NJG | Vol. 124, No. 36 - September 12, 2024 by NJG WebTech

NEWJOURNAL & GUIDE NEW JOURNAL & GUIDE

Calvin Pearson, Project 1619’s Founder, Rewrote U.S. History

By Brenda H. Andrews Publisher New Journal and Guide

The passing of Calvin Pearson, 73, last week in Hampton, Va., leaves a definite sadness, yet a joyful thankfulness for his life in the hearts of many who followed his unrequited love and passion for American Black History.

Known for many accomplishments during his lifetime, he will be most remembered as the visionary founder of Project 1619, an organization in Hampton that fought for and won the battle to overturn decades of false American history surrounding the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to North America. As a result of his research which began in 1985, he documented that it was today’s Hampton, Virginia and not Jamestown, where the first enslaved Africans were brought in 1619.

Correcting a narrative steeped in long-standing tradition and trusted historical documents is never an easy task and for

Pearson and his warrior members of Project 1619, it was an uphill battle. Their mission was to convince those in authority that what is today Fort Monroe, Virginia (in Hampton) was actually the site of the landing in 1619 of the first chained Africans from the nation of Angola. Thusly, that was “ground zero” where American slavery began.

Earlier this year, in May, Mr. Pearson and I talked at a Juneteenth event where he agreed to tell me his story. see Pearson, page 7A

Behold: A Sea of Green Balloons!

It’s football season everywhere and these NSU fans are showing their pride at the season opener last Saturday. see INSIDE, page 2B

HARRIS DOMINATES FIRST DEBATE Her Campaign Calls For 2nd Match-Up

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire

Senior National Correspondent

Vice President Kamala Harris

decisively took control of the ﬁrst presidential debate against former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, delivering a performance that put Trump on the defensive for much of the evening. Moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News kept a tight handle on the debate, signiﬁcantly improving from CNN’s June handling of Trump and President Joe Biden. The debate began with a surprise as Harris approached Trump to shake his hand and introduced herself as “Kamala Harris,” an unusual move that set the tone for the night. Trump’s trademark scowl stayed in place throughout the debate, as Harris pressed him on his legal woes and diminished his record. Displaying her prosecutorial skills, Harris consistently turned the conversation toward Trump’s convictions, his business fraud case, and his role in the January 6 insurrection. Harris positioned herself as a problem-solver, taking on issues like housing, childcare, and the economy. In her opening statement, she outlined her “opportunity economy” plan, which focuses on bolstering the middle class.

“I was raised as a middle-class kid, and I am actually the only person on this stage who has a plan that is about lifting up the middle class and working people of America,” Harris said. She detailed a $6,000 child tax credit as part of her plan to support young families.

Trump, by contrast, criticized the Biden-Harris economy, calling it “the worst period of time” he had seen. He defended his tariff policies and took aim at Harris, labeling her a “Marxist” while also accusing her of copying his economic policies. “I was going to send her a MAGA hat,” Trump quipped. Abortion rights were another major focus of the night. Trump, when asked if he would veto a federal abortion ban, declined to answer directly, stating, “I won’t have to,” and arguing that the end of Roe v. Wade had satisﬁed everyone. Harris, in turn, vowed to restore Roe’s protections through federal legislation if elected.

see Debate, page 2A

James Earl Jones Will Be Remembered For Deep, Iconic Voice

By Stacy M. Brown Senior National Correspondent

NEWSWIRE

NNPA

James Earl Jones, the legendary actor whose deep, resonant voice became synonymous with some of the most iconic characters in ﬁlm history, passed away Monday (September 9) at his home in Dutchess County, New York. He was 93.

His representatives at Independent Artist Group ﬁrst conﬁrmed the actor’s death to Deadline. Over a remarkable career that spanned six decades, Jones earned an indelible place in both Hollywood and Broadway. He became one of only a few entertainers to achieve the prestigious EGOT, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Best known to many as the commanding voice behind Darth Vader in Star Wars, Jones brought depth and gravitas to the villainous character, making him one of cinema’s most unforgettable antagonists. He reprised the role in Star Wars: Episode III –Revenge of the Sith (2005) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), further cementing his legacy in the galaxy far, far away.

James Earl Jones His career spanned six decades.

Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones’s contributions to the arts extended far beyond Star Wars. He voiced the beloved character Mufasa in Disney’s animated classic The Lion King (1994) and again in the 2019 live-action remake. His unmistakable voice was also a signature of CNN’s “This is CNN” campaign. Jones’s acting career began on the stage and in ﬁlm with his breakout role in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove (1964). see Jones, page 5A

(BLACK PR WIRE)

ATLANTA

Fathers Incorporated’s

Million Father March was designed in 2004 to promote and encourage father engagement in their children’s education journey and to reshape the narrative that fathers are absent from important aspects of their children’s lives, including schoolrelated activities.

This year’s Million Father March theme, “The Power of Presence: Fathers Engaged in Education” emphasizes the signiﬁcant role that fathers play in the lives of their children, especially the impact it has on their educational development. This year, 21 states are represented, featuring nearly 29,000 dads and impacting nearly 112,500 children, with the goal being to eventually get 1 million fathers to participate across the country in all 50 states.

Schools are encouraged to provide support to

“We developed the Million Father March to give fathers an opportunity to be seen, and to feel wanted, honored and supported,” said Kenneth Braswell, CEO, Fathers Incorporated.

“Through this initiative and many of our other programs, we urge fathers to not merely be present physically, but to also be involved actively in their children’s lives. We stress to especially be attentive and participatory in every facet of their child’s academic life, including attending parent-teacher conferences, volunteering at school events, assisting with homework, and tuning in to their child’s daily academic experiences.” see Fathers, page 8A

Photo: ErnestLowery Calvin Pearson speaks during this year’s Juneteenth event.

The Commonwealth of Virginia placed the “First Africans in Virginia” marker in 1994. It stands on the seawall at Old Point Comfort (now Fort Monroe).

Photo: NewJournalandGuide

NORFOLK

Photo: RandySingleton

Vice President Kamala Harris

Journalist’s 1955 Letters And Notes

Show He Distorted Emmitt Till’s Story

By Stacy M. Brown Senior National Correspondent

NNPA NEWSWIRE

Newly unearthed research notes and letters from William Bradford Huie, the journalist whose reporting on the 1955 lynching of Emmett Till helped shape the public’s understanding of the crime, reveal that Huie deliberately concealed vital details that could have implicated additional participants in the murder. These documents, recently released by the descendants of one of the lawyers involved in the case, suggest that Huie prioritized his financial interests and the protection of his sources over the pursuit of truth and justice. The cache of documents, now housed in the Florida State University Digital Repository, includes a 33page set of Huie’s research notes and a series of letters exchanged between Huie and John Whitten, one of the defense attorneys for J.W. Milam and Roy Bryant, the two men acquitted of Till’s murder. The content of these letters and notes reveals a complex and troubling relationship between the journalist and the defense team, raising serious questions about the integrity of Huie’s reporting.

Huie’s notes indicate that he was aware of other individuals involved in the kidnapping and murder of Emmett Till but chose not to report this information. In a letter dated December 10, 1955, Huie confessed his doubts about the story Milam and Bryant were telling him:

“I began doubting myself ... and one night I was on the point of coming back to Mississippi and ‘pistol-whipping’ Milam for telling me a fabric of lies.” Despite these doubts, Huie went ahead with his article in Look magazine, presenting Milam and Bryant’s version of events

as the complete truth.

The letters between Huie and Whitten also reveal the extent to which Huie was willing to collaborate with the defense attorneys to craft a narrative that would serve their mutual interests. In a letter dated November 16, 1955, Huie assured Whitten that he was carefully considering the “most effective presentation” of the story, stating, “We have been sort of marking time ... and in due time and with great care, I’ll be in touch with you.” This close coordination suggests that Huie’s reporting was influenced not only by his desire to protect his sources but also by a shared goal of controlling how the public would receive the story.

Huie’s financial motivations are laid bare in another letter from Whitten, dated November 22, 1955, in which the attorney thanked Huie for a gift – a fine Cavanaugh hat – and expressed confidence that the criminal case would not proceed further despite any additional publicity. “My wife was so complimentary of the hat ... that I finally had to tell her something about where it came from,” Whitten wrote, before adding, “Nevertheless,

Sept. 12, 1927

Edition of the Guide

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Beginning this week the price of the Journal and Guide in Norfolk, Portsmouth and suburbs will be 5 cents. Elsewhere, the price of the GUIDE will be 7 cents.

Pea Island Life Savers Honored During Labor Day Celebration (Staff Correspondence)

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C.

The Maharajah of Ratlam, has a dozen polo ponies and Moscow may have a thousand gilded domes, but North Carolina has the only completely Negro manned and officered Coast Guard station in the world.

Elizabeth City paid homage to the heroes who risk life and limb as lashing winds whip hungry waters over distressed ships plying North Carolina’s rugged coast.

Bedecked in flags and gay colors, this city gave, to a steady caravan of visitors from all over eastern Carolina and Virginia, the key to the city which Mayor J.B. Flora presented at the 10 a,m, program at The Roanoke Institute.

From late Sunday night until late this afternoon, cars and excursion trains emptied hundreds of guests to see the all-day activity arranged by Committees over which Dr. F.C. Cooke was General Chairman.

Starting at 9 a.m. on Labor Day, when a general assembly of visitors and committees convened at the campus of Roanoke

The release of these documents exposes the uncomfortable truth that Huie’s reporting was deeply compromised.

I think that we should not throw caution to the winds.”

Beyond these troubling collaborations, Huie’s notes reveal that he was aware of a “third man” involved in the kidnapping of Emmett Till, identiﬁed by Elizabeth Wright, Till’s great-aunt, as Milam’s brother-in-law from Minter City, Melvin Campbell. However, this information was not included in Huie’s published article, which instead presented a version of events that Huie himself doubted.

The letters also highlight Huie’s strategic manipulation of the narrative to ensure the story’s maximum impact.

In a December 20, 1955, letter, Huie boasted to Whitten about his ability to control the story, writing, “I dealt with a magazine with which I could exercise this control. You see, John, I’m very old in this propaganda business. I know how to fight smart ... so smart that my ‘enemies’ don’t realize just what is being done to them at times.”

Huie’s cynical approach extended to his portrayal of Till, as revealed in the same letter, where he explained that including a detail about Till having a picture of a White girl in his wallet would “pinpoint the hypocrisy” of white

liberals and make them “very uncomfortable.” These remarks starkly contrast Huie’s public reputation as a journalist sympathetic to the Civil Rights Movement.

Huie’s reporting had an immediate and profound impact when it was published. His article in Look magazine led to a backlash against Milam and Bryant, even among white Mississippians who had previously supported them. U.S. Rep. Charles Diggs (D-Mich.) read the story into the congressional record, and it was hailed as “spectacular” by Black newspapers. However, Huie’s decision to omit critical details effectively ended efforts by Black journalists and the FBI to pursue additional suspects in the case.

The release of these documents exposes the uncomfortable truth that Huie’s reporting, while instrumental in bringing the horror of Emmett Till’s murder to national attention, was deeply compromised. The documents suggest that his decisions to prioritize financial gain and protect his sources over full transparency contributed to a narrative that left justice incomplete and the full story untold.

Debate

Continued from page 1A

“I pledge to you: when Congress passes a bill to put back in place the protections of Roe v. Wade as President of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law,” she said. As the debate went on, Trump repeated several conspiracy theories, including a claim that migrants were eating pets in U.S. cities, which Muir quickly factchecked. Trump doubled down, citing “people on television” as his source. Harris largely let Trump’s more outlandish statements pass, opting to stay on policy while allowing the moderators to address his factually inaccurate remarks.

In one of the most heated moments, Harris invited viewers to attend a Trump rally for themselves, commenting, “He talks about ﬁ ctional characters like Hannibal Lecter and windmills causing cancer. You’ll notice people start leaving his rallies early— out of exhaustion and boredom.”

Trump, visibly irritated, retorted that he holds “the most incredible rallies in the history of politics,” but the debate soon returned to more substantive issues like crime and in ﬂ ation. With fewer than 60 days until the election, the debate sets the tone for what will likely be a hard-fought campaign. As the debate ended, Harris closed with a message to the American people: “This is about who we are as a country. The choice is clear—between chaos and leadership, fear and hope.”

From The Guide’s Archives

Institute until visitors at the Elks’ Hall climaxed the program, the eight surfmen and Captain George E. Pruden, of Pea Island Coast Guard Station off the coast of North Carolina near Manteo, were the heroes to the mob.

The unraveling of the station’s history and the demonstration of its personnel as the day’s activities progressed imprinted a memory and reverence for those nine men who in the words of the Commander Jas. A. Prince of the Seventh District would not be here if they had not had the ability and opportunity to do efficient work.”

Pea Island has a turbulent and frequently unpleasant history, according to Commissioner N. S. Dailey, white, who for years was actively connected with the Coast Guard. Among the first eleven lifesaving stations established on the Virginia and North Carolina Coasts in 1874 was Pea Island Station. At that time no station was manned completely by Colored. Individual Colored men were scattered here and there, chosen for their rugged strength and rare courage without many of the modern devises.

Sept. 7, 1988

Edition of the Guide

Editorial: Trust Funds

Begin with Trust

By Brehon Gay Staff Writer

Too many Black businesses have recently fallen prey to the worse of ﬁnancial burdens. The really sad thing is that many of

these businesses are old and traditional establishments that have existed for many years.

The Journal and Guide, the nation’s third oldest Black newspaper, at one time, a household word in Tidewater’s Black community, needs ﬁnancial support. The Hunton YMCA, the nation’s oldest Black YMCA, has recently encountered a large ﬁnancial setback.

Norfolk Community Hospital, one of only a handful of Black hospitals in the country, has actually had to decrease its emergency (room) hours due to a lack of ﬁnancial funding. Numerous Black stores, businesses, organizations and even the backbone of the Black community, the Church, have been overburdened with ﬁnancial strains throughout the years.

The traditional action of a business or organization with ﬁnancial problems is to have a personal fundraiser. These fundraisers are usually big media-initiated events with national and community leaders making speeches and pledging their help and support.

The fundraisers are occasionally very successful. But many times, after all the excitement has decreased, the funding also decreases and the business is still left with ﬁnancial problems.

So, what can be done?

Some Black ﬁnancial experts as well as the GUIDE’s ﬁnancial advisor Gerry McCants, have suggested that instead of organizations just looking out for themselves, they (Black Businesses) should begin to pool their resources and begin a community business trust fund. The fund would be established by all businesses

participating in a joint fund raiser. Each company would then contribute a certain amount on a regular bases like paying union dues.

Black Family Reunion Set For Third Year In Capital

WASHINGTON, D.C.

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) kicked off its third annual Black Family Reunion celebration with a press conference at the National Press Club.

The celebration scheduled for September 11 features speeches, musical concerts, seminars, and just plain good times on the Monument grounds of downtown D.C.

Celebrities expected to appear at this celebration include former Democratic presidential candidate Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights activists, Betty Shabazz and Dick Gregory, and entertainers Melba Moore, and others.

Also D.C. Mayor Marion Berry and Del. Walter Fauntroy will also appear.

The celebration is sponsored with the cooperation of the Smithsonian Institution, the D.C. City government and the National Park Service.

The celebration is a “positive occasion that brings together families of all compositions, public service officials, celebrities, in people of all walks of life to lift up the traditional values and the encourage us all to build on the strength of the Black family to deal with our problems,” according to NCNW President Dorothy Height.

Hampton Roads United Way Pumps 10 Percent Into Black Community By

Leonard E. Colvin

How is the relationship between the Black community and the United Way?

According to ofﬁcials of the organization, all is well and the same is hailed from leaders of the Black organizations who deem United Way’s ﬁnancial assistance as extremely vital to their well-being.

The United Way reports it raised over $14 million last year from the charitable contributions of individuals and commercial outlets.

A sizable portion was generated through the Combined Federal Campaign’s (CFC) efforts in the South Hampton Roads region, said Eugene B. Berres, Executive Vice President of the United Way. Of the $14 million raised by the United Way, over 10 percent of these dollars were directed toward organizations which serve the Black community.

Seven such organizations which serve the Black community exclusively were allocated $1.2 million for the 18-month period ending June 30, 1987 with each of them receiving yearly allowances for their services to the Black community.

The Southside Boys Club in Berkley received the lion’s share: $333,631. The Hunton YMCA in Norfolk and the Effingham, YMCA in Portsmouth received $284,000 and $76, The Wesley Community Center, Urban League, the Sickle Cell Anemia Society and the Miller House and Day Nursey each received $177, 729 and $116,392 respectively.

Emmitt Till

PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF SOCIOLOGY VIRGINIA TECH

TRUMP ABUSED HIS POWER

By Wornie Reed, Ph.D.

“The cascade of election coverage, commentary, and speculation about how Donald Trump might use the power of the presidency to retaliate against his perceived political enemies has overlooked important context: Trump has done just that while he was president, at least a dozen times.” That is the opening statement by Adam Klasfeld and Ryan Goodman in their article, “Chronology of a Dozen Times Trump Pushed to Prosecute His Perceived Enemies.”

Klasfeld and Goodman discuss instances of Trump’s attempts to use the Department of Justice and other government agencies to target his so-called political adversaries. The following are nine of those instances.

1. In 2017, Trump asked then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to “un-recuse” himself to investigate and prosecute Hillary Clinton, which Sessions did not do.

2. Trump publicly scolds the Justice Department for not investigating Clinton.

3. By January 2018, Trump had Attorney General Sessions open an investigation of Hillary Clinton and the old Uranium One conspiracy allegation. Sessions engaged a special prosecutor, John Huber, to lead the inquiry. Huber closed the case in January of 2000 with no “tangible results.”

4. The Department of Justice opened and kept open an investigation into Hillary Clinton’s family foundation for nearly all of President Trump’s administration, even though there were earlier reports that they had reached a dead end. Finding nothing of consequence, the Justice Department closed the investigation just days before the end of Trump’s term.

5. In a tweet in May of 2018, Trump demanded an investigation into his debunked “Spygate” conspiracy theory, “I hereby demand, and will do so

Klasfeld and Goodman discuss instances of Trump’s attempts (while in ofﬁce) to use the Department of Justice and other government agencies to target his so-called political adversaries.

officially tomorrow, that the Department of Justice look into whether or not the FBI/ DOJ infiltrated or surveilled the Trump Campaign for Political Purposes – and if any such demands or requests were made by people within the Obama Administration?” There was never any evidence that former President Barack Obama ordered his FBI to infiltrate or surveil the Trump campaign.

6. In the Spring of 2018, Trump told the White House Counsel he wanted to order the Justice Department to prosecute James Comey and Hillary Clinton. The counsel, Donald F. McGahn, rebuffed the president, “saying he had no authority to order a prosecution. Mr. McGahn said that while he could request an investigation, that too could prompt accusations of abuse of power. To underscore his point, Mr. McGahn had White House lawyers write a memo warning Mr. Trump that if he asked law enforcement to investigate his rivals, he could face a range of consequences, including possible impeachment.”

7. In August of 2018, Trump publicly urged Attorney General Sessions to investigate a long list of perceived political enemies. The Mueller report recorded how Trump criticized Sessions for his refusal to take over the Russia investigation, and Sessions publicly responded that he would not let the Justice Department be “improperly inﬂuenced by political considerations.”

Trump ﬁred Sessions later in 2018.

8. Trump got his wish with the Durham investigation. The new Attorney General,

William Barr, was substantially more amenable to Trump’s abuse of power dictates than Sessions. He gave a highly misleading summary of the Mueller report on the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Although the report details multiple episodes in which there is evidence that President Trump was guilty of obstruction, it did not call for an indictment of Trump. In his false summary, Barr conjured up Trump’s exoneration. Trump then called for an “investigation of the investigators,” which Barr did with the appointment of a special counsel, John Durham, to investigate the origins of the FBI’s investigation of the Russian interference. Of course, after four years, Durhan did not ﬁnd such a conspiracy as Trump had alleged.

9. In 2019, Trump urged Ukrainian President Zelensky to open a criminal investigation into Joe Biden. This led to Trump’s ﬁrst impeachment. He was acquitted, with only one Republican Senator, Mitt Romney, voting to convict. During his presidency, Donald Trump was prevented from doing some of his “crimes and misdemeanors” by some of his appointees – notably Attorney General Jeff Sessions and White House Counsel Donald McGahn. Undoubtedly, Trump learned his lesson from having appointees who were not loyal to him. Thus, he will do as he promises next time – have only loyal appointees, which will enable him to take a sledgehammer to our democracy and the rule of law.

Transitioning To A Just And Equitable Green Economy

By Ben Jealous

(TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM)

“What good is a dollar an hour more in wages if your neighborhood is burning down? What good is another week’s vacation if the lake you used to go to is polluted and you can’t swim in it and the kids can’t play in it?” Those were questions posed by legendary labor leader Walter Reuther. Reuther was the president of the United Auto Workers union (UAW) during the first Earth Day in 1970. UAW not only wrote the first check in support of Earth Day, it also contributed mightily to the national organizing effort for the inaugural holiday we still celebrate today. On Earth Day 1993, I gave my first major speech, on behalf of the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC). It was at rally opposing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The experience taught me firsthand how the movements to protect our planet and the rights of working people are tightly linked.

We just celebrated Labor Day in what is projected

CARRTOON By Walt Carr

THE HARRIS LABOR DAY OFFENSIVE

By Julianne Malveaux (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM)

In an election year, Labor Day kicks off the official campaign season, and Vice President Kamala Harris kicked hers off with a bang. She had rallies in Detroit, Milwaukee, and Pittsburgh, all major cities in battleground states. Joined by local elected officials in each place, vice presidential nominee Tim Walz in Milwaukee, and President Biden in Pittsburgh. In Pittsburgh, flanked by AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, teachers’ union leaders Becky Pringle (National Education Association) and Randi Weingarten (American Federation of Teachers), Harris gave a rousing speech that reminded us that we have organized labor to thank for the 8-hour workday, pensions, paid vacations and health care, worker benefits that have now become standard.

Those benefits didn’t come without a fight, nor did the establishment of Labor Day. In the late nineteenth century, the typical worker put in 60 hours a day, six days a week. There were protests all over the country, and workers were derisively described as “anarchists” and “socialists” because they were prepared to fight for a living wage.

The most infamous collision happened in

to be the hottest year on record. It is a great time to celebrate the relationship between labor and the environmental movement. And a time to remember we have the tools to make sure the transition to a clean energy economy does not leave workers behind.

A just transition means creating good green jobs and protecting workers’ rights. It means ensuring workers have a center seat at the table when discussing climate policy. It means providing workers the training and support they need to ensure they are ready to work in emerging green industries and making sure they are taken care of in the meantime. And it means investing in the communities directly impacted by the transition.

We absolutely can ensure the U.S. leads the world in clean energy, as well as green technology and manufacturing, without leaving workers behind.

Last year, Michigan provided the nation with a template for how to get this done. The state’s Clean Energy and Jobs Package is a bold effort to aggressively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support a rapid transition to clean energy by making sure workers in the automobile, energy, and other sectors benefit.

In our many overlapping movements for progress and justice, it almost always comes down to a battle between organized people and organized money. And organized money has been trying to break up the important friendship between labor and environmentalists for a long time. see Economy, page 7A

Chicago in an event known as the Haymarket Riot, or the Haymarket Massacre.

On May 4, 1886, police attempted to curtail a protest with violence against workers. Someone, still unidentiﬁed, threw a bomb. Seven police ofﬁcers and between four and eight civilians were killed. Dozens were injured. Eight radical activists were arrested, four were hanged, one committed suicide, and three were pardoned. They were described by many in labor as “martyrs.”

For the next eight years the men were lionized and celebrated. None had any connection to the bomb, but each was passionate about securing an eight-hour day.

In June 1894, Congress designated the ﬁrst Monday in September as Labor Day, a federal holiday. Union activism made Labor Day possible, and though most celebrate Labor Day as the last day of summer, the beginning of the football season, the return to school

VP Harris understands that unions are one of the ways that workers can get

a better deal.

and to cooler days, and the beginning of the political season, few acknowledge the sacriﬁce of those unjustly convicted in the Haymarket riot as the genesis for this much anticipated holiday. Unions are still ﬁghting for worker rights and predatory capitalist employers are still resisting the demand for fair wages and working conditions. The minimum wage has not increased in more than a decade, and too many workers survive by working two minimum wage jobs. Some employers cut corners on health care. In this sweltering summer, many outdoor workers had no protection from heat that exceeded one hundred degrees. At least 37 people died from heat in July. Among those workers who made their transition in August, city worker Ronald Silver died from heat exhaustion while collecting garbage in Baltimore. There are no laws requiring employers to provide breaks in excessive heat. Silver’s family is demanding answers and action from his death. see Offensive, page 6A

Abandoned Babies And Mothers’ Emotional Health

By David W. Marshall (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM)

During the crack epidemic of the 80s and 90s, children exposed to crack cocaine before birth were often referred to as “crack babies.” Crack babies sometimes became boarder babies – babies abandoned at the hospital by parents who could not care for them. For months, hospital nurseries became temporary homes for many babies born to crack users. At the time, some babies would live in hospitals for as long as three years. A federal study found that about 22,000 babies were left in 1991 by parents unwilling or unable to care for them; Washington, D.C. had the third-highest number of any U.S. city.

“We called it a crisis because the space was just filling up in the nursery,” said Linda Ivey Lewis, who, as an administrator at D.C. General Hospital, was instrumental in opening the boarder baby nursery, where volunteers could come in to hold the infants. “Worst case for me was for them to not be humanized,” Ivey Lewis

said. As we look back, one can easily make the connection between a drug-addicted mother and her abandoned child. Fast forward to 2024, what role will current abortion bans play in driving parents to abandon their babies?

In Harris County, Texas, which includes the Houston area, there were six instances of child abandonment since the beginning of June of this year. In two cases, the child died. Texas and other states that have near-total abortion bans are now faced with more parents abandoning their children for reasons such as desperation and a lack of information.

In one instance, a baby was left in an apartment complex dumpster. In

Are we faced with a situation where the banning of abortion is the trigger in a new rise of abandoned newborn babies, and in some cases, the abandonment leads to their death?

another, it was a dumpster outside a restaurant. While investigators are calling it an epidemic, the rise in abandonment in the Houston area illustrates the complexities around the issue of abortion and the mental state of a parent before and after the birth of an unwanted child. It highlights the intense and overwhelming responsibility that goes with caring for a newborn baby, a responsibility many mothers and fathers are mentally, emotionally, and financially unprepared to meet.

see Health, page 6A

Julianne Malveaux

David W. Marshall

Ben Jealous

He Said, “I’m Addicted To Shooting People”

By Terrance Afer-Anderson Columnist

In the twenty-some years since I heard a young, incarcerated AfricanAmerican male utter the words, “I’m addicted to shooting people,” my emotions have consistently evolved. Initially, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Then, in visiting his cellblock a week later, I felt the slightest bit of compassion, as I took note of his body language, when I shared my own words. I had asked him to write something from the perspective of a bullet he used to shoot someone. He refused. So, I felt I would provide such a voice in a poem. It was entitled “A Bullet for a God.” When I finished reading it, I could see it had really rattled him. He fell completely silent, as his spirit, which had previously enveloped a brazen, boastful energy, appeared to have collapsed, his entire posture doing the same.

Admittedly, I was initially stunned at his utterance of those dreadful words. Then, I pondered if in doing so, he was actually seeking help. I never found out. As I recall, his silence endured throughout my subsequent visits

But now, I feel outrage. Not so much for his story alone, but for the epidemic of gun violence assailing young African-American men and women, and numerous Black communities.

The Brady United Against Gun Violence

Foundation reports, “Despite accounting for only 14 percent of the U.S. population, Black people account for 60 percent of those killed by firearm homicide each year.” They add, “On average, Black people are over 11.5 times more likely to be victims of firearm homicide than their non-Hispanic white peers.”

The Center for American Progress reports, “Young Black Americans, ages 15 to 34, experience the highest rates of gun homicides across all demographics.” They also note that, “Black women are twice as likely as White women to be fatally shot by an intimate partner,” and add, “Guns are used in more than half of all homicides of women and are disproportionately used against Black women.”

As disturbing as these statistics are, I am hopeful that even greater alarm is realized by the daily television news reports, expressly chronicling how gun violence has assumed the posture of a rabid epidemic assailing Black communities. When viewed

But now, I feel outrage ... for the epidemic of gun violence assailing young African-American men and women, and numerous Black communities.

in totality, punctuated by the staggering rates of frequency, it is as though all these Black deaths are being done via an endless armory of automatic weapons, rather than the cheaper handguns most often used by Black perpetrators of gun violence.

I am just as alarmed of course by the number of mass shootings occurring in the U.S. The Rockefeller Institute of Government reports that there were 441 mass shootings in the U.S. between 1966 and 2022. It also notes that, while there were only 12 mass shootings from 1966 to 1975, there was a staggering 170 such events in the 9 years, between 2013 and 2022. That’s quite a disarming escalation, an average of 18 mass shootings each year.

The Institute further notes that 54.1 percent of these perpetrators are White.

I ask that you ponder if the overall magnitude, and frequency, of gun deaths in African-American communities resembles the incidence of mass shootings in the country. I suggest, in total numbers killed, it also wreaks of the devastating massacres of Black residents in U.S. towns like Tulsa,

Oklahoma; Rosewood, Florida; Elaine, Arkansas; Colfax, Louisiana; and Clinton, Mississippi.

As much as those horrific events break my heart, especially as they were designed to eradicate Black people from American soil and were carried out by the descendants of people who brought Africans here in the first place, I find myself even more enraged by Black murders committed by Black people. They are executing the desires of extremists who have unfettered fantasies about African-American genocide. It is a pathetic illustration of how utter ignorance and abject disregard for human life can wreak fatalities on an epic scale. Self-inflicted wounds that assail entire communities are tantamount to communal suicide.

Perhaps the sad, young African-American man who, two decades past, told me “I’m addicted to shooting people,” was uttering a desperate, clarion call for help. Perhaps, he found himself immersed in attempts to vicariously rid his soul of torment, by inflicting violence on people who looked like him, whom he assumed had the same wretched portions in life as

he, that his life, like their own, had little value.

If so, how do you reach someone so desperately traumatized by their mere existence, and the increasing horde of young men like him, who are eradicating themselves and others in our communities?

It demands daring, fervent education by a corps of community activists committed to enlightening that horde that such gun violence makes them agents of all who despise, disdain and dismiss Black people. There are a number of local Hampton Roads gun violence prevention groups wholly convicted to that mission. We must support them in that effort.

As an artist, I am attempting to provide a measure of such support, by working with an allvolunteer team of other artists who share my concern. We are pulling together a short film, entitled “Chamber Made,” that expressly targets young African-American men wedded to gun violence. It would appear, however, that the Devil has repeatedly pulled the trigger on the project, frequently wounding our efforts. It has taken us two years thus far, but we will get it done. Here is a link to a trailer: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=f8na8rvL7w&t=32s Stay tuned!

Terrance Afer-Anderson is a writer, actor, director and producer. He is also President/CEO, TerraVizion Entertainment Network.

Continued from page 1A

His powerful on-screen presence led to roles in a variety of acclaimed films including Conan the Barbarian (1982), Coming to America (1988), The Hunt for Red October (1990), and The Sandlot (1990). He earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Jack Jefferson in The Great White Hope (1970), a role that also won him his first Tony Award. On Broadway, Jones was a force to be reckoned with. He earned four Tony nominations and took home two wins for The Great White Hope in 1969 and August Wilson’s Fences in 1987. His contribution to the stage was celebrated with a Special Tony Award in 2017. Jones’s talents were equally recognized on television, where he won two Primetime Emmys in 1991 for Gabriel’s Fire and Heat Wave. His voice and presence on-screen were magnetic, a testament to his versatility as an actor who could excel in drama, comedy, and everything in between.

A recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 2002, Jones’s lifetime of achievements earned him accolades from SAGAFTRA and the National Board of Review and a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Recording in 1977.

He earned four Tony nominations and took home two wins for The Great White Hope and Fences.

Terrance Afer-Anderson

HAMPTON ROADS BLACK RADIO ANNOUNCERS ASSN. INDUCTS LATEST WAVE OF RADIO LEGENDS

Special to the New Journal and Guide

HAMPTON ROADS

On Thursday, August 22, 2024, the Founders of the Hampton Roads Black Radio Announcers Association (HRBAA) hosted the latest induction into its Wall of Fame at the Slover Library in Norfolk. This ceremony was followed two days later by a second ceremony at the Clarence Cuffee Center, in Chesapeake.

Over the past nine months, the New Journal and Guide Newspaper has reported on the work of the HRBAA. In addition to preserving the legacy of Black Radio in the Hampton Roads area, it is also promoting the 21st century Podcast independent radio shows and Hampton Roads entertainers and communicators.

The organization was formed to ensure that the living legends in Hampton Roads who started out in radio back in 1947, such as The Late Daddy Jack Holmes and The Late Leola Dyson are recognized and acknowledged. For 70 years, Blacks in Hampton Roads have had their voice on Radio. From Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Newport News their voices were heard.

On August 22, the Founders, Dr. Phil Nelson and Dr. Glenda Murray-

Offensive

Continued from page 4A

Unions are the ones who establish health and safety standards in the workplace.

Unions are the ones who defend workers rights. Vice President Harris embraced unions, even in the face of the union resisting activity that comes from the right.

Resistance to union activity makes it imperative to pass

Health

Continued from page 4A

To see any parent treat their child as if it were a piece of trash to be thrown into a dumpster is inhumane. During the crack epidemic, hospital ofﬁcials were initially unprepared, with delivery wards ﬁlled with unwanted babies. Are we faced with a situation where the banning of abortion is the trigger in a new rise of abandoned newborn babies, and in some cases, the abandonment leads to their death? Regardless of whether a person supports or opposes abortion bans, the abortion issue has become too politicized. The message for prolife advocates should be clear by now. The motive for politicians like Donald Trump and his running mate is only to do what it takes to get elected. There is no genuine concern for an unborn baby or the desperate situations a new mother or mother-to-be faces. Trump’s shifting stance on abortion issues, such as a federal abortion ban, shows he is feeling the political heat from the Harris campaign.

Kelly, inducted the youngest mayor in the state of Virginia, Mayor Phillip Jones, as an HRBRAA Wall of Famer. Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander was inducted into the HRBRAA Wall of Fame on April 4, 2024 at the Richard Tucker Memorial Library, in Norfolk. The movement in radio started with WRAP with a Black format of music and entertainment. In 1974, the Late Bishop L.E. Willis, Sr. put a mark in history when he acquired several Black Radio stations in the City of Norfolk. There have been so many outstanding individuals within the industry.

On August 24, 2024, at the Clarence Cuffee Center, in Chesapeake, the organization presented the educational component of the business. With

the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, since labor rights have been eroded in the past couple of decades. Income inequality was exacerbated during the COVID pandemic, and the emerging gig economy has left many workers with few protections. Vice President Harris understands that unions are one of the ways that workers can get a better deal.

The Harris Labor Day offensive continues the momentum she picked up at the Democratic National

In other words, there is no unwavering commitment to the pro-life movement, which was a critical voting bloc that helped Trump get elected in 2016. Now, in 2024, Trump’s stance on abortion may prove to be a political liability in November. Pro-life advocates need to wake up because some GOP candidates will start to back away from the pro-life movement if they conclude it’s a liability to them being elected.

Banning abortion does not make the problem go away. The reality we are facing in society comes down to a simple fact: a person who gets pregnant may not want to have a baby. With or without legal abortion, this is a fact that will never go away. In referring to the issue of forced parenthood during oral arguments for the case that overturned Roe v. Wade, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett echoed a sentiment anti-abortion activists have promoted for years, asking: “Why don’t the safe haven laws take care of that problem?” Texas passed the nation’s ﬁrst safe haven law in 1999 after a spike of deserted babies in the Houston area. It allowed the parent to surrender their baby at any

a processional of over 45 adults and 12 youth clothed in their graduation attire, Dr. Phil Nelson, led the group in. They included Rev. Dr. Glenda P. Murray-Kelly, Dr. Brennette Holmes, Dr., Brynda McNair Parker, Dr. April Ridley-Cutts, Hugo A. Owens, Jr., and Former Mayor Wynne of the City of Chesapeake who was the ﬁ rst to greet the audience. He presented the Clarence Cuffee Center with the ground-breaking shovel that was used back in 2007. Hugo A. Owens ,Jr. greeted the audience with his father’s signature poem “A Moment.”

The Connectional Ministries and Mission 2000 and G Paris Media Group were able to certify over 50 individuals for their community service with the Presidential Volunteer

Convention. Her speeches were not just about enthusiasm and joy, but also about policy and substance.

Her ode to organized labor was a ﬁtting kickoff to this phase of her campaign. Her opponent has only countered with shade – slimy personal attacks and vitriol. It continues to repel many voters.

Snark can’t stop the Harris momentum. With labor at her side, victory is certainly possible.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is a D.C.-based economist and author.

hospital, ﬁre station, or emergency medical service station. The only condition was that the baby not be more than 30 days old. Today, the law allows up to 60 days. By 2008, all 50 states had adopted safe haven laws.

Northwestern University professor Katie Watson, who teaches law, ethics, and humanities to medical students, said the conservative argument that safe havens are an alternative to abortions is disingenuous. Safe havens were never intended to serve as an alternative to abortion. They were developed to offer an alternative to infanticide, Watson said.

Pro-life advocates have placed too much of their focus on politics and laws rather than meeting a desperate and hurt woman at her place of need. Safe haven laws are only a reaction to a problem. They are not a proactive solution in supporting women who are overwhelmed with the personal emotional challenges of “motherhood” before and after birth.

David W. Marshall founded the faith-based organization TRB: The Reconciled Body and is the author of the book God Bless Our Divided America.

Lifetime Achievement Awards. Fifteen youth received the Public Broadcasting and Public Service Awards. Two were bestowed the Honorary doctorate degrees and 10 received the HRBRAA Founders Award 2024.

The group is preparing to celebrate the anniversary of the Presidential Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Awards in mid-September. They are gearing up to be a part of the Norfolk State University Homecoming parade on Saturday, October 26, 2024. The group will be in support of Senator L. Louise Lucas as the Grand Marshall for 2024.

Senator Lucas, who will receive her HRBRAA Gold Jacket, was inducted into the HRBRAA Wall of Fame 2024 on August 4, 2024.

HRBRAA Class of 2024

Photo: Courtesy

Former Mayor of Chesapeake presenting the shovel of Dr. Clarence Cuffee to Phil Nelson

Photo: Courtesy

Pearson

Continued from page 1A

I had planned to make a connection with him last month at the African Landing Day Commemoration at Fort Monroe, but he was ill and not present. We did correspond brieﬂy by email after the Juneteenth event and I asked him how he felt about his contribution to changing the culture and history of America’s ﬁrst enslaved Africans and the economic impact it has had on the City of Hampton and Fort Monroe. He said for years, the

Economy

Continued from page 4A

We saw this during the debate on Michigan’s historic climate and jobs legislation. Environmental groups, labor organizations, and state officials worked together, in good faith and with open lines of communication, to make sure the principles of a just transition were applied. Part of the legislation was the creation of a special office, under the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, dedicated to a just transition: the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office. Its purpose is “to develop proactive strategies that help companies and Michiganders take full advantage of the high-tech, high-paying jobs coming to the state.”

When labor leaders testiﬁed in favor of the legislation and about the need for that ofﬁce, at least one opponent of the bill tried to twist their testimony to suggest they were saying clean energy initiatives were killing jobs – which was not what they were saying at all.

At times throughout the legislative session, rumors

circulated that labor groups were obstructing progress on the bill or trying to move the goalposts on items being negotiated by labor, green groups, and the state. But advocates were able to put down the rumors easily.

The president of the Michigan AFL-CIO Ron Bieber, a third-generation UAW member and the son of a former UAW president, attributes that to the goodfaith working relationship between the parties involved.

“When our partners on the enviro side heard any divisive rumors, they knew to be skeptical and that they could just reach out to us and ask. And vice versa. Building that trust and partnership based on mutual interest was crucial in preventing efforts to fracture our coalition.”

Michigan has an advantage. It was already a strong union state. But that is also part of the template. States that want their workers to be ready to enjoy the fruits of the next economy should put in place a ﬁrm base of protections for workers’ rights.

Any major economic transition, even one as necessary and urgent as the transition to clean energy, must not be done at the expense of our communities and workers. We absolutely can ensure the US leads the

city refused to accept his research, preferring to allow Jamestown to remain known as the site where slavery began. That changed once the Virginia Department of Historic Resources verified his research was correct and installed a marker at Fort Monroe in 2007, designating it as the official first landing site. He told me a film was being produced on his forty-year career which he was ending this year. The film was to premiere at a Tribute event for him on August 24, 2024. I don’t know the status of that project at the present time.

world in clean energy, as well as green technology and manufacturing, without leaving workers behind.

The new clean energy economy already offers Americans the promise of better health outcomes and lower consumer costs. It can also mean a jobs boom, with better jobs for higher pay.

According to Climate Power, clean energy projects spurred by the Inﬂation Reduction Act created 312,900 new jobs between August 16, 2022 and May 31, 2024 alone. As clean energy jobs continue to be created, it is projected that 75 percent of them will not require a four-year degree. And the Brookings Institution found that the “mean hourly wages for clean energy jobs exceed national averages by 8 to 19 percent.”

As Walter Reuther noted, all the beneﬁts we want for workers – better, safer, higher-paying jobs – can only be enjoyed to their fullest if the air is breathable, the water is drinkable, and extreme heat and climatecharged weather events aren’t wreaking havoc on their homes and communities.

Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.

Regarding his volunteer service, Pearson founded and served as president of Project 1619, which was incorporated in 2010. This non-proﬁt in Hampton tells the story of the ﬁrst enslaved Africans brought to the present day Fort Monroe correcting a false narrative. His research to correct the history began in 1985.

I was curious about the New York Times magazine series and subsequent bestselling book “The 1619 Project” produced in 2019 by NYT and “created” by Nikole HannahJones. That year was the 400th anniversary of the 1619 arrival of the ﬁrst enslaved Africans. He noted The New York Times had reversed the name of the existing Hampton, Va. non-proﬁt “Project 1619” to its “The 1619 Project” which he believed overshadowed the local work without giving credit to his research.

Pearson said he had received numerous awards from local and national organizations, but none ofﬁcially from the city. He wrote, “I have been humbled through the process because I wanted the story told and it was not about receiving an award.”

Calvin W. Pearson, Sr., the son of the late Clarence W. Pearson and Sallie Mae Pearson, was born in Newport News, Virginia on June 2, 1951.

He moved with his family to Hampton, Virginia in 1954. His education was formulated as he matriculated through

Greenbrier Elementary, George Wythe Junior High and George P. Phenix and Pembroke High School graduating in 1969.

Later, he studied at Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton Institute and the University of District of Columbia. He graduated with a degree in architectural engineering technology.

After graduating, he worked as a draftsman with the City of Hampton. He then moved into Parks and Recreation. Transitioning through several entry level positions, he ultimately became the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation. Retirement from that position came in 2005 after thirty years of service.

He also served as president

of the George P. Phenix Alumni Association since 2007. Participation with the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation as a board member, and many years as a member of the Hampton University Boosters Club consumed much of his spare time. He was a noted historian and gave presentations all over the country including the National Press Club. In addition to his parents, Pearson was predeceased by a brother, Kenneth. Those remaining to cherish the precious memory of his life are his devoted wife, Evelyn, his sons, Calvin Jr. and Brian, his brothers, Clarence Sr. (Connie), David (Elaine), and George (Gale), his sister Claudia Wooden, and aunt Margaret Tynes. Also surviving are two brothers-inlaw and a sister-in-law, Willie C. Jones, Jr., Calvin L. Jones and Brenda J. Johnson, and a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives. Well done, my good and faithful servant. Well-done.

Norfolk Candidates Meet-and-Greet

NORFOLK

The League of Women Voters of South Hampton Roads, in partnership with LUSH Cosmetics MacArthur Center and the 757 Creative ReUse Center, will present the Norfolk Candidate Meet-andGreet on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. It will be held in The Art Room at the 757 Creative ReUse Center, 2nd Floor, MacArthur Center, 300 Monticello Ave., Norfolk. This free event will feature candidates who are on the Norfolk ballot for the Super Wards 6 and 7 City Council and School Board seats, as well as At-Large Mayor and Special Election Ward 5 School Board candidates. It is requested that attendees arrive before 7 p.m. when mall entrance locations are locked. After 7 p.m. mall access is only available from the 4th floor of the North parking deck entrance to the food court and movie theatre. Parking is $1 for up to 3 hours.

Calvin W. Pearson, Sr.

NC REPUBLICANS WANT TO STRIKE 225,000 VOTERS

By Sunita Sohrabji Special to the Trice Edney News Wire

From Ethnic Media Services

(TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM)

A group of civil rights organizations announced Sept. 5 they are challenging a lawsuit by the Republican Party, which seeks to deem 225,000 registered voters in North Carolina ineligible to vote. The lawsuit impacts any voter in North Carolina who does not have a Social Security number and a driver’s license – or other DMV document – on ﬁle with the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE).

Election ofﬁcials note that this could be a fault of human error, and that such documents were not required before 2005, when the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) took effect.

In its lawsuit ﬁled Aug. 23, the RNC stated that the NCSBE allowed over a quarter million people to register to vote with registration forms that failed to collect required identiﬁcation information. The RNC deemed it a violation of HAVA.

The North Carolina State NAACP, along with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Southern Coalition for Social Justice ﬁled a motion to intervene Sept. 4.

director of Common Cause, North Carolina, who is directly affected by the RNC lawsuit. The NAACP notes that Black voters would be disproportionately impacted, should the RNC’s lawsuit prevail.

his Social Security number to election ofﬁcials in the past.

in North Carolina, you mess with all of us,” said Jones. Bacot, 24, was born in Richmond, Virginia; he is Black.

Fathers

Continued from page 1A

Research has consistently shown that children with involved fathers experience numerous benefits, including:

Improved academic performance: Because engaged fathers often provide guidance, support and motivation, their children are more likely to perform well in school, achieve higher grades, and have better attendance records.

Enhanced emotional well-being: Fathers who are actively involved in their children’s lives offer emotional support and stability, fostering a sense of security and well-being in their children. They help build self-esteem and confidence, empowering children to face challenges with resilience.

Stronger social skills: Children with involved fathers tend to have better social skills, enabling them to form healthier relationships with their peers and navigate various social situations more effectively.

Reduced risk of behavioral issues: Studies have shown that children with engaged fathers are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or criminal activity. Engaged fathers can serve as positive role models, instilling values of responsibility and respect.

Not only can involved and engaged fathers enhance the lives of their children, they can enhance their communities in countless ways but are often not asked or don’t believe they are welcomed or needed. There are countless ways fathers make an impact and can make an impact for generations to come.

“Father involvement in school-related activities demonstrates to the child that education is valued, it inspires and encourages other fathers to do the same, creating a ripple effect of positive change and perception,” said Braswell.

Fathers Incorporated invites interested schools, school systems, and organizations to sign up for the 2024 Million Father March toolkit. There, they can get all the tools needed to successfully implement father-engagement initiatives at schools or in the community for the Million Father March on

who attempt to vote can be criminally prosecuted and deemed ineligible for citizenship.

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley said in a press statement: “The NCSBE has once again failed in its mandate to keep noncitizens off the voter rolls, fueling distrust and jeopardizing our elections. We are committed to the basic principle – and commonsense law – that only Americans decide American elections.”

Voting by undocumented immigrants is extremely rare, reports the Brennan Center. In a survey of 23.5 million ballots, the organization found only 30 fraudulent votes, just 0.0001 percent of the votes cast. The Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, also reports that non-citizens do not vote in detectable numbers. Non-citizens

“Because of these errors, the North Carolina voter rolls are potentially replete with ineligible voters –including possible noncitizens – all of whom are now registered to vote,” declared the RNC in its lawsuit.

Friday, September 20th as well as tools for the “The Power of Presence” project that is designed to be implemented throughout the year. For more information reach out to info@ fathersincorporated.com.

The North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP, along with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Southern Coalition for Social Justice ﬁled a motion to intervene Sept. 4, on behalf of the North Carolina NAACP, and Sailor Jones, associate

In an interview with Ethnic Media Services, Jones said he has voted in North Carolina for decades. But he re-registered to vote on July 8, 2022, after changing residences. Neither his social security number or his driver’s license show up in voter ﬁles, thus he would be deemed ineligible to vote, should the RNC prevail. Jones said he provided his driver’s license when voting in the 2024 primary election, and has provided

“Now I am one of hundreds of thousands eligible North Carolina voters whom extremists want to deny their freedom to cast a ballot just days before voting begins in our state,” he said, characterizing the lawsuit as a “desperate move.”

While the list has more than 750,000 names, only those missing both a driver’s license and a Social Security number would be potentially ineligible to vote.

Jones noted that one of his favorite basketball players, University of North Carolina’s Armando Bacot, is on the list. “When you mess with college basketball

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has not commented on the lawsuit. It does encourage people to check its database to see if they are still actively registered to vote. People who are listed as inactive can reregister up to 30 days prior to the election. For voters who lack a Social Security number or driver’s license, North Carolinians can submit a photo ID, along with a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows a name and address.

HU PROTON CANCER INSTITUTE TO HOST PROSTATE CANCER & AWARENESS FAIR

HAMPTON Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute will host its third annual Prostate Cancer and Men’s Health Awareness Fair on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at 40 Enterprise Parkway.

The free, public event will feature screenings as well as “Game On for Men’s Health,” a fireside chat moderated by April Woodward of

WTKR Channel 3 Coast Live, with retired NFL player Terry Kirby and his brother Wayne Kirby, a retired MLB player and prostate cancer survivor. Co-sponsored by the Hampton Roads Prostate Health Forum and Sentara Healthcare, it will also offer prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams (DRE). “Black men are 70 percent more

likely to die from prostate cancer compared to white men,” Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams said in a recent statement on the school’s website, aiming to stress the Institute’s ongoing commitment to provide prostate treatment and lead research. “This event exemplifies our commitment to public health through research and community engagement.”

VWU TO HOST FREE WORKSHOP; MINORITY, WOMEN-OWNED BIZ

VIRGINIA BEACH

As part of the U.S. Department of Treasury’s 50 States Initiative, Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) is hosting a free workshop on Thursday, September 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. aimed at helping female- and minority-owned small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Nearly 100 participants will learn how to access vital resources, information, and

opportunities that can help their businesses thrive. Led by VWU faculty and staff, along with industry experts, a day-long series of breakout sessions will include Government Contracting; Financial Literacy and Money Management; Effective and Responsible Business Practices; and Human Resources. Attendees can obtain additional tips on how to access the resources discussed earlier in the

workshop.

“We are proud to contribute to this important initiative supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs in our community,” says VWU President Scott D. Miller.

“This workshop not only reﬂects Virginia Wesleyan’s commitment to providing

timely, lifelong learning opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, but also plays a key role in strengthening the economic vitality of our community.” To register online, please visit https://bit.ly/3ARtICz or contact Larry Belcher at (757) 455-3292.

Vendors May Sign Up Now For VAACC Fall Festival

VIRGINIA BEACH

The Virginia AfricanAmerican Cultural Center (VAACC) will host its annual Community Fall Festival on October 5, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the VAACC site located at 744 Hampshire Lane in Virginia Beach. This annual event offers the local community an opportunity to come together to support various business vendors, select a variety of foods and enjoy music and other entertainment in celebration of VAACC’s mission to honor Virginia’s

African-American history, culture, and community.

In appreciation of past support, VAACC is offering an early bird special of $35 for businesses and/ or organizations to set up and display their wares. To receive this discounted price, applications and fees must be submitted by September 15th. The easiest way to apply is to log onto the VAACC web site at www.vaaccvb.org. For additional information, please feel free to contact the VAACC staff at (757) 707-8478.

NSU & HU Defeat Former CIAA Rivals, VSU & VUU;

Await Battle of The Bay, Sept. 14

By Randy Singleton

Affairs

State and

this

week, September 7,

home contests at

Stadium in Norfolk and Armstrong Stadium in Hampton.

NSU: Saturday marked the 58th meeting between NSU and VSU on the gridiron.

Norfolk State (1-2) prevailed in a close contest against Virginia State, 2823. NSU QB Jalen Daniels

completed 14 of 21 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown. WR Jacquez Jones led the receiving corps with 109 yards and a TD. NSU running back Kevon King paced the Spartans’ rushing attack with 137 yards on 13 carries. AJ Richardson recorded 10 tackles for the defense.

Saturday marked the 58th meeting between NSU and VSU on the gridiron, with VSU leading the series 3123-2. The victory marked NSU’s ﬁrst home win since a 31-20 win over Morgan State on October 30, 2021.

HU: HU rallied to score a come-from-behind victory over VUU.

Hampton University (1-1)

rallied to score a come-frombehind victory over Virginia Union University, 33-21 at Armstrong Stadium. HU QB Chris Zellous threw for 177 yards and completed 14 of 25 passes. Elijah Burris powered the Pirates’ rushing attack, gaining 145 yards on 25 carries, and scoring 2 touchdowns in the fourth quarter which sealed the win for HU.

VUU running back Jada Barnes paced the Panthers’ ground game with 21 carries for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns in the losing effort.

HU and NSU meet in

another highly anticipated rivalry game next week-the Battle of the Bay-at Price Stadium in Norfolk. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m.

Hello and welcome to The Bridge Corner. The Repeated Finesse

Trump (3N/T). 3) The ﬁnal contract would be 3 N/T Hearts. North would be the declarer.

4) East makes the opening lead with the Q Hearts.

5) Declarer needs nine tricks but only has seven sure tricks. The Diamonds provide the best opportunity to develop additional tricks. Declarer should win the ﬁrst trick in his hand with the K Heart.

players who participated in the Wednesday, September 4th game:

TIDEWATER BRIDGE CLUB: Richard A. Tucker Memorial Library 2350 Berkley Ave., Extension - Norfolk, VA 23523.

The dates for the next four games are:

1) South opens the bidding with 1 Diamond. South is the describer and North is the responder and the captain.

2) North, the responder, has 7 High Card Points (HCP). Since responder can’t bid a new suit at the one level, North bids 1 No Trump (N/T). This bid is invitational. It invites South to bid again with a very good hand. Since opener’s hand (South) is very strong, opener jumps to game in No

6) After taking the lead, declarer plays a Diamond towards the K Q Diamond. If declarer wins the ﬁrst Diamond trick with a high Diamond, declarer should lead a low Club to the A Club. Declarer plays another Diamond toward the remaining high Diamond in dummy.

7) Declarer should make his 3 N/T contract.

TIDEWATER BRIDGE CLUB:

Richard A. Tucker Memorial Library 2350 Berkley Ave., Ext. Norfolk, VA 23523

Thank you to the winning

A Vote For Harris Is A Vote For Freedom

BY DELORES DUDLEY HAMPTON ROADS ʼ POET,

Oh, I am so elated today, for it appears that Goodness is coming our way! For the Spirit that has been moving throughout the DNC is one of genuine family, And there are smiles it seems on those thousands of faces among Godʼs children of different races and ages from toddlers who hold to a grandparent ʼs hand to a 95 year old granny who when interviewed was told that she did not have to stand: So, she just held her head up, and in her eyes was seen a beam ,and her presence said it all: “Thank God, for I am witnessing a dream,”

A Dream of Hope, A Dream of Unity, A Dream of Peace, and it made her from her humble heart a calm joy release, Because she had a vision of that great, someday Heavenly Congregation of Love that will not cease ...

Praise God America, for the words of the founders and what many sages have said shall live and not die, and will move Our America ahead, And in the future, your banner may be worn, and a little bid torn, but as Dr. King fought for, It will be done, for there will come a day when Godʼs Only Begotten Son will be hailed among the Masses, and Billions of Women and Men will wage war no more, for over all hatred, LOVE will have won!

So, yes America in your ofﬁcial 247 years, there have been

days of great civil unrest and overwhelmingly dark days of tears, but we say that under God we reside, and for many of us,

He still walks by each side, And presently, though we face enemies very grave, we know that if we walk with God, we shall be saved,

So Father, as we go out on our own, give wisdom, so we wonʼt be all alone, And let your thoughts be uniquely imbedded within our minds as toward Freedom as many of us are headed,

And let each volunteer at Democratic sites who may be working well every day and every night be given strength to carry out the plan that ʼs only right, and let every eighteen year old and up register and vote for team democracy, Harris and Walz, the only team that will work for you and me, the only team that will save our social security, and will help our youth, veterans, public schools, and all senior citizens with funds that will help us to remain free.

This race that we face has come down to this: Democracy or Autocracy. Now, Mr. Trump and Mr. Vance are for Autocracy, all good for them but limited freedom for you and me. But Kamala Harris and her running mate, Mr. Walz, are great Americans who donʼt just t alk the talk. They tell the truth, and They sincerely walk the walk. With Trump, we will have no choices, but with Kamala Harris, we will be able to lift all of our Voices, as all Americans will be able to sing: This is our song called freedom and liberty from every sea shore for our generations here and now and for future generations forevermore! May God bless America and all in captivity, especially every American hostage or troop that on foreign soil may be!

Delores Dudley

All Photos by Randy Singleton

Newport News Breaks Ground For $77M Huntington Middle School

NEWPORT NEWS

Newport News held a recent groundbreaking ceremony for Huntington Middle School, and students are expected to walk into the new $77 million facility in January 2026.

More than 100 people attended the recent event at the new school located on 29th Street and Wickham Avenue. Currently, Huntington Middle students share the same building with students attending Heritage High School. The former school building will become the Southeast Community Resource Area, and will have a public library, community center, sports features and a splash pad.

“This is going to be an anchor institution,” Newport News Mayor Philip Jones said at the recent groundbreaking ceremony. “When you think about the Southeast community, but also when you think about the entire city. This is one city united in making sure that we can double down and invest in our youth and invest in our children. They’re always going to be the future.”

Superintendent Michele Mitchell – who was a principal at the school

and whose father attended Huntington – said a strong sense of school pride is “everything” for a community, bringing people together to help all children flourish.

“In this community, to be able to say you are a Viking that means something,” Mitchell said. She is confident the new school will continue the legacy.

School Board Vice Chair Terri Best, who attended Huntington in the 70s, had initially pushed to keep the school at the old site. But she is now excited about the new location.

“This new school will be more than just classrooms,” Best said. “It will be a place where ideas flourish, dreams take shape and futures are built. It will also be a place for reflection, for remembering the rich Huntington legacy.”

The landmark high school opened in 1920 as the city’s first Black high school, in a wood building on 18th Street. The first brick building was built in 1923 on 16th Street.

In 1981, the building became a middle school. However, in 2018, the school closed after the building was deemed unsafe for students.

“ARTS AT THE ATTUCKS” SERIES OFFERS FREE SHOWS THIS FALL

NORFOLK

The historic Attucks Theatre (1010 Church St.) comes alive this fall with “Arts at the Attucks,” a series of six free performances offering local cultural programming. Each performance features local artists providing experiences for audiences of all ages.

Other performances are: “Sing Showcase at the Attucks” featuring The Norfolk Street Choir, Saturday, Oct. 5, 4 p.m.

I. Sherman Greene Chorale featuring The Virginia Children’s Choir, Saturday, Oct. 19, 5 p.m.

The series begins Sunday September 22 at 4:30 p.m. with “African Diaspora Heritage Month Celebration” by the Tidewater African Cultural Alliance.

Tidewater Guitar Orchestra featuring Norfolk State University Choir, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m. Tidewater Pipes and Drums, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Norfolk Chamber Consort, Monday, Dec. 16, 7:15 p.m. All performances are FREE and open to the public; no tickets or reservations needed. For more information, visit www.norfolk.gov/ artsattheattucks.

MAY 2025 RELEASE FOR PHARRELL’S FILM ON VIRGINIA BEACH CHILDHOOD

By Rosaland Tyler Associate Editor New Journal and Guide

Next spring, stroll into a movie theatre, buy a movie ticket, a box of popcorn and watch Pharrell William’s new movie, “Atlantis,” a coming-of-age movie based on Williams’ childhood at the Atlantis Apartments near the Oceanfront.

The ofﬁcial release date is May 9, 2025, according to Variety and Deadline reports. Universal Pictures

will release the ﬁlm that will include performances by Janelle Monae, “Abbott Elementary” star Quinta Brunson and Portsmouth native and hip-hop legend Missy Elliott.

While Williams won’t star in the ﬁlm, it will feature songs by him as well as by the award-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for their work on ﬁlms like La La Land and The Greatest Showman. Atlantis was directed by Michel Gondry from a

“ABANDONED

screenplay by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.

Williams produced the ﬁlm alongside Mimi Valdés through his I am OTHER production banner, while Gil Netter produced for Gil Netter Productions.

Gondry, director of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and more recently, Showtime’s Kidding, is directing the project from a script by Steven Levenson and Martin Hynes. Levenson has signiﬁcant musical experience, having penned

the script for Dear Evan Hansen and the ﬁlm version of Tick, Tick ... Boom! The ﬁlm’s release coincides with the expected opening of Atlantic Park, a $350-million-plus surf park and entertainment district that’s also backed by Williams. Don’t forget Williams also has another movie coming out this year on Oct. 11 for Something in the Water weekend. It’s a biopic told in LEGO form called “Piece by Piece.”

FAMILY CEMETERY” IS TOPIC FOR GENEALOGY SOCIETY TALK

MIDDLE PENINSULA

Middle Peninsula African-American Genealogical and Historical Society (MPAAGHS) will hold its monthly meeting virtually on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 11 a.m.. The meeting will feature a talk by Dr. Inez Tuck entitled “Reclaiming an Abandoned Family Cemetery:Challenges and Opportunities.” Many cemeteries are abandoned over generations. This is especially true for African Americans who often did not own the land or lost the property where ancestors were buried. The Grand Avery(a) cemetery in Johnston County, North

COME JOIN THE VIRGINIA AFRICAN-AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER, AS WE CELEBRATE OUR ANNUAL COMMUNITY FALL FESTIVAL ON OCT. 5TH, 12 P.M. -5 P.M., 744 HAMPSHIRE LANE, WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, PRAISE & AFRICAN DANCERS, COMEDIANS, CHILDREN’ ACTIVITIES, BOUNCE HOUSE, VENDORS, AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY, ARTS & CRAFTS, AND FOOD TRUCKS.

WITNESS THE HISTORIC RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR OUR RENOVATED BASKETBALL COURTS SPONSORED BY SITW AND THE NBA WITH LOCAL SPORTS CELEBRITIES AND SURPRISE GIVEAWAYS!

Carolina is one example. Dr. Tuck’s presentation describes the 15-year journey and is presented in three parts: Discovering, Reclaiming and Restoring, and Honoring. To receive an invitation for this virtual meeting or for further information about MPAAGHS, email mpaaghs.va@gmail.com or call (804) 651-8753. Please note that this meeting will not be recorded. However, Dr. Tuck will provide a onepage session handout.

LOCAL VOICES

GOP Toxic Stale White Bread Male Energy 2024

By Sean C. Bowers

As SIR-LIESENDLESSLY(I-MEANA-LOTT) examines his shrinking escape routes as he flails about wildly lashing out, never landing a coherent, position, sentence or body blow of consequence, 45 knows his tired jig is up, his goose is cooked.

When you have no substance, no moral compass, no empathic values, you are left with just this: angry White males boiling over. 45 and SHAY-D-Vance hologram-icly project to try to represent what they are clearly are NOTreal, caring, concerned, people of substance, and candidates of superior quality. They are just old and replaying their worst “wanna-be” hits on an endless fantasy loop.

Why is it that the RIGHT could NOT get, use, or play anyone’s music for the RNC (without being sued), but washed up, ancientnever-was, Kid Rock? Why is it that NO former Republican Presidents or Vice- Presidents were part of their Cotillion WWF Coronation (RN) Convention? Why did the HARDEST CORE REPUBLICANS Liz and Dick Cheney, both equate 45 as the biggest threat to our American democracy peacefully reaching our 250-birthday in 2026, and formally endorsed VP Harris?

People see the falseness, the pettiness, the angerbased, uncoded, feartriggering, race-baiting clowns for exactly what they are, passe, out of touch, out of date, about to be out of time, doing time. 45 and Elon Musk laugh on their broken POD CAST about FIRING WORKERS without cause, for participating in a strike, their legally protected AMERICAN RIGHT. The interview takes place after MUSK promises to bank roll 45’s campaign with $45 Million dollars per month, through the November election. That’s $270 million for all home scorekeepers! So much

Sean C. Bowers

for Neutrality of the “X” brand.

Earlier, 45 promised the BIG OIL executives, on the record, on video, and audio, all the tax breaks and profits they wanted, for a billion dollars today. 45 did so with a future pay-for-play financialcliff-burger style ala’ cartoon-fame Popeye and Wimpy for a dying campaign contribution burger, TODAY. Want still more toxic stale White bread male energy? O’Range John Trope endlessly traffics on “Truth” and “X” (the ex-twitter,) his distain, his hatred of WOMEN, Non-white minorities and Non-Christians in cascading explosions of unbridled White-male grievances, reflected in his policies’ END- RESULT driven desire. BOOKEND TROLLS, 45 and VANCE, now ramp up their shallowness to a freakishly WEIRD level.

Bad-mouthing America is the new Republican agenda and play book. They hate the nation we are, have been and will become. Their RIP-VANWRINKLED White World View speaks of an America as a failed nation, of a nation in decline only when they are NOT in power, when they clearly lose elections by running NONserious crazy candidates (See VANCE, 45, MTG, Herschel Walker, Dr. OZ, Sarah Palin.)

They want to end our unions, choice, freedoms, and rights all because they can’t make as much money as fast as they want, as fast as they used to. Because their House-of-Mirrors has finally been seen through,

They want to end our unions, choice, freedoms, and rights all because they can’t make as much money as fast as they want.

they are nakedly exposed for the low-energy, littlehanded, miniature ideas, and rejects that they are. Trickle-up from the bottom up and middle out is the reverse inverse of their perverse, don’t work, NEVER worked, “Trickle Down.” Major middleclass strength is the antidote, the rescue and cure from the corporate HARVARD MBA greed heads of the RIGHT.

The “jobs created” numbers which were first articulated by Bill Clinton clearly show since the days of JFK in 1960 that Six Democratic Presidents have created 50 million jobs, when compared with the measly weasley 1 million jobs created by the six Presidents of the Right. That one stat demonstrates without a doubt that the progressive LEFT builds America up through the JOBS of the Middle Class. The Right devolves into chaos, they have brought upon themselves. They can always “be bought by the highest bidder,” and their values’ system justice sliding scale is for sale and has become tiresomely stale.

Sean C. Bowers has written the last 28 years in The New Journal and Guide, CHAMPIONING overcoming racism, sexism, classism, and religious persecution. More of his work can found by searching “Sean C. Bowers” on the NJ&G website, on social media at Linkedin.com or by email V1ZUAL1ZE@aol. com NNPA 2019 Publisher of the Year, Brenda H. Andrews (NJ&G 38 years) has always been his publisher.

FEATURING: M.C. & COMEDIAN QUINCY CARR AND FRIENDS, AND D.J. SUAVE!

B. MICHELLE, DEE POLITE AND THE PHENOMENAL SOUNDS AND SynHERgi BANDS! SHARK CITY Drummers | TACA AFRICAN Dancers | A VISION With A

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

FREEDOM IN CHRIST MOMENTS of MEDITATION

Ephesians 3:1-13

Ephesians is one of several of Paul’s letters that are called “prison epistles” because they were written while he was imprisoned. But neither Ephesians nor the other prison letters mirror a man who was discouraged or bitter. The reason for this is that Paul knew he had the one freedom that really matters – freedom in Christ. He did not think of himself as a prisoner of Rome, but as a “prisoner” of Christ (3:1).

PAUL – PRISONER OF CHRIST. Most scholars agree that Paul was under house arrest in Rome at the time he wrote Ephesians (see Acts 28:16-20, 30). The circumstances leading up to this are found in Acts 21:16-33. It is out of these circumstances that Paul writes of being “the

prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles” (Ephesians 3:1). He is not blaming the Ephesians for what happened, but he wants them to realize that his imprisonment resulted from his close association with one of them.

PAUL – EXPLAINER OF THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST. Paul breaks off the thought he had begun in verse 1 in order to explain. Still further the “mystery” of Christ (see 1:9-10; 2:11-22). He does this because it involves, specifically and directly, the position of Gentiles (like Ephesians) in the body of Christ. Paul’s special calling began with his “Damascus Road’ experience. God not only revealed Himself to Paul (Saul of Tarsus) as Savior and Lord, but gave him a lifelong mission. The initial revelation was followed by others

(2 Corinthians 12:1), IN WHICH God gave Paul a clear understanding of many things, including His plan of salvation as it affected the Gentile world.

As Ephesians read this letter, Paul believes that they will better understand how he came into the knowledge of ‘mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4). But something about this revelation went beyond what had previously been revealed (v. 5).

The idea of Gentiles being saved was not new. God had begun early in human history to speak of a coming redeemer (Genesis 3:15). He told Abraham that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). The prophets spoke of a time when God would not only restore Israel to a place of blessing, but would “also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).

Paul, however, knew something that went beyond this: Through the Gospel, the Gentiles are co-heirs of the heavenly inheritance along with Israel, co-members of the body of Christ along with Jewish believers, and co-shares with their Jewish brethren in God’s promise of redemption in

Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:6). In other words, in God’s sight there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles who have become part of the body of Christ through faith. This aspect of the “mystery” had not previously been clear.

PAUL – PREACHER OF THE RICHES OF CHRIST. Because of the way Paul had persecuted the church before his conversion (Philippians 3:6), he considered himself the worst of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) and the least of saints (Ephesians 3:8). Paul responded to God’s call in two ways. First, he preached the Good News to the Gentiles. He never slighted or neglected a ministry to his own Jewish people – indeed, his heart broke for them (Romans 9:1-4). The primary mission that God had given him was to extend the Gospel call to the Gentile world.

The second way that Paul fulfilled God’s call was the particular theme of the Ephesians letter –to explain how God had chosen to implement His plan to reach the entire world, Gentile as well as Jew, with the Gospel (Ephesians 3:9a).

God did not close everything about Himself

and His ways when He created all things. He kept some things hidden, or secret, until the time was right for them to be revealed. The full standing of the Gentiles in the family of God was one of those secrets, or ‘mysteries” hidden in the past, but now made known (v. 9b). Part of Paul’s mission was to explain this mystery.

God sent His Son into the world to redeem a fallen race and establish a company of people called the church. His plan unfolded “according to His eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord” (v. 11).

God did precisely what He had planned to do.

Paul simply proclaimed to all who would listen the unsearchable riches of Christ.

PAUL -ENCOURAGER OF THE BODY OF CHRIST. Because of their acceptance ‘in Christ,” Paul, a prisoner, could write of the “freedom and confidence” with which both he and the believers who read this letter may approach God (v. 12).

Faith in Christ permits us to come to God and speak with no restraints.

Freedom of speech finds its ultimate expression in God’s presence – not in loose and licentious

talk, but in the unfettered expression of our souls to our Creator and Lord, in complete confidence that He is listening and will respond in the best possible way to our pleas. It is because of this confidence that Paul encourages the Ephesians by asking them not to be discouraged by what they have heard about his suffering (v. 13). His concern is not for himself, but for his readers. Paul long ago learned that whatever his sufferings, they were permitted by God for His own glory and for the blessing of the church. Paul looks at them in this light and he asks the Ephesians to do the same. Everything that he is experiencing will ultimately prove to be for the glory of the body of Christ, and in this Paul rejoices.

This thought leads him to resume the payer that he had begun in 1:16, was getting ready to continue in 3:1, but interrupted to explain the “mystery.” In the balance of this chapter (3:14-21), Paul pours out his heart a beautiful and moving prayer that the Ephesian believers may be strengthened with the power of Christ. This will occupy our attention in the next lesson.

CHURCH ADs & DIRECTORY

MEAC Announces Weekly Football Honors

NORFOLK

Howard running back

Jarett Hunter and Norfolk State quarterback Jalen Daniels were named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Co-Offensive Players of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola. Fellow Bison Terrance Hollon earned Defensive Player of the Week honors, while South Carolina State’s Kyle Gallegos was named Rookie of the Week. Bulldog teammate Nick Taiste received Offensive Lineman of the Week accolades, and Howard’s Dylan West was named Specialist of the Week.

Hunter (RB, 5-11, 200, r-Jr., Charlotte, N.C.) amassed 126 rushing yards and was responsible for three touchdowns, a careerhigh, in Howard’s 32-31 win over Mercyhurst. He also recorded one catch for 10 yards. The 126-yard rushing performance was Hunterr’s ﬁfth 100+ yard game in his career.

Daniels (QB, 6-5, 220, So., Mesa, Ariz.) registered 231 of total offense in the Spartans 28-23 win over Virginia State. He connected on 14 of 21 passes for 210 yards and two passing touchdowns, and he also ran for 31 yards on 11 carries

with one touchdown. Hollon (LB, 6-1, 220, Sr., Celveland, Ohio) collected eight tackles, seven solo, in the Bison’s win against Mercyhurst. The senior also recorded two forced fumbles with one fumble recovery.

Gallegos (PK, 5-9, 150, r-Fr., Forth Worth, Texas) recorded one ﬁeld goal in the Bulldogs win against The Citadel Bulldogs. He also registered 310 yards on ﬁve kickoffs with three touchbacks and a 62 yard average.

Taiste (OL, 6-3, 300, Sr., Willingboro, N.J.) recorded a blocking grade of 92 percent with four pancake blocks, playing at the offensive lineman position as the Bulldogs accumulated 421 offensive

yards against The Citadel. His efforts contributed to 23 points in South Carolina State’s victory. West (K, 5-10, 210, Sr., Akron, Ohio) helped the Bison pick up a thrilling 32-31 victory against Mercyhurst. The senior kicker scored the gamewinning ﬁeld goal from 37-yards out as time expired to secure the Bison victory. West also amassed 291 yards on ﬁve kickoffs with one touchback and a 58.2 yard average.

OTHER TOP PERFORMERS

Elijah Williams (Morgan State) registered eight tackles, ﬁ ve solo, with two sacks for 12 yards in the Bears game against

AJ Richardson (Norfolk State) collected 10 tackles with one half tackle for a loss of one yard in the win over Virginia State.

Noah Tracey (Norfolk State) collected 76 yards on two punts with a long of 39 yards in the Spartans win against Virginia State.

Joaquin Davis (N.C. Central) amassed 101 yards on four recpetions with one touchdown against Elon.

Juan Velarde (N.C. Central) registered 216 yards (43.2 avg.) on ﬁ ve punts with a long of 48 yards and one touchback against Elon.

Deondra Duehart (S.C. State) recorded 128 rushing yards on 18 carries in the Bulldogs win over The Citadel.

NFL Great Jerome Bettis Makes Special Appearance At Rivers Casino Portsmouth On Sept. 15

Kick off the football season with Pro Football Hall of Famer and Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl Champion Jerome Bettis on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. Football fans can meet “The Bus” at BetRivers Sportsbook from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. Guests will have an opportunity to enter a raffle for a signed jersey and meet and greet with the NFL legend. Attendees are encouraged to extend their afternoon at BetRivers Sportsbook to catch the NFL games on multiple upsized high-definition screens while relaxing in luxurious club seating.

Towson.

Jerome “The Bus” Bettis