The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 10 26 2017

The

Courier www.couriernews.org

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

The Voice Of The Community: Inspirational-Informative-Empowering

Vol. 12 Edition 24 Free Thursday October 26, 2017

Time Is Running Out

The Official Weekend Guide Of Events For The

28th Annual

Buyer Beware! Independant Insurance Broker Carl Brown Answers all of Your Health Insurance Questions

Page 9

“The Supreme Court”

The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper Presents Our 2017-18 Pre-Season Basketball All Stars

Pages 11-14

Mel & Abe’s Customer Appreciation Day

Barber Shop Owners Give back To Their Community

Page 15

PAGE 5

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THURSDAY October 26, 2017

It’s Time To Take Our Emotions Out Of The N-Word Debate

Forget the fact how laughable it is that you have John Thomas spearheading the effort for zero-tolerance racial slur policy. According to the street committee Black folks should know by now when John Thomas or Frank Myers starts defending Black folks regarding the N-Word it is not because they care about our Black children. Case in point, contrary to what Frank or John says or how loud they say it, the school board does not and cannot hire or fire any employee except the superintendent. You can castigate the four Black female board members 24/7 365 but according to state law O.C.G.A. § 202-211, “The board and individual board members do not engage in the implementation of personnel policy, including the employment, assignment, or dismissal of personnel, except to accept or reject the recommendations of the superintendent.” Pat Hugley Green, Kia Chambers, Vanessa Jackson and Naomi Buckner know and understand this.

Laurie McRae, Mark Cantrell and Cathy Williams know and understand this. And make now mistake Frank Myers and John Thomas knows and understands

The Street Committee

this as well but they have an ulterior motive and it has nothing to do with getting justice for the child of Nathan and Equisha Frazier. Frank and John see this as an opportunity to get rid of MCSD superintendent David Lewis.

They believe if they can stir up the emotions of Black folks the community will turn on Lewis. After all we are an emotional people. The street committee asks you to consider for a moment this. Do you honestly believe that the four black female board members, who are parents themselves, have not had a conversation either collectively or separately with the superintendent regarding the actions of the teacher in question? Fortunately we did not elect them to act emotionally, which, if they did could only work to exacerbate the problem. We elect individuals to public office who we hope will react rationally when faced with issues that presents serious consequences for our community. The street committee suggests that before you blindly follow Frank and John know where they are leading you. It will be a shame to realize, after all of your efforts that you have just been out for a walk.

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 26, 2017

$175, The Best Investment You Can Make We can turn on the TV every Sunday and see hundreds of African American athletes who make millions of dollars playing a game. The Bob Wright Symposium on Business Empowerment is an opportunity for this community to meet people of color who are making millions of dollars in business, everyday.

For the third year in a row local businessman, philanthropist and power broker, Robert “Bob” Wright, invited a group of his friends in business from around the country to come to Columbus and share their stories.

Understand that this is not your run-of-the-mill symposium with someone standing in front of a podium giving a lecture.

Moderated by Byron Pitts, Chief National Correspondent with ABC News, the conversations conducted one-on-one from a couch were down to earth, insightful, informative and inspiring. Again a theme that permeated through all of their stories was to “never give up”.

What was also driven to those in attendance was to “be true to you”, to not compromise your

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morals, your faith or your values. Always be true to who you are.

The benefit of attending the event is not for you to walk away believing you will necessarily be the next millionaire but to be inspired, empowered and informed by the panelist to be the best you can be.

Find your passion and you’ll find your paycheck. Learn everything there is to know about it and with hard work, with an emphasis on the word hard, anything is possible.

Almost the entire panelist had a story of growing up poor in a single parent home. Some had a “village” to help raise them, some didn’t. All, however, had a desire to do better, to live better, to be better. Each of them, because of the network they surrounded themselves with then and now attribute that, hard work and perseverance to the success they enjoy today.

If I were you I wouldn’t miss the event next year!

See photos on page 4

Wane A. Hailes

PAGE 4

October 26, 2017

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October 26, 2017

WELCOME TO THE 28th Annual Fountain City Classic

Page 6

October 26, 2017

Dear Classic Fans:

The 2017 Fountain City Classic is more than just a football game. It is a gathering of proud graduates and supporters of two great historical black institutions. It’s a gathering of future leaders of America. It’s a gathering of fierce rivalries; yet it’s a gathering of friends.

As we gather today as graduates and supporters of Fort Valley State University and Albany State University, we must never forget from which we’ve come. Were it not for black historical institutions, most of us would not be where we are today in our fields of endeavor. In supporting the “Mighty” 28th Annual Fountain City Classic, you are saying “thanks” to both institutions by giving something back. We appreciate your much needed support, for without you, the classic would not be possible.

I have had the rewarding and exciting task of serving as Chairman of the Fountain City Classic, Inc. for 28 years.

For the past seven months, a small cadre of volunteers has worked untiringly to make this week a success. I owe a great deal of gratitude to the Presidents of Fort Valley State University and Albany State University, our corporate sponsors, FCC fans and supporters, and last but not least, the many volunteers for making this event a great success. Without any one segment of support and hard work, we could not have made it.

The Classic, I feel, has grown rapidly into one of the most exciting events in the State of Georgia; we are thankful to God for that. Thanks again for joining us. We hope you enjoy the game and the gathering.

Calvin Smyre Sincerely,

Classic Weekend Kick-Off

FCC, Inc. Chairman

Thursday November 2, 2017 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M 10th Annual Cuff-Links and Pearls Networking Mixer is a community sponsored event with a goal to bridge the gap between the leaders of today and tomorrow.

This event, encouraging networking, building professional, political and entrepreneurial relationships was initiated by the Fountain City Classic Committee and its Chairman, The Honorable Calvin Smyre.

Thursday November 2, 2017 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M

28th Annual University Recruitment Fair

ASU & FVSU officials will meet with prospective students.

Rooms 104 and 211, Columbus Convention and Trade Center.

C LASSIC W EEKEND E VENTS

T HE V OICES O F T HE G AME

If you can’t make it to the Fountain City Classic don’t worry. You can listen to the game broadcast live on AM 1340 WOKS with the “Dynamic Duo”.

Carlos Williams and Cliff Rutledge have offered play by play and color commentary since the “Classic” moved to Columbus, Georgia.

You never see his face but you can’t mistake his voice. Known as, “The voice above the crowd” or “The Lung of McClung” (referring to the A.J. McClung Stadium). Veteran announcer, Tim Marshall, has served as the play by play announcer for the Fountain City Classic for the past 21 years.

For More Information Visit Our Website At www.fountaincityclassic.com

C LASSIC W EEKEND E VENTS

For More Information Visit Our Website At www.fountaincityclassic.com

PAGE 9

COVER STORY

October 26, 2017

Buyer Beware, Time Is Running Out What You Need To Know About The Affordable Healthy Care Act your coverage you might have to make some changes.

The Courier: I have heard that some of the healthcare carriers are no longer offering coverage. What company is providing service to this area?

Carl: In the counties of Muscogee, Harris, Chattahoochee and Talbot in the state of Georgia the only carrier available for 2018 will be Ambetter Inc. as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia along with other carriers have decided not to offer coverage in these counties. This is rather you have individual coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace or Not! For those residing in the state of Alabama your carrier will be Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

The Courier: With all that we are hearing in the news, how concerned should we be about losing healthcare this year?

Carl: Because there was no repeal of The Affordable Care Act better known as ObamaCare the mandate that you have healthcare or possibly face a tax penalty when you file your taxes in 2019 will still be in place.

When can we enroll?

Carl:This year the open enrollment period that will allow individuals to purchase Individual Healthcare will be from 1 November 2017 to 15 December 2017 with coverage effective 1 January 2018. This provides a short window of only 45 days to purchase coverage and after that you will not be able to purchase coverage that will cover all of the Essential Health Benefits along with coverage that will cover Pre-existing Illnesses.

The Courier: There has not been as much advertising about the enrollment process this year, why is that?

Carl: The federal government has cut the advertising budget to inform persons of the annual enrollment period by 90%.

The Courier: Will I be able to talk to someone by phone if I need assis-

tance?

Carl: The federal government has also decided not to fund by a large amount Navigators who were used in past years to help individuals complete health insurance applications. Therefore you will have to contact a Licensed Agent who is eligible to help with enrollments and can help you in person or call the Health Insurance Marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596 or visit www.Healthcare.Gov.

The Courier: What is the advantage of talking with a licensed agent like yourself?

Carl: Working with a Licensed Agent who would be able to work with you face to face and explain your options to you would be the best route to take for the best service.

The Courier: Should we be concerned if we have coverage already?

Carl: If you currently have coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace and receiving tax credits to help pay your coverage you will be automatically reenrolled in your current plan or another available plan for 2018 if you do not come and update your information by 15 December 2017. If you do not have coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace and not receiving a tax credits to help pay for

The Courier: It seems the information available will be confusing?

Carl: You have been hearing and reading a lot of about Healthcare recently and yes it is confusing so for answers to your individual questions I invite you to call me and I would consider it a pleasure to be able to help you if you are residing in the state of Georgia.

You may reach me at 706-653-1287 Office 706-718-7313 cell or via email at Broker1259@gmail.com

Carl Brown of C. Brown & Associates is a certified and licensed agent providing coverage for the following: Life, Disability, Health, Dental, Mutual Funds, Annuities, Medicare, Supplements, IRA’s and Critical Illness. For more information or a consultation he can be reached at 706.653.1287.

Request for Bids

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

Request for Bids

RFB No. 18-0021 Muscogee County Jail Kitchen Floor Refurbishment Due: November 29, 2017 – 2:30 PM Della Lewis, CPPB Buyer Specialist A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference/Site Visit is scheduled for 9:00 AM on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, in the Ground Floor Conference Room of the Government Center Annex. Vendors will be allowed a 10-minute grace period.

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

Page 10

October 26, 2017

LIFE INSURANCE No Exams

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ALL APPLICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CURRENT UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES

CALL TODAY!

(706) 304-8290

2017-2018 High School Basketball

Pre-Season Picks

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STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT 3312 St Mary's Road, Suite A Columbus, GA 31906-4507 Carolyn Hugley Phone: 706-687-4327

Genesis Adams Hardaway High School

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Janya Love-Hill G.W. Carver High School

Tyler Brooks Kendrick High School

Olivia Cochran G.W. Carver High School

A.J. Watts G.W. Carver High School

Taziaha Fanning Harris County High School

Justyn Ross Central High School

Jessika Carter Harris County High School

Donald Jackson Central High School

Mariah Igus G.W. Carver High School

Noah Lott Columbus High School

Shaquaneria Holton Glenwood High School

Rodney Battle Russell County High School

Jhaquez Anderson Northside High School

PAGE 15

Mel & Abe’s Customer Appreciation Day

October 26, 2017

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Mel & Abe’s Customer Appreciation Day

October 26, 2017

PAGE 17

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Announce a New National President

Baltimore (October 8, 2017). The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated (NCBW), whose mission is to advocate on behalf of black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment, announced the election of Virginia W. Harris as its ninth (9) National President at the 18th Biennial Conference on September 23, 2017, in Baltimore, MD.

A twenty-six-year member of the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter, President Harris has consistently demonstrated her leadership abilities through successfully serving at both the national and local chapter levels. For the past thirteen years, she has served as First Vice President of Programs, Vice President of Finance and Fund Development, National Treasurer; and she has chaired several national committees.

President Harris brings more than 41 years of successful leadership and organizational experience with professional and civic organizations.

Educationally, she holds a Masters of Public Administration degree, Bachelor of Business Administration degree, is a Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Government Financial Manager. She is also a graduate of Georgia’s Regional Leadership Institute, Leadership Atlanta, Leadership Gwinnett and a Graduate of Harvard Non-Profit Leadership Program. Her memberships include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; Continental Societies Incorporated; Immediate Past President, Albany State University Foundation Board of Trustees; The Links, Incorporated; The Historical Ebenezer Baptist Church Women Ministry Council; and the Southern Education Foundation. Professional and civically, she has consistently demonstrated an interest and commitment to eliminating disparities and improving the quality of life for the underserved, with a primary focus on African-American children, women and communities.

With extensive fund-raising experience and accomplishments, President Harris has developed and successfully executed major fund-raising initiatives for many non-profit organizations, to include: over $550,000 for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., over $900,000 for the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of 100 Black Women and a combined total of over $1.7 million for other non-profit organizations.

“I looks forward to the opportunity to serve the coalition by building upon their current successes and propelling the NCBW to its next era of great-

ness,” says President Virginia Harris. “I am “ready to lead NCBW to role model performance!” she added.

About the National Coalition of 100 Black Women

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) was launched on October 24, 1981, with representatives from 14 states and the District of Columbia, and selected Jewell Jackson McCabe as its first National President. Its mission is to advocate on behalf of women of color through national and local actions and strategic alliances that promote the NCBW agenda on leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment. The rapidity by which the organization has grown is attested to by its membership of over 2,500 members and 61 chapters in 25 states.

October 26, 2017

PAGE 18

St. James Missionary Baptist Church “Put God First”

October 26, 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

PAGE 19

October 26, 2017

If The “Fish House Gang” Has Selected John Shinkle, Will Skip Do The Right Thing?

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

When asked about the timeline attached to when he could resign his current at-large city council seat he said the information was new to him. The mayoral candidate Skip Henderson’s actual response was;

“To be honest, I hadn’t thought much about it. My plan has been to work as long as I can and stay until I qualify. ... My focus has been to do the job I was elected to do and do it as long as I could. Staying until qualifying had been my plan, but now I have until February to evaluate this. If it is better to pull a ‘Plan B,’ then we can do that. ... I am not going to do anything that will harm this community.”

First of all I’m not calling him a liar, but I don’t believe him for one minute when he says the information was new to him.

Nor do I believe he hadn’t thought much about it. In fact he said just the opposite only five months ago in an April 28, 2017 article by Chuck Williams in the Ledger Enquirer.

In that article Williams wrote, “Because the mayoral election will fall in the middle of Henderson’s four year term, he would have to resign if he qualified to run for mayor.”

Henderson was quoted in the article saying; “If we decide to do this, we have to jump in pretty quick. We are at a point where it is a matter of weeks and not months before a deci-

sion has to be made. I am really looking hard at it.”

I don’t know about you, but Skip Henderson doesn’t seem like a person who hasn’t considered every possible scenario, including when he would announce his resignation prior to him announcing his candidacy for mayor.

If he didn’t, then surely his campaign manager, John Stacey had considered it. If not, then a management change is in order.

I have a real problem with this mayoral candidate because he is taking us for granted thinking he can tell us anything and we will believe him. There needs to be an understanding that there is a difference between Ignorance vs. Stupidity.

The intrinsic difference is that ignorance simply implies lack of awareness about something,

while stupidity denotes the inability of a person to understand something due to insufficient intelligence, thus leading to the misinterpretation of a fact.

For instance, a person who has never seen an automobile would not know how to drive it, because of no exposure to such a thing.

A stupid person, on the other hand, might have seen automobiles, but would still not be able to drive one, because he imagines that in order to move it you have to speak to it and ask it to move!

As the saying goes: “You can’t fix stupid,” but they aren’t the one’s going to the polls anyway. However, those 50,841 Black and Hispanic registered voters who do, who were once ignorant, can speak the words of the scripture John 9:25

“…One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.” That number of registered voters can be compared to the 42,551 White voters who are registered in Muscogee County. I wonder if that information is new to you and if you haven’t thought much about it?

Given what we reported in our last issue regarding the alleged efforts of the “Fish House Gang” I sincerely doubt that there is any question that a discussion was held about when Skip would resign.

Especially now that we were correct according to reliable sources, the individual the “Gang” has tabbed to take his place is reported to be John Shinkle. Of course it doesn’t really matter what the “Fish House Gang” is suggesting, proposing or orchestrating because mayoral candidate Skip Henderson has said publicly. “I am not

going to do anything that will harm this community.”

I am glad to hear him say that because to do anything less than resigning by the February deadline would cause irreparable harm to his campaign but more important our democratic process.

So we are going to believe Skip is a man of his word but just as a reminder, in case he still hasn’t thought about it much, here are the dates and the timeline he needs to THINK ABOUT:

1. Will he resign before November 24, 2017?

2. Will he resign before Between November 24, 2017 and February 22,

2018? or 3. Will he wait to resign during the qualifying dates March 5-9, 2018?

HOST A CONVERSATION IN YOUR COMMUNITY. ORGANICE Y SEA ANFITRIÓN DE UNA CONVERSACIÓN EN SU COMUNIDAD.

OnTheTableChatt.com O nTheTa bleChatt .com 706-718-9565 70 6 -7 18 -9565

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER TU ESDAY, N OVEMBER 7 MARTES, MARTES, 7 DE DE N NOVIEMBRE OVIEMBRE

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Disaster Relief Donations 4Tri-City United Puerto Rico

26 de Octubre 2017

26 de Octubre 2017

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Conozca a NeighborWorks® Columbus permítenos guiarlos en su camino para ser dueño de vivienda.

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

¿Alguna vez te has preguntado cómo lograr tu sueño de ser dueño de tu propio hogar? ¿Te habrás preguntado cuales son los pasos necesarios para lograr tal meta? ¿Te has preguntado que asistencia existe para el pronto pago? ¿Cuáles son algunos gastos de cierre? ¿Tendré que inspeccionar la casa? ¿Cómo debería verse mi crédito? ¿Quién me podrá clarificar todas mis dudas?

Las buenas noticias es que NeighborWorks® Columbus proveer a los futuros dueños de vivienda con todas las respuestas necesarias. El proceso de comprar una casa puede ser estresante y confuso. En

NeighborWorks® Columbus, le proveemos a usted con los pasos para lograr una vivienda y le explicamos cuales programas de asistencia existen que le podría asistir a comprar su hogar. A la misma vez, lo apoderamos a usted con destrezas de manejo financiero que incluye como presupuestar su dinero, desarrollar ahorros y aumentar su crédito.

Imagínese estar en más control de sus gastos y ahorros; y en cambio, logrando sus metas financieras. Tome el primer paso en su camino hacia la compra de su vivienda con NeighborWorks® Columbus. Acompáñenos a través de nuestro taller interactivo de 1 hora y

Para más información, se puede comunicar con nosotros al 706-324-HOME (4663). Para español, solicitar a Kathy Rosado. ¡Estamos aquí para asistirlo!

ENGLISH Have you ever wondered how you can achieve your dream of becoming a homeowner? Have you thought about the necessary steps needed to obtain such a goal? Have you thought about what down payment assistance are available? What are some of the closing costs? Do I need to inspect the house?

What should my credit score look like?

How much house can I afford? Do I have enough savings? Who can help me clarify all my doubts?

The good news is that NeighborWorks® Columbus provides the future home-

buyer with the needed answers. The process of buying a home can be stressful and confusing. At NeighborWorks® Columbus, we provide you with the steps to homeownership and explain what down payment assistance programs may be available to help you purchase a home. At the same time, we will empower you with financial management skills that includes how to budget your money, develop savings and build up your credit score.

Imagine being more in control of your spending and savings; and in turn, achieving your financial goals. Take your first step on your journey to homeownership w ith NeighborWorks® Columbus. Join us for an interactive, one-hour workshop and let us guide you on your path to homeownership.

For more information, please contact us as 706-324-HOME (4663). We are here to help you!

Eco Latino Vol. 12

Edición 24 Gratis

couriernews.org

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

La voz de la comunidad hispana

Jueves 26 de Octubre 2017

Conozca a NeighborWorks® Columbus

Kathy Rosado, Service Line Manager

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