MARYLAND PASTOR ANNOUNCES #HANDSUPDON’TSPEND 5
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December 4 - December 10, 2014
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Volume 14 Issue 16
6
Editorial
Why Blacks should support immigration reform
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Latinos share the same issues with Blacks on racial equality and economic empowerment and need our support.
By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. NNPA Columnist
2 | Dec. 4 - Dec. 10, 2014 | District Chronicles
As I watched President Barack Obama address the nation on his “controversial” Executive Order on immigration reform, I was reminded of the evening of April 4, 1967. I was inside Riverside Church in New York City when the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his courageous sermon in opposition to the Vietnam War. Even some of his supporters questioned his theological audacity to link civil rights injustice in the United States to human rights injustice in Vietnam. Decades later, history has proven King to have been right in his opposition. What will history say 50 years from now about President Obama’s leadership on immigration and his determination to fix the system? Leadership is about speaking out against injustice. It is also about taking action to correct injustice. Civil rights leadership, as exemplified by King, was audacious with the courage to take action to challenge injustice in a manner that inspired millions of people to join the cause. In his Riverside Church speech, King stated, “An injustice
anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” I know that there are many in the Black community who might not understand how the issue of immigration for Latino Americans and others is linked to our issues of racial and economic justice. The goals of racial equality and economic empowerment are not exclusive or limited to Black Americans. With the “browning” of America steadily changing the racial and ethnic demographics of the population of the U.S., it important for Black Americans to be supportive of immigration reform. We should be in solidarity with our Latino sisters and brothers because it is the moral and right thing to do. Also, supporting immigration fairness and equal justice is a strategic step forward for Black America. We know what the sting and pain of racial prejudice and injustice feels like. The political context and timing of President Obama’s executive action that will help possibly 5 million or more Latino and other undocumented people who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years should not be underestimated. This was a major leadership
move by the nation’s first Black president. Like health care reform, immigration reform had been debated for decades without any significant progress until Obama made it happen. Yes, there is going to be a big political fight over immigration. Black Americans should weigh in on this debate from an activist perspective rather than from the position of disinterested spectators. As President Obama affirmed, “What makes us Americans is our shared commitment to an ideal, that all of us are created equal, and all of us have the chance to make of our lives what we will.” Equality in a democracy where people are treated fairly and justly, is a moral and noble goal that we should all strive to attain. Yet, for 45 million Black Americans, we also know the bitter taste of centuries of oppression, discrimination, injustice, violence and racial hatred. In fact, it is because of our ongoing struggle for freedom, justice and equality that we cannot afford to be silent on the issue of immigration equal justice. I am prepared to stand with the president of the United States on this matter. Are you?
Finance
Protest marches ‘tantamount to walking on a treadmill’
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Protests as a means of social social change have not produced significant results over the years. Time to try something new.
By James Clingman NNPA Columnist
H
ere’s a sobering statement from Economic Policy Institute (EPI): “Fifty years ago (2013), the unemployment rate was 5 percent for Whites and 10.9 percent for Blacks. Today, it is 6.6 percent for Whites and 12.6 percent for Blacks.” Can you believe that? We are at the same relative position now as we were when the Rev. Martin Luther King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. Part of the problem is that we have been waiting to be rescued rather than doing everything we can to rescue ourselves. Employment is very high on the fictional Black agenda, so much so that during our protests we have to say it three times: Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! While we have certainly protested and begged for jobs from politicians, our tepid and passive solutions have not moved us one inch toward our goal of lowering the Black rate of unemployment. Why? The last march for jobs was called three years ago by Marcher-in-Chief, Al Sharpton during the run-up to the 2012 presidential election. Sharpton, who was flanked by leaders of the National Education Association, NAACP, and other groups, was quoted in the Washington Post as saying, “We will bring forth the masses who have not been heard in the midst of the jobs debate … As the
president fights for a jobs act, as super-committees meet, they need to hear ‘marching feet.’ This is to send a message to Congress.” Marching feet? Congress must have had earplugs on that day. If they did get the message, they did nothing to improve the situation two years later, according to the EPI report. Many of our marches have been tantamount to walking on a treadmill, burning energy but not permanently moving forward. Sharpton went on to say, “The march, which will count on the large ranks of union members, will bring ‘drama’ to the jobs debate. His use of the word, “drama” reminds me of what John Henrik Clarke said about Sharpton during a debate with Cornell West at Ohio State University. All we get, and unfortunately settle for, is “drama” when it comes to solving our problems. We love to march and make symbolic statements, but we stop there; we never follow up with appropriate action. This is why I propose that we gather one million or more conscious Black people who are willing to do several things in response to the problems we face in this country. We must have people who are willing to pool their votes and their dollars to build and grow businesses. We must elect politicians who, prior to an election, will state very clearly and publicly, their commitment to fight for issues specific to Black people, just as other groups get politicians for
whom they vote to support and fight for their issues. A collective of one million conscious Black people could positively affect the jobs issue by forming an equity or loan fund to establish more Black businesses. We could also help grow those businesses by collectively supporting them with our consumer dollars, thereby, creating jobs and lowering the Black unemployment rate. A national group of one million could also stimulate the formation of local coalitions to accomplish the same goals in cities across this nation. No more need to go to Washington and march about something we can do right in our own backyards. No more spending our money, the majority of which goes to non-Black businesses, to travel distances to “protest” and create “drama” around issues we can solve ourselves. Enough of that nonsense! We must coalesce around efforts that make sense, efforts that are practical and beneficial, and efforts that will get us off the treadmill and keep us from marching in place for the next fifty years. Join the one million conscious voters, and let’s start solving our own problems and creating our own jobs, with our own dollars. Jim Clingman, founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce, can be reached through his Web site, www.Blackonomics.com.
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s they are about to leave Congress, two members of the House could not resist one last chance to bully the District of Columbia, said the Office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). Rep. Steve Stockman (R-TX) has introduced the bill H.R. 5755, which would prohibit the District from using automated traffic enforcement systems, such as red light and speed cameras. The bill’s cosponsor is Rep. Kerry Bentivolio (R-MI), who last year sought cosponsors for a similar bill. Unlike Bentivolio’s draft bill, which was focused solely on the District, Stockman’s bill has two provisions: one provision would withhold 10 percent of certain federal aid highway funds from any state or local government using automated traffic enforcement systems. The other provision bans the
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Texas congressman Bentivolio (left) and Rep. Stockman (R-MI) sponsored a bill that prevents the District from using its automated traffic enforcement system.
District in particular from using any traffic cameras. “These two Members ‌ have turned their focus away from their own constituents,â€? said Norton. “So, free from accountability to their own residents, they are making a last ditch attempt to secure a legacy on the backs of District of Columbia residents. We would have thought that Republicans would be the first, not the last, to acknowledge that traffic laws are a classic local public safety matter.â€? “These two members, who profess to support federalism and local control of local affairs, have left their principles behind. Whatever one’s views on the merits of traffic cameras, D.C.’s use of them is a
quintessential local matter for the local elected government to decide, and not for the big foot of the federal government,� said Norton. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, hundreds of jurisdictions in 24 states across the country use traffic enforcement systems, including 495 jurisdictions that use red light cameras and 138 that use speed cameras. Bentivolio ultimately did not introduce his bill after Norton alerted his local media that he was interfering in the local affairs of another jurisdiction. Rep. Stockman, who lost a bid for Senate, will not be running for another term in the House, and Rep. Bentivolio lost his primary election earlier this year.
unified, and more focused than ever before. From establishing ourselves as the place to be for economic development in this region to reducing crime to historic lows; From taking bold, unprecedented steps to reform our school system to rebuilding our health care sector; we are doing big things, on purpose, to reshape and advance the future of our great county.� The Prince George’s County Council will convene tomorrow, December 2, at 11:00 a.m., to elect the Council leaderteam for – Mel Franklin, Council Chair ship the 2015 Legislative Year. The partnership with County Executive session will be held at the County Rushern L. Baker, III, also inaugu- Administration Building, Council rated to serve a second term today. Hearing Room, 14741 Governor Chairman Franklin emphasized the Oden Bowie Drive in Upper Marlimportance progress that the Council boro. There will be a press briefing with the new Council leadership imand County Executive have made. “This County Government mediately following in the Council stands before you stronger, more Media Room. Council Members Mary Lehman (D) – District 1; Andrea C. Harrison, (D) – District 5; Karen R. Toles, (D) – District 7; Obie Patterson (D) – District 8; and Mel Franklin, (D) – District 9, are beginning their second terms in office. Council Chairman Mel Franklin, who delivered the Inaugural Address on behalf of the County Council, said the Council looks forward to moving the County forward in
This county government stands stronger, unified ...
4 | Dec. 4 - Dec. 10, 2014 | District Chronicles
Divine Intervention
Baltimore pastor calls for economic mobilization Rights Under Law and the Congressional Black Caucus.” According to Bryant, tens of thousands of people were expected to participate this week in the economic mobilization effort which “encourages supporters to refrain from spending during the most highly-anticipated shopping time of the year; Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, through Cyber Monday.” The intended message to those who join in the movement is, “Flex your power by not shopping during the busiest shopping period of the year - #HandsUpDon’tSpend!” said Bryant. “Police brutality has no place in modern law enforcement. However, American history continues to repeat itself. Exactly one year after the death of Trayvon Martin, Black America is once again pleading for the justice system to uphold the
principles of justice and equality for countless victims including Michael Brown, Eric Garner and John Crawford,” said Bryant. “We have come to recognize that petitions and marching have not changed the landscape of our justice system. Neither has it changed the alarming rate of police brutality cases against African Americans in America. Therefore, we have decided to shift the impact of our power to what the government understands - the almighty dollar.” Bryant was heavily involved in the Martin case as the family’s advocate and spiritual advisor, serving in the same capacity for the family of Brown. In support of the #HandsUpDon’tSpend campaign, the Empowerment Movement also supported the Wal-Mart workers protest on Black Friday.
Facebook/JamalBryant
(TriceEdneyWire.com) – Jamal-Harrison Bryant, pastor and founder of Empowerment Temple Church and president of the Empowerment Movement, based in Baltimore, is leading the launch a national economic mobilization effort titled #HandsUpDon’tSpend. “This strategic collaboration is anchored by faith-based denominations from across the country that have united to demonstrate the power of the African-American dollar!,” according to a news release. “The Empowerment Movement, a non-partisan organization, is supported by the AME Church, AME Zion, COGIC, Progressive, Bible Way Churches, Full Gospel, Gospel Music Workshop of America, CME, United Covenant Churches, Harvest Churches, Fellowship of International Word of Faith, Church of God, Lawyers Committee for Civil
Baltimore pastor Bryant announces the #HandsUpDon’tSpend mobilization effort.
Evangelicals a mixed bag on Obama’s immigration action By Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service
Pete Souza/White House
WASHINGTON – While Republican leaders blast President Obama for taking executive action on immigration reform, some prominent evangelical leaders are welcoming the president’s plans to keep about 5 million undocumented immigrants from being deported. Evangelicals are a key voting bloc for the GOP, but on immigration some are taking a pragmatic step away from the party. They include Hispanic leaders such as the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez who say the time has come to manage what has become a “de facto humanitarian crisis” for millions of immigrants. “This merciful action takes place because for years our government, under the leadership of both parties, failed miserably as it pertains to immigration,” said Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. Rodriguez planned to be with Obama last week in Las Vegas, where the president hoped to rally for his new steps. Likewise, Noel Castellanos, CEO of the Christian Community Development Association, and the Rev. Gabriel Salguero, president of the National Latino Evangelical
Coalition, welcomed the executive action on immigration. “As pastors, we welcome the relief of action and call on Congress to provide long-term solutions,” said Salguero, who has made visits to Capitol Hill to push for reform. But not all evangelicals praised the president’s action, even as they embrace the need for immigration reform. Southern Baptist ethicist Russell Moore, who has pushed Obama to act on immigration, said in a Time op-ed that executive action is the wrong approach. “We can debate whether the president has the authority to undertake these actions unilaterally, but, regardless, this is an unwise and counterproductive move,” he wrote. A recent LifeWay Research survey found that while 91 percent of evangelicals said the U.S. should be responsible for stopping illegal immigration, 77 percent agreed that “Christians have a responsibility to assist immigrants, even if they are in the country illegally.” The Evangelical Immigration Table did not comment before the
Most Evangelicals agree with humanitarian concern in immigration reform but not on Obama’s executive action.
said he celebrates the “partial step” Obama is taking, even as he must still work with Congress on comprehensive reform. “I welcome this incremental step,” said Hunter. “I don’t look it as am– Pastor Joel Hunter, Northland Church upon nesty. I look upon it as a Joel Hunter, an evangelical who partial solution to an ongoing is also Obama’s spiritual adviser, problem and I do see the need in president’s formal announcement last week. But Florida megachurch pastor
I look upon it as a partial solution to a problem ...
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human terms, in terms of keeping families together and bringing people out of the shadows.” Other Christian groups, such as Church World Service, welcomed the president’s move, but questioned whether it goes far enough. “However impressive 5 million people sounds,” said the Rev. John L. McCullough, CWS’ president and CEO, “the fact of the matter is that there still are 11 million ... who wait with anticipation and have a deep concern about what will unfold over the course of this day.”
District Chronicles | Dec. 4 - Dec. 10, 2014 | 5
Cover Homelessness rises while temperatures drop By Naeemah Z. Kelly
There is yet a set date for when the shelter will close because there are currently over 100 families and almost 250 children occupying the old hospital rooms. D.C. Councilman Jim Graham told WUSA9, “We’ll never get this place closed if we keep filling it up.” Meanwhile, churches and homeless advocates are doing their best to meet the needs of people who come to them for help. “It’s very challenging in that it’s not enough facilities and not enough space to accommodate those who are homeless. Finding a place is very difficult when all the shelters are full,” said Jo Ann Holston, president of the Anchor of Hope for the Homeless Ministry at Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, among the largest congregations in the District. Since so many families lost their homes during the home mortgage crisis and jobs during the economic downturn around 2007, the face of the homeless is no longer the individual with mental illness or substance abuse problems. “You see a family who last year
Barry was one of the first Black mayors to realize that while in office, he could make a difference in terms of Black economic development. He recognized opportunities that good, bona fide and certified Black own businesses could perform contractually for cities and create massive employment for the Black residents of each city. Black businesses started to grow in Washington, D.C. because their mayor demanded it. There was no opportunity too big for Mayor Barry to intercede on behalf of Blackowned businesses based in Washington, D.C. When cable television started to expand in our cities, he decided that the D.C. franchise for cable would be awarded to a Black resident of D.C. He also encouraged Mayor Coleman Young of Detroit to do the same. This was the beginning of Bob Johnson’s quest to build Black Entertainment Television. In Detroit, is was Don Barden’s entry to a very large business empire. From these two companies many Black millionaires would evolve. Seeing the impact of his networking Black firms into the city’s
procurement opportunities, Mayor Barry started encouraging all Black mayors to emulate what he and Young did for their cities. Harold Washington of Chicago, and various mayors of Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Francisco, would step up to emulate what the genius of Marion Barry had done. Of course, there were a few who would be too timid to act in this fashion and their citizens would miss out on many opportunities. You will not find one Black businessperson who does not appreciate what Barry stood for and will use his standard as a measurement for the performance of current mayors in their particular cities. Marion was just a pleasant person with a continuous smile at all times. We had a fall summit in New Orleans after the Katrina tragedy. We were all surprised to see Mayor Marion Barry walking through the W Hotel to attend our event. Despite all of his ills via addiction and fast women, he remained focused on civic participation and the inclusion of Black business. We could see that trait shining like a new moon during
Elvert Barnes/Creative Commons
(TriceEdneyWire.com) – As temperatures drop across the nation, a half million homeless people – including men, women, children and families - are scrambling to find new options to shield off the cold. From coast to coast, the number of displaced individuals has risen exponentially – even in the nation’s capital. “I usually stay out here until about Thanksgiving time but it’s been real cold out here early,” said 46-year-old Wallace Robn, an orange picker from Ocala, Fla. who moved to D.C. in 1994 in search of a better life. Robn has been homeless and unemployed on and off for the last six years and prefers to stay in the northwest area of the city. His current set up is in between a storage trailer and a few unruly bushes on the side of Banneker Park. During this interview, he had an old spa table and hospital blankets as a bed, a painter’s bucket as a toilet, and a thick blue economics textbook serving as his daily reading. He had on casual day clothes
on top of his dress pants and a grey button-up shirt. His night clothes were the outermost layer meant to ward of the harsh winds of the season. “I ain’t got no problem and I don’t tell nobody I’m homeless. If I don’t find a place to stay because the shelters are all full or the workers won’t let me in then, oh well ... they don’t care; not even all these politicians,” he said, adding that he needs sustainable help and not just meager handouts. D.C.’s largest shelter for families has been in the limelight for its bad conditions and lack of security for families; especially since the now 9-year-old Relisha Rudd was taken from D.C. General Family Shelter by a janitor last March. In mid-October the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Beatriz Otero, Department of Human Services Interim Director Deborah Carroll and Department of General Services Director Brian J. Hanlon made the city’s official plan public to put in “smaller, community-based shelters” that will replace D.C. General.
With the cold season in full swing, there is concern for the homeless in the region.
had a home and this year they don’t,” said Holston. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s (MWCOG) 2014 report, Homelessness in Metropolitan Washington, states, “11,946 people throughout the metropolitan Washington region indicated that they were homeless.” This is an increase of 3.5 percent from 2013 and an 18 percent increase since 2010. Calculating the national homeless rate is difficult because being homeless is very temporary for most Americans. Stoops said that out of that national number, “... 30 percent of the nation’s homeless live short-term in shelters, outside somewhere – even in cars. The
other 70 percent of homeless people live long-term in shelters or transitional housing.” Henry Plater, 63, who works at Banneker Recreation Center, which is also a Hypothermia Shelter for Men in Northwest D.C., said he has seen a lot more children coming in for help more than before. He added that out of the 30 to 50 men ranging from 20 to 60 years old that use the shelter, many have jobs in construction but just cannot afford their own place. “These people need homes, cars, and really help maintaining a job. Not a couple dollars and one meal until they find the next one,” said Plater.
Will the next Marion Barry please stand up
By Harry C. Alford
L
ast week, we lost an American icon, the Honorable Marion Barry who changed this nation in ways most don’t understand. I remember coming to Washington, D.C., for the first time back in 1964. It was shocking to me as I never realized that D.C. was a deep southern city replete with Jim Crow segregation. The housing was totally segregated and we rarely saw Whites. We were told to not drive into Prince Georges County – especially Silver Spring, as the White police force was prone to beating Blacks. One year later in 1965, Barry, a civil rights activist from a small town in Mississippi, would arrive to make change. Barry, along with other activists, started to make change – big changes. He earned his “stripes” in the local political circles and when the opportunity came for him to elevate from the city council to the mayor’s office he seized it. To everyone’s pleasant surprise, he became a mayor of his people. He was totally committed to the economic future of Washington, D.C.
6 | Dec. 4 - Dec. 10, 2014 | District Chronicles
Thursday, December 4 to Friday, December 5 9:00 a.m.: Brief ceremony to receive Mayor Barry’s casket at the Wilson Building, where his remains will lie in repose for 24 hours. John A. Wilson Building 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Friday, December 5 10:00 a.m.: Mayor Barry’s body to travel to one of the churches he regularly attended 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Musical and video tribute celebrating Mayor Barry’s 40 years of public service
our summit. He was as serious about the economic development of Black communities as other greats like Parren J. Mitchell, Arthur A. Fletcher, Booker T. Washington and many others who are my heroes. Yes, Marion Barry is a hero of mine. There aren’t too many like him and I believe we should be a little more impatient with our elected officials who do not understand their power and the ability to use it to the benefit of their constituents. Ask your current mayor how many Black businesses have expanded as a result of his/her leadership. Most will not
6:00 pm – 9:00 p.m.: Community memorial service Temple of Praise 700 Southern Avenue SE Saturday, December 6 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Thousands to attend a celebration of Mayor Barry’s life and legacy Walter E. Washington Convention Center Halls C & D 801 Mount Vernon Place NW 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Viewing 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Memorial Service Private burial immediately following
be able to answer that. When that happens you should encourage them to emulate the great Marion Barry. The majority press, FBI and Congress did their best to destroy this man for what he did for the Black economy. That is the price for Black leadership in this nation and it is a price our leaders must pay. Farewell Mayor Barry. You made your mark and will be sorely missed. Alford is co-founder, president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Email him at halford@nationalbcc.org.
Politics Policy changes to hold Ferguson accountable By Kami Chavis Simmons, Justin Hansford and Spencer Overton Special to the Trice Edney News Wire from the St. Louis American
Strengthen the state racial profiling Act. Missouri currently is one of the few states with a racial profiling act. Although it records racial disparities in police stops, it does not impose penalties. For example, the Missouri state attorney general’s racial disparity index found that in Ferguson, Blacks are more than twice as likely to be stopped, searched, and arrested. However, searches of Ferguson Blacks produce contraband only 21.7 percent of the time, while searches of Whites produce contraband 34 percent of the time. Require Professional Liability Insurance. In addition to financial accountability for racial profiling, mandating professional liability insurance for police officers could create financial accountability for excessive force. For example, a plan could allow a city to pay the base rate for the insurance, but could make the officer accountable for any premium increase due to excessive complaints or lawsuits filed against that officer.
Enhance use of force monitoring. Local, county, and state officials should develop or improve: (1) use of force procedures and internal investigations of use of force; (2) an early warning system to identify and track officers involved in use of force incidents or other citizen complaints; and (3) an independent citizen review board or independent law enforcement commission with subpoena power. The federal government already has launched a “pattern or practice” investigation which could result in similar reforms developed and implemented with federal oversight. State, county, and city officials, however, should take the lead and work to implement sustainable reforms immediately. Increase city manager accountability. Ferguson’s unelected city manager serves as its full-time chief executive with the power to appoint, manage, and terminate city employees (including the police chief). In contrast, the elected mayor is a part-time city council member with some ceremonial duties. The city manager currently has an indefinite term, and can be removed only by a supermajority vote of the city council. Limiting the city manager to a definite term (e.g., four years) with citizen input
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T
he grand jury has made its decision. Now is the time for city, county, and state officials in Missouri to work to restore the legitimacy they lost through the events surrounding the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown. Racially disproportionate stops, excessive court fines, police aggression, and other factors also suggest government is not serving all citizens equally. This inequality is also reflected in Ferguson’s political representation. Although 67 percent of Ferguson is African American, most of its elected and appointed officials are White (its city manager, mayor, five of six city council members, police chief, and 94 percent of police officers). A majority of students are Black in the school district Ferguson shares with neighboring Florissant, but six of the seven school board members are White. Ferguson was unwillingly thrust into the spotlight, but now it has the opportunity to become a model for reform. As Ferguson moves forward, several state, county, and local solutions could help restore trust and ensure Fer-
guson is more accountable to its residents. The following are some recommendations from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies:
Protestor’s are calling for meaningful change to address police-community relations.
and a majority city council vote for reappointment, could make the city manager more responsive. Change election timing. Whereas Whites and Blacks in Ferguson were almost equally likely to vote in the 2012 November presidential elections, Whites were almost three times more likely than Blacks to vote in the April 2013 municipal elections (17 percent of Whites and 6 percent of Blacks voted). Changing election timing for mayor, city council, and school board from April to the November presidential elections could save money, boost turnout of residents from all backgrounds. Other steps could boost accountability as well, including dash police vehicle and body cam-
eras, a probable cause requirement for stops (higher than reasonable suspicion), and better hiring and training procedures. Local government could also be more representative by replacing at-large school board elections with singlemember districts or ranked choice voting, early voting (including on weekends), same-day registration, and compliance with federal law requiring voter registration at state offices. Kami Chavis Simmons is a law professor and the director of the criminal justice program at Wake Forest University. Justin Hansford is a St. Louis University law professor. Spencer Overton is a George Washington University law professor and the interim president of the Joint Center.
Will President Obama prosecute Wilson as Bush did LAPD cops? By Earl Ofari Hutchinson On March 22, 1991, a visibly shaken and angered President George H.W. Bush said he was sickened and “outraged” by what he saw on television. What he saw was the beating of Black motorist Rodney King by a swarm of Los Angeles Police Department cops. A year later, following the acquittal of four LAPD cops by a Simi Valley jury – a jury with no Blacks on it – Bush ordered thenAttorney General William Barr to begin the process of slapping federal civil rights charges on the four officers. Bush had the authority to order a prosecution via a string of federal criminal civil rights laws. The laws specifically authorize the prosecution of police officers who blatantly violate the law by using deadly or excessive force
against civilians, particularly when there is a “compelling public interest” to do so. In the case of King, the compelling public interest was that the state trial was flawed in the racially skewed jury composition, and that there was a need to confront the corrosive violation of civil rights by a law enforcement agency. The statute on “compelling public interest” clearly states the alleged violation must involve “egregious conduct, including that which … causes loss of life,” and where “the result in the prior prosecution was manifestly inadequate in light of the federal interest involved.” With the Ferguson, Missouri, grand jury deciding not to bring charges against Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson for the slaying of Michael Brown, President Obama now finds himself facing
the same decision Bush Sr. had to make 22 years ago. The call has repeatedly gone out for U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to bring civil rights charges against Wilson. Without Obama’s personal approval, he would not have moved as quickly as he did to assign a phalanx of FBI agents to the case, secure an independent autopsy of Brown’s death and travel to Ferguson to review procedures with civil rights attorneys and investigators. Obama has spoken out on various aspects of the Brown case and has almost certainly kept a close watch on developments. But can and will he do what Bush Sr. did, and order Holder to go forward with charges? Brown was not detained or charged with a crime when he was killed. This is the compelling
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interest of this case. Multiple eyewitnesses say he was shot with his hands up. An independent autopsy has confirmed that Brown was shot after an alleged scuffle with Wilson. Though there was no apparent racial motive in Wilson confronting Brown, his action clearly violated Brown’s right to exercise his rights and freedom of movement. This civil right was violated the moment Wilson presumed that a young Black man walking in a public thoroughfare had committed a crime. The Brown case also strongly points to systemic issues of excessive force by police. This strikes to the heart of another basic right of citizens, namely the freedom from undue harm. His killing raised deeply troubling questions about the power of the law to protect citizens from their unim-
peded right to life and safety. The charge that Wilson abused his power as an officer by killing Brown is the linchpin of federal prosecutions against local police officers. This is the same rationale that federal prosecutors used to bring civil rights charges against the four LAPD officers that beat King. The crucial legal point was that they acted in an official capacity when they violated King’s rights. Bush Sr. was deeply concerned that the King beating deepened the volatile and dangerous rift between police and African Americans. The riots after the cops were acquitted underscored that. This was enough of a compelling interest to force Bush to act. Obama will have to consider the same, and should follow the example set by Bush Sr. and green light a prosecution of Wilson.
District Chronicles | Dec. 4 - Dec. 10, 2014 | 7
Health
Experimental drug fails to save doctor from Ebola of his medical evacuation – about $100,000 – according to MailOnline, a U.K. media outlet. He was suffering from kidney and respiratory failure and was placed on dialysis, a ventilator and multiple medications to support his organ system. He was also given a dose of convalescent plasma and ZMapp therapy. Salia was the chief medical officer and surgeon at Kissy United Methodist Hospital, which is not an Ebola treatment center, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, when he fell ill. Salia initially tested negative for the disease in Freetown, leading him to believe he suffered from malaria. His colleagues embraced him, celebrating the good news that he’d not acquired Ebola. He ultimately tested positive for the virus on Nov. 10. The hospital has since been closed and three of his colleagues are in isolation over Ebola fears. Reached in Omaha by the Washington Post, Salia’s wife, Isatu, said through tears: “We are in so much pain and grieving. He was a wonderful father and husband. We are a family in a lot of
United Brethren in Christ
(TriceEdneyWire.com) – One of the promising new drugs being tested against the deadly Ebola virus failed last week to save a surgeon from Sierra Leone, flown in for treatment at a Nebraska hospital. Dr. Martin Salia, a permanent U.S. resident, died last week, according to the hospital. He arrived in Omaha Saturday, Nov. 20, having left Freetown on Friday by air ambulance. He was immediately transported to Nebraska medical center, in critical condition. “It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share this news,” Dr. Phil Smith, medical director of the Biocontainment Unit at Nebraska medical center said in a statement last Monday. “Despite our best efforts, we weren’t able to save him.” Salia, 44, was not able to walk off the plane, as other patients brought to the U.S. have been able to do. Instead, he was taken off the plane in an isopod, a special device designed to keep contagion from spreading. He was placed on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance. His wife reportedly agreed to reimburse the U.S. government for the expense
Salia died last week and is survived by a wife and two children living in Maryland.
pain.” Isatu Salia thanked the hospital’s staff for trying to save her husband’s life. Nebraska Medical Center has one of four U.S. special biomedical
facilities, born in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks, actually designed to protect against bioterrorism. The others are Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Mon-
tanta, and the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Ebola has killed more than 5,000 people in West Africa, mostly in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.
This holiday season, say yes to treats in moderation (BPT) – The holiday season is full of celebrations. From office parties to family events, everyone gathers to spread a little extra cheer. While people may be wary of what all of the holiday treats will mean for their health, avoiding all of the revelry could cause more harm than good. Creating a balance between restraint and indulgence will help sustain physical, mental and emotional well-being. Come out of the holiday season feeling just as good as you did when you went in with these easy tips.
Don’t deny yourself. Food is connected to family, culture, tradition and celebration, and it should be a source of enjoyment. Avoid creating a list of items you cannot have. “When it comes to tempting foods, forbidding them only makes you want them even more,” said Debbie Swanson, registered dietician, and nutrition and healthycooking tips instructor at the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Colorado. She suggests eating smaller portions of your favorites, such as a bite of pie instead of the whole piece. “My friend makes the best apple pie. I always have two bites,” said Swanson. Work it off. The best way to prevent the extra pounds from sneak-
8 | Dec. 4 - Dec. 10, 2014 | District Chronicles
ing up on you is to engage in a regular exercise routine. Doing something as simple as parking farther away from the office or taking the stairs instead of the elevator can help increase the number of steps you take each day.Individuals typically gain around two pounds during the holidays, according to the Mayo Clinic. “The problem is that we don’t lose the weight,” said Swanson. Rather than adding weight that you have to work off later, maintain a workout regimen or find other ways to burn the calories you consume throughout the busy day. Make “me” time. Research over the past two decades has begun to demonstrate the strong connection between mental health and the strength of the immune system, which affects overall physical well-being, according to Jim Wasner, dean for the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Schaumburg. Wasner said that the strength and
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Choose wisely. During the holidays, there are tempting treats everywhere you turn. From cookies at the office to fondue at the holiday party, your favorites can be hard to resist. But if you choose your treats wisely, you can guiltlessly enjoy every bite. Browse the buffet line for healthy options like veggies or fruit, shrimp cocktails or chicken skewers so you won’t have to skip dessert. You can always share a
sweet treat with someone else to keep you accountable. And if you’re worried about not having the will power, it’s a good idea to eat 1.5 ounces of healthy protein before an event to keep you feeling satiated.
Enjoy your favorites this holiday season but in moderation and with exercise.
resilience of everyone’s overall immune system, feeling depressed or overly anxious, often correlates with poorer physical health and vulnerability to illnesses. “Relax and schedule time for yourself,” he said.” Go easy on the alcohol and sugar. Catch up on your sleep.”
Maintaining this overall balance will keep you physically and mentally healthy during the holiday season. Allow yourself to enjoy the celebrations, just maintain the balance between health-conscious and indulgent decisions so the holidays don’t get the best of you.
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The ‘Get Money Stop Hating’ tour spotlights independent artists like Jayali, who will be performing at the Tree House Lounge.
District of Columbia ‘Get Money Stop Hatin’ tour comes to D.C.
T
he innovative national tour ‘Get Money Stop Hatin’ – or GMSH – is undergoing its sixth consecutive installment, producing 57 concerts in 53 cities. The concert will be held at the Tree House Lounge in Washington Tuesday, December 9. The GMSH tour is produced by DBBS Entertainment, a record label & management company that specializes in music distribution, artist development, artist management and event planning.
The concerts will star Jess J, Jayali, and various talented artists in independent music This year, the tour continues to make history as the premiere platform for showcasing independent artists in the United States. Since the official launch in 2009, this tour has produced over 325 concerts in more than 80 cities with over 125,000 concert attendees. Designed to provide opportunities for independent artists to get more exposure, the tour allows them to be seen and heard in cities all over the United States. At every event in December, those who bring a new or gently used coat will receive free VIP Admission. All coats will be distrib-
uted in the host city of each event. The Washington, DC show begins at 8 p.m. and will end at 2 a.m. The Tree House Lounge is located at 1006 Florida Avenue NE. Guests must be at least 21 for entry – performers must be at least 18. Tickets can be purchased on EventBrite. Artists interested in joining the tour or performing on any of the available dates can contact getmoneystophatintour2014@gmail. com. Interested parties should send their artist name, contact information, city of residence and the show date(s) they are interested in. For more information, visit www.GetMoneyStopHatinTour. com for more information.
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In the Neighborhood Metro Briefs: Notable news in and around Washington District of Columbia Local group calls for electoral activism after Ferguson decision In the wake of the St. Louis County grand jury’s decision not to indict the White officer who shot and killed Michael Brown, an 18-yearold unarmed African-American youth in Ferguson, MO, The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. (BWA) is calling on the citizens of Ferguson, St. Louis County and other U.S. cities to channel their frustration into changing the face and attitudes of local government at the polls.
“We have mourned Michael Brown, and demonstrated our anger and disappointment in various forms of protest,” said BWA President Gwainevere Catchings Hess. “If, however, we really want to pay tribute to him and the other African-American men who have been needlessly slain by policemen across America, then it is time to take constructive action by voting in elected officials who are truly committed to due process and equal justice for all.” Press reports indicate that although African-Americans represent more than 65 percent of Ferguson’s population, the mayor and five of the six city council mayors
are white. Voter turnout among the city’s Black residents, while significantly higher in recent presidential elections, is low at the municipal level. A major reason for this, said, Hess, is the timing of local elections. Citing reports from Thinkprogressive.org and Catalist, Hess explained that the Ferguson City Charter stipulates that “regular city elections shall be held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in April and in odd-numbered years” – times when there are no state or national-level general elections. Party affiliations are also absent from the ballot; something critics argue reduces the informa-
tion voters have about those seeking office. “BWA is encouraging the residents of Ferguson to reschedule municipal elections to coincide with the federal elections held in November of even-numbered years,” said Hess. “Under the City Charter, the timing of the elections can be amended through a ballot measure. We are asking our National Collaboration Organizations – sororities, civic, service, and faith-based women’s groups representing millions of women worldwide – to mobilize now to collect the signatures that would take the issue of when elections are held directly to the electorate.” Noting the controversy and
resentment surrounding County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch’s investigation of Brown’s death, handling of the grand jury proceedings, and his close, familial ties to the police department, BWA pointed out that McCulloch ran unopposed for reelection in 2014. Ferguson, MO Mayor James Knowles and Police Chief Tom Jackson also drew harsh criticism for excessive use of force by police officers during the demonstrations that followed Brown’s death. “People elect the mayors and city council members that hire local police chiefs,” said Hess. Going forward, when they break trust with the people of Ferguson or any other city, the people can vote them out.”
Robert Eubanks/DistrictChronicles
Robert Eubanks/District Chronicles
12 | Dec. 4 - Dec. 10, 2014 | District Chronicles
Robert Eubanks/District Chronicles
Robert Eubanks/DistrictChronicles
H.D. Woodson squares off with Ballou at the Turkey Bowl in Northeast D.C.
Clockwise from top-left: On Thanksgiving day, members of the Ballou Marching Band perform during halftime of the 45th annual Turkey Bowl at Eastern Senior High School in Northeast D.C. Ballou’s wide receiver Delontae Moore takes a dive into the end zone in the first half. H.D. Woodson quarterback Rashad Cooper awaits a handoff at the line in the second half of the game. Ballou’s Running Back Done’ Butler hammers his way through H.D. Woodson defenders. Woodson eventually wins 16 – 12. (Photo Credit: Robert Eubanks).