Issues In Black America by Jim Canada

The Resource for Black Americans

Issues In Black America

Publisher’s Viewpoint Bernard Garrett Publisher and CEO

ISSUES In Black America Magazine

Publisher and CEO

Bernard Garrett Editorial Director

Deric Gilliard, VP Copy Editor

Sabrina Fines Contributing Editors

Charging Onward

Jacqueline Crenshaw, RD Dietitian and Nutrition Editor

Bettye Dozier-Woods Senior Affairs Editor

African Americans in the United States have made huge gains in stature, lifestyles and standard of living over the past four plus decades, through rights gained as a results of the civil rights act, voting rights act, equal rights act, and other legislative moves towards full citizenship earned and fostered during that period of dramatic social change in America. Enormous shifts and challenges are currently engulfing the country due to a sagging economy, soaring unemployment, a severe lack of health insurance coverage, and a lingering housing crisis, among the myriad of other issues that adversely affect the African Americans even more deeply than the nation as a whole. In the face of these daunting obstacles, IBA Magazine readily accepts the charge to assist our community during this period of seismic transition through the presentation of the available sources, fresh resources, and viable alternatives. It is asserted among many, that “the more things change, the more they remain the same”. This may or may not be true, however, these changing and challenging times mandate that we address the new landscape and seek and acquire alternate ways and means to fulfill the necessities that heretofore have been provided through many of the initiatives and programs that were previously available, but no longer are! In this edition, IBA Magazine presents dynamic new programs and concepts geared toward these changes, to further assist our community in addressing the issues we are facing daily in our lives. We begin with our cover story featuring Michael Jackson, where we present an in-depth and different viewpoint of him than is customarily reported by the media - which has chronicled much of his

Issues In Black America

exploits, awards and achievements. Also, the media has presented a wealth of news about him geared toward sensationalism in regards to his lifestyle, vices, unparalleled charisma and allegations of bizarre or peculiar behavior. Additionally, IBA does not purport to present a perception that we are a platform to condone and agree, or disagree, with what has been published about Michael Jackson to this point. Prior to our decision to present the cover feature of Michael Jackson, we, too, had to reconcile our belief that we all may have flaws in our morality, or have faults. Consequently, we determined that we should not be judgmental, and more importantly be objective in our presentation of him that is consistent with us being a positive publication that informs, educates, inspires and entertains the African American community. Moreover, we proposed to present all sides of Michael Jackson, while balancing the scale of negativism and positivity in the feature. Our cover feature of Jackson, while recognizing his “King of Pop” status, focuses on the areas of his life, which are unknown to many: his love of community and mankind. Sherisse Steward, in her presentation of Michael Jackson’s, Legacy of Youth and Humanity, adroitly writes about the paradox of Jackson in his life; describing his life and mega entertainment status, with all the trappings, while bringing forth his commitment to philanthropy (donating of $300 million to a reported 39 charities in his lifetime) and humanity and service, to the world in general and the African-American community in particular. We contend you will be in for a treat in reading this analysis. We also believe that the influence this

Richard Pitts Finance and Investment Editor Dr. Willie Claiborne Small Business Editor

Dr. Jeri Dyson Medical and Health Editor Madie J. Locke, M.Div./MACE Religion Editor Research Librarian

James Beasley Production Director

Brian Woods, VP Design and Art

Jim Canada Print, Marketing, and Advertising Consultant

Todd Nollner Web Master and Tech Editor

Kelly Wright Advertising Director

Jerry S. Dyson, VP Circulation Director

Lithangia Murray, VP Distribution Manager

L. David Garrett Distribution Assistant

J. Chambers Subscription Manager

B.J. Nelson Visit IBA on-line

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perspective of Jackson can have on others can assist in addressing some of the chronic issues in our community and, consequently, is a prime example of the IBA Magazine recently launched “Community Hero’s – Giving Back” initiative. In this edition, we present The College Expo Tour, which was founded by Theresa Price, (Community Hero’s – Giving Back initiative), whom we featured in our last edition, for her continued support of IBA Magazine and the black community through the exposure and awareness of the non-profit association that assist students attending HBCUs or other colleges, through providing financial assistance and scholarships to help with the cost of students striving to receive higher education. In this edition, we are also pleased to present news and information from the U.S. Census Bureau, by the Atlanta Southeast Region. With the year 2010 fast approaching, we are confident that our readers will enjoy the article and become quite informed about the necessity of the Census Bureau and the service that this federal government agency provides. Many of us are knowledgeable of the once-a-decade “head count” performed by census counters in order to determine the population or how many people there are in the United States. Furthermore, however, the article details the other services that are performed by the census bureau in the years between the actual counting. Moreover, the article educates us on the other purposes for the count, which includes the level of political representation, neighborhood services, and other factors. Also, we are very appreciative of the census bureau’s support in allowing us to provide exposure and awareness for the employment opportunities that are available which address the unemployment issue we are chronically plague with. In our Historical Black College & Universities (HBCU) section, we highlight the Atlanta based Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), the seminary that has trained many of the Black pastors leading church congregations in our community. The ITC article provides and in-depth view of the great institution, focusing on its history, mission, curriculum, programs, and leadership. Additionally, in this edition, we present our inaugural religious article on the subject of Sexuality and Spirituality in the Black Church, written by Dr. Mary Anne Bellinger, a professor at ITC, who focuses on the operating issue or question: How can the church leadership initiate and maintain a healthy conversation about sexuality and spirituality in the congregation? The Resource for Black Americans

In another troubling arena, the black youth in our community have to deal with the numerous issues that are pertinent to not only them and their peers, but, in the worst case scenarios, create the negative consequences which adversely affect all of us. Consequently, in this edition, we present the premiere article geared toward addressing many of the issues that impact our youth. This article is written by Shawn Mannix, a seasoned veteran in developing programs and assistance designed to assist the youth in our community through self-worth, empowerment and personal defense mechanisms designed to not only live positively through those very trying times, but also to strive and grow towards a positive life. In this edition, we are also happy to welcome aboard Dr. Willie Claiborne as our new small business editor. She brings a tremendous knowledge of the world of business, including the training of small business owners, whom she equips for-profit, as well as non-profit businesses. Additionally, she will provide a platform for our readers to ask questions, or receive information that will assist them in their individual business endeavors. Her initial article, So You Want To Start Your Own Business? focuses on the foundation and startup of small businesses and their owners. She will be a valuable asset to our readers interested in starting and running a small business Lastly, IBA announces its African American Church and Historical Black Colleges & Universities Subscription Program. Through the African American Church and HBCU’s subscription program, we are providing one mechanism to insure that our youth will continue to have support for their educational endeavors. IBA Magazine has already begun the process of rebating 15% of the yearly subscription cost received from each member of church congregations that subscribes to the magazine for a yearly subscription. We invite you and your church congregation to join us in our community initiative designed to assist our HBCUs and their students. Please visit our website at www.ibapublications.com for complete details. Moving forward, IBA has its charge and we are fully focused on the substantial issues, changes and challenges we must and shall address. In fact, we gladly accept the challenges and charge onward.

IBA Magazine’s Community Heroes Giving Back Program The IBA Community Hero’s Giving Back program is a new initiative by Issues in Black America Magazine designed to provide positive exposure, awareness and recognition of the many outstanding individuals and programs that are working hard in the interest of African-Americans and their communities. The initiative is consistent with Issues in Black America Magazine goal of being a conduit for the sources and resources that provides our readers the knowledge of and access to the possible creative solutions for many of the issues that affect the AfricanAmerican community. Furthermore, it is the program’s deep desire to provide exposure, recognition and gratitude to the African-American professional athletes, entertainers, movie stars, etc., which have provided their invaluable time and resources into the quest to improve our communities. So often, these professionals, are stereotyped or perceived as “having made it,” being successful and financially sound, but are not being overly concerned about the plight of the African-American community. But most notably, not contributing or giving back to the African American community. Issues in Black America Magazine Community Hero’s Giving Back initiative proposes to dispel the negativism and beliefs so often attached to these professionals, by recognizing in each edition, luminaries who are contributing to the betterment of our community through their financial contributions, service and support. The Community Hero’s Giving Back initiative will, highlight programs that the professionals have started and in many instances continue to sustain through their financial contributions and gifts that aim to make our communities better. In most programs, the financial contributions and gifts are facilitated through foundations and non-profit organizations whose mission is to serve and assist our communities in their areas of operations. These foundations and organizations provide critical service and assistance in the areas of health, education, finance, address social ills and other areas that are important issues in our community. More importantly, however, is the fact that these programs themselves serve as invaluable resources that provide help and assistance to the African American community. In each edition of Issues in Black America Magazine we will present information about the programs and assistance available in our community through these foundations and non-profit organizations, which are the fruits, in many cases, of the hero or “she-roes” precious contributions. For questions, please contact bernardgarrett@ibapublications.com.

Issues In Black America

Feature Articles 6 50 Ways to Prevent Diabetes

18 Michael Jackson Posthumous Analysis:

by Department of Health & Human Services

Dental Education

by The National Dental Association

A legend of celebrated youth and humility

by Sherisse Steward

22 Civil Rights Stalwart Rev. C.T. Vivian Celebrates his 85th Birthday

Page 51

by Deric Gilliard

23 Fundamentals of Insurance by Raymond E. Brown

24 Black Free Masonry in Georgia - A Historical Perspective by Grand Historian Douglas Evans, III

27 The Significance of Libraries for African Americans by James L. Beasley

28 Children’s Defense Fund: The State of America’s Children 2008 29 National Medical Association receives Funding from CDC for HIV Prevention

31 Prince Hall Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star Jurisdiction of Georgia 32 So you want to start your own Business? by Dr. Willie Claiborne

33 Childhood Obesity: It Is Time For Action by Jacqueline T. Crenshaw

Page 22

36 Be a Part of the 2010 Census by The US Census Bureau

38 Interdenominational Theological Center by Dr. Jamal-Dominique Hopkins

48 CUSH Real Talk – “The I AM Identity” by Shawn Mannix

50 10 Salt Shockers That Could Make Hypertension Worse

Page 18

by Deborah Kotz

51 Sexuality and Spirituality in the Black Church by Rev. Dr. Mary Anne Bellinger

58 Declare Independence from Credit Card Debt by The Consumer Credit Couseling Service

Page 50

59 Minorities and Banking Access

by The National Urban League Policy Institute

60 Elderly Abuse; Does It Exist? by Bettye Dozier-Woods

62 Black Girls Can Be Princesses, Too! by Veronica Giovanni Gilliard

64 Five Reasons to Be Bullish About Financial Markets by Richard Pitts

epartments and Contributing Organizations D 5 Editor’s Notes by Deric Gilliard

8 Helping Your Teen Get the Most Out of High School

Page 38

from The National Education Association

Page 24

9 1.8 Million Veterans Lack Health Coverage from The National Association of Black Veterans

10 NAACP Launches 880 Health Care Campaign from The NAACP

12 Southern Christian Leadership Conference Program Goals from The SCLC

16 Sexually Transmitted Infections: To Test or Not to Test by Dr. Jeri Dyson

42 Historically Black Colleges and Universities 54 Careers: Surgical Technologist by Lithangia Robinson Murray

56 African American History Crossword Puzzle

Page 36 Issues In Black America

Page 48 www.IBAPublications.com

Editor’s Notes Deric Gilliard

Editorial Director

Looking Back While Moving Forward It’s simply amazing how much change we have experienced in America within the past year, with quite possibly, much more to come. And while many African-Americans are still dropping out of high school in legions, chronically homeless, under and unemployed, if you are reading this publication, you are most likely among those determined to improve their plight and turned on by prospects for a better tomorrow. A year ago, we were roaring down the stretch run of an unprecedented presidential campaign that was going to result in either the election of America’s oldest president, or its first AfricanAmerican president. On the economic front, seemingly delirious with the power of plastic, Americans reached a gloomy zenith not only by purchasing homes we could not afford, but until recently bought a record 17 million shiny new vehicles each and every year. Finally, however, with home foreclosures at an all-time high, millions of Americans holding credit card balances that are tied to an interest rate of 20% and beyond and most personal retirement plans slashed by as much as one-third during our spiraling recession, the vast majority of us are reassessing all of our buying habits. Instead of buying new cars at an astounding rate, this year we expect only 10 million cars to be sold, down 46 percent from last year. And that’s before the lingering effect of the bankruptcy of a true American icon, GM, is earnestly felt, potentially resulting in the loss of 200,000 jobs right on the heels of Chrysler’s massive reorganization. Yet, on the bright side, commitment to comThe Resource for Black Americans

munity organizations and public service has never been higher among youth and within the black community. That fact is in part to due to President Obama’s enthusiastic pledge to triple AmeriCorps’ capacity and greatly expand the National Service Corporation. Also, literally tens of millions have dusted off their dreams and committed to returning to school in order to boost their incomes and marketability. And black children now have unprecedented successful models. President and Michelle Obama, new NASA Chief Charles Bolden and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder offer glittering new role models that once and for all smash the glass ceiling that insidiously insinuates that blacks can’t achieve and become anything or anybody they aspire to be. But what do these things mean to you, the middle and upper middle class? What do they mean to those aspiring to be part of that number? That’s where Issues in Black America comes in. We’re specifically designed to help give you answers and solutions in critical areas that no other publications focus on, including: Health and wellness, to include the best way to build a career in nursing or physical therapy Money matters, featuring proven experts who will regularly show you the best places to safely make your money grow Keys to making your family stronger from trusted experts like the Children’s Defense Fund and the National Council for Negro Women Political perspective and view points that

hit home both locally and from Capitol Hill Social issues that help you understand the new civil rights battlegrounds A career focused arena that will help you both find cutting edge jobs and better equip you to keep the ones you have, and much more. Many of us don’t read as much as we did before due to time constraints, second jobs, and family, or, because of school now read more than we have in years; therefore, we’ve got to make our time count. Either way, it’s important that we maximize our time by getting as much info that really matters in a single source publication. IBA is a bi-monthly designed to become a “coffee table treasure,” something that you and your friends can return to time and again. Vibrant, insightful and inspiring, we expect it to be a resource you can count in the midst of the raging storm. So as we recalibrate and reposition ourselves to best serve you in this changing economic and social climate, we look forward to becoming a trusted, invaluable organ that helps you live your life to the fullest. Thanks for being our partner in helping you build a better life.

Issues In Black America

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To get started, use this guide for ideas on moving more, making healthy food choices, and tracking your progress.

1. Less on Your Plate, Nate. 2. Keep meat, poultry and fish portions to about 3 ounces (about the size of a deck of cards). 3. Try not to snack while cooking or cleaning the kitchen. 4. Try to eat meals and snacks at regular times every day. 5. Make sure you eat breakfast everyday. 6. Use broth and cured meats (smoked turkey bacon) in small amounts. The are high in sodium. Low sodium broths are available in cans and in powdered form. 7. Share a single dessert. 8. When eating out, have a big vegetable salad, then split an entrée with a friend or have the other half wrapped to go. 9. Stir fry, broil, or bake with non-stick spray or low-sodium broth and cook with less oil and butter. 10. Drink a glass of water 10 minutes before your meal to take the edge off your hunger. 11. Make healthy choices at fast food restaurants. Try grilled chicken (remove skin) instead of a cheeseburger. Skip the french fries and choose a salad. 12. Listen to music while you eat instead of watching TV (people tend to eat more while watching TV). 13. Eat slowly. It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to send a signal to your brain that you’re full.

14. Eat a small meal, Lucille. 15. Teaspoons, salad forks, or child-size utensils may help you take smaller bites and eat less. 16. You don’t have to cut out the foods you love to eat. Just cut down on your portion size and eat it less often. 17. Make less food look like more by serving your meal on a salad or breakfast plate.

18. Dance It Away, Faye. 19. Show your kids the dances you used to do The Resource for Black Americans

when you were their age. 20. Turn up the music and jam while doing household chores. 21. Deliver a message in person to a co-worker instead of e-mailing. 22. Take the stairs to your office. Or take the stairs as far as you can, and then take the elevator the rest of the way. 23. Make fewer phone calls. Catch up with friends on a regular basis during a planned walk. 24. March in place while you watch TV. 25. Park as far away as possible from your favorite store at the mall. 26. Select a physical activity video from the store or library. 27. Get off of the bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way home or to work several times a week.

28. Snack On A Veggie, Reggie. 29. Try getting one new fruit or vegetable every time you grocery shop. 30. Low-fat macaroni and cheese can be a main dish. Serve it with your favorite vegetable and a salad. 31. Try eating foods from other countries. Many dishes contain more vegetables, whole grains and beans and less meat. 32. Cook with a mix of spies instead of salt. 33. Find a water bottle you really like (from a church or club event, favorite sports team, etc.) and drink water from it wherever and whenever you can. 34. Always keep a health snack with you, such as fresh fruit, handful of nuts, whole grain crackers. 35. Choose veggie toppings like spinach, broccoli, and peppers for your pizza. 36. Try different recipes for baking or broiling meat, chicken and fish. 37. Try to choose foods with little or no added sugar. 38. Gradually work your way down from whole

milk to 2% milk until you’re drinking and cooking with fat-free (skim) or low-fat milk and milk products. 39. Eat foods made from whole-grains—such as whole wheat, brown rice, oats, and wholegrain corn—every day. Use whole-grain bread for toast and sandwiches; substitute brown rice for white rice for home-cooked meals and when dining out. 40. Don’t grocer shop on an empty stomach. Make a list before you go to the store. 41. Read food labels. Choose foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. 42. Fruits are colorful and make a welcome centerpiece for any table. Enjoy the company of family and friends while sharing a bowl of fruit. 43. Slow down at snack time. Eating a bag of low-fat popcorn takes longer than eating a slice of cake. Peel and eat an orange instead of drinking orange juice. 44. Try keeping a written record of what you eat for a week. It can help you see when you tend to overeat or eat foods high in fat or calories.

45. You Can Exhale, Gail. 46. Don’t try to change your entire way of eating and increasing your physical activity all at once. Try one new activity or food a week. 47. Find mellow ways to relax—try deep breathing, take an easy paced walk, or enjoy your favorite easy listening music. 48. Give yourself daily “pampering time.” Honor this time, whether it’s reading a book, taking a long bath, or meditating. 49. Try not to eat out of boredom or frustration. If you are not hungry, do something else, such as taking a long walk.

50. Honor your health as your most precious gift. Issues In Black America 7

From The National Education Association

Helping Your Teen Get the Most Out of High School

Parents want their children to do well in high school but sometimes it is a challenge to figure out how to support them. High school is a time when parent involvement is critical but often not present. Following are some hints on how to help your teen get the most out of high school.

Help your child show up at school with a good attitude and ready to learn Studies indicate that showing up is important but not sufficient for school success. Physical and mental states are important factors in getting the most from school. • Keep tabs on school attendance. Check report card attendance reports. If you suspect a problem, immediately call the school. Do not encourage your child to skip school for special trips or activities not related to school such as a family vacation or an outing with friends. That makes school seem less important than having fun. • Make sure your teen gets plenty of sleep. Recent studies show that teenagers need nine or more hours of sleep nightly and that students earning As and Bs generally are getting to bed earlier than students with lower grades. • Don’t accept the “I’m never gonna use this after high school” excuse for not working hard in a particular class. For example, algebra may not be everybody’s favorite subject, but studies show that courses like algebra are critically important in col-

Issues In Black America

lege acceptance decisions and achievement. • If you have a senior, beware of “senior slump.” Recent reports indicate that students may consider the last year of high school a waste of time. However, students who waste their senior year are often unprepared for college-level work even if they took challenging courses during their earlier high school years.

Help organize time and materials

when many students are most in need of parental support and involvement. • You might not understand a subject such as physics or early American literature but you can still listen to your teen talk about what is happening in class. Also listen to what is happening outside of class. Listen to what your teen is trying to say without immediately judging or offering advice. • Encourage your teen to join a club or sport at school. Outside activities are educational and often increase students’ interest in school. • Help your teens put their concerns or problems into words and encourage them to try and figure out possible solutions or coping strategies. • Try to find at least one teacher with whom you can communicate regularly for updates or advice on your teen’s general well-being in high school. The ultimate goal is to help students become self-sufficient managers of their time and resources in order to get the most out of high school. They may need your help even if they don’t realize it. Help them to develop habits and strategies for greater achievement while encouraging them to take increasing responsibility for their work.

Just because students are in high schooldoes not guarantee they are all prepared to do high school work, especially longterm projects, on their own. • Help your teen keep an assignment calendar with dates for long-term projects as well as daily homework. Review the calendar at the beginning of the week to plan how time will be used and make allowances for other activities such as sports and clubs. • Help your teen divide long-term assignments into smaller tasks and develop a timeline for when tasks should be finished in order to have the entire assignment completed on time. • Make sure there is a place for quiet study away from the television and telephone along with a place to keep school materials, including materials Resources necessary for long-term assignments. Kidsource www.kidsource.com/education/middlehigh.html Take an interest The Public School Parent’s Network Studies show that parent involvement drops www.psparents.net dramatically as students move from elementary Family Haven school into middle and high school. Yet given the www.familyhaven.com/parenting/helping/ complexities of today’s high schools, this is a time homework.html

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From the National Association of Black Veterans

N a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n f o r B l a c k Ve t e r a n s , I n c .

“Creating a positive lifestyle for veterans”

1.8 Million Veterans Lack Health Coverage Harvard Medical School Researchers at Cambridge Health Alliance Find Sharp Increase in Uninsured Veterans Since 2000: Nearly 6 Million Uninsured Americans are Veterans or Families of Veterans

Of the 47 million uninsured Americans, one in every eight (12.2 percent) is a veteran or member of a veteran’s household, according to a study by physicians from Cambridge Health Alliance who are also Harvard Medical School researchers. The study is published in the December, 2007 issue of the American Journal of Public Health. 1.8 million Veterans (12.7 percent of non-elderly veterans) were uninsured in 2004, up 290,000 since 2000, the study found. An additional 3.8 million members of their households were also uninsured and ineligible for VA care. The study is based on detailed analyses of government surveys released between 1988 and 2005. Veterans were only classified as uninsured if they neither had health insurance nor received ongoing care at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospitals or clinics. A preliminary review by the study’s authors of 2006 data released last month (while this study was in press) shows little change in the number of uninsured veterans since 2004. “Like other uninsured Americans, most uninsured vets are working people – too poor to afford private coverage but not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid or means-tested VA care,” said Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, a physician at Cambridge Health Alliance and an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Woolhandler testified before Congress about the problem earlier this year. “As a result, veterans and their family members delay or forgo needed health care every day in the U.S.,” said Woolhandler. Other findings of the study include: The Resource for Black Americans

• The number of uninsured veterans has increased by 290,000 since 2000, when 9.9% of non-elderly veterans were uninsured, a figure which rose to 12.7% in 2004. • Of the 1.768 million uninsured, 645,628 were Vietnam-era veterans while 1,105,891 were veterans who served during “other eras” (including the Iraq and Gulf Wars) • Of uninsured veterans, 56.5% were older than 44. Uninsured veterans had as much trouble getting medical care as other uninsured Americans. 26.5% of uninsured veterans reported that they had failed to get needed care due to costs; 31.2% had delayed care due to costs; 49.1% had not seen a doctor within the past year; and two-thirds failed to receive preventive care Nearly two-thirds of uninsured veterans were employed. Many uninsured veterans are barred from VA care because of a Department of Veterans Affairs order in early 2003 that halted enrollment of most middle income veterans. Others are unable to obtain VA care due to waiting lists at some VA facilities, unaffordable co-payments for VA specialty care, or the lack of VA facilities in their communities. “The number of uninsured vets has skyrocketed since 2000, and eligibility has been cut, barring hundreds of thousands of veterans from care,” said Dr. David Himmelstein, lead author of the study, a physician at Cambridge Health Alliance, and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard. “We need

a solution that works for veterans, their families, and all Americans – single payer national health insurance,” he said. “I see uninsured vets in my clinic every week,” said Dr. Jeffrey Scavron, a former Navy Physician in Springfield, Massachusetts. “In many cases, they’re too sick to work, but not yet sick enough for full disability which would qualify them for Medicare. Only the government can put men and woman into military service and only the government can guarantee that they are covered after they serve. Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) is an innovative, award-winning health system that provides high quality care in Cambridge, Somerville, Everett, Malden, Revere, and the surrounding Metro-North communities in Massachusetts. It is a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and includes three hospitals, more than 20 primary care practices, the Cambridge Public Health Department, and the Network Health plan. With this unique model, CHA is able to offer the finest health services, a diverse working environment, and a premier training experience for those interested in community-based medicine. For more information: http://www.challiance.org/ Himmelstein, DU, Lasser KE, McCormick D, Bor DH, Boyd JW, and Woolhandler S. “Lack of Health Insurance Coverage Among U.S. Veterans from 1987 to 2004” American Journal of Public Health, December 2007 will be available on-line at www.ajph.org/first_look.shtml.

Issues In Black America

NAACP Launches 880 Health Care Campaign “To ensure that every American has access to quality, affordable health care”.

Why “880”? Because according to the American Journal of Public Health, the deaths of 880,000 black people would have been prevented if the mortality rate of blacks had been the same as that of whites over a 10-year period. The health care crisis has hit our communities especially hard: • Children born to black women are more than twice as likely to die within their first year of life than children born to white women • People of color are more likely to suffer and die from diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases • Uninsured Americans are more likely to use the Emergency Room for preventative care and routine checkups, forcing longer wait times and costing states and taxpayers more

hours per week on administrative tasks roughly the same amount of time it would take to watch two feature length films. Health reform will cut down on administrative costs by investing in Health IT and electronic medical records Health Care Facts • Women are 11% more likely than men to Health Care Statistics have medical debt or cost-related access prob • 40 million people report that they do not lems. have a usual source of healthcare. • More than 45.6 million people are uninsured Economic Benefits to Health Care Reform while only 14.5 million people buy insurance • Insuring Americans currently without insurance would save between $75B and $125B through the individual market outside of an per year or ¾ percent of GDP.1 employer health plan. grow. In fact, nearly one in four non-elderly Americans are in families that will spend more than 10% of their pre-tax dollars on health care in 2009, and the vast majority of them (more than 82%) have health care insurance.

NAACP Principles of Quality • Over the past ten years, spending on health Health Care Reform Current Expense of Health Care

care premiums has increased faster than the average cost of a home. Spending on health The Issue insurance premiums increased 119% while Too many Americans today are straining under the average cost of a home increased 67%. the burden of two related trends: shrinking health During the same period, wages increased only care coverage and rising health care costs. Over 34% and inflation increased by 29%. the last decade, millions of Americans have found • 25 million Americans spend 10% or more of themselves uninsured, and millions more have their annual income on out-of-pocket costs become underinsured as the value of their covercompared to 11.4 million who tuned in to age has declined. In the years 2008 - 2010, it is watch the season premier of Lost. Health estimated that approximately 6,000 people a day, reform is needed to protect families from or almost 7 million Americans total, will lose their bankruptcy and debt as a result of healthcare health insurance. At the same time, health insurcosts. ance premiums and out-of-pocket costs have risen steadily, and the number of families who are facing Other Rationales for Health Care unmanageably high health care costs continues to • The average primary care doctor spends four

Issues In Black America

Principle 1: Real Reform will Expand Coverage to All Americans and Eliminate Insurance Company Discrimination In the United States today, the color of your skin, your ethnic background, and where you live does more than just influence your access to health care—in too many cases, they determine the quality and cost of your care. If you are working class, you may put off preventative health care from lack of affordable insurance and visit the emergency room in only times of crisis. And while medical science has made many advances during the past decade, the gains made by the discovery of new drugs and treatments have not passed on to all segments of our population. Within the current health care system, insurers www.IBAPublications.com

From The National Association For The Advancement of Colored People regularly discriminate against anyone who has a pre-existing condition.Who determines that preexisting condition?Not you or your doctor, but the insurance industry. Real reform would: • Prohibit insurance companies from dropping coverage for the seriously ill. • Eliminate gender discrimination. • Remove the exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays. Insurance companies would have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses. • Force insurance companies to fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics • Abolish annual or lifetime caps on coverage; insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive. Real reform will end this arbitrary discrimination and provide access to quality care for everyone. Real reform will not discriminate based on age, race, gender religion and more importantly will not allow insurance companies to deny coverage based on a loose set of conditions set forth by an insurance company bureaucrat. Principle 2: Real Reform Provides Choice. Most Americans currently receive health care through their employer. But millions of Americans have few if any choices about the level and costs of their care, especially those who are unemployed or who have jobs that don’t provide sufficient coverage. They are left to fend for themselves – at devastating costs – in a welter of red tape, emergency rooms and clinics, at devastating costs. Real reform will allow you to keep your current health plan or choose from various options. This is the only fair way to allow everyone access to affordable, quality care. Principle 3: Real Reform Puts Physicians Over Profits and Will Make Prescription Drugs More Affordable. Insurance companies have ruled the health care system as we know it for too long. If your doctor tells you he/she wants to perform a test, he/she doesn’t just need your consent; he/she also must first get the insurance company to approve. Many doctors have stopped taking insurance, or only take high levels of insurance, due to inThe Resource for Black Americans

sufficient reimbursement from the HMO’s. In too many instances, doctors have stopped ordering/ performing certain exams because they know they won’t get paid. All too often, people are forced to go to Canada and other countries to buy their medications due to cost restrictions or because the insurance company does not think the patient needs the drug. Furthermore, the costs of prescription drugs put many elderly Americans (most of who are on a fixed income) into bankruptcy. Real reform will remove the approval processes and allow physicians to do their job. No longer will physicians be forced to get clearance from an insurance company bureaucrat to take care of their patient. Real reform will make prescription drugs affordable and accessible to all patients. Principle 4: Real Reform Costs Less, Does More. The insurance companies are big spenders on administrative costs, commercials and their bottom line is to increase their profit not provide quality care for the people they insure. In fact, as much as 20 to 30% of what is paid does not go to care—it goes to insurance company CEOs, lavish retreats and into a system that delays, denies, and defends the lack of care. The US currently spends more than $2 trillion dollars a year on health care. Health insurance reform will make a short-term investment of roughly $100 billion a year to lower costs and relieve the burden that is eroding family budgets, forcing families into bankruptcy, and preventing the government from using this money to invest in infrastructure and other social programs. Real reform will expand coverage and lower costs for families as well as transform care so that it costs less and delivers high quality in years to come. Adding more people to a broken system will only cost us more in the long run. Principle 5: Real Reform Removes the Bureaucracy and Insurance Company Domination. Under the current system, HMO’s and insurance companies stand between you and your doctor. Your doctor must get approval for tests, treatment and prescription drugs. All too often, people are denied access to quality treatment and necessary medications because the insurance company does not deem them necessary. Real reform allows your doctor to determine the

nature and timing of the care you need not insurance company bureaucrats. Right now, HMO’s determine the nature and timing of your care; in effect, they have the power over life or death decisions that should be in the hands of you, your family and your doctors. Real reform will provide care, not delay, deny or prohibit care. Real reform puts your care over cash. It places your care and the care of your loved ones back where it belongs—in your hands and in the hands of doctors. Principle 6: Real Reform is Essential for Economic Recovery. Controlling health care spending is critical for the fiscal health of the federal government and the states. For example, health care spending today consumes 30 percent more of state and local budgets than it did 20 years ago, forcing governments to choose between cutting services and raising taxes. Health care spending has grown exponentially in recent years—three times faster than average wages, Premiums have doubled in this decade and out of pocket costs for people with insurance have gone up by 32 percent. One out of every six dollars in this country is spent on health care. Soon it will be one in five. If we do nothing, in 30 years, one third of this country’s economic output will be tied up in the health care system. For working Americans who rely on employersponsored health insurance, rising costs mean that an even greater proportion of their compensation will be in the form of health benefits rather than take-home pay. That take-home pay is essential to economic recovery; it is an employee based stimulus, if you will, that allows hard working Americans to put money back into the economy, and allows them to choose where to spend their money instead of being forced to pay for something that should be a right, not a privilege. Real reform will make health care more accessible, give affordable choices to individuals and families and allow the government to use your tax dollars to create jobs, improve education, and rebuild infrastructure. Real reform should be fully paid for over 10 years, and it would not add one penny to the deficit. 1

Courtesy of www.HealthReform.gov

Issues In Black America

From The Southern Christian Leadership Conference

Southern Christian Leadership Conference Program Goals The SCLC seeks to continue to “Redeem the Soul of America” through effecting policy. This is being done through four major program goals: Economic Development, Education, Community Empowerment, and Technology. Economic Development

in their lives and social alternatives to gang membership and use of drugs. Our focus in particular regarding education is to address the problems of low income Black youth, in efforts to improve education for all children. SCLC wants to take a leadership position with respect to securing adequate funding for public schools through accomplishing fundamental reform in the nation’s education finance system. SCLC will take active roles in the everyday work of schools located in inner cities and rural communities by conducting direct services in those schools, which will both improve the level of education provided by those schools and allow SCLC to gain essential access to knowledge that supports policy recommendations.

SCLC believes that the gap between those seeking jobs and jobs available must be eliminated. Currently, there is a shortage of organizations positioned to speak for poor and minority communities on questions of economic development concerns. SCLC will seek to combine research expertise with a high-profile ability to address these concerns publicly. An important engine for increasing employment opportunities is creating jobs in the Black community and eliminating discrimination in contracting. Activities will be: SCLC has had a leadership role for at least the past • Accomplish systematic changes that improve decade in the area of affirmative action. We will public education continue our role as advocates in this area. • Provide programming leading to improved educational outcomes for students and schools Activities will be: • Increase availability of jobs for unemployed • Develop policies and assist schools to reduce negative impacts of race on educational or underemployed minority persons achievements and the life course • Improve training and preparation of low • Assure that qualified low-income students income job seekers have the opportunity to attend college • Increase the size and number of minority • Improve personal supports for low-income owned businesses youth, thereby improving educational per • Expand economic resources available to Blacks formance and decreasing participation in vio • Expose young people to economic fundalence and substance abuse mentals and business basics Community Empowerment

Education

The problems of Black youth have long been a central concern of SCLC. Within the realm of public education, several issues will continue to be of concern. It is increasingly clear that educational successes and future employment depend in large measure on children receiving strong support outside of school. All children need responsible adults

Issues In Black America

operate at a disadvantage when they lack information. SCLC remains well positioned to facilitate coalitions of neighborhood-based organizations for voter education, registration and turnout and to empower itself and other groups with respect to advocacy for policy changes in government by nonviolent direct action, and by initiating a new era of conducting and disseminating analysis of government budgets. We seek to fill this strong demand that presently exists. Activities will be:

• Achieve racial equality in political systems • Increase voter registration and participation through education • Improve responsiveness of local government to concerns of poor and minority communities • Support the placement of more Blacks in policy-making positions in the public and private sectors • Assist claimants with pursuit of discrimination claims, providing organizational support on class action or impact legislation Technology

The bridge across the so-called “digital divide” is formed through the union of access and opportunity. SCLC will seek to establish technology centers through its chapter and affiliates base and provide programs for youth and adults that ultimately lead to education and careers in technology. Activities will be:

Historically, one of the most important avenues • Develop programs that provide access to technology for our chapters and constituents for members of racial and ethnic minorities to be empowered in America was full participation in • Establish a website that allows for membership recruitment, information distribution, our government. Black’s rates of voter registration and exposure and turnout are still unacceptably low. SCLC will continue to be an outspoken commentator on vot- • Establish programs to develop and expose youth to technology ing patterns and political empowerment. Groups www.IBAPublications.com

Atlanta Association of Insurance Professionals "Revolutionizing the Insurance Industry" Please join us at our next meeting When: First Wednesday of the month Where: AssuranceAmerica Building 5500 Interstate Parkway Suite 101 (Riveredge One Building) Atlanta, GA 30328 TIME: 6:00 PM

A T L A N T A A S S O C I A TI O N OF INSURANCE P R O F E S S IO N A L S P.O. Box 10649 Atlanta, GA 30310-0649 Phone: 770-833-8977 E-mail: aaip2007@aol.com www.aaip1988.org

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The Atlanta Association of Insurance Professionals (AAIP) is a non-profit organization that was established in 1988 to create an opportunity for insurance professionals to network and use their skills to benefit the insurance industry. Our mission is to empower our members through personal and professional development. We are dedicated to making a difference and to promote a positive image for Insurance Professionals. Membership is open to individuals and corporations. Benefits of membership include: x Information on employment career opportunities x Professional networking x Continuing educational seminars x Internal & External workshops on legal, insurance, and financial issues. x Assistance in obtaining insurance designations

Issues In Black America

Dental Education by The National Dental Association

Definition of Dentistry

Dentistry is defined as the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical, surgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/ or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body; provided by a dentist, within the scope of his/her education, training and experience, in accordance with the ethics of the profession and applicable law. Types of Dental Degrees

DDSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Doctor of Dental Surgery DMDâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Doctor of Dental Medicine Indicates the degree awarded upon graduation from dental school to become a general dentist. There is no difference between the two degrees; dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. Universities have the prerogative to determine what degree is awarded. Both degrees use the same curriculum requirements. Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. State licensing boards accept either degree as equivalent, and both degrees allow licensed individuals to practice the same scope of general dentistry. Additional postgraduate training is required to become a dental specialist, such as an orthodontist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Definitions of Recognized Dental Specialties

Dental Public Health: Dental public health is the science and art of preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts. It is that

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form of dental practice which serves the community as a patient rather than the individual. It is concerned with the dental health education of the public, with applied dental research, and with the administration of group dental care programs as well as the prevention and control of dental diseases on a community basis. Endodontics: Endodontics is the branch of dentistry which is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic and clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp, the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of pathology that deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of radiology concerned with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by all modalities of radiant energy that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry which

includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is the dental specialty that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures. Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric Dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs. Periodontics: Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues. Prosthodontics: Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. Dental Schools

Further information regarding dental schools and other dental education issues may be obtained by visiting the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) website at www.adea.org. www.IBAPublications.com

United States

Baylor College of Dentistry, A Member of The Texas A&M University System Boston University, Goldman School of Dental Medicine Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery Creighton University School of Dentistry Harvard School of Dental Medicine Howard University College of Dentistry Indiana University School of Dentistry Loma Linda University School of Dentistry Louisiana State University School of Dentistry Marquette University School of Dentistry Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry New York University Kriser Dental Center Northwestern University Dental School Nova Southeastern University College of Dentistry Ohio State University College of Dentistry Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry

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Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine Temple University School of Dentistry Tufts University School of Dental Medicine University of Alabama School of Dentistry University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry University of Colorado School of Dentistry University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry University of Florida College of Dentistry University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry University of Iowa College of Dentistry University of Kentucky College of Dentistry University of Louisville School of Dentistry University of Maryland, Baltimore, College of Dental Surgery University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Dental School

University of Michigan School of Dentistry University of Minnesota School of Dentistry University of Mississippi School of Dentistry University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Dentistry University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry University of the Pacific School of Dentistry University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine University of Puerto Rico, School of Dentistry University of Southern California School of Dentistry University of Tennessee College of Dentistry University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Dental School University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School University of Washington School of Dentistry Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry West Virginia University School of Dentistry

Issues In Black America

Get In The KNow by Dr. Jeri Dyson

Medical and Health Editor

Sexually Transmitted Infections: To Test or Not to Test The world of sexually transmitted infections has changed drastically. When I was a kid, they were called venereal diseases or VD. Later on, they were termed sexually transmitted diseases or STDs. Now, the more favored term is sexually transmitted infections or STI. As I mentioned in the previous article titled The Healthy Side of Sex, it is imperative for us to learn all we can about protecting ourselves from sexual infections. It amazes me when I ask patients if they know their STI status, many of them will say, “Oh, I don’t have anything.” My next question to them is, “Have you ever been tested?” When their reply is “No” I wonder, “Well, how would you know you had an STI if you have never been tested for an STI?” So let us begin with a short discussion. Every year, 1 in 4 sexually active teens acquires a STI. Here are a few ways to reduce your chances of becoming infected: • The most effective way to avoid infection is abstinence. Electing not have sex includes anal, oral, and vaginal sex. • If you choose to be sexually active, only have sex with someone who is not infected and only has sex with you. (This means you need to know their status before you have sex with them.) • Condoms may reduce your risk of acquiring a STI if used the right way every time you have sex. The more I speak with adolescents and young adults with respect to sex the more I learn about the many misconceptions surrounding this topic. Let’s explore a few of those ideas: • Bathing or showering, urinating, or douching after sex will not reduce your chances of getting a STI.

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• Condoms do not fully protect you from all STIs. (With certain viral infections, like herpes and human papillomavirus/HPV, there is still a chance you may become infected secondary to skin on skin contact.) • If someone tested negative for HIV in the past, they should still be screened every year. In fact if you are having sex, you should be tested every 6 months for other STIs. • ALL of your sex partners should be tested and treated if you have tested positive for an STI, even those you don’t like very much. • Medications prescribed to you should not be shared with your sex partners. Sharing your medications will leave you improperly treated and you may develop worsening symptoms. Now that we have covered some of the misunderstandings of STIs, let’s take a closer look at specific sexually transmitted infections common among adolescents. Anyone who participates in vaginal, oral or anal sex is at risk for getting these STIs. Gonorrhea (Gah-na-REE-ah)

If you have gonorrhea you may experience the following: • Females: vaginal bleeding between periods, pain/burning during urination, increased vaginal discharge • Males: pain/burning during urination, painful or swollen testicles, or discharge from your penis • Males/Females: burning sore throat if you have oral sex, discharge from the rectum, bleeding from the rectum or painful bowel movements if you have anal sex. It is possible to be infected with gonorrhea and have no symptoms If you are a pregnant woman who has gonorrhea, you can pass the infection to your baby.

Chlamydia (Clah-Mi-Dee-Ah)

It is possible to be infected with Chlamydia and not be aware of it. Most infected people have no symptoms so you can’t just look at someone to determine if they have it or not. Chlamydia is easy to treat and considered curable; however, a person can be reinfected after proper treatment. Left untreated it can lead to serious health problems in women like infertility. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

HPV is the most common viral STI in the United States. At least 50% of sexually active people will have genital HPV at some time in their lives. HPV can lead to cervical cancer or genital warts in women. In men it can lead to genital warts or cancer of the anus and/or penis. HPV can be transmitted through sexual contact (anal, oral, and/or vaginal sex) or if you come into contact with infected skin on your sex partner. This is what we call skin on skin contact. There is NO CURE for HPV, but there are treatments for the clinical symptoms. The earlier you are diagnosed with this infection, the sooner you can begin treatment. There is a vaccine approved by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) that protects against some types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. This is a recommended vaccination in younger women but not a requirement. Genital Herpes

Herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection People who have genital herpes may not know they are infected. Sometimes, symptoms include painful blisters and sores in the genital area or cold sores on the mouth. There is NO CURE for herpes but your doctor can give you treatment for the symptoms www.IBAPublications.com

If you have a herpes outbreak, it is best to wait until you have finished treatment before you resume sexual activity. An outbreak is the presence of sores or blisters on your genitals You can get genital herpes from having sex with someone who has herpes or if your genitals touch the infected skin or secretions Trichomoniasis

Trick-a-MO-Ni-a-sis, sometimes called “Trick” for short, is a sexually transmitted infection that affects both males and females. Some patients may not experience symptoms but if you do, look for the following: • An unusual discharge, with a strong “fishy” smell, from your vagina • Irritation or burning when you urinate and when you have sex • Irritation or itching around your genitals You have a higher chance of being infected with HIV when you have Trichomoniasis and then have unprotected sex with an HIV-infected partner. HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS are the acronyms used to describe Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This is a virus that weakens the immune system (your ability to fight off infections like colds) and can be transmitted the following ways: • Having unprotected sex (vaginal, oral, anal) with someone infected with HIV/AIDS. • Drinking the breast milk of a woman infected with HIV/AIDS. • Blood/Needle sharing (It is less common for people to be infected with HIV through blood transfusions since all blood products donated are checked for the infection.) • From an HIV infected mother to her baby during pregnancy if not treated with medications during the pregnancy. If you have an untreated STD or STI and have unprotected sex with someone who is HIV positive, you are as much as five times more likely to contract the virus. Many people who have HIV are not aware because they have no symptoms. There are tests available to determine if you are infected with HIV. This is just a brief overview of common sexually transmitted infections. Remember, the more you know about STIs the better chance you have to protect yourself from these infections. For more details on these and other infections, visit my website at www.drjerispeaks.com. The Resource for Black Americans

Issues In Black America

Michael Jackson Posthumous Analysis: A legend

of celebrated youth and humility by Sherisse Steward Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was a paradoxical force who defied and defined pop-culture norms. Jackson, revered by many and known to most as the “King of Pop,” was the consummate showman. He weaved decades of indelible Jackson 5 group and solo hits together, swooning the hearts and moving the hips of many. Until his death, his iconic moonwalk, celebrity and magic, at times, posed a blinding, yet dazzling combination of glitz and mystery. The enigmatic and wondrous influence Jackson maintained throughout his life was only matched by the wondrous celebration of his wake, beckoning fans to ponder: who truly was the Man in Jackson’s mirror? Did society demand so much of this mortal figure that we enforced his fantasy, or rather, was the fantasy an integral part of his true identity? In the end, we are left with our respective outlooks on the man, the myth and legend whose name shall be uttered until the end of time. Jackson was, if nothing else, predictable in many aspects of his public persona. He consistently appeased fans and shared his talents with the world. Like old man river, he regularly produced a myriad of musical pieces that would inevitably alter the entertainment landscape, divorcing race from talent and shattering barriers, in many regards. With seemingly child-like faith, he routinely revealed to the public blips of his vulnerability that ultimately drove his reckless self-mutilation and an unfortunate demise. He also recaptured aspects of his youth and childhood by vicariously living through others even if, at times, his presence was construed or considered inappropriate. He, also, wonderfully and selflessly, bestowed charity and care to those in need. From all we knew, however, Michael Jackson never forgot the deprivation of society. In spite of his enormous fortune and fame, he never turned a blind eye to the lack in the lives of others. His tradition and legacy engendered a neo-cultural and philanthropic DNA that created opportunities for a myriad of communities globally, nationally, locally and racially. I grew up enjoying all things Michael Jackson. I adored his influence on pop-culture, and con-

Issues In Black America

Sherisse Steward

tinued to be awed by each milestone he achieved. As an adult in my 20s, I, like many, began to become more cognizant of the many iterations of the “King.” At times, I, like literally billions across the globe, was fully engaged in the media storms that dissected his personal life, and, at others, I warily observed his curious behavior, and felt more at ease with turning a blind eye to who he became of late. Upon his death, however, I am convinced that an unfortunate product of heightened fanfare and a demanding life drove and supported the fantasy of Michael Jackson’s reality - a reality marred by insatiable demands. These demands often enforced Michael Jackson ideals of fairy dust and blissful unawareness of consequence, which, ironically, afforded a portion of society to benefit significantly in the areas of education, literacy, health care and an enhanced quality of life. Michael Jackson’s imagination presented a diametrical balance of illusion and charity, a tough task few will ever achieve or dream of as he did on a seemingly unprecedented level. In the vein of the oft-referenced J.M. Barrie’s fictitious character, Peter Pan, Michael Jackson was frequently careless and detached from reality. The genius of Jackson, however, was his striking ability to put himself in danger in public at times he selflessly delivered private citizens from the throes of deprivation. Evidence of this notion permeates the Michael Jackson most of us discovered upon his death - a staunch philanthropist committed to enhancing the lives of others. While his devil-may-care attitude often mired him in the most offensive of controversies, Jackson’s noble gifts positioned him

as “The Most Charitable Pop-Star”, according to The Guinness World Book of Records (2000). In fact, there are several published forecasts that speculated Michael Jackson’s total contributions to charity over the span of his career at approximately $300 million. Of this rich chronology of contributions, his largest benefactors largely consisted of those in the African/African-American communities. The latter nugget certainly bolsters his mystery as one of his most glaring features was his metamorphosis into a race-less being. Perhaps, one could largely attribute the source of Jackson’s yielding heart to his humble Gary, Indiana roots, a now poverty-stricken area left in the afterthought of post-industrial failure. Regardless of the motivating factors or rationale, his influence and frequently anonymous favor to philanthropy shaped a force that never seemed to turn against the needs of humanity, even if he somehow managed to compromise his persona through trials, error and poor judgment. Jackson was who he was - a monumental global influence that transcended race, yet never allowed fame or fortune blind his commitment to community. While Jackson’s philanthropic charge has been more widely celebrated in the aftermath of his death, his kind heart will undoubtedly impress good will upon generations of African/African-American communities across the globe. While some of Jackson’s governing life principles mimicked the aforementioned Peter Pan character - others did not. Unlike the shortcomings of Peter Pan, Jackson was not arrogant in his displays of beneficence. His humility underscored his priority to bestow said good will without any concern with acknowledgement, as opposed to securing such acts to only generate positive press - despite his occasional use for such. A peak into this goodwill reveals his insatiable goodness, broadly befitting kids from urban epicenters in the U.S. to rural schoolchildren in Africa. His generous efforts shouldered in acknowledgements and gifts towards many efforts. continued on page 20 www.IBAPublications.com

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Issues In Black America

Michael Jackson continued from page 18

Specifically, as early as 1986, Jackson donated $1,500,000 to UNCF to establish a scholarship endowment, a repository that supplies scholarships each year while the original gift continues to earn interest so that future students can receive scholarships. This $1.5 million fund is aimed towards students majoring in performance art and communications, with money given each year to students attending a UNCF member college or university. During the past two decades, more than 500 students at UNCF’s 39 member colleges and universities have been able to attend college thanks to Jackson’s generous gift. Two years later, in 1988, Jackson headlined a sold-out UNCF benefit performance, hosted by, then, Pepsi, at Madison Square Garden in New York and donated the $600,000 in proceeds to UNCF. For these acts of honor, Jackson received the UNCF’s highest honor, the Frederick D. Patterson Award, at the 1988 New York anniversary celebration, and was awarded an honorary degree from UNCF-member institution Fisk University. It has been almost a quarter-century since Michael Jackson endowed the UNCF scholarship program that bears his name. Many of the young men and women who received Michael Jackson Endowed Scholarships over the years have moved on from college to start careers, raise families and support their communities. Jackson’s generosity

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and foresight in creating a scholarship renews itself every year, enabling 34 more students to study at UNCF-member colleges and universities in the fall of 2009. The following is a list of glittering acts of benevolence for which Jackson is responsible: • September, 1987: Jackson supported efforts of the NAACP to fight prejudices against black artists; • April 26, 1993: Within his “Heal LA” tour, Michael visits the Watts Health Foundation and two schools in Los Angeles South Central; • August, 1993: Jackson announced that he will donate $1.25 million for children who have suffered from the riots in Los Angeles. He also sponsored The Watts Summer Festival, whose inception commemorated the 34 people killed in the 1965 riots. It is one of the oldest African-American cultural festivals in the US designed to serve the ever increasing need for cultural interaction within the African-American community • January, 1994: On the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Jackson hosts a party for more than 100 underprivileged children at his Neverland Ranch; • July, 1996: In Soweto, South Africa, Jackson, laid a wreath of flowers for youngsters killed during the fights involving apartheid; • September, 1999: Jackson presented former

President of South Africa Nelson Mandela with a check for $1,000,000 South African rand for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, a non-profit charity for children, whose charge, during that period, enabled children and families to meet immediate needs and one-time support for overhead and salary costs for organizations targeting children’s issues; • March, 2001: Jackson donated a black hat, a birthday phone-call and a jacket worn at the Monaco Music Awards in 2000 to the Movie Action for Children auction, an event being given by UNICEF with all proceeds going to UNICEF’s efforts to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in Africa; • April, 2002: Jackson performed at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, helping to raise nearly $3 million dollars towards voter registration Testament to his disinterest in garnering press for his relief, it is believed that Jackson supported upwards of 39 charity organizations either with monetary donations, sponsorships or by participating in their silent auction, including, but not limited to: • Congressional Black Caucus; • Dakar Foundation (DF), is a visionary nonprofit organization that effectively targets and reaches at-risk youth, who want more out of

www.IBAPublications.com

their lives than what the odds may present. DF seeks to place students from economically disadvantaged communities into the entertainment industry with mainstream access to entertainment industry tools and career paths; • NAACP; • Motown Museum; • The Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles; • The Minority AIDS Project, a community based HIV/AIDS organization, established and managed by people of color in the United States that offers services and educational community-wide programs to communities, who until the organization’s inception, had little or no real access to preventive education and essential health care services; • Tran Africa Forum, a non-profit, global justice organization that focuses on conditions in Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America that sponsors seminars, conferences, public awareness campaigns and training programs to promote human rights and alternative perspectives on the economic, political and moral ramifications of US foreign policy.

Since his tragic death, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) sponsored a resolution called to honor Jackson as a “global humanitarian and a noted leader in the fight against worldwide hunger and medical crises” and to celebrate him as an “accom-

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plished contributor to the worlds of arts and entertainment.” Unfortunately, the resolution was denied shortly thereafter by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who went on to say there is plenty of “opportunity on the floor of the House to express their sympathy or their praise any time that they wish. I don’t think it’s necessary for us to have a resolution.” Pelosi added that a resolution would open up Jackson’s life to “contrary views that is not necessary at this time to be expressed in association with a resolution whose purpose is quite different,” seemingly referring to the more sordid elements of Jackson’s life, including two allegations of child molestation and allegations that he abused prescription medication. While Lee’s attempt to acknowledge the indisputable “King of Pop’s” charity was denied, the spirit, work and music of Michael Jackson have has been honored with recommendations to receive the Nobel Peace Prize by fans for his admirable work alive and his final gift, leaving 20 percent of his estate to selected charity. Unfortunately, the Prize is not awarded posthumously, however, if the request to alter the present rules were approved this would be Jackson’s third nomination following 2003 and 1998. His recent 51st birthday rushed in another wave of celebration that included a proclamation declaring August 29 Michael Jackson Day in Brooklyn presented by Marty Markowitz, the Brooklyn, NY

borough President in conjunction with a party hosted by Spike Lee that attracted upwards of 10,000 fans in Prospect Park. There were global events hosted in the name of the fallen “King’s” birthday. According to his official web site, fans around the world will have the opportunity to pay a final farewell to Michael Jackson as film from his eerily titled This Is It tour will be presented around the world by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment. Just as quickly as he sashayed across stages and brought fans of all ages to their feet and to tears, Michael Jackson departed the world leaving masses of fans awestruck and heartbroken. As the fabled Peter Pan thought he was going to die on Marooner’s Rock, felt scared and said, “To die will be an awfully big adventure”, Michael Jackson’s troubled soul accepted his fate and fully subscribed to his unfortunate final quest. Editor’s Note: Sherisse Steward hails from Washington D.C., and contributes over nearly a decade of PR/Marketing/Marketing Communication experience with global advertising agencies. Steward holds Journalism (News Editorial) B.A. from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Marketing/ Global Emerging Markets M.B.A. from American University. She presently resides in Amman, Jordan as a Fellow for the Emerging Markets Development Advisers Program (IIE/USAID partnership). She spends her free time running and reading.

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Civil Rights Stalwart Rev. C.T. Vivian Celebrates his 85th Birthday by Deric Gilliard

Dr. C. T. Vivian

The C. T. Vivian Leadership Institute hosted the 85th birthday celebration to honor its namesake July 31, 2009, at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. Dr. Vivian, a renowned minister, author, educator, community activist, and humanitarian, was a close friend and lieutenant of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during the prime of the modern American civil rights movement. His birthday commemoration, themed “Leadership Now: Passing the Torch”, included a full day of glittering activities, including: a discussion summit; a networking mixer; and the main attraction, “Narratives of My Life: A Spiritual Journey,” which

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featured passing the torch to a new generation of leadership. Dr. Vivian, a spry, fit gentleman who never seems to lack boundless energy, gave his adopted home town and the event’s attendees a scare the night before when he collapsed due to dehydration. Hospitalized over night, the fiery orator and leader rested during the daytime discussions then bounced back strong Saturday evening at his starstudded banquet attended by 1,200 friends and supporters. The discussion summit sessions – “Leadership Now: Passing the Torch”, hosted by television per-

sonality Angela Yvonne Robinson, former Atlanta City Councilman and radio personality Derrick Bozeman, and Georgia State Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan, offered an occasion to recall some of Dr. Vivian’s history-making moments, such as the confrontation with Sheriff Jim Clark on the courthouse steps in Selma, AL. Vivian, a native of Missouri who grew up in Illinois, was also a central figure in key civil rights campaigns in Marion, Alabama, Birmingham, Nashville, St. Augustine, Florida and many other segregationist strongholds during the tumultuous 1950s and ’60s. He has since continued his life’s work of shapwww.IBAPublications.com

ing, training and challenging tomorrow’s leaders with the lessons of non-violence and how it transformed a nation. Featured speakers and presenters at this event included nationally syndicated radio host Warren Ballentine, Hosea’s Feed The Hungry Executive Director Elizabeth Omilami, activist Dick Gregory, actress Phyllis Yvonne Stickney and former Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington. Washington, who met Vivian when he responded to the Atlanta minister’s communiqué on Facebook, said he quickly developed a deep respect and love for him as he found out more about his tremendous impact over the years. “I’m ashamed to admit I didn’t know anything about him, but once I started doing my research, there was no way I was going to say ‘no’ when he asked me to come,” said Washington. Alisha Thomas Morgan, Atlanta news anchor Jovita Moore and Isaiah Washington hosted the evening dinner party entitled “Narratives of My Life: A Spiritual Journey.” In addition, presentations were made by Atlanta news anchor Monica Pearson, banker George Andrews, socialite Henrietta Antonin, radio host Derrick Bozeman, and others. Leadership Torches were passed by Reverend Dr. Teresa Hairston and Reverend Dr. Gerald Durley to those individuals who participated in the “passing the torch” discussions earlier in the day. Entertainment for the event was provided by Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra and the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta. “Narratives” of Dr. Vivian’s life were written and published in a journal that is offered for sale by the C. T. Vivian Leadership Institute, the non-profit organization founded by Dr. Vivian. The Institute is committed to developing minority communities and organizational leaders through relevant issues and meaningful programs. With his family surrounding him, the evening closed with Dr. Vivian sharing his heart and recalling stories about his life and the people who influenced him, including his beloved wife Octavia, who could not attend, due to illness. Commenting on the program, the exuberant Dr. Vivian said, “I really like this (format). I never thought about doing this before, but it’s very effective. It’s more personal and allows people a closeup view of my life in the movement.” For additional information about the C. T. Vivian Leadership Institute, please contact ctvivianleadership@yahoo.com or visit the website at www. ctvivian.org. The Resource for Black Americans

Fundamentals of Insurance by Raymond E. Brown

Insurance provides peace of mind. It allows individuals and families to live without the worry of “what if”? Without insurance, we wouldn’t be able to purchase a home, protect our assets, or plan for a worry-free future. Insurance allows us to enjoy life without the worry of calamity; it helps us find some certainty in a world of uncertainty. Because insurance is essential and impacts so many of us, it is vital that we understand at least the basics of the industry. The basic principal of insurance is that an individual (you) transfers the risk of a loss to an insurance company in exchange for a pre-determined premium. The insurance policy is the contract between the insurance company and the individual requesting the coverage. The policy spells out exactly what risks the individual (you) is transferring to the company, how much you will pay for this protection, and how much the company will pay should a loss occur. Most automobile and homeowners/renters insurance is marketed through various entities, including but not limited to agents and brokers, banks, or car dealers. Insurance companies that sell through agents work with either a captive or career sales force that sells products exclusively or through a network of independent agents or brokers that represents several insurance companies. An insurance company will not accept every risk. The company looks for common characteristics which allow it to estimate the probability of loss with a reasonable degree of certainty. An insurable risk always meets five general requirements: It must be significant. - The expense of doing business is included in the premium that insurance company charges, the amount of money the company would have to charge for insurance to cover an insignificant loss would be prohibitive. It must be accidental. - Insurance is intended to cover unexpected loss. Therefore, an individual

who intentionally destroys his or her own property would not be covered. It must be calculable. - Insurance companies figure out how much to charge for coverage based on an estimate of how many losses they’re likely to have within a certain classification of risk. If the risk cannot be calculated, then the company has no idea how much to charge for coverage. It must be definite. - When a loss is definite, the insurer can easily figure out how to pay for the claim. Losses should be spelled out in the policy and if a loss occurs, the policyholder (you) should be able to put a dollar figure on how much was lost. It must not be excessively catastrophic. - With losses due to an act of war or nuclear accident, for example, the money paid in claims would seriously undermine the company’s financial stability; paying a few of these claims could bankrupt the company. Insurance provides you with the wherewithal to get back to where you started financially, almost as if the loss never occurred. With insurance, no one is left destitute should disaster strike. Homes, cars, and other personal property can be repaired or replaced, and families can maintain stability and a quality standard of living should illness or death occur to family wage earners. Finally, insurance provides a basis of credit. Banks will not make loans for homes or automobiles unless they can be sure that they can recover their investment if something happens. Raymond E. Brown is President of The Atlanta Association of Insurance Professionals (AAIP) is a non-profit organization established in 1988 to provide opportunities for insurance professionals to network and develop their skills and can be reached at: www.aaip1988.org. E-mail: aaip2009raybrown@aol.com

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Black Free Masonry in Georgia A Historical Perspective by Grand Historian Douglas Evans, III

Freemasonry of today is linked to the Africa of yesterday. The organization of Freemasonry into the Lodge or Craft system is a child of the Operative Guilds of Europe. The Cathedral builders of Europe who used the operative Masonic tools were the carpenters who learned architecture and geometry from the African sciences. Today in 2009, as Freemasons we have inherited the speculative form of this ancient system of building from the Egyptian culture of over thousands of years ago. The first Freemason in antiquity is said to have been called Imhotep (2630-2611 BC) in Ancient Africa. In Kemet (Egypt) the degrees and symbols were passed on to the Knights of Templar and Greeks by way of the Moors during the Crusades. This is the reason for the symbolism and costumes of the Shriners in depicting this passing of history into Europe. As a speculative art, Freemasonry is dated to around 926 AD when King Athelson summons the Masons at York, England; although the order had previously existed in Egypt for thousands of years as the Pyramid Temple University. The first recognized Grand Lodge goes back to February 1717 at the Apple-Tree Tavern in England when four Lodges met. They met in bars or taverns and the first Grand Master of Moderns in England was Anthony Sayer in 1717. Before there were any public schools or colleges, the Masonic Lodge was the foundation of many communities in America and abroad. In 1733, a new colony, called Georgia, was formed by England as a buffer to the Spanish and as a refuge for the debtors and criminals of England. It must also be noted that in December of 1733 at a sermon of the Grand Lodge of England at the

Devil’s Tavern in London, a plan was devised for all the Masonic Brethren to have the opportunity to erase their debts by cultivating the land of the new colony of Georgia. General Oglethorpe along with other English Masons sailed on the Good Ship “Anne” and landed at the Yamacraw Bluff on February 12, 1733. Therefore, it can be said that the State of Georgia was a Masonic invention. Keep in mind that at this time, there was no United States, no constitution, no Independence declared, no cars, or paved streets. No one knew for sure the true origins of Freemasonry at this time, but the first use of the term was in 1356 as a Code of Masonic Regulations in London England. Before that we find it in Africa as phre for sons and mesons for light or “Sons of light”. In 1390 we have the Regius Manuscripts as the first extant Masonic document about freemasonry. It was written in Middle English. The earliest evidence of a Lodge record was in Scotland at Aitchison’s Haven in 1598. The minutes of Mary’s Chapel Lodge at Edinburgh record the first Masonic activity in the Old World. We know that the first Freemason to enter the American Colonies was John Skene in October 1682, a member of Aberdeen Lodge #1 of Scotland. He settled in Burlington, New Jersey. In 1704, the first American to be made a Mason was Jonathan Belcher of Aberdeen Lodge #1. The first Masonic Lodge meeting to take place in North America was St. John’s Lodge in Philadelphia, PA dating back to 1731. The first Provincial Grand Master in North America was Daniel Coxe. On June 1, 1730, Daniel Coxe was appointed by the Duke of Norfolk as the Masonic Governor for Massachusetts,

Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Simultaneously, the first Masonic Lodge in Georgia was accredited to General James Edward Oglethorpe on February 12, 1733 when he and several other Freemasons landed on the shores of Savannah. Just shortly afterwards on April 13, the first Grand Lodge (Caucasians) in the Americas was formed by Henry Price in Boston, MA. On February 10, 1734, the order came to Georgia when the Grand Master of Masons of England and Lord Viscount of Weymouth, Thomas Tynne issued a warrant to Roger Lacey, Esquire of Savannah. This Lodge (for Caucasians) was chartered and later known as King Solomon’s Lodge became the first in Georgia. The Grand Lodge of Georgia was later organized in 1786 with Solomon’s Lodge #1 and Hiram Lodge #2. The first Grand Master of Masons in Georgia was William Stephens from 1787-1788 Freemasonry did not enter Atlanta in the white community until April 13, 1847 when Atlanta Lodge #59 was chartered. The Lodge met on the corner of Lloyd (now Central Avenue) and Alabama Street. The first Worshipful Master was Leonard Christian Simpson. The first white Lodge chartered in Fulton County was Fulton Lodge #216 on October 30, 1857. They met on Peachtree and Cain Streets at the Masonic Temple where this beautiful edifice still stands today. This is around the time that many blacks moved to the Atlanta area. For men of African American descent, Freemasonry did not begin until 1775, when Prince Hall and fourteen of his companions were initiated into Army Lodge #441. The hallmark of Freemasonry continued on page XX

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Grand Master Dobbs The Resource for Black Americans

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Black Freemasonary continued from page 25

and Fraternal life for black men in the shores of America started in 1775 before the nation was even founded in 1776. Prince Hall and 14 other black men were initiated into Army Lodge #441 which was attached to a British Infantry regiment and chartered by the Grand Lodge of Ireland. The Lodge was stationed in the vicinity of Boston Harbor at Castle Williams called the 1st Battalion and was the 38 th regiment of Foot (South Straffordshires). Scholars agree that Prince Hall may have been one of the first African Americans to receive the degrees of Freemasonry in the colonies along with his fourteen companions: Peter Best, Cuff Bufform, John Carter, Peter Freeman, Forten Howard, Cyrus Jonbus, Prince Rees, Thomas Sanderson, Bueston Singer, Boston Smith, Cato Spears, Prince Taylor, Benjamin Tiber, and Richard Tilley. After the war ended, Lodge #441 left Boston for New York and left Prince Hall a dispensation to assemble into African Lodge #1. African Lodge #1 was the first Lodge for men of African descent in America. This marks the beginning for the search for equality for African Americans in North America. Although many African Americans served in the war and helped to secure independence from Great Britain, our founder, Prince Hall, could not get a Charter to operate a legal Lodge in America due to the racial sentiment and fraternal hypocrisy. Consequently, on March 2, 1784 and June 30 th, Prince Hall sent two petitions to the Grand Lodge of England (Moderns) by way of William Moody of Brotherly Love Lodge #55. On September 20th, the petition was granted and it was received making African Lodge #1 into African Lodge #459 on the rolls of the Grand Lodge of England. Notice the use of the name African. They did not name the first organized body in America after black, colored or Negro, but decided to link themselves with their motherland. This now world famous Charter was then documented and executed by the Duke of Cumberland and signed by the Earl of Effingham. The Charter was delivered on March 10, 1787 by Captain Scott (cousin of Paul Revere) and member of the Sons of Philadelphia Lodge. This event marks the first organization of any group for blacks in the New World. The first Greek fraternities of the Sigma Pi Phi (Boule) and the Alphas were started in 1904 and 1906 respectively. If we examine this time period in the South, during the Civil War, a black man sought refuge from the war by leaving his home town of Savannah and

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sailing to Boston, MA. James M. Simms, while in Boston, became a Baptist Minister as well as a Freemason. Keep in mind that slavery had been in the state since 1750, though when the Colony of Georgia was Chartered Slavery was not permitted in the territory. Freemasonry in the South, at this time, had many obstacles in its development. With authority from the African Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, as a provincial Grand Master for Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, Rev. Simms chartered the first Masonic Lodge in Georgia for men of African American descent on February 4, 1866 with Eureka Lodge #11. This lodge was chartered by the National Compact Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Simms chartered John T. Hilton Lodge #13 on September of 1866 in Savannah, also chartered by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. On December 6, 1866, the third Lodge for African Americans was chartered in Augusta, GA as Bannekar Lodge #38, which was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. On August 22, 1870 Rev. James Simms helps to organize the Grand Lodge of Georgia (for blacks) with Eureka #1, Hilton #2, and Bannekar #3. The list of Grand Masters in Georgia for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of Georgia: 1870-1872 Rev. James M. Simms 1872-1874 Louis B. Toomer 1874-1883 John H. DeVeaux 1883-1886 Alexander Harris 1886-1888 Anthony K. Desverney 1888-1889 William E. Terry 1889-1894 John D. Campbell 1894-1901 William E. Terry 1901-1931 Dr. Henry Rutherford Butler 1931-1961 John Wesley Dobbs 1961-1991 Dr. X. L. Neal 1991-1995 Neal A. McQueen 1995-2000 Benjamin P. Barksdale 2000-2005 Willie L. Williams 2005-present Ramsey Davis, Jr. In 2009, our Grand Master, Ramsey Davis Jr. has prepared us well for the 21st Century. We have purchased in the last couple of years, a new multi-million dollar building in Fulton County, Georgia, to serve as our Grand East. Grand Master Davis also purchased our older building from the 5 original Lodge owners in 2006, and it serves as a meeting place for many of our Lodges within the Atlanta Masonic District. This older building on 330 Auburn Avenue was completed in 1940, by Grand Master John Wesley Dobbs. Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note: This is the first of a two-part series to be continued in the next edition. www.IBAPublications.com

The Significance of Libraries for African Americans by James L. Beasley As an experienced professional librarian, I remember the times in elementary school when I did not know what a library was. Later, when I was in secondary school the enrollment was so crowded that most of the students did not get a chance to use the library. When I finished High School, I joined the U.S. Navy to get away from the racism in the south, and to obtain money under the GI Bill to attend college. During my tour of duty in the Navy while stationed aboard a large aircraft carrier, with more than 3,000 sailors, I began visiting the library. I started reading and studying in the ship library and in so doing, I discovered the significance of libraries. After my discharge from the U.S. Navy, I subsequently graduated from three universities, majoring in the field of Library Science. After graduation, I begin working for schools and public libraries. My first librarian job was at a school library in a small Georgia town. I found that the library, while very small itself, was managed by a superintendent of schools that would not allow books by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders to be ordered. After leaving my first librarian position, I started to work in the Atlanta, GA public school system as an elementary school librarian. As a result of my understanding the significance of libraries for African Americans, I scheduled all of the students to come to the library every week, and I would teach them how important libraries are and how to locate information. The accessibility of library services for African Americans provides a complex record of social, economic, political and intellectual evolution, and is consistent with the literary services provided other Americans. Libraries are very important in our society. Access to information in a variety of formats, are provided by Libraries. Users often obtain information from books, manuscripts, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets and computer systems. Library patrons also have access to audiovisual materials such as films, compact discs, maps, and photographs. Additionally, there are Braille books for the blind, large-type books and recording of books. The Resource for Black Americans

Slow economy fuels surge in library visits

encouragement to patrons as they search for jobs. Often current job skills are not adequate for the challenges of a 21st century economy. Libraries also provide patrons with assessment of current skills, training on resume preparation, techniques for interviewing, assistance with scholarship applications, and so much more.

According to the American Library Association’s 2008 State of America’s Libraries Report, Americans visited their libraries nearly 1.3 billion times and checked out more than 2 billion items in the past year, an increase of more than 10 percent in both checked out items and library visits, com- Serving Small Businesses pared to data from the last economic downturn in For many small businesses, the library provides 2001. research resources and specially trained staff they could not otherwise afford. In a growing number of communities, libraries are opening business “During tough economic times, branches offering specialized collections, providing people turn to libraries for their business-specific training in discerning credible reincredible array of free resources, search, studies, grant opportunities as well as assistfrom computers to books, DVDs ing with business development initiatives. and CDs, for help with job hunt The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library or health information. in Kansas provides business development classes for business startups, and gives instruction on their The average annual cost many business resources. to the taxpayer for access The Lebanon Public Library in Indiana has a to this wide range of resources separate business collection and provides reference is about $31, the cost services for patrons interested in starting, growof one hardcover book. ing, and maintaining businesses. They also offer In good times or bad, business basics classes, and in partnership with the libraries are a great value!” Boone County Chamber of Commerce, they reach out and support new and established businesses. ALA President Jim Rettig, 2008-2009 Many public libraries offer the Small Business Resource Center software for new business development and crucial assistance to existing small Every day across the country, libraries are meet- businesses. ing the needs of their communities by providing a To serve as many patrons as possible, Librarians broad range of services for people of all ages and keep pace with changing contents of Libraries. Esbackgrounds. Libraries offer their communities ac- sentially, some libraries are multimedia resource cess to computers and the Internet, financial litera- centers, which have educational and recreational cy skills, assistance with job searches, and resources materials in a variety of forms. to help small businesses. Helping Americans Get Jobs James L. Beasley is a Certified Librarian, Teacher, Libraries serve a unique and important role in Media Specialist and Reference Librarian for Issues providing free access to all types of information in Black America Magazine. Beasley is a retired puband telecommunications services. The demand lic school’s librarian, and has served many years as a for such services has increased significantly with a Librarian in the public library system. He is a gradugrowing need for access to digital and online in- ate of Fort Valley State University, Clark Atlanta formation – including e-government, continuing University and Georgia State University. His degrees education and employment opportunities. Many includes: B.S., M.S., EDS., and has an Honorary individuals haven’t been employed in some time PH.D. He may be reached at Jamesbeasely@ibapuband libraries provide much needed guidance and lications.com

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Children’s Defense Fund: The State of America’s Children 2008

Children’s Defense Fund’s (CDF) State of America’s Children 2008 report, a compilation of the most recent and reliable national and state-by-state data on poverty, health, child welfare, youth at risk, early childhood development, education, nutrition and housing. The report provides a statistical compendium of key child data showing epidemic numbers of children at risk: the number of poor children has increased nearly 500,000 to 13.3 million, with 5.8 million of them living in extreme poverty, and nearly 9 million children lack health coverage with both numbers likely to increase during the recession. The number of children and teens killed by firearms also increased after years of decline. Highlights of the State of America’s Children Report 2008 Are Our Children Ready to Compete in the Global Arena?

According to the CDF report, children in America lag behind almost all industrialized nations on key child indicators. The United States has the unwanted distinction of being worst among industrialized nations in relative child poverty, in the gap between rich and poor, in teen birth rates, and in child gun violence, and first in the number of incarcerated persons. Poverty

Every 33 seconds a baby is born into poverty. One in 6 children in America is poor. Black and Latino children are about 3 times as likely to be poor as white children. Almost 1 in 13 children in the United States – 5.8 million – lives in extreme poverty. Young children are more likely than school-age children to live in extreme poverty: 1 in 11 young children, compared to 1 in 14 older children.

population in six states and in the District of Columbia. In 12 other states, minority children make up between 40 and 50 percent of the child population. Health

Currently, 8.9 million children are uninsured. One in 5 Latino children and 1 in 8 black children are uninsured, compared to 1 in 13 white children. In almost every state, black and Latino babies are less likely than white babies to be born to mothers who received early prenatal care. About 1 in 12 babies born in the United States is low birthweight, with black babies about twice as likely as white or Latino babies to be born at low birthweight. Infant mortality rates are more than twice as high for black infants as for white infants.

and Latino 4th graders in public school cannot read at grade level, compared with 58 percent of their white peers. 85 percent of black 4th graders in public school cannot do math at grade level, compared to 78 percent of Latino children and about half of white children. 7 out of 10 public school 8th graders cannot read or do math at grade level. More than 4 out of 5 black 8th graders cannot read, or do math at grade level, compared to 3 out of 5 of their white peers. Nutrition

More than half the children participating in the School Lunch Program more than 17 million children receive free or reduced-price meals. The 8 million children in the School Breakfast Program who received free or reduced-price meals – 4 out of 5 participants – are the neediest children. Yet Child Welfare More than 900,000 children were abused or ne- the Summer Food Service Program, an entitlement glected in 2006. targeted at these children, served fewer than 2 milAlthough black children comprise 15 percent of lion children, showing that needy children are not all children, they are 32 percent of the approximate receiving this important assistance during the sum500,000 children in foster care. mer months. More than 2.5 million grandparents are raising Youth at Risk their grandchildren. White, black and Latino teens are about equally Early Childhood Development

In 33 states and the District of Columbia, the annual cost of center-based child care for a preschooler is more than the annual tuition at a 4-year public college. Only about one-half to two-thirds of children eligible for Head Start are enrolled, and only about 3 percent of eligible infants and young children are enrolled in Early Head Start. Education

likely to use drugs, but black juveniles are twice as likely as their white peers to be arrested for drug offenses and more than five times as likely to be incarcerated for drug offenses as white teens. 3,006 children and teens were killed by firearms in 2005, the equivalent of 120 public school classrooms of 25 students each. Another 16,000 children and teens suffered non-fatal firearm injuries. During the summer months, fewer than half of older teens have jobs.

About two-thirds of public school 4th graders Download the full report at www.childrensdefense. cannot read at grade level; 6 out of 10 cannot do Minority children are a majority of the child math at grade level. More than 80 percent of black org/stateofamericaschildren

Demographics

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National Medical Association receives Funding from CDC for HIV Prevention

The National Medical Association (NMA) received funding for the next five years from the Center for Disease Control Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative. The Initiative--to increase HIV awareness among the general public and populations at greatest risk was launched today at the White House along with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The new national communication campaign on HIV/AIDS, of which the National Medical Association is a participant, is a $10 million, 5-year partnership between CDC and 14 of the nation’s leading African-American organizations to increase awareness, knowledge and action to reduce the severe toll of HIV/AIDS in black communities. “We need to ensure the community The Resource for Black Americans

is provided the knowledge and awareness and these resources will ensure this happens,” said Carolyn Barley Britton, M.D., M.S., President, National Medical Association. Today, African Americans face the most severe rates of HIV infection in nation. According to the CDC, African Americans make up just 12% of population but account for nearly half of new infections (45%); and almost half of those living with HIV (46%). One in 16 African American men will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetime as will 1 in 30 black women. AIDS continues to be a leading killer of black men and women and is the leading cause of death among black women 25-34 and the second leading cause of death

among black men 35-44. “Since the beginning of the epidemic, over 200,000 African Americans with AIDS have died. The NMA is committed to working with the CDC, the Obama Administration and others to highlight this national crisis and stop the spread of this disease in our community,” said Dr. Niva Lubin Johnson, Chair, NMA Board of Trustees. “The NMA has long advocated for the resources to prevent and stop the spread of HIV/ AIDS in the community and this campaign is just what is needed in this fight”, said Mohammad N. Akhter, M.D., Executive Director, National Medical Association. The Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative is a partnership with 14 of the nations leading African American civic organizations to integrate HIV prevention into each organization’s outreach program. The CDC asserts, while many AAALI partners continued on next page

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have longstanding commitments to addressing HIV among African-Americans, the new initiative will enable each group to make HIV prevention a core component of its day-to-day activities. The 14 organizations were chosen based on demonstrated reach, credibility, and influence at the national, regional and local community level, as well as the ability to effectively reach African-Americans at risk through established communication platforms. The program will work to equip each organization with the resources needed to deliver consistent and sustainable HIV prevention programs through its extensive outreach networks. Each organization will use AAALI funds to support an HIV coordinator who will work through the organization’s membership networks to disseminate Act Against AIDS campaign materials and other HIV prevention services. AAALI partners represent a broad spectrum of the black community and will conduct a wide range of communication, mobilization, and outreach activities. Examples include: • Integrating Act Against AIDS and other HIV prevention messages into African-American community forums • Holding education and training sessions on HIV prevention at national and regional membership conventions • Giving Act Against AIDS and other HIV prevention public service announcements (PSAs) prominent placement in African-American broadcast and print outlets throughout the nation • Training and funding local chapters to implement community-based awareness campaigns • Working to educate national, state, and local policymakers and community leaders about the role of HIV prevention in advancing the wellbeing of African-Americans • Extending campaign messages through organization publications, Web sites, and public appearances • Working with African-American celebrities to produce additional PSAs AAALI is designed to create a network of organizations that reach through multiple sectors of the African-American community – civic, business, media, and education – to help accelerate HIV prevention efforts and reduce the severe burden of HIV and AIDS among black men, women, and children across the nation. Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative Partners Organizations

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• 100 Black Men of America, a national alliance of leading African-American men of business, industry, public affairs and government whose mission is to improve the quality of life for AfricanAmericans, particularly African-American youth • American Urban Radio Networks, the nation’s only African-American owned network radio company, which broadcasts programming to more then 300 radio stations nationwide • Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the nation’s oldest and largest independent black labor organization • Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, a nonpartisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and education institute to help improve the socioeconomic circumstances of African-Americans and other underserved communities • National Action Network, one of the nation’s leading civil rights organizations • National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization with more than half a million members and supporters nationwide • National Coalition of 100 Black Women, a nonprofit advocacy organization supporting women of color through leadership development, networking, political action, health awareness, mentoring and scholarship • National Council of Negro Women, a coalition of national African-American women’s organizations connecting nearly 4 million women worldwide to lead, develop and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities • National Medical Association, the largest and oldest national organization representing AfricanAmerican physicians and their patients in the United States • National Newspaper Publishers Association, a 67-year-old federation of more than 200 black community newspapers from across the United States • National Organization of Black County Officials, a coalition of black elected and appointed officials within county government for all 50 states • National Urban League, the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African-Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream • Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, a predominantly African-American fraternity founded in 1914 dedicated to public service • Southern Christian Leadership Conference, one of the oldest and most influential civil rights organizations in the United States. www.IBAPublications.com

Prince Hall Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star Jurisdiction of Georgia Celebrating 111 years as the Order of the Eastern Star in Georgia Theme: “Strategizing the STAR through the Synergy of Service: Education, Wellness, and Volunteerism” From Sister Dorothy Edwards, Past Royal Grand Matron and Brother W.E. Terry, Past Royal Grand Patron down through the years to Sister Marilyn Moore, 14th Grand Worthy Matron, and Brother Marvin Knight, 32°, 9th Grand Worthy Patron. Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Jurisdiction of Georgia Sisters and the Masonic Brothers are proud of our beautiful Order and its legacy. One hundred and eleven years ago, a group of dedicated, inspired Eastern Stars met in the historic coastal city of Savannah – the oldest city in Georgia – to organize the Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. The pioneers had a dream, and through hard work and a strong determination, their dream came to fruition. As we celebrate 111 years, we will grow and glow as “Stars”, to praise God more, and continue with great vigor, the implementation of the O.E.S. goals – Dedication to Charity, Truth, and Loving Kindness; being of service to all mankind; and aiding, protecting, and comforting each other as we journey through the labyrinth of human life. The mission of this beautiful Order is “Service” – And to lead our Sisters and Brothers closer to God. The order of the Eastern Star is also a charitable organization. We believe in helping others in our communities. The Order of the Eastern Star in GA have strived spiritually, physically, financially, and educationally to accomplish all our services by giving donations and participating in various activities in the communities. Some of our activities and participations are: • Adopt schools and provide the individual schools with services and school supplies. • Give generous scholarship contributions yearly to students going to college to all recipients from the 25 districts of the Order in GA. • Donate various needy items to Nursing Homes in the local areas in GA. The Resource for Black Americans

• Make donations to the Women, Men, and Children’s shelters. • Each Chapter has Church visitations. • Sponsor Health Fairs in all twenty-five Districts. • Distribute Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to elder members in our Order and to needy families and various other people in our communities. • Sponsor Easter Egg Hunts and various other activities for the Youth. • Assist the Youth Groups annually to visit to the Ronald McDonald House and deliver large boxes of tabs for the Pop Tab Recycling Program. Aluminum pop tabs are collected to generate necessary income to allow Ronald McDonald Houses to provide comfortable housing to families of critically ill and injured children. Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Grand Youth Chapter, Jurisdiction of Georgia, has a great legacy. The Jurisdiction of Georgia’s family is proud of its Grand Youth Chapter, O.E.S., P.H.A., which is made up of forty (40) Youth Chapters. “We Believe Our Children are Our Future.” Our Youth Chapters members show great leadership principles, energetic, gifted, noble, precious, lovable, talented and unique. Our Grand Youth Director, Sister Eddie Lee Marsh, Grand Assistant Youth Advisor, Sister Mary James and their team are doing an excellent job. Grand Youth Director Marsh stated that she is proud of the good works that are accomplished in the Jurisdiction of Georgia through the Youth Chapters. Also she stated, as we continue the legacy, we must keep focus on empowering the youth to become leaders, movers and shapers in the 21st century. The programming objectives are to: • Invest in our Youth positively and with structure to yield lasting outcomes.

• Organize, re-organize and maintain Youth Chapters throughout the Jurisdiction of Georgia. • Emphasize the values of the Eastern Star TEAM building spirit thereby strengthening the Eastern Star Legacy through vision and action. It is the desire of the Orders to continue to serve its Youth with motivation, inspiration and dedication. We thank God for all those dedicated Sisters and Brothers who played a major role in the Prince Hall Grand Chapter success story. It is indeed a great and noble heritage which inspires the Order of the Eastern Star. Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Jurisdiction of Georgia, is progressing with 201 Chapters, and asks “God’s blessing as we continue in the good works of the Order for mankind. The “Star” that we follow, has shed its light upon our way. The Prince Hall Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, P.H.A. Jurisdiction of Georgia Believe: IF If we all lived up to our great Eastern Star And proclaimed its teaching near and far, The world would be different, whatever our station, wherever our niche. Live and practice these precepts sublime, enshrine them in hearts of every clime and thus bless the lives of old age and youth, By teaching these virtues: Relief, Love, Truth The Honorable Ramsey Davis, Jr. 33° Most Worshipful Grand Master

Sister Marilyn Moore

Grand Worthy Matron

Brother Marvin Knight Grand Worthy Patron

Sister Ruth S, Stevenson

Grand C.C.F.C.

Issues In Black America

So you want to start your own Business? by Dr. Willie Claiborne

So many people want their own business and have no idea where to start. They go to office supply stores, purchase cardstock and print their “business cards’, pass them out and tell everyone they have their own business. Not so! It takes a lot of research and hard work. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has seen lots of small businesses come and, unfortunately, go. According to the SBA, over 50% of small businesses fail in the first five years. It might seem like a good idea to start a business, but when the going gets tough, and it will get tough, you must have the 3 D’s to make your vision a success. The 3 D’s - dedication, diligence, and determination. You must be dedicated to yourself and your vision. You must be diligent about the research and work that has to be done. You must be determined to make it a success. Starting a business begins with having a vision. Determine what your vision is. What would you do if money was no object? Would you be happy doing it whether you had money or not? Answer these three questions: 1) What are you going to do? 2) How are you going to do it? 3) Why are you doing it? You’ve just answered questions that you need to write your Vision Statement. Habakkuk 2:2 the Lord said, “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Every successful business needs help. Whether staff members or volunteers, you must give them a written vision to follow. When starting a business you have a choice of what type of an entrepreneur you want to become. A business man or woman whose focus is mainly on making their particular business successful to become rich or an entrepreneur that wants to acquire wealth. Are you willing to put in the time? Starting a

Issues In Black America

business can require working from 80 to100 - hour per week. “Entrepreneurs at heart see a larger picture...” entrepreneurs are much more interested in ‘wealth’ rather than ‘riches,’“ says Scott Laughlin, director of the University of Maryland’s tech entrepreneurship program. Riches are piles of money, he says; wealth is broader, encompassing less-tangible rewards such as respect and independence. So, would-be entrepreneurs need to examine how they expect to be rewarded. “If the compensation is just cash,” Laughlin says, “then the practice of entrepreneurship will not be very rewarding.” No matter what type of business you start, the basic fundamentals are the same: business name, business formation, corporate status, EIN, vision, mission, goals, business plan, marketing plan, financial plan, Board of Directors, and much more. We’ll be discussing many details in upcoming issues. In order to make any business successful, you must operate in the same basic qualities. You must have a passion for what you do, therefore you won’t quit. You must be committed to your cause, that way you won’t quit, and you must be willing to make sacrifices, that way you won’t quit. Believe in yourself and quitting will not be an option. Good business practice is to have Godly business attributes: integrity, good character, discipline, diligence, prayer, obedience, always keep your word, keep a good attitude, provide the best service, don’t

give up, cave in or quit, protect the anointing at all cost, and always follow through. Part of the essentials of starting a business is having a plan. In order to succeed in business, you must be willing to adjust your plan based on the changes that your business will go through as it grows. Your business plan is the road map to guide you and your team through the vision that you have. Setting goals will allow you to stay on target as you execute your plan. Time management will be key in maintaining the Godly attributes that we discussed earlier. It is a good practice to use a calendar or day planner. Always complete your planned task, before moving on to next one. When moving from a job into entrepreneurship, you must retrain you mind. Your thinking has to change. You are no longer the owned, you are the Owner. You are no longer being bossed, you are the Boss. Whatsoever a man thinketh, so is he. So take the time to renew your mind. See you at the Top!

Dr. Claiborne is the President / CEO of Faith Business Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also the President/founder of New Direction World Outreach Ministries, Inc. and serves as a Georgia State Ambassador of District 2 - Ambassador For Christ Convention of Churches. She may be reached at: www.faithbusinesscenter.org www.IBAPublications.com

Childhood Obesity: It Is Time For Action by Jacqueline T. Crenshaw, Nutritionist/RD Dietitian and Nutrition Editor

Embarking upon the second decade of the 21st century, American citizens, especially black men, women, and children, are having the worst time in our history fighting to win the battle of the bulge. It has been and will be an issue for some time to come. Statistics and research indicates that we are getting sicker every day because of obesity, heart disease, asthma, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, strokes, hypertension, gallbladder disease and many other weight related diseases due to overweight. Looking at the childhood obesity numbers - nearly 20 percent of American kids under the age of five have been diagnosed as obese and overall, 30 percent are overweight. Over 60 percent of African Americans children and adults suffer from obesity. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to let us know that nearly fifty percent of our future may have health problems caused by excessive weight. More harm is being done by our children being allowed to become overweight at early ages, and then overlap into teenage years with no action taken to prevent obesity. Southern U.S. states and the Appalachia have the highest numbers of childhood obesity proportionally, and a greater amount of poorer and black American residents. Is this something that follows these populations? Does it have to keep on going that way or do we want to continually be a statistic? The American Council on Pediatrics has published guidelines to deal with childhood obesity because of the greater risk of adult obesity stemming from childhood overweight and obesity. Many magazines publishing articles, be they for health reasons or cosmetically, are addressing the hot topic. Body image has become a high priority in our society as well as and some other developing countries.

two years of age. It will also help adults be a better role model in food selections. The worst list includes: Sodas (Pop), Hamburger, Hotdogs, French Fries, and Pizza loaded with meat and cheese, lots of whole milk, candies, milkshakes and ice cream, lots of regular dressing for salads. The best list includes: Fresh fruits and vegetables, 1% or fat-free milk, low fat hot dogs and leaner ground meats or vegetarian burgers, low sugar cereals, nonfat or low fat ice creams or frozen yogurt.

It Is Time for Action

My advice is to take action as soon as we recognize that our weight is climbing. Check and analyze your lifestyle. Here are some suggestions for taking action: • Do not wait until it affects your health to be concern. • Become more physical active daily by adding 30 minutes of activity everyday. • Take away some of those TV hours from children and get active with them. • Take a physical job and less desk jobs but if you have to be at your computer for working take a break and exercise. • Do eat healthier and eat less high caloric foods such as sweets, junk and fried foods. • Make vegetables and fruits a high priority in your diet. • Cook from scratch at least three times a week and less fast foods and watch your portion sizes. • Make breakfast an important meal and choose whole –grain foods as a choice. The Center for Science has published food lists for children over The Resource for Black Americans

Fiesta Bean and Pea Salad

There is no limit on the amount of vegetables you may put into this salad, so base it your color desire, amount and the size bowl you plan to use to serve. Ingredients Seasoning

¼ cup diced celery ¼ - ½ tsp dill weed ¼ cup diced sweet onion ½ tsp parsley ½ cup diced tomatoes ¼ cup Kraft Red Wine Vinegar ½ chopped bell pepper Salt to taste (optional) ½ cup whole kernel corn Kraft Creamy Buttermilk ranch dressing (fresh, cooked on cob or canned) ½ diced cucumber 1 can each black beans and black-eyed peas, drained & rinsed Prepare all vegetables as desired. Place in mixing bowl. Add beans and peas to vegetables and mix. Corn may be added last if fresh and cut off cob. Season the mixture with herbs and vinegar. Refrigerate and serve on bed of lettuce and tortilla chips. Top with choice of creamy dressing if desired.

Issues In Black America

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The Resource for Black Americans

Issues In Black America

Be a Part of the 2010 Census by The US Census Bureau

Counting Everyone Once — and Only Once — and In the Right Place

The foundation of our American democracy is dependent on fair and equitable representation in Congress. In order to achieve an accurate assessment of the number and location of the people living within the nation’s borders, the U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The census population totals determine which states gain or lose representation in Congress. It also determines the amount of state and federal funding communities receive over the course of the decade. 2010 Census data will directly affect how more than $3 trillion is allocated to local, state, and tribal governments over the next 10 years. In order for this funding allocation to be accomplished fairly and accurately, the goal of the decennial census is to count everybody, count them only once, and count them in the right place. The facts gathered in the census also help shape decisions for the rest of the decade about public health, neighborhood improvements, transportation, education, senior services and much more. Reaching an Increasingly Diverse Population

The goal of the 2010 Census is to count all residents living in the United States on April 1, 2010. The U.S. Census Bureau does not ask about the legal status of respondents in any of its surveys and census programs. To help ensure the nation’s increasingly diverse population can answer the questionnaire accurately and completely, about 13 million bilingual Spanish/English forms will be mailed to housing units in neighborhoods identified as requiring high levels of Spanish assistance. Additionally, questionnaires in Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Vietnamese, and Russian – as well as language guides in 59 languages – will be available on request. 10 Questions, 10 Minutes to Complete

With one of the shortest questionnaires in histo-

Issues In Black America

ry, the 2010 Census asks for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home. It takes only about 10 minutes for the average household to complete. Questions about how we live as a nation – our diversity, education, housing, jobs and more – are now covered in the American Community Survey, which is conducted every year throughout the decade and replaces the Census 2000 long-form questionnaire. “The participation of community leaders, organizations, and local governments can help make the 2010 Census the most accurate census in our nation’s history,” said Tom Mesenbourg, acting director of the U.S. Census Bureau. Responses to the 2010 Census questionnaire are required by law. All responses are used for statistical purposes only, and all are strictly confidential.

Census, you will be directly involved with ensuring that it happens.” Most positions require U.S. citizenship, a driver’s license, use of a vehicle, and each applicant will undergo a background check; A short-term job with long-term results. The Census: A Snapshot

The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years. The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States: in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, both citizens And non-citizens. Recruiting Census Workers The 2010 Census will create hundreds of thouBy 2010, there will be an estimated 310 million sands of temporary jobs across the nation. people residing in the United States. Counting each It’s in Our Hands: Your Participation person is one of the largest operations the federal in the 2010 Census Matters government undertakes. For example, the Census Every year, more than $300 billion in federal Bureau will recruit nearly 3.8 million applicants for funds is awarded to states and communities based 2010 Census field operations. Of these applicants, on census data. That’s more than $3 trillion over a the Census Bureau will hire about 1.4 million tem10-year period. porary employees. The jobs, which offer competiCensus data guide local decision-makers in imtive wages and flexible schedules, also allow peoportant community planning efforts, including ple to work in their neighborhoods and for their where to build new roads, hospitals, and schools. neighborhoods,” said Marilia Matos, the Census Census data affect your voice in Congress by deBureau’s associate director for field operations. “We termining how many seats each state will have in hire locally, and an accurate count means a fair disthe U.S. House of Representatives tribution of money for schools, roads, neighborhood improvements, and elderly care in your com- Completing the 2010 Census munity.” The U.S. population is more diverse than Questionnaire: Simple and Safe The 2010 Census questionnaire asks only a ever before, with people speaking a record number few simple questions of each person—name, relaof languages. As a result, in many areas the Census Bureau will need to hire people who are bilingual. tionship, gender, age and date of birth, race, and “If we do not obtain an accurate count in 2010, whether the respondent owns or rents his or her each person residing in the United States will be home. This simple, short questionnaire takes just a affected,” Matos said. “Everyone deserves to have a few minutes to complete and return by mail. The Census Bureau does not release or share invoice and be counted, and by working for the 2010 www.IBAPublications.com

formation that identifies individual respondents or their household for 72 years. Why should everyone participate in the 2010 Census?

Census data shape the future of your community and define your voice in Congress. Census information helps determine locations for schools, roads, hospitals, child-care and senior citizen centers, and more. Businesses use census data to locate supermarkets, shopping centers, new housing, and other facilities. The census determines how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as – the boundaries of legislative districts.

IF YOU’RE NOT AT YOUR LAST JOB,

YOUR 401(k)

SHOULDN’T BE EITHER.

How will the 2010 Census differ from previous census efforts?

In the last census, one in six households received a long questionnaire asking for detailed socioeconomic information. In 2010, every residence will receive a short questionnaire that is simple and fast to complete and return. More detailed information will be collected annually from a small percentage of the population through the American Community Survey. Why are partners so important to the 2010 Census campaign?

More than 140,000 organizations supported Census 2000, including state and local governments, community- and faith-based organizations, schools, media, businesses, and others. The Census Bureau relies on partners to help explain the importance of completing the 2010 Census message to people in every corner of the United States. This is particularly important in areas isolated by language or geography. By joining forces with partners, the Census Bureau has a far greater chance to reach every U.S. resident than by attempting this monumental task alone. Will the information the Census Bureau collects remain confidential?

Yes. Every Census Bureau worker takes an oath for life to protect the confidentiality of census responses. Violation would result in a jail term of up to five years and/or fine of up to $250,000. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s answers with anyone, including welfare and immigration agencies. The Resource for Black Americans

Leaving a 401(k) with a previous employer could mean leaving it alone with no one to watch over it. At Edward Jones, we can explain options for your 401(k) and help you select the one that’s best for you. If you’d like to roll it over into an Edward Jones IRA, we can help you do it without paying taxes or penalties. So you can feel confident someone is looking out for you and your 401(k). To find out why it makes sense to talk with Edward Jones about your 401(k) options, call or visit your local financial advisor today. Richard S Pitts

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The

Interdenominational Theological Center A Unique Theological Experience by Dr. Jamal-Dominique Hopkins

Issues In Black America

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The interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) is a consortium of denominational seminaries whose mission is to educate Christian leaders for ministry and service in the church and the global community. ITC educates and nurtures women and men who commit to and practice a liberating and transforming spirituality; academic discipline; religious, gender and cultural diversity; and justice and peace. The Interdenominational Theological Center, one of the most significant ventures in theological education in America, was chartered in 1958 through the mutual efforts of four denominations, representing four seminaries in order of their chronology - them being the Morehouse School of Religion, Gammon Theological Seminary, Turner Theological Seminary, and Philips School of Theology. Other schools that would later follow include Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, Charles H. Mason Theological Seminary, the Lutheran Seminary, and the Richardson Fellowship. AT-LARGE CONSTITUENCY

Since its inception, The ITC has welcomed into its enrollment students who were members of denominations other than the six constituent denominations. These students are designated as “AtLarge.” In 1998, this “constituency” was named the Selma T. and Harry V. Richardson Fellowship, in honor of its founding president and his wife, Selma. It operates under the leadership of the administrative dean for At-Large Students. At present, more than fifteen different denominations are represented among this population, including Disciples of Christ (Christian Church), United Church of Christ, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Lutheran, Episcopal, and Roman Catholic, as well as students who are non-denominational. Currently, At-Large students make up the fourth largest of the individual student segments at The ITC; they participate fully in the life of the institution. The At-Large Student Fellowship elects officers annually and undertakes a full calendar of programs, services, and activities. The institution is in its fifth decade of providing service to the world as the leading academy for African-American graduate theological education and training. And is the only United Negro College Fund (UNCF) institution that offers graduate theological education. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, ITC is one of six continued on next page The Resource for Black Americans

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ITC continued from page 39

campuses in the Atlanta University Center, the largest consortium of Black higher education in the world. And is a private-not-for profit university, with a student body of which 47% are women. The International Theological Center offers both master’s and doctoral degrees. History of the Interdenominational Theological Center - Seminaries MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF RELIGION

In February 1867, a school for the training of ministers and other church leaders was organized in the Springfield Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia, under the sponsorship of the American Baptist Home Mission Society. This school was known as the Augusta Institute until its move to Atlanta in 1879, whereupon it was renamed Atlanta Baptist Seminary. Twenty years later, the Seminary was authorized to offer college work and the name was changed to Atlanta Baptist College. The name Morehouse was adopted in 1913 in honor of Dr. Henry L. Morehouse, Corresponding Secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society and, in 1924, the Divinity School of Morehouse College became known as the School of Religion and became the Baptist constituent member of the consortium known as the Interdenominational Theological Center. GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Gammon Theological Seminary had its beginning as Gammon School of Theology, first as a Department of Religion and Philosophy at Clark University for the 1869-70 academic year. Gammon Theological Seminary was founded in 1883 by the Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Gilbert Haven and the officers of the Freedmen’s Aid Society had purchased nearly 500 acres of high land in the southern suburbs of Atlanta to which Clark University relocated in 1883. A Department of Theology was established at Clark University in 1882, through the efforts of Bishop Henry White Warren, resident bishop, and the gift of $20,000 for endowment from the Rev. Elijah H. Gammon, a superannuated Methodist minister of the Rock River (Illinois) Conference. The enthusiasm and cooperation of these two men led to the erection of Gammon Hall which was dedicated on December 18, 1883. In June of that year, the Reverend Wilbur Patterson Thirkield was elected dean, and “Gammon School of Theology” was officially opened on October 3, 1883. TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

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Turner Theological Seminary began as a department of Morris Brown College in 1894, nine years after the Board of Trustees first voted approval on September 23, 1885. The name, Turner Theological Seminary, was approved in 1900 in honor of Bishop Henry McNeal Turner who was the resident bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and senior bishop of the denomination at that time. The Trustee Board of Morris Brown College authorized Turner Theological Seminary to become a founding constituent of Interdenominational Theological Center in 1958. The Seminary received its own charter in 1975 and its first separate Board of Trustees was elected. Turner Theological Seminary remains committed to its motto “For a Prepared Ministry” in keeping with the aim of its founders to be “an institution for the preparation of young men and women for every department of Christian work. PHILLIPS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

Phillips School of Theology is the only seminary of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church. It was founded on May 30, 1944, by the action of the Lane College Board of Trustees (Jackson, Tennessee) and birthed into reality by the leadership of Bishop J. Arthur Hamlett. The academic program of Phillips began on January 2, 1945. In 1950, the General Conference of the CME Church voted to make Phillips School of Theology a Connectional school, which entitled Phillips to the financial support of the denomination. In August 1959, Phillips School of Theology became a founding member of the Interdenominational Theological Center by action of the 1958 General Conference of the CME Church. Graduates of Phillips serve effectively at every level of ministry in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church - as civilian and military chaplains, professors, and teachers. Phillips prides itself in shaping men and women for a competent, relevant ministry that is priestly, pastoral, and prophetic. Phillips was named in honor of Charles Henry Phillips, the 20th bishop of the CME Church. Bishop Phillips was one of the best-trained ministers of his day, including holding a degree in medicine. JOHNSON C. SMITH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary is one of the ten theological institutions of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It was established on April 7, 1867, as a part of the Freedmen’s College of North Carolina, subsequently named Biddle Memorial Institute, Charlotte, North Carolina. In 1923,

Mrs. Jane Berry Smith of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, generously endowed the institution and constructed several buildings on the seventy-five acre campus in honor of her husband, Johnson C. Smith. In recognition of this gift, the Board of Trustees voted on March 1, 1923, to change the name of the Institute to Johnson C. Smith University. The Seminary operated as a department of the University, graduating its first class of three in 1872. In 1969, the religion department moved from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Atlanta as Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary. Through official action of the Johnson C. Smith University Board of Trustees and the 182nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Seminary became a part of the consortium of the six Protestant seminaries known as the Interdenominational Theological Center. CHARLES H. MASON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

In the fall of 1968, the General Assembly of the Church of God in Christ approved a new Constitution which resolved the Church’s political crises and elected a new administration. This administration, headed by Presiding Bishop James Oglethorpe Patterson, Sr., and a presidium called the General Board, made the seminary idea one of its priorities. Bishop Patterson convened another planning committee led by Bishop D. A. Burton, general secretary of the Church, and Bishop R. L. H. Winbush, president of the Publishing Board. This committee finalized plans for organizing the Seminary and its entrance into the Interdenominational Theological Center. In April 1970, the General Assembly authorized the Charles H. Mason Theological Seminary, named in honor of the founder of the Church, to become a constituent seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center. Bishop Charles E. Blake was elected the first chairman of the Board of Trustees, while Dr. Leonard Lovett was chosen as dean. The Seminary officially opened in the fall of 1970. Dr. Oliver J. Haney, Jr., served as dean of the Charles H. Mason Theological Seminary from 1974 until his retirement in June 2004. Dr. Harold V. Bennett currently serves as administrative dean. LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN ATLANTA

ITC also has a growing relationship with the Lutheran Church through the participation of The Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta (LTCA) on its campus. This seminary began as an enrichment program of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1988. As such, it provided an opportunity for www.IBAPublications.com

The Chapel at The Interdenominational Theological Center

students from both seminaries to come to Atlanta and take courses at the Atlanta seminaries toward the graduation requirements of Trinity and Southern. In 1997, LTCA moved to the Interdenominational Theological Center’s campus to strengthen both the Lutheran Center’s relationship to ITC and the commitment of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to encourage AfricanAmerican leadership development in the ELCA. The Rev. W. Arthur Lewis, a former pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is the director of the Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta. The Interdenominational Theological Center Actualization

The Center’s actualization was greatly helped by some magnificent grants from philanthropic foundations, especially the Sealantic Fund and the General Education Board. The ITC has been accredited by the Association of Theological Schools since 1960 and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since October 1984. The Absalom Jones Theological Institute became a part of The ITC following the unanimous endorsement of the Episcopal Church’s Board for Theological Education and Seminary Deans on March 30, 1971. The proposal for affiliation was submitted by the Reverend Robert A. Bennett for the Directors of the Union of Black Episcopalians. The Seminary was named to honor the first African American ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church. The program proved to be too expensive for the small number of African Americans in training and the Seminary closed in 1979. The Resource for Black Americans

ITC faculty members are chosen both for scholarly competence and for teaching ability. They constitute an outstanding group among the seminaries of the nation. The faculty-student ratio is very favorable, thus insuring small classes and individual attention with an opportunity for flexibility in instruction. Dr. Harry V. Richardson served as the first president of the Interdenominational Theological Center from 1959 to 1968. Dr. Oswald P. Bronson served as president from 1968 to 1975. Dr. Grant S. Shockley became president in January of 1976 and served until the end of December 1979. Dr. James Deotis Roberts became president in August 1980 and served until April 1983. Dr. James H. Costen became president in December 1983 and served through June 1997. Dr. Robert Michael Franklin became president in July 1997. Franklin and was succeeded by Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr. in 2004. In 2009 Dr. Battle was confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to the African Union. The current interim president is Dr. Thomas W. Cole Jr. The ITC is located on a ten-acre plot in the heart of the Atlanta University Center. The site is a generous gift of Atlanta University. The buildings and all other facilities are modern, providing every resource for effective instruction and comfortable living. The Center is under the direction of a forty-five member Board of Trustees. Twentyfour of the trustees come from the six participating schools. The remaining twenty-one trustees are fifteen members-at-large chosen without regard to denominational affiliation; two alumni representatives, two faculty representatives, and two student

representatives. The trustees employ the faculty and administration, set institutional policies, and oversee the management of the physical and financial resources of the Center. ICAM, ITC’s national church management training arm, has trained more than 2,000 pastors and lay leaders in 32 states. Also, ITC’s Extension Education Program offers courses in 50 cities throughout the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda. National and international outreach programs of ITC include: Faith and the City, The institute of Church administration and Management, Black Women in Church and Society. The Continuing Education and Extension Program, the Institute for Black Religious life, The Youth Hope – Builders Academy Program, Religious Heritage of the African World, and Health Education and leadership Project. ITC served as the first home of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Notable ITC alumni include Dr. Jackie Grant, Bishop Eddie L. Long, Dr. Katie G. Cannon, and Ambassador Charles Stith among others. Interdenominational Theological Center 700 Martin Luther King Jr., Drive S. W. Atlanta, Georgia 30314 www.itc.edu Jamal-Dominique Hopkins, Ph.D., is the editor of the Journal of ITC and Assistant Professor of New Testament at the ITC

Issues In Black America

Historically Black Colleges and Universities We at IBA are abuzz with the prospect of bringing you news about innovative programs, features on movers and shakers, ground-breaking initiatives, partnerships and other updates from the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historically black colleges and universities. In each edition, we will feature several institutions, as well as key leaders from those institutions. We will focus on everything from the bands, to the Rhodes Scholars, to the corporate CEOs and the sterling programs they produce. In this issue we take a look at numerous HBCUs, their history, mission, student requirements, famous alumni and other areas of information relating to the university.

Charles Drew University Of Medicine and Science

The Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science has evolved and grown and has been shaped by the needs of the community it serves. Located in the Watts-Willowbrook section of South Los Angeles, the institution benefits from its location and the corresponding diversity and complexity of its patient population by creating an academic environment unlike any other. Through innovative basic science, the University conducts education, patient care and research programs by training physicians and allied health professionals to provide care to under served populations. Following nearly a decade of community-based advocacy for improved medical services, the University was incorporated in August of 1966. In response to the lack of adequate medical facilities in the area, the institution later became a University and changed its name in 1987 to reflect its expanded academic role and identity. The University is named in honor of Dr. Charles R. Drew, a brilliant African-American physician, famous for his pioneering work in blood preservation. His dedication to learning and the sharing of knowledge to benefit mankind is the inspiration for the University. The 11-acre campus university strives to improve the health status of underserved communities through innovative biomedical research and progressive health policies. By maintaining and expanding relationships with local medical schools, research institutions and community-based organizations, Drew is focused on eliminating the health disparities by providing access to and delivery of healthcare services to underserved populations.

cruited to the United States to become Dean, Associate Provost and a tenured full professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UMW). There she led the School of Continuing Educationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s successful financial and programmatic transformation. In 2004 she left UMW to become University Provost at Argosy University, a national 13 campus, largely graduate university. Before coming to Charles Drew University, Dr. Kelly served as Vice-President for Higher Education and Business Partnerships at the Chicago-based Council of Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), a national non-profit organization committed to the advancement of adult and working students. Educational Departments

College of Medicine College of Science and Health Anesthesiology Biomedical Sciences Emergency Medicine Clinical Coding Specialist Family Medicine Diagnostic Medical Sonography Internal Medicine Health Information Technology Neurosciences Nuclear Medicine technology Obstetrics Gynecology Pharmacy Technology Ophthalmology Physician Assistant Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Radiology Orthopedics Otolaryngology Pathology Pediatrics Department of General Studies Psychiatry Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Studies Radiology Pre-Healing Arts Mission Surgery Substance Abuse Counseling To conduct education, research and clinical services in the context of Other Programs Graduate Programs community engagement to train health professionals who promote wellness, Division of Continuing Education Urban Public Health (MPH) provide care with excellence and compassion and transform the health of unProfile derserved communities. Student Enrollment - 263 The President Type of University - private not-for-profit Susan Kelly, Ph. D., FAPS Female - 51% President and Chief Executive Officer Length of Study - Four or more years Dr. Susan Kelly became the eighth president and the first female to lead Male - 49% Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science when she took the position Academic Calendar - Trimester on May 1, 2006. An Australian, she earned her Ph.D. in psychology from Tuition - $8,500 the University of Melbourne after receiving her graduate degree in education Retention Rate - 95% from the University of Canberra and her undergraduate degree in psychology and English literature from the University of Tasmania. In 1998, she was recontinued on page 44

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Historically Black Colleges and Universities

service learning as it pertains to historically black colleges.

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Academic Programs

• Biology • Business Administration • Communications • Computer Information Systems (Concentrations: English and (Concentrations: Information Mass Communications) Technology • Mathematics Music (Concentraand Business tions: Instrumental Performance, and Management) Vocal Performance, and Sacred • Criminal Justice Music) • Elementary Education • Political Science • Physical Education • Psychology • Physical Education/Recreation • Religion and Philosophy • Organizational Management • Sociology (CLIMB) Edward Waters College is a private college located in Jacksonville, Florida. • Professional Programs It was founded in 1866 to educate freed slaves and is the oldest historically Minor Programs black college in Florida. • Arts & Sciences • Psychology • Sociology The first AME pastor in the state, Rev. William G. Steward, originally Degrees named the college Brown Theological Institute.The school went through Degrees Awarded in the Following Programs some financial difficulties and closed for much of the 1870s. It reopened in • Bachelor of Arts • Bachelor of Science 1883 with an extended educational program and its current name. • Bachelor of Business Administration The original Edward Waters College was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1901, but by 1904 new land was obtained and work was started on the new Profile college. Edward Waters was accredited as a junior college in 1955 and 5 years Type of College - Private-not-for Profit Student Enrollment - 839 later had a restored four year accredited curriculum. Tuition - $9,176 Mission Male: 51% - Female: 49% Seeks to develop in each of its students the high levels of competence in School Motto - Excellence, ethics and integrity basic social, thinking, listening, speaking, reading, writing, mathematical, Length of Study - Four or more years technological and leadership skills that are the characteristics of an educated Religious Affiliation - African Methodist Episcopal Academic person. It also seeks to develop within each student the breadth of knowledge, Calendar - semester the commitment to service and adherence to high ethical values that are the Graduation Rate - 18% Retention Rate - 46% characteristics of a good citizen.

Religious Affiliation - None School AccreditationNational - No Regional - Western Assn. of Schools and Colleges, Community for Sr. Colleges and Universities Federal - No Charles Drew University Of Medicine and Science 1731 E. 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 563-4800 • www.cdrewu.edu

Edward Waters College

Notable Alumni:

The President

Dr. Claudette H. Williams, P.H., D Dr. Williams began her tenure June 1, 2007 as the 28th president of Edward Waters College. She has the distinction of being the first female president in the 142-year history of Edward Waters College. Before coming to Edwards College, Dr. Williams served more than two decades as a college administrator and professor, most recently as the Executive Vice President at Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina. Prior to being named Executive Vice President, Dr. Williams ran the institutional effectiveness division of Bennett College. In this executive-level position, she guided the college through a comprehensive strategic planning process, revised the college’s missions and goals and developed an institutional program and course assessment system. Before accepting positions of responsibility at Bennett College, Dr. Williams served in leadership roles at Clark Atlanta University Dr. Williams has been an advocate of educational reform and accountability since graduating with distinction from the University of the West Indies in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in education. Later, she received both a master’s degree and an Ed.D.in educational administration and supervision from Clark Atlanta University. A prolific writer, Dr. Williams has authored numerous scholarly papers that run the academic gauntlet from ethnic diversity and its implications for school administrations to understanding the role of civic engagement and

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Nat Glover, Betty Holzendorf, Dr. Fredrick Douglass Harper, Rahman Johnson. Accreditation

National - Yes Regional - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Comm. on Colleges Federal - No Edward Waters College 1658 Kings Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32209 (904) 470-8000 • www.ewc.edu

LeMoyne – Owen College

LeMoyne-Owen College is a fully-accredited, four-year private historically black college located in Memphis, Tennessee. It was founded in 1862 to provide then-recently-freed blacks an educational opportunity. LeMoyne-Owen College was formed through the 1968 merger of LeMoyne College and Owen College, both private, historically black churchrelated colleges. The school moved from Orleans Street to its present site on Walker Avenue in 1914. Steele Hall, the first building on the new campus, was erected that same year. LeMoyne became a junior college in 1924 and www.IBAPublications.com

Oakwood University

then a four-year college in 1930. The LeMoyne College was chartered by the State of Tennessee just four years later. Oakwood University of Seventh-day Adventists, commonly referred to as Owen College traces its history as a junior college to 1947 when the TenOakwood University, is a historically black university located in Huntsville, nessee Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention bought property on Alabama. It is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. A Vance Avenue. S. A. Owen Junior College opened at that location in 1954. group of College constituents made the decision on December 2, 2007 to Mission change the school’s name from Oakwood College to Oakwood University, The LeMoyne-Owen College is a private, historically black liberal arts in- effective January 1, 2008. stitution, distinguished by diverse faculty, rigorous academic programs and Oakwood is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and success in preparing students for professional careers, leadership and service in Schools (SACS) and the Department of Education of the General Conference the local and global community. of Seventh-day Adventists to award the associate and baccalaureate degrees. President. The university was approved by SACS in June 2007 to offer its first master’s Johnnie B. Watson, LL.D. degree, the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS). The first graduate Interim President students will receive their degrees in May. Brownlee Hall The school first opened in 1896 as Oakwood Industrial School, with 16 (901) 435-1676 students. Classes were offered in various trades and skills. In 1904, the name was changed to Oakwood Manual Training School and it was chartered to Academic Divisions and Degree Offerings The undergraduate program at The LeMoyne-Owen has five academic di- grant degrees in 1907. In 1917, the school offered its first instruction at the visions offering majors in 21 areas of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts, postsecondary level, and in that same year it changed its name to Oakwood the Bachelor of Science or the Bachelor of Business Administration degrees. Junior College. In 1944, the name Oakwood College was adopted. The first bachelor’s degrees were awarded in 1945. Oakwood College received its initial The major divisions are: accreditation from SACS in 1958. • The Division of Business and Economic Development • The Division of Education Mission Statement • The Division of Fine Arts and Humanities Its mission embodies access to educational academic excellence and spiritu • The Division on Natural and Mathematical Science al development for its students who come from diverse geographical, cultural, • The Division of Social and Behavioral Science educational and socioeconomic backgrounds. In addition to its emphasis on the liberal arts, the University provides biblical, professional, pre-professional, Profile vocational and continuing education studies. Some of these studies emanate Type of College - Private not-for-profit from a limited number of institutional cooperative programs. Its programs Student Enrollment - 852 and activities are unequivocally Christian in character, designed to integrate Tuition - $9,360 faith and learning, encourage a vibrant spiritual experience, prepare individu Female: 73% - Male: 27% als for service to God and humanity and provide an atmosphere of apprecia Length of Study - Four or more years tion for oneself and affirmation of cultural diversity. Academic Calendar - Semester Graduation Rate - 14% Retention Rate - 97% The President Religious Affiliation - Protestant Denominations Delbert W. Baker, Ph.D. School Specialty - Liberal Arts In 1996, in the year of the celebration of a century of existence, Oakwood University (then Oakwood College), Dr.Baker’s alma mater, invited him to Notable Alumni: become its 10th president. Dr. Benjamin Hooks, Dr. Willie Herrington, In 1993, Dr. Baker accepted an offer to become the Special Assistant to Dr. C. Eric Lincoln, Gloria Wade-Gayles, the President and Director of Diversity at Loma Linda University in Loma Accreditation Linda, California.. National: -Yes In 1986 Dr.Baker assumed the editorship of the Seventh-day Adventist Regional - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools church’s sole African American periodical and the oldest black Christian mag Federal - Yes azine, Message. Under his leadership the magazine quadrupled its subscripLe Moyne-Owen College tions and added a newsletter and scores of special issues. Message was also 807 Walker Ave, Memphis, TN 38126 commended by President Ronald Reagan and select articles were republished (901) 774-9090 • www.loc.edu in Readers Digest. While editor of Message, Dr.Baker, pursued a PhD in Communications at Howard University and also taught in its school of Communication. Baker was awarded a PhD from Howard University in 1992. Baker also completed a leadership program at Harvard in 1995. In his early career Dr. Baker pastored churches in Ohio, Pennsylvania and

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Virginia from 1975-1985. In 1977 he earned a Masters of Divinity from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Baker’s ministrial efforts met with success: wherever he pastored his churches grew and flourished, especially in solid administrative programs that would endure. Baker also did extensive evangelism, baptizing over 1,500 souls into the Christian faith. Dr. Baker left home at 14 and traveled widely during his youth, attending schools across the United States and the Caribbean. In 1975 he graduated from Oakwood University with a BA in Ministerial Theology. While at Oakwood he held the position of president of his class twice. Baker serves on numerous boards including: The Presidential Advisory Board for The White House Initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, North American Division of Higher Education Counsel, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education Board of Directors, American Council on Education Commission on Minorities, Adventist Association of College and University Presidents, The Board of Directors of Adventist Health Systems, The United Negro College Fund, The Executive Committee of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the Huntsville Hospital Board and the Huntsville City Chamber of Commerce. Division of Academic Affairs.

Graduate Programs - Areas of Study Graduate Studies - Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies Undergraduate Programs - Areas of Study Adult & Continuing Education Health & Physical Education Biological Sciences History Business & Information Systems Math & Computer Sciences Chemistry Music Communication Nursing Education Psychology English & Foreign Languages Religion & Theology Family & Consumer Sciences Social Work Profile of Oakwood University

Type of University - Private not-for-profit Student Enrollment - 1,824 Tuition - $11,298 Female: 59% - Male 41% School Motto - Education, Excellence, Eternity Length of Study - Four or more years Religious Affiliation - Seventh Day Adventists Academic Calendar - Semester Graduation Rate - 38% Retention Rate - 69% Notable Alumni:

John Street, Brian McKnight, Take 6; Wintley Phipps, Clifton Davis, Rear Admiral Barry C. Black (Ret.), Brenda Blackmon Wood, Dr. Delbert Baker School Accreditation

National - Yes Regional - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Federal - Yes Oakwood College 7000 Adventist Blvd NW Huntsville, AL 35896 (256) 726-7000 • www.oakwood.edu

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CUSH Real Talk “The I AM Identity” by Shawn Mannix

When the Student is Ready, the Teacher Will Appear! I’m Shawn Mannix, born native of Harlem, New York City, New York. I’m biracial of West Indian, American and Irish decent and was raised by a very young creative mom and sister with the support of my grandparents, great aunt, aunt and uncle. My mother went against the status quo, setting a new direction for herself and family by realizing that one could dream, and achieve those dreams by accessing the limitless array of possibilities and

Issues In Black America

opportunities that are available to all of us all the time. This gave me a wide range of exposure, experiencing the Good, Bad, Better, and Best of life. I lived in South America as a teenager and spent a lot of time traveling the Caribbean Islands. I attended private and public schools, dropped out of college, interrupting my dream of becoming a psychologist and joined the navy. After an honorable discharge, completed a six year apprentice-

ship through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W) Local Union #3 and completed an undergrad degree from Empire State College. I worked as a Journeyman Electrician and taught evening college electrical courses. Looking for love I decided to create a family or in reality, play house which as a result came the birth of my first boy child named Daviot. Within three months, the rewww.IBAPublications.com

lationship with my son’s mother was over. I immediately started dating a gorgeous young lady which I met at an exclusive department store in Manhattan named Bergdorf Goodman. Out of that relationship, came the birth of my daughter Gabrielle, followed by my second marriage to her mother. I later followed an entrepreneual dream going into business with a partner and investing in real-estate by the age of 30. I often dreamt about great aspirations but always took short cuts: I never really had a plan, nor was I really willing to put in the time and work required, but was determined to get “there” as quickly as possible. These short cuts took me on a roller coaster of adventures just like the Cyclone I rode on at Coney Island! My new ride was called “street life”, a euphoric feeling of self-fulfillment that led to a paradigm shift, leading me into a long and continuous sequence of exciting, challenging, uncomfortable, compromising, sometimes painful, sometimes pleasurable, and occasionally risky and dangerous experiences. Years went by and scenarios began to replay themselves. Ironically these experiences seem to present repetitive lessons over and over again, just like in the movie Ground Hog Day. I was stuck in this rut because I was not paying attention to the lessons that were unfolding before me. I was unaware of an understanding of myself. This internally created many questions and issues, leaving me to feel uncomfortable, disruptive and self destructive. My feelings of guilt, born of the many short cuts I’d taken led me to realize that I was guilty of one of the most common crimes today, fraud. One of the concepts discussed in CUSH Real Talk Workbook. I came to realize I was a student enrolled in the University of Life and by paying attention realized that this university held the key to my connection with the universe and finding my place within it. I realized that all people attend this university, but seldom do they realize it, take advantage and learn from the courses chosen. It is my belief that the world around us exists to supply a stage or the many different classrooms that are required for this university. Its many courses presented as experiences facilitate the development of ones awareness of self. As one progresses, the courses became increasingly challenging and the cost per credit hour becomes more and more expensive - especially when you have to re-enroll fo life experience ‘courses’ repeatedly. It becomes especially daunting The Resource for Black Americans

when you can’t ever seem to finish a course and you get stuck! Tuition price can be financially, materially, mentally, emotionally, and/or physically. The University of Life is strategically designed to facilitate our individual and collective growth and previous generations have called it The School of Hard Knocks. Now conscious that I am engaged in the process and experiencing stages of enlightenment, I started to realize that the person that I was looking for, my true self was right here the whole time. I already am all that I have been looking for, I already have all that I need, and “I am” right here within, ready to connect to the truth of my living dream. I am creating an abundant reality through a purpose driven

life. When I, the student, am ready, the teachers will appear. I can only help teach others what they don’t know by having others teach me what I need to know in order to improve myself. Therefore I consciously always remain the student through out every situation or experience that I encounter, giving myself the opportunity to learn from it. We are all in this universe together. I created this column while on my journey making a conscious decision to take action in my selfdevelopment, and I’m inviting you, my brothers and sisters to come along for the ride. Through this interactive column we will share ideas, concepts, and experiences, leading us to find and properly use the key to unlock the door to our inner-selves, our minds. I invite each and every one of you to accompany me on our journey within leading us to meet, greet, and embrace the unique opulent universe within ourselves I create a safe atmosphere of non-judgment

through this publication using the CUSH concept which I have created and use in my new self-developmental workbook, CUSH Real Talk Volume #1. CUSH Real Talk assists teens and young adults in the development of the four life essential and conceptual CUSH keys, Communicate, Unify, Share, and Honor, to open the doors of our minds and hearts. CUSH Real Talk is designed to help us Sift through, Sort out, and Identify our daily “mess” in order to clean it up. I define the “mess” as the mental, emotional, and social struggles that result in academic default and cause “at-risk” behaviors in teens and young adults today. Together we will work on developing our basic life building skills, and critical thinking ability to raise levels of self-awareness to improve self and social development, supported by the 4E concept. The 4E’s is a strategy to bridge the gap with youth to Exposure, Education, Enrichment through Entertainment, with style or swag. Our new found awareness and development of self will position, empower and enable us to rise to the occasion, on any occasion. Real Talk, with CUSH on deck just for today, we create a better tomorrow. CUSH is about Real Talk and Real Talk is about coming together so we can get it together. Remember; fraud is a crime punishable by law, so don’t get caught by yourself, without yourself. We intend to use this column as a way to highlight, reach out and support our youth as well as the unsung “CUSH ROC’s” (Revolutionaries of Change) within our communities. Our CUSH ROC’s are those persons who are playing a vital role in the individual and collective developmental process of youth today. We will give you the CUSH Community a voice, through an opportunity to share and contribute your (inspirational, heart felt, heart shaken, or wakeup call experiences) through our column. We will also entertain and address your questions that are or may have been instrumental in your own self-developmental process. This selfless act of sharing can act as a great self-developmental exercise for us as well as help our brothers and sisters who may be currently struggling and facing a similar challenge or lesson. We hope that this act of sharing and social interaction through CUSH Real Talk sparks a sense of compassion within, building our esteem and confidence creating a new sense of self. Thus leading us to continuously be proactive in our individual development; collectively restoring the essence of community starting with ourselves.

Issues In Black America

10 Salt Shockers That Could Make Hypertension Worse by Deborah Kotz

Two studies show that lowering sodium improves mild hypertension and helps medications work better.

Does too much salt cause high blood pressure, or doesn’t it? That debate has raged for decades, with a slew of studies finding “yes” and a slew of others finding “no.” Two new studies out today in the journal Hypertension tip the scales in favor of reducing sodium—particularly for those 1 in 4 Americans who have high blood pressure. One study found that reducing salt intake from 9,700 milligrams a day to 6,500 milligrams decreased blood pressure significantly in blacks, Asians, and whites who had untreated mild hypertension. Another study found that switching to a lowersalt diet helped lower blood pressure in folks with treatment-resistant hypertension. In the second study, those with an average blood pressure of 145/84 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)—still above the healthy level of 120/80 mm Hg even though they were taking three or more medications—experienced an average blood pressure drop of 22.7 mm Hg (for the top systolic number) and 9.1 mm Hg (for the bottom diastolic number) when they switched from a high-salt diet, containing 5,700 milligrams of sodium a day, to a low-salt one containing 1,150 mg. Lowering sodium intake, though, involves a lot more than setting aside the salt shaker. An April study from Emory University found that only one third of heart-failure patients succeeded in reducing their sodium intake to the recommended 2,000 mg a day even when they made an effort to follow a low-sodium diet. (Reduced sodium is recommended to prevent a dangerous retention of fluid common with this heart condition.) Bottom line: Unless you read every food label and never

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Croissant: All that buttery flakiness packs in more than 400 mg of sodium. Ditto for corn bread. Instead, choose reduced-sodium whole-grain breads or, heck, even white bread; either typically has fewer than 150 mg per slice. Alaskan King Crab: A mere 3 ounces contains more than 900 mg of sodium. Better fish choices: Fresh baked salmon, swordfish, and flounder all contain fewer than 150 mg per serving. Kellogg’s Raisin Bran: It sounds so nutritious, but the cereal packs 362 mg of sodium per 1-cup serving. Choose Kellogg’s All-Bran cereal (73 mg of sodium) or Frosted Mini-Wheats (5 mg) instead. (Bonus: The alternatives also contain less sugar.) McDonald’s Egg McMuffin: The palm-size sandwich contains 820 mg of sodium. Better McDonald’s breakfast choices: A plain toasted English Muffin (280 mg of sodium) or two scrambled eggs (180 mg). Salad dressings: Some brands—like Newman’s Own Low-Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette—pack in upwards of 700 mg of sodium per 1.5 ounce serving. Drizzle on your own oil and vinegar or read labels carefully and aim for fewer than 150 mg per serving. Canned tuna typically contains 300 mg of sodium per 3-ounce serving. Mix in a tablespoon of mayonnaise and you get another 90 mg. Better choice: fresh grilled tuna steak, which has just 40 mg of sodium.

dine out, you’re probably getting far more than the 2,400 mg sodium limit recommended for healthy adults. If you’re unexpectedly getting too much sodium, here are some likely culprits: Miso Soup: 1 cup of miso soup typically contains 700 to 900 milligrams of sodium. Look for canned soups with “low sodium” or “reduced sodium” on the label. Cottage Cheese: Some low-fat brands pack more than 900 mg of sodium into a 1 cup serving. Better Choice: One cup of plain yogurt, which has about 150 mg, or 1 ounce of Swiss cheese, which contains 54 mg. Salsa: Many brands, like Pace Chunky Salsa, contain 230 mg of sodium per 2-tablespoon serving. Look for brands made with “salt-free” tomatoes. Dill Pickles: A single dill typically contains 830 mg of sodium. Have a sweet gherkin instead or, This Article By Deborah Kotz is reprinted courbetter yet, ultralow-sodium fresh sliced cucumber. tesy of US News and World Report. www.IBAPublications.com

Sexuality and Spirituality in the Black Church by Rev. Dr. Mary Anne Bellinger

There is a noticeable silence and hesitancy to entertain a discussion about sexuality and its connection to spirituality in the Black Church. It is the hope of this article that we would offer here some suggestions on why we cannot break through this silence experienced in talking about sex in our congregations. If sexuality is a gift of God, why is it such a no-no for the church to talk about this gift given by God to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creation? This is one of the questions being raised here in this article.

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Sexuality and Spirituality continued from page 52

The operating issue or question that informs this article is: How can the church leadership initiate and maintain a healthy conversation about sexuality and spirituality in the congregation. The question examines the opinions, perceptions and presumptions of some persons in the church, where members and apparently also pastors, are fearful, and generally avoid at all costs, any discussion of sexuality and spirituality. It is important to be able to bring sexual issues to the church. The church is known as a “hospital for sinners.” A hospital is the best place for persons to receive the care or the cure they seek. It is natural to bring sexual pains and questions to the church. The church seems to be the logical places where persons should be able, and allowed to, discuss these matters. The people of God are the church, especially the Black Church, and God’s people are called to do what Jesus did. Jesus said we would do greater tings than even he, but how is this understood and practiced? Jesus always reached out to those who were troubled, in pain and needed to be touched or healed in some way. Jesus was always alert to the possibility that there were hurting people near him. Jesus relieved pain, set things in order and then moved on. Jesus did not dwell on questions of why, and how, who was at fault, but on to relief, change, renewal and resolution of the difficulty. Often the church, and especially Christians within congregations, feels free to judge others and their situations. Church leadership determines how others ought to act and then often will lambaste those who step outside of their holy expectations. Jesus however, reached out in love. When the church reaches out, people might duck, because they are not sure if it’s a touch or a slap. All persons need to expect that they can find healing and wholeness in their church. As abused and violated women come to the church for healing and counseling, too often they have found additional pain. When the writer asked several women, in a variety of situations, including staunch churchgoers, if they felt safe in the church, many said ‘no’ they did not feel safe, and went on to relate some incident of pastoral misdeeds. Many women don’t find the church a safe place to shed their façade of strength. Too many have found the church to be a place which has offered, women and/or expected women, to be open to offer sexual involvement or at least availability. And male pastors, operating from positions of entitlement often

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seem to expect the women members to be pleased to service them. In an article in Parade Magazine, Mary J. Blige, known as the Hip Hop Queen of Soul (with eight Grammy nominations) however presents an opposite perspective when she claims that although her life has been plagued with numerous painful incidents of sexual and drug abuse and misuse, she always felt safe in the church. I speculate that with her life being so out of control, she found in the church a place to temporarily, “lay her burdens

….members and apparently also pastors, are fearful, and generally avoid at all costs, any discussion of sexuality and spirituality. down.” Even though some women may provide anecdotal evidence in support of Blige’s testimony, this, sadly to say, is not generally the situation for women in far too many of our churches. I have found that the issues of sexuality and spirituality are valid subjects of discussion at any time. The thinking about these issues, and the desire to talk about these subjects, indicated that, some opportunity needed to be made for the discussion. It had to begin and someone has to get people talking. Women and men need to talk, especially in the church, and in congregational life, about sexuality and spirituality. Persons need to be real about the effects that sexuality and spirituality have on their person. Understanding ourselves better would help clarify attitudes and open people up to some of the agape – unconditional love – the church talks about. If, we would admit it, Christians are already thoroughly familiar with sexuality and spirituality, but recognition of these realities is denied when it comes to talking about sex in the church. Persons need to be real about the effects that sexuality and spirituality have on their person. Understanding ourselves better would help clarify attitudes and open people up to some of the agape – unconditional love – the church talks about. The world is bringing sex and laying it on the

steps of the church, but the church continues to keep its head in the sand. School teachers are being accused of touching, abusing and filming their illicit encounters with children as young as kindergarten, and the church continues to tsk!, tsk!, and move on. The Black Church, the center of believers’ spiritual lives, cannot afford to be blind to the reality of the harm this is placing on the young minds and spirits of our children. Students are being grouped. They are being raped. They are being pursued; seduced and think they are in love. An Associated Press investigation found more than 2,500 cases over five years in which educators were punished for actions from bizarre to sadistic. How are pastors preparing to counsel the continuing influx of sexually abused children who will grow to become the men and women of our churches? These abused persons carry with them the memory of their abuse for years and the church continues to deny the reality of this pain. The church cannot continue to deny what is happening with our youth. In 2003 at a New Year’s Eve party, Genarlow Wilson (17) and friends videotaped a sex act performed on him by a 15 year old girl. Wilson served 3 years of a ten year sentence. His case drew national attention and a concern that punishment for his crime was excessive. In April, 2007, Leonard Pitts in an editorial commentary in the Atlanta Journal Constitution about Wilson’s case addressed some questions the public had. He wrote: “You are wondering why all this sympathy for a child molester, there are a few things you need to know. First, the “child molester” (Wilson) was 17 at the time of the crime. Second, the “child” was 15 (two teenagers). Third, she willingly performed oral sex on him. In fact, she initiated it.” The reality is, children are performing some of these very same sex acts, on and with, their friends and their parents and the church are still acting as if, “This can’t be happening to MY child!” We must get our heads out of the sand and get moving. Let us face the sexual revolution and educate our children and our adults. The need for open discussion has become urgent. Let us face the sexual revolution and educate our children and our adults. The need for open discussion has become urgent. My interest started because of my concern that, during all the years of attendance and work in the church, no one talked about the sexual side of our spirituality or the spiritual side of our sexuality. The time has arrived when this conversation must commence in church. When this happens, persons will be educated through, not only knowledge, but develop desirable attitudes and behaviors. www.IBAPublications.com

I recently concluded a project examining the in the image and likeness of God are therefore acseeming fear and avoidance attendant to the sub- cepted and acknowledged as gifts of God. To take jects of sexuality and spirituality and found a way that another step, a person’s humanity (italics the to open up possible resolutions to this apparent writer’s) is actualized when he or she, motivated by gap in our stance as a faith community. I began to God’s love, enters into a relationship with the rest discover some of the reasons why people of faith, of God’s creation. To know the love of God is to hesitate to discuss, acknowledge, and recognize be compelled to share that love with others. The the reality of sexuality in our churches. The word deepest understanding of sexuality and spirituality sex was seen as a “dirty” word in the eyes of many is relationship – relationship to God and relationChristians. Many people, in the church, appear to ship to the other. have a schizophrenic relationship, with their own sexuality and spirituality. Yet sexuality and spirituality need to be affirmed as magnificent God-given gifts! Many people, in the church, appear to have a schizophrenic relationship, with their own sexuality and spirituality. Yet sexuality and spirituality need to be affirmed as magnificent God-given gifts! Because of the response I have received, I concluded that church people immediately think any mention of sex means intercourse and would prefer to keep their eyes closed to the reality of today’s need for conversation. Sexuality is about more than what we do with our Reverend Mary Anne Bellinger genitals, therefore it’s…”not synonymous with sex…while sexuality is not the whole of The deepest understanding of sexuality and who we are as human beings; it is basic to who we spirituality is relationship – relationship to God are. It compels our emotional, affective, sensual, and relationship to the other. and spiritual relationships. Sexuality does not deI was sexually abused as a child by my father. termine all our feelings, thoughts, and interactions, During the pregnancy of my second child, he rebut it certainly permeates and affects them. Sexual- jected me and he and my stepmother put me out ity and spirituality involved our self-understanding of the house. My favorite aunt had finally had a and our way of relating in the world as women and child but I was told I could not baby-sit for her men. because I would be a bad influence on her child. So I conclude and have found support for my ob- I was isolated by my family who had strong feelings servation, that the church is afraid of our genitals. about my second pregnancy and condemned me When a conversation is started, many persons in for that, but the fact of my abuse by my father was the church want to move immediately from sexu- not condemned, mentioned or dealt with at all! In ality and spirituality to vagina and penis topics. the view of my family, according to Kelly Brown Sexuality and Spirituality are about so much more. Douglas, this situation made me, the child, seem As Henri Nouwen, my favorite spiritual mentor, to be a “morally reprehensible creature.” outside of Howard Thurman, demonstrates when The church has been a major part of my life. he writes about the interrelationship between sex- Seldom, if ever, for all the time I attended church, uality and spirituality, “The spiritual life is not a did I hear sermons or lessons on sexuality. And life before, after or beyond our everyday existence. sex was not mentioned at all! As a child I did not No, the spiritual life can only be real when it is know I was being cheated by those persons who I lived in the midst of the pains and joys of the here thought were taking care of my spiritual growth. and now. Therefore we need to begin with a care- Unfortunately, the church seems to think that it is ful look at the way we think, speak, feel, and act enough for young people to just know Jesus! They from hour to hour, day to day, week to week and seem to believe that “just knowing Jesus” will keep year to year, in order to become more fully aware of youth from investigating those “strange” hormonal our hunger for the spirit.” Sexuality and spiritual- feelings that arrive unexpectantly when that special ity are fundamental for human life. Persons created boy or girl voices interest in them. We remember The Resource for Black Americans

those days and in the schoolyard and even in the church basement, we heard about sex and words associated with sex from one another. We eagerly shared our ignorance. As young people we would flirt with one another, and whisper sexy words, no matter where we were. It was true, that as young girls we would yearn to be seen as “sexy” and cute, for the attention of the boys. All that being true, yet none of the teachers or elders ever told us who we were as sexual beings. If, as young girls, we were too interested in boys we would be called “nasty” and told we were being (acting) too grown. However, we still were not told anything that would give us the knowledge needed to keep us safe and whole: not injured, broken or defective, hurt of ruined in any sexual way. I have found that the story of the understanding and use of one’s sexuality and a history of child sexual abuse/rape/ violence was common for a significant number of women. Having been sexually abused, it was difficult for me to acknowledge or appreciate my own sexuality. There was no way to even know the full weight of what the word, sexuality meant. The fact of the abuse was damaging to the sense of my sexual/spiritual self. Having been sexually abused, it was difficult for me to acknowledge or appreciate my own sexuality. There was no way to even know the full weight of what the word, sexuality meant. The fact of the abuse was damaging to the sense of my sexual/ spiritual self. Many women interviewed over the years regarding the interrelationship between sexuality and spirituality, shared similar stories. Because of these recurring tales, it becomes urgent to focus on creating more opportunities for open conversation on the sexuality/spirituality and the abuse/love continuum within the Black Church. Reverend Mary Anne Bellinger, D.Min., adjunct faculty at The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), received her Master of Divinity at the Andover Newton Theological Center in Massachusetts and her Doctor of Ministry degree in May, 2008 at the ITC in Atlanta. This article is a rewrite of Chapter One of her dissertation: Sexuality and Spirituality in the Black Church: An Opportunity for Conversation. She is also the author of Expression… Volume I (poetry) and One-A-Day Meditations on Proverbs. For additional information feel free to email her at ma.bellinger@yahoo.com.

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CAREERS CAREERS

In this edition, we present pertinent information on the medical industry about the important field of work as a Surgical Technologists. Nature of the Work

Surgical Technologists, also called scrubs and surgical or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. Before an operation, Surgical Technologists help prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. They assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment, as well as check and adjust it to ensure it is working properly. Technologists also get patients ready for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites. They transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating room table, and cover them with sterile surgical drapes. Technologists also observe patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vital signs, check charts, and help the surgical team put on sterile gowns and gloves. During surgery, technologists pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeons assistants. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Surgical Technologists help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings. After an operation, Surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room. Work Environment

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Surgical Technologists work in clean, well-lighted, cool environments. They must stand for long www.IBAPublications.com

By Lithangia Robinson Murray

Surgical Technologist In furthering our mission to be the premier resource information magazine, IBA will be presenting information about the various jobs and careers in the world of work. Through the presentation of this information, IBA readers will acquire a knowledge and awareness in the field of employment that may be of interest to them. Information will be provided for careers ranging from the post secondary level to the doctorial level. periods and remain alert during operations. At times they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. Most surgical technologists work a regular 40hour week, although they may be on call or work nights, weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.

graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited program and passing a national certification examination. They may then use the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) designation. Continuing education or reexamination is required to maintain certification, which must be renewed every 4 years.

Training, Qualifications and Advancement

Advancement

Training programs last 9 to 24 months and lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Professional certification can help in getting jobs and promotions. Education and Training

Surgical technologists receive their training in formal programs offered by community and junior colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals, and the military. In 2006, the commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) recognized more than 400 accredited training programs. High School graduation normally is required for admission. Programs provide classroom education and supervised clinical experience. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, and medical terminology; other topics covered include the care and safety of patients during surgery, sterile techniques, and surgical procedures. Certification and other qualifications

Most employers prefer to hire certified technologists. Technologists may obtain voluntary professional certification from the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist by The Resource for Black Americans

between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations, as the volume of surgeries increases, the number of surgical procedures is expected to rise as the population grows and ages. Older people, including the baby boom generation, who generally require more surgical procedures, will account for a larger portion of the general population. Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer of surgical technologists, although much faster employment growth is expected in offices of physicians and in outpatient care centers, including ambulatory surgical centers.

Technologists advance by specializing in a particular area of surgery, such as neurosurgery or open-heart surgery. They also may work as circulating technologists. With additional training, some technologists advance to first assistant. Some Surgical technologists manage central supply departments in hospitals, or take positions with Earnings insurance companies, sterile supply services, and Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary operating equipment firms. surgical technologists were $36,080 in May 2006. Employment The middle 50 percent earned between $30,300 Surgical Technologists held about 86,000 jobs and $43,560. The lowest 10 percent earned less in 2006. About 70 percent of jobs for Surgical than 25,490, and the highest 10 percent earned Technologists were in hospitals, mainly in operat- more than $51,140. ing and delivery rooms. Other jobs were in offices Sources of Additional Information of physicians or dentists who perform outpatient For additional information on a career as a surgisurgery and in outpatient care centers, including cal technologist and a list of CAAHEP-accredited ambulatory surgical centers. A few technologists, programs, contact: known as private scrubs, are employed directly Association of Surgical Technologists, 6 W. Dry by surgeons who have special surgical teams, like Creek Circle, Suite 200, Littleton, CO 80120. those for liver transplants. For information on becoming a Certified SurgiJob Outlook cal Technologist, contact: Employment of Surgical Technologists is exLiaison Council on Certification for the Surpected to grow much faster than the average for gical Technologist, 6 W. Dry Creek Circle, Suite all occupations, job opportunities will be best for 100, Littleton, CO80120. Internet: http://www. technologists who are certified. lcc-st.org Employment Change: Employment of surgiSource: Department of Labor, Occupational cal technologists is expected to grow 24 percent Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009.

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Crossword Puzzle

African American History Crossword Puzzle A cross 1. One of the founders of the NAACP and the first African American to receive a PhD from Harvard University, Dr._________. 4. Racist laws that permeated the south after the civil war ended _____ laws. 5. He was famous for his chocolate chip cookies that made him a millionaire, Mr. Wally “Famous_____”. 6. She was the first African American women to sing at the New York Metropolitan Opera. Ms. _____ Anderson. 8. He wrote the Three Musketeers, Mr. Alexander _____ . 9. Beverly Hills Cop, Boomerang, Nutty Professor, Daddy Day Care, 48hrs, these are just a few of his movies, began his career doing stand-up then Saturday Night Live, actor comedian, Mr. Eddie _____ . 10. The essence of “cool”, jazz trumpeter Mr. _____ . 11. The home of Motown and NBA Pistons, _____ , Michigan. 12. Ghost, Sister Act, The View, Bagdad Café, Oscar winner, Actress, Comedienne Ms. Whoopi _____ . 14. She told us why the caged bird sings and why we continue “to rise” despite our circumstances, Ms. _____ Angelou. 17. African Country started by ex-slaves from the United States, _____ . 19. One of the first African Americans to have his own television variety show, “he” was “Geraldine”, actor comedian Mr. _____ Wilson. 21. The first Woman African American Mayor of Atlanta, Ms. Shirley _____. 24. The first African American Fraternity founded at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York in 1906, _____ . 26. He was one of the original Black Panthers; know as the Minister of Defense, Mr. _____ P. Newton. 30. He is know as “Mr. October”, New York Yankee, and Oakland A, Mr. _____ Jackson. 32. He wrote the Invisible Man, Mr. Ralph _____ . 33. He helped to organize and later became president of the union that represented the Pullman porters, civil rights activist, Mr. A. Philip _____. 34. Former University of Oklahoma all American Quarterback, that went on to congress, Republican Congressman, Mr. _____ . 35. He once held the long jump record for over 25 years, long jumper, Mr. _____ Beamon.

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36. It was from his case the term “reverse discrimination” was invented, Alan _____ vs. The Regents of the University of California. 37. He was “Foolish”, starred in television’s Malcolm and Eddie, actor Comedian, Mr. _____ Griffin. 39. She wrote The Bluest Eye, Tar Baby, and Beloved, Nobel Laureate, Ms. _____ Morrison. 40. First African American Head Coach in the NFL to win the Super bowl, Mr. Tony _____. 42. This _____ amendment to the US Constitution gave citizenship to exslaves after the end of the civil war, without this amendment ex-slaves were not granted citizenship. 43. He rose from adversity to become a writer, host his own show PBS and a commentator on The Tom Joyner Morning Radio Show, Mr. _____ Smiley. 44. In establishing the United States of American, those at the constitutional convention established that slaves would be counted as _____ of a person. 45. He was Fred Sanford, actor comedian, Mr. _____ Foxx. 46. African American gospel singing family, The _____. Down 1. First African American Governor of Virginia, the honorable E. Douglas _____. 2. Nobel Prize winner and South African Civil Rights pioneer, Bishop _____ Tutu. 3. African American writer and artist, Mr. Romare _____. 4. In Living Color, Miami Vice, Ray, Collateral Damage, Stealth and The Kingdom. Actor comedian, singer, Mr. _____. 5. The first African American Ambassador to the United Nations, and former Mayor of Atlanta, the Honorable Mr. _____. 7. In Los Angeles the home of Chicken and Waffles, _____ house of Chicken and Waffles. 13. A Duke Ellington classic, Satin _____. 14. The first African American Mayor of Birmingham Alabama, the honorable Richard _____. 16. She stars on Law and Order (appearing on more television episodes than any woman in history) as Lt. Anita Van Buren, was a regular on Pee Wee’s Playhouse and she received an Emmy for Lackawanna Blues, Ms. S. www.IBAPublications.com

18 19

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Answer on page 61

_____ Merkerson. 17. In Roots he was the fiddler, in the Officer and a gentleman he was the drill instructor, in Iron Eagle he was a General, academy award winning actor, Mr. _____ Gossett Jr. 18. Afternoon talk show host, philanthropist, producer, director, actress, entrepreneur and publisher, Ms. _____ Winfrey. 20. One way African American slaves escaped the south was through the _____ railroad. 22. First African American to play in Major League Baseball’s American League, Mr. _____. 23. He taught us Race Matters, activist and educator, Dr. _____. 25. He was known as “Black Moses” actor, singer, Mr. _____. 27. Actor, activist, entrepreneur, inventor and comedian, Mr. Dick _____. The Resource for Black Americans

28. Actor, singer choreographer, Mr. Jeffrey _____ _____ . 29. The first African American pilots in the U.S. Armed forces, The _____ Airmen. 31. Civil Rights activist, founder of the Pan Africanism movement in the United States, the Honorable Minister _____ X. 39. Currently the only African American Judge on the US Supreme Court, his Honor, Clarence _____. 40. Minister, actor, activist, producer, publisher, entrepreneur, pastor of the Potters House Church, The Reverend Dr. T. D. _____. 41. He is the founder and director of Focus on the Family, Dr. James _____. 45. The first African American to be appointed Secretary of Commerce, the late Mr. _____ Brown.

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As our nation prepares to celebrate its freedom and independence, consumers are struggling more than ever to declare their own independence--from credit card debt. And while recent legislation promises to protect consumers from retroactive rate hikes and other questionable practices, most still find it challenging to put away the plastic. “Challenging economic times have resulted in an increased reliance on credit cards by consumers,” said Suzanne Boas, President of Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta. Everyday purchases such as gas and groceries add up quickly. “It may feel like you aren’t really spending money and before you even realize it, you have amassed a large debt that is difficult and very costly to repay,” added Boas. CCCS counsels people who want to reduce their debt, including those who may believe they cannot qualify for a debt management program because it means giving up a credit card to pay for essential items, such as food and gas. CCCS offers tips to help consumers reduce and eliminate credit card debt. Create A Budget - Review how you currently spend your money and look for places to make changes. Small changes can add up to big savings. Bring your lunch to work instead of eating out; make a list and stick to it when you grocery shop; carpool when you can to save on community expenses. Creating a budget can reduce the need to use credit.

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Limit Your Use of Credit “Don’t use credit unless you absolutely have to,” says Boas. Think before you buy: “Do I really need this? Can I pay for it with cash?” If you answer no to either question, skip the purchase. Ideally, only use credit as you would cash, when you know you can pay the bill off on-time and in-full. If You Must Use Credit, Use The Card With The Lowest Interest Rate - Remember, using a credit card is like taking out a short-term loan. If you’re not careful to minimize charges and make payments on time, this short-term loan could become a long-term financial and credit disaster. Use Cards With No Annual Fee - If you don’t carry a balance, get a card with no annual fee and a 25-day grace period between the day of the purchase and the day the interest meter starts running. Be sure to read and understand the terms of your credit card agreement – be aware of hidden fees that might impact you. Don’t Carry More Than Two or Three Credit Cards, and Be Careful in Choosing Your Cards With the number of offers for credit cards in the mail today, it is tempting to sign up for credit cards you don’t really need. Offers often include low initial rates to encourage you to apply, and rates jump after an introductory period. Mailings that include offers to transfer debt can also include hidden transfer fees, so be sure to read all the information carefully.

Beware of Cards Offering Cash Back Incentives or Special Bonuses for Signing Up, Especially If You Aren’t Able To Pay The Balance In Full Every Month - offers that seem too good to be true usually are. Make More Than The Minimum Payments Consumers who can’t pay their balance in full each month should strive to pay more than the required minimum and reduce or eliminate the debt as quickly as they can. Use bonuses from work, gifts of money, and other unplanned revenue to pay creditors. Know Your Limitations, and Accommodate For Them - Nobody ever got wealthy borrowing money for gifts, clothes, restaurants, entertainment or travel. If you can’t resist the temptation of having credit cards and don’t want to cut them up because you may need them for certain purchases or travel, put the cards in a plastic bag of water and put them in the freezer. The time it takes for them to “thaw” may be the time you need to talk yourself out of an unnecessary purchase. Need help ? If you are not sure how to get started, consider contacting Consumer Credit Counseling Service. CCS provides confidential budget counseling, money management education, debt management programs and toher wervices to help consumers. Contact CCCS at 800-251-CCCS or online at www.cccsinc.org. The agency website also provides free interactive seminars and other online education courses through CredAbility U. www.IBAPublications.com

For most of us, the first Reasons Why People Avoid Banks* more than twice as tion (FDIC) insured bank deposits up to $100,000 step in financial planning high in minority (now $250,000)—which would indicate the need is opening a bank account. The bank could fail and I would lose money census tracts than for financial literacy and outreach for this populaA bank account is a useful I have no money to save non-minority census tion to make them aware of existing protections. tool for paying bills, cash- There are too many hidden charges tracts2. If your neigh- There are also cultural barriers that may have to be borhood has few addressed, including the continuing need for bank ing checks and, perhaps Bank employees don’t understand needs traditional banking employees of color, as indicated by the high permost importantly, saving Don’t want the government to get info options, you are far centage of both blacks and Latinos (44% and 36% for emergencies and to achieve financial goals. An *Data from a Mellman Group/Voter-Consumer more likely to rely respectively, compared to only 27% for whites.) on nontraditional Banking Policies estimated 20 million house- Research study of 800 adults (October, 2008) providers that have holds do not have a bank A major complaint of both the unbanked and chosen to serve your underbanked of traditional banks is the prevalence account (often referred to as unbanked), and another 20 million are under- neighborhood. This lack of access points to the of fees, especially for overdrafts. 57% overall (inbanked (they may have a bank account but also use continued need for an expansion of the Commu- cluding 66% of those who are unbanked) cited it non-banks such as check cashing agencies, payday nity Reinvestment Act, which encourages financial as a major barrier in having a checking account. lenders or pawn shops for financial transactions.) investment in low income communities. 62% of the unbanked in this survey agreed with 60% of these households are white, 19% Latinos Trust the statement that and 16% black. Their median household income As can be seen in the above there “are too many was almost half the national median income.1 chart, trust is a particularly • 40 million households either do hidden charges”4. not have a bank or are underUsing non-bank providers often have substantial strong barrier for African AmeriBesides overdrafts, banked, including over 6 million costs to the largely poor households that use them, cans who are unbanked. When fees for going below black households but for many households they are outweighed by asked about why they choose not a certain balance other factors that push them to these alternatives. to rely on mainstream financial • Reasons people choose not to have were also cited as a banks include access, trust and fees For some it’s reluctance to share personal informa- institutions, 67% of blacks (combarrier. Many suption or simply a lack of cash. For others there are pared to 57% of Latinos and ported the need for more preventable reasons, such as the three below, 46% of whites) were worried about losing their additional disclosures about fees and for ways to that can be addressed through actions by either the money if the bank failed.3 This was the single big- warn the consumer before they overdraw their acgovernment, private financial institutions or both. gest reason given for this population, despite the count or reached a balance threshold (such as cell Access fact that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora- phone alerts). The National Community Reinvestment Coali- 1 Stats from Center for Financial Services Innovation, Underbanked Consumer Study. June 8, 2008. tion looked at the 25 largest metro areas and found 2 National Community Reinvestment Coalition. Are Banks on the Map, 2 that the number of people per bank branch was NULPI Fact Sheet – Banking Access Page The Resource for Black Americans

Issues In Black America

Elderly Abuse; Does It Exist? By Bettye Dozier-Woods

During the past few years the word abuse has been in the media in one form or another, almost daily, with newspapers headlines, special programs, and television and talk show commentators reporting yet another story of abuse. We hear and see stirring events of children physical, sexual and mental abuse, and of course, the other unmentionable and silent, spousal abuse. These abuses have been silent (meaning the victims keeps silent) and unmentionable (meaning neither the abuser, person that knew nor the abused) would discuss this abuse; until these abuses were released from the so called “closet”. There is still an abuse that must be discussed and released from “the closet,” an abuse that is usually silent, extremely disgraceful, and less talked about and explained, – elderly abuse! Beginning with the information age in the 1990s that has served to produced an environment of “openness,” to speak out on the various issues, ranging from a to z. (Alzheimer’s detection to Zinc in the diet) many articles have been written about the abuse of children: physical, mental and sexual. Legislation to prosecute the offender and also legislation to protect the children has helped the abused child to speak out, and survive. How do you legislate children, family, spouses, friends, or anyone to stop the abuse of the elderly? You cannot! Just envision headlines, talk shows, television shows, weekly articles, and other types of media bringing to the forefront each day, the abuse of the elderly. As with other abuses, we would find that this abuse does occur and many times, quite frequently. How would this media bombardment affect our lives if we constantly saw headlines like: “Grandmother or Grandfather physically abused by family members.” We as a “civilized” society would have to stop and review how we “treat and have taught our younger generation to treat the elderly.” Early Socializing

The socialization of cultures seems to have been

Issues In Black America

Bettye Dozier Woods, Senior Affairs Editor

geared toward one of two ideas of how they taught their young about the aged and aging. Some societies taught respect for the elderly, while other societies taught that the elderly were really a burden to society. In a segment of pre-civilized society, to “eliminate” this burden, the elderly “were left along the trail to die.” Maybe, just maybe, the idea of “the elderly” being a burden has somehow come through many, many generations and abuse still occurs even today. Not by “leaving the elderly along the trails” but by physically, mentally and financially leaving them. Not so long ago the elderly were “looked upon as being wise and treated with respect. Respect was given and not questioned about it. There seemed to have been a clear cut pattern and attitude that was followed. The attitude taught to the young was to respect the “old”. When persons reached the life span between fifty and sixty years of age, it was once thought that they were suppose to act, do and be perceived in a certain way. They were expected to slow down, take on less duties and responsibilities, to sit, relax and be verbal mentors to and for the younger generation. Now we see that these persons that have

worked most or all of their lives are in the position of being parents to their grandchildren, and the children that they reared some time ago are being abusive to the elderly. Why? Because these (adult/children) are financially unsteady and since the elderly are more than likely to have some type of income they are preyed upon. Starting with the 1980s and up to this present time “old” is considered as being in the neighborhood of seventy and above. When you hear people today say “age is nothing but a number” you may understand this to mean that a person may be chronologically seventy but can and will do any of the activities that a fifty year old does. In the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s we see longevity has increased. “Old” does not have the same connotation as it once did, or does it? Medical science has made it possible for a person to live a longer life, however, what type of life the elderly is living has to be considered. With this longevity, we must view with a constant watchfulness, that theday-to-day physical, mental, and financial abuse of the elderly does not have the possibility of increasing. As much as medical science has managed the lengthening of life, society still has a long way to go to achieve the total elimination of physical and mental abuse of the elderly. With all the talk of “cuts” in the local and national budgets, you hear the phrase, “social cut” as a way to balance or trim the budget. The government does their share in the contribution of elderly abuse – financially, there will be no COLA (cost of living allotment) raise in 2010-2011 – by allotting the elderly a small amount of money, (notoriously called) Social Security, which may only help one to be social, but does not make one feel secure, and then take part of this back as Medicare and sometimes medication fees. A person’s life may find themselves with an abusive person to deal with day in and day out. The day-to-day chronicles of the abusive acts on the elderly are even less documented than abuse on the younger members of society. Some examples can www.IBAPublications.com

and one of the most abusive lines: “you’re old, why don’t you just die!” Fear for their lives, or, even SCENARIO 1 worse, to be placed in a “home.” Again listen to The only income in a household of six people the person and try and check things out. If the per(four adults and two children under the age of son is in a facility, visit at a time when you don’t twenty) is the Social Security of one or possibility normally visit; an unannounced visit. two elderly persons in that home. Of course we now know that this allotment is not enough for SCENARIO 2 one person or these two older persons to take good Elderly Nursing Homes/ Board care of themselves. But this amount is to meet the and Care Facilities. We have laws as to the ratio of children to adult needs of this household of six. Because of forced persons in child care facilities. Check in your state “inter-generational housing” and “boomerang to see if there are such laws for the elderly in their children” many elderly find themselves living in facilities. In nursing home facilities it is unique to these situations, and of course, this can be very, very stressful, both mentally and financially. In this see two (2) elderly persons to one (1) staff memscenario the person that does the abusing may be ber ratio: unique, rare, almost unheard of and unthe very person that this elderly person gave life known, of course it does exist, but check it out!! Physical Abuse: and time to (children and even grandchildren.) Pushing, restraining, (tying, binding), hitting, Possibilities/Signs of Abuse: Physically pushing and hitting – which may es- slapping, twisting, and withholding food. calate into severe and cruel beatings by the child, Mental: Threats, neglect, taking money and other valuchildren and sometimes by teenage grandchildren. Another scene could be abuse by an attendant at ables, withholding food and medication, and other the nursing home or board and care facility. (Look comforts, name calling, constantly telling this perfor bruises; listen to the person that keeps trying to son that their loved ones no longer love them and tell you something.) It is possible that something have placed them in this place to die. I have stated before how the elderly was once maybe wrong!! Mental abuse; constant shouting, name calling, treated. I say was, because this indicates the past be found in the following scenarios.

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tense; something that happened in years gone by. There was a time when parents taught their children, and those children in turn taught their children and therefore, generations were taught to honor and respect the elderly. Have we come full circle from a pre-civilized society as to when the elderly were left on the trail to die? In the past when Aunt Martha or Uncle Ned became elderly, a clearly defined pattern was followed. Now it seems the idea and treatment have changed or maybe the caring that once was taught is not shown. We must remember, there is only one way to escape getting old — die young! Until we dialogue again, Peace and Togetherness. Answer to Crossword Puzzle on page 56. 1

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Issues In Black America

Black Girls Can Be Princesses, Too! by Veronica Giovanni Gilliard, Age 17, Senior at Stone Mountain (GA) High School Walt Disney icons Cinderella, Belle and Sleeping Beauty, Ariel and Jasmine are practically idolized by the growing, diverse, powerful group of young women in the world. For that matter, so are Pocahontas, the Powhatan first nation princess, and Mulan, the Chinese heroine. At even the earliest ages, they display grace, beauty, and wisdom to a willing, eager and impressionable group of young girls across the nation and the world. Since its first feature film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 72 years ago, Disney has established an undeniable level of character and quality that has been observed and respected for decades. Consequently, while baby-sitting one day last year, I found it very appropriate for a young black girl to ask me, “Where’s the princess that looks like me?” This is an especially inquisitive and difficult question, especially coming from a dark-skinned, five-year-old, African- American. And since I was not “smarter than a fifth grader,” I was stumped. As you might expect, I did what all “grown ups” do when they are stumped by children: I responded to her question with an additional question: “Why do you think there isn’t a Black princess?” I was shocked by the answers I received from my five and nine-year-old female inquisitors. As they explained it, since most of the best Barbie’s were white, all the actors and actresses with televisions shows on the coveted Disney Channel were white and all the movies Disney produced were about white girls – whether they were cartoons or not. In short, the eldest responded, “No wonder there is no princess that looks like me; there are no black people on the Disney channel.” I remember my initial reaction to these answers. My first reaction was to defend my beloved Disney Corporation! I even called my best friend (who

Issues In Black America

Veronica met Anika Noni Rose, the voice behind Disney’s first black princess, with her father, Deric, at the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual meeting in Tampa in August, where she, and dozens of other black girls, took photos with Rose after the premier showing of the film, The Princess and the Frog.

happens to be of Spanish ancestry) for support. Together, we somehow derived a supplementary, list based on what we grew up watching. After all there was That’s So Raven…. um let’s see. Sister Sister was before their time. Smart Guy was, as well. Even The Famous Jett Jackson was a hit of the nineties. Then it hit me: the oldest of these kids was born in 2000. What was there for a young black female nowadays? After deep thought, we came to the conclusion that they were right. There were

no black people – let alone black women – on the Disney Channel. I love Disney and everything it stands for. As I look back on my short life of seventeen years, I never felt led to ask what seems to be the popular question among children. Where is the Mexican princess? Where is the Japanese princess? Where is the African princess? Where is the Asian Indian princess? I believe it is the responsibility of corporations like Disney to remember the power of diversity in harnessing the dreams of the future leaders of the world. I am proud to announce that the younger ladies of my generation will indeed – at long last! – experience the magic of a black princess. This is something I will not be able to appreciate in the same manner as I did when I was a child; however, I acknowledge the progress that this delayed decision has ushered in. Children are visual learners and visual dreamers. Several of the goals adapted by young people are compiled during these formative years. Tiana, the name of the first African-American princess, voiced by Anika Noni Rose, brings realization to the dream that every girl – even young black girls – truly have the ability to be a princess. Beauty, wisdom and grace are not traits solely inhabited by white females. Character and quality can be displayed by a diligent, young, black princess. This is harnessing the dream. This is the real world application of forming the minds of youth in a positive manner. This is one small step for black girls and one huge step for our future leaders. Thank you Disney, for bringing me back into the fold, doing the right thing and making me believe in the magic, once again. Thank you for finally making a princess that looks like me. But please, don’t forget my friend, okay?

™ The Princess and The Frog logo is a trademark of The Walt Disney Studios, 2009

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Issues In Black America

Five Reasons to Be Bullish About Financial Markets by Richard Pitts During a long downturn in the financial markets, it’s hard for some people to be cheerful about their prospects for investment success. And that’s not surprising, because a daily diet of bad news can take its toll on investors’ outlook. Yet if you look beyond the headlines, you can actually find some reasons to believe that brighter days lie ahead. Here are five potential causes for optimism: 1. Recovery may be near. The financial markets obviously are connected to the overall U.S. economy, so it makes sense to keep an eye on how the economy is doing. As you know, we’ve been in the grip of a long and painful recession – but that may change fairly soon. In fact, the recession is likely to end in the second half of 2009, according to a majority of the economist surveyed by the influential National Association for Business Economics. And since the stock market has historically anticipated an economics recovery by about six months – and begun responding favorably – now may not be the time to abandon your long-term investment strategy. Of course, past Performance is not a guarantee of future results. 2. Market rallies can happen quickly. No one can predict the exact moment a sustained market rally will begin – but history has shown that rallies can start quickly and take off sharply. Consider this: in the first year of a recovery, investors have recouped an average of 82 percent of what they lost in the entire prior bear market, according to Standard & Poor’s. And since 1932, the S&P 500 has gained an average of 46 percent in the year after stocks have hit bottom. Keep in mind, though, that we have experienced a larger-than-usual drop in the market, so you shouldn’t necessarily expect a rally to produce these results. Still, if you are out of

Issues In Black America

the market when it does rally, you are likely to miss some of the strongest returns. 3. Low prices may mean good opportunities. By almost any traditional measure of value, investments are now very attractively priced. And when prices are low, returns over the long term tend to be higher. Keep looking for quality investments – like other investments, they’ve been hurt by the downturn, but if their fundamentals are still sound, they could offer the greatest potential for long-term rewards. 4. The Department of the Treasury and Federal Reserve are working overtime to support the U.S. financial system. While the problems of resuscitating our financial system are enormous, and the Solutions are not clear-cut, the Department of Treasury and the Federal Reserve are working hard to support the credit

markets, boost liquidity, lower mortgages rates and take other steps that can ultimately benefit the economy and the investment markets. 5. Low inflation can help boost “real” returns. Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, is currently close to zero. As an investor you have reason to welcome a low inflation rate because when inflation is high, it can erode the “real” returns of your investments. Consequently, you may be rewarded by investing in vehicles that, for the moment, are producing only modest returns. Keep the above factors in mind when you make investment decisions. Remember, if you’re going to help achieve your long-term goals, you will likely need to keep investing in even the gloomiest of markets – and, as we’ve discussed, there might be more than a few rays of light ready to pierce the clouds. www.IBAPublications.com