CrossRoadsNews, February 9, 2013 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

SCHOOLS

FINANCE

Visions brought to life Budding artists at Midway Elementary School will exhibit more than 600 portraits, landscapes and other works at the school’s inaugural art show. A2

BLACK HISTORY

Dressed up, but no license

Tributes to the past

Santresa Lamar’s plans to open an event space in downtown Lithonia hit a snag when the current administration questioned whether it fits with current zoning. A4

Our celebration of Black History Month includes a look at Rosa Parks and other groundbreakers in the civil rights era. Section B

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

February 9, 2013

Volume 18, Number 41

www.crossroadsnews.com

DeKalb Schools superintendent, board part company By Ken Watts

After just 16 months on the job, Dr. Cheryl Atkinson is out as superintendent of DeKalb Schools. The low-key announcement came in an e-mail announcing the agenda for the School Board’s Feb. 8 work session. On it was a vote on a “separation agreement” with Atkinson, who joined the district on Sept. 15, 2011. Two hours later, the district released a statement saying that the board and Atkinson “have mutually agreed to end Cheryl Atkinson their relationship effective Friday, Feb. 8, 2013.” “The Board and Dr. Atkinson each determined and believe that it is in the best interest of all concerned that there

about reports that Thurmond had been offered the interim superintendent’s job, but he said late Thursday that only a “I made it clear I was there to few formalities stand in the way of a vote for superintendent at the board’s Feb. 8 meeting. help in any capacity I can as an “We want to make sure all the i’s are dotted and t’s are attorney, adviser or other ways. crossed as we make the final transition to the new person,” I’m a great believer in the power he said. of public education.” Atkinson joined the district after a national search to reMichael Thurmond place Dr. Crawford Lewis, who was indicted on racketeering charges and is awaiting trial. Her abrupt departure comes as the district is struggling be a mutual separation and they wish each other well in all to escape probationary status from the Southern Association their future endeavors,” the statement said. of Colleges and School. In a highly critical Dec. 17 report, Board members were expected Friday to name former SACS pointed to “dysfunctional governance, declining stuGeorgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond as interim dent performance and serious fiscal problems.” superintendent. Board Chair Eugene Walker wouldn’t comment directly Please see ATKINSON, page A2

123 Ink Choices on Signing Day Another banner year for DeKalb football players By Ken Watts and Jessica Smith

One hundred twenty-three DeKalb football players signed with 57 colleges on Feb. 6, National Signing Day for high school athletes. It was the second-highest number of DeKalb athletes to sign and the fourth consecutive year that the county’s signing class broke 100. Last year, 132 athletes signed. The ceremonies at 14 DeKalb high schools left many smiles. Martin Luther King Jr., Stephenson and Columbia led the county in number of players signing for colleges and universities. Twenty-one players signed at MLK, followed closely by 19 each at Stephenson and Columbia high schools. At Arabia Mountain High in Lithonia, the auditorium erupted in celebration as seven of the school’s top athletes took the stage to live a moment they had dreamed about since kindergarten. The varsity football stars assembled behind a long table in front of adoring family and friends to sign commitment letters to six colleges in Georgia and across the Southeast. All got full scholarships. Rams defensive back Devin Crawford’s mother, Veronica, couldn’t stop beaming. Her son is headed to Jackson State University, her alma mater. “I am a 1986 graduate of Jackson State University,” she said. “My son, Devin, will be playing football there.” Across town in Decatur, a similar scene was playing out at Columbia High where 19 players signed for nine colleges and universities. Eagles head coach David Edwards was humbled.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Seven top athletes at Arabia Mountain High in Lithonia signed commitment letters to six colleges in Georgia and across the Southeast. They all received full scholarships.

“I knew if we pushed grades hard, that these boys would set the standard for the future,” said Edwards, who took the coaching job late last year. Horace Dunson, the school district’s executive director for athletics, called Wednesday a huge day for the county. “We’re the most highly recruited county in the state and one of the highest in the nation,” he said. “College coaches know they’re going to get a competitive athlete when they come here.” Georgia Tech and Clark Atlanta University each signed eight recruits – the largest number of DeKalb players. Next were Atlanta Sports Academy and the University of the Cumberlands with six players each; followed by Alabama State and Arkansas Baptist College with five each; Jackson State and Johnson C. Smith universities and the University of Pikeville signed four players

each; and Tennessee State and Texas Tech signed three players each. The remaining 67 players signed with 46 more colleges and universities across the country. Among the colleges signing two and one player each was Yale University, which took Cedar Grove Saints quarterback Joshua Heard. Morehouse College signed MLK High Lions’ quarterback Monquavious Johnson, who had the second-highest passing percentage in DeKalb, and Southwest DeKalb Panthers’ offensive lineman Jaylen Fareed. Arabia Mountain Rams middle linebacker Danny Ezechukwu, who had the county’s third-highest number of quarterback sacks, is headed to Purdue University. He said everything just really came together for him. “I’m ready to start anew up there at West

Lafayette, Ind., and just become a better man,” he said. “I want to stay true to myself and remember where I came from.” He plans to get a degree either in mechanical or electrical engineering. Arabia Mountain’s outside linebacker Kwame Bowens will join Devin at Jackson State. His mother, Gail Bowens, said it’s such a big relief to be blessed with a full football scholarship. “They stressed the academics on our official visit and as a former educator that impressed me more than anything else,” she said. Wednesday was only the first day of the signing season, which extends through March. Coach Christopher Beale says he has four more seniors who are still making campus visits but are expected to sign with schools before signing season ends. Rodney Swanson, Arabia Mountain’s principal, praised the signees as young men “of good character as well as athletic ability.” “They will be good ambassadors for their school and DeKalb,” he said. Columbia Eagles tackle Eric Smith signed with the University of Virginia because of its academic program. He plans to major in either business, mathematics or sports and sports medicine. “They have the No. 2 highest graduation rate for black students,” he said. Known as the “emotional crier” among his teammates, he wore his emotions on his sleeve Wednesday as he talked about his college plans. “It feels good to see how many people are here to support me,” he said. Eagles recruiting coordinator, coach Chris Hill, said he is proud of the work his team has put in. “We took trips, went to camps and recruiting expos. For me it was lots of contacting coaches and sending out films. “It was important that I make an effort so that all of my seniors had some options,” he said.

Schools

CrossRoadsNews

February 9, 2013

“How can the district hope to get off probation if the board has problems with a simple vote for chair?”

Separation mutual, six Walker remains School Board chair, barely governor’s office are monitoring the months pay for Atkinson By Ken Watts School Board situation very carefully

After postponing the vote three times, DeKalb School Board members re-elected Dr. Eugene Walker as chair Board members will face a suspension hearing before the State of the board and chose newcomer Jim Board of Education on Feb. 21. McMahan as vice-chair on Feb. 6. Spokeswoman Lillian Govus said Thursday that technically, Board members voted 4-3 for Atkinson’s departure is not a resignation. Walker with members Dr. Pam Speaks “It was a separation agreement,” Govus said. “That means she and Marshall Orson abstaining. Dr. Eugene Walker did not resign and was not fired. ” Melvin Johnson, Jay Cunningham and Sarah CopelinAtkinson will be paid $22,916.66 a month through June 30 Wood voted for Walker. for a total of $114,583, plus payment for any unused vacation. In Johnson nominated Donna Edler for chair, then exchange, she will agree to cooperate with the board, its attorneys voted for Walker. and agents in any administrative actions or suits pending or filed The no votes came from McMahan, Nancy Jester against the board, any administrator, teacher, staff or employee. and Edler. Atkinson has been on bereavement leave since the death of her But there were problems with the vote. father on Jan. 23 and has been unavailable for comment. Legal adviser Lawrence Warco told the board that Earlier this week, there were unconfirmed reports that board Robert’s Rules of Order requires a five-vote majority of members had talked to a number of candidates. On Monday, the board’s nine members to elect the chair. But the rules Thurmond spent two hours with the board. He wouldn’t say also say if a candidate falls short because of abstentions, whether the superintendent job was discussed. the board can decide within 30 days to take another vote. 20489 “I made it clear I was there to help in any capacity I can as If members don’t take another vote in that period, the election resultsXstand. nta, GAan- attorney, Duluth, adviser GA or other ways,” said Thurmond, who livesAd Size: 3.875” 10” in Stone Mountain. “I’m a great believer in the power of public McMahan won the vice-chair post with five votes. Newspaper Ad ENTERTAINMENT Section: education.” Speaks and Cunningham each got two. Thurmond said he has the expertise to help the board with David Schutten, president of the Organization of the governance issues that caused SACS to put the district on DeKalb Educators, said the flawed vote for new chair is probation. another example of the board’s dysfunction. “How can the district hope to get off probation if the board has problems with a simple vote for chair?” Schutten said later. Schutten was referring to the highly critical Dec. 17 report by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools that cited “poor and ineffective leadership and governance” and described the school district as being in a state of “conflict and chaos.” “I’m already getting calls from the State Capitol about today’s vote,” Schutten said. “Lawmakers and the ATKINSON,

from page

FELD ENTERTAINMENT

and members send a very disturbing message when they say they want to come together to address the problems pointed out by SACS and they can’t even pull together on routine business.” Walker bristled at the notion that Jim McMahan the vote reflected board dysfunction. “How is it dysfunction when we were able to conduct a vote and chose a chair?” he asked. “I’m very pleased to remain as chair and appreciate the votes I got. It’s every board member’s right and obligation to vote their conscience, yes or no or even withhold their vote if that’s how they feel.” Walker said the real test of this board will be how it addresses the problems SACS pointed out in its report. “We’ve been intensely focused on solving those issues the last few weeks,” he said. “The board is united on that effort.” Schutten said Walker and Copelin-Wood didn’t help the county’s case at the Jan. 17 suspension hearing before the state. He said both indicated they didn’t become aware of the most serious issues until recently while the SACS report said the problems dated back several years. At the meeting, Chief Financial Officer Michael Perrone offered encouraging news about the district’s finances. “If expenses hold steady, the district will end the fiscal year with a fund balance,” Perrone told the board. But Schutten said the county allowed its average class size to increase, putting DeKalb at risk of losing $6 million in state funding under the Quality Basic Education Act. The district won’t know for sure how much money it’ll get from the state until the legislature adopts a budget sometime before the end of the General Assembly session on April 18.

More than 600 art works created by TaShayla Jones, in pink, and her schoolmates at Midway Elementary School will be on display and for sale on Feb. 12 at the Decatur school.

Jessica Smith / CrossRoadsNews

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Midway Elementary showcasing students art work By Jessica Smith

More than 600 works created by budding artists at Midway Elementary School will be on display at the Decatur school’s inaugural art show on Feb. 12. The exhibit will take place 5 to 7 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria, and family, friends and supporters will be able to buy their favorite pieces and help raise funds for the school’s visual arts program. The pieces range from landscapes to beach scenes, portraits and flowers. Eleven-year-old TaShayla Jones can’t wait to show off her celestial self-portrait atop a cloud. “I like art because you can do whatever you want to do and be creative,” she said. TaShayla has invited her entire family to come to the show. She said she wanted to participate in the showcase to “see my pictures on the wall.” Her fifth-grade classmate Wayland Lindsay did an avant-garde interpretation of a roller coaster, one of his favorite theme park rides. To add depth to his painting, Wayland put in hidden symbols, including a “secret sun” and a ghost disguised as a cloud. “Art is my favorite class because I like to draw,” he said. Joel Gargano, their art teacher, said the best part of his job is seeing his students’ visions come to life.

“My kids are so smart,” he said. “Sometimes they come to me with an idea, and I’m like, ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ ” Gargano, the school’s first full-time certified art teacher in more than 20 years, teaches 200 students daily. “Mr. G,” who just began a fairy tale-themed unit teaching architecture through the use of lines and shapes to draw castles, has taught at Midway since 2009. He said a foundation in the arts is vital because the jobs of the future will require workers to follow directions, make critiques, be analytical and build something new that works. “That’s what art is,” Gargano said. When he heard about Alpharetta-based Artome, a company that hosts art shows exhibiting the artwork of elementary schools, he jumped at the chance. Artome is sponsoring the showcase along with the school’s PTA and Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Gargano said he hopes the Midway Art Showcase demonstrates the importance of art education and provides a cultural experience for his students and their families. The free show also will feature poetry readings, performances by the school’s choir, refreshments and prizes. The framed artworks will be $25 each. Midway Elementary is at 3318 Midway Road. For more information, e-mail Ty Davis at tydawn_2000@ yahoo.com.

CrossRoadsNews

February 9, 2013

Community

“We didn’t expect this big a deal. But we’re thankful. I wish I could have done more. I wish the children were here.”

Brothers saluted for courageous act Lakeside cityhood effort launched By Ken Watts

By Ken Watts

Two brothers who helped the Glass family during the Jan. 8 Conyers fire that killed four children were recognized for their courageous response by the Rockdale County Commission. Lamonta Stroud, 18, and his 20-year-old brother, Richard Slater, who were neighbors of the Rockdale CEO Richard Oden (from left), Commissioner Janice Van family, were presented Ness and Reeba Glass praise Lamonta Stroud and Richard Slater. with a proclamation on “I just wanted to tell Rockdale County Feb. 5 and commissioners declared Feb. 5 Lamonta Stroud and Richard Slater Appre- thank you for all your love and support for my family,” she said. “If I could, I’d trade it all ciation Day. Though the story ended tragically, the in just to see my babies’ smiles again.” Stroud and Slater heard the commotion proclamation praised the brothers for around 11 p.m. on Jan. 8 and rushed to the “putting the well-being of others ahead of themselves.” It was a proud but bittersweet scene to help “any way we could.” Stroud was able to break a rear window moment for the two young men. “We didn’t expect this big a deal,” said an and get into the burning apartment. Slater managed to get through the front emotional Slater. “But we’re thankful. I wish I could have done more. I wish the children door. He says he has replayed the scene repeatedly in his mind since the tragedy. were here.” “The flames were coming down the stairs Reeba Glass; her mother, Rosetta Mitchell; slowly,” Slater said. “But they were growing and one of her children escaped the flames. Glass and her 6-year-old son, Darnell Glass bigger. And the heat was intense.” He said he couldn’t believe what his Jr., were hospitalized but later released. Glass’ other children – 3-year-old Ar- brother did next. “Lamonta tried to run upstairs through moni; 7-month-old Deon; 9-year-old Adaria; and Dashawn, age 7 – all perished in the the flames. I had to pull him back. There was fire. Investigators later determined that the just no way. You don’t beat a fire.” The brothers say they both want to go surviving child accidentally started the fire into the military. while playing with a lighter. “So if this ever happens again and we’re The community has donated clothes, food and other essentials to help the family. there, we’ll have the training,” said Stroud, During the ceremony, Glass showed her nodding toward his brother. “He’s going in gratitude for the kindness shown to her this summer and I’m going in next summer.” family.

Residents of the Lakeside neighborhood in central DeKalb are now trying to form their own city. The Lakeside City Alliance says the proposed city would have 50,000 residents and its boundaries would follow neighborhoods that feed to Lakeside High, including most of the communities near Spaghetti Junction, Northlake Mall and Century Center at Clairmont Road and I-285. They have launched www.lakesidecity.org and are having studies done. Organizers say residents have seen their influence dwindle in recent years because the area is split between two county commissioners and the new cities of Brookhaven and Dunwoody are nearby. Mary Kay Woodsworth, alliance chairwoman, complains that the area doesn’t have a real voice at the county level. The group is holding an informational

meeting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 13 at Lakeside High, 801 Briarcliff Road N.E. in Atlanta. The Lakeside cityhood effort is almost certain to face strong opposition from county leaders. The county has seen its tax revenues shrink with the creation of new cities, making it difficult to fund schools, road maintenance and other vital services. On Jan. 28, commissioners asked DeKalb’s House delegation to amend the Official Code of Georgia to insert language that calls for the approval of the county for annexation of areas that receive county services. Commissioners argue that new cities cherry-pick prime commercial areas and put a greater tax burden on unincorporated areas. A bill filed by state Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) would require all new cities to conduct a financial impact study on the county in which they are located. Any new bill proposing a Lakeside City would have to be introduced this year to allow for the two-year process of creating a city.

Katie Kerr Drive remains closed By Ken Watts

Katie Kerr Drive in Decatur will remain closed through mid-February. The road between Asbury Heights Court and Asbury Drive was supposed to be closed for a few days in January for Atlanta Gas Light crews to install a gas pipeline. The discovery of a cracked 72-inch drainage pipe that carries storm water from one side of the road to the other is now the cause of the extended closure. AGL sent a Jan. 31 letter to neighborhood residents that reads: “The DeKalb

County Department of Public Works staff has requested that Atlanta Gas Light leave the road closure in place for an unrelated infrastructure upgrade in the same location between Asbury Drive and Asbury Heights.” DeKalb spokesman Burke Brennan said it’s difficult to tell how long the repair work will take because of the recent rainy weather but that crews are aiming for a Feb. 15 completion date. He said the drainage pipe damage was discovered by an AGL subcontractor. “It’ll cost about $16,000 in materials and labor to fix, so we’ll be investigating to find out what caused the damage,” he said.

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CrossRoadsNews

Community

February 9, 2013

“I am paying a mortgage. I am paying utilities. I am paying contractors and it’s not making anything for me.”

Lithonia zoning mixup cripples special events facility 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphic Design Curtis Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench-Parker Jessica Smith Ken Watts Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner Circulation Manager Jami Ffrench-Parker CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsNews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

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When Santresa Lamar got married in 2006, she paid $3,000 for a cake-and-punch reception in Jonesboro. The price was steep, but the accommodations were elegant. Lamar, who was living in Conyers at the time, said she did it because there wasn’t a comparable event space on this side of Atlanta. After that, she decided to do something about the lack of elegant event space. In October 2010, she bought a vacant Wachovia building for $85,000 on Church Street in the city of Lithonia – but not before she met with the City Council. Lamar showed the city’s Zoning Committee her plans and discussed her vision with the members. “I have been a Realtor for 13 years,” Lamar said Tuesday. “I know to check the zoning.” She remembers former council members Doreen Carter, Ric Dodd and Al Franklin and former Mayor Tonya Peterson being present. They said her 3,000-square-foot event center would work in the Neighborhood Shopping District zoning and signed off on her project. At that meeting, Lamar and her contractor, Vincent Cumberbatch, showed their plans for construction and she shared her vision with the city. “They took my money and issued the permit,” she said. In November 2010, she got the first of two building permits from the city and began gutting the building. The project ended up taking two years because of unanticipated repairs in the building constructed in 1978. Two years later and more than $100,000 in construction costs, the interior renovations were completed in October 2012. But four months later, Lamar is yet to open her Stone Manor Events Facility at 6347 Church St. The reason: The city of Lithonia won’t give her a business license to operate. At its Feb.4 council meetin, Mayor Deborah Jackson said that while the city’s ordinances describe an event facility, it failed to assign it to any of its current zoning categories. She said council members must now decide whether they want to amend the ordinance to include special events facilities in the

Santresa Lamar has been unable to open Stone Manor because the city of Lithonia won’t give her a business license. She was issued building permits for the facility.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Neighborhood Shopping District. Jackson said the city’s next zoning hearing is scheduled for Feb. 18 and that the City Council meeting was not the proper forum to discuss a zoning issue. At that deDeborah Jackson cision, Lamar burst into tears and ran from the room. The next day, she said her outburst was caused by the utter despair she is feeling. “What is two weeks to them is like a year to me,” she said. “I have spent all my money to bring an elegant facility to the city. I am paying a mortgage. I am paying utilities. I am paying contractors and it’s not making anything for me.”

Formalizing city operations Lamar is distraught because now is the peak season for bookings for weddings, showers and parties. “I have people ready to book and I can’t take them,” she said. She said she attended Monday’s meeting expecting the council to vote on her business license because council member Darold Honore told her he would put it on the agenda. During the meeting, Honore pushed for a vote, saying the city should approve Lamar’s business license. “I just feel for them because I’m a business person, too,” he said. “We don’t have a process. We don’t even know what a zoning certificate looks like. Why can’t we approve it and keep moving?” Jackson said business license applications are made to the city clerk and never come before the

council for a vote. City Attorney Winston Denmark told the meeting that the zoning and business license are two separate processes. “You may qualify for a business license but not be in compliance with zoning,” he said. “You spend your money at your peril if you are not in compliance with zoning. You have to be in compliance with the law.” Jackson said the city is creating new processes for its operation. “Do we want to have special events facilities in a Neighborhood Shopping District.” she asked. “That’s the decision we have to make.” Since becoming mayor in January 2012, Jackson has made it her mission to formalize the operations of the city. With the new council that was voted into office the same time she was, Jackson has been reconciling ordinances and installing processes that are common in other Georgia cities. Part of that is also ensuring that city ordinances are followed, as opposed to the old way of operating where contractors did what they wanted and council members make poor decision out of ignorance if the law.

‘There was no vote’ Lamar says she understands that Jackson is developing processes for the city, but she insists that her project was approved and that she should get her license. She said Jackson should be saying, ‘What can I do to resolve this?,’” “She has the authority and could have issued the business license while they are fixing the zoning,” she said. On Wednesday, Jackson said that Lamar’s project was never approved by the city.

She said the minutes of the Oct. 25, 2010, meeting do not mention the events facility. “This means it was not an agenda item and may have come up after the fact as a commentary,” Jackson said, adding that people come to the city all the time to present projects. “They want to show the city what they want to do and get some feedback,” she said. “That was what happened. Individual council members might have told her they liked her project but there was no vote.” Lamar said the whole thing has left such a sour taste in her mouth. and she is looking for legal representation. She said she sought and got approval from the city and it shouldn’t change the rules on her in the middle. “The principle is I came to them,” she said. “They told me it was OK. You issued the building permit. Now you need to honor that. I should be able to operate my business.” Franklin, who was chairman of the Zoning Committee in 2010, implored the council to approve Lamar’s business license. He said he was new to the Zoning Committee at the time and thought a special events facility would be OK in the old bank building since the neighboring Lithonia First United Methodist Church and Henry Funeral Home held events, weddings, banquets and funerals. Cumberbatch, Lamar’s contractor, said he has done business with a number of other cities and counties. “In every other place they would tell you if you didn’t have zoning before issuing you a building permit,” he said.

Lithonia City Council ends contract with promoter Jason Lary The city of Lithonia has severed its ties with concert promoter Jason Lary, who had operated a popular summer concert series in its amphitheater. The council voted 4-1 at its Feb. 4 meeting Jason Lary to terminate its management contract with Lary’s company,

Jason Lary Presents. Council member Ric Dodd made the motion to dismiss Lary, saying that he had not done anything for two years because of safety and other issues. Councilman Darold Honore was the lone dissenter to the motion. Members also voted to pay Lary

a $3,500 exit fee to end the contract that began Aug. 30, 2010, and was renewable annually through Aug. 15, 2015. Councilwoman Pat Miller opposed the payment to Lary. She said Lary had been disrespectful to council members and there was cause to terminate. “We represent the city. We represent the citizens,” she said. “I

couldn’t talk to my employer the way I have been talked to in this chamber. Under the agreement, Lary was to operate the amphitheater and split parking fees 50/50 with the city.” After the vote, Honore invited Lary to address the council. “This is not a happy day for me,” he told them. “This hurts my brand. This hurts me.”

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February 9, 2013

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

Jessica Hill, Yolanda Moore, Bobbie Ethridge and Rubi Bennett-Mason participate in the statewide Walk Georgia challenge in 2009.

‘Walk Georgia’ recruiting walkers Why just walk your neighborhood when you can “Walk Georgia?” Walkers who are game can spend 12 weeks “walking” in Georgia as part of a DeKalb Cooperative Extension Challenge. The community-oriented online program at www.walkgeorgia.org helps participants track physical activity. They can walk, bike or dance their way to fitness and transfer the time they spend in physical activity into miles crisscrossing the state virtually. Jessica Hill, the DeKalb Cooperative Extension director, said the challenge can change lifestyles. “We want citizens to get active if they aren’t already and continue to do some kind of physical activity when the 12-week period ends,” she said. Walk Georgia allows participants to log their real-time exercise virtually with the use of a drop-down menu. Yolanda Moore, a DeKalb program administrator, has participated in Walk Georgia since its launch in 2009. “Through an online map, you can electronically chart a course as you ‘walk’ Geor-

gia,” Moore said. “Whether you visit the coast or hike the mountains, as you move you will read about the counties you visit and learn new ways to improve your health.” Because the program is statewide, someone in Decatur could challenge a cousin in Canton and a brother in Savannah to a Walk Georgia contest. Or a family whose members are spread across the state could walk as a four-person team. Registration is free and open through March 11. Visit www.walkgeorgia.org to register as an individual or team. While an email address is required to register, individuals without one can join as part of a team if the team captain has an e-mail address. In addition, residents who register at the DeKalb County Extension Office at 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur will receive a free three-day pass to LA Fitness Center. Starting Feb. 10, participants can log in their physical activity at www.walkgeorgia. org. The program concludes May 10. For more information, e-mail uge1089@ uga.edu or contact a local Extension Office at 1-800-ASK-UGA1 or 404-298-4080.

Lupus Awareness Day at the Capitol Members of LACES, the DeKalb lupus support group, will join more than 100 patients and their families for the 6th Annual Georgia Lupus Awareness Day on Feb. 13 at the State Capitol. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with presentations and meetings with legislators to discuss the autoimmune disease and ways to help lupus patients, who are disproportionately minority women. The observance culminates in an assembly at 2 p.m. in the North Wing of the Capitol Rotunda. The Georgia Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America is partnering with legislators to advocate for broader awareness and support and funding to find a cure. More than 60,000 Georgians and 1.5 million Americans have a form of lupus known

as systemic lupus erythematosus or discoid (cutaneous) lupus. The disease ravages different parts of the body. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with, and a challenge to treat. It strikes young women in their child-bearing years, and women of color are disproportionately affected. It is two to three times more common among AfricanAmericans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans. Lupus and Community Empowering Support, a support group in DeKalb since 2002, meets second Tuesdays monthly at 6:30 p.m. at the Wesley Chapel Library at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur. To register to attend Lupus Awareness Day or for more information, visit www .lupusga.org or call 770-333-5930.

CrossRoadsNews

February 9, 2013

education / training

Marketplace Reach More of the People Who Matter Most – Local Customers! Call 404-284-1888 to Advertise in the CrossRoadsNews Marketplace attorneys

attorneys

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AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for hands on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Housing available CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance

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Reach more than 15 million households served by over 1,020 suburban and community newspapers around North America and Canada. 25-word ad starts at $240 weekly. Discount Contact Rates Available. For more information, call 404-284-1888 Autos CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: 1-888-545-8647 CAR DONATIONS WANTED! Help Support Cancer Research. Free Next-Day Towing. NonRunners OK. Tax Deductible. Free Cruise/Hotel/Air Voucher. Live Operators 7 days/week. Breast Cancer Society #800-7280801. DONATE YOUR CAR. RECEIVE $1000 GROCERY COUPONS. FAST, FREE TOWING- 24hr Response. UNITED BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION. Free Mammograms & Breast Cancer Info www.ubcf.info 888-444-7514

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Financial

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Health & Fitness Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 888-459-9961 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 866-993-5043

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Your Source for Neighborhood News

Miscellaneous Advertise your product or service nationwide or by region in up to 12 million households in North America’s best suburbs! Place your classified ad in over 750 suburban newspapers just like this one. Call Classified Avenue at 888-486-2466 or go to www. classifiedavenue.net DISH Network. Starting at $19.99/ month PLUS 30 Premium Movie Channels FREE for 3 Months! SAVE! & Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL - 877-992-1237 Music Lessons for All Ages! Find a music teacher! TakeLessons

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Reader Notice As a service to you – our valued readers – we offer the following information: This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve to caution you about doing business with those advertisers. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true – it may in fact be exactly that. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with any advertisers. Thank you.

Call 404-284-1888 for Advertising Rates & Information

CrossRoadsNews

February 9, 2013

youth services

Still Waters, Inc.

Marketplace

Business Opportunities

HOME SERVICES

Your neighborhood handyman, a Redbeacon contractor qualified in plumbing, electrical, furnace repair, drywall repair, etc. Call Chris 404-992-3663.

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FOR RENT/LEASE

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CASH FOR JUNK CARS. Call 404-492-4147.

introduces

R.O.Y.A.L.S. “Mentoring youth using the Arts” Sing • Play an Instrument • Act

MARKETPLACE RATES Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.

For more info: Mr. Spencer Murray, Director 313-779-2513 5878 Covington Hwy • Decatur, Ga. 30035 • Ofﬁce: 678-570-8252

Spa / salon

NOW OPEN

TRAVEL The Explorers.Holyland Experience Orlando Florida bus trip on April 26 2013. Cost $120. Contact Jemma 404 643 4625.Woodburn Motor Coach.

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homes for sale

FOR SALE For Sale. White 1997 Ford F150 VIN#1FTLF1721VKD38239. Call 404-573-2253 for info.

HELP WANTED

SELLERS:

Residential Instructors/Houseparents Needed: Direct Care Live-In FT, PT and Hourly Positions Available in Decatur & Lithonia. HS diploma required. Fax/email cover letter and resume to 770.808.3269 or artihardy@ yahoo.com.

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KENDRICK FAMILY PRACTICE 5900 Hillandale Drive Suite 300 • Lithonia, Ga 30058 • 770-987-2155

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Board Certiﬁed Family Practice Physician New CLIENTS Welcome Most Insurance Plans accepted For more information call CANDLER ROAD

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1862 Candler Road Decatur, GA 30032 404-289-4556

8052 Mall Parkway, Suite 103 Lithonia, GA 30038 (678) 672-4093

Specialists in Diabetes, Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Asthma, Kidney Disease, Allergies, COPD and other healthcare

finance

pet services

Sports

FREE 1040 EZ and Electronic Filing

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includes Bath • Nails • Anal Glands • Ear Cleaning Teeth Brushing • Cut/ Trim

www.johnnyharriscpa.com

retail

Soul Discount Fabrics & Upholstery

2466 Bouldercrest Rd SE Atlanta, GA 30316

(678) 705-8368

404-244-9660

4691 Redan Rd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

(678) 518-8501 Evenings and weekends available

Jan 26th • Feb 2nd • Feb 9th 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Age 3................. $90 Age 4: .............. $120 Ages 5-6.......... $130 Ages 7-14: ...... $140

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Lashes, Brow & Contour $25 Full Face Make-up $35 • Facials $25

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2618 Max Cleland Blvd., Lithonia 30058

medical

Dr. Chandra Britt Armstrong welcomes

Tuesdays 2:30-5:30 & Friday 8:30-12:30 No Appointment Needed

30?

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LICENSED & INSURED

health / wellness MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS MANAGEMENT

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with a personal touch…

DeKalb Bank Foreclosure, 4 br, 2.5 ba, LR, DR, Den $98,500. $1,000 down, $740 per month! Must Qualify.

1st U Realty Call 24/7

miscellaneous

MICKENS REPAIR SERVICE

BUYERS:

Sports JOHNNY HARRIS, CPA PC

SPRING 2013 BASEBALL SEASON

finance

MEMORIAL DRIVE SE

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1316 Rockbridge Road, Suite L Stone Mountain, Ga. 30087 Over 30 Years Experience Member: AICPA & GSCPA

For Appointment Call (770) 638-1200 Office (770) 638-1201 Fax E-Mail bls55@aol.com Bobby L. Scott, CEO

COACHES NEEDED

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Please contact January 26-March 2 January 14-March 1 coreydber@gmail.com from 10am-2pm www.wadewalkerpark.org Saturdays *Upstairs in the Concession Stand Office* to volunteer

LET’S PLAY BALL!! WADE WALKER PARK

5585 Rockbridge Road • Stone Mountain, GA 30088

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AD R RO DLE

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279 Candler Road Atlanta, GA 30317 (near Memorial Drive)

Free Fabric with Upholstery SALE ENDS FEBRUARY 28, 2013

When You Miss CrossRoadsNews, You Miss News You Can Use! Call 404-284-1888 for Subscription Rates & Information

CrossRoadsNews

February 9, 2013

THE MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM AUTO GROUP

PRESIDENTS’ DAY

Pre-

S A L E S Save Up To

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The

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E V E N T

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Example: New 2013 Ford Escape buy for 60 months at $318 per month with $0 down at 4.9% with approved credit. Plus tax, tag, and title.

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w w w. M a lc o lmC unn i n g h am F or d. c om

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2004 Toyota Sequoia

Black History Month February 9, 2013

www.crossroadsnews.com

Section B

Icons of the Movement

Landmark year for annual Black History Month observance This is the 37th year of observing February as Black History Month. It comes in a landmark year in American history. 2013 is the 150th anniversary of Emancipation Proclamation; the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington; and the second inauguration of the nation’s first AfricanAmerican president. The theme is “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington.” During the four weeks of February, African-American culture, heritage and achievements will be spotlighted. While some people argue that one month a year is inad-

equate, when it was instituted in 1976 by the Washington, D.C.-based Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History Inc., the contributions of African-Americans were largely ignored in this country. Harvard-educated Carter G. Woodson, who founded the association in 1915, first initiated Negro History Week in 1926 to focus on the contributions of blacks in the development of America. At the time, the contributions of African-Americans had been largely left out of textbooks and the media. Woodson, who is called “the Father of Black History,” is the author of a number of books, including “The MisEducation of the Negro,” published in 1933.

The book outlines how poorly African-American children were being taught in the nation’s segregated school. He picked February for the observances because it is the birth month of Frederick Douglass, who fought against slavery, and President Abraham Lincoln, who freed the slaves. It was Woodson’s hope that with the annual Black History observances, Americans would develop Carter G. Woodson mutual respect for each other.

Black History 2346 Candler Road Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.CrossRoadsNews.com editor@CrossRoadsNews.com

This Black History Month Special Section is a publication of CrossRoadsNews Inc., East Metro Atlanta’s award-winning weekly newspaper. Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphics Editor Curtis Parker Reporters Jessica Smith Ken Watts

CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsNews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

CrossRoadsNews

February 9, 2013

Emory University’s Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library acquired the SCLC archives in 2008.

“I’m pleased to report that the battle you so valiantly led in the 19th century for equal rights and dignity has yielded great results. Your sage advice to agitate at every turn continues to inspire great men and women into action, and with each passing generation the march toward freedom and equal opportunity is moving closer to full realization.” Rep. Hank Johnson, 4th Congressional District

A Letter to My Ancestor: Frederick Douglass Dear Ambassador Frederick Douglass, I write you today full of optimism that America, the nation that once enslaved our people, continues to advance toward justice, equality, freedom and fairness for all its people. I’m pleased to report that the battle you so valiantly led in the 19th century for equal rights and dignity has yielded great results. Your sage advice to agitate at every turn continues to inspire great men and women into action, and with each passing generation the march toward freedom and equal opportunity is moving closer to full realization. It has required tremendous sacrifice, but today our people have reached the pinnacle in all facets of American society – from the arts and sciences to academia, technology, business, and politics. There is no level of achievement off limits or out of reach for African-Americans in this great country we call home. I am especially proud to report that Americans have elected and re-elected the first African-American president in history – Barack Hussein Obama. Born of a marriage between a Kenyan father and a Caucasian American mother, President Obama excelled as a student, graduating near the top of his class from Columbia University and Harvard Law School. These two elite institutions – once off limits because of the color of your skin – are now open to all with brilliant intellects. With much the same sense of duty to his fellow man as you, President Obama began his legal career in service, choosing to be a community organizer instead of taking a high-paying job at a prestigious law firm. In his first term, President Obama passed

legislation helping millions of Americans get access to affordable health care. He signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which requires equal pay for women. And he is responsible for new laws that protect consumers from predatory lenders. It must cause you profound pride to know what your bravery and sacrifice paved the way and set the example for President Obama to become a great American president and leader of the free world. As a member of Congress from the Deep South, I and my other colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus, along with our great president, demonstrate the great progress we’ve made. While I write today with much to celebrate, much work remains. The truth is that the ugly legacy of racism continues to impact the quality of life for all Americans, regardless of color. There are whites who feel superior to blacks, and there are blacks who feel inferior to whites, with each blaming the other for the growing difficulty that all people face in achieving the American Dream. Most people seem unaware that corporate influence and wealth has taken over public policy, such that government policy now favors the wealthy few at the expense of the people. As more government functions are privatized, we find political leaders defunding the public school system, shifting government funds to the private, for-profit school industry. And we see America’s prison population exploding, with America having a greater percentage of its people behind bars than any other nation in the world! It’s no wonder that the income of the

private for-profit prison industry is growing. I am sad to report that African-American males have disproportionately fallen victim to the voracious appetite of the prison industrial complex, from which it is nearly impossible to overcome the stigma of being an ex-offender. Just as you fought so staunchly for women’s rights, we continue the fight for women to control their own bodies, and their own health. Mr. Douglass, I’m pleased to report that your legacy and indeed your own descendants continue your work through the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation – 150 years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. I have had the pleasure of meeting your great-great-granddaughter, Nettie Washington Douglass, who chairs the foundation and continues the difficult work you started. I proudly joined with her in urging President Obama to issue you posthumously the Presidential Medal of Freedom. My vow is to continue raising awareness that all people are created equal, endowed by their creator with the inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, color, or wealth. It is my vow to fulfill the courageous legacy you advanced more than 150 years ago. Brother Douglass, thank you for your work and inspiring legacy. I will strive to be worthy of your thoughts, words and deeds. With warmest regards, I remain Hank Johnson. Hank Johnson has represented the 4th Congressional District since 2006. He lives in Lithonia.

SCLC exhibit at Emory documents ongoing struggle for equal rights Letters, documents, photographs and recordings from the storied past of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference will go on display on Feb. 21 at Emory University’s Robert W. Woodruff Library. The artifacts are part of the exhibit “And the Struggle Co n t i nu e s : T h e Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s Fight for Social Change,” which documents the Atlanta-based civil rights organization’s history, progress and continuous work for equal rights. The collection of 918 boxes covers SCLC activities and business between 1968 and 2007 and includes administrative files with correspondence, reports, memos, notebooks and meeting minutes as well as photographs, fliers, and audio and video recordings. Emory’s Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library acquired the SCLC archives in 2008 and opened it to researchers, history buffs and the public in May 2012. This is the first exhibit from the collection. It runs through Dec. 1 in the library’s Schatten Gallery and the Jones Room, both on the third floor of the Woodruff Library. The exhibit’s opening celebration on Feb. 22 will feature remarks from U.S. Rep. John Lewis; SCLC leaders C.T. Vivian and

Photographs and fliers from the SCLC archives are among artifacts on display at Emory University’s Woodruff Library beginning Feb. 21.

Charles Steele Jr. and board President Bernard Lafayette; and Dorothy Cotton, who was the SCLC’s education director between 1960 and 1968. The exhibition and celebration, which takes place from 6 to 8 p.m., are open to the public free of charge. The SCLC was founded in Atlanta in 1957 by a group of civil rights leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Revs. Ralph David Abernathy and Joseph E. Lowery. Each has served as its president.

Compelling components of the archives include transcripts, audio recordings, and other materials for the radio show “Martin Luther King Speaks,” which aired from 1967 to 1979. The program aired speeches and interviews with prominent members of the civil rights movement as well as with women’s rights activists, anti-war activists, and other cultural figures. This part of the collection demonstrates SCLC’s engagement with a broad array of issues and social movements throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

Also included are planning files, photos, and audio and video recordings that document other major activities such as the Poor People’s Campaign of 1968, its involvement in the Charleston hospital workers strike of 1969 and the Crisis in Health Care for Black and Poor Americans hearings in 1984, and its Gun Buyback Program in the 1990s. Woodruff Library is at 540 Asbury Circle in Atlanta. For more information, visit http:// marbl.library.emory.edu or call 404-7276887.

February 9, 2013

Black History

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“She was a powerhouse inside that was full of commitment, but very sweet and quiet.”

‘Forever’ stamp honors Rosa Parks, ‘First Lady of Civil Rights’ By Jessica Smith

Rosa Parks, whose refusal to relinquish her bus seat to a white man was a seminal moment in the civil rights movement, was honored with a “Forever” stamp on Feb. 4 – the 100th anniversary of her birth. Before an audience of Atlanta civil rights dynasty, old friends in the movement, and dancing, singing and poetry-reciting students, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled a Rosa Parks stamp at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in the historic Auburn Avenue area of Atlanta. Parks, who would not relinquish her seat on the segregated bus in Montgomery, Ala., on Dec. 1, 1955, and ignited a bus boycott that gave blacks the right to sit anywhere on a bus, is the 36th African-American so honored. The activist, called “the First Lady of Civil Rights” and “the Mother of the Freedom Movement” by Congress, was born in Tuskegee, Ala., in 1913. She was 42 when she refused to give up her seat on the city bus. That act of defiance and the bus boycott that followed propelled her into the annals of the civil rights movement. Parks was arrested for violating segregation laws and ignited a 381-day bus boycott led by a young Atlanta preacher named Martin Luther King Jr. and angry Montgomery residents. The protest crippled the transit company before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled bus segregation unconstitutional. In a 1992 interview with National Public Radio’s Lynn Neary, Parks said she refused to vacate her seat that day because she did not want to be mistreated. “I did not want to be deprived of a seat that I had paid for,” she said. “It was just time … there was opportunity for me to take a stand to express the way I felt about being treated in that manner. I had not planned to get arrested. I had plenty to do without having to end up in jail. But when I had to face that decision, I didn’t hesitate to do so because I felt that we had endured that too long. The more we gave in, the more we complied with that kind of treatment, the more oppressive it became.” Parks, who died at age 92 on Oct. 24, 2005, spent most of her life fighting for desegregation and voting rights. The Black Heritage Stamp Series began in 1978 with a stamp for American abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Parks’ portrait on the stamp was painted by African-American artist Thomas Black shear. The stamp is one of three that the Postal Service will release this year in recognition of the accomplishments and contributions of blacks throughout American history. The Forever stamp is part of the 2013 special civil rights set that celebrates freedom, courage and equality. Its value is always equal to the current postage rate. Pamela Wilson-Smith, the Postal Service’s Atlanta district health and resource management officer, said the stamp’s perpetuity goes further than that.

Attending the unveiling of the Rosa Parks stamp are Evelyn Lowery (from left), Bernice King, Pamela Wilson-Smith and Cathelean Steele.

“And when he saw me still sitting, and that had left the three seats vacant, except where I was, he asked me if I was going to stand up and I said, no I’m not. And he said, well, if you, if you don’t stand up, I’m going to have you, call the police and have you arrested. I said you may do that. And he did get off the bus and stayed for a few minutes and I still stayed where I was and when two policemen came on the bus, the driver pointed me out and he said that he needed the seats and other three stood, that one, he just said that one would not. And when the policeman approached me one of them spoke and asked me if the bus driver had asked me to stand and I said yes. He said, why don’t you stand up? I said, I don’t think I should have to stand up. And I asked him, why do you push us around? He said, I do not know, but the law is the law and you’re under arrest.” – Rosa Parks “It should be a Forever stamp because she should always be forever in our hearts with regard to all that she did for us,” she said. In between an afternoon of performances including the chorus of Osborne High School in Marietta and a classical ensemble led by composer Gregory McPherson, several of Parks’ sisters in the movement shared their fond memories of her. Evelyn Lowery, wife of civil rights icon Joseph Lowery and founder of the sister organization of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, knew Parks for a long time. “Have you heard the words still waters

Dillard president for Heritage Day Service Dillard University President Walter M. Kimbrough will be the featured speaker at the Columbia Drive United Methodist Church Heritage Day Service on Feb. 17. Kimbrough, who has led the historically black university in New Orleans since July, is the son of the Rev. Walter L. Kimbrough, the church’s pastor. W.M. Kimbrough The theme for the 10 a.m. service is “Our Faith: The Bridge to Our Past, Present & Future.” The church is at 2067 Columbia Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404-284-4151.

run deep?” she asked. “She was a powerhouse inside that was full of commitment, but very sweet and quiet.” Lowery worked with Parks in the SCLC in the 1960s. “She was such a grand woman, and though we all know her to be a quiet, sweet and loving person, she had a deep strength,” she said. Other civil rights leaders and friends of Parks in attendance were Elder Bernice King, King’s only living daughter and CEO of the King Center; SCLC first lady Cathelean Steele; Janice Mathis, Rainbow/PUSH executive director; Helen Butler, People’s Agenda executive director; former state Rep. Roberta

Abdul-Salaam; and Christine King Farris, King’s sister. Brenda Davenport, founder of the Rosa Parks Centennial Tribute Committee and host of the celebration, said “everyone on the planet with a conscious mind appreciates the work of Mrs. Parks.” Karma Johnson, youth pastor of St. James United Methodist Church in Alpharetta who spoke at the program, said she was proud of the stamp as a symbol of progress. “Her legacy will not only transcend our own African-American history, but will also stand to be a constant reminder to those that are not familiar with her story,” she said.

‘Miss Daisy’ at Toco Hill Library Storytelling The 1989 movie “Driving Miss Daisy,” which stars Oscar winners Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy, will be screened at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library in Decatur. The PG-rated film depicts the relationship between an elderly Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur in the American South in the 1950s. The two slowly build a relationship that transcends their differences and becomes a friendship. It is based on Alfred Uhry’s stage play set in Atlanta. Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library is at 1282 McConnell Drive. For more informa- Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy in “Driving Miss Daisy.” tion, call 404-679-4404.

at Callanwolde Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia will share historical African and AfricanAmerican tales at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center on Feb. 15. The “Family Storytelling: Emerging Voices” program begins at 7 p.m. in the Sam Goldman Retreat. It is part of the center’s Black History Month program. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is at 980 Briarcliff Road N.E. in Atlanta. For tickets and more information, visit www.callan wolde.org or call 404-872-5338.

Black History

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February 9, 2013

“To me it was a respectful gesture because our heads were bowed in prayer and not looking at the flag.”

‘Black Power’ salute at 1968 Olympics still resonates Images of raised fists endure 45 years later

“If you’re going to do something, make sure it’s seen, make sure it’s respectful, nonviolent and has some intellectual power behind it. The socks, the fists, the way we stood, the bowed heads, the military posture, not slouching, was something people could remember.”

By Ken Watts

Olympian Tommie Smith leads a quiet but busy suburban lifestyle in his Stone Mountain neighborhood. A Ph.D. in sociology, he travels frequently, speaking to youth groups and corporations on matters of education and health. Forty-five years have elapsed since Smith, son of an East Texas sharecropper, and Harlem native John Carlos, who Tommie Smith grew up between the Savoy Ballroom and the Cotton Club, mounted the medal podium at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City and projected a Black Power salute, which became the most powerful image in the annals of sports or protest. Smith is a familiar figure in his Smoke Rise subdivision, but few of his neighbors have an inkling of his prominent and controversial place in Black History. That year he was a track star at San Jose State University, where 18 months earlier an activist sociology professor had mentored the introverted Smith and other athletes to take an interest in the civil rights struggle. “Dr. Harry Edwards and the rest of us thought it very necessary for young black athletes to get involved in the social movement of our country,” Smith said. San Jose State was a track powerhouse at the time and Smith was one of America’s top sprinters, setting world records in the 400 meters and 200 meters. The young athletes, Smith and teammate Carlos, agreed with Edwards that they should form the Olympic Project for Human Rights and leverage their status to call for a boycott of the Olympics unless certain conditions were met. Among other things, the athletes called on the International Olympic Committee to bar apartheid South Africa and Rhodesia from the Games. Smith said they received death threats as they traveled the country trying to build support for their efforts. The boycott effort fizzled after the IOC did indeed keep the two racially repressive countries out of the Olympics. “At the last [OPHR] meeting we had, it was decided there would be no boycott and each athlete would represent himself according to how he felt about a country that didn’t represent them,” Smith recalled last week. “And that gave the flexibility to each athlete to make his own gesture of protest. So I felt that I would do what I thought was necessary.” In Mexico City, Smith and Carlos placed first and third respectively in the Olympic 200 meters, winning the gold and bronze medals. He didn’t just win. Smith blazed across the finish line in a world record time of 19.83 seconds. That time remained a world record until 1979 and an Olympic record until 1984. But jubilation turned to shock for some fans and U.S. Olympic officials, then anger.

Tommie Smith

Tommie Smith’ and John Carlos’ Black Power Salute from the medal podium at the 1968 Olympics placed them in history for more than the medals they won.

John Carlos and Tommie Smith received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY Awards in 2008.

years straight in basketball, football, and track and field. His college career was highlighted with many achievements. He started striving and breaking world records in track as a sophomore and did not stop until he had tied or broken 13 records. After the Games of the 19th Olympiad, Smith played professional football under the legendary Paul Brown with the Cincinnati Bengals for three years. He went on to become an assistant professor of physical education at Oberlin College in Ohio, where he taught sports sociology and physical education courses, counseled students and athletes who sought his expertise and advice, coached track and field as well as football and basketball, and served as athletic director. He was also a faculty member at Santa Monica College in California, where he taught sociology, health and physical education classes and was Tommie Smith wearing number 307 and John Carlos, number 259, won gold and the men’s cross country and track and bronze medals respectively in the 200 meters in 1968 Olympic in Mexico City. field coach. would pay the bills,” Smith said. In 1996, Smith was inducted into ‘Silent gesture’ courageous the California Black Sports Hall of Fame. In 1999, he On the victory stand at the medal awards ceremony, Profound social upheaval in 1968 received the Sportsman of the Millennium Award and was Smith and Carlos donned black gloves, and as “The StarThe personal act of protest is best viewed in the coninducted into the Bay Area Hall of Fame along with Ronny Spangled Banner was played, the men raised clenched fists text of those times. 1968 was a year of profound social Lott, Joe Montana and others. And in November that year, high above their heads in a Black Power salute. They also upheaval, when Americans were re-examining long-held he was inducted into the Lemoore Union High School wore badges that read “OPHR,” black socks to symbolize values and beliefs. Hall of Fame and the San Jose State University Sports Hall black poverty in a corrosively racist American society, and Early that year, the Tet offensive launched by commuof Fame. black scarves for black pride. nist forces against U.S. troops in Vietnam turned millions He and wife Delois have been Stone Mountain resiThe scene witnessed by a packed stadium and millions of Americans against the war as prospects for a quick end dents since 2005. of TV viewers had immediate impact and became one of to the fighting grew dim. Thousands of college students “Our daughter attended Clark Atlanta University, and the iconic images of the turbulent late 1960s. took to the streets in war protests. Riots broke out in 100 when we came here for a campus visit we fell in love with Smith believes the intent of the “silent gesture” was the cities after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King the beauty of the area and great housing values before the opposite of what many people may think. Jr. on April 4. And just eight weeks later, on June 5, Sen. bust,” Smith said. “To me it was a respectful gesture because our heads Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated. Last year, “Salute,” a poignant documentary on the were bowed in prayer and not looking at the flag. I President Lyndon Johnson in a televised address anthree runners and the turmoil of 1968 directed by Northought prayer was more important than standing with nounced a halt to the bombing of North Vietnam and a man’s nephew, Matt, was released in London. Norman my hand over my heart and thinking about all the money I call for peace talks, then shocked the nation by revealing died of a heart attack on Oct. 3, 2006, at age 64. Smith and was gonna make because I won the gold medal.” that he would not seek a second term as president. That Carlos were among his pallbearers. The crowd in the huge Olympic stadium booed Smith August, millions of TV viewers watched in horror as Smith, who went to London to promote the film, told and Carlos as they left the victory stand. bloody battles between police and war protesters upstaged British “Newsnight” that in 1968 he was on a world stage, The silent gesture was a courageous move that sent a the Democratic Convention in Chicago. implementing a need for human actions. powerful visual message but turned the two young athAustralian 200 silver medalist Peter Norman also wore “People were sedentary in their lives, not realizing the letes’ personal lives upside down. an OPHR badge on the podium in solidarity. need for a coalition of understanding,” he said. Avery Brundage, the American who headed the IOC at Before that international stage, Smith began running in Today, nearly five decades later, that Black Power salute the time, pressured the U.S. Olympic Committee to boot grade school in Lemoore, Calif., when as a fourth-grader stands as a seminal moment in the Olympic movement. both men from the Games. he was asked to race against the fastest runner in the Smith said it was important to make the protest count. Smith said he and Carlos received more death threats school (his sister Sally). He went on to become the only “If you’re going to do something, make sure it’s seen, after returning home and for several years the Olympic man in history of track and field to hold 11 world records make sure it’s respectful, nonviolent and has some intelheroes had trouble finding work. simultaneously. By the time he graduated from high lectual power behind it,” he said. “The socks, the fists, the “I had to take a job in a carwash and anything else that school, he had been voted “Most Valuable Athlete” three way we stood, the bowed heads, the military posture, not

February 9, 2013

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH Macy’s Celebrates

MACY’S, THE GORDON PARKS FOUNDATION AND THE AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATE THE 1OOTH BIRTHDAY OF AMERICAN ICON, GORDON PARKS. MACY’S LENOX SQUARE FEBRUARY 16TH

Celebrate the life of Gordon Parks by viewing iconic images in our photographic art installation featuring some of his most beloved works, such as American Gothic, Washington D.C. 1942 during the month of February! BE HERE EARLY! LOWER LEVEL, 2PM In honor of Gordon Parks contribution to the arts, join us for a children’s “Design Your Own Book” event! Plus with $25 or more purchase made during the event, receive a special gift*

LEVEL 2, 3PM Join us in “In Conversation” with actor/director Eriq La Salle for a spirited discussion on Gordon Parks’s influence on film and the future of African-American cinema. Following the discussion, enjoy light refreshments. Plus, with any $5O or more purchase made during the event, receive a commemorative Gordon Parks journal and a copy of Eriq La Salle’s new book, Laws of Depravity.* RSVP for this event at 305-577-1818 Then boogie on down with us as we pay homage to the soul/funk 7O’s era music featured in the movie Shaft, directed by Gordon Parks. Stop by our Soul Jam style dance party! Don’t forget to pack your platforms! Plus, from February 1st through February 28th, visit macys.com/celebrate to enter for a chance to win a trip for two to The American Black Film Festival in Miami, courtesy of American Airlines, a $1OOO Macy’s shopping spree and Gordon Parks: Collected Works, a five-volume set of his photography.** The Gordon Parks Foundation permanently preserves the work of Gordon Parks, makes it available to the public and supports artistic and educational activities. The Foundation is a division of the Meserve-Kunhardt Foundation. For more information visit gordonparksfoundation.org. Diversity. It’s not what you think.

At Macy’s, it’s part of everything we do. Shown left: Kirk Buddy, Macy’s Advertising Photo of Gordon Parks courtesy of Adger Cowans.

Find us.

Events subject to change or cancellation. *While supplies last. **No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico who are at least 18 years and older. Employees of Macy’s, American Airlines and their immediate family members are not eligible. Sweepstakes void in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and where prohibited by law. For complete sweepstakes details and official rules visit macys.com/celebrate. ARV $4585.00 46575_N3010182A.indd 1

1/18/13 9:54 AM

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Black History

Parks created a body of work that documents many of the most important aspects of American culture. The Rev. Samuel “Billy” Kyles was at the side of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 1968 when King was assassinated.

‘Witness’ to King’s assassination The Oscar-nominated documentary “The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306” will be screened Feb. 16 at the DeKalb Alphas’ first Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia. The fund-raiser, which begins at 8:30 a.m., features a full breakfast and presentations from the 2013 Beautillion Class and leaders of the Young Men of Excellence Program in addition to the viewing of the award-winning film. The film takes viewers inside the last hours of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King was shot to death on April 4, 1968, on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn. The Rev. Samuel “Billy” Kyles, who was at King’s side on the balcony, bore witness to his assassination. The 2008 film captures

February 9, 2013

Kyles’ recollections of those fateful moments and the days leading up to them. The fund-raiser will culminate with a panel discussion. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. The Nu Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. mentors middle and high school students to enhance their academic experience and prepare them for college life and manhood. The Decatur chapter also holds workshops on leadership, teamwork, communication, service and college preparation and issues thousands of dollars in scholarship for college-bound seniors. It is now recruiting junior high school students for its Junior Beaux program. The Lou Walker Senior Center is at 2538 Panola Road. For more information and tickets, visit www.dekalbalphas.org.

Congressman Hank Johnson celebrates

Black History Month

Macys celebrates Gordon Parks’ rich legacy, influence Legendary photographer and cultural hero Gordon Parks and his influence on African-American cinema are the focus of national Black History Month special events and exhibits hosted by Macy’s, the American Black Film Festival, and the Gordon Parks Foundation. Parks, a humanitarian with a deep commitment to social justice, was one of the seminal figures of 20th century photography. From the early 1940s until his death in 2006, he created a body of work that documents many of the most important aspects of American culture, focusing on race relations, poverty, civil rights and urban life. During his lifetime, the celebrated composer, author and filmmaker interacted with many of the most prominent people of his era – from politicians and artists to celebrities and Iconic photographer, composer, writer and filmmaker Gordon athletes. Parks had a deep commitment to social justice. In 1969, he became the first African-American to write and direct a “In Conversation,” which starts at 3 p.m., Hollywood feature film based on his best- will feature actor and director Eriq LaSalle selling novel “The Learning Tree.” This was on a panel discussing Parks’ influence on film followed in 1971 by the hugely successful and the future of Africanmotion picture “Shaft” that starred Richard American cinema. Roundtree. LaSalle is known for Among its activities celebrating Parks, playing Dr. Peter Benton Macy’s is hosting two events – “Design Your on the NBC drama series Own Book” and “In Conversation” on Feb. 16 “ER.” at its Lenox Square store in Buckhead. The others panelists Some of Parks’ most beloved works, will be Arnika Dawkins, including “American Gothic,” “Washington owner of Arnika Dawkins D.C.” and “1942,” will be on display at the Eriq LaSalle Gallery, and Darrell Lane, store. international photographer specializing in Macy’s Lenox store is one of 14 locations “everyday people.” nationwide that will honor Parks during CBS’ “Better Mornings Atlanta” news February. anchor Tracye Hutchins will moderate the “Design Your Own Book” takes place at discussion. 2 p.m. in the store’s children’s department Funk classics from the movie “Shaft,” in honor of Parks’ acclaimed novel “The released in 1971, will get the party started Learning Tree,” which propelled Parks into after the film discussion. DJs and dancers the spotlight in 1969. will highlight the “Shaft” era in music for a The Macy’s event will highlight Parks’ new audience. literary life as children create their own For more information, visit macys.com/ unique books. celebrate.

AKA exhibit marks 20 years

“At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation, the March on Washington and President Obama's 2nd Inauguration” recognizing the invaluable contributions African Americans have made to our nation's history and identity.

www.hankjohnson.house.gov Paid for by The Committee to Re-Elect Henry "Hank" Johnson

Mem b ers of t h e Stone Mountain/Lithonia Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha are celebrating their 20th anniversary with an exhibit of artifacts and photographs at the Stonecrest Library. “Celebrating Our Sisterhood: Honoring Our Past. Embracing Our Present. Soaring Toward the Future” is on display throughout February. The chapter, which has more than 100 members, was chartered at the “Celebrating Our Sisterhood,” which marks the local chapter’s 20th Hidden Hills Country anniversary, is on display at Stonecrest Library throughout February. Club in 1993. It is part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., seniors. established in 1908. The AKA exhibit is open during library Over the two decades, the AKAs’ com- hours. munity service projects have included health The Stonecrest Library is at 3123 Klondfairs, voter registration drives, and network- ike Road in Lithonia. ing mixers. For more information, visit www.aka It has awarded more than $110,000 in taupiomega.com, e-mail agodlydiva@aol scholarships to college-bound high school .com or call 678-525-6155.

February 9, 2013

Black History

CrossRoadsNews

The film documents how the black test subjects were allowed to die from their disease despite a cure having been developed.

Billye Aaron gets Crystal award for volunteerism, outreach By Ken Watts

Billye Aaron, ground-breaking broadcaster, fund-raiser and community activist, is the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel’s 2013 Crystal Customer Award recipient. More than 500 friends, family and wellwishers turned out on Feb. 4 for the hotel’s annual Heritage Celebration honoring Aaron, wife of baseball legend Hank Aaron. Former Ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young and Trumpet Award founder Xernona Clayton were among the crowd honoring Aaron. She joins a select group of Crystal Customer Award recipients – Coretta Scott King, Young, former Mayor Shirley Franklin, Herman J. Russell, Thomas Dortch Jr., and Jesse Hill, Jr. After receiving the large crystal cup, Aaron said she was really thrilled to be recognized. “It is just absolutely wonderful to be joining the illustrious list of previous recipients. And it does my heart good to know that some of what I tried to do is appreciated,” she said. In 1967, the Hyatt became the first downtown Atlanta hotel to do business with blacks and has had a close relationship with

opportunity for young people.” She made her debut in 1968 on “Today in Georgia” on WSB-TV, becoming the first African-American woman in the Southeast to co-host a regularly scheduled TV talk show. For 14 years, she was one of the most successful full-time fund-raisers for the United Negro College Fund. She retired in 1994. Among her accomplishments, Aaron is the founder of the Mayor’s Masked Ball, one of the most successful fund-raisers of its kind, and the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation. Her efforts have raised more than $10 million for scholarships and given countless young people the opportunity to attend college. Her commitment to higher education began when she received her bachelor’s degree from Texas College and later her master’s degree from Atlanta University. During her graduate studies, Aaron met Billye Aaron, wife of baseball legend Hank Aaron and the first African-American woman in the and married Samuel W. Williams, a MoreSoutheast to co-host a TV talk show, received the 2013 Crystal Customer Award. house College professor of philosophy and the city’s African-American community ever way of saying thanks for the loyal support. religion. Aaron was cited for her “decades of volsince. To this day, many local and national He died in 1970, and three years later, civil rights organizations hold events at the unteerism and community outreach, much she married the reigning baseball home run Hyatt. The Heritage Celebration is the Hyatt’s of it aimed at providing scholarships and king, Hank Aaron.

THE CELEBRATION LASTS 28 DAYS; THE CONTRIBUTION, A LIFETIME. No amount of time would be sufficient to recognize all of the trailblazers who saw what no one else could, did what no one else dared and gave us all what we needed most. Georgia Power is proud to honor the achievements of African-Americans throughout Black History Month and more importantly beyond.

Alfre Woodard and Laurence Fishburne.

‘Miss Evers’ Boys’ tells Tuskegee tale “Miss Evers’ Boys,” the made-for-TV movie that tells the true story of the U.S. government’s 1932 Tuskegee syphilis experiment on black men, will be screened Feb. 20 at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library. The film, which stars Alfre Woodard and Laurence Fishburne, documents how the black test subjects were allowed to die from their disease despite a cure having been developed. It will be screened from 6 to 8 p.m. The experiment was discontinued 40 years later when a Senate investigation was initiated. “Miss Evers’ Boys” was filmed in Atlanta, Covington and Porterdale. It won many awards, including Golden Globes and Primetime Emmys. The Black History Month event is funded by the Friends of the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library. The library is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road. For more information, call 404-286-6980.

Five photographers honored at Capitol The work of five renowned AfricanAmerican photographers will be featured in an exhibit at the Georgia State Capitol on Feb. 20 in honor of Black History Month. Photographers Jim Alexander, Horace Henry, Susan J. “Sue” Ross, Clyde Bradley and Arthur “Bud” Smith are being honored for their contributions to the arts and to the preservation of African-American history. House District 61 Rep. Roger Bruce (DAtlanta) is host of the exhibit, which takes place from 8 a.m. to noon in Room 216 of the Capitol, 206 Washington St. S.W. in downtown Atlanta. For more information, contact the House Democratic Caucus at 770-362-0123.

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February 9, 2013

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