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Volume 88 • Issue 7

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FDHA’s 4th Annual Health Summit P. 3

Black household incomes are growing P. 4

Emmy lessons for black women P.8 September 24-31, 2015

ted a l re

thl a r he or d you f ide u an s n k i or yo age 5 o o f L ws y on p e n il af m

September 24-31, 2015

COVER STORY

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Meet Gary Sparks, Douglasville’s first-ever African American police chief

By Terry Shropshire Know this about new Douglasville Police Chief Gary Sparks: He could have gone practically anywhere in the country and thrived within the vast field of military and federal law enforcement because of his outstanding scholastic achievements and enviable military expertise.

By now, Sparks could have been a high-ranking official within the U.S. Department of Justice. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) academy and was heavily recruited to join the bureau. He has worked for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on daring uncover assignments in different cities. While he was in the military, he trained elite personnel on SWAT Team tactics in places like Fort Knox. He could have remained in the Army and worked towards being a high-ranking officer within the U.S. military command.

But Sparks always harbored this yearning to go back home. There was something that his instructors at his alma mater, Fort Valley State University, told him that stuck with him even as he journeyed through his illustrious military career.

“I had instructors as Fort Valley State who said ‘take your education and go back home and make a change,’” Sparks said. “So I always had that in the back of my mind, to get my education and go back home.”

While he was not initially sure what that job was going to be, he knew he wanted to be of service to his fellow man.

“I always wanted to get into something that would help people,” he said. “I’ve always had this service mentality.”

And that’s exactly what he did. At first, Sparks tried his hand at federal corrections officer (“you are in prison, too,” he quipped). When a judge acquaintance told him that Douglasville Police Department was looking for more black police officers, Sparks met with the chief of police and, displaying his impressive military portfolio of accomplishments and experiences, he was hired.

Three decades later, Sparks, 59, is now the top cop in Douglasville.

Sparks, a 29-year veteran of the Douglasville Police Department, had served as acting chief since former chief Chris Womack resigned. Sparks already

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had served more than six years as deputy police chief and holds a B.S. degree from Fort Valley State College and a master’s degree from Columbus College.

In early September, Douglasville Mayor Harvey Persons nominated Sparks for the position and received a unanimous vote by the city council. The Douglasville native now oversees 95 police officers and 30 additional employees.

“I want to be part of a cultural change, to have our department and the community work as one,” he said, adding that he desires a relationship that resembles the smash hit song of one R&B’s legendary groups, Frankie Beverly & Maze, called “We are One.” Sparks had that mentality from his first day as a patrolman.

“I just treated people right. Do unto people as you would have them unto you,” he said. “I was never heavy handed.”

And he is bringing that philosophy to his reign as the chief of police.

“My philosophy is that we are going to continue to build on the community trust,” he said from his office at the expansive Douglasville Public Safety and Municipal Court complex, “and break down that wall of communication with our police department. I want the community to feel like they are a part of this as well.

“It’s not us versus them. We don’t run around here like a Gestapo.”

This is particularly relevant in light of controversial and high-profile cases of police and citizens in the metro Atlanta area and around the country.

“We want to develop positive relationships and deal with all people in a positive way. If we train them right and creative a positive culture inside this department, so then they (the officers) will be positive on the outside the department.”

Another unique aspect to Douglasville is their DCOP program, or Douglasville Community Outreach Program, where the department doesn’t wait for the public to come to them; they go out and initiate positive contact with the community. “We get out here and knock on doors and introduce ourselves,” Sparks said. “What we found out is that when we have community meetings, people weren’t coming.

So we started going to them.”

“We introduce ourselves. We give them cards, tell them what crimes are occurring in their area, stats

occurred in the area, how to notify us, How to get on our websites to report crime, how not be a victim of crimes” and tell them about the departments next community meeting.

Perhaps the most powerful of Sparks’ programs is the nine-year-old “Youth Against Violence” program that has successfully rehabilitated and transformed lives without them getting caught up within the prison industrial complex.

“We do a lot of things outside the department that don’t get recognition because the all the media wants to see blood and guts: “We take at risk kids, some who have been in trouble with the law, or got in trouble in school. “And we teach them life skills, conflict resolution, anger management, how to be successful, going beyond your limitations. And then we teach them the law – the gang law, traffic laws.

“Our philosophy is: If they want to come out here, we let them know what the laws are. And then they can’t go out there and say ‘I didn’t know.’ We tell them you can get 10 years for (doing this or that). And they say ‘we didn’t know that.’ We don’t yell at them. But education is the key. We have a schedule and every week, we teach a different subject. We have some of the fraternities come out. We have some of the sororities come out. We do this 42 weeks out of the year.” “(Our officers) tell them the law, when can we search, when can we not search. What can happen on a traffic stop, what the police rights are, what their rights are – every aspect of that encounter, so that there not a misunderstanding.”

The Youth Against Violence Program runs on most Saturdays from 10 to 2.

The youth classes, which holds about 50 kids, takes place in a building adjacent to the police and municipal complex from Sparks’ office.

“We tell them how to deal with police, how to make a citizen’s contact with law enforcement that will work out in your favor, how to make a citizen’s complaint. We don’t sugarcoat it. We’ve had defense attorneys come in here and they speak to the kids so they know their rights. At the end of each class, we give each student a book of the U.S. Constitution, so you know your rights.”

The youth classes are four 8-week sessions, and one 10-week session that takes place in the summertime. “Once that is complete, if they want to come back, we start leadership session. We assign volunteer to mentor them going while they are going through process.”

“I tell the kids all the time: we could go get the kids that get all “A’s,” and have a wonderful time. But we go get the kids have scrapes because they are important, too.”

Sparks has invited and will continue to invite organizations such as the NAACP, civic groups, frats, clergy, business leaders to come out and educate, enlighten and inspire the youth to choose a positive path in life and, just as importantly, how to get there.

While he is an advocate for the community and the youth, Sparks also added: “Now don’t take our kindness for a weakness now,” he said sternly and resolutely, a reminder that the police will do their jobs when the situation calls for it. “We will handle our business.”

As he calls his new position “a blessing,” Sparks feels even more blessed that, after traveling across the country in various important positions, he was able to do what his Fort Valley State University professors told him to do – and that to go back home and use his education, military background and police expertise to help turnaround wayward young lives.

“That’s my ministry right next door,” he said.

Atlanta Daily World

Founded August 5 1928; Became Daily, March 12, 1932 W.A. Scott, II, Founder/Publisher August 5, 1928 to February 7, 1934 Published weekly at 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30354 Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta Mailing Offices.

Publication Number 017255 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Atlanta Daily World, 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30354 Subscriptions: One Year: $52 Two Years: $85 Forms of Payment: Check, Money Order, VISA American Express, MasterCard MEMBER: Associated Press Atlanta Business League Central Atlanta Progress Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce National Newspaper Publishers Website: www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com Lorraine Cochran General Manager lcochran@realtimesmedia.com

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September 24-31, 2015

FDHA’s 4th Annual Health Summit to address violence in Atlanta

By Terry Shropshire Rev. Bernice King, youngest daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will be one of the keynote speakers at the event.

Senseless and even baffling levels of violence are raging out of control in the metro Atlanta area, the state of Georgia and the rest of the country, particularly in the Fulton and DeKalb county areas. TV One host and political connoisseur Roland Martin, the Rev. Bernice King and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin are among the keynote speakers who are joining the The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority in its 4th Annual Health Summit addressing ways to lower violence in Georgia’s communities, particularly in two of the state’s largest and most populous counties.

Given the epidemic of violence in our local communities, across the nation and around the world, this year’s Health Summit focuses

on the causes and elimination or reduction of violence.

The FDHA event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on October 28, 2015 from 8:30am – 5:00pm, at 265 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30303. the event is free and open to the public.

It will include much needed opportunities for dialogue between the general public, local, state and national leaders, police officers, mental health professionals, judges, members of the clergy, faith based communities, and other community leaders. The goal is for The FDHA’s 4th Annual Health Summit to elevate the issues of violence in our communities and help attendees discover, discuss and implement positive solutions to eliminate violence.

From national and global headlines to our local news, stories of violence unfortunately lead. Violence is among the most serious health threats in the world today. Throughout

Powerful black women talk sports, business, and diversity at ColorComm event

By Terry Shropshire Turner Sports vice president Tara August’s eyes sparkled like diamonds when she recalled how her career has ascended to the point where the White House is now calling her. Rolanda Gaines, the director of marketing over at Fox Sports, was temporarily transported back to the Motherland as she excitingly retraced how one of her jobs in sports took her on a mind-blowing excursion to Johannesburg in South Africa.

And Nzinga Shaw, the current chief diversity and inclusion officer for the Atlanta Hawks, is a living testament to how dream jobs can be had despite a former employer telling her she would always lack the qualifications.

ColorComm’s “Minority Women in Sports PR” panel discussion in the club section in Philips Arena became a fascinating foray into how these black women accomplished and experienced things beyond their original comprehension as they pursued their goals in life.

And what was one of the best parts of the 90-minute panel discussion of highly-successful women who thrive in the competitive, lucrative and highly-rewarding occupation of sports business? Shaw, charged with enhancing diversity for the Hawks, is not even a rabid sports fan. The former PR person for world-renowned Edelman and Essence mag calls herself an “industry agnostic” — a person whose emotional temperature doesn’t rise and fall with the success of any team — but who is definitely a rabid fan of ensuring that qualified people of color are accorded opportunities they otherwise may not have gotten with the NBA franchise.

August, on the other hand, was practically born on her hometown baseball diamond. Sports flows through her veins like red blood cells. Her addiction to sports resulted from her older brother playing the game and, after finishing college and not wanting to go into traditional corporate America, found

that she could fulfill her love of being connected to sports without having to play it. Besides, it’s hard to tear your ACL while walking through the offices of Turner Sports.

The Sept. 15 event, spearheaded by prolific radio and TV personality Rashan Ali, helped the audience gain insight into the careers of women who spearhead marketing and PR agencies/organizations inside the sports world. The women talked about the obstacles and challenges of being the only woman and/or black in the sports boardroom, but also how rewarding their jobs are how they use their stilettos to crack the glass ceiling of possibilities.

Nzinga (above) will always have the distinction of being the first-ever Hawks chief diversity officer and she was recruited to her role because, as has been well-documented, “the league it was in a crises (due to the L.A. Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling’s flagrantly racist pronouncements to his mistress). And most very aware that the Atlanta Hawks were in tumultuous situation,” she recalled, speaking about the controversy surrounding former general manager Danny Ferry’s description of an African-born player. She described the three keys to her role at the Hawks as: • Internal engagement: in terms of looking for new talent and then “once talent gets there what are we doing to sustain and cultivate that talent.”

• Marketing the fan experience, in terms of what’s pro- duced on stage, “when you come to the games, we want the fans to feel excited, whether you’re Jewish, women, LGBT … We want to make the experience exciting for all people.”

• Strategic partnerships: the team wants to enhance community and corporate engagement and bring greater understanding to the community of what the Hawks are about.

the world, more than 1.3 million people worldwide die each year as a result of violence in all its forms (self-directed, interpersonal and collective), including 475,000 homicide deaths according to the World Health Organization — Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014.

Violence jeopardizes the health and safety of the public in various ways. According to the Prevention Institute, (an organization that brings cutting-edge research, practice, and analysis to today’s pressing health and safety concerns) acts of violence are the leading causes of injury, disability, and premature death.

Violence also increases the risk of other poor health outcomes, particularly and disproportionately among young people and people of color.

To register for the event in advance, and to glance at its itinerary, log onto www.thefdha.org

‘Maynard’ documentary moves into initial phase of filming

By Bunnie Jackson-Ransom The motion picture cameras of Sam Pollard, documentary movie director extraordinaire, are moving quietly through Atlanta capturing the voices and images of Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery, Vernon Jordon, former Ambassador/Congressman/ Mayor Andrew Young, and others as they speak their opinions about Atlanta’s first African American Mayor, Maynard Jackson.

The theatrical documentary about the person and legacy of Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr. will tell the story of the man, the politician, and the game changer; and will strive to answer the question: “How did Maynard do it?” Mayor Jackson was known as a charismatic and compassionate leader who served a record three terms as Atlanta’s mayor. Among his many successes, he earned his place in Atlanta history books for building the world’s busiest airport and for leading the affirmative action charge across these United States. The objective is to tell the Maynard story that details his life and to motivate other young politicians that one honest and dedicated individual can make a difference.

The director of the film will be Samuel D. Pollard, known as a prize-winning producer/director of documentary films, who is an Emmy Winner and an Academy Awards Nominee for his work in Eyes on the Prize, Slavery by Another Name, When the Levees Broke, Four Little Girls, and more. He leads a team of writers and producers who are just as talented that include Sheila Curran Bernard, Winsome Sinclair, Wendy Eley Jackson, and Daphne McWilliams.

“I am excited about the challenge of making MAYNARD, the movie, said Pollard. “When you think about the civil rights movement, one usually thinks about what happened in the 50’s and early 60’s, Dr. King, SCLC, and SNCC. But there was another part of the civil rights struggle and what happened when the walls of segregation were broken and integration was close at hand. There was a group of African American politicians whose job it was to work within the system and make change happen.

Maynard Jackson was on the front of line. This will be his story,” Pollard added.

MAYNARD will present an intimate view of Jackson from those who knew him best. The film will include video archival footage and photographs, and rare interviews with family and co-workers who helped sustain the Maynard movement during his administration at Atlanta City Hall. “My father fought the good fight for equal opportunity and economic equality especially for African Americans. He believed the way to accomplish that was through the power of educational achievement, the vote, and economic strength – the book, the ballot, and the buck, as he put it,” said Brooke Jackson Edmond, daughter of Mayor Jackson.

“All Atlantans have benefitted from his work as have countless others far beyond Atlanta. There is a thriving African-American business class largely because of Maynard Jackson.”

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BUSINESS BMW to pay $1.6 million and offer jobs to Nielsen Report: African American settle federal race discrimination lawsuit households growing in affluence

September 24-31, 2015

By Atlanta Daily World Staff On Sept. 18, The U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina entered a consent decree ordering BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC (BMW) to pay $1.6 million and provide job opportunities to alleged victims of race discrimination as part of the resolution of a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The lawsuit, filed by EEOC’s Charlotte District Office, alleged that BMW excluded African-American logistics workers from employment at a disproportionate rate when the company’s new logistics contractor applied BMW’s criminal conviction records guidelines to incumbent logistics employees.

More specifically, the complaint alleged that when BMW switched contractors handling the company’s logistics at its production facility in Spartanburg, S.C., in the summer of 2008, it required the new contractor to perform a criminal background screen on all existing logistics employees who re-applied to continue working in their positions at BMW. At that time, BMW’s criminal conviction records guidelines excluded from employment all persons with convictions in certain categories of crime, regardless of how long ago the employee had been convicted or whether the conviction was for a misdemeanor or felony.

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According to the complaint, BMW learned that approximately 100 incumbent logistics workers at the facility, including employees who had worked there for several years, did not pass criminal background checks. EEOC alleged that 80 percent of the incumbent workers who were disqualified from employment as a result of applying BMW’s guidelines were black.

EEOC filed suit alleging that blacks were disproportionately disqualified from employment as a result of the criminal conviction records guidelines. EEOC sought relief for 56 African-Americans who were discharged. BMW has since voluntarily changed its guidelines.

BMW will pay a total of $1.6 million to resolve the litigation and two pending charges related to the company’s previous criminal conviction records guidelines that had been filed with EEOC. In addition, BMW will offer employment opportunities to the discharged workers in the suit and up to 90 African-American applicants who BMW’s contractor refused to hire based on BMW’s previous conviction records guidelines. BMW also will provide training on using criminal history screening in a manner consistent with Title VII. Additionally, BMW will be subject to reporting and monitoring requirements for the term of the consent decree.

By Atlanta Daily World Staff On September 17, 2015, Nielsen released “Increasingly Affluent, Educated and Diverse: African-American Consumers -- The Untold Story.” The report was released at a press conference during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.’s 45th Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. This new report, the fifth in Nielsen’s Diverse Intelligence Series, contains insights about affluent Black consumers with annual household incomes of $75,000 and higher.

It upends outdated stereotypes about African-Americans, from education and income to media consumption and social engagement. It explores the evolution of upper-income Black Americans as the population continues to grow and change rapidly.

“The size and influence of affluent African-Americans is growing faster than that of non-Hispanic Whites across all income segments, and the impact is being felt across industries,” said Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Senior Vice President, U.S. Strategic Community Alliances and Consumer Engagement, Nielsen. “These larger incomes are attributed to a number of factors including youthfulness, immigration, historic educational attainment and constant, relevant dialogue across various social media channels that have an impact on African-Americans’ decisions as brand loyalists and ambassadors. Savvy marketers are taking notice.”

At 45.7 million strong*, the nation’s Black population grew at 17.7% from 2000 to 2014 -35% faster than the total population and double the 8.2% growth rate of the White population.

The growth rate of the Black population is partly attributed to the surge in Black immigration from the Caribbean, Africa and some European countries, making the overall population incredibly diverse.

Highlights of “Increasingly Affluent, Educated and Diverse” report include: Black households $70,000+ top a number of consumption categories by percentage of their annual expenditures: - Personal insurance and pensions -14.7% - Retirement, pensions, social security -13.8% - House furnishings and equipment -12.5% - Cash gifts -7.6% Consumption habits outpace other demographics: Each week, compared to all Americans, African-American adults spend 42% more time watching TV; 13% more time on a PC; and 15% more time on a smartphone than any other demographic.

Educational progression: - The rate of Black high school graduates enrolled in college increased in 2014 to 70.9%, exceeding the rate of all high-school graduates in the nation.

- 23% of African-Americans with annual household incomes of more than $100,000 search for jobs online (compared to 14% of Whites).

- 11% of African-Americans with annual household incomes of more than $100,000 take college courses online (compared to 5% of Whites).

Income growth rates: - African-American income growth rates outpaced those of non-Hispanic Whites at every annual household income level above $60,000.

- The largest increase for African-American households occurred in the number of households earning over $200,000, with an increase of 138%, compared with a total population increase of 74%.

Media and technology use: - 2015 represented a tipping point as avid media consumption, powerful cultural influence and burgeoning population statistics created an unprecedented African-American impact on a broad range of industries, particularly in television, music and social media, as well as on social issues.

Purchasing power: The basket ring (average dollar amount spent per household annually) for African-Americans with household incomes of $100,000+ surpasses that of other groups at higher percentage rates with the following top five retail channels: - Convenience stores - 123% - Toy stores - 40% - Book stores - 32% - Automotive stores - 15% - Department stores - 14% Immigration impact: By 2060, one of out of every six U.S. Blacks will be immigrants. Metropolitan areas that are home to some of the nation’s largest Black populations are where the impact of immigration is most apparent. Black immigrants comprise the following percentages for the Black population in these metro areas: - Miami - 34% - New York - 28% - Washington, D.C. - 15% For more detail and insight and to download Increasingly “Affluent, Educated and Diverse: African-American Consumers -- the Untold Story,” visit http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/reports.html.

www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com

September 24-31, 2015

What should a doctor look like?

By Meena K. Singh, M.D.

The white coat and doctor credentials aren’t enough for some people to “recognize” a Black doctor. Dr. Meena K. Singh shares the reality and frustrations of being a physician of color.

As everyone can see from my photo; I am a young, female doctor…of color. Mocha-brown to be exact. Throughout my training, myself and other female doctors of color have exchanged stories of patients and other staff not realizing we were physicians or making inappropriate and sometimes abusive remarks.

Recently, some of my ‘sister-doc’ colleagues candidly shared similar, typical stories of what they continue to experience, which is what inspired me to write this article. Try to control the dismissive head shakes as you read: “Walk in to see a new patient. After introducing myself, he said, “Well. I went from a [nurse] to a n—-r. You know what you doing girl?”

“5 [year old] white male in for a well-child tells me to put on gloves because he doesn’t want dirty on his skin. This is after washing my hands. His mother attempts to cover it up, but he said “but you and daddy say all black people are dirty”” “Yesterday I walked into a patients’ room and said “Hello I am doctor —“, He then asked “are you a doctor?”, I responded “I am DOCTOR —, How can I help you?”

“I love the initial look when you walk in the room and how much they LOVE LOVE LOVE you when you walk out:)!”

Personally, I have never had any preconceived notions of how a doctor should look, act or speak. My mother was one of the first African-American women to graduate from her medical school. Since I was raised with her influence and presence, it was similar to how my kids view presidents. They have only known Barack Obama as president. Therefore, they have no preconceived notions of what a commander-in-chief should look like.

Thus, the clearly racially-charged experiences that I have endured have been particularly disconcerting because I naively never expected it.

For example, when I was in training at the Mayo Clinic, myself and the two other young Black dermatologists in our program, literally had at least one patient daily express surprise when we walked in the room and then ask where we went to medical school. Thankfully, two of us could respond, “Harvard.”

That usually abruptly ended the line of questioning. Except for the one time when I said “Harvard” and the patient responded, “Well my niece is having trouble getting into medical school and she’s really smart…I bet being Black helped your application.” I guess Black folks can only get into medical schools like Harvard through Affirmative Action. One of the other doctors actually had a patient not believe he was a doctor,

call the ‘higher-ups’ and demand to see his diploma.

One of the more baffling incidents for me was after the nurse (wearing maroon scrubs) roomed the patient; I walked into the room (wearing the mandatory Mayo business attire) and subsequently, introduced myself as “DOCTOR Singh”. I spent the next 30 minutes taking a detailed history, examining the patient, PERFORMING A BIOPSY!!, and discussing my impression. When I left the room, the man turned to the nurse and asked, “When is the doctor coming in?” *Extra deep sigh* No words…

I have no idea what patients are expecting to see when they book an appointment with a “Dr. Meena Singh”. However, I can safely assume that physicians who look anything like “Dr. McDreamy,” “Dr. House,” or “Dr. Jack Shepherd” are fortunate enough to not have to endure any of the above experiences.

Thankfully, shows like Grey’s Anatomy are now casting more physician roles with Black female actors. And of course, there is Disney’s Doc McStuffins, which highlights a little Black girl playing doctor and her actual Black doctor mom. Hopefully, with more Hollywood influence and as the number of young, Black female physicians continues to increase, the stereotypical portrait of a patriarchal, white male physician fades.

With the current state of health care, being a practicing physician is difficult enough without having to deal with proving your competency, ‘despite’ your appearance.

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LIVING WELL

September 24-31, 2015

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Don’t dismiss ‘Stage 0’ breast cancer in Condition critical: black women under 35 Fighting breast

By Princess Gabbara Black women under the age of 35: You could be at risk for ductal carcinoma, also known as stage 0 breast cancer, according to a recent study published in Jama Oncology.

Stage 0 breast cancer is typically thought of as noninvasive, but what researchers found may surprise you. After analyzing the data of approximately 100,000 women who were diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer over a 23-year period from 1988 to 2011, they found that the overall mortality rate 20 years following the initial diagnosis was 3.3 percent, whereas the mortality rate for young Black women was 7.8 percent.

“Just when the medical community was about to give a sign of relief that ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS] of the breast was nothing more than a false alarm of cancer, new research is showing that yet again this notion might not hold true for young African-American women,” says Dr. Bola Oyeyipo, a family physician in San Antonio, Texas and co-founder of Healthgist.com.

As a result, many women are undergoing unnecessary, invasive procedures such as a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. While these procedures have been proven to reduce the recurrence, they have not decreased the mortality rate.

“I would advise African-American women to keep up with the current breast cancer screening guidelines and keep the communication open with their doctor,” says Dr. Oyeyipo.

Breast cancer cannot necessarily be prevented, but you can lower your risk by maintaining a healthy body weight, working out regularly, eating properly, and cutting back on stress. And remember: The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the outcome.

SUSAN L. TAYLOR

Editor Emerita Essence Magazine

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and cervical cancer in black women

By Tia D. Olds, M.D. “It won’t happen to me.” This kind of denial is just one of many factors – including reduced access to healthcare and lower education and awareness levels – leading African American women to be less proactive about checkups and screening tests critical to the timely diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers.

But national statistics tell us that this situation is contributing to dire consequences for Black women, who are dying of these malignancies in disproportionate numbers to other populations. While Caucasian women in the United States are diagnosed more frequently with breast cancer than any other group over the age of 40, data compiled from the SEER database indicates that African American women are approximately 1.4 times more likely to die from the disease. Cervical cancer also strikes African American women disproportionately, compared to Caucasians, making them twice as likely to die from the disease.

Some research suggests breast cancer is more aggressive in Black women, but as we move increasingly into a multi-ethnic culture with more biracial individuals, biologic factors affecting personal risk for women’s cancers can become murkier. For all these reasons, it’s crucial that African American women become more active participants in their own healthcare, both with their doctors and among family members.

First on the to-do list? A frank discussion with family elders – ideally from at least two generations – to review potential family history for breast and cervical cancers among previous generations. Older generations were much more likely to be hush-hush about cancer in the family and may not know specifics about the primary organs affected. But having this talk is

a must. Write down their recollections for future reference.

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer – or any serious condition – it’s in your power to make the most of your interactions with doctors and other clinicians. You can accomplish this in several ways: First, know your exact diagnosis, and review fact sheets on it that are offered by your healthcare provider. Make an appointment with the office’s patient navigator to learn more, and research the condition on well-regarded medical websites (such as the Mayo Clinic or National Institutes of Health).

At your next visit, ask specific questions about treatment: Inpatient or outpatient? Oral or intravenous medications? How will treatment affect your daily function, job, sex life, ability to care for your family? Bring along an extra person to follow-up visits, if possible, who can ask questions you may miss and write all answers down.

Lastly, be on watch for early warning signs of breast and cervical cancers.

In the breasts – which ideally should be self-examined monthly – look out for a new lump; soreness; nipple discharge; or a lesion on the skin that’s not’s due to injury. Also note if one breast seems to be significantly larger than the other, and if that’s a new development.

Cervical cancer is more difficult to identify on your own, but be aware of pain during intercourse; any unusual new vaginal discharge, especially if it’s malodorous; bleeding outside of your menstrual cycle; rectal pain; or loss of urinary or bowel control.

Healthcare can intimidate even the most confident and well-educated among us. But don’t let fear paralyze you from seeking necessary screenings for breast and cervical cancer or stop you from being your own best advocate. Your life may depend on it.

LIVING WELL

www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com

September 24-31, 2015

Black women and bone health: A hidden epidemic

By Britta Lee While African American women tend to have a higher bone density than white women throughout their lives, they are still at a significant risk of developing issues related to bone and joint health. These terms may not be used as often in our community; however, complications can surface in the form of arthritis, joint pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The misconception that “osteo” related health concerns aren’t of concern to black women can cause some to fail to properly treat underlying conditions.

Bone health may be widely underestimated in the black community; however, there are several ways it can keep us from doing the simplest of activities we take for granted. Medical Administrator Pamela McKee explains the most common bone and joint diseases affecting African Americans include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Rickets and Paget’s Disease.

“Depending on the early signs of these diseases, [it] could be swelling, pain in the joints, and stiffness, especially after laying down or sitting or typing all day, unable to ambulate well, weakness and fatigue, tenderness and feeling ill.” Mckee said.

The big question of what actually causes bone and joint pain is somewhat of a mystery. However, it can be attributed to several factors such as an injury, strenuous activity, and even genetics.

“It could be just the normal everyday wear and tear of using your joints to the point that the cartilage just breaks downs,” McKee said. “A knee or back injury can later cause arthritis, or there could be a family history of such.”

While no certified plan exists to prevent arthritis, it is important to remain conscious of healthy habits. Pamela McKee suggests there are numerous treatments for arthritis. She also stressed that one of the most important things to do is see your primary doctor and/or seek the referral of a rheumatologist.

Ultimately, it is vital that patients take the proactive approach.

Seeking medical treatment will help establish the proper diagnosis. With the help of physical therapy and medication, one may be able to mitigate the effects of the disease. Activities such as exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and even over-the-counter prescriptions can help manage arthritis and joint pain. While sufferers of bone and joint paint may no longer be able to handle strenuous activity, they can maintain active, productive lives.

At the end of the day we cannot control what ailments we might face, but we can control our response.

“We have no control over falls, family history or an individual’s lifestyle such as weight gain, exercise, vitamins or our body,” said McKee. “All we can do is try to live a healthy lifestyle.

Natural remedies for arthritis

By Britta Lee Americans have become accustomed to popping a pill to relieve pain. In fact, studies show that the average person in this country takes about 12 ibuprofen tablets per month. If you suffer from Arthritis, chances are you’ll end up taking that much medicine in just a week. While over-the-counter painkillers have become somewhat of the standard for dealing with bone and joint pain, that doesn’t mean they are the best way to maintain a full and active lifestyle. Arthritis remedies can be found in the simplest of places like our pantries, closets, and even swimming pools.

Here’s a list of natural, healthy and low-cost approaches to reducing painful inflammation: Soak up the Sun One of the simplest ways to reduce inflammation without a pill is heat. Take advantage of the sunlight. Warming up your joints increases circulation, and minimizes muscle and joint inflammation. Hot showers, good insulation and a cozy sweater go a long way toward keeping joints supple and pain free. A heating pad is one of the cheapest solutions for localized pain. If you

suffer all over or in a larger region of the body, it might be worth splurging on a hot stone massage or sitting in the sauna.

Add Spice to Recipes Adding an extra kick to your food can make fighting arthritis quite delicious. Like hot temperatures, spicy foods keep your body’s circulation moving. You might be surprised to find that a chemical called “capsaicin”, the same one that gives peppers their heat, is also used in pain relief patches. Plus, it tastes great in chili! Persons less fond of spices should try ginger, as it can be just as effective as ibuprofen in reducing menstrual and muscle pain. Turmeric, cinnamon, and rosemary are similar alternatives. These spices are available in capsule form, but some offer great taste when mixed with certain recipes.

Keep it Moving Constant movement is key when it comes to alleviating joint pain. It helps with inflammation and stiffness. While it’s most painful to move when in pain, it actually helps in the long run.

Any and all forms of exercise will help in the treatment of pain and stiffness, no matter how severe the condition. Even walking for just 30 minutes a day, under a doctor’s supervision, will work wonders for your joints. Water aerobics are also among one of the most vital workouts. After all, gravity brings you down; swimming lessens pressure on the joints and offers temporary relief. All forms of exercise and movement will ultimately help promote weight loss. The less pounds you carry around, the less stress on your joints.

Thank ‘Cod’ A great powerhouse of pain relief is Omega-3 fatty acids.

These nutrients are found in flax and alfalfa seeds, which produce molecules called “prostaglandins” in your body to reduce inflammation. Taking as few as 3 tablespoons a day could make a difference in feeling your best. The best sources of Omega-3 include cod liver oil, a tailor-made supplement for arthritis, because it combats both pain and joint degeneration.

For more information on dealing with joint pain, visit Arthritis.org.

Expert panel educates patients about prostate cancer

By Atlanta Daily World Staff Nearly 30 patients, patient advocates, and healthcare providers gathered in Atlanta last week for a panel discussion sponsored by Astellas aimed at raising awareness about prostate cancer. Local physicians, educated the audience about the risk of prostate cancer, risk factors and ways that patients and healthcare providers can work together to better understand prostate cancer. Chatman Carruthers, a patient advocate with the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN), was on hand to share his experience with his prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

According to the American Cancer Society, one out of every seven Georgians will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and for African American men, the odds are even higher – one out of every five men will be diagnosed. Those at highest risk, though, are men with a family history of prostate cancer. “Education is so important, especially for prostate cancer, because early intervention is important when treating this disease, ” said Dr. Vahan Kassabian, a urologist with Georgia Urology.

“Without awareness it is difficult to encourage men to have the sometimes difficult conversations with their doctors that may lead to prostate cancer screenings,” stated Dr. Bradley Carthon, assistant professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University.

“Being aware of my own personal risk and my risk factors allowed me to be diagnosed early and beat prostate cancer. It’s important for me to tell my story so that hopefully I can reach some of the many Georgians who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. I want to provide these men with comfort while also educating them about their condition and urging them to talk to their doctors about their individual risk,” said prostate cancer survivor Chatman Carruthers and a member of the PHEN Survivor’s Network.

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September 24-31, 2015

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Four lessons black women can learn from the 2015 Emmys

By Britta Lee Traditionally, the Emmy Awards isn’t one of the ‘poster’ events for diversity. In fact, many people of color recognize that if they do sit down to watch the show, it’s unlikely they will see many faces that look like them.

It’s a shame that in 2015, 67 years since the award show began, blacks and other minorities have become accustomed to and quite frankly, accepted the lack of multicultural representation. Or, they simply don’t watch because they don’t care.

In a sense, we’ve learned to expect either the “regulars” or the “hottest” people of color at the moment. Quite frankly, one could count on a single hand the blacks who are staples you can usually expect to make an appearance. Do you ever watch and ask yourself, “what happened to (so-and-so) after having such a big year… last year?”

Despite the fact the Emmys has a long way to go in terms of diversity, 2015 might just stand out as one of the brightest nights for African Americans, particularly black women. While we may not have appeared in droves, one thing is for sure. The power of the simple presence of a handful of faces, coupled with their successes on this night, made for a proud moment shared among all. It is one that not only benefits blacks, but all people. On one hand, our talent is exposed, recognized, and revered. On the other, it revolutionizes the definition of Hollywood and inspires those of other races to respect what we have to offer.

This is quite significant given the current state of black womens’ role in the Entertainment industry. We have more than enough reality stars, singers without music but plenty of selfies, and so-called internet actresses/models.

So many desperately put themselves on blast and engage in awful antics to get “likes and shares”. It teaches oth-

ers to view us as what we represent ourselves to be-- trash. We all know what happens to garbage-- it gets dismissed and thrown out.

What a refreshing reminder that the most powerful black women in Hollywood haven’t stooped to the level of superficial ignorance that so many others foolishly think will help them achieve anything other than Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram fame. Talent is not the only that makes women like Viola, Regina, Taraji and Uzo as well as others successful. They preserve their authenticity, integrity, originality and flat-out realness.

The lesson of it all: If you’re good at what you do, you can be authentically yourself and still win in the long run.

Take a look at 4 amazing moments from the 2015 Emmys that remind us of the true definition of #BlackGirlsRock:

1 | Viola Davis

2 | Regina King

3 | Taraji P. Henson

4 | Uzo Aduba

1. Viola Davis became the first African American woman to win an Emmy for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. In her speech, she said: “The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an EMMY for roles that are simply

ADW | 8

not there.”

2. They say, third time’s a charm... but what about the first? While a recognizable face in acting, Regina King finally got her first ever nomination and award for an Emmy last night.

She won Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie, beating out heavy hitters like Kathy Bates, Sarah Paulson, and Angela Bassett for American Horror Story: Freak Show; Mo’Nique for Bessie, and Zoe Kazan for Olive Kitteridge.

3. Taraji P. Henson also made history alongside Viola Davis as the second woman to be nominated Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Although, she didn’t take home the award, Henson stunned on the red carpet in this black dress.

4. Orange is the New Black star Uzo Aduba a.k.a. “Crazy Eyes” shed tears as the newcomer

took to the stage to accept the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. It’s the first time since Ed Ashner in 1978 that a person won an award for the same role in a comedy and drama series.

COMMUNITY

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September 24-31, 2015

Hyundai, radio’s Cafe Mocha partner on ‘Salute Her’ campaign

By Atlanta Daily World Staff Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the nationally syndicated radio show Cafe Mocha has joined forces with Hyundai Motor America to launch the campaign, Salute Her presented

by Hyundai: New Thinking, New Possibilities.

With a mission to salute and reward women who are demonstrating new ways of thinking and creating new possibilities in their communities, prizes will include one-on-one professional coaching sessions, all-expense paid trips to the 47th NAACP Image Awards and one grand prize, a 2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. “It’s essential to salute and uplift women for their contributions to the communities they serve,” says Zafar Brooks, Director Diversity and Inclusion, Hyundai Motor America. “We’re honored to be able to provide an opportunity for anyone around the country to nominate a woman that’s a friend, family member, colleague, and associate, whose new ways of thinking, can lead to new, amazing life-changing results for all.

Open to women 18 years old and older, the Salute Her campaign is looking for women whose work is making positive changes in their respective communities. Nominators can submit up to a 60 second video stating why their nominee deserves to be saluted at www.salutehertour.com. Each submission will be critiqued on creativity, originality, presentation and qual-

ity of message. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. PST on December 11, 2015.

The top three finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles to attend the 47th NAACP Image Awards and post-show VIP gala, where one finalist will take home the grand prize - a 2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. More information can be found on www.cafemocharadio.com click on the Hyundai banner, or visit www.salutehertour.com directly.

The Salute Her presented by Hyundai: New

Thinking, New Possibilities campaign is an extension of the show’s Salute Her: Superwomen Making a Difference Tour presented by Hyundai. With tour stops in Washington D.C., Atlanta, New York and Chicago, the events pay tribute to female innovators in business, media, civic leadership and entrepreneurship for their contributions to their respective industries.

“Armed with an aggressive 360� integrated media approach, the show will host a series of “New Thinking, New Possibilities” tips built

around the concept of women helping other women to grow through shared experiences and insights. The series will be featured across all Cafe Mocha’s social platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Periscope (@CafeMochaRadio) as well as via their Mocha Mavens Network of bloggers.

This year’s honorees include Sybrina Fulton (The Trayvon Martin Foundation), TV personality/ordained minister, Omarosa Manigault, Esther Aguilera (President/CEO Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute), Egypt Sherrod (HGTV Host), Helen Ho (Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice), Marve Frazier (Chief Creative Officer of Moguldom Media), Davida Mathis and Janice L. Mathis (Sisters In Law), and legendary broadcaster, Shirley Strawberry (Steve Harvey Morning Show). “Since the tour’s inception in 2012, we’ve honored a diverse group of successful and unsung women for their dedication and work,” says Sheila Eldridge, creator and executive producer of Cafe Mocha Radio. “Now with the support of Hyundai, we can inspire as well as ‘salute’ even more women across the country.”

To find out more about the “Salute Her” presented by Hyundai: New Thinking, New Possibilities campaign and upcoming tour stops in New York on October 15th and Chicago on December 11th, visit www.salutehertour.comor or www.cafemocharadio.com.

4th Annual Health Summit

Featured Topic: Violence America’s Challenge Featured speakers include:

Dr. Bernice King, The King Center Xernona Clayton, Trumpet Foundation Dr. C.T. Vivian, Minister, Author, Civil Right Pioneer Elizabeth Omilami, Hosea Feed the Hungry

October 28, 2015

8:30am – 5:00pm | Hyatt Regency Hotel 265 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30303

Free and Open to the Public Register in advance at www.thefdha.org 9 | ADW

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GUEST COMMENTARY

GUEST COMMENTARY

by Sheila E. Isong

by Willie Jolley

College campuses should be safe spaces Recently, the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stated that the three Virginia special agents involved in a violent incident with University of Virginia student Martese Johnson are back on duty.

In a video that went viral, a bloody and battered Johnson, who is black, screamed as ABC officers pinned him to the ground and arrested him on March 18, 2015. Johnson was charged with public intoxication and obstruction of justice. Although the charges against Johnson were dropped in an independent investigation, the Virginia State Police concluded that the ABC agents did not violate agency policy.

Sending these agents back to patrol the same streets where they assaulted Johnson is absurd. If for some strange reason the agents’ actions were validated by “policy,” then that policy needs to change. Fast.

This year alone, 24 unarmed black men have been shot and killed by the police, and college and university campuses aren’t any safer. Just a month ago, Sam DuBose, another unarmed black man, was shot dead after being pulled over for a missing front license plate by a University of Cincinnati police officer.

Where is the oversight? How can campuses and universities allow this blatant disregard for black life to continue?

Johnson will be a senior during the 2015-2016 school year. Instead of focusing on graduation, he is dealing with the trauma associated with seeing his attackers patrolling campus. Does his collegiate experience matter? Does his life matter?

Even with clear video footage, the VSP found that the agents involved did not violate agency policy.

Anyone with an ounce of integrity can see that those agents overreacted, no matter what Johnson was accused of.

Policies, procedures, and protocols act as statements of intent for an organization or entity. They provide direction regarding what should and

shouldn’t occur. The violence that Johnson endured should not have occurred. The individuals who inflicted that act of violence should not be allowed to go back to work. What’s to stop them from targeting another Martese Johnson? Certainly not policy.

The policy being promoted right now suggests that ABC agents can misjudge and overreact to situations, inflict life-altering violence on an unarmed black college student, and face zero consequences.

During the investigation the agents were not suspended but relegated to desk duty where they still received their salaries.

Campus police and ABC agents are not supposed to function in the same way as a local police department. Because college and university campuses are generally safer than ordinary communities, these individuals are tasked with protecting students and making sure their education is the top priority. VSP did not consider Johnson’s education a top priority when they released their statement.

Colleges and universities are at an important junction in history. At the intersection between higher education and criminal justice reform, they have the opportunity to set the tone.

Dating back to integration and the Civil Rights Movement, black youth have historically had a tumultuous relationship with police on college and university campuses. Institutions now have the opportunity to change the policies that encourage unsafe learning environments, especially for black youth.

They must demilitarize college and university campuses. They must set limits on how much force ABC agents are allowed to use.

If policies allow the sort of attacks such as what happened to Johnson, then those polices should be repealed as soon as possible.

Sheila E. Isong is a policy manager for Generation Progress, the youth engagement arm of the Center for American Progress.

Turn the page on your life Steve Gilliland is a motivational personality who did not read about rags to riches stories — he lived one. Today, he is one of the most popular personalities on Laugh USA on SiriusXM, plus he is now one of the most in-demand speakers in North America. But that is not way he started out.

To be a success if is important you associate with OQP — Only Quality People. The late author and speaker Charlie “Tremendou” Jones said, “You will be the same person in five years except for two things — the people you meet and the books you read.”

On Christmas Eve 1997, at the age of 39, Gilliland found himself broke, busted and disgusted. He was sitting in his unfurnished apartment bankrupt and believing he had no purpose for his life. He sat, cried and replayed his mistakes over and over and over in his head. Also, his marriage had ended.

Gilliland now tells others to do what he did. He started by growing. He made a commitment to read books and listen to positive audios. He surrounded himself with positive people. He took inventory of where he was and where he wanted to go and got busy making it happen.

His credit cards were maxed out. In addition, he was paralyzed into taking no action. He sat sobbing, “Why me?”

He is now recognized as a master storyteller and brilliant comedian. His appeal transcends barriers of age, culture and occupation. He believes the amount of money we earn or the success we achieve produces emptiness unless it is in line with a purpose beyond ourself.

Fortunately, Gilliland was challenged by a friend to seek out a counselor. Reluctantly, he made the call. During those early counseling sessions though, he struggled with not being ready to change.

The tipping point came for Gilliland when the counselor responded to one his “why me” moments. The counselor simply said, “Years ago, you selected your path, now you are living it. Only you can decide to turn the page on your life. Now what are you going to do about it?”

That counselor helped Gilliland realize that God had a plan for his life. In addition, while he may not have always made the right decisions, God gave him the ability to decide and then make it right. And he did. He has been inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame, become a star of TV and radio and made millions of dollars.

He believes having a purpose is the essential ingredient to motivation. And that passion is what allows us to overcome our challenges.

Gilliland has built a multimillion-dollar company from the ground up on the same philosophy.

His motto is straightforward: “If you take care of people, the business will follow.”

You might not have made the right decisions in the past, but God gives you the opportunity every day to make it right. Turn the page and move on! It’s called another day of life. Use it well.

Willie Jolley is an inspirational/motivational speaker and author.

Do you have someone who encourages you to be the best you that you can be? Is there at least one person in your life who has the courage to tell you the truth? Is there anyone who loves you enough to force you to grow?

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