The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 10 12 2017

The

Courier www.couriernews.org

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

“Fish House” Politics

The Voice Of The Community: Inspirational-Informative-Empowering

Vol. 12 Edition 23 Free Thursday October 12, 2017

The Facts, The Law And The Punishment

Is The Black Community Being *“Catfished”?

Should The Reese Road Teacher Be Fired? Be Careful What You Wish For

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Ms. Tuskegee 2004-05

Today Princess Thomas, MD Is The Only Black Female Breast Cancer Surgeon In Alabama Page 9

Local Resident Writes Movie “A Question Of Faith”

Movie Written By Ty Manns Opened With Stellar Cast

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The Street Committee

THURSDAY October 12, 2017

Really Frank?

According to the street committee Frank Myers recently posted a photo of him and parents Mr. and Mrs. Frazier stating; “It was so nice to meet Mr. and Mrs. Frazier tonight. The way their daughter was talked to recently by a teacher at Reese Road is completely unacceptable. We cannot afford to let this latest incident of wrongdoing be swept under the rug. It's past time for our local public school administration to be held accountable.” The street committee has to say, How hypocritical are you to have the audacity to stand with these Black parents under the guise of defending them against a White teacher who used the N-Word toward their daughter. This is especially troubling to us when you know that

the street committee has irrefutable proof that you habitually use the Nword. You need to apologize to the Frazier family for using them as a photo-op for no more than to expand your own personal agenda and to the Black community.

It’s Worse Than They Are Telling You

The street committee has learned from those who have been recently released that what they are telling you about the kitchen inside the jail isn’t the half of it. In fact it is much worse. In addition to the floor being cracked and chipped, along with missing grout, there are rodent droppings and insect larvae throughout the kitchen as well

Request for Bids

RFB No. 18-0015 Internal Commercial Freezer Unit & Cooler Unit for Muscogee County Prison Due: October 25, 2017 – 2:30 PM Heather Scheuttig, Buyer RFB No. 18-0018 Columbus Martin Luther King Trail Due: November 1, 2017 – 2:30 PM Della Lewis, CPPB, Buyer Specialist

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 dlewis@columbusga.org, fax 706.225.3033 or telephone 706.653.4105.

Andrea J. McCorvey Purchasing Manager

The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper

*Any editorial content are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper, publisher or staff”

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

www.couriernews.org

A VIEW FROM A PEW

THURSDAY OCTOBER 12, 2017

Is There A Doctor In The House?

Granddaddy Either Needs CPR Or A Transfusion The event, at that time was held at night. What i witnessed three days later, was as much a fashion show as it was a great football game. Hair weave wasn’t the norm at that time so instead of naked horses there were a lot of scared rabbits and foxes running around. With the men dressed in their Eddie Murphy leather outfits and women dressed to impress adorned in their best fur shawls or full-length fur coats you couldn’t tell my people they weren’t fine.

Both stands were packed to capacity with attendees rushing to the concession stands beginning early in the 2nd quarter so they could be back in their seats by halftime for the “Battle of the Bands.”

That was then. Today the oldest and longest running HBCU Classic in the nation is no longer played at night. Instead the kickoff time is 2:00pm on a Saturday afternoon.

In 1990 there was no tailgating in the Civic Center Parking lot. As a matter of fact the Columbus Civic Center didn’t exist. There was a Municipal Auditorium that looked more like a barn. The parking lot was used for parking as was every possible space in and a round the area. You had to get in where you fit in.

Last week I celebrated a milestone. It was 27 years ago, Wednesday October 5, 1990 when I arrived in Columbus as the Director of the A.J. McClung YMCA. The atmosphere and the energy at the Y at the time were at an all time high.

According to my then Administrative Assistant,

Ernestine Ramsey, the excitement was due to the Tuskegee Morehouse football Classic, “The Granddaddy Of Them All”.

Much of the excitement surrounding the event was because the former YMCA Director and Mayor Pro Tem A.J. McClung, a graduate of Tuskegee along

with (Ret.) Col. Jim Jackson a Tuskegee alumni and Henry Shavers a Morehouse graduate m a d e u p t h e Tu s k e g e e Morehouse committee. It didn’t hurt that the purchase of advertising in and the sale of the program booklet was an annual fundraiser for the YMCA.

It was a grand time. There was no fighting or arguing, no shooting or looting. Folks were too “clean” for that kind of foolishness.

You would think, along with the change of game time, the introduction of tailgating and the inclusion of food and merchandise vendors the “Classic” would be larger than ever by

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now. Instead, however, the opposite has been true, the attendance at the game has dwindled over the years.

I know for a fact it is not due to a lack of effort on the Tuskegee Morehouse Committee. They continue to work tirelessly to present this community and the schools the “Classic” represents the best event possible every year. But after attending 27 of them I must say that Granddaddy either needs CPR or at least a new marketing transfusion.

If I may, here is a suggestion for next year. With Lionel Richie recently signed to be a judge on American Idol now would be a great time to invite one of the university’s most famous Tuskegee alumni to join the festivities as the grand marshal of the parade.

When talking with him or his agent ask for two scenarios to be considered.

1. To provide a concert Friday evening at the Civic Center 2. To host an outdoor concert immediately following the game 3. To be a judge along with local celebrities of our very own American Idols winners which could be selected by our area Black-Owned radio station, Davis Broadcasting, Inc. I have to believe this is doable and if marketed correctly any or all of the scenarios would breathe life into the Classic and increase attendence.

Please don’t let Granddady die!

No one wants to make that call to the Muscogee County Coroner.

Wane A. Hailes

October 12, 2017

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O PINION

October 12, 2017

The Facts, The Punishment And The Law...Be Careful What You Wish For

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

Let me say up front and straight with no chaser, what the teacher said to the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Frazier is totally indefensible. Any educator, regardless of how many years they have been teaching, should be able to address any situation without the use of racial slurs, profanity and derogatory language in our schools.

By now we know the fate of the Reese Road elementary school teacher who used the N-word in an attempt to explain to a group of elementary school students that this same word should not be tolerated.

The Facts There are two versions of what occurred.

The parents of the student say the teacher said “At least she didn’t refer to you as a dumb, black, n-----.” On the other hand the teacher recalled saying to the student, “If someone called me a white cracker, I would be offended. If someone called you a black n----, that would be offensive. If someone called my biracial cousin mixed girl, that would be offensive.”

We can spend the rest of the school year arguing whose version is the truth.

The parents are depending on the words of their daughter and the other children who were within earshot of the conversation. According to a reliable source one of the girls has since changed her version of what was said and it supports the teachers statement.

The teacher, although she may believe she was doing the right thing should have remained in her lane and left the life lessons of explaining differences regarding pigmentation to the school guidance counselor.

The Punishment A media release from the Muscogee County School District said: …

“The teacher’s choice of language, though intended to teach a lesson about racial tolerance, was misguided. The incident occurred September 1. In the ensuing days, MCSD put the teacher on notice that we would conduct an investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding this matter. This

investigation concluded Tuesday, Sept.

26, with a finding that the teacher had acted inappropriately. Following completion of the investigation the teacher was suspended without pay for two days, removed from her job at Reese Road Leadership Academy, and issued an official letter of reprimand to be placed in her personnel file. The suspension ended September 28.

The teacher has now been reassigned to a nonclassroom position in the school district.

Our discipline and corrective action also includes cultural competency training for the teacher.

A teacher should never use a racial slur or expletive in the course of teaching students not to use that same word.

MCSD does not tolerate the use of racial slurs in any context.”

The Law Judging from the variety of comments and posts on facebook and conversations around this community very few feel the punishment this teacher received is enough. They expect nothing less than her termination. Besides how dare a White, veteran teacher use the Nword when speaking to a Black child.

One must understand that teachers are considered government employees.

Unlike employees of a corporation, government employees cannot be arbitrarily dismissed by their employer or by the court of public opinion. Regardless how many press conferences are held or how many times the issue is addressed in front of the Muscogee County School Board all educators are entitled to a fair dismissal process. The process affords the educator the opportunity to hear and answer the allegations through a fair grievance procedure, and defend themselves against the allegations before a fair, impartial hearing examiner. Recommendations concerning employment decisions are then based on the best interest of students, established standards of excellence, and the

school community, not arbitrary or capricious factors.

So what does all of that mean? It means the following: - The superintendent is required by law to follow the Georgia’s Fair D i s m i s s a l L a w. T h e process calls for following strict guidelines when disciplining an employee. If those guidelines are not followed to the letter of the law the employee can sue the school district.

- The superintendent could walk into his office tomorrow and fire the teacher if he wanted to but he and the school board would without a doubt be sued for wrongful termination - According to the US Census the population of Muscogee County is 197, 485. You can have all 197,485 residents come before Muscogee County School Board members from now until forever requesting they fire this teacher and it will be to no avail. School Board Members Do Not Hire Nor Can They Fire Any School Employees. They Only Hire Or Fire The Superintendent.

- The disciplinary action handed down to the teacher was based on the guidelines according to Georgia’s Fair Dismissal Laws - Now that an ethics complaint has been filed against the teacher the process is in the hands of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. If they choose to address the complaint they have the power to take away her teaching license in the state of Georgia, - Without a license she would not be able to teach in Georgia and at that time she would be terminated from the Muscogee County School District.

If you still insist on demanding that s h e a b s o l u t e l y, without a doubt, should be fired

then all I have to say is be careful what you wish for.

“As my grandmother used to say; “What’s good for the goose has to be good for the gander”. According to numerous sources some of our Black educators are also guilty of using the N-word toward their students.

There have been recent claims alleging that one teacher told her students, “Sit your Asses down and stop acting like N-words”. According to my sources this is not the only teacher who has spoken to their students in this manner. In all fairness where is the outrage for that? Is a White teacher calling your child a N-word worse than a Black teacher doing the same?

What about the athletic programs in the Muscogee County School District? Are we to excuse the profanity laced rants of our coaches as just motivational pep talks? I’ve played sports under black coaches and more than once players have been called the N-word, M-----R F----R, and Trumps favorite word P---Y. The coaches believe talking to them in that matter helps make their players tough. The kids will never complain because they just want to play ball and they figure that comes with the territory, besides what kid doesn’t want to appear tough when facing their peers?

All I’m saying is, perhaps those who are insisting on the dismissal of this teacher need to think this through. As my grandmother used to say; when you dig a hole for others, you’re sure to fall in it yourself.

Translation: A whole lot of Black educators could end up in the unemployment line with her. Again I say, Be careful what you wish for.

O PINION

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October 12, 2017

“Fish House” Politics...Is The Black Community Being *“Catfished”

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

With 45-50 supporters standing behind him Skip Henderson announced to a gathering at Citizens Service Center his intent to run for mayor of Columbus, Georgia stating that: “Every government’s stock priority should be safety for its people, and there are folks in the community who don’t feel safe. Now, those ripples go out and touch a lot of different shores. It touches housing. It touches workforce devel-

opment. It touches building jobs so that these folks that get the jobs can have a good livable wage.”

When you look at those who stood behind him, which included: members of city council, members of the business community and members of the Republican Party, you can’t help but feel that “the powers that be” have just crowned Skip the “heir apparent” as our next mayor.

Now it appears that not only have they

all but crowned him the next mayor, there are rumors and allegations of a “backroom deal” that his replacement has been picked out, wrapped up and ready to be rolled out as the next City Councilor at-large as soon as he resigns his seat.

No way you say? Consider this. In order for Henderson to qualify as a candidate for mayor he must resign his seat as the at-large councilor. According to Nancy Boren, Director of Elections and Registration there are three sce-

narios: 1. If he resigns before November 24, 2017 there will be a special election in May 2018 2. If he resigns between November 24, 2017 and February 22, 2018 there will be a special election in May 2018 3. If he waits until the qualifying date in March the city council appoints his replacement. That person will serve until 2020. At that time there will be a special election in May 2020 for a 7-month term and a regular election for a 4year term.

Continued On Page 7

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Black and Hispanic community. The sentiments of most are, “Why should we vote for you to represent us as our mayor when you have literally been absent in your representation of our communities as our city-wide councilor?

Catfish:

It is no secret that for years there has been a “behind the scenes” group called “The Fish House Gang” operating in Columbus. Over the years, although some of the members have changed, the group continues to consist of select individuals from the business community, elected officials and community leaders that are primarily of the “Caucasian persuasion”.

Let’s be clear I am not mad at them for that. They have every right to meet with whomever, whenever and wherever they wish. I even understand a couple of “us” have been included in the “Gang” over the years. To be honest I wish some of “us” would take a page from “their” playbook and come together to share, plan and strategize. What I do have a problem with, however, is knowing that even though we are not at the table, we are on the menu where folks that don’t look like us are making decisions about us, for us, without us.

Right now the allegation of there being a plan by the “Fish House Gang” to circumvent the election process is just that, an allegation, a rumor. I would really hate to find out that the rumor is true, however, because that would mean Skip Henderson would be complicit in assisting them in accomplishing their goal.

If I can I’d like to address Skip directly. Contrary to what you might believe, although you have spent the last twenty years as an at-large representative on city council please don’t feel it is a foregone conclusion that you are guaranteed overwhelming support from the

Jackson and James Brown. We are tired of being “catfished”.

As I’ve always recognized we are not a monolithic people and as such you do have some supporters from our com-

October 12, 2017

slave quarters and plays with all the black children everyday. But as you got older your father would remind you to not get to comfortable with them because one day you will become the master and they would be your property. When that day finally arrived and you would have to punish one of the Black friends you use to play with, you would tell them, “ I’m going to have to whip you and it’s going to hurt but you know I’m your friend and you’d rather have me whip you than Master Joe over there right?

A male who will go out of his way by any means to peacock himself as a better person, just to snatch up any scraps that might be left. A genuine bottom-feeder.

- Urban Dictionary You should be aware that unlike years past White candidates are not going to be as welcomed in the pulpits of local Black churches in 2018. You are going to have to find another way to earn our vote. It’s not going to be enough to just show up at the Delta Ball this December, smiling, shaking hands and doing “The Wobble”. We don’t care if you can dance like Chris Brown, Usher or can channel the late greats Michael

munity. Some stood with you when you made your announcement. Others say you’re a good guy. I understand that.

It’s human nature to judge people by the way people treat us.

But then you have those individuals, when referring to you, right or wrong use the analogy that if we were living during slavery, you would be like the masters son who comes down to the

On a personal note my first impression of you twelve years ago was extremely positive and that was solely based on the fact that you were the only White city councilor who attended my event, and you did so two years in a row. For the past 10 years, however you have been “missing in action”.

I do believe in second chances so I guess my next impression of you is going to be based on when you resign.

Will it be: 1. Before November 24, 2017 2. Between November 24, 2017 and February 22, 2018 or 3. Will you wait until the qualifying date in March.

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October 12, 2017

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C OURIER C AREER W OMAN O F T HE W EEK Princess N. Thomas, MD

October 12, 2017

Dr. Princess Thomas, a native of Columbus, Georgia felt called to become a doctor during her very early years. Following graduation from Tuskegee University she obtained her medical degree from Meharry Medical College.

During her general surgery residency at Mercer Medical she developed a passion for diseases of the breast.

Her interdisciplinary breast fellowship at Yale University allowed her to hone her diagnostic and breast surgical skills, and take part in research leading to conference presentations and first authorship of several manuscripts.

Dr. Thomas is a member of American Society of Breast Surgeons and Society of Surgical Oncology. working alongside Dr. Susan B. Winchester at Birmingham Breast Care she brings insight, passion and astute surgical skills.

Thomas believes that caring for a patient’s mind, body and spirit is an integral part of her calling, and she exemplifies this ideal through her interaction with each and every patient.

Her dedication to the best in care for her patients is further exemplified by her recent training enabling her to become Hidden Scar Certified. She believes strongly that providing a cosmetically pleasing result for her patients in additional to a medically appropriate surgery facilitates healing of the patient and eases the emotional impact from surgery.

Dr. Thomas, the first Ms Tuskegee University from Columbus, Georgia is the daughter of Gladys Willims Tillman.

Birmingham Breast Care 800 St. Vincent's Drive North Tower Suite 640 Birmingham, AL 35205

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Request for Bids RFB No. 18-0012 Watershed Fertilization (Annual Contract) Due: October 18, 2017 – 2:30 PM Kevin Robertson, 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 krobertson@columbusg.org, fax 706.225.3033 or telephone 706.653.4105.

Andrea J. McCorvey Purchasing Manager

October 12, 2017

Ty Manns...A Lesson In Faith, Perseverance and Preparation

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By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

Throughout his 24-year military and corporate career where he served as managing director for a U.S. defense sector company Major (Retired) Terrence "Ty" Manns never lost his passion for storytelling, creativity and film making.

In 1999, Ty met his friend, colleague and mentor, Mr. Rick Bieber, former President of HBO Pictures. Through Rick's support and mentoring, Ty's film making knowledge and writing experience grew.

In 2006, Ty joined with Rick to create the independent film production company, Angel City Pictures (ACP). Over the next three years ACP produced a number of independent film projects, too include telling the tragic true story of Luke Abbate in the film The 5th Quarter.

In 2011 Ty formed his production company CME Films.

Under his CME Films banner, He recently wrote, produced and directed the films, The Turning Point, a Faith-based film about a Soldier suffering from PTSD and The ITCH, a comedy about a couple's relationship troubles at the seven year point of their marriage.

CME Films recently signed a film production deal with Donate Life America.

Finally, after years of “toiling in

October 12, 2017

the fields” as they say, he received an opportunity of a lifetime as he witnessed the movie he wrote, open nationally on movie screens throughout the country. Not only did it open, but with a stellar cast consisting of veteran actors, Richard T. Jones, Kim Fields, C. Thomas Howell and others.

When we caught up with “Ty” opening night I asked him about how this opportunity came to be.

“I received a call from a movie producer, Angela White who said she was looking for faith based content. It so happened I had been sitting on a script that had just won a couple of contests. I sent it to her and she called me back saying that they liked it but would like to make a few changes if that was ok. I said I had no problem with that as long as I can write the changes that would be great. The rest is history.”

We asked Manns what words of wisdom he would offer aspiring writers he was quick to say, “Be faithful, never give up, and be prepared because you never know when your blessing will come. Faith, Perseverance, and Preperation.”

His new screenplay, “A Question of Faith,” has just opened in theaters nationwide. It is being distributed by Pure Flix Entertainment, which also did “God’s Not Dead.”

The drama tells the story of three families from different cultures who live in the same community but are strangers. A tragic texting and driving accident brings them together and puts them on converging paths of love, forgiveness, grace and mercy.

When David Newman’s son dies tragically from a texting and driving accident, the doctors come around looking for his son’s organs to harvest so they can save a dying white girl who has a budding musical career ahead of her. David is trying to take over head pastor duties from his Scripturereading-robot father, but the pressure is too much, especially when his wife fully embraces advocating for organ donation in the schools. Kate Hernandez feels like she has no hope left when her daughter is thrown into jail for texting and driving, but somehow, all of these characters come together in the end in an underserved church sing-off so they can feel good about themselves again.

A graduate of Wright State University, he has been married for 25 years to Mia Manns, a former Army nurse. Their two sons, Delone and Matthew, are in college.

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October 12, 2017

Request for Bids/Proposals RFB No. 18-0009 Office Supplies (Annual Contract) Due: October 13, 2017 – 2:30 PM Heather Scheuttig, Buyer

RFP No. 18-0009 On-Call Services for Installation or Replacement of Sidewalks & ADA Ramps (Annual Contract) Due: October 20, 2017 – 5:00 PM Della Lewis, CPPB Buyer Specialist

Sealed responses must be received and time/date stamped by the respective due dates shown above, by the Finance Department/Purchasing Division of Columbus Consolidated Government, 100 Tenth Street, Columbus, GA 31901. To obtain specifications, visit the City's website at http://www.columbusga.org/finance/Excel_Docs/Bid_Opportunities.htm,

notify the respective Buyer via email hscheuttig@columbusga.org and dlewis@columbusga.org, fax 706.225.3033 or telephone 706.653.4105.

Andrea J. McCorvey Purchasing Manager

PAGE 13

Frank Myers Is Well Known For Prevarications And Canards

October 12, 2017

Frank forgive me for being presumptive but your 15 minutes of destruction, deception and deflection are about to come to an end. Please don’t let the grey hair or my age fool you. We both know that I know where all of your skeletons are buried, and I have a very large shovel.

I look forward to you trying to bully me!

Bye Felecia Frank

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

Once again school board member Attorney Frank Myers hopes that you won’t read the entire story that is why he feels comfortable sending out false and deliberate misstatements.

Last month Muscogee County School Board Member Attorney Frank Myers went before the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission and after a 90-minute hearing the ethics commission chose not to pursue a complaint against Muscogee County School Board representatives Frank Myers and John Thomas for their efforts to defeat two board candidates in a runoff.

The hearing was to determine whether the board found “probable cause” to further investigate the actions of the committee “School Reform 2016,” through which Myers and Thomas funded a campaign against Cathy Williams, District 7, and Pat Hugley Green, District 1.

Myers and Thomas supported opponents Sheila Williams for District 7 and JoAnn Thomas-Brown for District 1.

The Commission Chairwoman Mary Paige Adams made a motion to further investigate the complaint, but no one seconded her motion, so it failed. A motion to dismiss the case got a second, but failed as one commissioner voted for it and another voted against.

As the hearing came to a close the Chairwoman was explicit when explain-

felt they needed more information than conflicting testimony.

In her remarks Whetzel said she spoke with both Shelia Williams and Joann Thomas Brown and they were adamant in saying they were not consulted and had no idea about, nor were they aware of any advertising Myers’ committee placed on their behalf. Myers, on the other hand, disagreed. This can all be settled with whoever comes up with signed affidavits first.

Recently retired urologist Philip Schley, who served on the board for 21 years (1972-1981 and 19982010), has said he will challenge Myers for the District 8 seat on the Muscogee County School Board.

ing to Myers that the case was not over.

A spokesperson with the Georgia G o v e r n m e n t Tr a n s p a r e n c y a n d Campaign Finance Commission reiter.ated what Adams said. “The case is definitely not over. It was tabled and is currently on our December agenda.

At issue was whether School Reform 2016 was acting as an “independent committee” that does not coordinate with individual candidates, or as a “political action committee” that does.

Chairwoman Adams noted that the situation was challenging because neither Myers nor Bethany Whetzel, the attorney representing the Commission, had sworn affidavits from the candidates to refute the claims. Some commissioners

Stating in a recent interview with the Ledger Enquirer why he decided to run now Schley said: “Historically, there has been a good accord between board members.

There are always items vigorously discussed and disagreements, but ordinarily the board members have worked well together. They come to a reasonable agreement and push public education forward. I believe I can help bring back some of that accord.”

According to the interview Schley said “a significant group” of people encouraged him to run. “The conversation was that we need to bring comity back to the board and between the board and the superintendent of education,” Schley said. “There’s a great deal of concern with the way Dr. (David) Lewis has been treated, specifically by Mr. Myers, and that led to people looking for someone to run.”

It seems finally someone is willing to stand up to the “Bully of the Board”.

The Columbus Museum October Calendar of Events

For a full, updated listing of events, visit: http://www.columbusmuseum.com/calendar

Saturday, October 14 Synovus Annual Fall Festival 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | FREE Join us for our annual Fall Festival, presented by Synovus, as we explore a variety of colors. Stop by the artmaking stations, participate in our annual costume contest, go on a gallery scavenger hunt, and more!

Additional crafts and activities provided by Historic Westville, the Liberty Theatre, CSU Art Club, Coca-Cola Space Science Center, SPARK Art and National Infantry Museum.

Thursday, Oct 19 In the Garden Concert Series Hosted by the Young Art Patrons (YAP) Featuring: The D.S.O.S Band 6-8 p.m.

The Young Art Patrons invite you to a night of fun, food, and music in the Bradley Olmsted Garden of The Columbus Museum. Enjoy sounds of R&B and funk with your family and friends. Bring your own food and beverages or purchase from local food trucks.

FREE- YAP Affiliate Members/ $10 future members; Register online by October 12.

Saturday, October 21 McIntosh County Shouters Concert 3-4 p.m. | FREE Join us for a lively performance with the nationally acclaimed McIntosh County Shouters. It was widely believed that the ring shout had ceased to be practiced in African American communities throughout the South. It wasn’t until 1980 that folklorists discovered the ring shout was still alive and practiced in Bolden/Briar Patch.

This specific community had continued teaching children about the ring shout for over 300 years. As the only authentic practitioners of the historic ring shout, they are invited to perform at festivals around the country.

The McIntosh County Shouters have received the Governor’s Award in the Humanities in Georgia and have performed at the John F. Kennedy Center and Library of Congress, and most recently at the opening ceremonies for the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Made possible by the generous bequest of the late Norman S. Rothschild.

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Saying Goodbye To Charles And “Bunky” Clark

Recently friends met at Green Island Country Club to say goodbye to Charles and “Bunky” Clark. The Clark’s will be relocating back to California to be close to family.

October 12, 2017

October 12, 2017

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And Still We Rise Exhibition Opens to the Public with Special Guests to the public Friday, October 6. Visitors can see more than 60 story quilts that narrate nearly 400 years of African American history.

Doors will open at 10 a.m., Friday, October 6 with a few special guests on site. Artists featured in the show will visit The Museum upon the opening at 10 a.m. Visitors are encouraged to visit and enjoy interaction with the quilt makers during this time. And Still We Rise will remain on view through December 30. There is no charge to view the works.

Dr. Carolyn L. Mazloomi, nationally renowned lecturer, artist, historian, and curator, curated the exhibition, featuring more than 50 artists from the Women of Color Quilters Network.

By Mercedes Parham Marketing and Media Manager Special To The Courier

The Columbus Museum's newest third floor show, And Still We Rise: Race, Culture and Visual Conversations, opens

"This exhibition brings together a collection of masterfully executed artworks that inspire, provoke, and educate audiences. For the African American view-

er, the exhibition is a multifaceted representation of Black cultural genius. For viewers external to the culture, it is an awakening to the contributions of African American artists to the recording of history. For students of fine art and American studies, the exhibition is fertile soil for research inquiry and artistic critique of cultural works by contemporary American artistic masters," said Mazloomi.

Special programs and events related to the show will occur through the run of the show. To see the full listing of exhibit-related events, visit The Columbus Museum's website.

And Still We Rise is presented by Cincinnati Museum Center and National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and supported at The Columbus Museum by Aflac, the Cultural Arts Alliance, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Hardaway Endowment Fund.

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October 12, 2017

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St. James Missionary Baptist Church “Put God First”

October 12, 2017

P ROGRESSIVE F UNERAL H OME

5214 St. James Street Columbus, Georgia

Dr. Ralph W. Huling Senior Pastor

Church 706.687.6420 Residence 706.563.3256 Cell 706.315.5749

www.stjamesmsybaptist.com hrwhuling@aol.com

First African Baptist Church 901 5th Avenue

Columbus, Georgia

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

Call 706-323-3367 Sr. Pastor Roderick Green

F RIENDSHIP B APTIST C HURCH E ARLY W ORSHIP 8AM

M ORNING W ORSHIP 11AM

831 6 TH AVE C OLUMBUS , G A

B REAKFAST 9:AM

S UNDAY S CHOOL 9:30 AM

W EDNESDAY P RAYER M EETING /B IBLE S TUDY 7PM

T HURSDAY N OON B IBLE S TUDY 12

NOON

WEBSITE : WWW. FRIENDSHIPMBC . ORG

S UNDAY C HILD D AY C ARE S ERVICES AVAILABLE F OR T HOSE ATTENDING O UR W ORSHIP

(O FFICE )706.323-6996 (FAX ) 706.322.7596 (PASTOR ’ S HOME )706.561.6733 R EV. D R . E MMETT S. A NITON , J R PASTOR

Metropolitan Baptist Church

1635 5th Avenue . Columbus, Georgia 706.322.1488

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

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

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

Evergreen Covington, CEO

4236 St. Mary’s Road

Columbus, Georgia

706.685.8023

evergreenfc@mediacombb.net

T HE L AW O FFICES OF S HEVON S. T HOMAS & ASSOCIATES Practice Areas: Misdemeanor . Felony .

DUI . Personal Injurury .

Auto . Divorce . Family .

Juvenile . Probate . Wills

201 9th Street Columbus, Georgia 706.507.5425

Eco Latino Vol. 12

Edición 23 Gratis

Jueves 12 de Octubre 2017

Quienes Somos

Maira Ortiz Pagina 4

Los 23 Hispanos Más Influyentes de Columbus, Ft. Benning y Phenix City

Pagina 5

Conozca a NeighborWorks® Columbus

Kathy Rosado

Pagina 6

couriernews.org

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

La voz de la comunidad hispana

Pagina 2

HISPANIC FACTS

In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, observed during the week that included Sept.

15 and Sept. 16. Congress expanded the observance in 1989 to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) of the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanishspeaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Sept. 15 is the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept.

16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

Population: 55 million The Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2014, making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest ethnic or racial minority. Hispanics constituted 17 percent of the nation’s total population.

1.15 million Number of Hispanics added to the nation’s population between July 1, 2013, and July 1, 2014. This number is close to half of the approximately 2.36 million people added to the nation’s population during this period.

2.1%: Percentage increase in the Hispanic population between 2013 and 2014.

119 million: The projected Hispanic population of the United States in 2060.

According to this projection, the Hispanic population will constitute 28.6 percent of the nation’s population by that date.

64%: The percentage of those of Hispanic origin in the United States who were of Mexican background in 2013. Another 9.5 percent were of Puerto Rican background, 3.7 percent Cuban, 3.7 percent Salvadoran, 3.3 percent Dominican and 2.4 percent Guatemalan. The remainder was of some other Central American, South American or other Hispanic or

Latino origin.

10.4 million: The estimated population for those of Hispanic origin in Texas as of July 1, 2014.

8: The number of states with a population of 1 million or more Hispanic residents in 2014 — Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Texas.

55%: The percentage of all the Hispanic population that lived in California, Florida and Texas as of July 1, 2014.

15 million: The Hispanic population of California. This is the largest Hispanic population of any state.

4.9 million: Los Angeles County had the largest Hispanic population of any county in 2014.

45,000: Harris County in Texas had the largest numeric increase of Hispanics from 2013 to 2014.

Families and Children 12.2 million: The number of Hispanic family households in the United States in 2014.

Spanish Language 38.4 million: The number of U.S. residents 5 and older who spoke Spanish at home in 2013. This is a 120 percent increase since 1990 when it was 17.3 million. Those who hablan español en casa constituted 13.0 percent of U.S. residents 5 and older. More than half (58 percent) of these Spanish speakers spoke English “very well.”

73.3%: Percentage of Hispanics 5 and older who spoke Spanish at home in 2013.

Income, Poverty and Health Insurance $40,963: The median income of Hispanic households in 2013.

23.5%: The poverty rate among Hispanics in 2013.

24.3%: The percentage of Hispanics who lacked health insurance in 2013.

Education 64.7%: The percentage of

Hispanics 25 and older that had at least a high school education in 2013.

14.0%: The percentage of the Hispanic population 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2013.

4.2 million: The number of Hispanics 25 and older who had at least a bachelor’s degree in 2013.

1.3 million: Number of Hispanics 25 and older with advanced degrees in 2013 (e.g., master’s, professional, doctorate).

16.5%: Percentage of students (both undergraduate and graduate) enrolled in college in 2013 who were Hispanic.

23.5%: Percentage of elementary and high school students that were Hispanic in 2013.

Foreign-Born 35.2%: Percentage of the Hispanic population that was foreign-born in 2013.

64.3%: Percentage of the 10.3 million noncitizens under the age of 35 who were born in Latin America and the Caribbean and are living in the United States in 2010-2012.

Jobs 67.0%: Percentage of Hispanics or Latinos 16 and older who were in the civilian labor force in 2013.

19.6%: The percentage of civilian employed Hispanics or Latinos 16 and older who worked in management, business, science and arts occupations in 2013.

Voting 8.4%: The percentage of voters in the 2012 presidential election who were Hispanic.

Hispanics comprised 4.7 percent of voters in 1996.

7.3%: The percentage of voters in the 2014 congressional election who were Hispanic.

Serving our Country 1.2 million: The number of Hispanics or Latinos 18 and older who are veterans of the U.S. armed forces.

12 de Octubre 2017

Quienes Somos Maira Ortiz

Maira Ortiz was born on March 14, 1987 in Chihuahua, Mexico. She is the married to Armando Ortiz and is a mother of three, Jennifer, Yesenia and Adrian.

Maira is the owner of Maira Ortiz Photography and a Branch Banker at BB&T. At BB&T she is involved in a program directed towards our multicultural community.

B B & T ’s M a r k e t i n g a n d Multicultural Banking groups have developed a financial knowledge program called "Bank on Your Success" to enhance educational opportunities on financial matters.

BB&T works with local faith,

community, and student organizations to invite these groups to Bank on Your Success sessions.

Maira Ortiz is also the cofounder and coordinator for the first Christian competitive cheerleading program in Columbus. Ortiz serves as the volunteer head coach for the Columbus Stars Cheerleading program. She has volunteered over 250 hours with the Columbus Stars since May of 2016.

Her goal is to continue to work with and invest in the local community and hopes to become a mentor for our Hispanic youth.

Los beneficios económicos de aprobar el Dream Act

La administración de Trump anunció el 5 de septiembre que efectivamente terminó la Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA, por sus siglas en inglés)1—un programa que, desde el 2012, ha ayudado a casi 800.000 jóvenes a obtener un permiso de trabajo y un alivio temporal de la deportación.2 La conversación ahora se enfoca en la urgente necesidad de que el Congreso apruebe legislación como el Dream Act, que proporcionaría protección permanente y un camino hacia la ciudadanía a inmigrantes sin autorización que llegaron al país como niños.3 Este informe calcula las ganancias económicas que resultarían de la legalización de los individuos potencialmente elegibles que ya están en la fuerza laboral para entender mejor el potencial impacto económico de aprobar legislación como el Dream Act. Este análisis se basa en el trabajo pionero del estudio anterior del Center for American Progress, “El impacto económico de deportar a los inmigrantes sin autorización de trabajo,” que calcula las contribuciones económicas de los trabajadores sin autorización en cada industria individual, cada estado y la nación en su conjunto, y actualiza y aplica ese modelo económico a la población de trabajadores elegibles para el Dream Act.4 Este estudio encuentra, basado en la metodología esbozada a continuación, que: De ser aprobado, el Dream Act pondría a 1,9 millones de trabajadores en un camino hacia el estatus legal, lo que añadiría un total de $22,7 mil millones anualmente al producto interno bruto (PIB) de los Estados Unidos.

Go to www.couriernews.org for the rest of the article

PAGINA 5

L OS M ÁS

23 H ISPANOS I NFLUYENTES DE C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING Y P HENIX C ITY

Cecelia Alexander WHINSEC

Daisy Linton Panamanian Society

Cristina Richards Suntrust Bank

Beatrice Casiano Tri-City Latino Festival

Alejandro Brito Britos Market

Rev. Dr. Ivelisse Quinones St. Luke

Jennifer Lopez 2017 Tri-City Latino Queen

Elica Ojeda Tri-City Latino Festival

Giovanna Rodriguez Gonzales Spring Harbour

Judith Lopez Women At New Beginning

Julio Llanos Assistant AD CSU

Kike Seda Businessman

Jose Guzman Defense Attorney

Josefina Takemoto Home Depot

Evelyn Mimi Woodson City Councilor

Pastor Leif I. Espinosa Clergy

Tanya Bachelor Community Advocate

Leila Woodard El Evento

Pedro Rodriguez DJ/Dance Instuctor

Roberto “Tito” Aron Tri-City Latino Festival

T HE 25 M OST I NFLUENTIAL

Mary Vargas Businesswoman

Romy Almonza Tri-City Latino Festival

O F C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING WWW. COURIERNEWS . ORG

HISPANICS

Y

Jessica Walker Tri-City Latino Festival

P HENIX C ITY

L OS 23 H ISPANOS M ÁS I NFLUYENTES DE C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING Y P HENIX C ITY

12 de Octubre 2017

12 de Octubre 2017

Pagina 6

Conozca a NeighborWorks® Columbus acogedor y enérgico donde todos los clientes son apoderado para lograr su sueño de ser dueño de su propio hogar.

ENGLISH

Kathy Rosado Service Line Manager 18 11th Street Columbus, GA 31901 Office: 706-324-4663 Ext. 106 Fax: 706-256-2047

NeighborWorks® Columbus es una empresa enfocada en el cliente, ofreciendo programas y servicios que apodera a nuestros clientes lograr sus sueños.

L a m i s i ó n d e N e i g h b o r Wo r k s ® Columbus se esfuerza en promover and proveer acceso que se ajuste a la vivienda asequible y desarrolla activos para la independencia financiera para toda ciudadanía de todo ingreso económico.

Fundada en el 1999, NeighborWorks® Columbus (NWC) es una agencia de consejería de vivienda certificada por Vivienda Federal, (HUD por sus siglas en Ingles), es una Institución Financiera de Desarrollo Comunitario y Organización Desarrolladora de Vivienda para la Cuidad de Columbus.

Nuestra entidad ha tenido un impacto significativo en la comunidad, algunos ejemplos son: • Ha provisto educación financiera, preparación para el comprador de vivienda, y servicios de consejería individualizada a más de 4,000 personas; • ha producido 1,402 dueños de vivienda exitosos; con inversiones de sobre $149 millones de dólares; • ha producido más de $23 millones en préstamos hipotecarios asequibles; y • ha desarrollado y/o rehabilitado 108 unidades de vivienda y 73 unidades de alquiler.

Unas de las maneras que NWC procura lograr su misión es a través de la promoción de propiedad de vivienda.

NWC se ha posicionado como abogado principal de la idea que la calidad de vida en la comunidad comienza con vivienda asequible como su fundación.

Programas que produzcan viviendas asequibles y fomenta la compra de vivienda es nuestra creencia.

Con el enfoque centrada en el cliente, NWC provee educación para la compra de una vivienda, clases de capacitación financiera, y servicios de consejería que producen compradores de vivienda cualificados y listos, dueños de vivienda para muchos años y consumidores inteligentes. Personal profesionalmente adiestrado y certificados de NWC educa, aboga y guían a los clientes a través de opciones financieras que les ayude a evitar prestamistas predatorios y dirigirlos hacia la asequibilidad, estabilidad económica y desarrollo de activos apreciables.

NeighborWorks® Columbus coloca al cliente primer. Proveemos un ambiente

About us Mission NeighborWorks Columbus strives to promote and provide access to fit and affordable housing and build assets for financial independence for all citizens of low to moderate income.

Organizational Overview Founded in 1999, NeighborWorks® Columbus (NWC) is a HUD-certified housing counseling agency, a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), and the City of Columbus’ Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO).

Our organization has made a significant impact on the community by: • providing financial education, homebuyer readiness training, and counseling for more than 4,000 people; • producing 1,402 successful homeowners, with housing investments totaling more than $149 million.

• producing more than $23 million in

affordable housing loans; and • building or rehabilitating 108 ownership units and 73 rental units.

One of the ways that NWC seeks to fulfill our mission is through the promotion of homeownership. NWC has positioned itself as the chief advocate of the idea that the quality of life in a community begins with fit and affordable housing as its foundation. Programs that produce affordable housing and encourage homeownership are our cornerstones. With a customer-centric focus, NWC provides homebuyer education, financial fitness classes, and counseling services that produce qualified, mortgage-ready homebuyers, lifelong homeowners, and savvy consumers.

NWC’s professionally trained and certified staff educate, advocate, and guide customers through the financing options that help them avoid predatory lending and lead to affordability, economic stability, and the building of appreciating assets.

NeighborWorks® Columbus puts the customer first. We provide a welcoming and energetic environment where all customers are empowered to achieve their dream of homeownership.