el consumo de un país – mientras que El Salvador califica en la posición número 30. Estas calificaciones ponen a los países del Triángulo Norte entre los países de África subsahariana, al igual que los países más pobres de Latinoamérica y del Caribe, como Angola, la República Centroafricana, Sudáfrica, Haití, y Zambia.

Los problemas económicos de esta región son empeorados por una falta de competición global. Guatemala, en el puesto 78; Honduras, en el puesto 88; y El Salvador, en el puesto 95, todos clasifican en la mitad baja de los 140 países examinados en el “Índice Global de Competitividad Económica” del Foro Económico Mundial en el 2015. Cada rango es pesado significadamente por el costo empresario del crimen y la violencia, y los países en los últimos lugares son Honduras, en el puesto 133, El Salvador, en el puesto 137, y Guatemala, en el puesto 138. Aunque Centroamérica lanzó un programa regional económico de integración en 1993 con la creación del Sistema de la Integración Centroamericana, o SICA, integración efectiva ha sido impedida por – entre varias cosas – una falta de infraestructura transfronteriza que ha retenido la competitividad global.

La judicatura y el poder judicial disfuncional a través del Triángulo Norte ha contribuido al nivel de crimen y violencia, igual que su falta de desar-

rollo económico y competitividad. La impunidad es un hecho de la vida en esta región: La mayoría de los crímenes serios van sin castigo de la judicatura que es corrupta o institucionalmente incapaz de procesar, o es ambas cosas.

La inhabilidad de las cortes de administrar la justicia y proteger los derechos más fundamentales sirve como un impedimento contra la inversión en la región, que podría expandir el desarrollo económico.

Todos estos factores – la pobreza extrema; la falta de oportunidad; un sistema judicial disfuncional; e índices de crimen y violencia increíblemente altos – se combinan para causar que los niños y las familias huyan la región.

Este informe, acompañado de un informe enfocado en las soluciones a corto plazo, presenta una estrategia comprensiva al problema de los refugiados centroamericanos.

Dadas las raíces de los problemas en los países del Triángulo Norte, no hay una simple solución – esta crisis no será solucionada en un día.

ENGLISH

A Medium- and Long-Term Plan to Address the Central American Refugee Situation It is impossible to understand the flow of refugees emanating from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador—collectively, known as the Northern Triangle of Central America—without understanding the security and economic conditions in each of the three countries. Despite important differences, the three Northern Triangle countries are among the poorest in the Americas and the most violent in the world.

Based on statistics from the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, or UNODC, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador were three of the five most dangerous countries in the

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Eco Latino 4Vol. 11

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

La voz de la comunidad hispana

Edición 35 Gratis

Jueves 4 de Agosto 2016

Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson Receives The 1st Annual Harold “Lefty” Encarnacion Community Servant Award

Un plan para abordar la situación de los refugiados Centroamericanos a medio y largo plazo Pagina 2

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