LAWT 11-15-2012

W E E K E N D E R SEE PAGES 8-9

Vol. XXX, No. 1310

www.lawattstimes.com Thursday, November 15, 2012

L.A. Watts Times

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

HOROSCOPES

Nov. 15 - 21

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RIES ~ You’ll have lots of contact with folks you wanted to hear from this week. Your telephone is your best tool, and you’ll enjoy talking and listening to many supportive and loving friends. A letter may arrive with an invitation. Soul Affirmation: I smile and trust in the powers beyond myself.

AURUS ~ You are too kind this week and it’s a wonderful thing. By doing things for others without thought of a reward, you’re racking up beneficial vibrations for your future! Take personal pleasure in what you do for others this week. Soul Affirmation: Moving slowly is often the fastest way to get there.

EMINI ~ Change your routine this week. Even a minor change in the way you approach your week will enable you to feel happier and more adventurous. Try something new, and you’ll be happy with the outcome. Soul Affirmation: I know that my life is full of good things. I enjoy!

ANCER ~ Create a map in your mind to chart a course through unfamiliar waters. You’ll be as happy as you make up your mind to be. Because you are so wise, you’ll be at peace with all outcomes. Soul Affirmation: I give thanks for who I am this week.

EO ~ It’s a good week to reflect on your personal network of friends and co-workers. You are surrounded by supportive vibrations, and you’ll be counting your blessings by the end of this busy week!

Soul Affirmation: It’s bad only if I see it that way.

IRGO ~ Find a way to love the work you do this week. Use your creativity and wonderful sense of humor and you’ll be finished with chores early enough to relax.

Use your energy wisely. Soul Affirmation: I let worry fly away.

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LA police search for girl seen being dragged away

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AP Photo/Los Angeles Police Department

This combo image of composite sketches provided by the Los Angeles Police Department on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, shows a suspect, left, in the possible abduction of a teenage girl or woman, right, after witnesses reported seeing a man drag her away by the hair. The apparent victim, described as 13 or older and possibly a small woman was reported kidnapped Monday night near a recreation center during an argument with the young man who may be between 18 and 20, police said.

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L.A. Watts Times

ASSOCIATED PRESS Police with bloodhounds trekked through undeveloped hills east of downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday in a massive search for a teenage girl or woman after witnesses reported seeing a man drag her away by the hair.

Police were told the victim, described as 13 or older — possibly a small woman — was taken on Monday night during an argument with a male in his late teens.

“That argument escalated to the point where the male struck the female at least once in the face and then began to drag her up into the brush area by the hair,” police Lt.

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WEEKENDER Published Weekly – Updates 3800 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008 Administration – Sales – Graphics – Editorial 323.299.3800 - office 323.291.6804 - fax Beverly Cook – Publisher, Managing Editor 1976 – 1993 Charles Cook – Publisher 1976 – 1998 Melanie Polk – Publisher 1998 – 2010 WWW.LAWATTSTIMES.COM Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. ............Executive Publisher & Executive Editor Brenda Marsh Mitchell ..................................Executive Vice President Tracey Mitchell ......................................................................Controller Brandon I. Brooks ..................................................Co-Managing Editor Yussuf J. Simmonds ..............................................Co-Managing Editor Jennifer Bihm................................................................Assistant Editor Bernard Lloyd ....................................................Director of Advertising Benjamin Samuels ....................................................Graphic Designer Kim McGill ............................................................Production Designer EMAIL: wattsweekender@yahoo.com Circulation ..................................................................................30,000 The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the L.A. Watts Times.

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CIRCULATION AUDITED BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL

Andy Neiman said.

Witnesses followed and saw the man begin to remove some of the girl's clothing, Neiman said.

No reports of a missing girl had been filed, but the witnesses seemed credible, police said.

The only evidence discovered by officers was leggings and tennis shoes, Police Chief Charlie Beck said. Searchers on foot and horseback combed 455 acres of the El Sereno hills while others flew overhead in a helicopter.

“My hope is that this was a dispute that was resolved in some way, but we have to treat everything like it’s the real deal,” Beck said at a news conference.

LA council moves to send tax boost to voters

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MOMBASA SQUARE ANSWERS FROM 11-8-12

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IBRA ~ A romantic partner returns and wants to pick up the past and start over.

Friends are good to have, but this particular friend will be best kept as just that … a friend! Enjoy your ability to choose what’s best for you. Soul Affirmation: My spirit gives me limitless possibilities.

CORPIO ~ This week is a week to let your diplomatic side work for you. Forcing will get you nowhere. No man or woman is an island. Focus on togetherness even if you are annoyed with people. Soul Affirmation: Charm is my middle name this week.

AGITTARIUS ~ You have wonderful ideas about interior decorating. Be ready to accept a great opportunity at work.

Money doesn’t matter this week. Don’t make finances more important than they need to be. Soul Affirmation: I appear to others what I know myself to be.

APRICORN ~ Keep all your ducks in a row this week. No mixing work with fun or business with pleasure. Save your affection for the home front and stay focused on the work in front of you on the job. Things are working out perfectly. Soul Affirmation: This week I find joy in the gifts that life has already given me.

QUARIUS ~ Why not take each perfect moment as it comes? You are struggling to find a solution that time can and will provide. Perform your tasks cheerfully this week and let the future take care of itself.

Give yourself the opportunity to enjoy each now moment. Soul Affirmation: Worry will only create more worry. I stop all worry.

ISCES ~ Your anxiety about an important issue can now be seen as needless.

You don’t have to worry! Have faith that things are working out perfectly and they will! This week especially consider all options before you make decisions. Soul Affirmation: I am uplifted by the presence of friends.

Inside This Edition

ASSOCIATED PRESS Los Angeles is hoping taxpayers are in a generous mood.

One week after voters approved a statewide sales tax increase pushed

by Gov. Jerry Brown, the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday tentatively approved placing a halfcent boost on the March city ballot.

The city of nearly 4 million people has been wrestling with long-running budget gaps and soaring health

and pension costs for retired city workers.

Proposition 30 approved last week will increase the sales tax in the city from 8.75 percent to 9 percent on Jan. 1.

The city proposal would kick that rate to 9.5 percent — among the highest in the nation.

The proposal approved 10-4 must return for a second vote next week.

It would raise an estimated $200 million a year.

BlackFacts.com November 16, 1873 Blacks won three state offices in Mississippi election: Alexander K. Davis, Lieutenant governor; James Hill, secretary of state; T.W. Cardozo, superintendent of education.

Blacks won 55 of the 115 seats in the house and 9 out of 37 seats in the senate, 42 per cent of the total number.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

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Labor heads say Obama backs General demoted for lavish travel, spending them on

BY LOLITA C. BALDOR ASSOCIATED PRESS

Africa Command who was accused of spending thousands of dollars on lavish travel and other unauthorized Defense Secretary Leon Panetta expenses, a senior U.S. official said has demoted the former head of U.S. Tuesday.

Panetta stripped Gen. William “Kip” Ward of a star, which means that he will now retire as a three-star lieutenant general despite arguments from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff against the demotion. Ward also has been ordered to repay the government $82,000.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the person wasn’t authorized to discuss a personnel matter.

The demotion comes as retired Army Gen. David Petraeus resigned as CIA director because of an extramarital affair and Marine Gen. John Allen is being investigatAP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, File ed for potentially improper This Oct. 1, 2008 file photo shows Army communications with a Gen. William E. “Kip” Ward, Commander woman.

According to the official, of U.S. Africa Command, speaking at the Pentagon. A senior U.S. official says Panetta reviewed the Ward Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has demot- matter and concluded that the ed, Ward, the former head of U.S. Africa wrongdoing found by the Department Command who was accused of spending Defense See GENERAL WARD, thousands of dollars on lavish travel and page 5 other unauthorized expenses.

‘fiscal cliff’

BY KEN THOMAS ASSOCIATED PRESS Labor leaders said Tuesday that President Barack Obama

AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta

President Barack Obama speaks at the annual Veterans Day commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, left, accompanied by Mary Kay Henry, international president of the Service Employees International Union, center, and Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, right, speaks to reporters outside the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, after a meeting between business leaders and President Barack Obama to discuss the economy and deficit.

remains committed to preserving tax cuts for middle class families and ensuring the wealthy pay more in taxes, outlining plans for a public campaign to pressure Republican lawmakers.

The heads of several labor unions and Democratic-leaning interest groups emerged from an hour-long meeting with Obama saying they were united with the president on how to avert the so-called “fiscal cliff” and prevent more financial hardships next year.

See ‘FISCAL CLIFF’, page 10

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

SoCal HBCU Club continues California to debut to honor alma mater landmark cap-andThe Southern California Alumni Chapter, Club #6 held it’s 31st Annual Jazz Brunch in honor of Xavier University. trade system

AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File Photo by Brian W. Carter

(L-R): Dr. Norman Francis, president of Xavier University (XU), Kimberly Reese, director of Alumni Relations at XU, Anthony Sharp, president of SCAC6, Dr. Kenneth St. Charles, vice president Institutional Advancement at XU & Tracy Cummings, vice president of SCAC6.

BY BRIAN W. CARTER SENTINEL STAFF WRITER

business card bulletin board

The Southern California Alumni Club #6 (SCAC6) held its 31st Annual Mardi Gras Jazz Brunch recently at the Proud Bird Restaurant. The event was developed in honor of Xavier University and to raise funds for scholarships. SCAC6 president, Anthony Sharp, who recently accepted another term as president over the club, explained the Mardi Gras’ importance.

“The purpose of this event is first

and foremost to provide financial support to Xavier,” said Sharp, “to raise scholarships for students that are from the Los Angeles area and to more so, raise awareness about HBCU’s (Historical Black Colleges/Universities).”

He continued, “As we’ve seen…they’re trying to close the doors of our HBCUs, so it’s up to all of the Alumni Chapter, both here locally as well as all over the country to, not only raise funds but to continue to raise awareness of this issue.”

See HBCU CLUB, page 7

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This March 9, 2010 file photo shows a tanker truck passing the Chevron oil refinery in Richmond, Calif. On Weds., Nov. 14, 2012, California’s largest greenhouse gas emitters for the first time began buying permits in a landmark “cap-and-trade” system meant to control emissions of heattrapping gases and spur investment in clean technologies. The program is a key part of California’s 2006 climate-change law, AB32, a suite of regulations that dictate standards for cleaner-burning fuels, more efficient automobiles and increased use of renewable energy.

BY JASON DEAREN ASSOCIATED PRESS California is debuting its new, landmark cap-and-trade program with an auction of greenhouse gas pollution permits, despite an eleventh-hour lawsuit filed by the state’s largest business group.

The cap-and-trade plan is a central piece of the state’s 2006 global warming law, AB32, a suite of regulations meant to reduce dramatically the state’s emissions of heat-trapping gases.

The program places a limit, or cap, on emissions from individual polluters. Businesses are required to cut emissions to cap levels or buy allowances from other companies for each ton over the cap that is discharged annually. If a business were to cut emissions below the cap, it could profit by selling its extra allowances.

The program’s first auction on Wednesday was closely watched, as it essentially put a price on carbon emissions for the first time in state history. Only the European Union has implemented a similar plan in terms of scope.

But the California Chamber of Commerce has sued, challenging the validity of the state’s cap-and-trade program. The lawsuit filed on Tuesday November 13 in Sacramento Superior Court was not expected to stop the auction. The group was not seeking an injunction to halt the program immediately, said Denise Davis, a chamber spokeswoman.

The suit challenges the California Air Resources Board’s authority as stated under the state’s 2006 climate-

change law, AB32, to sell the permits, called “allowances,” for the purpose of generating revenue for the state. It is also challenging the sale of allowances as an illegal tax, arguing that taxes need a two-thirds vote by the Legislature.

“This action by an unelected state board to use regulatory statutes to raise tens of billions of dollars from taxpayers is unprecedented in our state’s history,” the chamber’s complaint said.

For the first two years of the program, large industrial emitters will receive 90 percent of their allowances for free in a soft start meant to give companies time to reduce emissions through new technologies or other means. The cap, or number of allowances, will decline over time in an effort to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The chamber’s challenge is the latest lawsuit filed over the state's landmark global warming law, which so far has survived myriad legal challenges.

Stanley Young, a board spokesman, said officials were reviewing the lawsuit and expected cap-andtrade to withstand legal scrutiny.

“This market-based approach to cutting greenhouse emissions gives businesses the flexibility to best decide how to reduce their emissions,” Young said.

The board estimates that about $1 billion could be raised from the sale of allowances in fiscal year 2012-13.

About 23 million allowances will be sold for 2013 emissions, and 39.5 million allowances were being presold Wednesday for 2015 emissions.

See CAP-AND-TRADE, page 7

Thursday, November 15, 2012

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SECOND BALLOT COUNT UPDATE

Nov. 6, 2012 Presidential General Election

BY LAWT NEWS SERVICE Los Angeles County RegistrarRecorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) Dean C. Logan announced the following updated semifinal results as of today, November 13, 2012.

The update includes 172,052 ballots processed since the last update.

This count consists of only Vote by Mail ballots. For vote totals on specific contests, please visit lavote.net.

This brings the updated estimate to approximately 521,710 to be counted.

Please remember that these results are subject to change throughout the canvass period. The next official update is scheduled for Friday, November 16, 2012 at 1 p.m. All results and updates will be posted online at lavote.net as they become available.

The mission of the RegistrarRecorder/County Clerk is to serve Los Angeles County by providing essential records management and election services in a fair, accessible and transparent manner. For more information, visit www.lavote.net.

GENERAL WARD Continued from page 3 Inspector General, in a report released earlier this year, demanded accountability.

In a statement issued Tuesday, a spokesman for Ward said the general “has never been motivated by personal gain and fulfilled each and every mission assigned to him and served his country and the men and women assigned to his commands with distinction.”

The spokesman, Chris Garrett, added that, “While General Ward is not perfect he has always been guided by his faith in God and the belief that there is no greater honor as a patriot than to lead those who choose to serve our nation in the armed forces.”

Retiring as a three-star will cost Ward about $30,000 a year in retirement pay — giving him close to $208,802 a year rather than the $236,650 he would get as a four-star.

Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, urged Panetta to allow Ward, the former head of U.S. Africa Command, to retire at his full four-star general rank, according to defense officials.

Other military leaders had noted that the demotion would cost Ward a lot of money.

The inspector general’s report found that Ward used military vehicles to shuttle his wife on shopping trips and to a spa and billed the government for a refueling stop overnight in Bermuda, where the couple stayed in a $750 suite. The report detailed lengthy stays at lavish hotels for Ward, his wife and his staff members, and the use of five-vehicle motorcades when he traveled to Washington.

It also said Ward and his wife, Joyce, accepted dinner and Broadway show tickets from a government contractor during a trip in which he went backstage to meet actor Denzel Washington. The couple and several staff members also spent two nights at the Waldorf Astoria hotel.

Other charges were that Ward often extended his overseas trips — particularly those to the U.S. — for personal reasons, resulting in “exponential” increases in costs.

Although the report included responses from Ward to a number of the allegations, investigators often found records and statements that contradicted his explanations. At one

point, Ward defended the Bermuda layover, saying that it came up on short notice, which is why his security team had to stay there longer. The report found records showing that the layover had been planned for at least four days in advance.

A common theme running through the report was Ward’s insistence that his wife travel with him at government cost, even though it was often not authorized and she performed few official duties. It said he also routinely stayed in high-priced suites in luxury hotels rather than in standard rooms or less expensive locales.

The allegations, coming after a 17month investigation, have delayed Ward's planned April 2011 retirement.

And they were an embarrassing end note to his career, since he had claimed a place in history as the military’s first commander of Africa Command.

Panetta’s options regarding Ward were limited by complex laws and military guidelines. He had only one real choice: allow Ward to retire as a fourstar or demote him and force him to retire as a three-star lieutenant general.

In order for Ward to be demoted to two-star rank, investigators would have to conclude that he also had problems before moving to Africa Command, and officials said that does not appear to be the case.

The investigation dragged on for so long that that Ward was temporarily dropped to two-star general status.

Under military guidelines, if a full general is not serving in a four-star command or office for more than 60 days, he or she is automatically reduced to two-star rank. Ward would not be able to recoup any back pay for the time at the two-star rank, even though he is being retired at the three-star level.

Major general, or two-star, is the highest rank to which an officer can be promoted by regular military action.

Becoming a three-star — lieutenant general — or a four-star general requires a presidential nomination and confirmation by Congress. It, therefore, is not considered permanent and lasts only as long as the person is serving in a job of that rank.

That technical demotion is not uncommon as generals move from job to job and unexpected delays occur. It would not have affected Ward's ability to retire as a four-star, if he had been cleared of the charges.

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. wins re-election, despite his absence

BY LAWT NEWS SERVICE Last Tuesday, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. left the Mayo Clinic, where the Illinois Democrat was being treated for a second time for bipolar disorder.

Mayo spokesman Nick Hanson told the Associated Press that he did not know where Jackson was going.

Jackson, who was easily elected to a new House term last week, has been on medical leave since June 10.

Members of Congress returned to work Tuesday after a lengthy break for the election.

Neither Jackson's congressional spokesman, his publicist nor his father could immediately be reached for comment.

Jackson returned to the hospital in October amid reports that he faced a new federal investigation into potential misuse of his campaign finances. The Chicago SunTimes first reported the probe, citing anonymous sources.

Jackson, 47, disappeared in June, and it was later revealed that he was being treated at the Mayo Clinic for bipolar disorder and gastrointestinal issues. He returned to his Washington home in September, but went back to the clinic the next month.

His father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, said then that his son had not yet “regained his balance.”

Jackson was easily elected Nov. 6 to a ninth full term representing his heavily-Democratic Chicago area district, even though he had barely appeared in public since going on medical leave and his only campaigning was a robo-call asking voters for patience. He spent election night at the clinic.

Jackson later issued a statement thanking his supporters and saying he was waiting for his doctors’ OK before he could “continue to be the progressive fighter” they’d known for years.

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

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Photo Of The Week | Remembering our photographers

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Man who accused Elmo puppeteer of teen sex recants

Legendary photographers: Recently some of our greatest Black photographers were honored by The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC). There were legendary photographers among this prestigious group, including Bill Jones (legendary photographer of the stars), Howard L. Bingham (legendary photographer of Muhammad Ali), D. Stevens, Bruce Talamon and Haywood Galbreath (photographer extraordinaire); also photographers who call Los Angeles their home: Malcolm Ali (the community photographer), Cazzie Burns, Ian Foxx (a veteran photographer also known for his work in short films), Valerie Goodloe (also known for her photo layouts in Jet & Ebony), P.A. Mead (the photographer who is always there). Valerie Goodloe was not able to attend but her award was accepted by her husband.

AP Photo/Victoria Will

In this Jan. 24, 2011 file photo, Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash poses with the “Sesame Street” muppet in the Fender Music Lodge during the 2011 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. The man who accused Clash of having sex with him when he was a teen now says it isn’t so. The man said in a statement released on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 that his sexual relationship with Clash was adult and consensual.

BY FRAZIER MOORE ASSOCIATED PRESS A man who accused Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of having sex with him when he was a teenage boy has recanted his story.

In a quick turnabout, the man on Tuesday November 13 described his sexual relationship with Clash as adult and consensual.

Clash responded with a statement of his own, saying he is “relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest.” He had no further comment.

The man, who has not identified himself, released his statement through the Harrisburg, Pa., law firm Andreozzi & Associates.

Sesame Workshop, which produces “Sesame Street” in New York, soon followed by saying, "We are happy that Kevin can move on from this unfortunate episode."

The whirlwind episode began Monday morning, when Sesame Workshop startled the world by announcing that Clash had taken a leave of absence from “Sesame Street” in the wake of allegations that he had had a relationship with a 16year-old.

Clash, a 52-year-old divorced father of a grown daughter, swiftly denied the charges of his accuser, who is in his early 20s. In that statement Clash acknowledged that he is gay but said the relationship had been between two consenting adults.

Though it remained unclear where the relationship took place, sex with a person under 17 is a felony in New York if the perpetrator is at least 21.

Sesame Workshop, which said it was first contacted by the accuser in June, had launched an investigation that included meeting with the accuser twice and meeting with Clash. Its investigation found the charge of underage conduct to be unsubstantiated.

Clash said on Monday he would take a break from Sesame Workshop “to deal with this false and defamatory allegation.”

Neither Clash nor Sesame Workshop indicated on Tuesday when he might return to the show, on which he has performed as Elmo since 1984.

Elmo had previously been a marginal character, but Clash, supplying the fuzzy red puppet with a highpitched voice and a carefree, childlike personality, launched the character into major stardom. Elmo soon rivaled Big Bird as the face of “Sesame Street.”

Though usually behind the scenes, Clash meanwhile achieved his own measure of fame. In 2006, he published an autobiography, "My Life as a Furry Red Monster," and he was the subject of the 2011 documentary “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey.”

He has won 23 daytime Emmy awards and one primetime Emmy.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

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CAP-AND-TRADE Continued from page 4 There is some uncertainty about how, exactly, the money will be used. But California law dictates it go into a special greenhouse gas reduction account, and any programs that use the funds be consistent with the AB32's goals.

California officials hope a successful rollout of its cap-and-trade system will embolden other states to follow suit. Currently, a much less inclusive cap-and-trade scheme that covers only electricity producers is in effect for northeastern states.

The chamber argues that California’s system goes too far and will alienate other states.

“Unless we adopt the most costeffective way of reducing carbon emissions, other states will not follow us,” Allan Zaremberg, the chamber’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “The current ... proposal is the most costly way to implement AB32, and it will hurt consumers, the job climate, and the ability of businesses to expand here.”

HBCU CLUB Continued from page 4 The SCAC6 is very committed to supporting XU and its students.

Sharp is an alumnus with his undergraduate, graduate and experience gained from working on XU’s campus.

“We’re striving to at least [get] 20,000 or more [members] at this fundraiser every year,“ said Tracy Cummings, vice president of SCAC6. “It’s exciting and we’re raising funds for scholarships… that’s what makes it okay as far as our blood, sweat and tears.”

“This is definitely an event we look forward to each and every single year to raise money for the school that’s dear to my heart,” said Sharp. “It’s up to (SCAC6) to continue to support the efforts of Xavier and Dr. Francis… whose leadership is bar none.”

Dr. Norman Francis is the president of Xavier University and takes the title seriously. He is very proud of the HBCU that he represents and has an urgent message for youth.

“This is a time to remind all of our children, our grandchildren, our nieces and our nephews, that [they’ve] got to be prepared as well as they can be,” said Francis.

“Anybody who believes race, creed, color and gender don’t matter, I got news for them—it does matter.”

He continued, “If you don’t recognize that you’ve got a problem and don’t deal with it, you’ve got a greater problem.”

Francis holds the title as one of the longest sitting presidents of a university in the U.S. since 1968. A man committed to educating Black youth, Francis is responsible for the university’s growth physically, spiritually and academically.

“It’s always a happy time for me,” said Francis. “I don’t have a lot of time to spend, but I make sure that I try to [show up] here every year.”

“I just saw a lady with a little baby and I said to her, ‘I got an application that I want to give the [baby],” said Francis.

“This is a wonderful event,” said Dr. Kenneth St. Charles vice president Institutional Advancement at XU. “We get a chance to go around and see alumni from different parts of the country and this event is the one we always come to because so many of the alums truly appreciate what they [received] from Xavier.”

“We have a lot of strong support from Los Angeles,” said Kimberly Reese director of alumni relations at

XU. “So, it’s always good to come back and see people…supporting [XU].

“We really love it.”

The Jazz brunch was well attended by Xavier alumni, friends and family, who partied New Orleans-style to music from live band, Gumbo Child. Later, everyone enjoyed a hearty brunch and participated in an auction with prizes, which included original paintings, the latest I-Pad, and gift certificates to the Proud Bird, Post & Beam and other prizes.

Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, Xavier was founded by Saint Katherine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and to this day is the only historically, Black Catholic University in the United States. It was started as a high school in 1915, and later added a four-year college program in 1925.

It was established to educate African-Americans and Native Americans. Xavier, to this day, is a predominantly African-American university, but is open to all ethnicities.

The university offers 47 major undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. It’s accredited by numerous organizations and colleges including the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, American Council of Pharmaceutical Education, the Louisiana Department of Education, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) just to name a few.

Dr. Francis encouraged alumni and guests to support youth in pursuing a higher education and had this to say: “I’d love to have you all to come to Xavier but if you don’t come, make sure that you’re prepared to be educated—technically and literally, competent to handle the technology of today and tomorrow.”

According to the U.S. Department of Education, Xavier has maintained the ranking of first place in African-American students earning undergraduate degrees in biological/life sciences and the physical sciences. It has one of the best pharmacy programs in the nation producing AfricanAmericans with Doctor of Pharmacy degrees. Xavier is also known for placing African-American students in the top medical schools. In 2010, the institute was awarded 504 degrees and alumni ranked up to 20,000.

Transportation industry: A route to success for Black men

BY FREDDIE ALLEN, NNPA WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT When Jeffrey Brooks began his career in the transportation industry, the encouraging words of his parents echoed in his ears: “Go get a good job, a good job that you can retire from with a pension.”

Now, 30 years later, Brooks, the administrative vice-president and director of the Transit Division for Transport Workers Union of America, hopes that message is not getting lost on millions of unemployed young Black men living in urban areas across the nation.

As Americans continue to climb out of the Great Recession inch-byinch, Black men endure unemployment at nearly twice the national rate. Last month, the unemployment rate for Black men was 14.1 percent. For White men, it was less than half that rate – 6.6 percent over the same period.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, a non-profit organization that studies how economic policies impact low and middle-income workers, from July 2009 to May 2012 the unemployment rate for Black men was often higher in America’s biggest cities.

EPI reported that about 25 percent of the jobs Black men lost between 2007 and 2011 occurred in the con-

Jeffrey Brooks struction industry. Although Black men are often underrepresented in the construction and manufacturing industry, the transportation industry offers unique opportunities.

“EPI estimates that African Americans could obtain as much as 14 percent of all jobs created by large public transit investment projects. Blacks are only about 11 percent of the labor force, so these projects bring a slightly

disproportionate benefit to black workers,” according to a brief published by the think tank.

“It’s clear that Blacks have access and a somewhat easier career path in transportation than in other industries,” said Algernon Austin, director of the Race, Ethnicity and the Economy Program at EPI. See TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY, page 15

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Black voters would not A post-election be denied mobilization agenda

BY BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS, JR. NNPA COLUMNIST

Most of the misinformed pundits who were unaware of the readiness and enthusiasm of millions of Black Americans to go to the voting polls on November 6, are not acting as if they are shocked by another record voter turnout of the Black American community. We are not surprised at all by the historic contributions of Black American voters to help determine the victory for the re-election of President Barack Obama.

Many of them spent the weeks leading up to the election lamenting and criticizing the suppressed economic state and high unemployment rate for African Americans. Yes, it is true that poverty, unemployment, housing foreclosures, youth violence, and exceedingly high rates of incarceration are all serious problems that must be addressed resolutely, especially by Black America. But what happened on Election Day should not be undervalued or understated.

In the face of unprecedented systematic attempts to suppress and to prevent a large voter turnout in our communities, Black Americans and millions of others stood up, face downed, and moved “forward” to vote in high numbers in long lines for many hours. Some people in Florida and Ohio had to stand in line for more than eight hours to enjoy their right to vote.

In fact, as I stood in line in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as an early voter, I witnessed firsthand the sheer determination of thousands to stay in the long lines for hours without ever thinking about getting out of the line or leaving without voting.

The Republican-led efforts to suppress the vote backfired and made millions of Black Americans and other voters more determined than ever before to cast their votes in this most important

election. The enthusiasm in the Black community was very high and the resilience of people at numerous voting precincts was irrepressible. The old repressive and divisive tricks of the past did not work this time. We were conscious, aware and ready for the struggle at every voting booth. This was also the case in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and in California. Even after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, African Americans turnout in massive crowds at voting places in New York, Connecticut and in New Jersey.

The fact that it took four additional days before all the votes could be counted in Florida’s Dade County was actually a significant testimony to the successful turnout of both Black American and Latino American voters across the county. On election night, some voters

in Dade County stood in line for 10 hours until early on the morning of Wednesday. But all of this displays once again that the forces of repression, segregation, injustice and racial oppression cannot and will not ultimately prevail against the moral, spiritual and political determination of those who struggle, participate in social action and cry out for freedom, justice and equality.

In fact the success of Black America’s voting strength in 2012 and beyond will put our communities in a much stronger political position not just to demand economic justice and empowerment, but force American democracy to become more inclusive. It will enhance Black America’s opportunities to push further to eradicate poverty in real time and to advance the development interests of our communities toward greater sustainability and future progress for all.

We, therefore, have so much to be grateful for and to move “forward,” away from the pits of cynicism and hopelessness. I was so proud to see so many young brothers and sisters in the long lines voting for the first time.

Our young people need more encouragement and support. And when our youth and young adults do something right, we should take the time to acknowledge their renewed and revitalized activism.

Black American youth are not lost and they are not alienated from their civic responsibilities. Thank God for the hip-hop generation and for stepping up to the plate to help make the victory won on Nov. 6, a victory that was felt across America and throughout the world. Now let’s work together to transform our communities and families for a better quality of life for all.

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is president of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network and Education Online Services Corporation and can be reached at drbenjamin.chavis@gmail.com.

the participant said.

According to participants, White House aides said the president intends to hold campaign-style events across the country after Thanksgiving to drum up support for his proposed solution to the fiscal cliff. It would build upon more than 100 rallies organized by labor unions last week urging members of Congress to avoid cuts to entitlement programs.

The president views his re-election as an affirmation of his belief that raising taxes on families earning more than $250,000 a year is what voters want. Republican House Speaker John Boehner has expressed a willingness to raise revenues but remains opposed to boosting tax rates, pointing instead to closing tax loopholes, lowering rates and fixing entitlement programs.

Both sides have voiced the potential for cooperation, but face a postelection confrontation over a series of expiring tax cuts approved during the George W. Bush presidency and tough, across-the-board spending cuts set to take place because lawmakers failed to reach a deal to reduce the

federal debt.

Economists have warned the combination of the expiring tax cuts and reduced spending could hinder the economic recovery.

During Tuesday’s meeting, participants said the president reiterated his contention that the wealthy should pay more in taxes and that his views were vindicated by the election. They said the president showed no willingness to extend the Bush era tax cuts for the wealthy. “He’s standing firm on taxes, on the issue of raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans,” said Neera Tanden, president of the Center for American Progress.

The labor and liberal organizations said they made clear their opposition to any benefit cuts to Medicare recipients or increasing the eligibility age. Max Richtman, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare, said after the meeting he was confident that “whatever savings come out of those programs would not come out of beneficiaries or citizens, it would be focused more on providers.”

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.

‘FISCAL CLIFF’ Continued from page 3 “We are very, very committed to making sure that the middle class and workers don’t end up paying the tab for a party that we didn’t get to go to and the president is committed to that as well,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.

Labor leaders said they plan to mobilize their members in the coming weeks to press Republicans to support the extension of tax cuts for middle income families. Mary Kay Henry, president of the Service Employees International Union, said labor needs to remain “as engaged as we were in the election throughout the rest of this year to make sure we get the Republican House to say yes to tax cuts for the middle class.”

One participant in the meeting, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private session, said the president told the group that he was not going to bend on letting tax cuts expire for top wage earners. The president said that the tax issue was clear during the election and that he had extended the Bush-era tax cuts once and would not do so again,

BY JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA COLUMNIST After we savor the feeling of sweet success that comes from President Barack Obama’s election, there is work to do. Most of us got the outcome that we both worked and hoped for, but we have to resist the temptation to exhale and get on with our work. Before the president takes the oath of office for a second time, African Americans should mobilize around these issues: 1. SEQUESTRATION. Unless the Democrats and Republicans can cut a deal during the lame-duck session of Congress, our budget will be cut automatically. While House Speaker John Boehner has softened his tone just a bit and indicated his willingness to compromise, he still has to herd his Tea Party colleagues into also agreeing on ways to avoid sequestration. The notion of cutting expenditures at a time of slow economic growth makes no sense.

Neither does sequestration, a desperate move to avoid a compromise.

What do we need to address the deficit? A long-term plan that takes economic cycles into account.

2. POVERTY. Tavis Smiley and Cornel West spent much of this fall on a poverty tour, rising up the 27 percent of African Americans who live in poverty. This contrasts with the Middle Class Tax Force that President Obama has asked Vice President Biden to lead. It would be great if the president would form a task force to reduce or eradicate poverty, and he might do so if he were urged to. Meanwhile, as the holidays approach, keep the poor in your community in mind, and find a local charity to sponsor.

3. STATE AND LOCAL ELECTIONS. Presidential elections seem to suck all of the air out of the political landscape, and rightly so. We elect a president only every four years, and his (maybe one day her) focus has long-term implications.

But so do city council, school board and mayoral elections. Many are held in off years so that local candidates don’t get swallowed in the national hype. It’s a great time to get involved in these elections or even consider running yourself. Voting is literally the least you can do, not the most you can do. Failing to engage in full civic participation cedes your choices to others who are engaged.

4. THE HOUSING CRISIS. Despite action at the national level, many banks are dragging their feet rather than offering modifications for under water mortgages. Just a fraction of those who qualify for these mortgages have been offered them by their banks. Congress probably can’t deal with this issue during a lame duck session, but it is certainly time for people to get together to reverse

Julianne Malveaux this trend. The problem: Too many of us are ashamed to talk about our financial status, thinking it’s a personal problem instead of a structural problem. The solution: Consider involving a state legislator or local leader in developing a workshop for those who are under water. Get bankers there to explain why so many have not been offered loan mortifications. Take the results to your congressperson and ask them to act on it.

5. PARENT PLUS LOANS AND OTHER HIGHER EDUCATION ISSUES. While the federal government provides an opportunity for students to have parents borrow for their tuition, the federal government has tightened requirements on the loan to the point that nearly half of those who qualified last year do not qualify any more. The result? Thousands of student, especially at HBCUs have the choice to pay up or get out. Or, the other choice is for colleges to “carry” these students. This is a bad idea when regulators judge colleges, especially historically Black colleges, by fiscal stability. Speaking of education, this is a challenging time for HBCUs to experience cuts in Title III and other federally-sponsored programs. In a second Obama term, issues affecting HBCUs should be high on the list of things our president must pay attention to.

6. THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY. African Americans have been President Obama’s most loyal supporters. When will we get the attention we deserve? We can’t meekly ask for it, we have to demand it. With high Black unemployment rates, challenged inner city employment possibilities, and high dropout rates, our community is in desperate need of attention. The location of one federally funded new state-ofthe-art high school, with both honors programs and job-training programs, can make a real difference in inner cities.

Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

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e v e n t LISTINGS

11 / 2012

L.A. Watts Times Calendar, Compiled by Brandon I. Brooks, Co-Managing Editor 11/16 33RD ANNUAL BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS CONFERENCE (BCC): This November 16-17, 2012, the African Student Union of California State University, Long Beach will proudly present its 33rd Annual Black Consciousness Conference (BCC). Featuring special guest Maulana Karenga, Sister Souljah, Dr. Maulana Karenga Lynn Vivian Dymally, Keith Muhammad, Tony Wafford and John Singleton. The theme of this year’s conference is “Unfinished Business: The Black Consciousness Movement Continues.” The conference will focus on topics such as HIV/AIDS awareness, student activism, the dynamics of black families, living a healthy life, male and female empowerment, and more. The purpose of this conference is to provide a forum where Black students and the Black community atlarge can engage in a dialogue about the issues that impact our community; this is also an opportunity for us to develop solutions and to take them back to the communities in which we belong. The Black Consciousness Conference will be a memorable experience for everyone involved. With all the amazing speakers, scholarly panel discussions, intellectually stimulating workshops, and social celebrations, you can't afford to miss it; so call all your family and friends and let them know to save their monies because you all our taking a trip to THE BEACH! For more information please visit, csulbbcc.weebly.com.

11/17 WATTS TURKEY TROT 5K WALK/RUN: Kaiser Permanente Watts Counseling & Learning Center, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Watts Healthy Farmers' Market will join efforts to encourage local residents to get out there and thrive as they participate in the Watts Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run. WHEN: Register before 9:00 a.m. Walk/Run begins at 9:30 a.m. WHERE: Ted Watkins Park, 1335 East 103rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90002. Look for Kaiser Permanente Tent by the parking lot. For more information: (323)564-7911 or e-mail Ignacio.V.Cano@kp.org . First 50 participants will receive a prize. Registration is free!

SATURDAY NIGHTS AT THE GETTY: COLD SPECKS: Saturday Nights at the Getty returns on November 17 with a performance by Cold Specks at the Getty Center. At only 23 years old, lead singer Al Spx has a soulful and experienced voice complemented by her talented six-piece band. Cold Specks’s “doom-soul” style is timeless and raw, offering a sense of peacefulness and meditation for listeners. Filled with tales of redemption, prayer, faith, and loss, Al Spx's songs are delivered with an earthy, gospel-like Al power. She resemSpx bles the superstars of her style, such as Mahalia Jackson and Sister Rosetta

Tharpe, and is inspired by legends Bill Callahan and Tom Waits. WHEN: 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Harold M. Williams Auditorium, Getty Center.

Admission: Free; reservations required. Call (310) 440-7300 or visit www.getty.edu. Parking is $10 after 5 p.m.

11/17 BOOK LAUNCH LEIMERT PARK:

OF IMAGES OF

AMERICA:

Local authors release new book featuring stunning collection of vintage images. By local authors Cynthia E. Exum and Maty GuizaLeimert with a foreword by Walter H. Leimert III. This pictorial history boasts more than 200 vintage images and provides readers with a unique opportunity to reconnect with the history that shaped their community. WHEN: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. WHERE: Community Build Courtyard 4305 Degnan Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90008. Books will be available for purchase. For more info call (323) 730-0628.

11/20 OLYMPIAN CARMELITA JETER RETURNS ALMA MATER: November 20 will be

TO

Carmelita Jeter Day at California State University, Dominguez Hills, as the campus welcomes home its Carmelita first Jeter Olympic athletic.

The threetime medalist at the 2012 London Olympic Games— bronze in the 200m, silver in the 100m, and gold in the 4x100m—and the fastest woman alive will talk about her experiences and answer questions from the audience during “A Discussion with Carmelita Jeter.”

WHEN: 4 to 5 p.m. WHERE: University Theatre (CSU Dominguez Hills is located at 1000 E. Victoria St. in Carson.). There will be an autograph session immediately following.

Then at 7 p.m. Jeter will serve as honorary head coach at the home-opener women’s basketball game against cross-town rival Cal State L.A. There will be a special program to recognize Jeter’s accomplishments at halftime. The talk and the basketball game are open to the public; however there is a charge to attend the basketball game: $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and non-CSUDH students with their student IDs. The game is free for CSUDH students and children age 12 and younger. A special invitation-only reception with Jeter for CSU Dominguez Hills alumni is from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Alumni interested in attending the reception should call (310) 243-2237. There will be complimentary parking in Lots 6 and 13 only that afternoon. Parking in all other lots costs $4, payable at yellow kiosks in each lot. For more information, call (310) 243-3337.

UP & COMING … 11/22 MOZEL SANDERS THANKSGIVING DINNER WEST COAST: Carrying on the legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Mozel Sanders, Bishop Richard D. Sanders saw an immediate need in his community. This year, with the goal of feeding five thousand people, Bishop set out to raise support for his efforts. Major League Baseball, immediately donated ten thousand dollars to accompany the efforts of Mayor Eric Perrodin, City of Compton, Ca. and Dr. Keith Curry of Compton Community College District. WHERE: Compton Community College District; 1111 East Artesia Blvd. Compton, CA 90221. WHEN: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m,. The feeding is a collaborative effort among Compton Community College District; the City of Compton; clergy; political leaders; community leaders; entrepreneurs; area churches; and businesses. In addition to Compton Community college district, feedings will take place at satellite churches and businesses as well as Compton Community College District.

11/22 THANKSGIVING AT SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH: The Grateful Heart Thanksgiving Event will be presented by the Holiday Celebration Club. Festivities will include a complete holiday meal, live jazz music with legendary pianist and composer Howlett Smith and

his trio and recorded music with DJ Acea. An art exhibit, children’s activities and a gift raffle will also be included. Children ages 10 years and under will be admitted free of charge. The price for youth ages 11 to 17, is $10.00, and $25.00 for adults 18 and older. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online for $25.00. A special combination ticket purchase is also available for both this Thanksgiving event and the Christmas dinner to be held on December 25th for $35.00. This event is designed for families and individuals to celebrate the holidays and fellowship in a loving environment with good food and entertainment.

WHEN: Starting with a morning worship service starting at 10 a.m. The event takes place from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: Second Baptist Church is located at 2412 Griffith Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90011. For more information call (213) 536-7337 or purchase your tickets online at www.holidaycelebrationclub.eventbrite.com.

TO MAKE A CALENDAR SUBMISSION: Include event name, date(s), time, location, contact/RSVP information and admission price, if any. Use BRIEF paragraph format (no lists, line breaks, or all caps). All calendar submissions are space-permitting and may be edited for brevity. Send submissions, along with any images, to brandon@lasentinel.net with the subject heading “LAWT Community Events.” Please include text in the body of your email, not in an attachment.

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Director Sheldon Epps gets ‘Intimate’ Sheldon Epps, director for the Pasadena’s Playhouse’s latest production “Intimate Apparel” discusses the play in depth

‘Whoomp!

(There it is)’ victory goes to Al Bell

Photo by Yuki Maguire

“I’m not the type to believe that a thing can’t be done. I’m from Memphis, Tennessee!” – Al Bell, after federal court granted him resale rights to the hit, “Whoomp! (There It Is).”

BY TONY JONES SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE TRI-STATE DEFENDER Photo by Earl Gipson

“Step and Repeat” actress Vanessa Williams, director Sheldon Epps and actress Dawn Lewis-”Intimate Apparel” cast members.

BY CHELSEA BATTLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER SENTINEL: Why did you choose to direct Intimate Apparel?

Sheldon Epps (SE): It’s a play that I saw many years ago, and really liked what I saw. I always thought about it as a possible play to do. The idea of people literally and figuratively reaching out and touching each other — the idea of people having simple physical affection — is really important. I guess, I was also thinking about the idea of how we’re so into electronic communication. We’re constantly texting each other or tweeting each other, emailing — and we’ve sort of lost the idea of being in literal connection with each other, which I think is kind of a shame. You used to sit down and write letters to your friends and your family, and people just don’t do that anymore. I can’t remember the last time I got a hand written letter! So it’s just a reminder of that time, the way we made contact with someone in a non-digital way. That’s the way

our society used to be; that’s what we used to all want.

SENTINEL: What specifically about this time period really fascinates you? Why 1905?

(SE): The fact that New York City specifically became very segregated: the Blacks uptown, the Jews downtown, and the Whites were sort of midtown. But the working class people of 1905 all lived together, and I think that’s really interesting that somehow, after literally being right next door to each other, something changed in America and we started separating — and frankly probably became a lesser country — because we lost that inter weaving that kept all the races together because everybody was poor together. I was also very interested because people who often times were not educated certainly didn’t have a lot of money, but they certainly had a sense of value about what they did, and pride in their work. And this is a woman [main character Esther] who does not want to be taken care of; she wants to

make it on her own. That woman is an early womens’ libber because she says, “I don’t want a man to take care of me; I want to make my own way.” The opportunity to make your own destiny was started by women in this play.

SENTINEL: Is there a reason that the main character is a seamstress? Is this notion of a seamstress a metaphor for something else?

(SE): Yes, there is definitely a reason. The character even says, “I would rather make my money sewing, doing this art form, than to be a maid or a washer woman.” One of the things Lynn addresses in the play is that there is an art form to making something. One of the characters says to Esther, “You have gifted fingers. Not everybody can thread a needle.”

SENTIEL: Does the fabric itself symbolize something?

(SE): The play is all over the place. There are some Black characters, some White, there is a Jewish character, and a character from See SHELDON EPPS, page 16

A federal court in Texas has granted Memphis-connected soul music legend Al Bell the rights to his iconic song “Whoomp! (There It Is).”

Described by The Hollywood Reporter as “one of the fastest selling songs in music history,” the verdict orders the music firm DM Records to pay Bell after it was established that the company was illegally licensing the use of the song.

In Memphis to give a speech on the opening day (Oct. 29) of the Berklee College of Music’s City Music Network Conference at the Westin Hotel downtown, Bell commented briefly on his victory.

“They kept trying to muddy the water to try to confuse the judge, hoping that I would get uptight and give up,” Bell told The New Tri-State Defender. “But what they did not know is I’m not the type to believe that a thing can’t be done. I’m from Memphis, Tennessee!”

DM bought the song as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy sale Bell underwent for his company, Bellmark Records. The sale included at least two other best sellers, “Dazzy Duks,” and Prince’s “The Most Beautiful Girl In The World.”

Bell retained licensing rights to the songs through his song-publishing firm, Alvert Music. Licensing permission and fees had to be approved by

Alvert Music before anyone else could use the song. This meant that DM Records, or anyone else that had purchased Belmark, could sell the song but not re-sell it without Bell’s permission.

The judgment also carried a $2.5 million jury award to Bell, who had fought the case for decades in varied legal venues.

Bell said his experience in the industry fed his belief that he would eventually win.

“They were counting on the judges not understanding the complexity of song copyright laws. Like most people, they generally understand the legal basis of copyrighting itself, but the complications of song copyrights are entirely another matter, but this judge saw right through it all.”

The ruling established that as the song’s publisher, Bell was the only one with the right of resale to the tune.

Resale value is a big deal in the advertising and marketing worlds, where song licensing is a multi-billion dollar industry. For example, the 2011 ad campaign by AT&T was based on the public’s instant recognition of “Whoomp! (There It Is).”

DM Records attorney Richard Wolfe said the fight is not over.

“This is round one and there are many issues here,” said Wolfe.

“Ultimately, this will be decided by a jury and an appeals court in New Orleans.”

Bell said he anticipated such a step. He vows to fight until the matter is settled by payment on his behalf.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

13

Q&A: Ne-Yo on new album

Terrence J goes from homeless to BET and now — E! News

Ne-Yo AP Photo

Terrence J

BY MESFIN FEKADU ASSOCIATED PRESS Ne-Yo knows that dance and electronic music dominate the charts and radio, and he believes some of the lyrics are weak.

“There’s dance songs out there with four words in the whole song, and it don’t ever matter,” he said.

“Because it’s not about what the words are, it’s about the music, the ups and downs in the music ... and then it explodes — that’s what that genre of music is about.”

But when he approached that sound on his fifth album, “R.E.D.,” the 33-year-old Grammy winner said he took the time to craft lyrics that have meaning. He said the best example is “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself),” his current single and Top 10 Billboard pop hit.

“I told myself if I’m going to do this dance music or electronic or techno or whatever it is, I need to do it from a standpoint of making mine stand out from everybody else’s, meaning a Ne-Yo dance record is going to have some kind of depth in the lyrics because the lyrics is who I am,” he said.

“R.E.D.” — out this week — features more dance-sounding tracks as well as R&B ones. The singer-songwriter, who has multiple hits of his own and has also written smashes for others like Rihanna and Beyonce, talks about the new album, songwriting, collaborating with country star Tim McGraw and being a father in an

interview with The Associated Press.

AP: “Let Me Love You” was cowritten by Sia and you usually don’t write with other people. How did that song come about?

Ne-Yo: I know for a fact that there are incredible songwriters out there, but I just always feel like everything I do comes from a really personal place, and for another songwriter to come in and write a song for me that’s going to be as personal as me writing a song for me — I didn’t feel like that was possible. But even with that being said, I’m never going to turn down a hit. If somebody’s coming at me with a hit, I'm not that dude.

AP: Sia also co-write Rihanna's hit “Diamonds” and she’s blowing up.

Ne-Yo: She’s getting all this recognition and attention now and she doesn’t want to be an artist anymore. ... I don't blame her. Being an artist definitely has its pros and its cons. ... You can walk down the street and have the No. 1 song in the world and nobody bothers you.

AP: You have two children, and I wonder how parenthood has changed making music for you.

Ne-Yo: It’s changed the way that I write to a degree. I used to pride myself on how fast I can write a song, how many songs I can write in a small amount of time. Now it’s definitely quality over quantity. ... It’s that now because the better the song the more likely somebody’s going to buy it; someone buys it that means I get money and I can take care of my kids.

AP: What was the energy like when you made the new album?

Ne-Yo: There was almost an essence of me needing to prove something. ... My last album didn’t perform as well as my previous three, and I felt with this one, I definitely needed to remind me this is what I do.

AP: Since “Libra Scale” didn’t do as well, did you approach this album differently?

Ne-Yo: The approach going into “R.E.D.” did have a little bit to do with “Libra Scale.” In the realm of what “Libra Scale” was, there was a lot of things that I was trying to do that I had never done before and that I didn’t take the time to gain the proper knowledge of before I attempted.

AP: That was pretty honest.

Ne-Yo: I am 100 percent the guy that if I know that it was my fault, I’m going to say it’s my fault. ... No excuses over here. ... I take full blame, full responsibility.

AP: You’re also very honest on “Cracks in Mr. Perfect,” where you sing about infidelity. Was that one easy or hard to write?

Ne-Yo: That was the one record I was a little afraid of. People are going to hear this and change the way they view me. ... It was easy because it’s things that’s always floating in the back of my head anyway. The difficulty came in with the honesty.

Like, do I want to be this honest? Do I want to say to somebody, “I’m a man of my word, but only when I’m See NE-YO, page 16

SENTINEL WIRE SERVICES Terrence J (Jenkins) was once a homeless college graduate goingfor-broke when he auditioned and was hired to host BET’s “106 & Park,” but recently he completed another item on his ‘wish list’ with his move to “E! News.”

Jenkins’ will be co-hosting with “E! News” veteran Giuliana Rancic.

“I actually wrote down how and what I wanted to accomplish,” said Terrence J about his career. “I was homeless at 23 when I auditioned for ‘106 & Park.’ I never got what I wanted but… it’s full of accomplishments. Every day is a step towards (what I want)…”

Terrence J is also an actor whose credits are already impressive with co-starring roles in the Steve Harvey film ‘Think Like a

Man’, in ‘Burlesque’ and the T.D. Jakes movie ‘Sparkle’.

The North Carolina native says that the “E! News” assignment is the pinnacle of his successes thus far. He credits his academic achievements in preparing him for the worldwide exposure he received via his co-hosting gig at BET on “106 & Park.”

“That family connection, that means so much to me, it fuels me,” he said. “I try to stay humble and not get into trouble. You build…every time you get experiences, you get better.”

The actor/television co-host said he intends to be the best cohost on “E! News” he can be while also having fun.

Episodes will include interviews with comedian/actor Kevin Hart and Chris Brown on his new foundation Symphonic Love.

Black Facts.com November 17, 1972 Sixteen Blacks were elected to Congress. Andrew Young of Atlanta was the first Black elected to Congress from the Deep South since the Reconstruction era. Also elected for the first time were Barbara Jordan (Tex.) and Yvonne Brathwaite Burke (Calif.).

Republican Senator Edward W. Brooke of Massachusetts was overwhelmingly endorsed for a second term.

November 18, 1980 Wally “Famous” Amos’s signature panama hat and embroidered shirt are donated to the National Museum of American History’s Business Americana collection. It is the first memorabilia added to the collection by an African American entrepreneur and recognizes the achievement of Amos who built his company from a mom and pop enterprise to a $250 million cookie manufacturing business.

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Steward hailed by Queen of Soul and boxing royalty AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

A portrait of the late boxing trainer Emanuel Steward is seen during his funeral service at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012.

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

Thomas Hearns receives a hug outside the home of the late boxing trainer Emanuel Steward in Detroit. Hearns was in the Motor City to attend the funeral service for Steward, who died last month.

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko hugs a member of the late boxing trainer Emanuel Steward's family at a funeral service for Steward at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit.

BY LARRY LAGE ASSOCIATED PRESS Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward was celebrated by boxing royalty and the Queen of Soul at a starstudded memorial service Tuesday November 13 in the Motor City.

Steward, the man who made the Kronk Gym famous, died of colon cancer last month at the age of 68.

His family took its time to plan a memorial befitting a beloved public figure — and it was a hit.

Champions he trained — including Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko and Evander Holyfield — one he worked out only briefly — Sugar Ray Leonard — and another he didn’t train at all — Roy Jones Jr. — all paid their respects.

“What a spectacular turnout of support,” HBO Sports commentator Jim Lampley said. “Over here, you have a section that I would call the Hall of Fame section. You would have to go to Canastota (N.Y.) in midsummer to the Hall of Fame to see anything even remotely approaching this group.

“There are five legitimate heavyweight champions sitting in the first two rows and the No. 1 pound-forpound fighter in the world.”

And if that wasn’t impressive enough, Aretha Franklin sang a stirring rendition of “I’ll Fly Away” in front of a few thousand witnesses at Greater Grace Temple. Franklin, a friend of Steward’s in Detroit for decades, said she wouldn’t have missed the memorial for anything.

“He had a million-dollar smile you couldn’t deny,” Franklin told The Associated Press from her front-row seat. “I’m so glad he made the Kronk Gym what it was, helping countless young boys become men and many amateurs become champions.”

The city closed the original Kronk Recreation Center — a hot, sweaty basement gym — after vandals stole its copper piping in 2006. It was allowed to remain open, but it put Steward in a difficult financial situation and he later rented space at a gym in Dearborn so his young fighters could train.

Now, there isn’t a Kronk Gym anywhere — and his family is hoping to change that.

“We closed it after he passed, but we’re going to restructure it and we want it done correctly,” Sylvia StewardWilliams told The AP, sitting in her father’s second-floor office at his brick home on Detroit’s west side. “We want to get a good foundation, like it was in the beginning, and build it back up.”

See STEWARD, page 15

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

Aretha Franklin sings during a funeral service for the late famed boxing trainer Emanuel Steward at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit.

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

Emanuel Steward’s sister Sylvia Steward-Williams holds a championship belt created by the World Boxing Council (WBC) honoring, from left, Emanuel Steward, Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and Thomas Hearns at the trainer’s office in Detroit.

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

Emanuel Steward’s daughter Sylvia Steward-Williams holds a championship belt created by the World Boxing Council (WBC) honoring Emanuel Steward at the trainer’s office in Detroit.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2012211377 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Fashion Driven by IstyleIsmile, 6625 Springpark Ave Apt 14, Los Angeles, Ca. 90056, County of Registered owner(s): Monét Lorenz Lamb, 6625 Springpark Ave Apt 14, Los Angeles Ca. 90056 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.)

S/ Monét Lorenz Lamb, Owner/Operator This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on October 23, 2012 NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411

15 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

Original 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29/12 CNS-2406285# WATTS TIMES

GOVERNMENT LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) Metro will receive Proposals for RFP PS-47203009, Highway Programs – “Los Angeles County Intelligent Transportation Systems On Call Services” per specifications on file at the Office of Procurement, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (9th Floor).

All Proposals must be submitted to Metro, and be filed at the reception desk of the Office of Procurement on or before December 13, 2012, 2:00 PM Pacific Time. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each Proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. RFP PS-4720-3009 .A Pre- Pre-Proposal conference will be held on Wednesday November 21st, 2012, GATEWAY CONFERENCE ROOM, 3rd FLOOR, 10:30 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.located at the address above.

You may obtain a copy of the RFP, or further information, by faxing G. Katzman at (213) 922-1005.

11/15/12 CNS-2405627# WATTS TIMES

TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY Continued from page 7 It’s that career path that Brooks, now retired from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority, wants young Black men to focus on.

Brooks climbed the ranks at SEPTA, starting on the railroad tracks that criss-crossed Pennsylvania and advancing to a heavy equipment operator a few years later. The Philadelphia native eventually took on leadership responsibilities as section officer, chairman, vice-president, and recording secretary. Brooks became president of the Transport Workers Union Local 234 in 2004.

“It was a struggle,” Brooks said during a forum on transportation jobs hosted by EPI in September. “It wasn’t like they gave it to us. We had to fight tooth and nail to get where they were.”

As union president, Brooks fought hard to create opportunities for minorities, in the highly-skilled, high paying positions at SEPTA where Blacks are often underrepresented.

Brooks worked with the city and state leaders to create internship and apprenticeship programs to expose young people, especially those living in urban areas, to careers in transportation.

“I went into the school district sat down with the mayor, the governor and other legislators and what became important was building a partnership between the school district of Philadelphia, the transit workers union and SEPTA,” Brooks said.

Brooks partnered with the Transportation Learning Center a group that creates training opportunities for the front-line workforce in the transportation industry across the nation. TLC receives funds from the Federal Transit Administration, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Transit Cooperative Research.

Brian J. Turner executive director of TLC said that the Labor Department is projecting 38 percent growth in employment in the transportation industry.

“Transit rail ridership is growing like crazy,” Turner said. “You also have an older workforce where 40 percent of frontline workers, the people who maintain and operate the transit system, are expected to retire in the next 10 years.”

We need to be training up that next

generation, Turner added.

Unfortunately, the transportation industry has one of the lowest levels of investment in skill development of any industry, Turner said, limiting the efforts of groups like TLC. On average, industries invest 2 percent of payroll in human capital.

According to Turner, the nation’s transit systems invest between 0.6 to 0.8 percent in the development of human capital.

“Without human capital, physical capital can’t do anything useful,” said Turner. “Physical capital can’t run itself. It can’t run on time. It can’t run efficiently. It can’t operate safely without human capital.”

Turner said that with more money invested in training, TLC can implement framework national training standards, apprenticeships, systems.

Brooks said that this type of framework, similar to what is being implemented at SEPTA in Pennsylvania, that can be used as a model for other transit systems in urban areas.

Brooks admits that many people don’t see the career opportunities that the public transit system provides.

“Transit jobs are not sexy, said Brooks. “Most people just think that this is just a man driving this bus up and down the street.”

Brooks said that schools become critical in impressing upon students that public transit is somewhere that you can go to gain skills and branch out into other fields.

Austin said that students should also learn about the career mobility and income opportunities that the transportation industry.

“Hopefully, we’ll all have long lives and as you progress through life and start a family, you have kids, college tuition to pay medical expenses, etc. you need occupations that will allow you the opportunity to advance have greater income, to save and to put money away for your retirement,” Austin said.

Brooks said that it’s up to leaders in the industry, state and local officials to continue to push to make transportation careers a real opportunity for young people living in urban areas.

“What I learned a long time ago is that jobs are one year, two years and

Qualified “A”, licensed Contractors are invited to submit sealed bids by 2:05 PM, December 10, 2012 to the BurbankGlendale-Pasadena Airport Authority for Project Number E12-13, FIBER OPTIC AND SERVICE EQUIPMENT PROJECT – PHASE 5. The Work in general consists of, but is not limited to installation of fiber optic cable installation from an existing environmental enclosure via existing conduit, including trenching and additional conduit, electrical components, conductors and data cables to energize and operate all new cameras for a fully complete system as described in the plans and specifications at the Bob Hope Airport.

Plans and specifications can be obtained directly from the Bob Hope Airport Web site at www.bobhopeairport.com under Business Opportunities. All bidders shall register with the Airport Engineering Department either via web site or in person. Bids submitted by firms who have not registered with Airport Engineering will be considered non-responsive. Call Bobbi Greenspahn at (818) 565-1305 for more information. A pre-bid conference will be conducted on November 28, 2012, at 10:00 A.M. at the Bob Hope Airport Engineering Office, 2800 Clybourn, Burbank, California, 91505. Located at the corner of Sherman Way and Clybourn.

Certified Disadvantage Business Enterprises and Small Businesses are strongly encouraged to participate.

you’re gone,” Brooks said. “A career is something that I just did. Thirty years in the same employment, 30 life-sustaining years.”

STEWARD Continued from page 14 Steward, who was born in West Virginia in 1944 and moved 11 years later to the Motor City, trained boxers born and raised in Detroit such as Hearns. He was hired by boxers from all over the globe.

Lewis was trained by Steward from 1994 to 2004, a period that included victories over Holyfield and Mike Tyson.

“I’ve been interviewed by a lot of TV stations around the world, they have put Emanuel Steward a league of great trainers,” Lewis said. “And I say he is the greatest trainer that ever lived.”

Steward was an accomplished amateur boxer who chose to become a coach in the ring, starting in 1971 with a part-time position at Kronk for $35 per week.

Hearns put the gym — and the trainer affectionately called Manny — on the map. Hearns was the first man to win titles in four divisions and he won five overall.

The boxer known as Hitman lost some of his most famous bouts. Hearns was knocked out in the 14th round by Leonard in 1981 — a fight that Steward later said was the most painful experience of his life — and was on the short end of a three-round fight with Marvin Hagler in 1985 that is considered one of the best bouts in history.

On an emotional day, which started in the morning with family, close friends and former fighters gathering at two homes Steward owned, Hearns was so overcome with emotion when he stepped up to the pulpit that he had to step back, wipe tears off his cheeks and gather himself.

“If it wasn’t for Emanuel Steward, it would be very difficult to be where I am today,” Hearns said. "He wasn’t just a trainer to me, he was like a dad."

Jones was trained by his father, and he told the AP he wished his mother hadn't talked him out of hiring Steward

to be his trainer when he turned pro. trained by Steward. When Banks When Jones got behind the micro- arrived at Steward’s house on Tuesday, phone at the memorial, he compared Sylvia Steward-Williams hugged him Steward to Michael Jordan and Barry and shared four words that left him in Sanders — one-of-a-kind talents that awe. can’t be replaced — and said he has “It’s your time now,” the trainer’s always carried a red-and-yellow Kronk eldest daughter whispered in his ear.

Gym bag to every fight.

“I never expected that to come out “There was no other gym on the of her mouth, especially to me,” he said planet that produced that much talent,” softly. “But those are shoes that will he said. “I may not be a Kronk fighter never be filled. There’s no replacement by contact, but by heart I am.” for Emanuel. I’m just pouring water on Steward suffered cardiac arrest the seed he already planted.” while he was hospitalized near Chicago A private dinner and party in last month, and it proved too much to Detroit followed the service. overcome as he also fought cancer. Just three days after retaining his three heavyweight titles in G e r m a n y, Klitschko traveled to Detroit with fresh bruises and cuts on his face to honor Steward, his trainer and friend.

“Emanuel Steward lives in the hearts of each of us,” he said. "Not just the people present in this room — the people around the world.”

Klitschko’s new trainer is fellow heavyw e i g h t Johnathon AP Photo/Carlos Osorio Banks, a A poster honoring boxing trainer Emanuel Steward and the Detroit native boxers he trained is seen in the trainer’s office in Detroit. who was

16

SHELDON EPPS Continued from page 12 Panama. One of the main characters in the play brings a specific piece of fabric from Asia. That’s a whole different civilization, and it really becomes an important aspect of the play. The idea of different cultures coming together through the art of sewing and creating is really important to the play.

The very touch and feel of the fabric is what draws two people together who really can’t be together because of the restrictions of culture, race, religion, and the period they live in. Yet they are in love with each other because they have such a mutual appreciation for this fabric.

SENTINEL: What are some of the recurring themes in the play? How does it relate to today?

(SE): I think that everyone has had a time in their life when they didn’t feel all that attractive. Or maybe they had something going on inside of them that made them feel not valuable. That was true in the era of this play, 1905, and it was true 5 minutes ago. We’ve all had times where we don’t feel worthy of love or of being interesting to a partner. What’s interesting in the play is that you kind of expect this from a character who is Black and not wealthy. She’s a workingwoman who is illiterate, so she feels badly about herself.

But it’s also true of this 5th avenue wealthy woman that she makes corsets for, who feels exactly the same way. So that feeling of not feeling worthy is something that’s still with us. In the end, the main character gets beyond that and she says, “I’m going to give up a lot (I won’t tell you what; you have to see for yourself!) because I respect myself. I won’t allow you to abuse that good woman.” You see the growth of this character, and she goes back to work and doing what she does best.

SENTINEL: What did you look for when casting the characters?

(SE): I like actors who are brave, who have a lot of what I like to call theatrical muscle. I wanted to cast people who were really good looking because I wanted it to be about people who are really good looking. All of the characters are good looking, but don’t feel that they are. Also, everyone likes to look at good-looking people!

NE-YO Continued from page 13 not lying”?

AP: How did you and Tim McGraw get together?

Ne-Yo: I actually ran into Tim McGraw's manager in London and ... when we played “She Is,” I was like, “This is my take on a country song. Hopefully if all goes well, you’ll see me performing this at the Country Music Awards with Tim McGraw or somebody.” And Tim McGraw’s manager happened to be in the audience and he was like, “We can make that happen.”

AP: What are your favorite albums of the year?

Ne-Yo: 2 Chainz ... Elle Varner ... I’ve been singing Lana Del Rey’s praises recently. ... Got to throw Frank (Ocean) in there. ... Superbrave cat to do what he did. (Earlier this year, Ocean revealed that his first love was a man.) When I heard about it, I honestly didn’t think it was as big of a deal as everybody made (it). ... If you listen to his music, Frank is the kind of cat that’s going to do what he wants to do. ... The dude references “Dragon Ball Z” in a R&B song ... so for him to come out and say what he said ... I’m like, “OK, that just makes perfect sense with who he is.”

Thursday, November 15, 2012