NJG | Vol. 123, No. 17 - April 27 - May 3, 2023

Norview High Celebrates 100 Years

NORFOLK

Norview High School celebrated the school’s 100year legacy, shared in its successes, and explored its future on April 22, 2023, in the school’s auditorium. Lively student performances were delivered by the school choir, its orchestra, its ROTC unit, and the award-winning marching band. The roll call of classes from 1920 to 2023 provided alumni opportunities to share their love for their alma mater. The school was closed in 1958 for a brief period by the state’s governor to avoid school desegregation. On hand with reflections was Dr. Patricia Turner, one of the 17 Black students to enter previously all-white Norfolk schools in 1959. She first attended Norview Jr. High before graduating from Norview High. In photo, Dr. Turner poses with the Norview Majorettes before the program.

LUPUS: A LITTLE KNOWN ILLNESS THAT’S INVISIBLE, LIFE THREATENING

By Leonard E.Colvin

Chief Reporter New Journal and Guide

In the spring of 2005, Chastity Corbett believed she was on her way to becoming a lawyer.

She was among the first cohort of graduates from the Norfolk State University Master of Criminal Justice program, where she was offered a fellowship for grad school that would bolster her ability to gain a seat in law school.

Shortly after graduation, Corbett noticed a rash on her arm. The initial diagnosis was an allergic reaction to laundry detergent or other household substances. But the rash continued and eventually, she consulted a specialist, Dermatologist Dr. Fred Quarles. A skin biopsy determined that she tested positive for lupus.

“By October I could not keep anything on my

stomach and began to lose weight,” she recalled. “By January of 2006, I was fatigued, my skin began to be sensitive to the sun, and I was experiencing chest pains. I was hospitalized with pneumonia and a pulmonary embolism. The rheumatologists recognized that instead of just discoid lupus which primarily affects the skin, I have systemic lupus.” Periodic hospitalization for bouts of pneumonia, a pulmonary embolism, meningitis, a mild stroke,

epilepsy, and other issues have deeply impacted Corbett’s life and altered her plans.

The Month of May is Lupus and Fibromyalgia

Awareness Month to bring the nation’s attention to two invisible illnesses that receive little to no attention. There are approximately 195,000 Virginians living with lupus and/or fibromyalgia. There are an estimated 1.5 million people nationally who are suffering from the effects of the lifethreatening disease lupus.

Recentstatistics compiled by the National Lupus Foundation of America reveal that African-Americans are disproportionally impacted by the disease. Black/ African-American women with lupus die up to 20 years earlier than nonHispanic white women with lupus.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the body’s organs. In severe

Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O” Voice Is Silenced, Age 96

By Jaelyn Scott NJG

Intern New Journal and Guide

Harold George Bellanfanti Jr, famously known as Harry Belafonte, has passed away. Being 96 years old, he passed away in his home in Manhattan due to congestive heart failure, according to his longtime spokesperson, Ken Sunshine.

May is Lupus and Fibromyalgia Awareness Month. Recent statistics reveal that AfricanAmericans are disproportionally impacted by the disease.

cases, organ damage and failure can occur. Lupus does not discriminate; affecting people of all races and ethnic groups. Over 90 percent of people with lupus are women between the ages of 15 and 45.

Men and young men have lupus, too.

African-American women are three times as likely to get it than White women. see Lupus, page 6A

Norfolk’s In Final Rounds of Developing New Boxing Center

By Leonard E.Colvin Chief Reporter New Journal and Guide

Right now, the Norfolk Boxing Program is housed in cramped quarters at the Park Place Multi-Purpose Center

But the city is in the final rounds of planning and developing a new and permanent home for the Boxing Program at a site in Park Place.

The city recently purchased the historic Rosna Theater at 328 West 35th Street.

According to Sean Washington, the Interim Director of Norfolk’s Economic Development

Authority (EDA), the city will announce its choice of designers and developers for the project this week.

There were two local firms that submitted proposed designs for the project to a review committee to consider earlier this year.

Washington said during an interview with the GUIDE last week that it will take 12 to 18 months to complete the project. He said he was not sure when the project will start later this year.

Plans call for converting a large portion of the 12,000 square feet facility into the new Norfolk Boxing Center. The price tag will be some $5

million.

Washington said that the competing designers are familiar with repurposing aging structures such as the Rosna into commercial or entertainment spaces Washington said that the boxing facility’s design will be flexible to accommodate the various activities related to the sport.

He said the city’s vision of the project is to have a space where arduous training and physical preparation will be able to take place. Space will be easily transformed into an area with a ring and seating space for spectators to watch professional and amateur matches. see Boxing, page 7A

Fort Lee Gets A New Name…

This week, Fort Lee is being renamed Fort Gregg-Adams after two pioneering Black Army officers who overcame discrimination to rise in the military. ...see page 1B

In a statement of condolence, National Urban League CEO Marc Morial, said, “The passing of civil rights icon Harry Belafonte leaves a devastating void in the racial justice community. Before his rise, no entertainer had ever used the platform and resources his fame afforded him to accomplish so much. His personal and financial support was critical to every major event of the Civil Rights Movement, from the Freedom Rides and the Birmingham Campaign to the March on Washington and the Freedom Summer of voter registration.”

Born in Harlem, New York to Jamaican-born parents, Belafonte grew to fall in love with the art form of music and theatre at an early age, shortly after he was discharged from the Navy after his service in World War II. He became an icon in the music scene and the theatre scene, starting out as a club singer before he

signed with RCA Victor in 1953, a label he recorded with until 1974.

During his music career, he created top hits with Caribbean music, with songs such as “Day-O” and “Jamaica Farewell,” being well received by the public. Both of those singles were released in his most famous album, Calypso, which became the first album to sell over a million copies by a single artist.

see Belafonte, page 6A

ACTOR NATE PARKER TO ADDRESS 2023 NSU GRADUATES

NSU NEWSROOM Award-winning actor, writer, director and producer Nate Parker will deliver the keynote address to nearly 600 graduating students at Norfolk State University’s Commencement Ceremony. The 110th Commencement will take place at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 6, 2023, at William “Dick” Price Stadium, located on the campus of Norfolk State University.

Parker has played lead characters and held starring roles in at least 19 films, including Beyond The Lights, Red Tails, The Secret Life of Bees, Arbitrage and Pride.

Most recently, Parker wrote, directed and starred in the film, The Birth of a Nation, which tells the story of Nat Turner (played by Parker) who led the 1831 slave rebellion in Virginia. In his vision for the film, Parker expresses his deep desire to challenge the country to “heal from racial trauma through an honest confrontation with our past.” The Birth of a Nation won both of Sundance’s most sought-after honors: the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize.

In addition to being a prolific artist, he is also a devoted activist. Parker says, “If I am to be remembered by anyone, I would hope, those people speak my name as an individual who possessed a riotous disposition toward injustice, offering life and career as one of service to the marginalized, subjugated and oppressed peoples of the world.”

Parker recently launched the Nate Parker

Theawardwinning actor recently launched a non-profit organization called the Nate Parker Foundation.

Foundation, a non-pro fi t organization with a mission to confront systemic crises and disparities within the African and AfricanAmerican communities in the areas of education, cultural enrichment and social and economic justice. He is an outspoken advocate for racial equality, dedicating much of his time to closing the opportunity gap for boys and young men of color.

Parker holds a degree in Computer Programming from the University of Oklahoma and an honorary Doctorate from Wiley College.

Photo: BrendaH.Andrews

Harry Belafonte INSIDE: Nate Parker

Photo:Courtesy Chastity Corbett

The city recently purchased the historic Rosna Theater at 328 West 35th Street.

Lawsuits Pile Up Against Companies Who Failed To Honor DE&I Pledges

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

The aftermath of George Floyd’s murder has led to several large corporations facing multiple lawsuits for failing to meet the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments they made.

The commitments were made following Floyd’s death in 2020, with businesses quickly issuing statements and pledging to adopt new ways to combat racism. Those pledges included addressing ethnic and gender inequalities among their employee ranks.

However, according to Bloomberg Law, a host of lawsuits claim those pledges were never met.

Among the most egregious parties are Wells Fargo and Delta Air Lines.

Bloomberg said those companies falsely claimed that, over the past three years, they worked to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Five shareholder lawsuits allege that Wells Fargo ran afoul of federal law against discrimination.

Wells performed “sham interviews to nominally fulfill a diversity-enhancing policy,” the lawsuit claims.

Further, the bank’s board acted on diversity and inclusion issues only because of negative media coverage. Law firms have filed at least 40 suits alleging that employment discrimination has only increased since pledges were made.

Sarah Fortt, worldwide cochair of Latham & Watkins LLP’s environmental, social, and governance practice, told the outlet that she also noted a spike in “‘reverse discrimination’ claims.”

According to a published report, these lawsuits take the form of shareholder derivative proceedings, in which investors claim that a company’s failure to achieve specific DEI goals caused the value of its stock to decline.

Bloomberg noted that “DEI-specialized lawyers, academics, and practitioners contend that companies must balance the needs of the business, employees, shareholders, and customers when creating progressive initiatives while averting legal action from any of those groups.”

Bloomberg continued: One strategy offered is formulating policies “aspirationally,” or in general terms.

Lawyers asserted that instead of creating a strict

FIVE BLACK MAYORS WILL STILL HEAD USA’S TOP CITIES AFTER CHICAGO’S INAUGURATION

Despite the lawsuits, some corporations have moved to improve DEI within their organizations.

quota to employ a specific number of people of color for its board, a corporation might aim to match the proportion of people of color in its workforce to that of people of color on its board.

Elena Philipova, director of sustainable finance at Refinitiv, noted that the most prosperous businesses are genuine, and authentic and have DEI objectives built into their DNA.

Despite the lawsuits, some corporations have moved to improve DEI within their organizations.

For example, in December 2020, Microsoft announced that it had achieved its goal of doubling the number of Black and African-

American managers, senior individual contributors, and senior leaders in the U.S.

However, the report noted that the company still has work to do to achieve gender and racial parity at all levels.

Still, the report concluded that some corporations had improved diversity and inclusion.

The most prosperous businesses are open and honest about their objectives, pay attention to their staff, and incorporate DEI objectives into all operations, Philipova told Bloomberg.

“It really needs to be genuine and authentic, built into the DNA of the organization.”

By Rosaland Tyler Associate Editor New Journal and Guide

Five Black mayors will continue to head the nation’s five largest cities, after Brandon Johnson is sworn into office as Chicago’s 57th mayor on May 15.

Johnson, who defeated several high-profile candidates including incumbent Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, will continue to live in his home which is located on the West Side of Chicago. Although Johnson’s neighborhood has a violent crime rate of 3,926 crimes per 100,000 residents, compared to New York City’s rate of 400 to 500 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Johnson said he plans to remain in his neighborhood and reverse crime statistics by focusing on poverty, underinvestment, mental health treatment and lack of

opportunity.

“As much as I love living on the West Side of Chicago in Austin, in particular. I might be the first mayor elected in a long time who will live in one of the most violent neighborhoods in the entire city of Chicago,” Johnson said in a recent interview with WGN-TV.

Most recently, Johnson addressed a joint session of the General Assembly in Springfield. He told state lawmakers he will be “smart” as well as “tough.”

He will put resources into youth employment and other preventive measures as well as enforcement. But his primary message was one of collaboration

Johnson won Chicago’s mayoral race in early April after he triumphed over his opponent, Paul Vallas.

Johnson won 51.4 percent of the total votes in the recent runoff election compared to

From The Guide’s Archives

April 26, 1958

Edition of the Guide City’s Newest Project Affects 770 Families; Heart of Norfolk to Go Modern

NORFOLK

Some 770 Colored families will have to be relocated when the ambitious plans for Downton Redevelopment Project in Norfolk go into effect.

The third project in a series entails the redevelopment of 137 acres within and adjacent to the central business sector of the city and encompasses the areas in which the 770 families now live.

A public hearing on the project will be held at the Center Theater here on Monday, May 8.

Announcements of the public hearing list its purpose as “to acquire the land in the project areas; to demolish or remove buildings and improvements; to install, construct and other site improvements; and to make the land available for development or redevelopment by private enterprise or public agencies as authorized by the law.”

The Redevelopment and Housing Authority makes it plain that the area is not for residential development. The site desired and comprising the redevelopment projects south and north is roughly within the sector having Water Street as its southern boundary; Brambleton Avenue at the north; Monticello Avenue at the west and parts of Church Street, Chapel, Fenchurch, Cornick, and Hutchins Streets at the east.

The areas include heavily populated downtown fringe areas and several local landmarks, including historic churches and schools.

The principal project which will utilize the areas is the proposed Civic Center which in the long run is expected to include the major city offices and other public buildings.

PRODUCTION:

Acquisition of the land will also help the traffic congestion problem for the city said the spokesman.

NORFOLK

Many residents have recently received postcards from a downtown photo studio that they have won $21 in free merchandise and a free portrait as a result of their telephone number being included

Vallas’ 48.6 percent.

Although he won by a narrow margin, Johnson said few disagree with his crime-fighting strategy, as he prepares for his inauguration “Here’s what I’m confident in,” he told WGNTV. “No one disagrees with youth employment, no one disagrees with mental health support, no one disagrees with training and promoting 200 more detectives. No one disagrees with addressing the housing crisis in the city of Chicago. So what we have to do – get to as many yeses as we possibly can.”

After he is sworn into office in May, Johnson will join New York Mayor Eric Adams, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell – leaders who are making history in five of the nation’s largest cities.

Archives taken from the pages of the (New) Journal and Guide

among the “lucky” ones.

The kicker though is the bold-faced printed notable on the card “NOT EQUIPPED TO TAKE COLORED PEOPLE.”

Recipients of some of the cards have reported the facts to the newspaper and at least one of them has referred the matter to the FBI and the Post Office Authorities.

He did so under the belief it is illegal to send through the mail matters dealing with the lottery’s chances, lucky numbers, raffles, and the like.

The Message on the cards reads as follows:

“Congratulations! Your telephone number (the number is filled in) is one of the lucky numbers in the Month’s Portrait Awards.

“You will receive our twenty-one dollar free merchandise plus an 8 X 10 Silverstone Portrait of yourself or any member of your family at a charge.

“This is our way of advertising and there is nothing to pay, so why not come in today?

“NOT EQUIPPED TO TAKE COLORED PEOPLE.”

When the studio was called, one recipient told the GUIDE, a woman after some hesitation identified herself as the Manager and replied to the caller’s inquiry by saying “We just don’t take colored people’s pictures.”

Carolina Man Top Chemist in Biggest Food Packing Firm

SEABROOK FARMS, NJ

When someone these days asks Isaac Ellis Johnson, III how to get the most out of a meal they can have all the confidence in the world in the answer Johnson gives you, and with good reason.

Johnson spends a lot of his working days digging out the little-known facts about the food and water.

On his recent visit to his native Laurinburg, South Carolina hardly anyone knew Johnson was in reality one of the leading food chemists at Seabrook Farms in New Jersey, the world’s largest food processing station.

At Seabrook Farms, Johnson is Chief Chemist in charge of water analysis and insecticide analysis and research and has been affiliated with the tremendous farming and food processing concern since 1942.

Before leaving the Tar Heel State Johnson attended Laurinburg Institute and graduated from A and T College in Greensboro. He then attended the

Triplets Born to Norfolk Woman

NORFOLK

Mrs. Lelia McClease of Berkley rests in her room at Norfolk Community Hospital shortly after giving birth on Sunday to triplets: twin girls and a boy.

The babies weighing over 17 pounds at birth are doing fine. Miss Joan Belardo R.N. left, is holding Barbara Earline. Mrs. Margaret Shortt, R.N. center, holds Brenda Arline, and the mother holds the boy, Bruce Eric.

University of Pennsylvania for two years doing postgraduate work in the field of Chemistry. He makes his home in Philadelphia where his wife is the chief dietitian at the General Hospital in Philadelphia.

Before going to the University of Pennsylvania he taught for three years at Dudley High School in Greensboro. Mrs. Johnson’s importance to the Seabrook Fams is readily realized when the vastness of the farming freezing system is realized.

Based on a “toe-in, toe out” gyration with the opposite motions in the hips, the new dance seems to catch the downward pump of rock ’n roll and the off-beat hysteria of wide-open jitterbug.

Class Operating Its Own Bank

NORFOLK

A class in banking was conducted daily at the Titustown Elementary Schools under the direction of Miss G. C. Wyatt. The pupils get practical experiences in the procedures of depositing and withdrawing funds, duties of depositing and withdrawing funds duties keeping.

Councilmen Note Request Of Ministers On Library Use

PORTSMOUTH

Members of the City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to receive “as information” a recommendation by the Interdenominational Ministers Forum of Portsmouth and vicinity endorsing the stand taken by Dr. Hugo A. Owens and Dr. James W. Holley in requesting the use of the Portsmouth Public Library. No other actions were taken on the matter by the Councilmen during the meeting.

Actions are being withheld pending a recommendation from the city attorney.

The New Dance Craze Is The Swivel NEW YORK

From Hoboken to Hollywood the teenagers are rocking, stopping, and swaying to America’s latest dance craze, “The Swivel.”

A twist, scrabble, and jump number from United Artists Records featuring Al Taylor and the Poodles, “The Swivel” has stormed its way to the bestselling record list and keeps the turnstiles clicking from Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom to the LA Palladium.

Banking scenes during business hours are pictured above. In the photo above, Betty Mitchell is in the teller’s cage with customers, Jean Harris, Melvine Goodson, Audrey Gardner, and Albert Brooks. In the photo below, the bookkeeping department is shown with clerks and bookkeepers. Seated left to right are Sylvia Johnson, Bruce Coleman, Patricia Mayfield, Audrey Gardener, Sarah Gordon, Gayle Mills, and Rosa Holmes. The Groups rotate so that each pupil will have the chance to practice the fundamentals received during instruction. The banking hours are 11 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. At that time, the pupils make deposits on accounts for trips, shows, lunches, etc.

A letter to the two dentists was sent by Mrs. Johnson McMurran, secretary of the Portsmouth Library Board:

“I have been instructed by the Board to write to you that the request made in your letter of March 24, 1958, has raised a question concerning the legal status of the library which must be resolved before the board can take any actions on your request.

“The members of the library board have been informed that you have also written to the city council of Portsmouth concerning the use of the library and that your letter has been referred to the City Attorney for a legal opinion.”

The Letter concludes as follows: “Please be assured that the Library Board will write to you whenever it has any information relevant to your letter.”

“You Win, But You Ain’t Eligible – If Colored”

ISSUES OF HEALTH (PT. 1)

By Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.) (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM)

NOTE: Dr. Wornie Reed’s Column will be returning at a future date.

– Publisher Brenda H. Andrews

INVEST IN OUR PLANET THAT WE NEED

By Ben Jealous (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM)

The theme for the 53rd Earth Day last Saturday was a timely one: Invest in Our Planet. This country has just begun to do that through the infrastructure and clean energy packages that President Biden and Congress approved in 2021 and 2022.

More money than we spent getting astronauts to the Moon will be spent in the next decade transforming our economy. We’re moving from an economy that destroys places and people with pollution and climate threats to one that can lift them up everywhere. We have the technology and the demand, and now the federal investment, to power your house for less, to power your car for less, and to create good jobs that will last because they aren’t killing the planet.

Earlier in the week, we saw how misguided the opposition is to this commitment to a healthier, safer world powered by abundant sources when House Speaker Kevin McCarthy gave a speech at the New York Stock Exchange. That’s Ground Zero for private sector investing in this country, if not the world.

He made clear that he and his colleagues don’t want to begin a renewal of the American economy through cleaner jobs. They want instead to make things easier for the fossil fuel companies that raked in a record $200 billion in profits in 2022.

McCarthy, in fact, said he’s willing to risk the full faith and credit of the United States to extend our reliance on the dirtiest and most volatile energy sources and push even more money into the pockets of Big Oil and Gas. He told those investors and financiers in New York

We’re moving from an economy that destroys places and people with pollution and climate threats to one that can lift them up everywhere.

that he would tie support for raising the federal debt ceiling – how much we can borrow to pay what we already owe – to a grab bag of giveaways to corporate polluters in their energy package.

He’s taking us hostage in this way because he knows that an energy bill will never become law if it undermines longstanding environmental laws that give the public a say in new projects and permits, if it cuts a new program to slow climate change by reducing methane emissions, and if it eliminates help to disadvantaged communities to get the low- and zeroemission technology they want. His bill does all that damage and more.

He said he was looking forward when what he described will lock us in a gas-powered economy that we can’t afford. The idea that oil and gas companies need more help can’t stand up to the facts that they’ve made more than ever, and they already have the right to drill in thousands of places that they haven’t used.

Beyond decimating environmental safeguards, the plan harms those at the bottom end of economy with cuts to preschool access, nutrition programs for women and children, and medical care for veterans.

McCarthy and his colleagues try to put folksy

spin on their backward ideas by saying our families must stick to a budget and can’t spend more than they earn, so why should the federal government? Raising the debt ceiling isn’t about new spending, it’s about paying for what we’ve already spent.

A better analogy for what they want to do to the oncein-a-lifetime investment that we’ve agreed to make, and so clearly need, is this. Imagine wanting to get healthy and buying expensive running shoes and a gym membership, then stopping for pizza on the way home from every workout. That’s what would happen if the handouts to dirty corporations ever came to pass.

We’ve given ourselves the chance to transform our economy in ways that will help save the planet. Now we must stand firm against self-interested polluters and politicians who want to threaten us into slowing down.

Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club, the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. He is a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and author of “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free,” published in January.

Clarence Thomas Does Not Belong On Supreme Court

By Svante Myrick (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM)

It’s been over 30 years since Justice Clarence Thomas was confirmed to the Supreme Court seat once held by the great Thurgood Marshall, and it’s safe to say that his reputation for unethical behavior – which was poor to start with – has only gotten worse.

What are we supposed to think about a justice’s career that started with allegations of sexual harassment, moved on to extreme coziness with conservative political donors, then multiple instances of questionable gifts and payments to himself and his wife, and now revelations that years of free trips and perks lavished on him by right-wing billionaire Harlan Crow went unreported – despite laws that clearly say they should be? Even after the news of Crow’s largesse first broke, it got worse: Crow had also bought Thomas’s mother’s house in Savannah, a helpful real estate deal that Thomas never reported, either.

We could think that Thomas either doesn’t know or doesn’t care about the ethical standards expected

of a Supreme Court justice, or the laws that apply to him as a public employee. But Thomas is a graduate of Yale Law School. Ignorance is not a believable defense here. So we have to conclude that Thomas just doesn’t care about the rules, or thinks that he can ignore them.

That’s not the kind of person who belongs on the Supreme Court. If he wanted to do the decent and honorable thing, Thomas would admit his wrongdoing and resign. Calls for him to resign are coming from pro-democracy groups including the one I lead, top media outlets, and members of Congress. But Thomas doesn’t have a history of doing the decent

The names Ralph Yarl, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Ahmaud Arbery, and, undoubtedly, thousands of other African-Americans whose lives have been snuffed out with little or no concern shown by those with the power to effect legislative change, remain as unholy legacies to the violence routinely visited upon the African-American community.

As much as I am greatly distressed by the wholesale slaughter of my people, I have equally somber remorse concerning our loss of life under the specter of poor health – both physical and mental. For as long as I can remember to the present, it has not been unusual to hear African-Americans speak of a “little sugar in the blood” or express their concern about the consumption of too much salt.

There are other disease processes that we are mistakenly conditioned to treat as routine or normal. It’s way past time for us to take a serious look at addressing the health issues that reduce the quality of our lives or shorten them.

The month of April is National Minority Health Month and May is Mental Health Awareness Month. These two months should give ample reasons for significant reflection on our part. Arguably, we have little control over most of the external violence that affects us, but we have greater – although not ultimate –control over the ravages of poor health.

Referencing a November 2022 JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) study, Usha Lee McFarling, a national science correspondent for STAT, an American health-oriented news website, published an article entitled Brains of Black Americans age faster, study finds, with racial stressors a

They hypothesize that early brain aging in Black participants was linked to weathering – the accumulation of racial stressors over time due to discrimination, poverty, residential segregation, pollution, and fears about personal safety.

white.

The new study strengthens the case that vascular disease may be especially detrimental to brain health in Black populations, and may start to affect the brain far earlier in life than previously thought.

It has been painful to watch Thomas’s corrupt behavior and its effect on the Supreme Court. This is especially true given the historic significance of the seat he occupies.

and honorable thing. So that means others will have to hold him accountable. The question is how.

There are plenty of calls for impeachment, but with a Republican-controlled House the option would appear to be off the table. Meanwhile the Senate will hold hearings and may call Thomas himself to testify. That is an important step. I would add that two other steps are absolutely essential right now: a Justice Department investigation and Supreme Court reform including an enforceable code of ethics. see Thomas, page 5A

likely factor.

In her article, McFarling reports: The brains of Black adults in the U.S. age more quickly than those of white and Hispanic adults, showing features linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as early as mid-life, according to a new study. The study, published Monday in JAMA Neurology, analyzed the MRI scans of nearly 1,500 participants from two racially and ethnically diverse cohorts. It found that Black adults in mid-life – on average, in their mid-50s – were more likely than white or Hispanic adults of the same age to have a higher prevalence of white matter lesions, markers of cerebrovascular disease that are associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

Previous research has established stark racial disparities in Alzheimer’s disease, which affects more than 6 million Americans. Hispanic people are 1.5 times more likely to have the disease than white people, while Black people are twice as likely to have the disease compared to those who are

The researchers do not think the differences can be chalked up to genetic factors. They hypothesize that early brain aging in Black participants was linked to weathering –the accumulation of racial stressors over time due to discrimination, poverty, residential segregation, pollution, and fears about personal safety. Weathering has been linked to a number of poorer health outcomes, including depression, migraines, hypertension, and higher infant and maternal mortality.

An NAACP Crisis article, tells us:

• Four in 10 Black men aged 20 or older have high blood pressure – 30 percent higher than white men.

• Black men’s risk of stroke is 2x that of white men.

• Black men experience 40 percent higher cancer deaths than white men.

• Black Americans are 80 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized than whites.

This information requires more space than I’m allowed weekly. Next week, we’ll look deeper into the health of Black Women.

Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of The Dick Gregory Society (http:// thedickgregorysociety.org/.) and President Emerita of the National Congress of Black Women

Attacks On Black People Cause Lasting Trauma

By Julianne Malveaux (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM)

All Ralph Yarl was trying to do was pick up his siblings in Kansas City. He went to a home on 115 Street instead of 115 Terrace, an understandable mistake that could have been easily rectified had the homeowner, who opened the door with a gun instead, said “wrong address” and provided directions to the right one.

Instead, the rabid white man shot the 16-year-old in the head and the arm. Blessedly, Yah is alive, hospitalized, and in stable condition. Andrew Lester, the shooter, was released for a couple of days but is now arrested and charged, thanks to community outrage.

Questions remain. Does “stand your ground” means shoot ‘em up? Would the homeowner have shot a white youth? Would a Black homeowner shooting have been released so quickly? Does stand your ground mean shoot ‘em up? What’s race got to do with it?

As concerned as I am with Ralph Yarl, an exceptional student, I am equally worried about how this shooting may affect other Black youth’s mental health and stability.

Every signal our society sends to young Black people is a signal that they are not valued.

Running unarmed through the wrong neighborhood can get you shot and killed. Driving unarmed and safely in the face of white police irrationality can

The right to bear arms does not mean the right to shoot innocent people on sight.

get you killed. Looking “menacing” can get you killed. Sitting in a classroom can get you killed. Going to a birthday party can get you killed.

Too often, Black youth are killed by rabid and irrational whites. Equally often, folks with more guns than sense kill them in classrooms and streets. And then, sometimes, they are killed by each other. How are they processing the threats to their safety and survival?

In her book Lynching and Spectacle, Amy Louise Wood wrote that “Even one lynching reverberated, traveling with sinister force, down city streets, and through rural farms, across roads and rivers ... One mob’s yell could sound like “a hundred mobs yelling,” and the specter of the violence continued to smolder long after it was over.” These all-too-regular shootings of Black youth have a similar effect. What does any young Black man think of the shooting of Ralph Yah? Does it make him feel more endangered?

More cautious? Angrier?

Does it affect his mental health?

It took authorities way

too long to charge Ralph Yarl’s shooter. White folks too often get a pass (or at least a break) when they shoot Black people. This is discouraging. It reminds us that there are few consequences to shooting Black people and that Black folks must always be vigilant.

To be sure, since the murder of George Floyd, a few murderers, like putrid Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, have experienced consequences. At the same time, too many get away with these public shootings, killings, and lynchings. Ralph Yarl’s survival is a blessing. His community’s advocacy for him is a tremendous support. Attorney Ben Crump and his team should be applauded for being on the case.

The Black community must turn this pain into power and purpose. The National Rifle Association, now promoting “junior” versions of assault weapons, must be checked. Every time a mass shooting occurs, the shooters must be sued, and, more importantly (but not the same thing), if they send legal reinforcements to defend the heinous attacker of Ralph Yarl, they should be countered with fierce opposition. see Trauma, page 5A

Julianne Malveaux

Svante Myrick

Ben Jealous

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

FACEBOOK TO PAYOUT $725M TO USERS IN PRIVACY SETTLEMENT

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has agreed to pay $725 million to settle a class-action lawsuit.

All Facebook users in the United States who used the network between May 2007 and December 2022 are eligible to receive a portion of the settlement.

The New York Times reports that a settlement administrator has launched a claims website where claimants may enter their information for payment via bank transfer, Venmo, or another service.

The size of the compensation will depend on how many people file valid claims and how long each applicant used Facebook during the period covered by the complaint, although it is expected to be quite small.

According to the article, claimants will split the reward, with the longerterm users receiving a more significant portion.

Furthermore, the Times reported that Facebook stood accused, along with data and political consulting business Cambridge Analytica, of exchanging user data or allowing it to be accessible to third parties without

users’ permission.

In addition, the lawsuit claimed that Facebook did not keep tabs on how third parties used the information.

According to the Times, Meta “denies any liability or wrongdoing” and asserts that “as many as 87 million users,” primarily in the United States, may have had their information improperly shared with Cambridge Analytica during the 2016 election.

In one of the biggest data thefts in Facebook’s history, in 2018, Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed the private information of millions of users, according to the publication, triggering the lengthy lawsuit.

According to the paper’s

reporting, Cambridge Analytica exploited the data stolen from Facebook to compile detailed profiles of millions of American voters.

It made it possible for the firm to provide support to former President Trump’s 2016 campaign. If a valid claimant has an active Facebook account, they will receive one point every month.

To determine the amount of money available for each point, the settlement administrator will reportedly “add the total points assigned to all claimants and divide that number by the net settlement amount, $725 million minus administrative costs and other fees.”

CNN’s Don Lemon: “Absolutely Stunned ...”

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Don Lemon announced on Twitter Monday (April 24) that he was absolutely “stunned” by the CNN network’s decision to fire him.

Lemon’s termination (on that day) comes during a year in which the longtime anchor and host repeatedly has run into controversy.

Don Lemon

Each beneficiary will receive that sum times their point total. Officers of Meta and their agents cannot participate in the settlement. However, users active on Facebook between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, can apply until August 25 by submitting their mailing addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and Facebook usernames.

The final hearing to accept the settlement is set for September 7 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

Thomas

Continued from page 4A

The Justice Department has clear grounds to investigate Thomas under a federal disclosure law that applies to government officials including Supreme Court justices. The law authorizes DOJ to pursue both civil penalties and criminal fines from government officials who fail to report gifts as legally required.

Thomas has claimed that the generosity he received from Harlan Crow was just “personal hospitality” – not subject to reporting. Even if some of that were true, some perks, like free use of Crow’s private jet for Thomas’s personal travel, and the real estate transaction in Georgia are, according to most ethics experts, clearly in a different category.

The Justice Department

Trauma

Continued from page 4A

The right to bear arms does not mean the right to shoot innocent people on sight. Simple civility suggests that the erroneous ringing of a doorbell should not turn into a savage act by a

In February, Lemon startled viewers and cohosts when he implied that GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley, 51, was past her prime.

Earlier, Haley made comments suggesting that political candidates over 75 should submit to mental competency tests, remarks Lemon and cohosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins didn’t appear to agree.

“Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime, sorry,” Lemon said. “When a woman is considered to be in her prime – in her 20s, 30s and maybe her 40s.”

“Prime for what?” Harlow replied.

Lemon then challenged

can give a definitive answer as to whether Thomas’s actions were not only unsavory, unethical, improper and all the rest – but also absolutely illegal. And it can call for imposition of a monetary fine. Even more important than the cash fine would be the impetus a finding of guilt would give to any effort to remove Thomas.

And then, to help ensure that trust in the Court isn’t further eroded by scandal after scandal, we need to have Supreme Court reform. That means an enforceable code of ethics specifically for the Court, written to address the full range of ethical questions that could ever apply to justices’ behavior. In the longer term we should also have Supreme Court expansion, to counteract the far-right capture of the Court that was achieved by totally unethical means. But that is a larger conversation.

It has been painful to watch Thomas’s corrupt behavior and its effect on

homeowner. But the media machine that portrays Black people as frightening and threatening is at least partly responsible for the deep-seated fear and hate that some whites have toward us.

Too many of us have been anesthetized by our trauma. It hurts, but it doesn’t hurt. It’s abnormal, but its attacks on Black people have been so frequent that they have

his colleagues to Google when a woman is past her prime.

Harlow provided Lemon with an out, offering that he may have been referencing childbearing years. “Don’t shoot the messenger, I’m just saying what the facts are,” Lemon replied. “Google it.”

In March, a story published by Variety listed allegations against Lemon that he mistreated female colleagues at CNN.

“I am stunned,” Lemon wrote. “After 17 years at CNN I would have thought someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly.”

the Supreme Court. This is especially true given the historic significance of the seat he occupies. We need judges on all our courts –not just the highest -- who act with humility and who understand the impact of their decisions on everyday Americans. Courts really do make a difference in the lives of everyday people. They should be led by trustworthy, fair-minded judges who value equality and justice, uphold the Constitution, and protect civil and human rights for all Americans.

That’s not Clarence Thomas.

Svante Myrick is President of People For the American Way. Previously, he served as executive director of People For and led campaigns focused on transforming public safety, racial equity, voting rights, and empowering young elected officials. Myrick garnered national attention as the youngestever mayor in New York State history.

become routine. We pray for Ralph Yarl, cry for him, and contribute to the Go Fund Me appeal that his aunt put out. Yet these passive acts are not enough. It is time for the kind of action that disarms fools and protects young Black people.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA.

Lupus

Continued from page 1A

Lupus complications can lead to death, primarily from organ failure.

About 4 million people nationally are living with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues.

Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and non-painful signals.

Symptoms often begin after an event, such as physical trauma, surgery, infection, or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.

Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. Many people who have fibromyalgia also have tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety,

and depression. Corbett is now 49, and thanks to her husband and three grown sons, she has converted her battle with lupus into a mission to help others who are challenged not only with the malady but the challenges from their lives impaired by it.

Instead of helping people maneuver through legal issues in a courtroom, Corbett founded and runs the Social Butterflies Foundation.

According to Corbett, it is the first and only 501c3 nonprofit organization located in Hampton Roads dedicated to providing real, direct assistance to lupus and fibromyalgia survivors and their families. Corbett said that its volunteer Board of Directors is comprised of “survivors which gives us great insight and understanding of the needs of those we serve.”

Corbett said the Social Butterflies Foundation got its genesis in 2018 when the Lupus Foundation of America DMV Chapter folded, and the national office took over. The National Lupus Foundation of America does not provide direct assistance to survivors and their families. Funds

raised from their walks are used for research, not to help with the daily living expenses of survivors.

So, in 2018, she founded Social Butterflies Foundation to bridge the gap in services for survivors and their families. Social Butterflies Foundation hosts its annual Butterfly Walk for Lupus & Fibro to raise funds for free programs and services to provide muchneeded direct assistance.

“It was good that they used the money for research, but people have needs; they’ve got to live,” said Corbett. “They should not have to choose between paying rent and buying food or paying co-pays to see their doctor and get their meds to survive.”

Corbett said that in 2020 the COVID Pandemic caused her to shift the Butterfly Walk for Lupus & Fibro from an in-person event to a virtual event.

But the Butterfly Walk for Lupus & Fibromyalgia will be held in person on June 10th at John B. Todd Stadium in Newport News, Virginia.

The walk begins at 6 p.m. with check-in/registration beginning at 5 p.m.

The Grand Marshal is Virginia State Delegate

Marcia Price, who has been a long-time supporter, Corbett said.

Newport News native, actress, and comedienne, Cocoa Brown, will be the celebrity guest hostess alongside comedian Quincy Carr.

Money raised from the walk will be used to help provide emergency financial assistance, college scholarships, support groups for youth and adults, wig outreach programs, care outreach programs, holiday outreach programs, summits, health fairs, educational resources, advocacy, and support research for a cure.

“We even have a fund for people who lose their hair when undergoing chemotherapy,” she said. “We provide assistance with wigs or ‘hair hats’ and we give tips on personal and beauty care. It is important to take care of yourself mentally and physically.”

“We want the survivors and their families to know they have helped fight lupus and fibromyalgia,” said Corbett. “I have strong support from my husband and family. All of the survivors are family, and in this family, no one fights alone. Butterflies don’t let each other fly alone.”

Lawsuit Seeks Redress For Wrongful Child Support Claims

By Leonard E. Colvin Chief Reporter New Journal and Guide

In 2021 Ronald Green applied for a home refinance loan, but the company screening his financial history denied it.

They discovered a lien by the Virginia Department of Social Services for the sum of $2,085 against him for unpaid child support in his personal credit report.

It was the accumulated child support debt from February 2007 until December of that year.

This was a surprise to Green, a Norfolk based civil rights activist and his wife, Pamela, a retired educator.

The lien is for missed support payments for a child who now will be 15-years-old.

Inquiries by Green and the lawyers he hired indicate the child and mother live in New Jersey, but her specific identification is not known.

“I was not having an affair with a woman other than my wife at that time here nor New Jersey,” said Green, who is now 65. “I have visited New Jersey, but that was such a long time ago, I forgot about it. Apparently, they have the wrong Ronald Green.”

Green has one child, who is an adult in her 30s.

He said that the social security number associated with the lien on the credit report was not his.

Green said that when his wife Pamela found out about the mistake it was understandable a source of hurt tensions between the couple who have been

Belafonte

Continued from page 1A

It stayed at the top of Billboard’s top 100 for about 7 months straight.

By 1959, he became the highest paying Black performer in history. Belafonte also had his hand in performance, his first film performance being in 1953, starring in “Bright Road” alongside his co-star Dorothy Dandridge. He has also been in films such as “Carmen Jones,” “Islands of the Sun,” and the “Odds Against Tomorrow.” His most recent film appearance was in Spike Lee’s “The BlacKkKlansmen.”

Belafonte was also well known when it came to Civil Rights, befriending powerful figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and even helped provide for him

married for over four decades.

Green said his lawyers had the entry removed from his credit report and the state of Virginia has dropped its interest. He said the lawyers also had promised to file a suit for the emotional damage caused by the strain between the two and the negative mark on his reputation.

“But they dropped the suit and the case,” said Green. “They said since the state dropped it so should we. But we want to know why they are so eager to drop the case? Plus, they ignored our questions. We would like to know how this got started. Just because Virginia said they dropped the issue, will New Jersey do so as well?”

Green said the lawyers discovered that the initial complaint for the child support payments was made at a Virginia Beach Office of Social Services.

He said his family wants to know how the State of New Jersey got involved and if that state will honor Virginia’s decision to drop the lien and demand for payments.

To answer all these questions and get some monetary relief, the Greens recently filed a suit against the Virginia Department of

Social Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement.

They have a set of new lawyers to pursue the case now and are asking for some $450,000 in damages.

They are seeking $100,000 in compensatory damages, and $350,000 in punitive damages against each of the child enforcement officials, agents, employees, attorneys, and others involved in the case.

The suit claims the department filed an improper and false notice and recorded lien of child support in the Norfolk Circuit Court and disseminated it to others, it appears, over the past 15 years.

The case is one of the first to challenge the department for declining to release a false notice and recorded notice lien of child support that was without merit and required to be released under its own regulations. The Greens claim the agency’s actions have sown family discord and distrust and damaged their marriage, privacy, and religious principles.

“The department’s agents gave me an unknown mother and child allegedly in Jersey City, New Jersey outside of wedlock. Its

negligence and reckless disregard for my rights damaged my family life, home, religious standing, and credibility,” Green said.

during his time as a preacher, as well as bailing King out of jail and assisting with organizing the 1963 March on Washington. He supported the Civil Rights movement, participating in the March on Washington, and contributing money to organizations and protests such as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the Freedom Riders.

Belafonte was a known friend of Sidney Poitier, a

Black actor, film director, and diplomat who died last year on January 6, 2022. They met while they were both studying acting at the American Negro Theatre, bonding over their shared feelings of wanting to make bigger things along with their shared west indie’s roots, with Belafonte even saying that he felt that Poiter was truly his bother.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela Frank, four children and three stepchildren.

The passing of civil rights icon

Harry Belafonte leaves a devastating void in the racial justice community.

Before his rise, no entertainer had ever used the platform and resources his fame afforded him to accomplish so much.”

– Marc Morial, National Urban League

The Greens recently filed a suit against the Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement. They have a set of new lawyers to pursue the case now and are asking for some $450,000 in damages.

HARRY AND SIDNEY: TWO STATELY GENTLEMEN WHO MADE US PROUD

By Leonard E. Colvin Chief Reporter New Journal and Guide

This article was first written in 2019 as a tribute to two of America’s esteemed elder Black personalities whose lives were linked. At that time, Olivia de Havilland (103), Kirk Douglas (102) and Betty White, (97) were three of the most recognizable and oldest living Hollywood stars. But conspicuously absent when the mainstream mentioned cinematic icons who have lived long lives were Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier.

In 2019, both were 92, born the same year just a month apart in February and March respectively. Recently, Belafonte passed at age 96 (Aprll 25, 2023); Poitier died on January 6, 2022 at age 94.

Both men started their career away from the silver screen. Belafonte started as an actor and was a famous singer. Poitier started on the stage and then drifted to the screen in the early 1950s until the late 1980s before becoming a

noted director. Apart from their contributions to the arts, both were ardent supporters of the Modern Civil Rights Movement. During its most crucial period, notably in the early 1960s, they helped raise money for the cause and were close to one of its main leaders Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Belafonte was born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr. at Lying-in Hospital in Harlem. His father was

a white Dutch Jew and his mother was born of Black Jamaican and White Scottish parents.

From 1932 to 1940, he lived with one of his grandmothers in Jamaica. When he moved to New York City, after high school, he joined the Navy and served during World War II.

In the 1940s, Belafonte was working as a janitor’s assistant in NYC when a tenant gave him two tickets to see a performance at the American Negro Theater. He fell in love with

Boxing

Continued from page 1A

Also, Washington said the facility will have a conference room and administrative spaces.

The facility already houses a sports-themed restaurant called “Coaches” that will align with the theme of the facility’s purpose.

First opened in 1941 for theatrical performances, the 750-seat Rosna Theater was converted into a movie theater in 1961.

It is one of a number of vintage movie theaters throughout the city targeted for redevelopment.

The theater was vacant for several decades. The restaurant was the first major Investment in the historic building.

The reincarnation of the Boxing Center, along 35th Street in Park Place, is part of the city’s multipronged effort to invest in Park Place and adjacent neighborhoods into commercial and residential destinations for Norfolk residents and from other locales.

It is occurring at the same time as the city is developing the Mid-town Development Project along the central Monticello Avenue corridor, which sits between Park Place and Lindenwood.

The city is also investing in the nearby Riverview neighborhood which sits

the art form and also met Poitier. The pair were both financially struggling and often purchased one seat to plays and rotated their position in the theater, between acts, after informing the other about the progression of the play.

At the end of the 1940s, he took classes in acting at the Dramatic Workshop of The New School in New York alongside Marlon Brando, Bea Arthur, (Golden Girls fame) and Poitier. He and Poitier performed with the

northward near Lafayette Park on Granby.

The Norfolk Boxing Program has had several locations since its inception decades ago; first at Barraud Park off Tidewater Drive.

Then the city invested money to install the operation at Harbor Park.

At one point the city envisioned placing its yet to be developed gambling casino on a temporary basis, at that facility.

It then moved the Boxing Center to the Multi-Purpose Center in Park Place.

Interest in the Boxing Program has promoted the city, according to Washington, to invest in continuing its legacy.

As soon as the development project on

American Negro Theater.

Belafonte became an acclaimed JamaicanAmerican pop aka the “King of Calypso” for popularizing the Caribbean musical style with an international audience in the 1950s. His breakthrough album Calypso (1956) was the first million-selling LP by a single artist. Belafonte was perhaps best known for his recording of “The Banana Boat Song,” with its signature lyric “Day-O.”

He also performed blues, folk, gospel, show tunes, and American standards.

He starred in several films, including Carmen Jones (1954), Island in the Sun (1957), and Robert Wise’s Odds Against Tomorrow (1959).

Belafonte was one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s confidants.

He was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador American Civil Liberties Union celebrity ambassador for juvenile justice issues.

Belafonte won three Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. In 1989, he received the Kennedy Center Honors. He was awarded the

35th Street is complete, the thousands of dollars the city has invested in equipment will be installed at the new site. Some of it is currently being used at the Park Place MultiPurpose Center. Some is in storage after the Harbor Park site was closed

He said the city envisions the Norfolk Boxing Program as the continued training center that transforms athletes into elite Olympic, amateur, and professional talent.

Once the new boxing facility is up and running, it will be linked to the city’s recreational programs, he said, providing local youth access to the site to develop their skills in boxing.

Norfolk boxer Keyshawn Davis, who stayed undefeated (8-0) with a

National Medal of Arts in 1994. In 2014, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy’s 6th Annual Governors Awards.

Poitier, the youngest of seven surviving children, was born in Miami to Bahamian parents who were visiting the United States. His birth in America granted him automatic American citizenship.

At age 10, Poitier’s family moved to Nassau where he saw his first automobile, electricity, plumbing, refrigeration, and motion pictures

At 16, he moved to New York City and held a string of jobs as he learned to read the newspaper. In 1943, he enlisted in the Army during World War II. He auditioned and joined the North American Negro Theater, but was rejected by audiences. He was unable to sing like his colleagues. On his second attempt at the theater, he was noticed and given a leading role in the Broadway production, Lysistrata.

see Tribute, page 8A

punishing performance recently in Newark, New Jersey, is a product of the city’s boxing program. Throughout its tenure, the boxing program has produced numerous success stories, including Jayda Davis, who competed at the Golden Gloves National Championship Tournament in 2018. Davis took home Gold for the U.S. in a 2014 boxing tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria. One of the most notable success stories is that of Norfolk native, Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007. Today the program hosts regional boxing tournaments several times per year.

(L-R) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Harry Belafonte, A. Phillip Randolph, and Sidney Poitier during the Civil Rights Movement

Photo: NJGFilesCollection

The Rosna Theater on 35th Street will be transformed into the Boxing Center.

Photo: Courtesy

NSU ALUM, RETIRED CORPORATE EXEC, TURNS ATTENTION TO WRITING NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK

By Rosaland Tyler

Associate Editor

New Journal and Guide

Edward W. Bullock, a retired corporate executive and Norfolk State graduate, has written a new children’s picture book that may encourage more Black youngsters to read in their spare time.

To achieve this feat, Bullock who grew up in Chesapeake’s Cloverdale and Oakleaf neighborhoods, recalled how literacy was stressed in his home to the point that his parents (Winslow George Bullock Sr. and Margarite Bullock) would hover over the kitchen table while he was learning to read. But Bullock does not hover over a young reader’s shoulder, instead he has compressed some of his hard-won insight into a new 34-page book called, “Warren Goes To Grandpa’s.”

“My parents are originally from North Carolina, a town called ‘Little’ Washington,” Bullock said in a recent interview with The New Journal and Guide. “As I would sit at the table doing my homework, my Dad, after working all day, would sit next to me doing his homework so he could get his GED.” His brother, Winslow George Bullock Jr., was an avid comic book reader.

“My father instilled in both of us the importance of a strong work ethic and seeing a job to its completion,” he said.

“My mom understood the importance of education and had attended North Carolina Central in Durham, N.C. She would quiz me every Thursday evening in preparation for my Friday morning spelling test. I had to say the word, spell the word and put the word in a sentence.”

Bullock retired from Loreal, as vice president of diversity, inclusion and equity. He delivered

Tribute

Continued from page 7A

By the end of 1949, he had to choose between leading roles on stage, but got his first movie role in the film “No Way Out” as a doctor treating a Caucasian bigot.

More roles arrived.

Poitier’s breakout role was as Gregory W. Miller, a member of an incorrigible high-school class in Blackboard Jungle (1955).

He was the first Black male actor to be nominated for a competitive Academy Award (for “The Defiant Ones,” 1958). He was also the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor (for “Lilies of the

the 2007 commencement address at Norfolk State and served several years on the board of the NSU Foundation. He also established the Edward and Joanne Boyd Bullock scholarship that honors his late son, Edward, and his late wife, Joanne Boyd Bullock. Both of his sons, Eric who is married to KaNeda and Peter married to Donna, are Norfolk State graduates. The author and his wife, Sharon Corbitt Bullock are members of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in central New Jersey.

What inspired him to write the book? “My dad’s work ethic was my inspiration along with knowing that my three granddaughters Bella, Madison and Sarabi and hundreds of children that looked like me might be inspired by reading this book,” he said. His book is about a boy named Warren, about age 7. He visits his grandfather’s farm, drives a tractor and rides a mule through corn and tobacco fields. As Warren steers, Bullock actually introduces youngsters to memorable

Field” in 1963). He acted in the first production of “A Raisin in the Sun” on Broadway in 1959, and the film version in 1961. In 1967, he was the most successful draw at the box office, the commercial peak of his career, with three popular films, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner;” and “To Sir, with Love.”

His character, Virgil Tibbs, a Philadelphia, Pa., detective in “In the Heat of the Night,” was the subject of two sequels: “They Call Me Mister Tibbs!” (1970) and “The Organization” (1971).

He received the 2001 Honorary Academy Award for his overall contribution to American cinema. From 1997 to 2007, he served as the Bahamian Ambassador to Japan.

Poitier was knighted by

people in his own life.

Readers will see names such as Lorrain, who is his cousin, Sheila, a retired teacher living in Philadelphia. The lawyer, Cam, whose real name is Pam, is a lawyer living in California. Meanwhile, Freddie can fix anything with an engine.” Freddie actually honors the author’s own late son Eddie, “who passed away way too early. He could fix anything with a motor and he could have been an engineer. It’s never too early to expose our youth to careers,” Bullock said.

The inspiration for Warren’s new book springs from other sources. As a volunteer, he has read aloud to over 500 elementary school children in the Trenton and Mercer County area for Read Across America, a National Education Association initiative which promotes literacy and a love of reading among children. He is a member of the Trenton Literacy Movement, a non profit that is working to increase literacy.

As a “proud 50year” member of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc., he launched

Queen Elizabeth II in 1974.

On August 12, 2009, Poitier was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor, by President Barack Obama.

In 2016, he was awarded the BAFTA Fellowship for outstanding lifetime achievement in film. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Poitier 22nd of 25 on their list of Greatest Male Stars of classic Hollywood cinema.

In 2002, 38 years after receiving the Best Actor Award, Poitier was chosen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to receive an Academy Honorary Award, in recognition of his “remarkable accomplishments as an artist and as a human being.”

the first undergraduate chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in the state of New Jersey.

Bullock still recalls the adrenalin rush that came from learning how to read for the first time at his parent’s kitchen table in Chesapeake. “The joy of reading is the first step ... toward new adventures and new destinations,” said Bullock, who attended

Saint Joseph Catholic School, Saint Mary’s Elementary School and Portsmouth Catholic High. “At Portsmouth Catholic I played on the 1966 state championship basketball.”

Asked to explain Norfolk State’s impact on his life, he said he was exposed to great professors “who believed that we

could achieve anything – and I mean anything. The only limits were selfimposed. Failure was not an option!”

The leap into publishing did not take long. “It took me about 6 months ... to actually see my book in print,” he said. He rose early and stayed up late researching his characters, font style, and a color pallet. “Every journey begins with the first step,” Bullock said.

Bullock is a busy man but still finds time to visit his relatives in Hampton Roads. “I still have family in Norfolk, my brother Winslow George Bullock Jr. and my brothers Charles, Cliff, Donnell and Alvin and my nephews, Trey and Michael.”

Edward W. Bullock, a retired corporate executive and Norfolk State graduate, has written a new children’s picture book that may encourage more Black youngsters to read in their spare time.

Edward W. Bullock, a retired corporate executive and Norfolk State graduate, wrote a new 34-page children’s picture book called, “Warren Goes To Grandpa’s.”

Photo: Courtesy

Virginia’s Fort Lee Will Be Renamed Fort Gregg-Adams During Ceremony April 27

By Rosaland Tyler Associate Editor New Journal and Guide

When Fort Lee offi cially observes its name change by holding a renaming ceremony on April 27 at Fort Gregg-Adams, it will become one of three Army bases in Virginia that have experienced a name change.

Fort Lee was named after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. It was built about 25 miles south of Richmond in 1917 after the U.S. declared war on Germany during World War I. Its name change comes on the heels of a Naming Commission recommendation, which recommended that a total of nine Army bases in the South be renamed, including three in Virginia: Fort Lee, Fort A.P. Hill (now named Fort Walker after Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the fi rst Black female surgeon in the U.S. Army, who received a Medal of Honor for her medical service to wounded Union troops

during the Civil War ) and Fort Pickett (now named Fort Barfoot for Tech. Sgt. Van T. Barfoot, a Medal of Honor recipient). Fort Lee’s new name honors Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity

Adams, two Black Army offi cers who enrolled during the segregation era and rose through the ranks. Adams, the fi rst Black woman offi cer in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and the commander of the fi rst

World War II battalion with Black women as its only members, died at age 84 in 2002. She retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1945, the same year Gregg joined the service. Gregg, who is still alive at age 94 and lives in Northern Virginia, said he plans to attend the renaming ceremony on April 27.

“I always believed there were opportunities,” Gregg said of his decision to enlist. He grew up during the Great Depression on a roughly 100-acre farm in rural Florence, S.C., lost his mother to cancer as a teen, and moved to Newport News to live with relatives.

Gregg enlisted in the Army in 1945 and retired in 1981, after 35 years of service. He is the only living and oldest World War I veteran in modern Army history to have a base bear his name. The late Congressman Don McEachin and other Black congressional leaders led the effort to rename the base after Gregg.

new name honors

Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, two Black Army officers who enrolled during the segregation era and rose through the ranks.

Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg Lt. Col. Charity Adams

Pre-Mother’s Day Event Celebrates Community Ties

NORFOLK

A Pre-Mother’s Day Celebration was held at Booker T. Washington High School on April 8 organized by Pastor Joseph Ricks of JNR Productions in collaboration with the BTW Friends and Alumni Foundation, Inc.

Dr. James Edwards III served as host for the event which provided attendees an afternoon of musical entertainment by several groups and a Christian comedy skit performed by Mr. Funnyman Bishop Outdoors. A special tribute was given to the Norfolk 17. Dr. Patricia Turner, one of the pioneering 17 youth who desegregated the Norfolk Public Schools in 1959, offered remarks on behalf of the group.

Musical performers included the Boys Choir of Hampton Roads directed by Julius McCollough; the I. Sherman Greene Chorale, directed by Dr. Lydia Oliver; and the BTW Choir under the direction of Mr. Odell Zeigler. Ms. Larisa Shaw of the Born 2 Praise Mime Ministry and Lady Virginia Ricks delivered solo performances.

Additionally, Toe 2 Toe Dance and Wellness under the direction of Ms. Britney Blackman performed.

Avery Ashley is President of the BTW Friends and Alumni Foundation which received a portion of the proceeds from the event. The Foundation was founded in 2008.

In a prepared speech, Ashley expressed thanks to the Norfolk “17” and some BTW legends, including student athletes who achieved national fame – Sam Allen in Negro League baseball, and Cornell Gordon in NFL football – and BTW scholar Lindsey Cherry, who was among the first Black students at V.P.I (VA TECH).

YO! YOUTH OUTREACH SUMMIT TO ADDRESS YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH

PORTSMOUTH

On Saturday, May 13th, 2023, the City of Portsmouth’s Departments of Behavioral Healthcare Services and Portsmouth Museums and Tourism are partnering to raise more awareness of youth and family mental health. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of Virginia and the Middle Street Mall. Families and people of all ages are invited to attend this fun

THIS SATURDAY!

TWP Youth Poetry Season Finale

HAMPTON ROADS

A Poetry Festival featuring young artists takes place Saturday, April 29, in Virginia Beach at the Zeiders American Dream Theater, 4509 Commerce Street from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The “Immortall Poetry Festival” features members of Teens With A Purpose (TWP) as they respond to oral history with original poetry and music.

Also, a dance performance by the Governor’s School for the Arts, TWP dancers & a DJ will be featured. The event will announce the Virginia & Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureates 2023.

TCC Offers Summer Camps, Ages 8-18; Beginning June 20

HAMPTON ROADS

Are you looking for summer fun with a purpose for your kids? Check out Tidewater Community College’s inperson summer camps with offerings for budding artists, chefs, entrepreneurs, musicians, jewelry-makers, computer wizards, outdoor enthusiasts and more.

TCC has more than 90 camps, offered over 8 weeks, geared for youth ages 8-18.

New Black Rocket Computer camps include Pokemon®Masters Designers and 3D Makers Unite, Python Programmers, Roblox ® CodersEntrepreneurs and Roblox Makers!

Spark your child’s

imagination with interactive and fun programs tailored to their interests and age.

TCC’s week-long programs are affordable and conveniently located on the Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach campuses, and at the Center for Workforce Solutions in Suffolk. Limited enrollment size ensures students receive personalized attention.

Camps begin June 20 and run through the week of Aug. 7. Registration is now open. To receive a $5 discount per camp, register by May 31.

For more information call Emily Richardson at (757) 871-7871 or email summercamps@tcc.edu.

and engaging opportunity to network and enjoy interactive exhibits inside the museum, and outdoor festivities.

The YO! Youth Outreach Summit & Mental Health Awareness Event aims to positively change Portsmouth residents’ lives by empowering youth

transitioning into adulthood and providing mental health resources.

All individuals with a wristband will receive free admission to the Children’s Museum and the first 300 people to come will receive free ice cream! A DJ will provide music along with interactive entertainment,

world music, folklore, and dance. A variety of service organizations will be on hand to educate and inform all in attendance. Visitors will enjoy face paintings too! Raffle prizes will also be awarded. Free COVID-19 vaccinations will be available on-site.

The Boys Choir of Hampton Roads

Booker T. Washington Choir

I. Sherman Greene Chorales

Lady Virginia RicksLarisa Shaw

Ashley Avery, Dr. Patricia Turner and Pastor Joseph Ricks

NORFOLK LINKS HOST SUCCESSFUL EMERALDS & PEARLS SPRING BLING

NORFOLK

The 2023 Norfolk Chapter of the Links Incorporated’s “Emeralds & Pearls” Spring Bling Scholarship Fundraiser and Gala was a tremendous success, according to its organizers.

Nearly 300 guests turned out on April 15 at the

Norfolk Sheraton Hotel for the elegant Black-tie event, including scholars Kathryn Bibbens Scholarship recipient Zada McMorris and second place A.B. Jackson Scholarship recipient, Ms. AsikoOluwa R. Aderin. Both are students at Norfolk State University.

Special guest entertainment for the event was provided by Toneisha Harris, who was a fi nalist on the reality television show “The Voice.”

A number of prominent elected public of ficials were in attendance for the event chaired by Dr. Felicia Blow. Dr. Beverly RobertsAtwater is the Chapter President.

Chesapeake Siblings Are First Black Triplets To Join Navy On Same Day

CHESAPEAKE

Triplets from Chesapeake recently joined the Navy on the same day in early April 2023.

Ayrion, Andrea, and Adrion Sutton, age 20, live in the Western Branch section of Chesapeake. The triplets, (two males and one female) recently appeared on Good Morning America after they made history by becoming the first Black triplets to do so, according to the Navy Recruitment Office. Their parents, Andre and Tiffany Sutton, met while serving on the USS Arctic in 1999.

One triplet, Adrion Sutton recently told ABC News, “What motivated me to join was hearing my parents talk about how good the Navy was when we was growing up and seeing my dad come home from long months, not being at home and taking care of the family.”

Another triplet, Tiffany said in an interview with Good Morning America: “I couldn’t find a better job.”

LOCAL VOICES

Their father recently reenlisted after being motivated by the triplets.

Andre Sutton served for 12 years in the Navy before entering the Merchant Marine. He currently works as a bosun for the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command.

Now, 22 years later, he said he’s “going back into reserves, so I can serve with my kids.”

“My children inspired me,” he said. Rear Adm. Jennifer Couture told ABC News, People join the Navy for “lots of different reasons.”

“But I think what family members learn from their parents, or maybe grandparents who have served is that there is a place for them to leverage their unique talents and to learn and grow and to try something new,” she said.

Martin, Malcolm, and Medgar’s Meditations

By Sean C. Bowers

First, enslaved Blacks were forbidden to read and write under penalty of death to them and their teachers. Now they are minimized and marginalized due to their lower educational test scores, high school and college graduations comparatively speaking to non-Whites.

Starting at an extreme disadvantage, the Black community is making strides towards the full education of their children and grandchildren. At each and every turn they are met from the so-called (White) educated class with the old WHITE guard’s resistance to any change.

The question of Black competency, ability, and the intelligence to succeed are no longer in doubt, once Blacks are given the opportunity and chances to prove themselves and reveal their worth. Repeatedly, Blacks have done more with less on countless fronts.

Education requires the basics: a safe building, heat, light, running water, accurate text books, computers, teachers and most importantly, the will to ensure that all American children receive a fair chance at quality education. What Martin, Malcolm, and Medgar all understood and gave their lives for in their time, was the future generation’s great potential.

Since the 1960s, when they were taken from us, our schools have become even more racially segregated, if that is even to be believed.

This occurs because of the undergirded entrenched “caste” system, riddled by racism that America has

Sean C. Bowers

always harbored close to its bosom. Isabel Wilkerson’s sensational Pulitzer Prize winning book “Caste” from the 2020 clearly defines racism. “Any action or institution that mocks, harms, assumes, or attaches inferiority or stereotype on the basis of the social construct of race can be considered racism.” She goes on to say, “Any action or structure that seeks to limit, hold back, or put someone in a defined ranking, seeking to keep someone in their place by elevating or denigrating that person on the basis of their perceived category, can be seen as casteism.”

“Casteism is the investment in keeping the hierarchy as it is in order to maintain your own ranking, advantage, privilege, or to elevate yourself above others or to keep others beneath you.

Vis-à-vis others, a caste system holds everyone in a fixed place.” With the power and resources controlled in too few “White” hands for fourhundred years, it is little wonder why non-Whites have repeatedly received the short end of the stick.

Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers all understood the importance of the vote and of education.

They worked tirelessly to improve the educational lot for their own people (and all people) improving their chance for better lives. Now focused on Critical Race Theory, the White riche continues to vomit their version of our history onto the rest of us, knowing full well that they (White) people are NOT the persecuted, and they never have been. Whites have proven too often that they can’t be trusted to police themselves, to be honest about the past and to do the right thing for everyone, not just for themselves.

No one group, race, class, or political party, owns history! It is owned by all of those who lived through it, not those on FOX NEWS who make-and-fake-it-up as they go. If you don’t want to be held accountable for what was done, stop doing it. Be reasonable admit the multitude of transgressions done against others and wholeheartedly apologize for those actions. Make TRUE amends to GOD, the victims, and all the generations of children you are continuing to

disenfranchise.

White “lip-service” time is over, America! Step up, and become true American protectors of liberty and justice for all by forcefully ending the façade of CRT by the defensive “Karens,” who are really just this generation’s version of the Daughters of the Confederacy.

Martin, Malcolm, and Medgar’s meditations are now being realized by the Justin’s (Jones and Pearson) of Tennessee in our generation, as they continue THE WORK – their work – our work – to make the American Dream a reality for all.

Sean C. Bowers has written the last 25 years, as a White Quaker Southern man, for the nation’s third oldest Black Newspaper, The New Journal and Guide, of Norfolk, Virginia, about overcoming racism, sexism, classism, and religious persecution. Some of his latest NJ&G articles detailing the issues can found by searching “Sean C. Bowers” on the NJ&G website. Contact him directly on social media at Linkedin.com or by email V1ZUAL1ZE@aol. com NNPA 2019 Publisher of the Year, Brenda K. Andrews (NJ&G 35 years) has always been his publisher.

Martin, Malcolm, and Medgar’s meditations are now being realized by the Justin’s (Jones and Pearson) of Tennessee in our generation, as they continue THE WORK – their work – our work – to make the American Dream a reality for all.

(L-R) Dr. Patricia King,Toneisha Harris, Dr. Beverly Roberts-Atwater

Photo: Courtesy

Student Attendee Trevor Blow and AB Jackson Scholar with original artwork.

Photo: Courtesy

Zada McMorris

Photo: Courtesy

Triplets recently joined the Navy on the same day in early April 2023.

JESUS IGNORED SOME ESTABLISHED SOCIAL STANDARDS!

The story of the woman at Jacob’s well is an excellent example of Jesus ignoring some social standards to reach out to a woman in need (John 4:7-29). During this time, Jews typically did not socialize with Samaritans. A Jew would never have asked a favor of a Samaritan. It was even unlikely that a woman would have spoken to a man who was not her relative. Yet Jesus destroyed many social barriers. Many people would not have been socially comfortable doing what Jesus did.

Let us thank God that the Bible is a powerful reminder regarding human traditions and should not stop us from reaching people of all classes. Jesus’ action on the woman’s behalf was a teaching lesson for others.

As Christians we experience both positive and negative reinforcements. Do we encounter unplanned circumstances as we grow

spiritually? Of course all of us know that no perfect life is encountered by any believers. Jesus was often the center of unwanted attention.

In John 8:3-1, we learn how a woman was perhaps dragged and dumped before Him in desperation. This was done to trap Jesus. These Pharisees and teachers of the law cared nothing about justice. If they did, they would have brought both the man and the woman whom they caught in the act of adultery. What a setup! By presenting her alone to Jesus, He was supposed to be guilty of ignoring the law of Moses. They hoped to point to Jesus as a trouble maker with not escape.

As long as Satan exists, setups keep on happening to make our good works be spoken in evil ways. We should let God fight our battles and keep on working for Him. His question to them, which might have

sounded like a death sentence to the woman, was simply all who are without sin to cast the first stone. After the second time that He wrote in the sand, He only saw the woman when He stood up. He did not condemn the woman. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him (John 3:17).

Let us read Mark 5 to learn about a deranged man who lived in a graveyard. Brave people subdued him and prayed that no one was hurt. In the meantime, he was heard crying out day and night, and made cuts on his flesh. Even though he was filled with evil spirits, Jesus was recognized.

He shouted (Verse 7) and called Jesus the Son of the Most High God. At Jesus’ word, the evil spirits left the man. When others later approached the man they found him sitting there in his right mind. Although he wanted to travel with Jesus as a disciple he was told to go home to his family and tell them what God had done for him.

Sometimes prayer is all we can offer. We can also affirm that God’s power is available in situations in which nothing more can humanly be done. We must remember that Jesus died for all of us and most especially for those whom we might deem to be beyond our help, but also deserve mercy and respect. No one is hopeless and beyond the power of God!

Mrs. Gladys McElmore was born in Essex County, Va. She was the founder of the Kathryn Bibbins Memorial Bible Study group.

AND ASCENSION OF JESUS CHRIST PT. 1

JESUS’ APPEARANCES ON THE DAY OF HIS RESURRECTION:

• To Mary Magdalene (John 20:1-8)

• To the women returning from the tomb with the Angelic message (Matthew 28:1-10)

• To Simon Peter, probably in the afternoon (Luke 24:34)

• To the Emmaus disciples toward evening (Luke 24:13-35)

• To the Apostles, except Thomas (Luke 24:36-43, John 20:19-25)

EIGHT DAYS

AFTERWARD: To the Apostles, Thomas Being Present (John 20:26-29)

• In Galilee: (1) To the Seven by the Lake of Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) (John 21: 1-14) (2) To Cephas (Greek form for Simon Peter), The Apostles and “above 500 Brethren” (1st Cor. 15:5-6) (3) To James (1st Cor. 15:7)

THE GREAT COMMISSION TO EVANGELIZE:

• St. Matthew, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations ...” (Matt. 28:1920)

• St. Mark, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel...’’ (Mark 16:1518)

• St. Luke, ...”And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name ... ” (Luke 24:46-48)

• St. John, ... “Feed my lambs ... feed my sheep, .. feed my sheep ...” (John 21:15-17)

The Apostles instructed by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Ghost (The Acts 1:1-8)

• “... wait for the promise of the Father, which, ye have heard of me.” (The Acts 1:4)

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon .. you:

CHURCH ADs & DIRECTORY

and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the Earth.”

(Acts 1:8)

THE ASCENSION OF JESUS CHRIST

“So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into Heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen (Mark 16:19-20)

“And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And He led them out as far as a to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into Heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.” (Luke 24: 5053)

... Continued next week

Copyright 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Rev. Dr. Rebecca R. Rivka

John 4:7-29; John 8:3-11; Mark 5:1-19

BOOKWORM REVIEWS

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

HOUSE OF COTTON

The role is yours, if you want it. You can play the part on a stage or in a film, but there are a few requirements: you have to be able to sing and dance and speak with an accent. Can you convince an audience that you’re someone you’re not? As in the new book, “House of Cotton” by Monica Brashears, can you play dead?

Mama Brown wouldn’t have liked all the praying and singing, not at all.

Nineteen-year-old

Magnolia knew that for sure. Also for sure, Mama’s funeral was the last time Magnolia would go to church. Wasn’t anything there for her anymore.

No, she’d just go to her overnight job at People’s Gas Station, and try to avoid her landlord, Sugar Foot, who offered to trade sex for rent. She’d try to keep homeless “Cigarette” Sammy from eating out of trash barrels. She’d swipe on Tinder and, using a pseudonym, she’d sleep with random men.

She’d try to forget that she was pregnant and

alone.

And then one night, a well-dressed man came to the gas station and told Magnolia that she could be a model. Was it a come-on, a cliche that every almostpretty girl hears? She couldn’t afford to ignore his offer and so she walked across Knoxville, walked across town, to a funeral home where her new job was ready for her.

Cotton was the man’s name; he said he was a seer and he’d inherited the business from his uncle.

Under his ownership, the funeral home was offering a new feature: for a fee, mourners who didn’t have closure over a loss could talk to Magnolia, who was made to look like their dearly departed, thanks to professional make-up and lighting. For an hour of her time, Magnolia would earn more money than she would in a month at the gas station.

It was an easy job. Cotton didn’t charge her rent for living in the home. For once in her life, Magnolia had money. She also had ghosts from the past, nudging her for her

sins...

Sitting somewhere between fairy tales and a suspense novel, hovering around both an erotic tale and a humor story, it’s pretty safe to say that “House of Cotton” is unlike any other novel you’ve ever read. It’s weird, and it’s heartbreakingly beautiful.

Author Monica Brashears’ main character, Magnolia, is someone you want to reach into the pages and hug – if you weren’t

sure she’d push you away for it. She’s just learning how to be an adult, and not liking it; she’s smart, but innocent yet and that’s a bad combination in this great story. Once she finds a job with Cotton and his Aunt Eden, then, the book takes a dark, ominous turn, like a modern-day oldfashioned Gothic novel.

Readers shouldn’t be one bit surprised if they become nervous by then. It’s for good reason.

“House of Cotton” will surprise you. It’s not what you think it might be, and more; it’s a vacation read here for the packing, if you want it.

Selena Maurissa Evans-Hayes, 81, passed away on April 20, 2021 at the Center for Hope Hospice in Elizabeth, NJ.

She was a proud 1957 graduate of Norfolk’s renowned Booker T. Washington High School and immensely enjoyed being a part of the high school reunions throughout the years. Subsequent to her graduation, she did go on to attend Norfolk State College.

Selena was a country girl with big city dreams. In October 1960, after having relocated to Manhattan, NY, she would marry her Norfolk boyfriend, Calvin V. Hayes, with whom she would go on to share a 58 year marriage, which ended with his passing in February of 2018.

NORFOLK AIRPORT AUTHORITY

The Norfolk Airport Authority® is currently accepting application forms for Vehicle Mechanic, Operations Officer, Parking Attendant II, Maintenance Mechanic, Police Officer, Police Dispatcher-PT & Airport General Counsel. Visit www.norfolkairport.com/employment for details.

EOE F/M/Vets/Disabled

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

#EM-MMRS-RFP-2023-01

The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (the “Organization”) is soliciting proposals for the procurement of Medical and First Aid Supplies for the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS). Interested parties should refer to the full request for proposal (RFP) posted at https://www.hrpdcva.gov/page/procurement and https://www.hrtpo.org/ page/procurement/. Submit proposals by 2:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

“House of Cotton” by Monica Brashears ©2023, Flatiron Books $27.99, 304 pages

Monica Brashears

Photo: BeowulfSheehan

Selena Maurissa Evans-Hayes