Austm,7 8,2014

AFRICA US TODAY MAGAZINE

Poliosocionomics of World Peace

Issue III,XIV www.africaustoday.dotcom.wordpress.com 312/880-7016 June- July 2014 U.S.- $4.99 Canada- $5.99 London- 3 Pounds

The 22nd African/ Caribbean

International Festival of Life

The Rise & Fall of Men Publisher’s Opinion: “ Behind the Rise and Fall of a man, there is an estranged wife, and sassy, gorgeous mistress: Men, please know when to apologize.”

Let me start with this quotable quotes: “ If ’ the U.S. constitution can permit any presidential candidate to vie more than two terms in office, this (Obama) presidency will occupy the White House, at least four terms consecutively. Our founding fathers: George W., Benjamin F., Thomas J., John A., and the rest of the faithful patriarch fathers will be smiling, and rolling in their respective graveyards and singing with Olawale Idreez, us on Independence Day celebrations, “ God bless America, my country I love Thee! ”

Publisher

The publisher humbly reinterates, “God bless America, and God bless Nigeria!“ I just had to unload that off my system for synopsis.

Thank God Almighty for the U.S. troops that are risking their lives and families defending this great nation, USA. Much appreciation to the prayer warriors who are praying for this great nation fervently. The nation that God loves so much that He would not allow to be obliterated from the planet Earth, because of His mercy, ( I love psalm 51 ).

The racist rant that occurred recentlly ( by now former L.A. Clippers, Mr. Donald Sterling ) has proved again how sensitive and vulnerable this nation really is when it comes to the topic of racism, albeit it has come a long way since the early days of “ color me black “. Whereby, one segment of people can drink cold water from the tap and the colored ones were subjected to drink warm water from the tap.

Unfortunately, some liberated ones could not appreciate the bloodshed to attain the freedom, but would rather ignorantly shoot innocent kids in the hoods to prove their manhood. They would rather spend an unnecessary prison term, than endure hardship and be rewarded with summer funs at the Taste of Chicago, International Festival of Life, Lollapalooza, and other social activities to lessen one’s stress. But no, they would rather be caged like Kunta Kinte in the movie, “Roots“. I tried not to digress, or get emotional, but how can a writer help it? You must write with passion, that hopefully, it will touch at least one person that’s thinking of shooting a bullet at innocent kids in the hoods.

Back on the subject, while President Obama was working tirelessly, and the U.S. troops were defending the nation against the aggressiveness of Russia, North Korea, and other communist nations, the issue of racist remarks diverted the attention of about 130 out of 330 million Americans. They were glued to the tv, radio, and other social media devices. It was recorded as one of the greatest media frenzy, which had not been seen since Rodney King, and O.J. Simpson trials.

In a nutshell, the NBA commissioner, Mr. Adam Silver rendered punishment on behalf of the league ( albeit subject to appeal ) to Mr. Donald Sterling by fining him 2.5 million, and banned from NBA games for life. I wonder if that includes not watching tv, or listening to the radio for games. Just curious, that’s all!

There are three powerful lessons to be learned, particularly for us men that want tobe sucessful in life: 1. The power of life and death is in the tongue. Watch what you say around your estranged wife, and sassy sweetheart mistress ( if you fall into that predicament of choice ).

2. Be a man, write an apology letter to people you have offended, before any more havoc has escalated.

3. M,ake peace with God, and with estranged wife, and sassy sweetheart mistress, so you will not fall.

Olawale Idreez can be reached at africatoday10@yahoo.com AFRICA US TODAY 3

AFRICA US TODAY 5

DARLENE HUMPHREY

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR BARBARA KENSEY

MEDIA CONSULTANT TORNU PRYNCE

Robert L. Scott Sr. Photography

Contents The 22nd African/ Caribbean

International Festival of Life

10

JOHN E. SMITH JR. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Celebrating

our

culture Photography by John E. Smith Jr.

9 The 50th Anniversary of Civil Rights Act of 1964: Unfinished Business

14 Dr. James McCune, First Black American doctor, pioneer

30

In this issue we highlight the African/ Caribbean festival celebrating our culture.

It’s important to highlight our past and present and to showcase our diversity.

Get out and enjoy your summer.

Lionel Richie’s tour

13 Africa News 17 Women’s International Unity Forum 22 World Cup 2014 24 Housing Segregation holding back promise of Brown vs. Board of Education

AFRICA US TODAY 7

8 Africa US Today

June 2 8, 2 01 4

The Civil Rights Act of 1964: Unfinished Business Posted: 06/25/2014 5:02 pm

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Andrea Zopp

It has been 50 years since passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Called for by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and pushed through Congress in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, it is arguably the most important legislation to come out of the Civil Rights Movement. This milestone was the culmination of bipartisan Congressional leadership, brave men, women and children whose peaceful protests often received brutal responses, and determined activism from grassroots and national leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Height, and Whitney M. Young.

This victory would not have been won without dedicated citizens of all backgrounds across the country, including right here in Chicago. In fact, June 21st marked the 50th anniversary of the Illinois Rally for Civil Rights. This event drew thousands to Soldier Field to hear King, Young, Bishop Arthur Brazier, Al Raby, Mahalia Jackson and others motivate the masses to demand immediate passage of the Act. The rally, co-convened by the Chicago Urban League and the Church Federation of Greater Chicago, was one of Chicago's major contributions to the movement.

This Civil Rights Act, a monumental piece of legislation, overturned centuries of legalized discrimination. The Act granted African Americans equal access to public places and accommodations and outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the workplace. It outlawed segregated schools and discriminatory application of voter registration requirements used in the South to keep Blacks from voting. It also established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and laid the groundwork for the passage a year later of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

By declaring racial discrimination illegal, the Civil Rights Act opened the doors of opportunity for many. African Americans were provided access to better schools, jobs and housing and much progress has been achieved since the Civil Rights Act's passing.

However, in the half century since it became the law of the land, it's clear that the Act hasn't lived up to its full promise.

Today, African Americans enjoy more access to places to live, work and spend their money but we still lag significantly behind in educational attainment, employment opportunities, business success and fairness in the criminal justice system. And as we head into the first major federal elections since 2010, there are now 15 states with new voting restrictions in place, making it harder to cast a ballot. Despite the protections of the Civil Rights Act, discrimination still exists in our country and the impact of discrimination is still creating barriers to meaningful opportunity for many.

The Civil Rights Act was groundbreaking legislation that represented a strong example of what can be accomplished when we are willing to cross the barriers that divide us and work together to achieve a common good. As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Act, we still have many critical issues negatively impacting our community, gun violence, high incarceration rates and high unemployment among them. Let us use the same spirit that powered the Civil Rights Act to re-energize our commitment to continue to push for positive change and equal access to opportunity for all our community. We can and must not only honor, but learn from our historic accomplishments.

With that in mind, on July 8, I will lead a discussion at the Chicago History Museum examining the history and legacy of the Civil Rights Act, and the unfinished work yet to be done. We will discuss real and attainable actions that we, as a collective community, can take to pick up where the Civil Rights Act left off.

Our panelists will include Dr. Carol Adams, president and CEO, DuSable Museum of African American History; Mitzi Miller, editorin-chief of Ebony magazine; Clay Risen, a New York Times editor and author of The Bill of the Century: The Epic Battle for the Civil Rights Act; Bonnie Boswell, executive producer, The Powerbroker: Whitney Young's Fight for Civil Rights; and Adam Green, associate professor in history and the College Master of the Social Science Collegiate Division at the University of Chicago.

The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and I hope you will consider joining us for this important conversation Civil Rights Act of 1964 and issue a community call to action. You can register to attend at www.TheChicagoUrbanLeague.org.

We have come a long way since 1964, but we still have miles to go. Let's use this significant anniversary to set the agenda for the next 50 years of civil rights activism.

Follow Andrea L. Zopp on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@ChiUrbanLeague

AFRICA US TODAY 9

10 Africa US Today

The 22nd African/ Caribbean

International Festival of Life

AFRICA US TODAY 11

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Somali piracy: 'Roads better than warships'

Africa News

Pirates have earned millions of dollars through hijackings

Building roads and harbours in Somalia is a better way of tackling piracy than deploying warships, a study says.

Local elites and communities protect pirates because they lack an income, says the study by two UK universities.

The EU, US and China have all sent ships to the waters off Somalia in order to keep shipping lanes safe.

This has led to a decline in attacks off the Somali coast, with the UN estimating that about 40 people are still being held by pirates.

At the peak of their activity three years ago, the pirates held more than 700 crew members and more than 30 ships.

'Import centre' The World Bank estimates that pirates netted more than $400m (ÂŁ230m) in ransom money between 2005 and 2012.

AFRICA US TODAY 13

Surgeon and Abolitionist James McCune Smith: An African American Pioneer Posted on Tue, 4/17/2012 - 11:48 by Bob Davern

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In 2010 descendents of Dr. James McCune Smith, a prominent abolitionist leader and prolific author, discovered and dedicated his unmarked grave in Brooklyn, New York.

Dr. Smith (1813–1865) was also the first professionally trained black surgeon in America. Although the dedication of his gravesite received some media coverage, Smith remains a surprisingly little-known pioneer in the struggle for professional and social equality for African Americans.

Smith died at the age of 52—five months after the end of the Civil War and less than three weeks before the 13th York Historical Society Amendment abolished slavery—keenly aware that African Americans still faced a long, hard struggle for equality. The New York draft riots of July 1863, in which mobs attacked not only the city’s wealthy but also black New Yorkers, had made that clear to him.

Dr. James McCune Smith. Source: New -

After troops quelled the three-day draft riots, which were the culmination of frustration over the unfairness of new laws drafting men to fight in the Civil War, Dr. Smith moved his medical practice and his family from Manhattan to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He no longer felt safe in Manhattan’s lower 4th Ward, his life-long home. All across southern Manhattan, black neighborhoods like his were being attacked, and black-owned businesses, such as the pharmacy Dr. Smith had once owned and a boarding house owned by his childhood friend Albro Lyons, were being destroyed. His hard work for African American freedom and social equality, as well as the struggle to advance himself and his family, had suffered a violent blow.

New York Herald, Aug. 8, 1863

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Women’s International Unity Forum Women’s International Unity Forum produced by Mary L. Swopes was held at Oak Park Library. The Forum discusses issues relevant to women, and encourages unity. Men are welcome to attend and participate as well. Olawale Idreez, Africa U.S. Today publisher was a guest speaker.

John E. Smith Jr. Photography

AFRICA US TODAY 17

Get ready for a sizzling takeover in Atlanta, as award-winning radio, talk show and Family Feud host Steve Harvey, brings a star-studded awards show to everyday neighborhood stars with the 2014 Ford Neighborhood Awards’ inaugural show in Atlanta. A signature event recognizing the best leaders and organizations in local neighborhoods across the nation, the ever-popular Ford Neighborhood Awards show will be the cornerstone of a four-day blowout of inspiring activities and entertainment, which include more than 10 other events encompassing the 2014 Neighborhood Awards Weekend.

Africa News

The mother who defied threats to take on the factory spewing out toxin Families in a Kenyan slum were slowly succumbing to lead poisoning from a smelting plant until Phyllis Omido campaigned for its closure Emma Daly Friday, 4 July 2014 When Phyllis Omido landed a new job in 2007, she couldn’t have been happier. Although she’d be working in a smelter in the poor slum neighbourhood of Owino Uhuru in Mombasa, it was a coveted office job, and came with perks like a company car and free petrol.

But after a few months Ms Omido’s young son King David, until then an easy baby, fell ill. He had fevers and cried constantly. Hospital visits and many tests followed, but doctors were baffled, and eventually baby King was admitted.

Ms Omido was terrified and desperate. Among the friends who visited the pair in hospital was a senior official in Mombasa’s export processing zone, tasked with attracting foreign investment like the smelter. “He told me, ‘Have you thought that maybe it could be lead poisoning?’” says Ms Omido.

She had been breastfeeding King while working at the factory. Blood tests showed he had lead levels of 17 microgrammes per decileter. There is no safe level of lead for children, and any level higher than five requires action. “I was so angry,” Ms Omido says. “I cried for days, because it was me that had made him sick. Immediately I knew I was never, ever going back there.”

With help from relatives and doctors, Ms Omido arranged treatment for King, to minimise the risk that he might suffer neurological, biological and cognitive damage. Faced with a £1,500 bill, Ms Omido went to the refinery owners and asked them to pay; in return she signed a stack of documents, including a promise to keep silent.

But after paying her bills, Ms Omido felt she couldn’t keep such a dark secret. Managers at the factory routinely turned up for on-site meetings in full protective gear, but offered workers only flimsy cotton gloves that fell apart within days. “I decided to do my duty and tell people working there what my son had been through – and that they should be careful.”

20 Africa US Today

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AFRICA US TODAY 21

World Cup 2014 GERMAY

Muller, Lahm focused on fulfilling their dream (FIFA.com) 12 Jul

2014

© Getty Images

 Listen

Thomas Muller may have a reputation as being one of the most light-hearted members of Joachim Low’s Germany side, but ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Final against Argentina, even his seemingly permanent smile was replaced by an expression of steely resolve.

While cities across his homeland prepare for the tens of thousands of fans expected to attend public viewing events on Sunday, the attacker is focused on preparing himself for the "biggest" of big games at the iconic Estadio Maracana.

“In terms of prestige and importance, the World Cup Final is the biggest game you can play in as a footballer,” Muller said. And having found the net five times already at Brazil 2014, his objective is clear: to help Germany win a fourth FIFA World Cup after triumphs in 1954, 1974 and 1990.

There is, he explained, no time for anything else. "Unfortunately we've not managed a sightseeing tour of Rio de Janeiro to get to know the magic of this city," he said, "So for me there's only one reason to come back to Rio: to win the Trophy.“ Potent mix The current squad is well equipped to do so, even if it has a rather different complexion to fabled teams of the past. The Germany side that lost the 1986 Final to Argentina at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City were famed for their fighting spirit; the ensemble that exacted revenge on La Albiceleste four years later at Stadio Olimpico in Rome to lift the trophy for a third time were renowned for their dynamism, while the Germany team at South Africa 2010 stunned the football world with their attractive, attacking style.

Yet the modern Germany assembled by Low is a squad that appears to be more balanced than ever before, combining all of those standout qualities of previous generations into a group led by players who realise this could be their last chance at glory.

22 Africa US Today

Media Release

Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA-Strasse 20 - P.O. Box - 8044 Zurich - Switzerland Tel: +41-(0)43-222 7777 - Fax: +41-(0)43.222 7878

BRAZIL 2014

FIFA World Cup Final to be filmed in pioneering 360° Ultra HD (FIFA.com) 12 Jul

2014

© Getty Images

 Listen

The 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Production of the Final Match will pioneer a 360-degree viewing experience thanks to a panoramic, Ultra HD OmniCam developed by scientists at the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute in Berlin.

Football fans will be able to re-live all the drama and emotion of the 13 July match between Germany and Argentina in this ground-breaking format for the first time at the new FIFA World Football Museum in Zürich, which is scheduled to open its doors to the public in early 2016.

The innovation is the latest visual technology to be introduced by FIFA as part of the production of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, alongside live 4K and 8K productions of matches and a multimedia revolution in sports entertainment.

Positioned at the halfway line, the OmniCam will record the complete stadium in one panoramic view. This means that soccer matches can be watched on the 360° or 180° screens of future panoramic cinemas, as if the viewer is sitting in the stadium watching the match in person.

OmniCam video content will also soon be coming as second screen apps to tablets, smartphones or laptops.

Users will have the opportunity to navigate through the stadium and thus become their own camera operators.

The 360° showcase promises to become one of the central attractions at the planned FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich, which will take football fans on an immersive journey through the story of the beautiful game, the excitement of the FIFA World Cup and the extraordinary history of FIFA, the world’s governing body of football.

AFRICA US TODAY 23

Housing Segregation is holding back the promise of Brown vs. Board of Education

24 Africa US Today

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( Contd. from page 24)

AFRICA US TODAY 25

A Place

by Marwan Fateen

I need a place to call my own a place to call my home a place I could run to introduce my son to it’s amazing, extraordinary it’s called a peace of mind You can have a peice of mine I don’t love money, I love life Life is wisdom without a price both from the streets, & from college I’m a philosopher the love of knowledge I broke out of those chains consciousness enslaved to my ideology, my beliefs There is a state of mind called kind which we all can inhabit a place once known to us all deep inside my mind is blind pain inside must leave behind When we die all of our material possessions including our bodies will be left behind...

26 Africa US Today

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Lionel Richie’s “All The Hits All Night Long” Tour

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AFRICA US TODAY 31

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author It was during his time at Northeastern, about '86-'87, that Idreez heard Harold Washington speak to the students during his run for re-election as mayor. Idreez found himself captivated by the political nature of Washington's words and how well he spoke English. This experience is what motivated Idreez to switch from continuing his education in accounting to political science. Although Idreez imagined himself as a well-to-do politician, it was this academic path that steered his love towards writing through the work he put into his thesis. He fell in love with the craft of writing and followed his heart forward from there. Idreez is a smartly dressed man, who chuckles easily and speaks pointedly about what he believes in. He was involved with the production of two papers post-college: The African Voice and Afrik. He also took a job at The Celebrity International magazine. Although he enjoyed freelancing for these publications, he hoped that instead of writing for other people he could begin his own publication, and one day would. Idreez's family in Nigeria used to tease him about wanting to be a journalist, because his English has never been very good. People also told him he would make more money pursuing a career in accounting. But Idreez had his mind set on being a writer- nothing else. He compares this experience to a Bible passage that says a prophet is not without honor except in his own house or hometown. Although initially his family didn't agree with his decision, they've not only grown to support him- but also write him letters requesting that Idreez write letters to the government of their state in Nigeria, and focus more of his work on African happenings. Idreez says he just laughs. "Whatever you do in life, if you persevere- then people have no choice to see that and respect what you're doing."

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