Vol. 124, No. 8 - February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024

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February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024

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PART FOUR:

Slave Narratives to Hip-Hop

2024 New Journal and Guide Staff The “literary arts” are what one might classify more along the lines of literature, including poetry and prose. These works can range from poems to novels to short stories to non fiction books to comics.

African-American literature or literary arts arose out of the experiences of Blacks in the United States, especially with regards

BLACK LITERATURE:

to historic racism and discrimination. This form of communication offers the written word as a chosen way “to tell our own story.”

It is the body of literature produced in the United States by writers of African descent and began with the works of such late 18th-century writers as Phillis Wheatley.

Wheatley is considered the first recorded Black author of a published book of poetry in the 1700s. ...see Literary Arts, page 7A

HAMPTON ROADS

WELCOMES ITS ANNUAL UNCF MAYORS MASKED BALL New Journal & Guide Staff HAMPTON ROADS On March 2, The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) will present its Annual Mayors’ Masked Photo: Courtesy Ball in Hampton Roads. The elegant Black-tie fundraiser Phillis Wheatley, a poet in the 1700s, is considered began locally in 2018 and the first published Black Author in America. is being held this year at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, beginning at 6 p.m.

This highly anticipated social event is supported by a diverse group of corporate and business partners and sponsors, dignitaries, civic leaders, alumni and community influencers.

Serving as hosts for the Hampton Roads event are the Mayors from the seven Hampton Roads cities, led

by Mayor Bobby Dyer of Virginia Beach; Hampton, Mayor Donnie Tuck;

The elegant Black-tie fundraiser is being held March 2 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

Norfolk, Mayor Dr. Kenneth Alexander; Newport News, Mayor Phillip D. Jones; Portsmouth, Mayor Shannon Glover; Chesapeake, Mayor Dr. Rick West; and Suffolk, Mayor Mike Duman.

As part of the evening’s events, awards will be given to five distinguished area persons and one corporation, the Newport News Shipbuilding. ...see UNCF, page 8A

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2024

THREE WOMEN WRITERS: THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO BLACK LITERARY ARTS

The Reunion at Kindred.

FIRST BUILDING IN ST. PAUL’S PROJECT OPENS TO RESIDENTS

By Rosaland Tyler Associate Editor New Journal and Guide

Cassandra Miller, age 61, immediately noticed the silence when she moved into a brand-new senior-citizens building, which St. Paul’s Redevelopment Project constructed and recently opened. Her new home is in the same area where the demolished Tidewater Gardens public housing project was located after it was constructed in the 1950s

citizen community built for people a few years ago.

55 or older. Residents began moving ...see Housing, page 2A into a portion of the redeveloped area on Jan. 30, according to the website for St. Paul’s Transformation Project, which is the name for the builders.

The development is a partnership between the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the City of Norfolk’s Resilience Strategy.

In a sense, Miller actually returned

The new housing in located near the area’s demolished Public Housing Tidewater Gardens.

Passes At Age 81: Remembering Rev. Marcellus L. Harris, Jr. Special to the Guide HAMPTON Longtime pastor, community activist, and media contributor Rev. Dr. Marcellus Lee Harris Jr. passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 in the comfort of his home. He was 81.

Harris served as the pastor of First Baptist Church Morrison in Newport News, Va. for 45 years and was an ardent supporter of the Black community in Hampton Roads. Regarded for being passionate, courageous, and vociferous, he was widely respected among his peers and elected officials. The late

By Melissa Spellman

African-American literature is an A f r i c a n - A m e r i c a n essential part literature is an essential part of American Literature from of American the slave narratives to the near downtown Norfolk. to her old stomping grounds, due creative spark of the Harlem literature from Miller recently moved into her new to the fact that she and hundreds of Renaissance to the writings of slave narratives to apartment located in what is called residents left Tidewater Gardens the civil rights movements.

The Reunion at Kindred. It is a senior- to make room for its demolition Well known works of the today.

Photo: Courtesy

The late Flora D. Crittenden, a former Newport News Delegate, said when Harris talked, people listened.

A native of southeast Newport News, he was regularly seen on the front lines marching for social justice causes, interlocking arms with Black civil rights leaders and pastors, as well Rev. Dr. Marcellus as advocating for the rights L. Harris, Jr. of the marginalized and underserved.

Flora D. Crittenden, a former The Daily Press published Newport News Delegate, said a profile about his life thirty when Harris talked, people years ago, describing Harris listened. as “Popping up at jails and

juvenile halls, courts and city councils – often with reporters close behind – he was a ubiquitous and outspoken critic wherever Blacks were victims of racial violence, discrimination, intolerance or insults – real or perceived.” Pastor Harris later stated that he saw “his calling to serve God as a way to help lift people at times when no one else can help.” ...see Harris, page 8A

Staff Reporter New Journal and Guide

civil rights movement are James Baldwin’s Go Tell It On The Mountain, Ralph Emerson’s Invisible Man, and Lorraine Hansbury’s A Raisin In The Sun. However, there are many writers whose literary contributions are often overlooked.

Writers Pauli Murray, Audre Lorde, and Danielle Evans Photo: Wikipedia represent past and present Pauli Murray writers who have influenced literature through activism, Pauli Murray is one of the highlighting women’s issues, most interesting writers and and feminist writings. activists in history that you may not know about. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland Pauli Murray on November 20, 1910. ...see Sisters, page 6A

INSIDE:

REP. JAMES CLYBURN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM HOUSE LEADERSHIP

...see page 2A

New Journal and Guide

2A | February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024

The residents will not pay any Rep. James Clyburn Steps Housing than 30 percent of their income Down From House Leadership Continued from page 1A more towards rent,” said Susan Perry,

By Stacy M. Brown

Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia NNPA NEWSWIRE Longtime South Carolina Democratic Rep. James Clyburn has announced his resignation from his House leadership position, effective immediately, while simultaneously committing to run for reelection. Clyburn, a staunch supporter of President Joe Biden, said he aims to focus on conveying the message of inclusivity and unity that defines the greatness of the United States.

During an interview on Sunday, Feb. 18, Clyburn, 83, expressed his continued disdain for former President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” mantra, asserting that the country is already great but needs to ensure accessibility and affordability for all citizens. He encouraged Biden to emphasize his experience, wisdom, and commitment to maintaining connections with the American people during the upcoming presidential campaign.

“I am fond of saying, this is a great country in no need of being made great. We just got to figure out ways to make this country’s greatness accessible and affordable for all of our citizens. And Joe Biden is doing that.

And we have got to stay focused on that,” Clyburn stated emphatically.

Clyburn, who had previously announced his intention to seek reelection, also reiterated that he’s only stepping aside as assistant Democratic leader, which marks the end of his influential tenure in House leadership.

The move comes amid years of speculation about Clyburn’s retirement and the subsequent race to fill the void in the majority Black 6th Congressional District, covering substantial parts of the Interstate 95 corridor, Northeast Columbia, and North Charleston.

Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him by colleagues throughout his career, Clyburn acknowledged the changing political landscape and his role in shaping it. Last year, he played a pivotal role in moving the South Carolina Democratic presidential primary to a leading position. He collaborated with Republican Governor Henry McMaster to expand broadband access to rural South Carolina.

The departure of

NEW JOURNAL AND GUIDE P.O. Box 209, Norfolk,VA 23501 Phone: (757) 543-6531 Fax: (757) 543-7620 PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Brenda H. Andrews ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Desmond Perkins ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Rosaland Tyler CHIEF REPORTER EMERITUS: Leonard E. Colvin STAFF REPORTER: Melissa Spellman PRODUCTION: Tony Holobyte New Journal and Guide (USPS 0277560/ISSN 8096) is published weekly on Thursday for $50 per year, $30 per year for six months by New Journal and Guide Publishing, Incorporated,5127 East Va. Beach Blvd., Suite 100, Norfolk, VA 23510. Periodicals Postage Paid at Norfolk, VA 23501. Postmaster: Send address changes to New Journal and Guide, P.O. Box 209, Norfolk, VA 23501. The New Journal and Guide is not responsible for any unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or related materials.

Photo: Courtesy

Rep. Jim Clyburn

During an interview on Sunday, Feb. 18, Clyburn, 83, expressed his continued disdain for former President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” mantra.

Clyburn from his assistant Democratic leader role represents a broader shift in leadership dynamics, completing the transition from the era of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, of California, to a younger

generation led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

“I am deeply grateful for the confidence my colleagues have placed in me throughout my career,” Clyburn stated.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to go from where I was at to basically everything is brand new,” Miller recently told WTKR News, after she moved in. This means Miller left Tidewater Gardens during its demolition and recently settled into a new apartment that she likes better than her old duplex, which was located near a noisy airport flight pattern. “It’s very quiet over here,” Miller said.

Miller was one of hundreds of former residents who left Tidewater Gardens after the city of Norfolk decided to raze the complex.

Frequent flooding produced crumbling and molded walls, due to the fact that it was originally built years ago over an old creek bed.

Her new home is located in a new development filled with gleaming structures.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Tidewater Gardens Transformation Project in April 2022. The project initially impacted about 4,000 Norfolk residents, according to news reports, including 618 Tidewater Gardens families.

The overall redevelopment project impacted families living in Tidewater Gardens,

director of Norfolk’s Housing and Community Development.”

– Susan Perry, Director of Norfolk’s Housing and Community Development

Young Terrace, and Calvert Square public housing projects.

“Right to return” guarantees were issued (such as reimbursement and help with breaking leases), in an effort to help former residents return to Tidewater Gardens. They are outlined in a settlement agreement that was reached after residents sued the city in 2020.

Former residents who lived in Tidewater Gardens can obtain more information by phoning People First at (757) 390-4625.

Specifically, the new development consists of 714 apartments – (or more than 100 that were formerly available).

Residents can choose from three pricing tiers: affordable, market rate, and project based voucher units.

The first two buildings which are opening, during the overall project that is scheduled for completion in 2025, are The Reunion at Kindred (72 units) and Origin

Circle at Kindred, a 120-unit mixed-use family housing building with 7,200 feet of commercial space at Church Street and E. Bute Street.

Both will feature in-unit washers and dryers, fitness centers, balconies, and other amenities, according to news reports.

“The residents will not pay any more than 30 percent of their income towards rent,” said Susan Perry, director of Norfolk’s Housing and Community Development.

NRHA provided funding to cover moving expenses, security and utility deposits and will do so for those moving back as well, according to the city.

“We want Tidewater Gardens residents to return to the redeveloped community, Kindred, and now it’s time for them to come back home,” Perry told WAVY-TV in a June 2023 interview. “We have lots of things in place to help them do that.”

From The Guide’s Archives Archives taken from the pages of the (New) Journal and Guide February 22, 1958 Edition of the Guide

Virginia Law now provides that any school in which white and Negro VA Resistance pupils are mixed must Schemes Failing automatically be closed.

The Governor takes control of the school from the local Special to the Guide board and is supposed to try to negotiate the RICHMOND Virginia, leading withdrawal of the Negroes. exponent of “Massive Athlete of the Year Resistance” schemes Althea Gibson’s trying to defy the United Greatest Honor States Supreme Court, is heading for a showdown on the issue of complying with the laws of the land on abolishing segregation in public schools.

The Governor and some members of the General Assembly say the Old Dominion will close its schools rather than abide by the Supreme Court’s decision, which outlawed racial segregation. The showdown could come at the start of the new school term next September.

Recent developments ensure that at least four Althea Gibson areas in Virginia will be under final court order at that time to begin school NEW YORK integration.

The outstanding female One in Arlington County, athlete of 1957 is Miss a Washington suburban Althea Gibson, U.S. area. The United States national and Wimbledon Court of Appeals for the tennis champion.

Fourth Circuit affirmed last “This is my greatest week an order directing the honor.” Miss Gibson said, admission of seven Negro “my past honors have been children to white schools. confined strictly to tennis.

A petition for Supreme This covers women in all Court review should be sports. I am deeply moved disposed of by June. to be able to join such The Supreme Court famous athletes as the late has declined to review an Babe Zaharias, Patty Berg order directing Norfolk and Pat McCormick as and Newport News school winners of the award.” officials to begin ending Miss Gibson was segregation in these two presented the Frederick Chesapeake Bay industrial C. Miller trophy, donated cities. Thus, the orders are by the Fraternal order of final, and Negro children Eagles by Judge Robert are expected to turn up at Cannon of Milwaukee. white schools next fall.

The trophy is based upon As in the Norfolk- the annual Associated Press Newport News case, poll of sports writers and a Charlottesville sports broadcasters. desegregation order The choice of Miss became final after appeal. Gibson was a landslide In Prince Edward vote. She received 420 of County, the center of a possible 516 points - 325 Virginia’s most bitter more than golfer Patty Berg, resistance to integration, her closest challenger, who the Court of Appeals has had 96. Marion Ladewig, nevertheless directed a bowling champion, was prompt start. The Supreme third with 61 points.

Court will act next month Miss Gibson swept on the county’s petitions through women’s tennis for review. last year as no other player Not a single Negro child had done since Maureen has been admitted to a “Little Mo” Connolly. white school in Virginia Besides winning the since the Supreme Court’s Wimbledon and American school decision in 1954. championship, she also And Virginia has filled captured the National the role of psychological Clay Courts, Asian, pacific leader for the resisting Southwest and Pacific Southern states.

titles.

She was beaten in the finals of the Australian nationals by Shirley Fry, now retired.

Russia No Promised Land For Negroes CHICAGO “Russia is not the promised land for the Negro, and its muchpublicized racial equality is a low economic equality.”

That is the opinion of a recently returned American who spent 14 years in Russia as a postal employee and a foreign correspondent.

Homer Smith says in a magazine article that the America he finds today is much better for the Negro than the one he left 25 years ago.

Life for Negroes in Russia, even the nativeborn, was one of hardships, according to Smith. A possible exception, he says, is Robert Robinson, the top American Negro VIP in Russia and an expert on fine tolerance instruments “who may have helped make ‘Sputnik’ possible.

THIS IS PORTSMOUTH

By John Jordan Chief of Police L. C. Warren of Portsmouth has assured us that his department will do everything possible to prevent it from happening again.

He was quite disturbed by it. But it did happen last Saturday night. A Norfolk married couple was leaving a social at Petite Ballroom shortly after 2 a.m. When their car stopped at the intersection of County and Crawford Streets, a white man in a Navy uniform snatched the door open and began heaping verbal abuse upon the man at the wheel. He was soon joined by three other men in civilian clothes, all using threatening and abusive language. When it was apparent the three men were bent on violence, the lady quickly closed the door of the auto. As they drove off from the hostile group, one of the men shattered the rear window of the car with a hammerlike club.

Badly shaken by the ordeal, the couple cruised to Crawford and High Streets, where they found two officers on patrol in the 100 block. The couple

related the happening to the policemen and asked them to go back to the scene in an attempt to apprehend the hoodlums. The officers refused. One of them said they were to stay in their patrol areas. The couple did call the police, but all of the lines were busy, and they went home. The next day, one of the couple related the incident to the Journal and Guide, which got into action.

The Police Chief said that the officers who said they could not leave their post should have radioed other police cars, which would have responded promptly. The Chief said such incidents would not be tolerated in the future and would be investigated.

Problems In Education And Labor, Told By Mrs. Mason NORFOLK Negroes have only been admitted to the fringe of the well-paying industrial power which they have helped to create, Mrs. (Vivian) W. T. Mason, ‘honorary’ president of the National Council of Negro Women, said this week.

In an interview, Mason said most of the gains made by the colored workmen had come about because of the demands of war economies in World War I and II. “A ferment of anxiety recrimination and defending statements have swamped America since Russia launched the ‘Sputnik’ putting the question of education and American youth on the spot.

“A kind of ‘now it can be told’ operation undertakes to diligently expose what is believed to be mediocre, inadequate, careless lack of objectives, unscientific and undisciplined educational fare offered to American youth.

“As a result of it, say the critics of the system of education in the United States, it ill-prepares our youth for the future, whether that future stems from a trained professional career or one based on industry.

“So far as the Negro is concerned, many have been aware of this fact for a long time. This education of Negro youth is programmed according to basic needs. Because of the many ‘lacks’

stemming mainly from economic barrenness and impoverished backgrounds, they have not been given the vocational and academic training that would enable them to live most profitably and productively.

“Russia placing youth education as their first prerequisite to world superiority is leading the way in many areas of scientific advancement.

This is a bitter pill for Americans to swallow, for we have prided ourselves on the excellence of education in the United States for a long time.

February 22, 1963 Edition of the Guide Integration Hits The record, But It Is A Drop In A Bucket NORFOLK When Norfolk’s Public Schools begin its fall term after Labor Day, the system will have the most significant number of Negro students attending all-white schools formerly since integration began in February of 1959.

The total integration of pupils since 1959 has been 205.

In effect, the Norfolk School board on Tuesday voted to transfer 69 Negro pupils to the 10 schools, two of which have been attended only by white pupils in the past.

The board will send recommendations for 69 transfers and initial assignments to the State Pupil Placement Board, but this is essentially a routine matter because assignments will be made by the Norfolk board if the state agency balks or delays acting.

Nine of the board’s recommendations for transfers are conditioned.

Ten pupils who sought transfers failed to get them.

Except for the fact that transfers or initial assignments to one-time all-white schools are a rarity, a few of any of the 69 integrated pupils will be missed from the Negro schools.

The 158 Negro students will account for 1 percent of the students populous in the city’s schools.

The NAACP calls this tokenism and footdragging.

New Journal and Guide

February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024 | 3A

New Journal and Guide

4A | February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024

CARRTOON By Walt Carr PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF SOCIOLOGY VIRGINIA TECH

THE UNNECESSARILY HURTFUL HUR REPORT ON BIDEN

By Wornie Reed, Ph.D.

With the headlines from the mainstream press, one would think Concerning the “Report on the Investigation Into that Biden committed a felony; Unauthorized Removal [and] Retention of however, according to the details of Classified Documents,” two sources seriously damaged the Report, that was doubtful.

President Biden. The first was by the special counsel who wrote the Report, Robert Hur, a Republican.

Hur went far beyond his mandate, authority, and the Department of Justice’s rules to proclaim that Biden was “a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” This gratuitous and politically harmful statement sounded like something from the Trump campaign.

The mainstream media did the other damage. In their online forum, Just Security, Ryan Goodman and Andrew Weissmann analyze the Report of Special Counsel Robert Hur and show how the press grossly mischaracterized it.

“The press incorrectly and repeatedly blast out that the Hur report found Biden willfully retained classified documents, in other words, that Biden committed a felony; with some in the news media further trumpeting that the Special Counsel decided only as a matter of discretion not to recommend charges.”

For example, the New York Times reported that “the special counsel, Robert K. Hur, released a report stating that, although Mr. Biden had ‘willfully’ retained and disclosed classified material after his vice presidency had ended, no criminal charges were warranted.”

That is different from what the Hur report says.

Here’s the excerpt from the Executive Summary: “Our investigation uncovered evidence that President Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified materials after his vice presidency when he was a private citizen ... However, for the reasons below, we conclude that the evidence does not establish Mr. Biden’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Of course, Hur only stated the last part on page six.

Here are some headlines from the media.

The Hill: Special counsel finds Biden ‘willfully’ retained classified documents, no charges filed.

ABC News: No charges for Biden after Special Counsel probe into improper handling of classified documents CNN: Special counsel report concludes Biden willfully retained classified information but will not face charges.

PBS News Hour: Biden willfully withheld classified docs but will not be charged, special counsel says.

CNBC: Joe Biden ‘willfully retained’ classified files, investigation finds.

The Los Angeles Times and USA Today were among many other media carrying similar headlines.

With these headlines, one would think that Biden committed a felony; however, according to the details of the Report, that was doubtful. Glenn Kessler of The Fact Checker discussed the main issues investigated by the Special Counsel and the Report’s conclusions. I summarize them below.

Notebooks used for a memoir.

Bottom Line: This is the strongest example of Biden possibly mishandling classified information. But the Report concludes that the case would be weak, given that it was widely known that Reagan kept several such notebooks and that Biden generally appeared to be careful to avoid repeating classified information to someone not cleared to receive it.

Afghanistan documents Bottom Line: This is a memo VP Biden wrote about a policy toward

Afghanistan, and it may no longer be that sensitive.

H a n d w r i t t e n Thanksgiving memo Bottom Line: The Report concludes that Biden did not think this memo was classified and probably was not.

Classified materials found at Penn Biden Center The Report says there is no evidence that Biden reviewed or moved the documents.

Bottom Line: The Report exonerates Biden and blames staff error.

Classified materials found at the University of Delaware In 2011, Biden donated 2,000 boxes of senatorial papers to the University of Delaware.

Bottom Line: The Report exonerates Biden and blames staff error.

Goodman and Weissmann suggest a correct and more informative executive summary of the report, which would include something like the following: We have concluded that there is not a prosecutable case against Biden.

Although there was a basis to open the investigation since classified documents were found in Biden’s homes and office space, that is insufficient to establish a crime was committed.

The illegal retention or dissemination of national defense information requires that he knew of the existence of such documents and that they contained national defense information. It is not a crime without those additional elements. Indeed, we have found several innocent explanations to which we found no contrary evidence to refute them and found affirmative evidence in support of them.

V-P Harris’s Fight For Reproductive Freedom

By Ben Jealous (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM) It matters deeply that America has a woman as our vice president. That has never been truer than at this moment.

Nothing makes this more clear than Vice President Kamala Harris’s courageous decision to champion reproductive freedom in the midst of a full-on assault on the right to choose.

Right now, Vice President Harris is traveling the country on an extensive Reproductive Freedom Tour.

As noted by the New York Times, “The vice president has been the administration’s most forceful voice for abortion rights in the year and a half since Roe v. Wade fell.”

Even among those of us without a uterus, the impact of the vice president’s courage affects many of us personally in our lives.

It affects me as a girl dad, as a member of this country, and because the person who shaped me most as an organizer is my grandmother, Mamie Todd, who started her career in social change at Planned Parenthood in Baltimore.

Even though abortion was illegal then, the basic mission was the same: reproductive health and

The Foundations of Black History Month Black History Month (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM) Did you know that Black celebrations History Month was once remind us that Negro History Week?

The first Negro History Black folk are Week was established on February 7, 1926, by Dr. due more than Carter G. Woodson, the second African-American to Presidential get a Ph.D. in history after Dr. Julianne Malveaux WEB DuBois earned his in proclamations.

1895. Woodson said that most history books “overlooked, We are due ignored, and even suppressed horses, cattle, and plowing the accomplishments of tools. Because enslaved economic justice!

By Julianne Malveaux

Black people.

Woodson was both a visionary and an unusual academic, having worked on farms and in mines before beginning high school at age 20. He founded the Association on the Study of African-American Life and Culture in 1915. He picked the second week of February for Negro History Week because it included both President Abraham Lincoln’s February 12 birthday and abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ chosen February 14 birthday. (Douglas did not know when his actual birthday was because his birth was recorded in a property ledger indicating only that he was born in February. His birth was recorded in an inventory of

people were not regarded as human, the date of their birth was of less consequence than their worth.).

During the 1960s, Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month, and President Gerald Ford was the first President to issue a proclamation proclaiming February as Black History Month in 1976, our nation’s Bicentennial year. Ford’s proclamation urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history .”

Since then, every President has issued a Black History Month proclamation. On January 31 of this year,

President Biden said, “I am reminded of something Amelia Boynton said when reflecting on her march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on what would be known as Bloody Sunday: “You can never know where you’re going unless you know where you’ve been.”

America is a great Nation because we choose to learn the good, the bad, and the full truth of the history of our country – histories and truths that we must preserve and protect for the next generation. This National Black History Month, as we remember where we have been, may we also recognize that our only way forward is by marching together. ...see BHM, page 5A

DA FANI WILLIS: RIGHT TO BE ANGRY

You cannot help Dr. E. but sense that she By Faye Williams, feels the urgency Esq. (Ret.) (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM) to help those Let’s get this straight.

There was a time when women in her Black women were depended upon to take care bones in a way of other people’s children, that no man could. cook their food, clean

She (Fani Willis) did what most Black women were taught. Even when you go on a date, you take their homes, and do other your dollar. As unmentionable things. So, Ben Jealous them.

Some required from where does all this them in order to extricate hatefulness come? Why are Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.) for keeping cash freedom. And while the themselves from abusive we now known as “angry around the house, work mainly focused on relationships or avoid other Black women?” birth control, education, and dire consequences. Being As soon as Fulton people voting for you.” He most of us were some routine healthcare, illegal, the procedure was County DA Fani Willis was didn’t like that because he it was not without its risky. Abortions, forced determined to be this smart thinks even though he’d taught to do that. challenges – especially in a to be conducted in secret, Catholic city in a Catholic state.

By the early 1940s when my grandmother was doing this work, things had come a long way since 1916 when Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger was arrested for opening the nation’s first birth control clinic in Brooklyn. But the Comstock Act was still on the books and enforced. That law defined contraceptives as obscene and made it a federal crime to send them through the mail or transport them across state lines.

In the pre-Roe v. Wade era, when abortions were illegal in most parts of this country, many still depended on

frequently resulted in death or injuries that would leave women unable to bear children.

Adding to the risk back then was that many of the people who performed these abortions were terrible doctors … or not even doctors at all. Yes, there were abortion providers who displayed their own courage, taking great personal risks to ensure that women would not have to stay in dangerous situations. But the reality was the patients were desperate. And there was no system for review of, or accountability for, this type of medical care. ...see Harris, page 5A

Black woman who was doing so well that she was certain to be able to rightly convict “The Donald” and his crew that participated in helping to cover things up for him as it’s clear he “just wanted the top election official in Georgia to find 11,700 ballots to help him win the state! It’s recorded.

What more proof is needed to find “The Donald” guilty of trying to steal an election? That’s the crime!

DA Fani Willis – a smart, well-qualified Black woman – was the person with the charge to tell the man, “You can’t do that Donald. People have to vote and be legally counted to add to the number of

lost the election, he should be able to do anything he wanted to do to get enough votes. The truth was too much for the man!

He’d been accustomed to doing whatever he wanted to do like lie, cheat, steal, and rape women to get what he wanted.

One woman by the name of E. Jean Carroll had just taught him that is not the way things work. New York Atty. General Tish James – another smart Black woman – was in the process of showing him you don’t sit around and blame your friends, let them go to jail for you, and bully judges to have your way. Now, “The Donald” found out that

all women are not crazy, dumb, or incompetent.

He’s paying a heavy price finally.

DA Willis finally said enough is enough. She said, “I have the right to defend myself,” and under oath, she made it clear she takes care of herself and no matter how salacious prosecutors tried to make her, they will never be able to prove she somehow needed to have a man she was seeing take care of her. She paid her way with money she earned apart from the man she was dating at the time. Atty.

Nathan Wade confirms that. ...see Willis, page 5A

New Journal and Guide

Harris Continued from page 4A From 1973 until 2022, when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v.

Jackson Women’s Health Organization, abortions were safe and legal. Now, the Supreme Court’s decision in the Dobbs case has created a flood of laws threatening to send us back to the dark ages.

This goes for women who are attempting to sever ties with dangerous men and those in other horrific situations many of us can only imagine. And it is not stopping. Just this month, the Missouri state Senate voted down two amendments to the state’s medieval abortion laws that would have allowed exceptions for rape and incest.

That’s why Vice President Harris’s leadership is so important.

It is easy to imagine that whoever was vice president in these times would be fighting these attacks … that a male with a similarly impressive resume as a litigator and advocate could too be a stalwart for this fundamental right. But the difference is evident when you watch Vice President Harris on the stump, speaking against these laws that would deny freedom to women who find themselves in the situation my mother was in

BHM Continued from page 4A Do we really march together? Forty-four states have introduced legislation to restrict the ways race matters are taught, concerned that white students might be “indoctrinated” to “hate” our country. Why does the truth hurt so many so much? Enslavement happened, and it has had an impact on contemporary life. Too few are willing to consider ways to address and repair ugly aspects of our history, perhaps through reparation, restitution, and reconciliation.

Instead, many want to run and hide from our history.

The Jesuits at St. Louis University are among those who are running and hiding.

They commissioned a study to show their relationship to enslavement. They acknowledged that as many as 16 enslaved people were forced to walk from Maryland to St. Louis to cultivate a farm to support a Jesuit mission (ironically to “civilize” Indians). Now, researchers have identified more than 200 survivors from these enslaved people. The University of Connecticut’s Dr. Thomas Cramer calculated the value of stolen labor as between $361 million and $70 billion. The university, so far, has been silent about what it owes and what it plans to do about it.

They should take a page from the book of another Jesuit University,

Willis Continued from page 4A Several elderly white men and a white woman tried to project what they would have done onto DA Willis.

They haven’t proved she did anything illegal. She did what most Black women were taught. Even when you go on a date, you take your dollar. As for keeping cash around the house, most of us were taught to do that.

Her Dad taught her to do that, and so did my Mom. Those of us who’ve gone to school, highly educated ourselves, and earned a great job, don’t ask for men to pay our bills. We pay them ourselves.

Some have said Fani

February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024 | 5A back then. You cannot help but sense that she feels the urgency to help those women in her bones in a way that no man could.

Let me clear, however, about the responsibility that men have at this moment to be good allies.

The matriarch of my family, my grandmother, set a powerful example with her fierce advocacy for equality and reproductive freedom. But my parents taught me an important lesson as well.

Part of my parents’ bond has always been that my father understood men have a role to play in the fight against gender inequality and sexism.

President Biden and Vice President Harris’s teamwork in pushing back against state-level assaults on the right to choose, to me, echoes that lesson.

It is time for all of us, regardless of our sex or gender, to stand together and push back against the callous disregard for the lives, health, and social equality of those of us for whom abortion must remain a fundamental right.

The legions of lawmakers who received, and are now acting upon, the Supreme Court’s signal to eviscerate reproductive freedom will not stop unless we stop them. Thank God we have a courageous woman in the vice presidency fighting to do just that.

Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club and a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania.

OP-ED

THIS BLACK HISTORY MONTH, FIGHT FOR FREEDOM TO LEARN

More than ever, we need to protect our schools, libraries, and kids from censors and book banners.

Our country will be better for it.

By Svante Myrick

(TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM) A little over a year ago, the College Board unveiled its long-awaited draft AP African-American Studies curriculum. What happened next was sad – and all too junk it calls “edutainment” for about the Black and LGBTQ predictable. public schools that will buy it. communities at its school Florida officials, led by book fairs, the public was So there’s still work to do.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, howled.

Fortunately, the public is outraged – and Scholastic They claimed the course overwhelmingly on the right reversed course.

Svante Myrick “lacks educational value” and Together, we have the side of this issue. Poll after violated state laws against poll shows that Americans power to stop the censors teaching about race and don’t support censorship and who want to whitewash our racism. The College Board book bans, several states – book bans in schools. Those history and deprive kids of initially caved to Florida’s including Colorado, Kansas, of us who want children to facts and stories that help demands and said the course Massachusetts, New Jersey, have the freedom to learn are them to understand our would be heavily redacted, New Mexico, Washington, the majority. world. That applies to the and Virginia – introduced their then said it wouldn’t.

We understand that kids are Black experience in America, At the end of 2023, it own anti-ban bills. better prepared for life – and but also the experiences of In December, two our country is better prepared LGBTQ people, Indigenous released the final version of the course, and it’s ... better. Black lawmakers, Reps. to compete globally – when peoples, people of diverse But it’s still missing some Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) education is historically faiths, immigrants, people important concepts. The new and Maxwell Frost (D-FL), accurate and reflective of the with disabilities, and more. course omits any discussion of introduced bills in Congress diversity of our culture. We Civil rights activists have “structural racism” and makes aimed at fighting book bans. understand that book banning pushed for decades for book studying the Black Lives And a federal judge ruled that is un-American and censorship publishers and educators to Matter movement – modern parts of an Iowa book ban is a tool of dictators. acknowledge and teach our Black history by any measure were unenforceable.

This majority needs to full history, and to awaken our But the censorship mobilize and be heard at consciousness as a nation.

– optional.

That pretty much sums up movement isn’t going away. the ballot box. The defeat of We refuse to go backwards.

Moms for Liberty plans to pro-censorship school board the state of the fight against Black History Month is a censorship and book-banning start its own charter school candidates in 2023 was a great great time for us to commit to in this Black History Month: in South Carolina. In other start. Now we have to take using the power that we have words, if you won’t let them that momentum into the local, to protect the freedom to learn. better, but still problematic.

On the plus side, the last ban books in your school, state, and national elections Our kids, and our country, will few months have brought they’ll just start their own this fall. be better for it. school. With your taxpayer some very good news.

Svante Myrick serves as In the meantime, we also School board candidates money. know that public pressure President and CEO of People Meanwhile, librarians works. A public outcry got For the American Way. Myrick endorsed by the procensorship group Moms nationwide are being targeted the College Board to change garnered national media for Liberty went down to by threats and harassment. And its plans for the African- attention as the youngest-ever resounding defeats last the propaganda outfit PragerU American Studies course. And mayor of Ithaca, New York. fall. After Illinois became continues to pump out the when publisher Scholastic This op-ed was distributed by DC’s Georgetown. The the first state to prohibit offensive, woefully inaccurate said it would segregate books OtherWords.org. remedy they have begun to implement has been insufficient, but it is a remedy nonetheless.

Attorney Areva Martin, retained by the Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved (DSLUE), has worked closely with Robin Prudie, the founder of the the legacy of chattel slavery, by of Black men has had a negative nonprofit organization By Monica Brooks teaching our children the truth of its effect on the capacity of some to be (dsule.org), wonders why horrors. It was brutal and morally present fathers and husbands. We Black History Month is almost the university would go to the trouble of documenting over, and I’m disappointed. This reprehensible. Our children need to can more diligently and intentionally their troubled history year, I saw the various attempts at understand that the shame does not teach against some of the messages without doing anything celebrating and teaching our history belong to those who were enslaved, they see and absorb.

If we dig deep, we could use as sorely lacking. We have to do but to those who chose to participate about it. in the system that enslaved. the past to improve the future. We more to amplify our history.

Black Black History Month It is a testimony of their profound would have to rely on cultivating American history is an integral is an opportunity to celebrate African- part of the fabric of America. We will that they made a space for our own sense of worth. We would American triumphs and must own that and allow it to give themselves in captivity. They found a have to recognize that spaces have accomplishments, and us a source of greater pride and way to hope and love while knowing been open to us in certain sports and that even their children were fated to entertainment, but we have to show it is also an opportunity connection with this country. be slaves. Do not be mistaken, there our children that marine biology, I believe if we were to process to address some of the structural inequities and decide what our specific history was almost no room for escape. The horticulture and contract work are inherent in our system. We means to this nation, our race, and system was thorough in making it viable options as well.

Let’s give Black History Month have a crushing wealth gap each of us individually, we would next to impossible. We can be proud that is a function of the be more cohesive in our attempts to of the brilliance and resilience of our substance. It’s great to watch movies, ways Black people have improve our world. We would also ancestors. They survived for us. We but we can’t be satisfied that any been treated throughout be better at protecting each other shouldn’t look away, but embrace movie with people of color is a win.

Music is the universal language, but history. We would be remiss from the social assaults we endure who they were.

If we are more proactive in it should take more than having a so often, such as those we recently if, in celebrating, we were silent about this history of witnessed against Dr. Claudine Gay examining the depth and breadth successful entertainment career to be of all that has happened before, we considered a hero. Let’s dig deeper enslavement, exploitation, and Ms. Fani Willis. will realize that we must collectively and turn our attention to the very real Our history has value, and we and oppression.

St. Louis is not unique have value. Our history has been address some of our endemic issues. issues that plague us.

The attempts that several states in using slave labor as difficult; starting with shackles and Black History Month should be the foundation for its progressing forward with some wins, observed in context and celebrated have made to limit the breadth and scope of what public school teachers thriving enterprise. There among various forms of oppression. in a way that inspires us to change.

We invented jazz music and the are allowed to teach their students That is the truth and so we have to would be no White House, Capitol buildings, or even deal with it. What is also true is that blues. We are brilliant and gifted, regarding the history of Black people a Wall Street without the music, faith, strength and sense of but we are not healed. In order to in this country is alarming. With this the contribution of the community that our ancestors were celebrate Black American History, being the case, it seems that we must enslaved. Celebrate Black able to create, was nothing short of we must address our trauma for the take matters into our own hands and elevate Black History Month, its History Month, but make miraculous. They were heroes, who purpose of healing.

We have to acknowledge that context and how we celebrate it. it plain. Black History endured generations of trauma and the past enslavement and ensuing Month celebrations remind survived. violence visited upon us, followed Monica Brooks We must not be afraid of our us that Black folk are due brimmingover.org@gmail.com more than Presidential history. We have to grapple with by accelerated rates of incarceration proclamations. We are due economic justice!

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist and author. juliannemalveaux.com

OP-ED

LET’S GIVE MORE SUBSTANCE TO BLACK HISTORY MONTH

HBCU

shouldn’t have been angry, but you need to put yourself in her shoes as so much irrelevant information from Trump’s friends was being thrown against her, without proof, to destroy a smart Black woman to save a well-known bad actor. As a Black woman, I stand with DA Willis, and I pray she will spend the rest of her life without fear fighting for justice and winning.

When a Black woman is angry, you can bet there’s good reason. What we feel for the meanness against us just because we are successful Black women hurts. Still, it doesn’t stop the great work we so often do for our people, and it often even benefits those who try to destroy us!

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.) is President of The Dick Gregory Society.

Spelman College Receives Record-Breaking $100M Gift For Scholarships & Advancement

By Stacy M. Brown

for marginalized groups. The Senior National Correspondent $100 million gift coincides with Spelman College @StacyBrownMedia commemorating 100 years since its official naming in NNPA NEWSWIRE R e n o w n e d 1924, marking a historic businesswoman and occasion in the institution’s philanthropist Ronda rich legacy.

Officials said a significant Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, Chairman portion of the $75 million is earmarked of Greenleaf Trust, have donation bestowed a monumental gift for establishing endowed of $100 million to Spelman scholarships to support College. The extraordinary future students. Officials donation is the largest single continued that the move with Spelman contribution ever made to a aligns commitment historically Black college or College’s to attracting the brightest university (HBCU).

According to a news minds and dismantling release, Stryker, a devoted financial obstacles that may Spelman College Trustee impede qualified students since 1997, has dedicated from pursuing education at decades of her life to the the esteemed institution.

The remaining $25 advancement of women through higher education, million will go towards championing opportunities initiatives such as the

The $100 million gift coincides with Spelman College commemorating 100 years since its official naming in 1924, marking a historic occasion in the institution’s rich legacy. development of an academic focus on public policy and democracy, enhancements to student housing, and the provision of flexible funding to address critical strategic needs.

“We are invigorated and inspired by this incredible act of generosity,” said Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College.

“This gift is a critical step in our school’s mission to eliminate financial barriers to starting and finishing

a Spelman education. We can’t thank Ronda Stryker enough for her selflessness and support as both a trustee and friend. There’s no doubt that Spelman College is better because of her.”

The $100 million donation is a testament to Stryker and Johnston’s commitment to education and a significant leap forward for Spelman College in its pursuit of becoming need-blind, Gayle remarked.

New Journal and Guide

6A | February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024

Sisters Continued from page 1A Following the death of her parents, she was raised by her aunt Pauline Fitzgerald Dame, and her grandparents, Robert George and Cornelia Smith Fitzgerald, in Durham, N.C. Her upbringing shaped her to become a Firestarter.

A young Murray sat in a classroom observing the lessons her aunt taught to the older students.

This contributed to her writing ability and inquisitive nature. In 1926 Murray graduated from Hillside High School and moved to New York City. She attended Hunter College working several jobs to support herself.

She obtained an English degree in 1933.

Rejected by Harvard because women were not permitted, she wrote several letters to Harvard and to President Roosevelt highlighting the unfair treatment due to her gender and race. During this time, Murray developed a life-long

friendship and correspondence with the first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.

In 1941, Murray enrolled at the law school at Howard University with the intention of becoming a civil rights lawyer. Pauli Murray’s writing continued to influence and help progress the movement for justice. In 1943, Murray published two important essays on civil rights that would be the building blocks of the Civil Rights legislation of the 1960s. Murray would never receive her due credit for her input.

Murray was fearless and

ahead of her time. Everything about Pauli Murray’s life is profoundly amazing. Whether it was her remarkable intelligence, her unwillingness to accept segregation, her quest to understand her own identity, or her fearlessness to push the marker, and try new things. Her poetry reflects the obstacles and conflicts in her life. The poems “Words” and “The Oppressor” written

by Pauli Murray embody the journey she took in the face of rejection and the trail she blazed to fight for the rights of Black people, women, and humankind.

Audre Lorde Audre Lorde is well-known as a writer, poet, feminist, and civil rights activist. Lorde was born on February 18, 1934, in Harlem, New York.

Lorde graduated from both Hunter College and Columbia University. She would go to become a librarian in the New York public schools during Photo: Elsa Dorfman the 1960s and a professor.

Audre Lorde She is known for her work advocating against classism, sexism, and racism. She was woman’s issues and racial a feminist and recognized injustices. ...see Sisters, page 7A for her profound writings on

New Journal and Guide

February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024 | 7A

C.L.E.A.N. HOLDS SKILLS WORKSHOP TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SUMMER JOBS

By Melissa Spellman Staff Reporter New Journal and Guide

The organization C.L.E.A.N. Citizens Learning and Educating About Neighborhoods recently hosted a two-day job skills workshop for students ages 16 to 21 at the Berkley Recreation Center in Norfolk.

C.L.E.A.N. is a youth mentoring program that nurtures leadership skills and encourages educational excellence, serving the Berkley, Campostella, and surrounding areas of Norfolk.

Anthony Daniels is the founder and Executive Director of C.L.E.A.N. Daniels is a native of Norfolk, and an Army Veteran. He left the area only to return 30 years later.

Daniels retired from the City of Norfolk, Department of Utilities after 26 years of service as Engineer Tech I. “We are here to serve the youth in the community. Our goal and mission are to be a positive influence for the youth, lead them in the right direction, and build their self-confidence” said Daniels.

Over the past 18 years, C.L.E.A.N., in partnership with the Beacon Light Civic League, has given out over $40,000 in scholarships to students living in the Berkley and Southside communities. C.L.E.A.N. has impacted hundreds of youths through field trips and educational activities.

In 2006, C.L.E.A.N.’s first field trip to Camp Young took 45 youth on a three-day overnight stay.

Other trips have included Washington D.C., visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. statue, the African-

Photo: Courtesy

Photo: Courtesy

(L-R): Norfolk Chief of Police, Mark Talbot, Assistant Chief Michele Naughton, Norfolk Councilman John “J.P. Paige and C.L.E.A.N. Founder Anthony Daniels American Museum, the Richmond Capitol Building, New York, and Atlanta.

Daniels founded C.L.E.A.N. after tragedy struck his family on June 5, 2005, where his nephew Amol Bilal was fatally shot and killed in the Ocean View area of Norfolk. This sparked a fire inside Daniels to create C.L.E.A.N. and bring change to his community. His vision was to address the concerns of residents who no longer felt safe in their neighborhoods and create programs to help the youth develop into productive citizens.

Such programs include the job skills workshop, an annual activity to prepare students to apply for paid summer internships in various departments within the City of Norfolk. The summer internships will run from June 2024 to August 2024 and are a part of the Norfolk Emerging Leaders (NEL) initiative.

The job skills workshop teaches about resume

C.L.E.A.N. members at the workshop high school. My work ethic did not develop yet at that point in life, so I was late to work on several occasions.

I was still trying to get myself to the point where I could show up on time,” he said.

Chief Tabolt shared his lack of pleasantries toward authority figures growing up. “As a young man I had a lot of struggles with listening to grown men because frankly my dad wasn’t around as a child.”

Although Tabolt had an older brother, at age 13 or 14 he felt like the man of the house.

“When I went to get this first job, my first boss was a man, I had a real tough time adapting to that,” he said.

“He would tell me how to

writing and completing a job application. Students learn how to dress for an interview and they participate in mock interviews. Guest speakers also offer students advice on entering the workplace and encouragement to go above and beyond while putting their best foot forward. Guest speakers for the 2024 job skills workshop were Norfolk Councilman John “J.P.” Paige, Norfolk Chief of Police Mark Talbot, and Assistant Chief Michele Naughton.

Councilman Paige said his first job was washing cars for a driving school.

“I didn’t realize what that job did for me then. I didn’t make a lot of money, but it developed a work ethic.

Until this day I have a motto that no one will ever Continued from page 6A outwork me,” said Paige.

Chief of Police Talbot talked about his childhood and first job with the Lorde was a perceptive students. “My first job was poet and speaker. One of her at McDonald’s between my most famous poems is Poetry junior and senior year of is Not A Luxury. She implied that poetry is not a luxury but rather an ingrained necessity that must be explored. Lorde said that poetry is how women survive and thrive. Poetry is the foundation of our hopes and dreams. It’s where we find the language to express these hopes and dreams into ideas and the ideas into real change in the world.

Lorde was not only a poet but also a philosopher. Some of her popular literary works are The First Cities, Zami: A New Spelling of My Name; and The Cancer Journals.

The Cancer Journals was published in 1980.

It is her personal account of

Sisters

Literary Arts Continued from page 1A Born in West Africa, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery, then bought by the Wheatley family of Boston.

After she learned to read and write, they encouraged her poetry when they saw her talent.

During the 1800s before Emancipation, stories were told by Blacks and written that became known as slave narratives. These were generally first hand accounts of formerly enslaved Blacks who had escaped to the North and told about their flights to freedom.

There was an early distinction between the autographical literature of freed slaves and the literature of free Blacks born in the North. Those in the North often spoke out against enslavement and racial injustices.

At the turn of the 20th century, non-fiction works by authors such as W. E. B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington debated how to confront racism in the United States.

This theme was common during the Civil Rights Movement, as authors such as Richard Wright and Gwendolyn Brooks wrote about issues of racial segregation and Black nationalism.

The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 30s was a

do the job and everything that he said to me I felt like it was insulting and demeaning. As I look back, I recognize that it wasn’t him being insulting, it’s that I didn’t feel like I was full inside” explained Talbot.

He would ultimately lose the McDonald’s job.

A young Talbot’s second job was welding truck frames, a job he said was much harder than McDonald’s. He told students, “That second job experience is where I would come to recognize that there are people in my life trying to guide me in the right direction.”

Assistant Chief Michele Naughton said her first job was at Toys-R-Us making $4.25 an hour. She told

students that she keeps a paycheck from that time to remind herself that she started from the bottom; now she’s here.

Councilman Paige offered student’s these final words: “When we prepare ourselves life becomes less stressful. You might not know what you want to do, but employment will also show you what you don’t want to do, until you find what you want to do, and that is just as important.”

C.L.E.A.N. is always in need of male and female mentors and volunteers. If you want to volunteer or to learn more about C.L.E.AN programs and activities visit www.clean-youth,org, call (757) 816-6604, or email jcleand2@gmail.com.

her fight to beat breast cancer and her experience having a mastectomy. The journals shed light on a shared experience among humankind. She would succumb to cancer in 1992 at the age of 58. Lordes impact on the literary world still influences activists, scholars, poets, and writers today.

as the University of Iowa.

She has received several honors and in 2008, 2010, and 2017 was featured in Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Best American Short Stories collections anthology. Her stories have also appeared in The Paris Review and A Public Space. Evan worked as an assistant professor at the University of WisconsinMadison, American University, and John Hopkins where she currently teaches.

Evans’ short stories offer a different narrative for women particularly young Black women. Her stories illustrate how Black women show up in the world and the multifaceted experiences we encounter. She extends the portrayal of Black women beyond the single story and lens from which we are often viewed. Evan has gained much notoriety however as an author and writer. She is one to keep an eye as she continues her literary pursuit.

Danielle Evans Danielle Evans is a Black writer and author. She is a native of Northern Virgnia.

She writes in the fiction genre and is best known for her short story collection Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self. She was featured as one of the five under 35 fiction writers, an honor given by the National Book Foundation. One of her most noted works debuted in 2020 called The Office of Historical Corrections which consists of seven short stories.

Evans graduated from Columbia University as well great period of flowering in Black literature and the arts, influenced both by writers who came North in the Great Migration and those who were immigrants from Jamaica and other Caribbean islands. Among the themes and issues explored in this literature were the role of Blacks within the larger American society, AfricanAmerican culture, racism, and social equality.

Among the most renowned writers of the Harlem Renaissance was poet Langston Hughes, whose first work was published in 1921. He first received attention in the 1922 publication The Book of American Negro Poetry.

Edited by James Weldon Johnson, this anthology featured the work of the period’s most talented poets, including Claude McKay, who also published three novels, Home to Harlem, Banjo and Banana Bottom, a nonfiction book, Harlem: Negro Metropolis, and a collection of short stories.

Until his death in 1967, Hughes published nine volumes of poetry, eight books of short stories, two novels and a number of plays, children’s books and translations.

Another notable writer of the Harlem Renaissance was novelist Zora Neale Hurston, author of the classic novel Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937). Although Hurston wrote 14 books that ranged from anthropology to short stories to novel-length fiction, her writings fell into

obscurity for decades.

Her work was rediscovered in the 1970s through Alice Walker’s 1975 article “In Search of Zora Neale Hurston,” published in Ms. While Hurston and Hughes are the two most influential writers to come out of the Harlem Renaissance, a number of other writers also became well known during this period.

In broad terms, AfricanAmerican literature can be defined as writings by Black people of African descent living in the United States, generally what it means to be an American.

Beginning in the 1970s, African-American literature reached the mainstream as books by Black writers continually achieved bestselling and award-winning status. This was also the time when the work of AfricanAmerican writers began to be accepted by academia as a legitimate genre of American literature.[ With the creation of Hip Hop in the 1970s, that form of literature has become popular in the AfricanAmerican community.[ In the 21st century, the Internet has facilitated publication of AfricanAmerican literature.

Founded in 1996 by Memphis Vaughn, TimBookTu has been a pioneer offering an online audience poetry, fiction, essays and other forms of the written word.

Source: Wikipedia

New Journal and Guide

8A | February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024

UNCF Continued from page 1A Individuals being honored are Bishop Kim Brown and Elder Valerie Brown, The Mount Global Fellowship of Churches; Dr. Scott Miller, President of Virginia Wesleyan University; Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond, Founder of the Virginia AfricanAmerican Cultural Center and Virginia Beach City Councilwoman; and Tricia Anne Pangliman Orgilla, Community Activist.

Ball highlights include a silent auction; a Masked Reception; red carpet photo ops; elegant dining; and live entertainment.

Since 1983 when the first Mayor’s Masked Ball was held in Atlanta, Ga.,

the UNCF’s signature fundraising event has been held annually in various cities across the nation. Funds are earmarked primarily for students attending the 37 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) served by the UNCF. Additionally, students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country are eligible for financial support from UNCF. Other Black-tie balls are held annually in major cities with large AfricanAmerican populations to include Washington, D.C., Charlotte, New Orleans, and Los Angeles.

For more information, contact Dana Brown at (804) 218-7495 or Dana Brown at Dana.Brown@ uncf.org or Dianna Ruffin at (804) 218-0729 or Dianna.Ruffin@uncf.org.

Harris Continued from page 1A

WARD 7 COUNCILWOMAN WILL NOT SEEK REELECTION IN NORFOLK

By Leonard E. Colvin Chief Reporter Emeritus New Journal and Guide

Councilwoman Danica Royster, who represents Superward 7 on the Norfolk City Council, announced her decision not to seek another term in the upcoming November General election.

She has only served one term.

On February 20, in a statement to the media, the announcement of her decision surprised voters and colleagues on the council, as many thought that she would seek another term.

In the press release, Royster’s office said, “After thoughtful deliberation and personal reflection, Councilwoman Royster has chosen to focus on her professional growth and dedicate more time to her financial services business.”

Royster was appointed to the City Council on January 13, 2021 to replace Angelia Williams Graves, who left the

Hon. Danica Royster panel to pursue a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. On November 2, 2021 she was elected to the City Council.

She is the second councilperson to announce they will not be seeking reelection. Andrea McClellan, who represents Superward 6, recently declared that she would not seek another term on the city’s governing panel.

“I am very surprised that she is not seeking another four years,” said John

It came to me as a sort of wakeup call. I wanted to serve folk.”

– Rev. Marcellus L. Harris, Jr.

One of his most prominent advocacy cases was the 1993 trial and conviction of then nationally acclaimed high school athlete, Allen Iverson, and three friends in a Hampton bowling alley Rev. Dr. Marcellus brawl with a group of white L. Harris, Jr. students which deepened the racial divide on the Peninsula.

Pastor Harris’ voice was pastor of First Baptist Church influential in raising public Morrison and remained awareness about the case and there for 45 years until his injustice.

During a news conference, he drew comparisons between Iverson and legendary civil rights figure Rosa Parks, the Black seamstress who refused to move to the back of a segregated Montgomery, Ala., bus in 1955. “Our community is determined and convinced we have a Rosa Parks-type vehicle here,” Harris said. “And we’re not going to give up this issue. Nothing short of justice will be satisfactory to us.”

A few months later, former Governor L. Douglas Wilder granted clemency to Iverson. This action allowed Iverson to begin his collegiate basketball career and later have a stellar NBA career. Harris was subsequently interviewed in the 2010 ESPN “30 for 30” documentary “No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson.”

In 2016, Iverson was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame.

Pastor Harris also expressed support for NFL star athlete and Newport News native Michael Vick’s redemption following a conviction for his involvement in a local dogfighting ring. Vick was a former high school teammate of Harris’ son, Newport News City Councilman Marcellus L. Harris III. In a 2010 Daily Press feature entitled, “The fall and rise of Michael Vick: From prison to starting again in the NFL,” the elder Harris said, “Anybody can fall down. Anybody can stumble. Anybody can make a mistake. But it’s what you do afterward, how you get back up.”

Marcellus Lee Harris Jr.—also referenced by his childhood moniker “Butch” – enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school and served in the Vietnam War. In his 1993 Daily Press profile, he recalled the turning point where he knew that he wanted to help others. After a grim day on the Vietnam battlefield, he said, “I looked up into the sky, and I felt literally alone, literally useless. I thought, `If I die out here nobody would even care, no one would even know.’ I said to myself, `I’ve got to do something about my life.’ I decided then I needed to get intensely involved with contributing, with making a difference. It came to me as a sort of wake-up call. I wanted to serve folk.”

Following his military service, Harris returned to Newport News in 1969 and began ministry at Ivy Baptist Church under the late Rev. Dr. W. Henry Maxwell, who was also a state senator. In 1971, Harris became the

retirement in May 2016.

His congregants regarded him as an intellectual pastor who rarely used notes to preach, and had an unconventional, invigorating delivery. He often infused his sermons with references to Black history and issues affecting African-Americans.

Following his 2016 retirement as acting pastor of First Baptist Church

Morrison, Harris was designated Pastor Emeritus.

Harris attended West Virginia State University and received degrees from Norfolk State University, United Christian College, National Theological Seminary and College, Richmond Virginia Seminary and College, and Canaan Seminary and College.

His highest earned degree

“JP” Paige, who represents Ward 3 on the council. “She is a talented and intelligent young woman who served the city well.

She was all about serving the people in her ward and will be missed.”

He continued, ”Just who will step forward to these positions will be very interesting,” During her tenure, according to her press statement, “Councilwoman Royster has spearheaded initiatives focused on violence intervention and prevention, community improvements, economic development, and fostering community collaborations. Notable achievements include the successful relaunch of the Norfolk Nighthawks Basketball program, significant park renovations, and the initiation of the Small Business and NonProfit Townhall Series.

These efforts have enhanced community engagement, improved public spaces, and supported local businesses and non-profits.”

was Doctor of Ministry.

He was also founder of the United Campus Ministry of Christopher Newport University , taught ministry courses at various seminaries and church institutes throughout his pastoral tenure, as well as continued pastoral counseling postretirement.

Moreover, Harris was a featured weekly contributor to The New Journal and Guide—a regional newspaper covering issues in the African-American community – and previously hosted a radio show on Christian radio station WTJZ

(AM) 1270.

Harris explained, “To me, a passion for people is something that goes beyond the walls of this church [First Baptist Church Morrsion],” he says. ”I wanted people to know that here’s a man who’s going to do more than stand up on Sunday in a robe and preach. So I started to use the resources of my ministry as a springboard to other things.”

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Rev. Dr. Annette Harris, their six children and a host of grandchildren, spiritual children, family, friends, and colleagues.

New Journal and Guide

February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024 | Section B

SECTION B GRANT TO VSU ESTABLISHES NEWPORT NEWS SHIPBUILDING SCHOLARS PROGRAM NEWPORT NEWS Virginia State University will receive a $100,000 grant for five years from Hll’s Ingalls Shipbuilding to establish the Newport News Shipbuilding Scholars Program.

The grant will fund scholarships, as well as mentorship and internship opportunities, according to a recent press release on the university’s website.

Tom Cosgrove, manager for external affairs for Newport News Shipbuilding and a member of the VSU Board of Visitors, said in a recent statement on Virginia State’s website, “As shipbuilders, we understand what it means to be part of something greater, and this is another way we are investing to develop our future talent. The Newport News Shipbuilding Scholars

Program symbolizes our commitment to fostering innovation, diversity and excellence in higher learning. Together, we will empower the next generation of engineers.”

According to Hll’s Ingalls Shipbuilding website, the Pascagoula, Miss.-headquartered company also awarded $100,000 in recent grants to 24 STEM-related initiatives

at elementary and high schools located in Alabama and Mississippi. “All grant recipients were invited to the shipyard and were presented a check to support their efforts in encouraging students to pursue a STEM related career.”

The grants will fund lab supplies or software, to be used in hands-on research at elementary schools and high schools at 24 sites.

BREAKING THE NEWS

NORFOLK WHRO Emerging Leaders Board hosted a public film screening followed by a panel

discussion on Thursday, February 15 at the Slover Library. The documentary film titled “Breaking The News” centered around

today’s changing media industry and the critical start-up challenges faced

by The 19th,* a digital news outlet focusing on

Photo: Courtesy

Dr.Veleka S. Gatling, Brandi Kellam, Lynn Waltz, Brenda H. Andrews

SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

GET NOTICED AND PLACE A SMALL BUSINESS AD IN THE GUIDE.

women’s and LGBTQ+ issues.

Media professionals, Brenda H. Andrews, Publisher, New Journal and Guide, Lynn Watlz, Journalism Professor at Hampton University, and Brandi Kellam, lead investigative reporter for ProPublica’s partnership with WHRO, responded to questions asked by Moderator Dr. Veleka S. Gatling, who serves as the Associate Vice President for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence at Old Dominion University.

A Q&A session followed.

A reception preceded the event. The 19th* is an independent digital news platform that is funded by foundations, donations and philanthropy.

New Journal and Guide

2B | February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024

HALL OF FAME SUPPORT FOR COACH JENKINS

Photo: Courtesy

VIRGINIA BEACH Retired Bayside HS Coach Ron Jenkins (holding ball) is shown with his former student-athletes, friends and family who were on hand February 9th at the Princess Anne-Bayside HS Basketball Game to show support for his nomination to the VHSL Basketball Hall of Fame.The retired beloved Coach “is finally getting the many things he so long deserved,” said Sean Bowers, who is spearheading the nomination.

NEWS FROM THE CHESAPEAKE SHERIFF’S OFFICE

BHM Profile: Capt. Trena Washington In honor of Black History Month, the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office is highlighting Captain Trena Washington.

Captain Washington is the first Black female to reach the rank of Captain in Chesapeake history. With 35 years of service behind her, she is a member of the CSO Command Staff and the CSO’s second longest-serving employee. She started as a civilian records secretary in

1988 before going through the training academy to become a certified Deputy Sheriff in 1992. Captain Washington steadily rose up the ranks to be appointed to the rank of Sergeant in 1999, Lieutenant in 2010, and Captain in 2017.

Today, she serves as the Support Services Commander of the Chesapeake Correctional Center. Thank you for your service, Captain Washington!

KUDOS TO MASTER DEPUTY MEJIA February 15th was National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day. In recognition of the observance, Chesapeake Public Schools highlighted one of the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office’s new School Resource Deputies (SRDs). Master Deputy Mejia is a 19-year law enforcement veteran and

the SRD for B.M. Williams Primary School, Greenbrier Intermediate School, and Crestwood Intermediate School in Chesapeake.

He is one of eight SRDs assigned to protect the students and staff at Chesapeake’s elementary schools. In addition to keeping everyone safe, the SRDs interact with

the children to ensure that their first experiences with law enforcement are positive and reassuring.

Sheriff Jim O’Sullivan and Undersheriff Dave Rosado want all children to know law enforcement officers are there to help them in times of need. View his video at https://www.facebook.com/ watch/?v=748551960550536

Evelyn Brooks

Gloria Brown

Harriet Goodrich

Betty Warren

Captain Trena Washington

H

ello and welcome to The Bridge Corner.

In 2022, the American Bridge Association (ABA) celebrated its 90th anniversary by publishing in the ABA national magazine (The ABA On February 3, 2024, 38 members of the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office participated in the Polar Bridge Bulletin) the active Plunge. Before diving into the frigid Atlantic Ocean, each member from the CSO collected donations 90+-year old members from local bridge clubs. for Special Olympics Virginia and together, we raised over $7,500!

The Tidewater Bridge Club (TBC) honored four “Bridge Celebrities” in the July 2022 issue of the ABA Bridge Bulletin!

TBC has continued the tradition of acknowledging and honoring our “Bridge Celebrities” by showcasing them in The Bridge Corner.

The 2022 honorees are Mrs. Evelyn Brooks, Mrs. Gloria Brown, Mrs. Harriet Goodrich, and Mrs. Betty Warren. The 2023 honoree is Mr. Aldis Raymond.

Tidewater Bridge Club members wish to thank you the What does it take to challenging to secure Understanding for your help and support and organization’s financial achieve fundraising understanding over the years. We are success? Is it hiring agreement, don’t worry position and projections grateful for your many years fundraising the right person? – it is better to know informs of service and guidance.

Writing a perfect grant? now rather than later. and assures that the “So many seasons, so much Becoming the darling Take the time to talk organization is engaged change. You’ve witnessed of the powers-that- things out. Encourage in proactive fundraising incredible events over be? Nope. Fundraising questions – especially the instead of “emergency 90 years, sharing many success begins with hard questions that no- fundraising.” remarkable experiences Without consensus you consensus amongst one wants to ask. True at the bridge table. Your leadership regarding the agreement is something may find that you can stories reflect games wellorganization’s mission, that takes time to develop raise some money, but played. Our wish for you vision, goals, strategic and needs to be retained not the money you need. is that you cross new paths, direction, and financial over the years. And Donors and funders are venture into unknown position. If you are not sometimes things change. always listening, and territories, embrace every organizational all on one page, it will be If your vision, mission, when change, and continue to and strategic plan need leaders share differing hard to move forward. tell stories of life’s grand Successful fundraising revising, take the time or conflicting stories slams, made and missed” begins long before a to do so. This may they know that you (The ABA Bridge Bulletin, fundraising plan is ever require the assistance don’t know where your Summer Issue, July 2022, created. It starts with your of a strategic planning organization is headed Volume 84, No. 2, page organization’s vision and consultant so that all and what you are seeking 26). mission. These two items parties can participate to accomplish. They may We will resume our are at the core of non- fully in the brainstorming still give, but it won’t be discussion of the responses profit operations. It is and planning processes. at the level they would if to the 1 No Trump opening the vision and mission If it does, it is worth they had confidence in bid in our next session. In the that drive your strategic the investment: working your leadership. meantime, please review the We encourage you direction and goals. from a plan helps ensure 4 Things Every One-Level And it is the strategic that resources are used to invest the time and Opening Bid is Saying. and that effort to reach full direction that influences effectively You are invited to join and fundraising and the use all members of the understanding us on Sunday, March 10, – your organization are working agreement of funds.

2024, from 2pm to 4pm for Once the vision and in concert toward agreed organization’s sustained a “Retrain the Brain: Learn success depends on it. mission are established, upon goals. to Play Bridge” seminar.

Excerpted from When you begin it is the chief executive’s Old Dominion University for responsibility to ensure discussions on how much Prerequisites will sponsor this event they are understood money your organization Fundraising Success by and The Bridge Corner’s and that the board needs to raise, you will Mel and Pearl Shaw. editor, Jennifer Douglas will Comprehensive Fund and employees are in refer to your strategic plan host; each participant will Services. agreement with them. to map out what you are Development and phone Sometimes we find that seeking to achieve over Video services the vision, mission, and the coming years. This conferencing strategic directions are is the starting point from always available. Let documented, but that which you begin to map us help you grow your they exist primarily on out costs and fundraising fundraising. Call us at Understanding (901) 522-8727 or visit paper. Discussing these goals. helps bring them back the strategic plan allows www.saadandshaw.com. into focus and allows for leaders – executives Copyright 2024 – Mel board members consensus – or dissenting and and Pearl Shaw viewpoints – to develop. – to make informed of Saad&Shaw projections.

If you find it financial

“IT’S NOT TOO COLD!”

Consensus Is Number One

receive the book Bidding in the 21st Century, handout sheets covering lesson one in bridge, a nylon backpack, and the opportunity to kickstart your bridge journey!

Light refreshments will be served. The cost is $10.00 per person. You MUST register at jldouglas23462@ aol.com In the “Subject” section of your email, please use ‘ODU Bridge Session”; also, let me know how many people will be in your party.

Hope to see you at the bridge table.

TIDEWATER BRIDGE CLUB The Banks at Berkley 701 South Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23523 WEDNESDAYS 10:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This is a locked building.

An assigned person will be at the door to let you in until 11 a.m. Take the elevator up to the second floor Community Room. The game fee is $4 for 2 ½ or more tables.

Bring your lunch. Light packaged snacks/water will be provided.

Aldis Raymond Winning Pairs from the February 14, 2024, Bridge Game Aldis Raymond – Leon Ragland Gloria Brown – Barbara Whitfield Betty Warren – Delores Burney Susie Ballard-Ware – Lawrence Owes Elva Taylor – Shirley Nottingham Lyllie Holley – Jennifer Douglas Any question, concerns, or comments, please feel free to contact Lawrence Owes, President, Tidewater Bridge Club at l.a.owes1@gmail. com.

New Journal and Guide

February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024 | 3B

In Town For Black History Month CAPT. JANET H. DAYS AMONG PURE LAGOS: KWAME ALEXANDER DOMINION’S 2024 ‘STRONG MEN

By Ernest Lowery Special to the Guide

& WOMEN IN VIRGINIA HISTORY’

It has been my experience that having a peace of mind makes me feel good. There are many situations in life that reinforce that space in my head and my heart.

Just a few weeks I ventured into one of my favorite establishments where I deliver the New Journal and Guide. Chike Joseph Nwagbogu and his wife Sia Alexander are the proud owners of PURE LAGOS, 251 W. Bute in Norfolk. This place is one of the best kept African Art Gallery & Boutique secrets in the area.

On that day, a special guest was in the gallery for a book signing and reading from his new released book: Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets.

BLACK BOYS Black boys scrape their knees – they bleed Black boys cry and scream-they tackle life like air Gliding on windbasking in a breeze.

(Excerpt) Tony Medina.

“I’M ROOTING FOR EVERYBODY BLACK Everybody Black is my hometown team.

Everybody Black dropped the hottest album of the year, easy. Everybody Black is in this show so I’m watching. (Excerpt) Cortney Lamar Charleston.

See ...! This is what I mean about feeling good, realizing a Black experience that encircles you and all you have to

Photo: Courtesy

do is open your eyes and sometimes do a little search.

These two excerpts were read by none other than twice nominee for an Emmy, Kwame Alexander at PURE LAGOS from his latest installment of books called This Is The Honey – An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets. In December 2023, Kwame’s The Crossover won an Emmy for Outstanding Young Teen Series award.

Kwame’s a native and a favorite son of Hampton Roads and a graduate of Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake. Sia is his sister.

Kwame gave a comical overview of his experience at the Emmy. When he lost the first category for best writer, it was a tough pill to swallow, he reported. There were so many pieces to this puzzle but his take away was “I was nominated for two awards ... feel special,

be grateful.”

Calm followed after he spoke to his dad, Dr. E. Curtis Alexander of Chesapeake, about the misfortune. As he explained, the next day brought a new ray of sunshine as he prepared for the last round of awards that evening.

We now know the outcome ... Black boys scrape their knees – they bleed. Everybody Black is my hometown team ... everybody Black I’m watching!

It was a special evening for the hometown crowd as the book signing began and I’m almost certain everyone bought a at least one book this evening.

Praises and accolades were extended from the mixed audience to Kwame Alexander from all in attendance.

After all was said and done, we ate some Nigerian food prepared by PURE LAGOS

RICHMOND Capt. Janet H. Days, the first African-American to command Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval station, is among this year’s ‘Strong Men & Women in Virginia History’ awardees. The annual event is produced in partnership with the Library of Virginia to honor distinguished African-Americans across the state.

The celebration is Thursday, Feb. 22 in Richmond, and Capt. Days is the only honoree from Hampton Roads.

Other honorees are Dr. Erma L. Freeman, Dentist, Mecklenburg County; R. Tyrone Foster, Sheriff, Bristol; and Gregory L. Robinson, NASA Project Director, Manassas Capt. Days is a 1999 ODU graduate and received her commission through Naval ROTC via the Enlisted

Capt. Janet H. Days Commissioning Program.

She completed her command tour aboard the USS McFaul, deploying independently to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR) in the Atlantic Ocean and the Middle East. Further, the highly decorated officer has served on five Navy combatants (warships) and multiple shore assignments, including a deployment to

Kabul, Afghanistan, as the Joint Staff, J7 liaison officer to the Internal Security Assistance Force After the event, the Library of Virginia will host a traveling exhibition featuring each of the honorees – including some Hampton Roads locations – so that Virginians can learn about these outstanding leaders.

More info is here: Strong Men & Women in Virginia History - Library of Virginia Education.

With this program is an annual student contest with awards to students and their schools.

Resource materials for Strong Men & Women in Virginia History are available online through the Library of Virginia. Teachers may also request a set of materials to be mailed to them.

AARP VIRGINIA FRAUD ALERT: Watch How You Mail Checks

RICHMOND One of the oldest scams around involves a criminal getting hold of one of your checks and forging the payee and the amount. Usually this is done by “washing” the check with chemicals to remove the real information you have written on it.

Today, with access to new technologies, criminals are “cooking” checks by creating fake versions of real checks using computer programs. These “cooked” checks can be manipulated digitally and either printed or deposited electronically, saving the crook a lot of mess and hassle.

The best way to protect

against these scams is to be careful how you send checks. If you use your checkbook to pay bills via mail, how you send those bills is the key to staying safe. Rather than dropping the bills in your mailbox and flipping up the flag, take them to the post office and drop them off inside.

A criminal can’t wash or cook a check they don’t physically have, so taking

this extra step to safeguard your mail can protect your bank account in the long run.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Report scams to local law enforcement.

For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/ fraudwatchnetwork.

LOCAL VOICES

FREE OF

By Sean C. Bowers Today’s politically correct world is free of truth’s implications, Replaced by tricky word play misinterpretations Today’s sacred positions postured by press pundits who seek to cloak real truths free of honest debate, Those who behind closed doors, under cover of darkness, beneath grand wizards hoods, bar good’s gate Today’s issues reframed by those with slanted agendas using code words free of pure convictions, Longing for a return to past proven flawed misguided mindsets of justices misrepresentations Today’s descendants of past founding fathers free of guilt while they argue to abolish their ancestor’s founding principles, Holy Grail style, they wrap themselves in the good books shrouds while turning their backs on the parables of Jesus and his disciples Today’s hypocritical supposed truth sayers free of conscience have brain washed themselves free of Karma’ reach Justifying their miscalculated positions of selfimposed superiority are exactly what they continue to falsely preach Today’s modern day wealthy elitists slave masters wana-be’s free of reason, dignity and righteousness, Chained to their wants of past, slaves to their own beliefs that they are correct in their miscalculated callousness Today’s current couriers currency of hate and prejudice, free of intelligence and common decency, Will not escape their earned Karma or the wrath of the people, by the people, that will be our true legacy Free of stereotypical distortions, Free of allusions, Free of collusions, Free of illusions Free of Delusions Free of trespassed truth intrusions Today ourselves, we are yet to be free of facing these consequences, Of upholding equality truth and justice for all still haunting us from past in the present and misleading into our future tenses Today ourselves we will never be free of, The golden rule given from above Today those backwards free of forethought who fear evolution, The ones who literally interpret illogically hate will lose the next revolution Today free of insecurities, Each of us removes our human impurities

New Journal and Guide

4B | February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024

MOMENTS of MEDITATION

By Rev. Dr. Archie L. Edwards, Sr.

GALATIANS: LETTER OF LIBERATION A Survey of Galatians.

Why would a slave, once freed, go back to living in bondage? Why would he willingly place his healed ankles back in the shackles that had scraped them raw?

Why would he, having breathed the sweet, pure air of the Gospel and felt the warmth of the Son on his soul, return to the dark, dark dungeon of legalism?

That’s what the apostle Paul wanted to know about the Galatians. “I am amazed,” he said, “that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ for a different Gospel” (1:6).

This “different” Gospel was no gospel at all – but a message of faith plus works.

It undermined the real Gospel, making salvation a partially human accomplishment instead of a miraculous and merciful work of God. So Paul set out to correct this heresy and encourage the Galatians to hold fast to the Gospel he had preached to them – the good news of Freedom in Christ Jesus.

Name and Background.

The name “Galatians” used to designate two different

groups of people. Used in a purely ethic sense, it applies to a people of Celtic descent (Gauls) who settled in northern Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). The name is also used, however, in a geopolitical sense for the entire Roman province of Galatia, which included the northern region of Asia Minor but extended southward almost to the Mediterranean Sea. Scholars have debated for years about whether Paul wrote to the people of the “ethnic north” or those living in the southern region of Roman Galatia.

The evidence suggests that Paul wrote to the southern Galatians, since his first missionary journey to that region – Pisidia, Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe (see Acts 13:4-14:28), Paul consistently referred to the churches he had visited in a geopolitical sense. Paul probably wrote to them from Antioch after that journey, around A.D. 49, making Galatians Paul’s earliest epistle and one of the oldest New Testament books.

Structure and Style of Galatians. Since Galatians

is Paul’s response to a specific heresy, the letter is direct, concise, and easy to follow. The first two chapters are personal, Paul defends his apostleship and the validity of the Gospel he preaches.

Chapters 3 and 4 are more doctrinal, focusing on the defense of justification by faith and how it liberates from legalism.

The last two chapters get more practical, as Paul exhorts the Galatians to live out their Christian freedom in a spirit of love and service.

Personal Words From Paul (chapters 1-2). Right away, the reader senses that Paul is about to pit the message and authority of God against that of mere humans.

“Another” Gospel. Paul is amazed that the Galatians have turned to a false gospel (v. 6). He doesn’t hide his disappointment. Paul sees the Galatian’s defection as turning not only from a message but from Christ Himself (“deserting Him who called you,” (v. 6).

These teachers were often called Judaizers and Paul has a word for the Judaizers: “{they are] to be accursed!”

(Galatians 1:8-9).

Paul’s Gospel: Directly From Christ. In order to show that his message is indeed the true Gospel, Paul sets out to prove that not only the message but the messenger Paul himself – was appointed by God. The Destructive Influence of Legalism. But even the apostles can buckle under pressure. Paul reminds the Galatians that he had to confront Peter, of all people, for drifting into legalism. ...see Galatians, page 6B

REBECCA’S WELL BY REV. DR. REBECCA R. RIVKA

“ ... WOW, WOE, WOE – THE DEVIL HAS COME DOWN UNTO YOU ...”

(Rev. 8:13 – Rev. 12:12b) Scofield KJV

Dear Readers, I have returned to my post at REBECCA’S WELL. I want to let you know that the Holy Spirit has expanded my ministerial work as “Local Elder” at The Historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in my home town Portsmouth, VA. I was told by the Presiding Elder that I am the only Local Elder “left” in The Virginia Annual Conference of the AMEC. That means I am “the oldest continuous long-serving Local Elder alive and kicking in Virginia’s African Methodism.”(smile).

Nevertheless –” The Lord has made my mountain to stand strong (Psalm 30:7) So, I say as Caleb said at age 85 –” The Lord has kept me alive, I am as strong today as I was at age 40, so give me this mountain.”

(Joshua, chapter 14) As Jesus leads me forward, I plan to continue a monthly column to the Guide. Amen. I want to report to you another celebratory note. On January 26, 2024, I observed 12 glorious years as a volunteer columnist for the New Journal and Guide. My first article was titled “SEND IN THE CLOWNS –” The Battle Is Not Yours, But God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15) Scofield KJV. This was the presidential campaign between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.

In this article, I shall address two rhetorical questions posed by two men

Rev. Dr. Rebecca R. Rivka of varying backgrounds and life experiences. (A rhetorical question is a question to which no answer is expected.) My answers will be scriptural as I seek to correlate situations posed by these two questions with pertinent scriptures in Bible History and Bible Prophecy.

Observe Ques #1: “What Is Happening To Our World?” writes Thomas Friedman, a 3x Pulitzer Prize Winner in Journalism and Foreign Affairs Columnist for The New York Times. He is revered for his very scholarly book, “From Beirut To Jerusalem.” Since 1995, Tom has covered the most egregious cultural and military foreign affairs struggles in The Middle East. In his NY Times column published, January 3, 2024, Tom wrote –” I want to reexamine the story that has consumed me, and I dare say much of the world, since October 7, The Israel-Hamas War. It was not as inevitable as some people want to think. ...see Woe, page 6B

Rev. Boone-Smith Presents Gospel Fest To Celebrate BHM, Feb. 25 CHESAPEAKE Rev. Dr. Brenda BooneSmith and The Higher Praise Community Choir will celebrate Black History Month with a Gospel Praise Festival on February 25 at the Chesapeake Conference Center beginning at 4 p.m.

The M.C.s will be Donald L. Eason, WPCE; Steven Alexander, Impressionist; and Elder Willie Brown, WTJZ. Performers will include Rev. Dr. Luther Barnes

& The Sunset Jubilees of Rocky Mount, NC; The Pilgrim Jubilees of Chicago, Il; The Soul Stirrers; The Word Singers; Danny Hill & Group Determination; The Gospel Travelers; Bishop Elijah Smith & Angels of God;and a host of other groups.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door; children discounted at the door. For more information, call (757) 477-3828.

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CHICAGO, IL Doctors Choice 600 W. Cermak Rd. Lower Level

New Journal and Guide

February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024 | 5B

New Journal and Guide

6B | February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024

BOOKWORM REVIEW Woe Continued from page 4B

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

DEAR BLACK GIRLS: HOW TO BE TRUE TO YOU

T

he envelope on the table is addressed to you.

It caught your attention because – who, besides politicians, utilities, and creditors sends anything in the mail these days?

Still, it was a nice surprise, no matter what, like a throwback or something.

And like the new book, “Dear Black Girls” by A’Ja Wilson, every letter means something.

From the time she was born until she was in fourth or fifth grade, A’Ja Wilson lived in a bubble.

She didn’t know it; she was only a kid, just being herself with no worries.

And then, right before one of her best friends was having a birthday party, Wilson learned that the girl’s dad “really [didn’t] like Black people.” Those few words shook Wilson’s dad, they made her mother quietly angry, and they made Wilson doubt herself for many years.

It was her first reminder:

“Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You”

by A’Ja Wilson ©2024, Moment of Life Books / Flatiron Books $24.99, 192 pages “You’re a girl.

Oh! And you’re a Black girl.

Alright, good luck!”

With the help of her parents and her beloved grandmother, Wilson healed but she never forgot.

She made sure to know her roots and her family’s story.

She was dyslexic, so she

struggled, tried to fit in, and grew taller than most boys, which didn’t help her selfesteem. Neither did the fact that at almost every point in her life, the color of her skin mattered in ways that it shouldn’t have mattered.

That included her activity on a basketball court.

Wilson was a young teen when her father first threw her a ball and she hated it, but by the time she graduated from high school, she’d found her way. She’d developed a good “Nonsense Detector.”

She got some therapy (“Ain’t no shame in it.”); she learned that when she did her best, there were still going to be haters; and she always remembers to be herself and to be a light for others Remember, she says, “You don’t have to be an WNBA player or a politician or a celebrity to have an impact on someone.”

So will you learn a thing or two by reading “Dear

Black Girls”?

Yes and no. In her short introduction, author A’Ja Wilson says that this “is not a self-help book,” that it’s just “a diary of somebody ... who looks like you ...”

Eh, that’s nothing new but despite her protests, “Dear Black Girls” is helpful. You just have to be ready for it.

That’s not hard; Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP tells her story with a flair for fun. She even tells the sad tales with exuberance, subtly letting readers know that it’s okay, she’s okay, and it’s all just part of her story. Her voice lets you know how much she enjoys life, even when she has tough things to deal with. It’s like hearing encouragement from the top bunk, or getting straight talk from a mentor.

While it might seem to be a book for teenagers only, “Dear Black Girls” would also be a great resource for younger adults. Take a look, see if it doesn’t get your stamp of approval.

I started writing about this war when I traveled to Dubai to attend the UN Climate Summit. I wrote, “bad choices;” Netanyahu and Hamas. Netanyahu’s goal has always been to destroy the “Oslo Option” of Israel and Palestine as a two-party state. And Hamas has never wavered from its goal of annihilating Israel which has enabled them to justify their tremendous hold of power over the Palestinian state ...”

Friedman continued, “The only exit from this mutually assured destruction is to bring some transformed version of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank or a whole new PLO-appointed governance technocrats-in partnership with moderate Arab states like Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu’s greatest political achievement has been to convince Israel and the world that it’s never the right time to talk about the morally corrosive occupation and how to help build a credible Palestinian partner to take it off Israel’s hands. In sum,

Galatians Continued from page 4B

FUN PUZZLE FOR YOUR LEISURE

Doctrinal Teaching (chapters 3-4).

Justified By Faith, Sanctified By Law? Having begun by faith, Paul wonders, how could they now depend on their works? Not even Abraham, father of the Jew, was saved by works.

True Children Of Abraham. In a brilliant twist of irony and with the sting of sarcasm, Paul turns again to the example of Abraham (vv. 21-31).

Since the Galatians “want to be under the law” (v.

21), Paul takes them to one of the Jewish books of law, Genesis – to show them they are free.

They are children of the covenant of promise through Abraham and Sarah, not children of the bondwoman, Hagar (v.

31).

Practical Exhortations (chapters 5-6). Paul has defended both his apostolic authority and the doctrine of justification by faith.

Now he turns his attention to a defense of the life of a Christian.

“Keep Standing Firm.”

Having been set free in

this war is so ugly, deadly and painful, it is no wonder that so many Israelis and Palestinians want to just focus on survival and not on the “choices” that got them there. One writer has written recently, “The situation is so terrible that people run from “reality” as they run from rockets. It’s pointless to wag fingers. The only thing left to do is try and change that reality.” Tom Friedman concludes, “For me choosing that path will always be in season.”

Observe Ques #2: “NaNa’ Is The War In Israel Organic Or Manufactured?”

This question was emailed to me recently by my elder grandson, George Edward Lewis III. Eddie is an avowed Bible Scholar who lives with wife Edren and their family crew in Maryland. I called Eddie for a preamble to his question that was intriguing to me for its novelty of expression.

He added, “I used the term organic to suggest – It is Written and Prophetic according to Divine Providence and manufactured to indicate engineered or man-made.”

Blessings and Shalom ...to be continued Christ, the Galatians are to “keep standing firm and … not be subject again to a yoke of slavery” (5:1).

Circumcision and all ritualistic observances that seek to gain salvation put Christians back under the law (vv. 2-3).

Free To Love One Another. No, the Galatians were not set free to fall back under the law. Neither were they liberated to live licentiously. They were set free to love and serve one another (vv. 13-14), and to display true Christ like character (vv. 22-23). By helping others with their spiritual struggles we ‘bear one another’s burdens” and fulfill Christ’s law of love (v. 2). Yet each person is also responsible for bearing his own load as he is able (v.

5). We also love one another by financially supporting our pastors as benefit from their ministry and by doing good to all people especially those within the church (vv.

6-10).

A Final Word. Paul closes with a final rebuke of the false teachers. For it is the Savior who died on that cross – not the practice of circumcision – that creates new life (v. 15). And Paul has suffered greatly to preach that message (v. 17).

In closing, Paul leaves the Galatians with what they need most – grace.

... answers to this week’s puzzle.

New Journal and Guide

February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024 | 7B

8B | February 22, 2024 - February 28, 2024

New Journal and Guide