CrossRoadsNews, February 4, 2012

EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER

Copyright © 2012 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

February 4, 2012

Volume 17, Number 40

www.crossroadsnews.com

Football players set a Signing Day record for DeKalb

By Carla Parker

Jabari Menefee of Columbia High signs a letter of intent to play football at Albany State University with a little help from a young family member on Feb. 1.

Over the next couple of days, at least five more players are expected to sign letters of intent to attend college and play football.

The 2012 total is the third consecutive year that more than 100 ballplayers have signed from DeKalb County. In all, 31 players signed with Football Bowl Championship Schools, formerly Division 1-A schools, including 15 players going to eight colleges in the Southeastern Conference and six players going to four colleges in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Stephenson High in Stone Mountain had 25 players, the highest number for a single school, signing letters of intent. Eleven signed with Football Bowl Championship Schools.

The DeKalb School System set a record Feb. 1 when 132 high school football players signed athletic scholarships on National Signing Day. It was the largest number of students ever to sign in a single day in the county. It bested the 2010 Signing Day record of 120.

Sixty-six colleges from as far away as California, Ohio and Delaware nabbed the 132 players from 15 DeKalb high schools.

South DeKalb high schools accounted for 112 of the signees.

Wednesday’s total was just one shy of the 133 players who signed in all of 2010, which was the best year for signings for DeKalb Schools.

Please see SIGNING, page A5

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Deadline Looms on Redistricting DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson (from left), community activist Joe Arrington, Jeffery, and state Rep. Pam Stephenson look over a proposed map.

Commissioners, School Board drag feet on input

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Foot dragging by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and the DeKalb School Board has pushed state legislators up against the Feb. 14 deadline to draw new district maps for the 2012 elections.

State Rep. Simone Bell (D-58), who is chairing the DeKalb House Reapportionment Committee, said legislators have asked repeatedly for maps from the County Commission and the School Board and have not received them. She said they are now ready to proceed without their input.

“We can no longer wait,” she said at the final public hearing hosted by state legislators on Jan. 31 at the county’s Maloof Auditorium in downtown Decatur. “We have to present something to our full delegation by Monday in order to meet our deadline.”

Bell said that state legislators have the responsibility to redraw the maps and did not want to do them without county input but had not received any maps up to the start of the hearing, which was attended by 60 residents and a number of state legislators.

Only two county commissioners, Jeff Rader and Larry Johnson, and three School Board members – Paul Womack, Dr. Pamela Speaks and Donna Edler – were in attendance.

The DeKalb delegation, like state legislators across Georgia, is redrawing county and School Board districts for the 2012 elections based on the new Georgia population numbers received last spring from the 2010 U.S. Census.

Bell said that County Commission districts will be modified for population increases and declines but that no districts will be eliminated.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

“You are the ones who are going to live up under what we do at the state level. We thought it would be fair that we hear from as many people about how they want the maps done so that we can write the best maps for DeKalb County.”

State Rep. Simone Bell

Because of a separate state legislation approved last year to reduce the nine-member DeKalb School Board to no more than seven members, legislators also must eliminate two School Board districts.

“So we have to redraw maps understand-

ered any maps given to them by anyone, including the School Board, the County Commission and even the public.

“You are the ones who are going to live up under what we do at the state level,” she said. “We thought it would be fair that we hear from as many people about how they want the maps done so that we can write the best maps for DeKalb County.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Rader, the District 2 commissioner, distributed a commission district map that he said was created by county staff but had not been discussed or

ing that we are going to lose School Board members,” Bell said. “That is why we felt that it was important to have the County Commission and the School Board involved in this process.”

Bell said legislators would have consid- Please see REDISTRICTING, page 4

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CrossRoadsNews

Community

February 4, 2012

2012 Health, Wellness & Beauty Expo packed mall

Samson Fitness Center trainer Tamisha Cosby is jubilant after being crowned Fitness FaceOff Champion at the expo after an exciting competition. Exercise motivator Rae Rae Clarke is at right.

Exhibitors offered free screenings for diabetes, hypertension, HIV/AIDs and other conditions during the five-hour expo.

DeKalb Solicitor General Sherry Boston encourages a girl to take the pledge to have healthy relationships.

Celebrity judges (from left) Larry Bobo, DeKalb State Court Judge Eleanor Ross and fitness trainer Elgin Keye scored contestants in the annual Fitness FaceOff Competition.

WellCare benefit consultant Joseph Thigpen (left) shares information with visitors to his table at the expo.

Marilyn Moore of Stone Mountain (second from left) was the grand prize winner of an iPad 2.

Spectators crowded the stage for the popular Fitness FaceOff Competition featuring personal trainers.

CrossRoadsNews Photos by Curtis Parker, Jennifer Ffrench Parker and Carla Parker

Life Chef Asata Reid demonstrates a quick and easy vegetable dish.

February 4, 2012

Community

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CrossRoadsNews

“This will allow us to comply with the federal mandate to make sure there are assisted entry systems for the disabled,”

$1.8 million for park improvements

Man gets 60 years for pimping minor girls

By Mary Swint

Swimmers, tennis players and other park uses will see improvements this summer in the amenities at DeKalb Parks because of $1.9 million allocation from the 2006 Park Bonds Fund.

The DeKalb Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 24 to spend $1,885,000 on improvements at 11 swimming pools, tennis courts at two parks, and on 17 restrooms at 13 parks.

Chair lifts will be installed at the pools at Browns Mill, Murphy Candler and Midway Parks to assist disabled swimmers to enter and leave those pools.

The cost to install ADA lifts at all the pools is estimated at $160,000.

The county will also install lifts at eight pools where the low-entry “tot” pools will be converted to interactive fountains or splash pools, at a cost of $800,000.

These pools are at Briarwood, Lynwood, Lithonia, Tobie Grant, Kittredge, Medlock, Gresham and Cofer Parks.

Parks Director Roy Wilson said that in September 2010, new federal regulations were adopted for public swimming pools and that access improvements must be initiated or in place by March 15, 2012.

“This will allow us to comply with the federal mandate to make sure there are assisted entry systems for the disabled,” he said. “We will be ready

by Memorial Day weekend; that’s our plan.”

He said the interactive fountains and water sprays will be an enticement to more people of all ages to enjoy water

$160,000 will be spend on improvements at 11 pools at DeKalb Parks to make them easier for disabled and other swimmers to enter and exit.

recreation activities.

The county will have 11 pools open this summer, but Wilson said the pools at Wade Walker and Annie Scott Parks will be inactive this year.

Within three to eight months, the county will complete upgrades to 17 restrooms at 13 parks at a cost of $300,000. These will involve new partitions; replacement of fixtures, countertops, and exterior doors; re-piping if needed; and painting.

Ten restrooms will also go paperless with hot air blowers.

The restrooms improvements will be made at: Browns Mill, Exchange, Midway, Gresham, Wade Walker, Henderson, Pleasantdale, Cofer, Kittredge, Rock Chapel, Redan, True Love and Murphy Candler Parks.

The appropriation also includes $300,000 for repairs to eight tennis courts at Wade Walker and $325,000 for repairs to the DeKalb Memorial tennis court to improve safety.

Wilson said the parks department expects to have the work completed in eight months.

Clarkston gets permanent chief Clarkston’s new police chief Christine Hudson is no stranger to the city.

Hudson, who was named Police Chief on Feb. 1, has been serving as the interim Police Chief since Jan. 4.

Clarkston City Manager Keith Barker announced her appointment to the position on Thursday.

Hudson suceeds Tony Scipio, who retired on Jan. 4.

She is one of only two women leading police departments in metro Atlanta.

She began her career with the DeKalb Sheriff ’s Department in 1983 and has worked as a patrol officer for the City of Decatur Police Department. During her tenure with Decatur Police Department, she was promoted to the rank of Police Major.

In 1991, the Georgia Women in Law Enforcement named her “honoree” for Christine Hudson becomes one of only two female Police Chiefs the DeKalb County Officer in metro-Atlanta. She was interim chief before be tapped. of the year program. That same year she was honored by the Georgia Clarkston in 2009 as a Lieutenant and was Bar Association as “Officer of the Year” for promoted to the rank of Captain prior to her DeKalb County. brief stint as interim chief.

Hudson has also co-authored and article Barker said he has a “tremendous” titled “A Small City’s Approach to a Big Drug amount of faith and trust in Hudson’s ability Problem,” published in the Law and Order to move the Clarkson Police Department in magazine. the right direction.

In February 2005, Hudson left police “She is a team player who is respected work and went to Baghdad, Iraq to train by officials in all the various local, state and the Iraqi Police. While there, she became a federal law enforcement agencies,” he said.

Team Leader to the American contractors “She brings a tough but fair management who worked with the Iraqi Major General in style to the position that has already proven charge of Internal Affairs for all Of Iraq. effective with both the officers and members She began her tenure with the City of of the community.”

F U R N I T U R E

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A DeKalb pimp was sentenced to 60 years in prison for pimping minors.

Superior Court Judge Gregory Adams sentenced Erik Djon Ferguson on Jan. 27 after a jury returned 16 guilty verdicts on felony counts including pimping for person under 18 years old and conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of children.

DeKalb District Attorney Robert Erik D. Ferguson James said the jury and the judge sent a “loud and resounding” message that human trafficking will not be tolerated in DeKalb County.

“We see many children exploited at an early age and enticed into a reckless and dangerous lifestyle of prostitution,” James said. “Our goal is to protect young people from being exploited by these predators and to prosecute those individuals to the fullest extent of the law.”

Before his sentencing, Ferguson read a statement saying he was never in a prostitution sting.

“I was not there when the crime happened,” Ferguson said. “One of the girls admitted to prostituting before she even met me.”

Assistant District Attorney Dalia Racine served as lead prosecutor.

CEO hosting Lithonia town hall on Feb. 7 DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis will update residents on county matters at a town hall meeting on Feb. 7 in Lithonia.

Ellis will meet residents at 7 p.m. at the Stonecrest Library at 3123 Klondike Road.

The meeting is the third of 11 that Ellis is hosting across the county through March 27. For more information, call Burke Brennan at 404-371-3688.

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CrossRoadsNews

February 4, 2012

“The most important thing is to have good representation for the communities and equity in the process.”

Two DeKalb School Board districts getting the axe REDISTRICTING,

from page

1

voted on by the Board of Commissioners.

District 4 School Board member Paul Womack also presented a map, which he said was drawn by staff but had not been discussed or approved by the School Board.

“The board has no consensus and we have not met on this.

I am advancing a map for your consideration Paul Womack that was drawn by our demographic department, but it does not have the blessings of the School Board.”

Womack said the map eliminates the two super district seats and took the seven remaining districts and divided them to equalize population allocation.

He said it would put both himself and Speaks, who represents District 8, in the same district and they would have to run against each other. It also means that District 5 board member Jay Cunningham and District 9 board member Dr. Eugene Walker would have to run for the same seat.

Womack handed a copy of the map to Bell but did not share it with the audience. He asked legislators to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot for the March 6 presidential primary so that the people of DeKalb can vote on it.

“Let’s do right, not for School Board members but for the kids in this county,” he said, adding that the School Board was the most important elected body in the county, state and nation.

“If it screws up, you are messing with the lives of children,” he said.

“The children are the future of this county and this nation, and I beg you to give us something that will work for children – not for the egos,

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

John Evans, president of the DeKalb NAACP, asked state legislators to ensure that communities are protected during redistricting.

and not for the politicians, not for the friends and family.”

Bell said it was the first time that her committee had seen either maps and that work will have to be done on them. During the nearly two-hour meeting, speaker after speaker asked the committee to keep communities of interest together, to ensure equity in the process, and to place them in districts where they can have the best representation. They also asked legislators not to split communities among multiple commissioners or School Board members.

Mike Elliot from the Brookhaven Peachtree Alliance of 11 neighborhood groups along the Peachtree corridor asked for his community to be placed under one district and consolidated into one voting precinct. He said that their community has been split between commission districts 1 and 2.

“We prefer to be under one district where we can deal with one commissioner and deal with the overlay ordinance and all the other economic and community development efforts that we are trying to initiate and promote,” he said.

Quick Read

“Right now, we are dealing with two commissioners and one super district commissioner. If you look at our location and how we have naturally aligned, we would prefer to be aligned with District 2.”

Nadine Alli, who lives in Commission District 3, asked the legislators to do a fair job.

“Look at the overall alignment and the fairness of it,” she said.

“I have heard a lot of things and I have come to a lot of meetings, and I would like to place an impression on your hearts to do the right thing.”

Marty Mayo, who says she lives in the center of the county “on the Stone Mountain side of Clarkston,” asked legislators to consider aligning communities based on transportation corridors.

“It seems the center gets flipped this way or that or whichever way you kind of need a few bodies and then get ignored,” she said.

Mayo said she goes up and down the Memorial Drive corridor all the time and has more in common with Belvedere and Stone Mountain than she does with Redan and Tucker.

“So, if you want to think of communities of interest, could we think of them in terms of transportation corridors,” she said. “They would look somewhat like stripes, but those of us who live and work tend to think in that manner.”

DeKalb NAACP President John Evans said that the NAACP would submit maps on Friday.

He said that when commissioners and School Board members got the new population numbers, they knew things were going to change.

“It’s their fault if they don’t get it [map] in,” he said, adding that the voters will deal with the commissioners and School Board members for not submitting their maps.

He asked the legislators to ensure that communities are protected as they draw the new maps.

“We don’t need somebody else to pick off our elected officials,” Evans said. “If our elected officials are not good enough to represent us, we ought to get rid of them. We don’t need the process to get rid of them. We just need the process to be fair and up front and representative of communities.”

Evans said racial lines are important in the redistricting process.

“I know folks don’t like to talk about that. We’ve got so many sophisticated folks we don’t think race is an issue. But race is always an issue, and we hope that between everybody, we can come together and work out something that is representative of the county. The most important thing is to have good representation for the communities and equity in the process.”

Bell said the Georgia House must approve all maps by Feb. 14 so that they can be sent to the U.S. Justice Department for approval.

“They have 60 days to make their determination and come back,” Bell said. “So we have a very small window of time to get this done.”

Commissioner and School Board drag feet on input A1

Flu vaccine price drops to $15

Foot dragging has pushed state legislators up against the Feb. 14 deadline to draw new district maps for the 2012 elections.

Flu vaccines are now available for $15 from the DeKalb Board of Health. The board reduced the price to encourage more people to get vaccinated.

A new exhibition examining the life of scientist and educator George Washington Carver is on display at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.

12 schools cited for achievement

Bearden to be celebrated at Macy’s Lenox Square B3

$1.8 million for park improvements

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Park uses will see improvements this summer in the amenities at DeKalb Parks because of $1.9 million allocation from the 2006 Park Bonds Fund.

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A dozen DeKalb schools have been recognized as 2011 Single Statewide Accountability System award-winning schools by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.

Wells Fargo ponies up $8 million to lure home buyers A6 Ball to raise money for officers insurance NeighborhoodLIFT, an $8 million Wells Fargo effort to help people buy and live in homes in the city of Atlanta, is kicking off with a free large-scale homebuyer workshop at the Georgia World Congress Center.

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Police officers, their friends, supporters and the public will be dancing the night away on Feb. 11 at the DeKalb Police Alliance 5th annual Police Ball.

Carver exhibit examines remarkable life

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Romare Howard Bearden, the incomparable artist, writer and musician, is being celebrated this month with an exhibit of his works at Macy’s.

Black Heritage stamp honors publisher John H. Johnson B6 Publishing legend John H. Johnson has been honored with a commemorative Black Heritage stamp by the U.S. Postal Service.

index to advertisers

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Community

MLK’s Blake Tibbs tries on a Georgia cap after signing with the Bulldogs.

‘It’s just the right school for me’ SIGNING,

from page

A1

Running back Mike Davis, the top running back in the state and ESPNU No. 6-ranked player in the state, signed with the University of South Carolina.

Martin Luther King Jr. High School came in second with a record 22 signees. Seven of the players signed with Football Bowl Championship Schools. MLK head coach Michael Carson said National Signing Day is the best day for a high school football coach.

“This is what you do this for as a coach,” he said. “We want to give guys a chance to go on to the next level and have an opportunity to, number one, get their education paid for free of cost.”

One of MLK’s top wide receivers, Blake Tibbs, signed with the University of Georgia.

Tibbs, who is best known for an 82-yard kickoff return, helped give MLK a 50-49 victory over Stephenson for the Region 2 title. After inking the deal, he said he chose the Bulldogs over his eight other offers because the school felt like home.

“My whole family is from Georgia and it’s just the right school for me,” he said. “I went down there for a couple of visits and it just felt like home.”

Tibbs led all DeKalb wide receivers in yards (1,086) and touchdowns (15).

Tibbs’ teammate, Kenderius Whitehead, one of the state’s top defensive ends, signed with North Carolina State University in Raleigh. He chose N.C. State over 36 other offers. “[N.C. State] was in my heart,” Whitehead said. “Even though I had big major offers, I went there and it just felt right.”

Columbia High School came in third on National Signing Day with 17 signees. Four are headed to Football Bowl Championship Schools. Cedar Grove had 13 players to sign, including offensive tackle Brandon Greene.

The ESPNU No. 2-ranked player in the state committed to the University of Alabama.

Class AAAA state champion Tucker was next with nine, two Football Bowl Championship Schools, followed by Miller Grove and Dunwoody with eight each.

The eight signees at Miller Grove formed the largest signing class since the school opened in 2005. Head coach Damien Wimes said the kids signing full college scholarships are the foundation for success of the football program.

“This will encourage the younger kids to continue to work hard and each of our classes will get bigger as they go,” he said.

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CrossRoadsNews

February 4, 2012

“Helping constituents solve seemingly intractable problems is what my district office does every day.”

Hanks hits the $5 million mark for constituent help

Dems holding state budget hearing

Congressman Hank Johnson has surpassed the $5 million mark in constituent services.

Since taking office in 2007, Johnson’s office has helped more than 4,000 constituents, who have reached out for help, receive $5,165,351.66.

Congressman Johnson, whose Washington, D.C. and District offices have a strong reputation throughout Georgia and the nation for stellar constituent services, said he will continue to put constituents first.

“Helping constituents solve seemingly intractable Hank Johnson problems is what my district office does every day,” Johnson said. “I’m proud that my staff has been able to help so many constituents receive the money and benefits due them from the federal government. Taking care of home first is my number one priority.”

Johnson has helped thousands of residents navigate housing, health care, Social Security, IRS and veterans benefits.

Johnson’s offices in Lithonia with satellite offices in Conyers and Tucker are open to assist residents of Georgia 4th Congressional District with their federal agency problems. For a full list of services, visit Johnson’s constituent service section of his website at www.hankjohnson. house.gov/services/assistance-with-federal-agencies.shtml.

House Democrats will hold a public hearing on Feb. 6 to discuss Governor Nathan Deal’s proposed $19.2 billion state budget.

Alan Essig, executive director of Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, will present an analysis of the proposed budget; and Tim Sweeney, GBPI Director of Health Policy, will answer questions on Medicaid.

Essiq said that for the first time in several years, there are no dramatic cuts in the governor’s budget recommendations.

“However, even with moderate revenue growth, Georgia faces a structural deficit,” he said. “In fact, Governor Deal projects a $319 million deficit in FY 2014. Without significant improvement in the economy or tax reform that results in increased revenues, Georgia will continue to struggle to provide services to Georgians most affected by the recession.”

The meeting takes place from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in Room 230.

The Georgia Capitol is at 100 Washington St. in downtown Atlanta. For more information, contact Sophie Loghman at sophie@gahousedems.com or call 770- 265-1069.

South DeKalb signees 112 football players from South DeKalb high schools signed letters of intent on Feb. 1.

High School No. of signees Arabia Mountain 2 Cedar Grove 13 Columbia 17 Lithonia 4 M.L. King 22 McNair 7 Miller Grove 8 Redan 4 Stephenson 25 Stone Mountain 3 Southwest DeKalb 7

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Finance

February 4, 2012

“He has a proven track record in driving results, and his insight will contribute to the growth of our organization.”

Wells Fargo ponies up $8 million to lure home buyers NeighborhoodLIFT, an $8 million Wells Fargo effort to help people buy and live in homes in the city of Atlanta, is kicking off Feb. 10 and 11 with a free large-scale homebuyer workshops at the Georgia World Congress Center.

The workshops will take place 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. both days. They are free to attend but pre-registration is encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome.

The local Wells Fargo initiative is being undertaken in cooperation with the city of Atlanta, and the non-profit groups, Resources for Residents and Communities and NeighborWorks.

It is offering $6.4 million in down payment assistance, including $2.4 million specifically for homes that need renovation.

It also includes $1 million for local initiatives and funding for the event at the World Congress Center.

As part of the iniative, Wells Fargo also announced a mortgage lending goal of $1.3 billion for the next five years.

The homebuyer workshops are open to anyone interested in buying and living in a house in the city of Atlanta, which includes

Atlanta in DeKalb. Down payment assistance of up to $15,000 is available to qualified buyers annual income of up to $83,000 for a family of four.

During the workshops, potential homebuyers can find out if they qualify for the down payment assistance program and reserve funds for 60 days – even if they haven’t yet found a property. They can also get pre-approved for a mortgage – and if they face credit challenges they can sign up for free counseling.

Those who attend can stop by Wells Fargo’s Affordable Home Tour viewing center to preview the features and prices of 100 homes from four areas of the city. They can also board a tour bus for a free ride to see and tour the homes. Buses will depart regularly from noon to 5 p.m. each day to the neighborhoods. Self-directed tours are also encouraged.

The Georgia World Congress Center is at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd., NW in Atlanta. Parking at the World Congress Center is free.

For more information, visit www.neighborhoodlift.com or calling 866-858-2151.

DeKalb Medical hires new COO Dane Henry, an Air Force veteran, has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer at DeKalb Medical.

Henr y, formerly vice president of operations at Northeast Dane Henry Georgia Health System in Gainesville, was an officer in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Medical Service

Corps at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, McChord Air Force Base in Washington, and Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins. He previously served as assistant administrator at Atlanta Medical Center.

John A. Shelton Jr., DeKalb Medical’s president and chief executive officer, said t Henry brings a wealth of experience leading hospital operations.

“He has a proven track record in driving results, and his insight will contribute to the growth of our organization,” Shelton said.

John O’Callaghan, of the ANDP and Wells Fargos Candy Moore, Pamela Moore, and Mike Donnelly at the launch of NeighborhoodLIFT.

HomeSmart to Seminar to help open new store business owners Homesmart, a retailer specializing in affordable and flexible lease purchase options for furniture, appliances, computers and electronics, is opening of a new location at 3570 Memorial Drive in Decatur on Feb. 4.

The company, which launched in late 2010 has experienced robust growth and now has 71 stores open in 11 states. For cash or credit-constrained consumers, it offers weekly or monthly lease payment options for brand name products.

Marco Scalise, Homesmart vice president of operations, said the store is offering affordable lease options for items like sofas, refrigerators, laptops and televisions to the residents of Decatur.

“Economic struggles have restricted many incomes, but the need for these everyday necessities still exists,” Scalise said.

The 10 a.m.-to-5 p.m. grand opening will feature an appearance by Atlanta Dream point guard Lindsey Harding who will sign autographs and pose with fans for photos.

Celebrity personality and actress, dancer, entertainer CeCe Smart will greet fans, take photos and sign autographs. Smart credits include “Remember the Titans,” “Road Trip” and “Drumline.”

Door prizes include Atlanta Dream basketballs autographed by the entire team, 10 pairs of Atlanta Hawks tickets and a 32-inch LCD television. There will also be free food and free gifts to the first 25 guests to arrive.

There will be a bounce house and face painting for kids. For more information, visit www.shophomesmart.com.

Small business owners can “Ride To Success” at a Feb. 22 small business seminar co-hosted by CrossRoadsNews, the Atlanta Voice and Regions Bank.

The 8 a.m. to noon seminar will feature seminars on improving financial accounting, QuickBooks, credit worthiness, writing a business plan, and affordable asset protections.

It takes place at the Southside Medical Center, 1046 Ridge Ave. S.W. in Atlanta.

The Black History Month event is designed to help African American small business get information to grow and manage their businesses better and smarter.

A continental breakfast will be served.

The seminar is free but space is limited.

To attend, RSVP by Feb. 10 to ridetosuccess@crossroadsnews.com or call Jami at 404-284-1888.

Business group to elect board, officers The South DeKalb Business Association will elect new officers and board members at its Feb. 9 meeting at the Clark Harrison Building in downtown Decatur.

The 5:30-7 p.m. meeting will be in Conference Room A. The Clark Harrison Building is at 330 Ponce de Leon Avenue.

For more information, call 404-9197322.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE CITY OF LITHONIA, GEORGIA FISCAL YEAR 2012 (FY12) BUDGET REVIEW & ADOPTION (January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012)

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PUBLIC HEARING ON FY12 BUDGET: A Public Hearing on the FY12 Budget is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 6:00 pm at City Hall located at 6980 Main Street, Lithonia, GA 30058. At this meeting, the Mayor and Council will receive both written and oral comments about the Annual Operating Budget for the City of Lithonia, Georgia.

The Public Hearing on the Budget will be followed by the Council Work Session at 7 pm at City Hall.

MAYOR’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW: The FY12 Mayor’s Recommended Budget will be available for public inspection during normal office hours starting on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at the following locations: City Hall, 6980 Main Street, Lithonia, GA 30058 Lithonia-Davidson Library, 6821 Church Street, Lithonia GA 30058 BUDGET REVIEW: The Mayor and Council of the City of Lithonia are scheduled to review the FY12 Recommended Budget on the following date: Monday, February 13, 2012 at 7 pm at City Hall, 6980 Main Street, Lithonia GA 30058.

BUDGET ADOPTION: The Mayor and Council of the City of Lithonia are scheduled to adopt the FY12 Budget at a Special Call Meeting on Wednesday, February 29, 2012. The meeting will be held at 7:00 pm at City Hall located at 6980 Main Street, Lithonia GA 30058.

February 4, 2012

Wellness

A7

CrossRoadsNews

Long before the devastating earthquake hit Haiti, Toth was making medical mission trips to the poor country.

Regular Pap, HPV tests urged to reduce risk of cervical cancer Thousands of women still succumb to cervical cancer annually because of decreased access to Pap testing or follow-up treatment.

The American Cancer Society, which is urging women to get screened, says that in 2011, about 12,710 new cases of invasive cervical cancer were diagnosed, and about 4,290 women will die from cervical cancer.

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 10,800 new cases of HPV-associated cervical cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year.

More black and Hispanic women get cervical cancer and are diagnosed at later stages of the disease than women of other races or ethnicities.

To reduce your risk of cervical cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends: n All women should begin cervical cancer screening within three years after they start having sex and no later than age 21, and screening should be done every year with a regular Pap test. n Beginning at age 30, women who have had three normal Pap test results in a row may get screened every two to three years. Women

A flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age, especially young children, the elderly and others at high risk of serious flu-related complications.

older than 30 also may get screened every three years with either the conventional or liquid-based Pap test, plus the human papilloma virus, or HPV, test. n Women 70 years or older who have had three or more normal Pap test results in a row and no abnormal Pap test results in the last 10 years may choose to stop having cervical cancer testing. n Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) also may choose to stop having cervical cancer testing, unless the surgery was done as a treatment for cervical or pre-cancer.

n Women who have had a hysterectomy

without removal of the cervix (a supracervical hysterectomy) need to continue cervical cancer screening and follow the guidelines above.

The faith-based nonprofit Balm in Gilead, which works to prevent diseases and to improve the health status of people of the African diaspora, says that cervical cancer is highly preventable and that screening and vaccination are key.

For more information, visit www.cdc. gov, http://balmingilead.org and www .cancer.org.

Free breast, cervical cancer screens Uninsured and underinsured women in DeKalb County can get free screenings for breast and cervical cancer if they meet age and income criteria.

Eligible women must be 40 to 64 years old, have income that is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline, and have a family history of breast cancer.

To schedule an appointment, call:

n Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clif-

ton Springs Road, Suite D, in Decatur at 404-244-2200. n North DeKalb Health Center, 3807 Clairmont Road N.E. in Chamblee at 770-4541144. n T.O. Vinson Health Center, 440 Winn Way in Decatur at 404-294-3762.

Visit www.dekalbhealth.net.

Free HIV tests at Greenbriar Mall

Flu vaccine price drops to $15 Flu vaccines are now available for $15 from the DeKalb Board of Health. The board reduced the price to encourage more people to get vaccinated.

It offers the regular, the intradermal, the nasal mist, and the high-dose flu vaccines.

A flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. Vaccination is especially recommended for groups at high risk of serious flu-related complications, including: n Pregnant women. n Children younger than 5 years of age and especially children younger than 2 years of age. n People 50 and older. n People of any age with certain chronic

medical conditions. n People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. n People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy. n People who are morbidly obese (have a body mass index of 40 or greater). n People who have a weakened immune system due to disease (like HIV/AIDS) or medication (like chronic steroids).

Vaccinations also are important for health care workers, household contacts of people at high risk for flu complications, and household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age.

For clinic locations and hours, visit www. dekalbhealth.net or call 404-294-3700.

Free HIV testing is available at the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day observance on Feb. 4 at Greenbriar Mall.

The noon-to-5 p.m. event, with the theme “Know Your Status,” is presented by the Twenty Pearls Foundation Inc., an affiliate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Tau Epsilon Omega Chapter.

Sponsors include AID Atlanta, Fulton

County, OraSure Technologies and Gilead.

There will be free information, giveaways and speakers as well as the fourth annual Greek Bowl.

Greenbriar Mall is at 2841 Greenbriar Parkway S.W. in Atlanta. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, e-mail nbhaad@the20pearlsfoundation.org or visit www.the20pearlsfoundation.org.

Urgent Care • Internal Medicine Kidney & Hypertension Center

Two KP Georgia doctors honored Two Kaiser Permawork of Drs. Susan Reines nente Georgia doctors and James Toth in the are among 15 physicians community,” Schreiner recognized by the health said in a Jan. 23 statecare provider for their ment. “Their dedication community service. to serving not only Kaiser Dr. Susan Reines, a Permanente members, pediatrician at Kaiser but also underserved Permanente’s Panola, populations in metro Stonecrest and Conyers Dr. Susan Reines helped establish the Atlanta and beyond, is an medical centers, and Dr. Refugee Pediatric Clinic in DeKalb. inspiration to us all.”

James Toth, who specialReines is the driving izes in ambulatory medicine at force behind the Refugee Pediatric the Kaiser Permanente Sugar HillClinic at the DeKalb County Board Buford Medical Center, were named of Health clinic, which she helped 2011 David Lawrence Community establish after a local clinic servService Award honorees. ing child refugees closed its doors.

Reines was cited for her work Many of her patients lacked health with child refugees, while Toth has care in their native countries and, been recognized for establishing a as a result, have neglected serious Dr. James Toth free clinic in rural Haiti. medical conditions.

Each of the 2011 David Lawrence ComIn addition to meeting their health care munity Service Award honorees will receive needs, Reines promotes literacy among a $10,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente to young refugees by donating new books to support their community service initiatives. her patients through the Reach Out and The award is named for the former Kaiser Read program.

Permanente CEO and a lifelong advocate of Toth is being honored for more than a improving health. decade of community service abroad.

Reines and Toth were selected from Long before the devastating earthquake 180 nominees in Kaiser Permanente’s eight hit Haiti in 2010, he was making medical regions. mission trips to the poverty-stricken counDr. Rob Schreiner, executive medical try. director of Kaiser Permanente Georgia, said For more information, visit http://info. the recognition was well-deserved. kp.org/communitybenefit/get_involved_1.

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A8

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

“It’s a wonderful feeling just seeing the kids with smiles on their faces and jumping around full of joy. These guys deserve it. They are the best.”

12 schools cited for achievement A dozen DeKalb schools have been recognized as 2011 Single Statewide Accountability System award-winning schools by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.

Six of the schools are in South DeKalb.

The schools were selected for their efforts to improve and promote excellence in student academic achievement.

The SSAS award structure combines criteria for making Adequate Yearly Progress with criteria for identifying schools making the greatest gains in student achievement.

Each category has four award levels – Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze.

The Platinum schools were DeKalb Early College Academy, DeKalb School of the Arts, Kittredge Magnet School, Vanderlyn Elementary School, and Wadsworth Magnet School for High Achievers.

The Gold schools were Austin Elemen-

February 4, 2012

tary School and the Champion Middle Theme School.

Fernbank Elementary School received the Silver award, and the Bronze schools were Clifton Elementary School, Gateway to College Academy, Montgomery Elementary School, and Oak Grove Elementary School.

Schools Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson congratulated all the winning schools for the “noteworthy accomplishment.”

“This is a great honor for all of our students and teachers who do exceptional work and continue to raise the bar of student success,” Atkinson said.

Each award-winning school will receive banners and certificates based on the school’s Accountability Profile.

For more information regarding the SSAS, visit www.gaosa.org.

FAFSA workshop for seniors High school seniors and their parents can complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms on Feb. 11 at the DeKalb School System’s annual FAFSA Form College Financial Aid Workshop at Stone Mountain Middle School.

From 9 to 10:30 a.m. or from 10:30 a.m. to noon, parents and their high school seniors can complete and submit the forms electronically.

Parents and students must have a PIN to participate.

Khalil Williams defeated Marist’s Patrick Lange 15-3 in the finals of the 120 weight division, giving McNair the first of two gold medals.

School Board approves new COO The DeKalb School System has he also served as an assistant a new chief operating officer. professor.

The School Board voted unaniAs COO, Wilkins will be in mously on Jan. 26 to approve the charge of all operational aspects appointment of Stephen Wilkins of the School System, including as COO. facilities and maintenance, transWilkins was most recently portation, school nutrition, and chief of Human Capital Initiatives construction. for the Alexandria City Public Superintendent Cheryl AtSchools in Alexandria, Va. He was Stephen Wilkins kinson launched a national previously facilities director for the Chicago search for a permanent COO last NoPublic Schools. vember. Wilkins is the first permanent He is a retired U.S. Army colonel and appointment to the position since the served in key leadership positions over a departure of Pat Reid in April 2010.

27-year military career. He holds a masReid, who was COO for about five ter’s degree in public administration from years, was indicted in 2010 on racketeerHarvard University and is a graduate of the ing charges over handling of the school U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where district’s construction programs.

PINs must be obtained one week prior to the workshops at www.pin.ed.gov.

If applicable, parents and students must bring their 2011 or 2010 tax return and 2011 W-2 form.

Parents and students have until Feb. 9 to R.S.V.P. for the workshop.

Stone Mountain Middle School is at 4301 Sarr Parkway in Stone Mountain.

For more information, contact Anderia Russell at 678-676-0312 or anderia_russell@ fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us.

McNair wins first wrestling title For the first time in school history, the McNair High wrestling team won the DeKalb County Wrestling title.

The McNair Mustangs defeated Marist School 200.5-193 in the championship round to capture its first title on Jan. 28 at Miller Grove High.

Since the school opened in 1987, McNair had never finished in first or second place at the county championship with only six individual gold medal winners in the previous 24 years.

McNair’s wrestling head coach Ramon Tillery said it felt great to win their first county wrestling title.

“It’s a wonderful feeling just seeing the kids with smiles on their faces and jumping around full of joy,” Tillery said. “These guys deserve it. They are the best.”

McNair, which had captured second in the Area 5-AAA Region Tournament, went on to place nine wrestlers in the top four spots of the 14 weight divisions.

Khalil Williams improved his record to 33-1 on the season as he defeated Marist’s

Patrick Lange 15-3 in the finals of the 120 weight division, giving the Mustangs the first of two gold medals.

D.J. Jackson also improved to 33-1 on the season and was leading Miller Grove’s Jacob Mitchell 4-0 in the second period of their match in the 220 weight division when he got the pin for McNair’s second gold of the tournament.

McNair’s Kevin Barner (42-3) reached the finals in the 285 weight division and settled for the silver after battling undefeated Gabe Echols of Southwest DeKalb (29-0) into the third period before Echols kept his undefeated record intact with a pin with just seconds remaining in the match.

Other top four finishers included Darius Harris (106 weight division, fourth place), Deniko West (126 weight division, third place), Zeontaye McCoy (138 weight division, fourth place), Michael Corley (160 weight division, third place) and Dontavious Smith (182 weight division, third place).

Isiah Walker placed fifth in the 171-weight division to round out the top finishers.

Project CLEAN goes to Germany

By Carla Parker

Dr. Tom Keating’s message of cleaner rest­rooms in schools has reached Germany.

Keating, founder and coordinator of Project CLEAN – Citizens, Learners and Educators Against Neglect, went to Germany Jan. 16-20 to assist schools in improving their restrooms.

The former educator and Decatur resident was invited by the German Toilet Organization to as- Tom Keating sist schools in Berlin, Brandenburg and other areas of Germany.

Keating met with local educators, students and government representatives for extensive talks on school restroom improvement and worldwide sanitation issues.

Keating said he visited eight schools during his four-day trip.

Project CLEAN, which was created in 1996, assists 11- to 18-year-old students to have safe, clean and hygienic restrooms in public schools, libraries, parks, recreation centers, and swimming pool complexes.

Keating created the organization after his children, then in middle school and high

school, complained about the condition of their school restrooms in the 1980s.

He estimated that one-third of more than 900,000 public school restrooms in the United States are dirty, unhealthy or unsafe.

He has found empty soap dispensers in 40 percent of the schools he visits.

“It is for a range of issues – kids often vandalize soap dispensers, spit or pee in them, tear out the bags of hand-washing solutions, crack the plastic box,” Keating said. “Janitors get discouraged and quit refilling.”

Project CLEAN has worked with schools in DeKalb including Decatur, Redan and Southwest DeKalb high schools.

The organization also has worked with schools across Georgia and in states from California to Delaware. It has participated in three international meetings of the World Toilet Summit.

Keating previously assisted the German Toilet Organization, which helped five high schools in September 2009 in a project called “Klobalisierte Welt” (Toiletized World). That project culminated in a presentation by more than 100 students at the Brandenburg Gate on World Toilet Day on Nov. 19.

For more information, visit www.pro jectclean.us or call 404-694-2905.

February 4, 2012

Scene

“We invite the public to join us in support of law enforcement by attending this event.”

Ball to raise money for officers insurance Police officers, their friends, supporters and the public will be dancing the night away on Feb. 11 at the DeKalb Police Alliance 5th annual Police Ball at the Thalia N. Carlos Hellenic Community Center in Atlanta.

The gala, which takes place from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., raises funds to pay for supplementary life insurance policy for officers and other support programs. It includes an elegant Valentine’s weekend evening of dining, dancing, and a live auction for items like a week’s stay at a private mountain and island villas.

The non-profit alliance was founded in 2005 by business and civic leaders to raise funds to pay for a $100,000 supplementary life insurance policy that covers sworn officers in the DeKalb County Police and Sheriff ’s Departments, and the county’s nine cities.

During the gala, it will present its first annual “Hero Among Heroes Award” to outstanding police officers.

Since its inception, the DPA policy has paid benefits to the families of three fallen officers, the most recent incident occurring last year in the Doraville Police Department.

DeKalb Police Chief Bill O’Brien said many of the officers on the streets are young men and women.

“If they are disabled or lose their lives while performing their duty, the quality of life of their families, spouses or children can also be affected,” he said. “The additional financial support provided by the DPA policy helps minimize that possibility.

Our officers appreciate this benefit, while we hope they never actually have to use it.”

Carolyn Rehling, the DPA Board Chair , said that “a broad base of community support is critical to help the alliance meet its goal.

“We appreciate the unselfish dedication of our sworn officers,” Rehling said. “We invite the public to join us in support of law enforcement by attending this event.”

Tickets are $100 each in advance.

The ball features dining, dancing, a live auction and awards honoring outstanding police officers. Thalia N. Carlos Hellenic Community Center is at 2500 Clairmont Road Ne in Atlanta.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.dekalbpolicealliance.org or call 678-362-0392.

Women poets to read work at Callanwolde

DeKalb Seniors Marcia Glenn-Hunter and colleagues pose with $1,500 check they donated Feb. 1 to CEO Burrell for Porter Sanford Arts Center.

Seniors donate to arts center The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center got a $1,500 donation on Feb. 1 from members of the Lou Walker Senior Center Performing Arts group and the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Development, Inc. The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Development, Inc. is the new non-profit arm of the Lou Walker Senior Center.

The cast of more than 100 seniors presented the check as part of the proceeds they collected from “A Tribute to Ray Charles,” a play they performed last fall at the center. The funds will be used to create painting classes for adults and seniors.

Music and Lyrics at library The romantic comedy “Music and Lyrics,” starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore, will be screened Feb. 10 at the Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library in De catur.

The PG 13-rated film, which was released in 2007, is being shown as part of the DeKalb Library’s Friday afternoons mix of new releases and old favorites. The movie follows a washed up singer, Alex Fletcher, who is given a couple days to compose a chart-topping hit for an aspiring teen sensation, Cora Corman. The screening begins at 1:30 p.m.

Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library is at 1282 McConnell Drive.

For more information, call 404-679-4404.

Artist displays edgy urban art Christina Bray’s paintings of Atlanta’s graffiti-covered abandoned buildings will be on display at the Callanwolde Arts Center through March 23.

Brays work will be showcased in the “Urban Works” art exhibit.

Her subjects include many now defunct Atlanta landmarks such as the Pullman Railyard and Glidden Paint Factory, and others.

“The sites I have chosen to portray juxtapose the edgy newness of the graffiti alongside the Christina Bray’s art celebrates graffiti-covered abandoned buildings around the city of Atlanta. gritty industrial decay,” Bray said.

The exhibit is on the second floor of the main Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m.-to-3 building in the Callanwolde Mansion, 980 p.m. on Saturday.

Briarcliff Road in Atlanta.

For more information call 404-872The exhibit is open 10 a.m.-to-8 p.m., 5338.

Waterscapes capture nature Decatur-based photographers David Foster, Jerome Walker and Virginie DrujonKippelen will share insights into the making of their photography exhibit, “Waterscapes,” on Feb. 4 at the Decatur Library.

“Waterscapes,” a nature photography exhibit, opened Feb. 1 at the library and will run for the entire month.

Taking water as their source of inspiration, the photographers expressed their deep appreciation for nature and wilderness. Their images capture a wide range of features and scenery, from little-known areas of the American West to well-hidden local settings.

The talk on the exhibit begin at 4 p.m., followed by a reception at 5:30 p.m.

The Decatur Library is at 215 Sycamore St. For more information, call 404-3703070.

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CrossRoadsNews

Poets Louise Runyon and Megan Volpert will read some of their work on Feb. 8 at the Callanwolde Mansion Library.

Runyon is also a dancer and a practitioner of the Feldenkrais method of movement education. She was the first woman to work at Atlantic Steel since World War II, and was Louise Runyon inspired by that experience to create her first poems and choreography.

Her books of poetry include “Reborn, Landscape / Fear & Love,” and most recently “The Clearing.”

Volpert, a poet and Megan Volpert critic from Chicago, has settled in Decatur where she works as a high school English teacher. “Sonics in Warholia” is her fourth collection of poems. She has performed with a wide range of poets including Christian Bök and Andrei Codrescu. Volpert is a co-director of the Atlanta Queer Literary Festival.

Tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for students with an ID, seniors, and Callanwolde Mansion members.

Callanwolde Mansion is at 980 Briarcliff Road in Atlanta.

For more information call 404-8725338 or visit www.callanwolde.org.

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A10

CrossRoadsNews

February 4, 2012

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Black History Month Copyright Š 2012 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

February 4, 2012

Section B

www.crossroadsnews.com

Faces that shaped our history

At left, the four girls who were killed in the 16th Street Church bombing. Above, Martin Luther King, Fred Shuttlesworth and Ralph David Abernathy hold a press conference.

Community celebrates black history

Harriet Tubman

Marcus Garvey

John Lewis

Carter G. Woodson

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CrossRoadsNews

February 4, 2012

Many myths surround Carver. He didn’t invent peanut butter. Neither did he create 300 products from peanuts.

Carver exhibit examines remarkable life of scientist, educator A new exhibition examining the life of scientist and educator George Washington Carver is on display at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum through May 27.

The exhibition, organized by Chicago’s renowned Field Museum in collaboration with Tuskegee University and the National Park Service, presents a complex and George W. Carver intimate portrait of one of America’s bestknown names and least-studied men.

The Carter Presidential Museum is the final stop for the exhibition, which began in 2008.

When the exhibit ends, the more than 150 Carver artifacts will be returned to various museums around the country. This is the last chance to see so much Carver material in one place.

The exhibit portrays Carver as a trailblazing scholar, innovative scientist, pioneering conservationist, humanitarian and impassioned educator. It follows Carver’s entire life and career, revealing both his struggles and his remarkable achievements.

It brings together more than 100 artifacts from Carver’s personal life and work along with animated and live videos; interactive displays; a diorama of Carver’s childhood farm; and a re-creation of the Jesup wagon, his mobile classroom.

Many myths surround Carver. He didn’t invent peanut butter; it had existed in many cultures for centuries. Neither did he create 300 new products from peanuts, although he created some and collected many others.

Carver had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and overcame tremendous odds to become one of America’s most versatile scientists. He was a trailblazing proponent of sustainability who believed that “nature produces no waste” and neither should man.

He was a humanitarian whose primary goal was, as he put it, “to help the farmer and fill the poor man’s empty dinner pail.”

George Washington Carver, who was a scholar, scientist, conservationist, humanitarian and educator, had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

Carver, who was a frail child, was born into slavery in Diamond Grove, Mo., around 1864. The exact date of his birth is unknown because slave owners did not keep good records of the birth of their slaves’ offspring.

He and his mother were kidnapped by slave raiders when he was still an infant. He was abandoned by the kidnappers and rescued by his owners, Moses and Susan Carver, who adopted both George and his brother.

His real mother was never found.

Moses Carver was a farmer in a Missouri frontier town, a frugal man who abhorred waste of any kind. Since George was a sickly child, unable to help much on the farm, Susan Carver taught him handiwork such as embroidery, knitting and crocheting.

George also spent a lot of his time outside, collecting rocks, observing nature and

creating a “secret garden.” His sensitivity and curiosity were apparent, and even as a child he was known throughout the area for his remarkable skill with plants.

“I wanted to know the name of every stone and flower and insect and bird and beast. I wanted to know where it got its color, where it got its life – but there was no one to tell me,” Carver later wrote.

His foster parents had no formal education, and there were no schools close to their home – only a Blue Back Speller in which George found few answers to his endless questions.

He left home at age 13, with the Carvers’ blessings, to seek an education.

With a rich collection of artifacts, the exhibition traces Carver’s path and passions as he worked his way through elementary and

The Black History Month Hike at Sweetwater Creek on Feb. 4 includes a tour of the ruins of a textile mill built by slaves and destroyed by Sherman’s troops in 1864.

Films shed light on plight of blacks and is sent away to a chain Film buffs can “Celegang. While he is imprisbrate Black History Month oned, his young son helps Through Film” at a number his mother farm their land of DeKalb Library branches and search for their dog this month.

Sounder, who ran away. It “Roots,” the legendary earned four Academy Award TV miniseries based on Alex nominations, including best Haley’s novel “Roots: The picture.

Saga of an American Fam“Selma, Lord, Selma” ily,” will be screened Fridays is based on true events in February at the Hairston surrounding the Selma-toCrossing Library. Released Mongomery march for votin 1977, “Roots” received 36 ing rights in March 1965 that Emmy Award nominations came to be known as “Bloody and won nine. It also won a “Roots” is being screened at Sunday” because of police Golden Globe and a Peabody the Hairston Crossing Library. brutality.

Award. Its finale still stands The film tells the story through the eyes as the third-highest rated U.S. TV program of an 11-year-old black girl named Sheyann ever.

The weekly 2-to-4 p.m. screenings, for Webb played by Jurnee Smollett. It premiered adults 18 and older, kicked off Feb. 3 with as a TV movie on ABC on Jan. 17, 1999.

“Ruby Bridges” is a 1998 made-for-TV Volume 1, episodes 1 and 2. Volumes 2 and 3 will be screened on Feb. 10 and 17. “Roots, movie, written by Toni Ann Johnson and Crossing Over: How Roots Captivated the based on the true story of Ruby Bridges, Entire Nation” will be screened on Feb. 24. the first black student to attend integrated The library is at 4911 Redan Road in schools in New Orleans in 1960. As a 6-year Stone Mountain. For more information, call old, Ruby was one of four black first-graders, selected on the basis of test scores, to attend 404-508-7170.

The Gresham Library is screening a num- previously all-white public schools in New ber of family films for ages 5 and older in Orleans. Ruby was sent to William Frantz honor of Black History Month. It will show Public School by herself.

The film was nominated for several the PG-rated movie “Sounder” on Feb. 7.

On Feb. 14, “Selma, Lord, Selma” will be awards, including an NAACP Image Award. screened. “Ruby Bridges” will be screened on Johnson won the 1998 Humanities Prize for her teleplay. The film also won the ChristoFeb. 21 and “King” on Feb. 28.

“Sounder,” which was released in 1972, pher Award.

The library is at 2418 Gresham Road in stars Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield. It tells the story of a poor man who steals food to Atlanta. For more information, call 404feed his family during the Great Depression 244-4374.

high school, through rejection and welcome, to Simpson College in Iowa, then to Iowa State University, and finally to a research and teaching position at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Alabama.

Carver died Jan. 5, 1943.

The museum is open from 9 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon until 4:45 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors (60-plus), military and students with IDs. Children 16 and under are free, and there is plenty of free parking.

The Carver exhibit is included at no additional charge.

The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum is at 441 Freedom Parkway in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.jimmycarter library.gov or call 404-865-7100.

Black history hike at Sweetwater Nature lovers and history buffs can satisfy both of their passions on a four-mile Black History Month Hike at Sweetwater Creek on Feb. 4.

The easy to moderate hike is sponsored

by Hartfield’s Hikers and will include a tour of the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Co. textile mill that was built by slaves.

They also will get a history lesson from Park Ranger Don Scarbough.

Hikers will wind through several lovely stream coves, pass by a stretch of the whitewater rapids, and follow the ridges overlooking Sweetwater Creek.

The textile mill, which stood five stories high, the tallest in Atlanta at the time,

was one of the largest factories in Georgia.

It was built by enslaved Africans more than 150 years ago. Slaves also made the bricks that were used in its construction.

The mill was destroyed in 1864 by Union Gen. William T. Sherman’s troops.

The hike is limited to 25 people. Eat a healthy breakfast and wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots and comfortable layered, clothing. Bring water, snacks and lunch.

The hike starts promptly at 8 a.m. Hikers will meet in the IHOP parking lot, 970 Thornton Road in Lithia Springs.

For more information, e-mail carolyn@ hartfieldshikers.com or visit http://events. r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oei dk=a07e5h4f5tk2b098314&llr=sfsl4obab.

February 4, 2012

Black History

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CrossRoadsNews

“We hope to empower a new generation through a look back at some of our nation’s most important leaders.”

Romare Bearden to be celebrated at Macy’s Lenox Square Romare Howard Bearden, the incomparable artist, writer and musician, is being celebrated this month with an exhibit of his works at Macy’s during the centennial anniversary of his birthday.

The local celebration kicks off at Macy’s Lenox Square on Feb. 9 with a 6 p.m. reception on the Second Floor in Readyto-Wear. It is being held in conjunction with the Romare Bearden FounRomare Bearden dation. It includes special Macy’s discounts and gift cards; complimentary makeovers by Fashion Fair; the opportunity to get a printed scarf featuring Bearden’s most revered work, “The Lamp” with purchase; and a chance to win an expense-paid trip for two to Paris, Bearden’s beloved city and the inspiration for his work on the project “Paris Blues Revisited.”

Bearden was born in 1911. He died in 1988 at the age of 77.

The exhibit, which runs through Feb. 12, will showcase Bearden’s work donated by Jerry Thomas Arts.

Bearden’s life was marked by the pursuit of art in all of its forms. His work encompassed art, music, design, history and literature.

During his lifetime, he experimented with many different mediums and artistic styles but is best known for his richly textured collages.

His diverse interests included costume and set design for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Nanette Bearden’s Contemporary Dance Theatre; music composition; and literary work such as his famed children’s book, “Li’l Dan, The Drummer Boy: A Civil War Story.”

“The Family” from “An American Portrait, 17761976” is a color photo-etching and aquatint on paper. Romare Bearden is best known for his richly textured collages.

Macy’s Lenox Square is among 11 stores nationwide celebrating Bearden during Black History Month.

The observance spotlights Bearden’s work through special exhibitions featuring watercolors, prints, oil on paper, and dramatic black and white photostats that date from 1964 to 1984, when he was at the peak of his artistic power. The satellite exhibits will showcase some rarely displayed works loaned by private collectors in addition to works on loan from local galleries.

Dineen Garcia, Macy’s vice president of Diversity Strategies, said the department store is thrilled to partner with the Romare Bearden Foundation to celebrate the life and legacy of the prolific creator.

“We hope to empower a new generation through a look back at some of our nation’s most important leaders,” Garcia said.

“Throughout his life, Romare Bearden brought his exceptional talents to a wide range of interests, cementing his unique place in history and blazing a trail for those who followed.”

Romare Bearden Foundation co-directors Johanne Bryant Reid and Diedra Harris Kelley said the centennial celebration provides “a wonderful opportunity to promote to a wider audience the accomplishments of Bearden and his gifts to society.”

“Through our traveling shows, archives and publications, we aim to make Bearden’s artistic legacy accessible to all.”

The foundation was established in 1990 as a nonprofit by Bearden’s estate to preserve and perpetuate the legacy of the pre-eminent American artist.

The exhibits at Macy’s will be supplemented by works from artists influenced

and inspired by Bearden. Opening receptions will further spotlight his artistic endeavors including music, highlighted by performances from a new generation of jazz musicians playing his compositions, which have been previously recorded by masters including Branford Marsalis, Tito Puente and Billy Eckstine. Artist Cathy Ann will create art to the sounds of a live jazz band.

Additional in-store celebrations will include children’s collage-making events and special readings of Bearden’s children’s book, “Li’l Dan, The Drummer Boy” as well as cooking demonstrations from local chefs featuring Bearden’s favorite recipes and Caribbean dishes from the out-of-print cookbook, “Ma Chance’s French Caribbean Creole Cooking,” which he illustrated.

At the opening receptions, customers will have the opportunity to receive a 15 percent off community shopping pass and a $10 Macy’s gift card. They also can enjoy complimentary makeovers by Fashion Fair.

With a purchase of $50 or more, while supplies last, customers can receive a printed scarf featuring Bearden’s most revered work, “The Lamp.”

Through Feb. 23, Macy’s also will offer the opportunity to enter for the chance to win a trip for two to Paris, Bearden’s beloved city and the inspiration for his work on the project “Paris Blues Revisited.” The trip is courtesy of American Airlines, which is Macy’s Black History Month celebration partner. It includes round-trip coach air travel, hotel and a $500 Macy’s shopping spree.

Macy’s Lenox Square is at 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. in Atlanta.

For more information, visit www. beardenfoundation.org. For prize trip entry rules, visit www.macys.com/celebrate.

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Black History

CrossRoadsNews

February 4, 2012

The 54-mile trek from Selma to Montgomery will support voting rights and highlight continuing efforts to suppress the right to vote.

Sharpton, activists to march from Selma to Montgomery to co Turning point for civil rights n March 1965 marked a pivotal time for the U.S. civil rights movement, when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led demonstrators to protest discrimination against blacks in Alabama who had been denied the right to vote. n The march from Selma to the state capital in Montgomery began three times before the demonstrators were finally able to finish it.

The first attempt took place March 7, 1965, when 600 demonstrators were attacked by state and local police with batons and tear gas as they reached the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. n Seventeen protesters, including John Lewis, who is now the U.S. representative for Georgia’s 5th Congressional District, were injured. Lewis was whacked on the head and still bears the scars of the attack.

Because of the brutality of the police, which was televised nationally, the day became known as “Bloody Sunday.” n The second march on March 9, 1965, was halted by a restraining order issued by a federal district court judge that barred 2,500 protesters who had crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge from going any farther. n The third march got the go-ahead on March 16, when the restraining order was lifted after a judge, citing the marchers’ First Amendment right to protest anywhere, including Alabama, ruled in favor of the marchers. They started March 21 and walked an average of 10 miles a day on their 54-mile trek. The National Guard and the FBI looked on as the march proceeded to Montgomery.

On March 25, about 25,000 people marched to the steps of the Alabama State Capitol Building in Montgomery where King delivered the speech “How Long, Not Long.”

Thousands of people will be Selma bound on March 4 for the 2012 commemoration of the 46th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday.”

The Rev. Al Sharpton said this year’s march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge will be five days like the historic 1965 Selma-toMontgomery Voting Rights March.

The 54-mile trek from Selma to Montgomery will support voting rights and highlight the continuing efforts to suppress the right to vote nationwide.

On his weekly appearance on “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” on Kiss 104.1 this week, Sharpton said that a growing number of states have implemented voter identification laws and other moves

A hand like this.

It took a skillful hand like this to draft the plans of our nation’s capital city. It was a visionary hand like this which pointed out the moral superiority of a way based on character and not color. It was a thorough, good hand like this that championed our rights before the U.S. Supreme Court. It took millions of laboring hands like this to build the wealth and infrastructure of this mighty country. And it was a raised hand like this that was sworn in and gave kids of all complexions and cultures the legitimacy to believe they can achieve anything.

During Black History Month, Georgia Power takes pride in celebrating the countless hands like this which have worked to uplift us all. We’ve got to hand it to you.

GEORGIAPOWER.COM

that will make it difficult and discourage people from voting.

The march also will protest reverse anti-immigration laws in the state of Alabama.

Sharpton invited the public to join civil rights activists and supporters for the entire five-day march or on the day that is convenient for them.

“You can come for the start or at the end or in between,” he said, adding that marchers will walk 10 miles a day like the marchers did in 1965.

Sharpton, who is founder and president of the National

February 4, 2012

Black History

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CrossRoadsNews

Sharpton will lead a March 27 rally at the Supreme Court as arguments are heard on Obama’s health care plan.

ommemorate ‘Bloody Sunday’ in 1965

March on Selma by the Numbers

600 Number of marchers who made the first attempt to march on March 7, 1965

3 Number of times marchers tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge to Montgomery, Ala., in 1965

54 Number of miles the marchers trekked from Selma to Montgomery

2,500 U.S. Rep. John Lewis (center in photo at left) was severely beaten by state and local police on “Bloody Sunday” while crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in March 1965 in Selma, Ala.

Action Network, said the march will begin at the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 4 and culminate with a huge rally at the Alabama State Capitol on March 9.

He said that it would be hypocritical to celebrate the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and allow states to undermine voter rights.

“It is important [to] not just remember what Dr. King and others did in 1965 with the Voting Rights Act that came as a result of the Selma-to-Montgomery march,” he said. “We must preserve it against Voter ID laws and the early voting and voter suppression attempts that are taking

place today.

“Therefore on March 4, we will gather in Selma, Ala., and march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and march again to Montgomery, Ala., against Voter ID and voter suppression laws culminating with a huge rally that Friday.”

From Alabama, Sharpton and the National Action Network will lead a March 27 rally at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington as arguments are heard on President Barack Obama’s health care plan.

Sharpton said that the effort to make the Health Care Act unconstitutional is also a challenge to federal government superseding state government and protecting its citizens.

“We will demand in the name of Dr. King that we stop those that engage in interposing federal law with state law and nullifying federal rights to protect its citizens,” he said.

Number of marchers halted by a federal restraining order on March 9, 1965

25,000 The size of the crowd that arrived at the Alabama State Capitol on March 25, 1965

4 The March date for the start of the 2012 commemorative Selmato-Montgomery March

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B6

Black History

CrossRoadsNews

February 4, 2012

By the time of his death, he commanded a business empire encompassing magazines, cosmetics, radio stations and more.

Film, book signing for Carter Center Black History Program A documentary about slave routes and a book signing by the Rev. Joseph E. Lowery are among the Black History Month offerings at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.

“Slave Routes: A Global Vision” will be screened Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. in the library and museum theater. Lowery, who got the Presidential Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama in 2009, will sign copies of his book, “Singing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land,” on Feb. 27.

The documentary, which was produced

by UNESCO, highlights the African presence across continents – the significant contributions of the African diaspora in the arts, religion, knowledge, gastronomy, agriculture, behavior and linguistics.

It moves beyond the trauma of slavery and emphasizes slave resistance and resilience in surviving such a dehumanizing system.

A panel discussion will follow the screening.

On Feb. 27, Lowery, 90, will sign copies of “Singing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land,” his first book, at 7 p.m. in the theater.

The program also will include an interview by Councilman Michael Julian Bond.

The book, which was published in February 2011, is a collection of Lowery’s speeches, sermons, remarks, poems and commentaries, starting with the Montgomery bus boycott, a watershed moment in the civil rights movement and in his life.

Since then, Lowery, a native of Huntsville, Ala., who was born on Oct. 6, 1921, has spent his life fighting for civil rights and the environment and against poverty and the death penalty.

When he made his entrance onto the na-

“Slave Routes: A Global Vision,” being screened on Feb. 23 at the Carter Library and Museum, highlights the contributions of the African diaspora.

The Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, the “dean” of the civil rights movement, will talk about his life and sign copies of his book on Feb. 27 at the Carter complex.

tional civil rights stage, Lowery was a pastor in Mobile, Ala. The NAACP had been outlawed there, and a woman named Rosa Parks had set off a statewide controversy by refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery.

Lowery, who had been an activist and a minister, found himself in meetings with a

younger pastor from Montgomery – Martin Luther King Jr. “We became friends and were friends until his death,” Lowery says.

During the 1960s civil rights movement, Lowery was a chief organizer of the Selmato-Montgomery marches in 1965 that led to passage of the Voting Rights Act. He helped create the Southern Christian

Leadership Conference with King and the Revs. Fred Shuttlesworth and Ralph David Abernathy.

With Shuttlesworth’s death last year, he is the last of the four.

In “Singing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land,” Lowery shares the stories that shaped his life as the “dean” of the civil rights movement.

The book chronicles his journey from early civil rights activist to offering the benediction at the inauguration of Obama.

It features his most enduring speeches and messages from the past 50 years, including his speech at Coretta Scott King’s funeral.

In the book, Lowery, a retired senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church, also pays homage to other legends of the movement.

The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum is at 441 Freedom Parkway in Atlanta.

For more information, visit www.jimmy carterlibrary.gov or call 404-865-7100.

Black Heritage stamp honors legendary publisher John H. Johnson Publishing legend John H. Johnson has been honored with a commemorative Black Heritage stamp by the U.S. Postal Service.

Johnson, founder of Chicago-based Johnson Publishing Co., which publishes Ebony and Jet magazines, is the 35th honoree in the Black Heritage stamp series.

Past honorees in the series, which debuted in 1978, include the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, cosmetics legend Madam C.J. Walker and former U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordan.

Anthony Vaughan, USPS Chicago senior plant manager, said in a statement announcing the Jan. 31 release of the stamp that Johnson’s “unyielding commitment to journalistic excellence and his unparalleled reporting on African-American culture have distinguished him as one of America’s greatest publishers.”

A dedication ceremony was held Tuesday at Johnson Publishing Co. offices with Johnson’s daughter, Linda Johnson Rice, who is the company’s chairwoman; Desiree Rogers, CEO; Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel; former Mayor Richard M. Daley; Illinois Rep. Danny Davis; and the Rev. James Meeks of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago.

Johnson Rice said she was immensely proud that her father and his life’s passion were being recognized with a Black Heritage stamp.

“His legacy lives on in all whom he touched and in the work we continue to do daily,” she said.

Johnson was born in 1918 in Arkansas City, Ark., a segregated town that had no high schools for black students. By the time

ing the NAACP’s prestigious Spingarn Medal in 1966 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996.

In 2003, a panel of experts polled by Baylor University named Johnson the greatest minority entrepreneur in American history.

The stamp will be availC.J. Walker Martin L. King Jr. Thurgood Marshall able at post offices nationing them to use black models in their ads wide or can be ordered at 1-800-782-6724 or usps.com. were major breakthroughs.

News services contributed to this report.

Johnson won numerous awards, includ-

“From Whence We Came” A BLACK HISTORY MONTH DRAMA

of his death in 2005 at age 87, he commanded a business empire encompassing magazines, cosmetics, radio stations, book publishing and more and was the first black person on Forbes magazine’s annual list of the 400 wealthiest people in America in 1982.

His magazines highlighted black accomplishments, which were rarely shown in mainstream media. In 1946, the year after it was founded, Ebony landed its first national advertising account. Selling advertising space to white-owned corporations and persuad-

Transforming Lives celebrates black music Transforming Lives International Christian Church will observe Black History Month with “A Celebration of Black Music” on Feb. 26 in Atlanta.

The program begins at 10 a.m.

The program will be held at the Sheraton Gateway Atlanta Airport, 1900 Sullivan Road. For more information, call Melonie Hill, Black History Program chair, at 404808-7034.

Presented by the Golden Years Drama Troupe of the South DeKalb Senior Center For Tickets & More Information Contact Louise Gipson at lsims1934@gmail.com or call 404-202-2037

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February 4, 2012

Black History

In 1936, Thurman led the first African-American delegation to meet with Mahatma Gandhi.

Black History Month Parade to honor culture, achievements High school bands along with community, civic and business groups will march through the Historic Sweet Auburn District of Atlanta for the first Black History Month Parade on Feb. 25.

The 2-to-4:30 p.m. parade, which is hosted by the Sweet Auburn Area Coalition, will celebrate the culture, heritage, his- John Lewis tory and accomplishments of black Americans in the United States and worldwide.

The Greenforest Academy Marching Band from Decatur, performers from the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts in Stone Mountain, 5th District U.S. Rep. John Lewis, and former 4th District Cynthia McKinney U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney will be among the marching bands, entertainers, dignitaries, civic groups, and celebrities expected to participate.

There also will be entertainment and fun for the whole family.

A post-parade festival will feature live entertainers, comedians, food, beverages, art and family-oriented programs.

Parking and admission are free.

T:7.5” For more information and sponsorship opportuPerformers from the Tupac Amaru Center for the Arts in Stone Mountain will participate in the Black History Month Parade on Feb. 25. nities, visit www.blackhistorymonthparade.com.

First Afrikan to study writings of King’s mentor

Benjamin Todd Jealous NAACP CEO

Cathy Hughes Entrepreneur

Hank Thomas McDonald’s Owner-Operator

Mary J. Blige Performing Artist

Ruby Dee Activist

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When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was leading the 1960s civil rights movement, he didn’t do it alone.

In addition to colleagues, foot soldiers and supporters, he had mentors to whom he turned for direction.

One of them was the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, who also guided and mentored other civil Howard Thurman rights leaders.

To honor King’s life and legacy, members of First Afrikan Presbyterian Church in Lithonia will study the writings of Thurman, compiled in his book, “Disciplines of the Spirit,” during their February Wednesday Bible study.

Thurman, who was born in 1899 and died on April 10, 1981, was an influential American author, philosopher, theologian, educator and civil rights leader.

He was dean of theology and the chapels at Howard University and Boston University for more than two decades. He wrote 21 books, including “Jesus and the Disinherited” and “The Inward Journey.”

In 1944, Thurman co-founded the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, the United States’ first multicultural interfaith congregation, in San Francisco.

Thurman’s work speaks directly to today’s personal and social issues, highlighting the powerful connection between spirituality and social transformation.

In 1936, Thurman led the first AfricanAmerican delegation to meet with Mahatma Gandhi and became an advocate of Gandhi’s methods of nonviolent social change, inspiring many in the American struggle for civil rights, justice and freedom.

Ebony magazine named Thurman among the 50 most important figures in African-American history, and Life magazine hailed him as one of the greatest preachers in the nation.

The Bible study starts at 7 p.m. The theme is “To Be Afrikan, Who Am I, What Do I Want for My Life, Really?”

First Afrikan Church is at 5197 Salem Road in Lithonia. For more information, visit firstafrikanchurch.org or call 770-9812601.

Making a Difference by Paving a Way.

There are those who give back not just during the month of February, but every month.

McDonald’s Annual 365Black® Awards honors them. Those who, every day, continue to make a difference in the community. Because no matter how much they have achieved, they still find the time to give back. Read more about our honorees at ©2012 McDonald’s

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February 4, 2012

Macy’s Lenox Square Mall 9th-12th February 9

In honor of Black History Month, Macy’s and The Romare Bearden Foundation

The Lamp, c.1984 Lithograph, commissioned, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision ending official segregation in public education

Art © Romare Bearden Foundation/Licensed by VAGA, NY

MACY’S CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

celebrate the 100th birthday of the African-American artist, innovator, scholar and visionary Romare Bearden. Join us at Macy’s Lenox Square Mall for an exciting and inspiring event as we showcase Romare’s artwork, on loan from Jerry Thomas Arts, and celebrate his legacy with live music. Plus, with any purchase of $50 or more, you will receive a complimentary scarf printed with Romare Bearden’s most revered work, The Lamp.

Visit macys.com/celebrate for details.

All events and information subject to change or cancellation without notice

Enter* for your chance to win a trip for two to Paris, Romare Bearden’s beloved city and inspiration for his work on the project Paris Blues Revisited.

Prize includes Coach Class Air Transportation for two (2) to Paris, France and hotel accommodations provided by American Airlines, plus a $500 Shopping Spree. American Airlines is a proud partner of Macy’s Black History Month Celebration. *No purchase necessary.

For official rules and details visit macys.com/events.

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