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Walmart to hire 300 P. 4

‘Straight Outta Compton’ P. 7 August 13-19, 2015

Civil rights icons Photo by Felicia Davis

fight the good fight Voting Rights Act in peril

August 13-19, 2015

COVER STORY

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Civil Rights legends fight to restore Voting Rights Act By Terry Shropshire It was the rarest of sights: Three generations of civil rights leaders convened at the Wheat Street Baptist Church to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. But it was hardly a celebratory spirit that pulsated through the church. The occasion was more somber in tone as the assemblage of civil rights nobles took a nostalgic waltz back to the Civil Rights Movement’s glory days. The esteemed leaders issued a stern warning to those in attendance as well as anyone who reads their collective statement: Powerful forces are hell-bent on infringing upon and compromising black people’s fundamental Constitutional and American right to vote without obstruction, and that African Americans need to fiercely and jealously guard the VRA from their enemy’s evil clutches. The leaders were responding to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to remove a major portion of the Voting Rights Act in 2013 that gave nine states, mostly in the South, permission to change laws governing their elections and voting processes without having to receive federal approval beforehand. Since that monumental decision two years ago, we have seen “red” states implement various measures that these black leaders define as dastardly moves to significantly impede on minority and youth electorate participation. It was appropriate that the man who had his skull cracked (and nearly died) on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. 50 years ago — marching to compel President Lyndon Johnson to pass the Voting Rights Act — would issue the strongest challenge to his listeners on this most momentous occasion. “I tell you, we have a fight on our hands. And if I wasn’t in church, I would say something else. But I think that we are too quiet. We are just too quiet. But I [also] think we can fix the Voting Rights Act if we get out there and just make some noise and push,” railed legendary U.S. Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga.) at the podium to thunderous applause. “People were hung and beaten and some were shot and killed — they were murdered — for this. But now we’re going to sit on our butts and not do anything as the enemies continue to chip away at the Voting Rights protection in multiple states. “We have to speak up and speak out and get in the way, and get into trouble — good trouble and necessary trouble,” Lewis continued, enumerating on the many ridiculous rules and obstacles blacks had to negotiate just to register to vote back in the day. “You don’t believe me, but there are forces in our country that are trying to take us back to those dark days of Jim Crowism.” The rare gathering of venerated leaders was part of a day-long event that was facilitated by the Coalition for a People’s Agenda, an umbrella organization of civil and civic groups co-created and headed by SCLC President-emeritus Rev. Joseph Lowery, the man lovingly known as

the “Dean of Civil Rights Leaders.” The luncheon discussion also recounted the struggle for the 1965 VRA and outlined what citizens need to do to make sure key provisions of the VRA, struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013 are restored. Joining Lowery and Lewis in the dialogue were: Ambassador Andrew Young, the nation’s first African-American Ambassador to the United Nations; Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., founder and president, Rainbow PUSH Coalition; Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed; Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell; Martin Luther King III; and Wade Henderson, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Rev. Jackson said blacks must put energy behind the move to save and restore the Voting Rights Act because legislators have treated the VRA as if “we’re on the back of legislature like we were on the back of the bus. The South Carolina flag come down, but the agenda did not come down. “In 2013 [when the Supreme Court struck down provision 5 of the law which eliminated the need for states to pre-clear any action that would affect the right to vote], we lost it again,” Jackson continued. “What we should have been doing when we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Selma march, was looking forward in the windshield and not looking back through the rear view mirror. We also need another amendment to the U.S. Constitution.” Hosted by The Peoples Agenda, led by Helen Butler, and Realizing The Dream, led by Martin Luther King III, the lunch session also discussed “The South and the 2016 Elections: Overcoming Contemporary Challenges to Political Participation,” which featured discussion outlining current barriers to political participation, voter education and voter registration training. Co-sponsors of the event include: NAACP National Voter Fund, African American Human Rights Foundation and the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. The Honorable Andrew Young admonished the crowd to plow through the obstacles being erected in the way of restoring the Voting Rights Act. “Back then coming together was not about us,” said Ambassador Young. “It was about

us moving the society forward …. We understood that God brought us here to give leadership and vision to this one nation. We have to move forward with black and white together, rich and poor, together. Hold on to the plow and keep on keeping on.” “We have to fight on two fronts,” added Atlanta Mayor Mayor Reed. “We have to fight on the intellectual level and we have to take it to the streets and punish any politician that does not sign on to the reauthorizing of the Voting Rights Act.” A proclamation from the Atlanta City Council was presented by Atlanta City Councilman Caesar Mitchell to The Peoples Agenda and Realizing The Dream for their commitment to keeping the dialogue alive. “It’s great to celebrate the work of the ages, but when we leave here the work has to continue in our neighborhoods.” It was pointed out that President Obama would not be president today if leaders had not fought for the VRA in the 60s. Henderson told the crowd, “Demand your rights as full Americans. If you don’t vote, you don’t count.” Lowery closed out the event by saying, “I shouldn’t be out, but I couldn’t stay away from this meeting. I want to thank all of you who came out and I want to thank the spirit in which you’ve come; that’s the key to Black progress, the Black spirit.”

Atlanta Daily World

Founded August 5 1928; Became Daily, March 12, 1932 W.A. Scott, II, Founder/Publisher August 5, 1928 to February 7, 1934 Published weekly at 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30354 Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta Mailing Offices. Publication Number 017255 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Atlanta Daily World, 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30354 Subscriptions: One Year: $52 Two Years: $85 Forms of Payment: Check, Money Order, VISA American Express, MasterCard MEMBER: Associated Press Atlanta Business League Central Atlanta Progress Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce National Newspaper Publishers Website: www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com Lorraine Cochran General Manager lcochran@realtimesmedia.com

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NEWS

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August 13-19, 2015

Atlanta Public Schools hires state takeover APS install more bus stop-arm cameras law designer for advice

By Britta Lee Atlanta Public Schools has added a new face to its team in an effort to avoid a state takeover. APS recently hired Gov. Nathan Deal’s architect responsible for the Opportunity School District legislation, which allows state takeover of low-performing schools. The board voted 7-2 to bring in the governor’s departing depu-

ty chief of staff for policy and legislative affairs Erin Hames on a no-bid $96,000 consulting contract. Board members Steven Lee and Byron Amos cast the dissenting votes. Hames will leave Gov. Deal’s office at the end of the month. The governor’s Opportunity School District (OSD) legislation requires voter approval next year. If approved, the law would give the state the power to take over failing schools to convert them

into charters, or shut them down. Currently, 27 schools in Atlanta are eligible for state action. The hope is that Hames will offer consult on matters of policy, legislation, and political strategy. Suggestions for improvement will be specifically tailored to and targeted toward those schools that are currently on the OSD-eligibility list. APS superintendent Meria Carstarphen has stated that given the fact that Hames is “uniquely positioned”, her contract was not subject to competitive bidding. Hames is just one of the many high-profile staff members who have recently left office following Deal’s 2014 election. Despite facing many challenges, APS is eager to seek out all possible measures that can be taken to avoid a state takeover. With years of experience working for the state, Hames will offer direct insight as it relates to the Opportunity School District legislation. Erin Hames is a teacher-turned-attorney who also worked for Gov. Sonny Perdue. She will leave her current position at the state level to become an education consultant.

GDOT gets serious about minority and women owned businesses Do women and minority business owners think they are able to get their fair share of the more than $2 billion in contracts that the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) spends annually? The consulting firm of Griffin & Strong, P.C. (“GSPC”) wants to know. GDOT has hired the firm to review, analyze, and if determined appropriate, suggest improvements to the way it does business with minority and women owned businesses. GSPC is conducting public hearings in Atlanta, Augusta and Columbus to find out, based in part on the testimonies of business owners and community members, whether GDOT has provided equal access to their procurement opportunities. “We urge community leaders, DBE/WBE and non-DBE/ WBE business owners to come out and tell their stories,” says Rodney Strong, GSPC CEO. “Do you have the information you need to get to the GDOT table? Have you been able to open the doors? Are there roadblocks? Can GDOT improve their process? Have you had a great experience with the contracting process at GDOT? What did they get right? “We want business owners to tell us candidly about their experiences doing business or bidding with GDOT. We are soliciting both positive feedback and areas of concern based on what they have dealt with,” Strong says. Receiving ample feedback from the community is crucial to the success of the study being done for GDOT, Strong notes. “We need your input and suggestions.” Public hearings will be held; Aug. 18 at One Georgia Center, Aug. 19 at Augusta Public Library Headquarters and Aug. 20 at Columbus Library. All scheduled public hearings will take place at 6 p.m. For more information visit www.gdotdisparitystudy2015. com

School districts throughout the Atlanta metro area are determined to crack down on drivers who defiantly drive past stopped school buses, despite the obvious dangers. Atlanta Public Schools officials report that they’ve installed a technology called CrossingGuard, which uses a camera to capture the license plates of vehicles that fail to stop when students are getting on and off the bus. Starting this school year, violators will be caught on video and a snapshot of their license plates will be sent to law enforcement. According to APS, about 24,000 students ride the system’s school buses every day. However, the cameras will be used on routes known to have a high number of bus stop arm incidents. Here is how it will work, according to APS and law enforcement: • If you’re caught violating the law within the first 30 days, Atlanta police will give you a warning. • After the first warning, the violation will set you back $300. • If you get caught a second time, the fine will increase to $750. • A third strike within five years, you can expect a $1,000 fine. APS students returned to school on Aug. 5.

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BUSINESS

August 13-19, 2015

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Prudential study shows blacks faring better financially By Roz Edward, National Content Director While many African American men and women have demonstrated a special talent for managing households and family budgets with skill and prudence, only recently has that competence for money management been recognized in formal studies. Prudential unveiled the results of its 2015-2016 study, “The African American Financial Experience,” which examines the financial attitudes, priorities and progress of black consumers in the current economy. Presented by leading financial expert Delvin Joyce, at the National Association of Black Journalist Conference in Minneapolis, the findings paint a positive picture of the state of African Americans and their financial affairs. Joyce, managing director of Prudential’s South Florida Financial Group, is optimistic about the study’s findings. “I’m super excited to be here today and talk about the findings and insights of the newest release of ‘The African American Financial Experience.’ One of the key findings is that the majority of African Americans see continued improvement of their financial situations over time,” said Joyce, adding “African American [adults] also anticipated continued improvement for the next generation of their families.” The Prudential study indicates that compared to the general population, African Americans are more likely to say their financial situations have improved over the last five years. A majority of respondents also indicated that their finances were better than their parents at the same point in their lives.’

With economic confidence among blacks growing, the focus is on ensuring that black Americans are prepared to protect their finances as well as grow wealth. But research shows where African Americans were less successful financially is in the area of transferring wealth and saving and investing for their children’s education. “The good news is that employer sponsored plans, like 401Ks are readily available,” said Joyce, cautioning that black workers don’t participate at the same rate as the general population. “Only 74 percent of those surveyed participated in employer sponsored plans, compared to 85 percent of the general population. The 2015 ‘African American Financial Experience’ — for the first time in the survey’s history — examined the financial state of two distinct sub-sets of the African American population: caregivers and veterans. “The big difference between African Americans and the general population is that [black people] who are caregivers tend to see their caregiving responsibilities as a long-term commitment … saying they expected their responsibility to provide care would last upward of 10 years,” Joyce said. Veterans indicated that they were more financially prepared and confident about making financial decisions after detaching from the military. The African American Financial Experience’ research also indicated that 58 percent of those surveyed expected their children to fare better in their lives.

To read the study’s findings in its entirety visit.prudential. com/africanamericans

Atlanta declares ‘M BAR Day’ to Walmart hiring 300 associates at metro Atlanta store restore historic Auburn Avenue

By Terry Shropshire A cadre of local dignitaries converged on historic Auburn Avenue to celebrate the progression and restoration of the beloved and esteemed street. Legislators, educators, business owners, bankers and other professionals appeared for the the grand opening of the all -new M BAR establishment, Atlanta City Councilman Andre Dickens alongside Atlanta city councilman C.T. Martin proclaimed Aug. 5, “M BAR Day” during the ribbon cutting ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia. M BAR was given this prestigious accolade due to their pledge to restore the historic Auburn Avenue district to its former prominence and reinvigorate a sense of pride for

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the surrounding community. The owners will kick off their restoration initiative by immediately creating jobs with their venture in the area, setting a professional standard and experience and venturing past the four walls of the brick and mortar development to create an economic uplift. Four young, well established African American men have joined forces to partner in bringing the M BAR vision to life: Damien Gordon (mixologist/ owner); Yaw Botchey ( marketing director); Xavier Peoples (client relations), and Melvin Simms (general manager). M BAR will offer guests the definitive Atlanta bar and lounge experience. For more information, visit www.MbarAtlanta.com

Walmart has announced it will hire approximately 300 associates to work at the new Walmart store slated to open this fall in suburban Atlanta store. The store is located in Dekalb County, on the cusp of the city of Decatur. A temporary hiring center has opened at 2179 Lawrenceville Hwy. Applications will be accepted Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Interested applicants may also apply online at http://careers. walmart.com. Walmart will offer a job to any eligible U.S. veteran honorably discharged from active duty since the Veterans Welcome Home Commitment launched on Memorial Day 2013. Interested veterans may find out more at http://walmartcareerswithamission.com. According to store manager MaRita Edwards, the store will be hiring both full- and part-time associates. “Our Decatur location will benefit our community by providing job opportunities for approximately 300 associates which give

[them] an opportunity to build careers,” said Edwards. Walmart provides a benefits program to eligible full- and part-time associates. For example, it provides a variety of affordable health and well-being benefits including health-care coverage with no lifetime maximum. Walmart also offers eligible associates matching 401(k) contributions of up to 6 percent of pay, discounts on general merchandise, an Associate Stock Purchase Program and company-paid life insurance. Additionally, eligible associates receive a quarterly incentive based on store performance. The majority of new associates will begin work this fall to help prepare the store for its grand opening. DeKalb Workforce Development Center will be hosting a job fair for the new Decatur Walmart on August 12 – 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The hiring center is located at Walmart Hiring Center, 2179 Lawrenceville Hwy., Decatur, Ga.

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ATLANTA DAILY WORLD

August 13-19, 2015

Lending a hand. Forever First.

At First Citizens Bank, lending a helping hand in the communities we serve has been an important part of our culture for generations. This summer, we’ve partnered with Action Ministries and United Way of Greater Atlanta to support Silence the Growl, helping tackle summer hunger by delivering more than 10,000 meals to children throughout metro Atlanta’s

Visit us at firstcitizens.com

thirteen counties. We’re proud to be part of the Atlanta community. And committed to lending a helping hand in all of the cities and towns we call home. Find out what you can do to help fight hunger at silencethegrowl.org. First Citizens Bank. Forever First.

Member FDIC.

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August 13-19, 2015

COMMUNITY

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Atlanta Hawks Foundation unveils high-tech Teen Room at Pittman Park “This celebration is about the teens at Pittman Park,” said David Lee, SVP, Hawks External Affairs and Executive Director of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation. “While touring the Center a few months ago, we were immediately impressed by the energy and active engagement of the youth in the community, and in particular, the teens’ leadership in forming the Pittman Park Community Caretakers Teen Program. We want to encourage these young people to continue their good work by reimagining a space that we hope will inspire them to be agents of positive change for themselves and the community for years to come.”

The Atlanta Hawks Foundation partnered with the City of Atlanta’s Department of Parks and Recreation and Aaron’s, Inc. to provide electronic upgrades to the teen room at the Center of Hope at Pittman Park today. Atlanta forward Mike Muscala joined Hawks and Philips Arena CEO Steve Koonin, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Amy Phuong and Atlanta radio personality Ryan Cameron at the event in Atlanta’s Pittsburgh community.

The Atlanta Hawks are teaming with the City of Atlanta’s Department of Parks and Recreation to provide youth in the city’s Pittsburgh community with a high-tech makeover of the teen room at the Center of Hope at Pittman Park. The Aug. 8 unveiling will reveal a modernized space complete with new tablets, two 65-inch flat screen televisions and other electronics upgrades to the center funded by the Atlanta Hawks Foundation.

Operated by the Department of Parks and Recreation in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, Pittman Park is one-of-10 Centers of Hope in the city – a designation reserved for high-performing recreation centers with enhanced youth development and specially-trained staff members. Due to the efforts of the Pittman Park Community Caretakers Teen Program, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation and the NBA identified the park as a potential partner during the team’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

“The Atlanta Hawks continue to be an exemplary community partner,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “The entire Hawks organization shares my commitment to supporting Atlanta’s young people as they reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.”

Representatives from the Hawks and City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation will be present at Saturday’s unveiling, hosted by Hawks Public Address Announcer and Atlanta radio personality Ryan Cameron. Hawks forward Mike Muscala, team cheerleaders and mascot

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Harry the Hawk will also be on-hand to celebrate the new space. With electronics provided by Aaron’s, the state-of-the-art room will feature the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0, a pair of 65-inch Samsung Smart TVs and a Samsung Giga Sound System in addition to a Sony PlayStation 4 and a Microsoft Xbox One. The teen room makeover at Pittman Park will be the third partial park renovation funded by the Atlanta Hawks Foundation this summer; on June 30, the Foundation revealed new youth basketball courts at Camp WillA-Way in Winder, GA; and on July 24, the organization unveiled a refurbished, Hawksthemed playing surface at Welcome All Park in College Park, GA. Take a look at the new “Teen Room” at Pittman Park

Hawks forward Mike Muscala and Harry the Hawk join members of the Pittman Park Community Caretakers Teen Program at the unveiling of a new teen room at the Center of Hope at Pittman Park on August 8.

Alumni Mike Armoni Steve.jpg – Atlanta Hawks alumni Duane Ferrell and John Battle join Hawks forward Mike Muscala, Armoni Howard and Hawks CEO Steve Koonin at the unveiling of a new teen room at the Center of Hope at Pittman Park on August 8.

Commissioner Phuong and Kids.jpg – City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Amy Phuong joins youth for a photo during the unveiling of a new teen room at the Center of Hope at Pittman Park on August 8.

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ENTERTAINMENT

August 13-19, 2015

Sheree Whitfield and Marlo Hampton return to ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ By Terry Shropshire, National Correspondent Nene who?!? It is being reported that former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast members Sheree Whitfield and Marlo Hampton are returning the popular Bravo TV reality show as replacement for the exodus of Nene Leakes. Whitfield, former wife of NFL player and Atlanta Falcon Bob Whitfield, has worked out a contract with her former employer and has returned to filming for the reality show this past weekend. Also, former cast member Marlo Hampton will make the occasional appearance on the show that made her a local celebrity, tmz.com reported. The two women were seen along with the rest of the cast were photographed at the launch of Cynthia Bailey’s eyewear line. Also, Whitfield’s “Chateau Sheree” became a constant source of controversy, ridicule and legal proceedings because of alleged stalking. Therefore Whitfield returns to the show with a microwave-oven story line.

‘Straight Outta Compton’ star gets Eazy-E role without showing up By Carl Lamarre Chemistry is such a beautiful thing. For months, Jason Mitchell, O’Shea Jackson, and Corey Hawkins morphed into the polarizing figures that forged the indomitable rap force N.W.A. for F. Gary Gray’s Straight Outta Compton. In the ’80s and ’90s, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, and Ice Cube sculpted rap culture with sheer bravado and unforgivable candor. To some, they were America’s nightmare. To others, they were exemplary figures in the African American community. Together, they climbed the ladder of success and reached the apex of music because of their chemistry. Jackson, Hawkins, and Mitchell come from different walks of life. While each actor possesses a tale of his own, they all had one goal in common for this film: chemistry. Prior to the film, O’Shea faced the daunting task of playing his father. Hawkins-- coming fresh out of Broadway-- undermined his talent of playing Dre, and Mitchell was financially broke before shooting the movie. Despite their shortcomings, they all came together and shined radiantly to make this movie become a reality.

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LIFESTYLE

August 13-19, 2015

3 Atlanta counselors join Warrior2Citizen HLTP

Family Health Center raises funds for asthmatic children The Family Health Centers of Georgia, Inc. presents “Walk for Life, Every Breath Counts” Asthma Awareness 5K Run/ Walk. The event will take place at Grant Park on Sept. 12. According to the American Lung Association, every year in America, asthma is responsible for 12 million lost school days for children and more than 14 million lost workdays for adults. Nearly 4,000 deaths are attributed to asthma; and the economic cost is more than $16.1 billion dollars. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, FHC’s goal is to raise $40,000 to send a child to asthma camp, purchase medical supplies and provide healthcare services to uninsured pediatric patients. Individuals, families, groups and corporations are encouraged to participate, via walking or giving or combination of both. The Family Health Centers of Georgia is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 Federally Qualified Community Health center. Participants can register for as little as $15. Pre-registration deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 9. On-site registration is available from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The event kick off time is 8:00 a.m. Last participant’s

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start time is 9:30 a.m. Public parking is available at Grant Park. Leashed pets are allowed in park, in accordance with Grant Park rules and regulations. Pets are also allowed to participate in the walk. All children participating in the walk (not including children in strollers) MUST be registered and accompanied by an adult.

Atlanta-based counselors have joined the counseling team for Warrior2Citizen’s Home Life Transition Program scheduled for Sept 17-21. The fourday marital enrichment retreat is designed to help veterans and their spouses identify and address challenges facing their marriage. It will be held at Metro Atlanta YMCA’s Lake Allatoona campus. The program provides psycho-education, respite, counseling and the practicing of learned skills; presented by chaplains, professional counselors and coaches. The intensive four-day retreat six months of counseling and other professional services. The program has been recognized for saving at-risk marriages by the Defense Center of Excellence while utilizing chaplain and therapist teams. Joining the counseling team is Dietra Taylor, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of providing counseling and crisis intervention to families, couples and individuals. In 2008, Taylor began providing counseling services to military members and their families as a Military and Family Life Counselor and served service members in the Georgia National Guard as the Director of Psychological Health. Daryl Beard is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been providing counseling support for Military families for the past seven years. Beard has worked as a Military Family Life Consultant with the Georgia National Guard where he facilitated various youth camps for military children and

families and developed youth training modules for military youth. Anna Jones is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Jones, whose parents are both retired Army, has over 15 years of experience working directly with the military population. Her clinical expertise includes, but is not limited to, Marriage & Family, Addictions, Child & Adolescent treatment, Sexual Abuse /Trauma, & Domestic Violence. Kelly McFeely, the director Clinical Programs for Warrior2Citzen, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania. She is excited about the addition of the Atlanta-based counselors who will significantly improve the reach of our program. “This is our first HLTP in Georgia and it was important to have local counselors involved. The couples we serve were, are, and will be going through difficult periods of adjustment that need long-term support.” After the first HLTP program, which was held last year, 47 percent of couples said they felt understood by their spouses. Of the participants, 67 percent said they plan to seek counseling through the HLTP aftercare component to further develop the skills learned through the Home Life Transition Program. For more information about Warrior2Citizen, visit warriro2citizen.org.

Motherless Daughters Foundation’s 3rd Annual Gala The Motherless Daughter Foundation, a nonprofit that works to assist girls 9-15 lead successful lives through year round mentoring programs held its 3rd Annual Gala at the Georgia International Convention Center. Sponsored by Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia Power, Marriott, RTYGM, FMG, Race Trac and Action Worldwide, about 100 guests enjoyed dinner and a bountiful silent auction. Riverdale Ga. Mayor Evelyn Wynn Dixon was the keynote speaker and other program participants included board members; Atlanta First Lady Sarah Elizabeth Reed, Precious Chapman, sister of rapper and actor TI. and Trumpet Awards Founder Xernona Clayton.

Photos by Doug Smith Photography Girls s with Motherless Daughters Foundation Founder and Executive Director Rassalyn Willis, Xernona Clayton, and Atlanta First Lady Reed

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EDUCATION

August 13-19, 2015

Georgia Piedmont Technical College Clayton State University hosts now offering P.A. classes Steinway piano sale Beginning September 14, 2015, GPTC will provide a new course offering. The Movie and Television Production assistant course — taught by Eric Morton, a film/TV production veteran with approximately 20 years’ experience — will combine hands-on instruction with classroom lectures. Upon completion of the course, participants will have an understanding of set etiquette, the stages of production and how to interact effectively with industry personnel. “The Georgia Department of Economic Development estimates that feature film and television productions in the state generated an economic impact of more than $6 billion during fiscal 2015,” said Dr. Jabari Simama, President, Georgia Piedmont Technical College. “This class complements our Design Media Production Technology curriculum, which is one of our most sought-after programs of study. I’m so pleased we are able to offer this course for individuals who have an interest in working on film and television productions. There’s a significant demand for knowledgeable production assistants, and their skills help to ensure that productions run smoothly,” he added. The production assistant course will be of-

fered on two of Georgia Piedmont’s campuses. The courses are scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Newton campus, 8100 Bob Williams Parkway, Covington, Georgia. And Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the DeKalb campus, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, Georgia. For an investment of $649, students will receive 48 hours of coursework and 16 hours onsite production days. Established in 1961, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is one of the top technical colleges in Georgia. As a student-centered institution, GPTC prepares individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing, global economy. GPTC’s graduation rate is three times the average for two-year colleges in Georgia, and its graduates secure employment at a level resulting in a 98.4 percent placement rate. The college has 10 learning centers in DeKalb, Newton, Rockdale and Morgan counties. To register for this eight-week class, please call 404-297-9522, ext. 1121, or email contedu@gptc.edu.

Clayton State University’s Spivey Hall, the Southeast’s premier recital hall renowned internationally for its superior acoustics and the excellence of its classical, jazz and world music artists, will host a piano sale event on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22. The event is in conjunction with the start of Spivey’s 25th season, and will feature some two dozen pianos - both Steinway and Steinway-designed acoustic instruments, as well as Roland electronic keyboards, new and used. They will be displayed on the Spivey Hall stage and in the lobby, where people can try out and purchase the instruments. The event will be open to the public. “For 25 seasons, Spivey Hall has been an important recital venue for the world’s foremost pianists,” said Sam Dixon, Spivey’s executive and artistic director. “We are delighted to host the Piano Sale with Steinway Piano Galleries, whose assistance was central to the procurement of our magnificent Steinway & Sons concert grand in 2012, and we are grateful for their ongoing collaboration and support.” Grand, upright and digital pianos used at Atlanta-area institutions, universities and performance centers throughout the past year are being made available to the general public for two days by appointment only. These pianos from Steinway & Sons, Steinway-designed Boston and Essex, and Roland have been professionally maintained at their respective campus or institution, and are typically in very good condition. Other new pianos and digital pianos will also be available. Each is unique, and is available on a first-come

basis in the order of appointments received. Clayton State University’s Spivey Hall gratefully acknowledges the support of the Walter and Emilie Spivey Foundation, The Friends of Spivey Hall, The Chaparral Foundation and Steinway Piano Galleries. Spivey Hall’s 2015-2016 Educational Programs are supported in part by South Arts, and the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA also receives support from its partner agency, the National Endowment of the Arts. A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta. For more information, visit www.clayton.edu.

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August 13-19, 2015

GUEST COMMENTARY

by Charlene Crowell

by Julianne Malveaux

I am Sandra Bland

Pitfalls to avoid when making a student loan If you are a college student, a recent college graduate or even a college dropout, student loan debt is not only likely, but probable. Among Black families, more than half – 52 percent – borrow for college costs, according to the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL). Additionally, paying off college loans can take years, if not decades. If students fail to complete their program or secure a good paying job, they may find themselves at greater risk of defaulting on their loans. Today, more than 8 million student borrowers have fallen into default. So it is critically important that families sending their children to college as well as current and former students gain insights into their legal rights and the pitfalls that can arise when repaying student loans. When entering into a student loan, borrowers and co-signers should clearly understand all of the loan terms. Student borrowers in distress should also understand their legal rights. For example, there are restrictions on when and how debt collectors may contact a borrower. Borrowers who have paid their student loans as required may also have earned a tax benefit. This tax break could be particularly valuable to private student loan borrowers who incurred debt at higher interest rates than that offered by the federal government. However, borrowers rely on correct and timely information and forms from their servicer to be able to claim their deduction. Scams are also popping up online to take advantage of student loan borrowers. Fraudulent companies peddle bogus student loan debt relief services. Others lure consumers in, charging them money for advice and services they could otherwise receive for free, like filling out federal student aid forms. If you think these kinds of issues do not really amount to much – think again. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently levied fines and restitution against a student loan servicer and a company providing financial aid advice for their violations that together affected more than 200,000 students. On July 22, the CFPB ordered Discover

Bank and its affiliates to return $16 million to more than 100,000 borrowers and an additional penalty of $2.5 million. Discover overstated the minimum amounts due on billing statements and denied consumers information they needed to obtain federal tax benefits. According to the CFPB, the company also engaged in illegal debt collection tactics. Maura Dundon, a CRL senior policy counsel, stated, “The servicing and debt collection practices detailed in the Discover consent order demonstrate the harms that borrowers can face in the student loan market. The CFPB is appropriately investigating loan servicers.” In response to the CFPB’s request for public statements on student loan servicing, CRL’s comments stated, “Origination is just the beginning of the lending process. Successful repayment depends in great part on the servicer, who controls every aspect of repayment, and serves as the gateway to any relief or assistance to which the borrower might be entitled.” A second enforcement action occurred July 23, just one day later. Student Financial Aid Services, Inc. purportedly helps students and their families navigate the financial aid process and get the most aid for which they qualify by assisting them in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA. Its violations occurred when the corporation billed annual subscription charges without consumers’ knowledge or consent. For consumer advocates, more work remains. As these actions show, student borrowers need to be vigilant when applying for student aid, choosing how much to borrow and repaying their debt. As CRL noted in its recent student loan servicing comments, “Without improvement, borrowers will not be able to access the relief to which they are entitled, and may face default or additional finance charges that they could have avoided. Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending.

Had I ever met Sandra Bland, I am sure I would have liked her. She is described as an advocate for justice who had embraced her purpose to fight racism. She is described as a sister who knew her rights. She was well educated, assertive, and a resource for her people. She was dragged out of her car for a traffic lane signal because police officer Brian Encinia chose to abuse his power and violate her rights. Because he could. Three days later, Sandra Bland was dead. The police call her death a suicide. Her family is disputing the autopsy. Brian Encinia is responsible for what happened, since there was no reason to arrest Sandra Bland and put her in jail. Sandra Bland was an “uppity” black woman who did not kowtow to Mr. Encinia. Perhaps he preferred a woman who said “yes, sir”, who humbly accepted her ticket. Certainly, while it was not against the law to take a smoke, he preferred that Sandra put her cigarette out. Why? Because he needed to order a woman around who asserted her rights. Because she knew what her rights were. Sandra Bland. The Prairie View A&M University graduate was stopped in Waller County, Texas for failing to signal at a lane change. She was ordered to put out her cigarette, and she refused to. She was told to get out of her car, and she had the nerve to assert her rights and to ask why. Mr. Encinia was clearly exceedingly and outrageously out of order. His voice escalated to unnecessary shouting as he ordered her out of her car. He physically grabbed her, threw her on the ground, and shoved his knee in her back so sharply that evidence of bruising was visible in her autopsy three days later. He arrested her with the false charge of assault because she did not acquiesce to his brutality. Sandra Bland’s You-Tube posts show her as a strong, assertive black woman who is keenly aware of racial disparities, and committed to social and economic justice. Former police officer Harry Houck, commenting on this case on CNN, has described her as “arrogant” because she would not put out her cigarette. Houck did not know Sandra Bland, so how did he surmise that she was arrogant? Isn’t that how some

whites describe black people when we fail to grovel in the face of their power? What did Mr. Encinia see when arresting Sandra Bland? Did he, like Houck, see a woman who was not intimidated, a woman who, though not rude, was not “humble”? Did she scowl when she was stopped? Probably. Was she unfriendly or ungracious? Possibly. Was she deferential? Not at all. But there is no law that says that someone who gets a ticket is supposed to be grateful. Most folks who get a ticket are annoyed, and have a bit of an attitude. She did not bow and scrape, or say “yes massa”, so now she is dead, and Encinia is at least partly responsible for her death. African American women are often stereotyped as angry Sapphires with chips on their shoulders and a penchant for confrontation. A black woman doesn’t have to raise her voice or swivel her neck to be considered angry. All she has to do is to express herself, or fail to smile. Perhaps the officer would have preferred a deferential and obedient Sandra Bland. It didn’t happen. So he retaliated. I know Sandra Bland, because she is every woman. She does not conform to the majority culture’s stereotype of what a woman should be. We, black women, rarely conform. As the late Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, President of the National Council of Negro Women, once said, “Black women don’t do what we want to do, we do what we have to do.” Forty-six percent of African American families are female-headed. We do the work. Black unemployment is higher than white unemployment, and black wages are lower. We do the work. We work harder for less pay than other women. In the words of Fannie Lou Hamer, we are “sick and tired of being sick and tired”. Sandra Bland accepted her calling to fight for justice. Her posts show a woman who would not yield to racism. She is not dead because she failed to signal when she changed lanes. She is dead because she knew her rights. Every woman who is an activist is Sandra Bland, the Christian, the organizer, the advocate for justice. She is dead because she dared talk back to a brutal officer. Sandra Bland is every assertive black woman. I am Sandra Bland.

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