Atlanta Braves pay tribute to Hank Aaron
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Volume 89 • Issue 24
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Ne-Yo to perform at the 2017 Honda Battle of the Bands P.
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Morehouse president to step down
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January 19-25, 2017
Eddie Long’s demons and demise
January 12-18, 2017
COVER STORY
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The black church, homosexuality and Eddie Long
By Ahmad Greene-Hayes On Sunday, Jan. 15, Bishop Eddie Long passed away. Long was the prominent Atlanta pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, which at its height, boasted a congregation of over 25,000. A man of many controversies, Long had been closely scrutinized by the United States Senate for potentially profiting off of his church’s tax-exempt status.
He also came under fire for his homoantagonistic sermons and his book, Deliver Me From Adam, in which he cloaks homophobia, misogyny and patriarchy in the lexicon of self-help. Long’s quest to cast out the spirit of homosexuality, however, did not stop there. Some have argued that he fathered and pastored a homophobic theological legacy at New Birth. In 2005, for example, he hosted his infamous “Sexual Orientation and Reorientation Conference” to convert LGBTQ Christians into heterosexuals. Just five years later, in 2010, Long was accused of sexually abusing four young men — Anthony Flagg, Spencer LeGrande, Jamal Parris and Maurice Robinson, who were teenagers at the time of their accusations. Like most predators, Long allegedly “groomed” these teenage boys into
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non-consensual sexual activity. As noted on child rape survivor Oprah Winfrey’s website, grooming includes targeting vulnerable victims, gaining the victim’s trust, filling a need or void, isolating the child, sexualizing the relationship and maintaining control. Long was said to have used his prosperity gospel-accrued wealth to lavish Flagg, LeGrande, Parris and Robinson with private planes, expensive jewelry and luxury hotel rooms. According to the lawsuits brought by the young men, he then exploited his identity as a pastor and spiritual leader to add God’s blessing on his sexually perverse behaviors. Yet Long’s members stood behind him. Although the New Birth Christian Academy closed down, the church doors remained open. Congregants heard these children’s horrifying allegations of sexual abuse and many remained faithful to Long, even as he preached messages condoning homophobia, the subjugation of women and rape culture. In fact, after news of the child sexual abuse allegations surfaced, Long used the Bible to victim-blame and deny all charges in a sermon to his megachurch followers: “I’ve been accused. I’m under attack. As I said earlier, I am not a perfect man. But this thing, I’m gonna fight. . . . I feel like David against Goliath. But I’ve got five rocks and I haven’t thrown one yet.” As a survivor of child sexual abuse and the son of Black churchgoing women and men, I am appalled by the ways that churches like New Birth create safe space for sexual violence. I am even more disturbed by the silence around rape and molestation, and the ways survivors are mocked and called liars. Meanwhile, abusers escape accountability, often keep their positions of power and manage to gain support as if they are the true victims. “To be called beloved is not only to shatter the silence, but to get rid of it altogether,” writes Emilie M. Townes in her essay “Washed in the Grace of God.” “We owe one another respect and the right to our dignity as people of God. If we deny justice,
we are telling those who go without that they are worthless […] Folk need to hear the church say in a clear and unequivocal voice that sexual and domestic violence are not acceptable behaviors but they are lethal values.” However, in a world where Bishop Eddie Long can be accused of being a child molester and garner the support of the majority of his congregation, it calls us to question the level to which some of our Black churches truly care about what happens to Black children. As blogger Son of Baldwin observes, “We love ovum and sperm. We love zygotes and embryos. We even love fetuses. But we do not — no, we absolutely do not — love children.” Let me be clear, it is not uncommon for child abusers in the church — sexual and otherwise — to be protected by the incessant valorization of the Black male preacher. Long represented much of what the church prizes: fame, fortune and prominence. To see him in any other light than as a “man of God” would mean compromising conservative, prosperity gospel theologies, many of which excuse the church from enacting justice. “God” is characterized as the supreme judge who determines the outcome of all individuals. Long’s followers left him to God for judgment, even as God, like most adults, is regularly a passive bystander when children are sexually abused.
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Long’s church continued with business as usual, shouting and dancing week after week to their pastor’s homophobic, sexist and classist interpretation of the gospel. All of which detracted from the severity of the survivors’ testimonies of sexual assault and sent the message that sexual violence within an intracommunal context is status quo and does not warrant the church’s collective action and strides toward justice. Long also used the Bible, one of the leading moral texts of the Western world, to excuse himself of communal accountability. This should not be overlooked. The same Bible that is used against women, LGBTQ individuals and other marginalized identities, was simultaneously used to shame survivors and privilege harm-doers, and the church must acknowledge, as the Rev. Dr. Renita Weems notes, how Biblical text even endorses rape. Alas, Bishop Eddie Long has passed away and he will soon be funeralized. However, Black church communities cannot bury his troubled past with him. The church — New Birth et al. — must reckon with the Goliath of child sexual abuse and rescue the true Davids, our children, from the perverse and death-dealing realities of molestation, incest and rape.
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NEWS
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January 19-25, 2017
Committee for a Better Atlanta readies for 2017 election cycle The Committee for a Better Atlanta has announced its leadership team and on-going plans to engage in the 2017 election cycle. The non-partisan coalition is focused on educating Atlanta mayoral and city council candidates on the issues of importance to the local business community. Another of the coalition’s goals is to inform city voters of candidate policy positions, specifically those issues critical to fostering a growing economy and livable community. The coalition, as it has in previous election years, is recruiting new members to add to its existing membership roster. At present,
the Advisory Board totals more than a dozen individual companies and business organizations. Civic leaders Steve Hennessy and Erica Qualls-Battey will co-chair the initiative through the end of 2017. “Ensuring that Atlanta’s business climate is conducive to economic expansion and job growth is vitally important to the city’s corporate and entrepreneurial communities,” said Steve Hennessy, Dealer Principal, Hennessy Automobile Companies. “We look forward to working with local candidates to inform and shape public policy from the get-go so that Atlanta continues to be a desirable city in which to work and live.” “Atlanta is a vibrant city which has experienced exponential growth of global business and leisure travelers,” said Erica Qualls-Battey, General Manager, Atlanta Marriott Marquis. “We want to ensure that our hometown remains an inviting destination for
visitors and future employees alike.” Over the course of the year, CBA will encourage candidates to engage in a formal evaluation process. Candidates will be asked to share their views and solutions on a myriad of issues ranging from economic development, to infrastructure, to affordable housing, and public safety as illustrated in the coalition’s business platform. An impartial process including a formal questionnaire, interview process and educational events will be used to engage the candidates. In addition, voters will be able to “ask the candidate” questions by submitting their queries through the CBA website. Information gleaned from the candidates through this extensive vetting process will be compiled into a digestible consumer report. The comparable data will be made available to voters for reference in advance of the November election.
New report highlights urgent need for comprehensive and LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination Gorgia’s current civil rights protections are among the weakest in the nation
Civil rights and religious leaders from across Georgia gathered at the Capitol today to release a new report detailing the growing need to update and strengthen Georgia’s existing non-discrimination protections. The report, Liberty and Justice in Georgia: Protecting Our Heritage and Growing Our Competitive Future, was commissioned by Georgia Unites Against Discrimination and includes an executive summary authored by former Bush and Reagan administration official Joe Whitley. The report details the legal need and economic imperative to ensure all Georgians are uniformly and explicitly protected from discrimination. “No one wants to spend another year debating hostile and discriminatory bills that will hurt our communities and tarnish our state. But we can and we should start talking about what we can do to make our communities and our state stronger,” said Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality. “We have a unique opportunity to begin a dialogue that can move our state forward and ensure everyone – whether they’re LGBT or people of faith, or LGBT people of faith – feels respected and protected in Georgia. Last year, we saw how lawmakers could damage our state’s brand. This year, we believe we have a roadmap for lawmakers that will ensure
they can instead strengthen our state’s image.” Speakers at today’s press event included Graham, Whitley, Georgia NAACP president Francys Johnson, and three faith leaders from Faith in Public Life -- Rev. Caroline Magee of St. Bede’s Episcopal; Rabbi Loren Lapidus, The Temple; and Rev. Gerald Durley, former pastor of Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Georgia currently has some of the weakest civil rights protections of any state in the nation. According to Liberty and Justice in Georgia, the Peach State: • Has no law that prevents local businesses from refusing service to patrons because of their religious beliefs • Has no law preventing landowners from refusing to rent or sell to someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity • Is one of only three states which does not prohibit private employer discrimination on the basis of factors including race or religion • Is one of only five states that allows racial and religious discrimination in businesses open to the public • Is one of only five states lacking legal public accommodations protections for residents
Over the years, voters have responded positively to the independent candidate assessment report. Sixteen of seventeen candidates who won seats in the 2013 city elections scored an “Excellent” or “Well Qualified” on the CBA rankings. CBA, first formed in 1996, is a non-partisan coalition with a mission to foster a healthy business environment through a shared civic and economic agenda. To date, CBA has participated in five City of Atlanta and two Fulton County Commission election cycles. CBA strives to educate both candidates and voters on select policy matters through a formal evaluation system inclusive of candidate forums, questionnaires and interviews. The information gathered through this process is shared with the business community and citizenry of Atlanta in order that voters can make informed decisions at the ballot box
John Lewis books sell out one day after Trump’s tweets
(AP) — Two of John Lewis’ books have sold out on Amazon after the Democratic congressman claimed the top spots on the retailer’s best-seller list. Sales of the civil rights leader’s graphic novel March and his 2015 memoir Walking with the Wind skyrocketed following his feud with president-elect Donald Trump over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. After Lewis questioned the legitimacy of Trump’s victory, Trump tweeted that the 16-term Georgia representative “should spend more time on fixing and helping his district.” Support for Lewis among Democrats sent sales of his most popular books soaring late Saturday and early Sunday. A collection of his March trilogy” ranked No. 1 on Amazon, and its individual volumes also charted high. Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement ranked number two.
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BUSINESS Rock Anderson Jr., one of the Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America
January 19-25, 2017
Cox Automotive, a global subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., has promoted Rock Anderson Jr. to executive vice president of people strategies. Based in Atlanta, Cox Automotive is a leading provider of digital marketing, software, financial, wholesale and e-commerce solutions across the automotive industry. Please see the attached press release for more information about Rock and his work at Cox Automotive.
Speaking with Rock might of particular interest to you in light of his work around attracting and nurturing top talent who want to work for an Atlanta-based global technology company and a leader in the automotive industry. Rock has been instrumental in developing and deploying forward-thinking policies that empower Cox Automotive’s entrepreneurial spirit and fit the distinct personalities of its various global brands. The policies and programs Rock has spearheaded continually increase the organization’s ability to compete in the global talent market. Rock is affiliated with numerous academic, professional and community organizations. He was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in
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Corporate America by Savoy in 2016. In addition, he was named one of the Atlanta Business League’s Men of Influence in 2013 and is a Leadership Atlanta alumnus. Rock served on the board of directors and chairman of the Strategic Implementation Committee for the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. He is chairman of the Benefits Committee and a member of the Finance Committee of the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, while serving his local St. Anthony Catholic Church as president of the Finance Committee. Rock is a member of the One Hundred Black Men of Atlanta, member of the Executive Leadership Council and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Dillard University.
Deal: Sysnet Global Solutions to create more than 500 jobs in DeKalb County Gov. Nathan Deal recently announced that Sysnet Global Solutions, a leading provider of cybersecurity and compliance solutions to the payments industry, will create more than 500 jobs and invest $2 million in a DeKalb County contact center. “Georgia has become an established hub for the financial technology industry and I am confident that Sysnet Global Solutions will find the resources necessary to thrive here,” said Deal. “This announcement comes on the heels of a successful economic development mission to Ireland where we had the opportunity to reinforce existing business relationships, meet with companies considering expansion into the state and promote Georgia as an investment and tourism destination. By choosing Georgia for this call center, Sysnet will tap in to our world-class infrastructure network and generate new jobs for DeKalb County. Once again, a global leader has chosen to come to Georgia to be a part of our success.” Based in Dublin, Ireland, Sysnet Global Solutions provides cybersecurity and compliance solutions that help businesses improve security and help acquiring organizations reduce risk. “The opening of our Atlanta based, Customer Contact Centre will further enhance our relationship with both our current and prospective clients in this region,” said Sysnet CEO Gabriel Moynagh. “North America has always been a critical market for us and we have a number of exciting new initiatives that will commence in 2017.” Services provided from the DeKalb County customer contact center will include helping merchants secure their businesses and maintain compliance
with standards such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. The center will operate 24 hours a day and provide multilingual support. “We are extremely proud of the extraordinary service and support we provide to businesses globally, and as such, our people are vital to our very existence,” said Sysnet Chief People Officer Patrick Condren. “Atlanta provides us with a wealth of similar minded people who are committed to delivering outstanding customer service every time.” “Metro Atlanta and Georgia are major players in the growth of the cyber security industry with companies in our region accounting for more than 25% of the global security revenue market share,” said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “The location of Sysnet Global Solutions in our region is further evidence that our combined focus on leading edge technology and global commerce are driving metro Atlanta’s reputation as a
global competitor.” “DeKalb County is proud to welcome Sysnet Global Solutions as they expand their global footprint with the opening of a new office in Brookhaven,” said Ray Gilley, president of Decide DeKalb. “Since 1989, Sysnet Global Solutions has built a stellar reputation for providing the highest level of customer service to its 1.2 million merchant customers, located in 57 international markets, while creating quality careers in the ever-growing cyber security industry.” “‘Céad Mile Fáilte’ to Sysnet Global Solutions,” said City of Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst. “This is exciting news. 500 plus jobs is always a great sign of a vibrant economy, and we look forward to the positive impacts this move to our great city will bring. Brookhaven ‘go Bragh!’” The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Project Manager Nikki Yu represented the Global Commerce division in partnership with Georgia Power, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Cushman & Wakefield, Georgia Quick Start and the Georgia Department of Labor. “Georgia is truly an international state, and we take great pride in our international relationships. We are thrilled to see an announcement like this which not only solidifies our longstanding relationship with Ireland, but supports the efforts of our friends at the Consulate General of Ireland here in Atlanta,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “By choosing Georgia - Sysnet Global Solutions will be in the epicenter of the FinTech industry in North America, providing direct access to new and existing customers.” Facebook.com/ADWnews Follow us @ADWnews
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COMMUNITY
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January 19-25, 2017
Our First Stand: A Day of Trump Resistance By Andy Phelan On Sunday, January 15 from 2-4 p.m., Rep Hank Johnson (GA-04), along with Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry, is hosting a Fourth District Day of Resistance at the Clarkston Community Center, 3701 College Ave, Clarkston, GA 30021, to fight against the incoming Trump Administration and the GOP Congressional agenda. Joined by faith leaders, environmentalists, seniors, students and immigration reform supporters among others, Johnson and Terry will gather to support Bernie Sanders’ nationwide call to oppose the Republican budget, which calls for throwing 30 million people off of health care, taking their insurance away, privatizing Medicare, making massive cuts in Medicaid, and at the same time giving tax breaks to the wealthy. Expected attendees include Congressman Hank Johnson
(GA-04), Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry, State Sen. Vincent Fort (keynote speaker); Appearances by Georgia Political Director for the Bernie Sanders’ campaign Daniel Blackman; Planned Parenthood’s Staci Cox; Georgians for a Healthy Future Laura Colbert; State Rep. Karla Drenner; GALEO Executive Director Jerry Gonzalez; Georgia NAACP President Francys Johnson; President Atlanta North Labor Union Dewey McClain; 6th District Congressional Candidate Jon Ossoff; Nationally Syndicated Radio Personality Rashad Richey of V-103 & WAOK; DeKalb CEO Mike Thurmond; President of the Georgia Federation of Teachers Verdallia Turner; Imam SH Salam Wazir; members of the AARP, ACLU; GALEO; NAACP; Sierra Club and more. Security will be provided. Attendees are asked not to bring backpacks or book bags to the event or they will be subject to search by security. Johnson is asking attendees to sign up for the event via his Facebook event page: https:// www.facebook.com/events/179280729216154/
Atlanta Braves pay tribute to Hank Aaron at SunTrust Park
Team honors the home run king with statue, terrace and more throughout ballpark
With the opening of SunTrust Park, the Atlanta Braves will unveil several tributes throughout the ballpark to team icon and baseball legend Hank Aaron. The displays will pay homage to the many facets of Aaron’s storied career, and include a bronze statue, baseball bat sculpture and a terrace featuring his 715th home run bat and ball. “Hank Aaron is one of the preeminent figures of all time not only in sport, but in history, and this organization is constantly humbled by the opportunity to call him one of our own,” said Braves Chairman and CEO Terry McGuirk. “In constructing SunTrust Park, it was a priority from the beginning to incorporate Hank’s legacy in a way that not only allowed fans to celebrate their idol, but also did justice to his unparalleled accomplishments.” At the heart of these tributes will be a new statue of Aaron created by world-renowned artist and Atlanta-based Ross Rossin. Fittingly, the statue will show the moment of impact between bat and ball on Aaron’s record-breaking 715th home run. The statue will be the third work of art Rossin has created with Aaron as the subject, having previously completed a portrait of him which is in the Permanent Collection
of The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, Washington DC and another portrait that was commissioned by the Hank Aaron Foundation and is intended to go to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Copperstown, NY. Adjacent to the statue will live a sculpture featuring 755 baseball bats, with each bat signifying the home run date and location, in honor of Aaron’s career home runs. The Hank Aaron Terrace, open to the public and located on the upper left field level, will be home to the bat and ball Aaron used for his 715th home run. In addition, the terrace will be decorated with 715 bat knobs, each inscribed with the date, homer count and opponent recognizing all 715 of the home run king’s tallies. The terrace will be complete with an inside bar and outdoor seating, giving fans the chance to watch the action on the field in the company of these historic items. Lastly, fans will never be far from a tribute to Aaron, as each end seat filigree on every row throughout SunTrust Park will display his infamous swing silhouette. For more information on SunTrust Park, visit www.Braves.com/suntrustpark.
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ENTERTAINMENT Kenny Leon and True Colors Theatre Recording artist Ne-Yo to perform at Company presents ‘Exit Strategy’ the 2017 Honda Battle of the Bands
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January 19-25, 2017
Artistic Director Kenny Leon and True Colors Theatre Company presents the Southeastern premiere of Exit Strategy written by Ike Holter and directed by John Dillon, running February 21 – March 19, 2017 at Fulton County’s Southwest Arts Center’s Performance Theater. Exit Strategy is a hilarious comedy with an honest view point, centering on a Chicago public high school that is slated for closure at the end of the year. The impending shutdown causes tensions in the school’s already volcanic neighborhood to rise to the breaking point. As a small group of teachers launch a last-minute battle to save the school, they put their careers, future, and safety in the hands of a fast-talking administrator who comes on strong; but might actually have no clue what he’s doing. With our education system at the forefront of discussions in our community, Exit Strategy is timely, relevant, and relatable. More than a play about a failing school, Holter has written a play about people, about community, about what matters to them, and the lengths they are willing to go to when they believe in something deeply. Starring Tracey Bonner (Sadie), Diany Rodriguez (Jania),
Ralph Del Rosario (Luce), Laurie Roach (Donnie), Matthew Busch (Ricky), and Bill Murphey (Arnold). “Exit Strategy is at once poetic, political, sad, funny, timely, complex and compassionate, Ike Holter’s thrilling, beautiful new play…” Chicago Tribune Exit Strategy will be in preview performances February 21 - 23, 2017 at 8 PM. Opening night is Feb. 24, and the show is running through March 19. Performances during the run are Wednesday – Saturday @ 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday @ 2:30 p.m.. All performances will be presented at Fulton County’s Southwest Arts Center’s Performance Theater at 915 New Hope Rd. Preview Performances: Feb. 21, Feb. 22, Feb. 23 Opening Night: Feb. 24, 2017 Closing Performance: March 19 Show times: Wednesday to Saturday at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m., and an additional 11 a.m. performance on Wednesday, March 1. Ticket Prices: $15 - $60 Contains Adult Language. Tickets and Season Subscriptions are available by contacting Ticket Alternative at 1.877.725.8849 or www.ticketalternative.com or through the True Colors website at www. truecolorstheatre.org Group Sales are available by contacting True Colors’ Group Sales department at 404.523.1901 ext. 201.
Grammy-award winning singer and songwriter NE-YO will rock the stage at the Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) Invitational Showcase on January 28, 2017 in Atlanta, in celebration of the program’s 15th anniversary. NE-YO will join eight of the nation’s top marching bands from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as they take the field at the Georgia Dome to perform one last time before the historic Atlanta stadium closes. “I can’t wait to perform along with these talented student musicians,” said NE-YO. “It’s a privilege to be a part of this celebration of the HBCU community and culture, and I look forward to giving the fans a great show.” “NE-YO is a great addition to the HBOB lineup,” said Alexandra Warnier, Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility for Honda. “We’re excited to welcome him to the HBOB stage and know the audience will be thrilled by NE-YO’s special performance.” The 2017 HBOB lineup features Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Alcorn State University, Benedict College, Bethune-Cookman University, North Carolina A&T State University, Texas Southern University and Winston-Salem State University. The Final 8 bands were
selected through a process that included online fan voting, as well as feedback from band directors, HBCU school presidents and Honda representatives. Each of the eight HBCUs will receive a $20,000 grant from Honda in support of their music education programs. Fans can follow each band’s journey on the official Honda Battle of the Bands social media channels and join the conversation using #HBOB.
Daye Jack announces tour with K.Flay and Paper Route Born in Nigeria, raised in the burbs of Atlanta, inspired by his old man and Steve Jobs to program computers, and downright deadly on the microphone, rapper, singer, and artist Daye Jack really made the most of his first 20 years. “I just want to do me and see what happens,” he affirms. It’s worked out so far… After relocating from Nigeria to Atlanta at the age of six, he split his time between playing soccer, slinging computer code, singing in choir, and listening to the likes of Eminem, OutKast, and 50 Cent. Achieving a Computer Science scholarship to NYU (“I want to be the black Steve Jobs,” he grins), Daye traded the Big Peach for the Big Apple. During his freshmen year, he found inspiration in both the creative enclave of his classmates and the burgeoning movement of artists such as Chance the Rapper, Joey Bada$$, and Mac Miller. In 2014, he cooked up his breakout mixtape Hello World during a winter break and uploaded it to the internet. Off the strength of the project, he signed his publishing to GRAMMY® Award-winning super producer Max Martin
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[Maroon 5, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake] and inked a deal with Warner Bros. Records— personally scouted by the legendary Mike Elizondo [Dr. Dre, Eminem]. Releasing 2015’s Soul Glitch EP, he drummed up kudos and looks from Billboard, Pigeons & Planes, Pitchfork, XXL, and Complex who touted him among “25 New Rappers to Watch Out For.” Simultaneously, he collaborated with everyone from Killer Mike (“Hands Up”) to Tori Kelly (“Expensive”) and Ariana Grande (“Sometimes”) and joined packed tours alongside headliners as diverse as Lukas Graham and Pell. Along the way, Daye worked on his next evolution, 2016’s Surf The Web EP in Los Angeles. “For me, Soul Glitch was New York,” he explains. “It’s gritty, rough, electronic, and always moving. Surf The Web is L.A. You’re getting the job done, but you’re doing it in a chill way—remaining clear and concise. The sonics were really inspired by early aughts classics like Justified and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. I got really clear-headed in Los Angeles, and I wanted to make music you could listen to forever.” Case in point is the first single “Raw.” Over snappy percussion and a synth twinge produced by Elizondo, he spits with grit and gusto before an infectious declaration on the chorus. “We wanted to make something hardcore, straightforward, and rap,” he goes on. “That’s how we got ‘Raw.’ Lyrically, it’s about doing you,
being yourself, and going hard at it.” The robotic harmonies and eighties keyboard swell of “Surf The Web” push his powerhouse voice to coast along a digital wave. Meanwhile, the EP closer “Deep End” struts through a simmering sonic backdrop with deft lyricism and soulful singing. “There’s a reason the EP concludes on ‘Deep End,’” he says. “The song is about going down that rabbit hole of the internet. You click on one headline, and then you click on another. You watch one YouTube video, and then you watch more. By the time a few hours have passed, you realize how messed up the world can be.” To bring these songs on the road, Daye has developed an innovative live show. Accompanied by Siri as his “HypeWoman,” he utilizes a pad controller to personally DJ and trigger tracks, while rapping. “I want to do something people haven’t seen yet,” he declares. That’s a common thread for him, and it carries through his forthcoming full-length debut No Data as well. “Being Daye” is going to make a lasting impact. “If you take one thing away from my music, it’s that you should be yourself and do you at all points,” he leaves off. “If I make it, I’d love to inspire some kid to be like, ‘Damn, if I do me, I can be successful.’” Today, Daye is excited to announce a tour of the States with K.Flay and Paper Route, kicking off this February.
ENTERTAINMENT The March on Washington announces celebrity lineup, Sister Marches and more
January 19-25, 2017
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By Aleena Gardezi America Ferrera, Patricia Arquette, Cher, Chelsea Handler, Scarlett Johansson, Padma Lakshmi, Debra Messing, Julianne Moore, Katy Perry, Amy Schumer, Olivia Wilde, Constance Wu, and Zendaya, are just a few of many celebrities that have joined the March on Washington’s Artist Table, according to a press release. The march will take place in Washington D.C. on January 21st, 2017, with more than 100,000 people expected to be in attendance. “Since the election, so many fear that their voices will go unheard,” said Artist Table Chair Ferrera. “As artists, women, and most importantly dedicated Americans, it is critical that we stand together in solidarity for the protection, dignity and rights of our communities.” “Immigrant rights, worker rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQIA rights, racial justice and environmental rights are not special interests, they affect us all and should be every American’s concern,” Ferrera added. Held on the first day of the new presidential administration, the Women’s March on Washington aims to send a message to all levels of government and the incoming administration: that we stand together in solidarity and expect elected leaders to act to protect the rights of women, their families and their communities. ‘It is my duty as an American citizen to exercise my rights, make my voice heard and stand up for what I believe in,” said actress Scarlett Johansson, in the release. “The new administration may be very vague about specifics, but one thing has been made very clear; their intentions of reducing the availability of Women’s Healthcare and attacking her reproductive rights. “I am marching on Washington to let our next president
know that we, men and women alike, will not stand down or be silenced and will fight to protect our bodies and our choices,” Johansson added. The Women’s March on Washington has also inspired nearly 300 other ‘sister marches’ to take place on Jan. 21. All 50 states and Puerto Rico are confirmed to have at least one grassroots-led march on that day, as well as 55 global cities on six continents, from Tokyo to Sydney, Kenya to Paris to
The 32nd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominees announced Erica Campbell and Anthony Carr to Co-Host Annual Salute to Gospel Music Premiering on TV One Sunday, April 9 at 7 p.m. Central City Productions announced today the nominees in 26 categories for the 2017 Stellar Awards. Hailed as an “epic night in gospel music,” this year’s Stellar Awards will return to the Las Vegas Orleans Arena on Saturday, March 25, 2017. The telecast will premiere on TV One Sunday, April 9 at 7 p.m. ET with encores at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET. In addition, the Stellar Awards will air in national broadcast syndication on 170 stations in over 150 markets around the country from April 14 - May 7, 2017. Praise and worship breakthrough artist Travis Greene, and chart-topping soloist, Tamela Mann lead the nominations with nine each. Greene is having an amazing year, in the running for both Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year, for his work on The Hill (RCA Inspiration). This inspirational psalmist is also nominated for CD of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year, and Praise and Worship CD of the Year. Gospel superstar Tamela Mann joins Greene on the Stellar Awards nominee leader board, nominated this year for Artist of the Year, Albertina Wa l k e r Female Vocalist of the
Year and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year, and she is also competing for CD of the Year, Producer of the Year, Song of the Year, and Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year. With seven and six nominations respectively, veterans Hezekiah Walker and Kirk Franklin demonstrate their staying power in gospel music, recognized for Male Vocalist of the Year, Choir of the Year, Contemporary Choir of the Year and Contemporary Male of the Year for their projects Azusa The Next Generation 2: Better (Walker/EOne Music) and Losing My Religion (Franklin/RCA Records). Franklin also receives a nod for Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, CD of the Year, Producer of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year. Jekalyn Carr, nominated for Artist of the Year, and Todd Dulaney are in contention for Male Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year. Other artists earning multiple nominations include newcomers, Bri (Brianna Babineaux), Livre’, Enon Tabernacle and living legend Shirley Caesar. For more information visit www.thestellarawards.com and to view the complete list of nominees click here. Multiple Stellar Awards and Grammy Award-winning solo artist, nationally-syndicated radio host and television personality Erica Campbell joins multiple Stellar Award winner, songwriter and arranger Anthony Brown to co-host the 32nd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “Our 2017 nominees represent the strongest group of Gospel artists and songs in our 32-year history of the Stellar Awards. This year’s large number of artists who are first-time nominees is a positive testament to the new and upcoming artists in Gospel Music, as well as, a reflection of the tremendous growth of the Gospel Music Genre.” Mr. Jackson further stated, “The announcement of the 2017 nominees corresponds with the launch of www.stellartv.com, the first phase of the Stellar TV Cable Television Network, which will be officially introduced during the taping at the 32nd Annual Stellar Awards on March 25, 2017.”
Bogotá. Each march will have its own program, from music and speeches to a rally at a suffragist’s grave in upstate New York, to a verbal “human mosaic” of people in Napa Valley sharing their vision for the future. In Maui, the march will begin with a moment of silence followed by a Hawaiian blessing. In Birmingham, Ala., marchers will gather at the 16th Baptist Church, an iconic civil rights site. In Berlin, the march, to be held Jan. 20, will end at the Brandenburg Gate. The cities with the largest number of march registrants so far include Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Portland, Boston, Denver, San Francisco, New York, Austin and Minneapolis/ St. Paul. But even marches in small and non-coastal cities are gaining momentum as well, in places such as Topeka, Nashville, Des Moines, Oklahoma City, Columbus, and Phoenix. “We’re excited that women across the nation and the world are organizing to stand together in solidarity. Our unity will send a strong and clear message that women and our allies will protect our rights, our health, our safety and our communities,” said Bob Bland, a co-chair of Women’s March on Washington, in a press release. “These sister marches show a powerful and inclusive movement, which is just as crucial as the thousands who will travel to D.C.” For a complete list of the marches, or to find the march nearest you, visit the Women’s March on Washington’s sister march international directory or womensmarch.com. DIVERGE also asked a few attendees why they were marching. Theresa Trebon explained to DIVERGE why she is flying from cross country from Washington state to march: “Because this miscreant should never have been elected and I want him to know that I’ll be fighting his agenda of greed, narcissism, and hatred every step of the way.”
Taraji P. Henson to star as hit woman in action-thriller ‘Proud Mary’ By Danielle Jennings Taraji P. Henson is riding on a wave of success and it just continues to get better. After her scene-stealing turn on the FOX hit series Empire, now in its third season, winning a Golden Globe last year for her role as Cookie Lyon on the show and starring in the current number one film in the country Hidden Figures, she has a lot to be happy about these days. The latest bit of news surrounding Henson involves a role that takes her out of her comfort zone and turns her
into an official badass. As first reported by Variety, Taraji P. Henson has been announced as the star of the in-development film Proud Mary. The action-thriller sees Henson taking on the role of a no-holdsbarred hit woman, which is a noticeable departure from any of her previous roles in film and television. The general synopsis of Proud Mary is described as “a hit woman whose life is upturned when she meets a young boy who awakens the maternal instinct she never knew she had.” The film is still in the stages of securing a director, but Screen Gems (the studio behind the film) is hopeful that production will start sometime in April. In the meantime, it was recently announced at the TCA panel that Taraji’s show Empire was just renewed for a fourth season by FOX. The second half of Empire season 3 will return to FOX on Wednesday, March, 22 at 9pm EST.
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January 19-25, 2017
LIFESTYLE
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Sapodilla Skincare: Paying it forward Victim’s lawyer: ‘Something good “Using childhood tragedy as the catalyst for change one product at a time”
came of something bad’
On January 13, 2017, the City of Philadelphia will pay $4.4 million and implement new police training protocols as part of a negotiated settlement with attorneys for a college student who was shot and grievously wounded when plainclothes officers shot him multiple times following a take-out food delivery in West Philadelphia, it was announced today. The payment was the largest-ever civil rights settlement and the largest involving a police shooting in the city as well as the sixth highest nationally and the most ever in a non-fatal police shooting. But importantly, it included measures to help ensure that such a terrible incident would not occur again in Philadelphia. The agreement called for the police department to establish updated rules on plainclothes officer attire, proper placement and display of patrol badges, and permitted and prohibited activities and interactions with the public, including how and when to identify themselves as police officers. Also, the city will produce a training video that all new plainclothes officers will be required to watch before new assignments and as part of
By Alisha Dixon Since her childhood, Tessa Alexander, a single mother and native of Grenada, has had a love for making natural products. She initially made them for herself and her family. It wasn’t long before friends took notice and encouraged her to sell her products. Officially launched in 2015, Sapodilla Skincare was created by Alexander as a way to give back. “I started Sapodilla because I wanted a way to give back to the orphanage I was raised in. The name of the orphanage is Sapodilla Home. I figured I would make these products and every time I sold something, I would give back to orphanages, women’s homes and shelters,” Alexander said. Sapodilla Skincare offers natural skin and hair products made from natural ingredients with its line of over 24 handmade natural products. Sapodilla offers everything from body oils and body butters to body scrubs and men’s beard butters. Alexander’s favorite product, she said, is the brands first and number one selling product, the Coco Chai Body Butter. “People just love it! They keep coming back for it!” Alexander credits a turbulent childhood for the inspiration for her desire to help others. “I was taken away from my parents because they were negligent So, I was put into an orphanage when I was four,” Alexander said. “I think that my childhood has shaped everything, because my goal has always been to give back and that keeps me humble because of the upbringing I had. I put being a mother first and foremost because that is what I didn’t have.”
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While growing up at Sapodilla Home, one thing that remained consistent for Alexander was her morning routine which consisted of using natural products to clean and moisturize her skin. This routine is the reason she chose to start a skincare line as a way to raise funds for her philanthropic efforts. “For me, growing up in the islands, a big part of our day and regimen was to make sure our skin looked nice after we showered. That’s how you start your day. You take a shower and make sure your body looked nice and clean ... you did that if you did nothing else, you had that. We call it greasing the skin,” the Sapodilla Skincare founder said. Expanding her business, she believes is an important step to helping others and she hopes to see Sapodilla Skincare sold in big box retail stores in order to promote the brands’ message of charity on a national and eventually international scale. “In the next five years, I see Sapodilla growing and allowing me to give back by being in stores like Target and Whole Foods. Being able to appeal to large companies who want to sell natural products is important. Target, especially, because the have a program for women-owned and minority-owned businesses. Overall, I just want to make enough to help,” she said. “I want people to know that no matter where you come from or how small you are, we all have something that we are supposed to do in this world and remembering that struggle and a bad past don’t have to determine your future. It’s okay to trust your journey and be comfortable with things that happen because that is going to take you where you’re going to end up.”
roll call. The new training protocol must be implemented by July 1. Kline told the news media: “This settlement will not only compensate an innocent citizen who suffered devastating injuries but also served as a catalyst for significant reforms in the way our communities are policed by plainclothes officers.” He added, “The new protocol for training plainclothes police officers, which was an integral part of this settlement, will result in a safer Philadelphia not only for its citizens but also for police officers.”
Survey reveals US’ top five nuisance calls of 2016 Almost nine out of ten people (89%) in America receive nuisance calls each month according to a recent survey which has also revealed the top five nuisance calls received in the US last year. The YouGov survey commissioned by CPR Call Blocker, makers of the best selling call blocking device in the US, also revealed that 13 per cent of US adults have been a victim of a telephone scam. Of those who have been scammed, almost half (48 per cent) said they had lost between $100 and $10,000 as a result with four per cent having lost more than $10,000. As we enter 2017, the survey also revealed the top five nuisance calls received by US adults last year are: 1. Robocalls/automated messages (66 per cent) 2. Credit card/loan arrangers (28 per cent) 3. Charitable causes (23 per cent) 4. Telephone/long distance call providers (11 per cent) 5. Lottery/sweepstake providers (10 per cent) While not all calls are scams, the shocking statistics show that organizations making these unwanted calls are ignoring consumers’ requests to be removed from call lists as 60 per cent claim to receive
repeated calls from the same organization despite telling them to stop calling. Almost a third (32 per cent) of Americans are receiving 20 or more unwanted calls a month, with almost a fifth (18 per cent) receiving 30 or more calls. Kris Kicks of CPR Call Blocker said: “With nine out of ten people saying they receive unwanted calls each month, scam and nuisance calls continue to be a major problem for people in the US and its often the most vulnerable people in society who are falling victim to telephone scams. “It is concerning to see the rise in robocalls which makes a shocking first appearance at number one this year – probably down to the hard-fought presidential campaign.” CPR Call Blocker commissions the research annually to highlight the scale of unwanted calls across the US. Its range of call blockers offer an immediate solution to the problem. The device is plugged into home phones and allows consumers to cut off unwanted calls as they come in and permanently block them from calling again. Their latest model, CPR Call Blocker Shield, is already preprogrammed to block 2,000 known nuisance callers and gives consumers the option to add a further 1,500. CPR Call Blocker is available from www. callblockerusa.com or www.amazon.com
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EDUCATION
January 19-25, 2017
Senators Isakson, Perdue announce two Georgia students selected for U.S. Senate Youth Program Students will visit Washington, D.C., receive $10,000 scholarships U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and David Perdue (R-GA) today announced that two Georgia high school students have been selected as delegates to the 55th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) that will be held March 1 through 11, 2017, in Washington, D.C. Jacob Timothy Cone, of Thomasville, and Alvin M. Winston, II, of Atlanta, were chosen in a very competitive selection process to be part of the group of 104 student delegates who will attend the program’s “Washington Week.” While in Washington, the student delegates will attend meetings and briefings with senators, U.S. House representatives, congressional staff, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, an ambassador to the United States and senior members of the national media. The students will also tour many of the national monuments and several museums. “I congratulate Jacob Cone and Alvin Winston on this great accomplishment,” said Senator Isakson. “Each has an impressive record of commitment to service and to their studies,
and I applaud them. These students will learn a great deal during their visit to Washington.” “Students selected to join the United States Senate Youth Program are strong leaders in their communities and classrooms,” said Senator Perdue. “Congratulations to Jacob Cone and Alvin Winston on receiving this honor, and to Julia Powell and Hannah Payne for being chosen as alternates. I look forward to hearing about these young leaders’ bright futures.” Jacob Cone attends Thomasville High Scholars Academy in Thomasville and serves as the school council president. Jacob has attended the state of Georgia’s Center for Civic Engagement’s Youth Assembly Conference each of his years in high school, and is a member of Georgia’s Superintendent Student Advisory Council. He is an Eagle Scout and has been the huddle leader of his high school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes since 2013. Jacob plans to pursue an undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs. He hopes to attend law school and pursue his interest in lobbying for
Morehouse president to step down
veterans’ affairs and agriculture and eventually to represent south Georgia in the political arena. Alvin Winston attends Charles R. Drew Charter School in Atlanta and serves as vice president of the student body. As a member of his charter school’s first graduating class, Alvin served as student body president as a sophomore and junior, and he was the freshman class president. He was appointed as chairman for 21st Century Leader’s Youth Ambassadors, and has attended the Governor’s Honors Program as a social studies major, studied Constitutional law at the Duke University Talent Identification Program, and Global Health through Harvard’s pre-college program. Alvin plans to dual major in political science and African-American Studies and minor in Spanish. In law school, Alvin would like to specialize in immigration law and eventually hopes to become a Supreme Court justice. Chosen as alternates to the 2017 program were Julia Powell of Augusta, who attends Liberty Independent Private School, and Hannah Payne of Rome, who attends Unity Christian School.
The chief educational officer in each state selects the delegates after nomination by teachers and principals. This year’s Georgia delegates were designated by Richard Woods, Georgia’s state superintendent of schools. Each year this extremely competitive merit-based program brings 104 of the most outstanding high school students — two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity — to Washington, D.C. for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more in-depth knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. In addition to the program week, The Hearst Foundations provide each student with a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs. Transportation and other expenses for Washington Week are also provided by The Hearst Foundations; no government funds are utilized.
MY TIME. THEIR FUTURE. An hour of your time can help make college possible.
By Roz Edward The board of trustees at Morehouse College will not renew its contract with President John S. Wilson when it expires in June of this year. Sources report that the much-lauded Wilson has been at odds with members of the prestigious institution’s board of trustees over reductions in health professions programming, diminished transparency and raising revenues “on the backs of parents and students.” Morehouse’s board of trustees met on Friday, Jan. 14 to vote on Wilson’s contract
renewal, but denied its three student members involvement in the voting process and barred them from the closed-door meeting. Student trustees frustrated with the board’s decision to exclude them from the vote a well as Wilson’s policies threatened to sue the college. Wilson’s tenure showed promise when President Barack Obama made the commencement speech in 2013. In the college’s statement, trustee leaders credited Wilson for improving student achievement, particularly in science, technology, engineering, math and the arts. Despite protests, the board did not offer specific reasons for the decision.
Parents of APS seniors: There may be FREE MONEY FOR COLLEGE available for you!
Achieve Atlanta will give you 1-on-1 help with the FAFSA so you can claim your share.
Attend a free FAFSA event this month. Tuesdays, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
January 17 – Maynard Jackson High School January 31 – Douglass High School
To register, visit www.achieveatlanta.org/events Questions? Email us at info@achieveatlanta.org or call (404) 880-3500
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ANNOUNCEMENT C. W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc will be accepting quotations from subcontractors, including City of Atlanta MBE/FBE certified subcontractors, for City of Atlanta Invitation To Bid FC-9456, Milling and Paving Resurfacing Projects – Group 1. This project is bidding on February 3, 2017 @ 2:00 P.M. Items of work include: Hauling, Joint Sealing, Milling, Rumble Strips, Concrete Flatwork, Drainage Structure, Adjust Valve To Grade, Traffic Signals, Signs, Sodding and Pavement Marking. Subcontractor quotations (including all Required City of Atlanta Forms) will be accepted by C. W. Matthews’ Estimating Department in person, by e-mail: mikek@cwmatthews.com or Fax: #770422-9361 until 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, February 1, 2017. All bidding documentation will be available at the C. W. Matthews Contracting website (www.cwmatthews.com) as well as the City of Atlanta website (http://procurement.atlantaga.gov/fc-9456-millingand-paving-resurfacing-projects-group-1/) If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact Mike Kleuckling at (770) 4227520 X1254. You must register a User ID and Password to access the CWM website. For additional website information, contact C. W. Matthews’ Estimating Department at 770-422-7520.
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GUEST COMMENTARY by Rep. John Lewis
Rep. John Lewis Senate testimony in Sen. Sessions Confirmation Hearing Chairman Grassley, Senator Leahy and members of the Committee, thank you for inviting me to testify today. Millions of Americans are encouraged by our country’s efforts to create a more inclusive democracy during the last 50 years, or what some of us call the Beloved Community, a community at peace with itself. They are not a minority. A clear majority of Americans say they want this to be a fair, just, and open nation. They are afraid this country is headed in the wrong direction. They are concerned that some leaders reject decades of progress and want to return to the dark past, when the power of law was used to deny the freedoms protected by the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and its Amendments. These are the voices I represent today. We can pretend that the law is blind. We can pretend that it is even-handed. But if we are honest with ourselves, we know that we are called upon daily by the people we represent to help them deal with unfairness in how the law is written and enforced. Those who are committed to equal justice in our society wonder whether Sen. Sessions’ call for “law and order” will mean today what it meant in Alabama, when I was coming up back then. The rule of law was used to violate the human and civil rights of the poor, the dispossessed, people of color. I was born in rural Alabama -- not very far from where Senator Sessions was raised. There was no way to escape or deny the choke hold of discrimination and racial hate that surrounded us. I saw the sings that said White Waiting, Colored Waiting. I saw the signs that said White Men, Colored Men, White Women, Colored Women. I tasted the bitter fruits of segregation and racial discrimination. Segregation was the law of the land that ordered our society in the Deep South. Any black person who did not cross the street when a white person walked down the same sidewalk, who did not move to the back of the bus, who drank from a white water fountain, who looked a white person directly in their eyes could be arrested and taken to jail. The forces of law and order in Alabama were so strong that to take a stand against this injustice, we had to be willing to sacrifice our lives for our cause. Often, the only way we could demonstrate that a law on the books violated a higher law, was by challenging that law, by putting our bodies on the line, and showing the world the unholy price we had to pay for dignity and respect. It took massive, well-organized, non-violent dissent for the Voting Rights Act to become law. It required criticism of this great nation and its laws to move toward a greater sense of equality in America. We had to sit in. We had to stand in. We had to march. And that’s why more than 50 years ago, a group of unarmed citizens, black and white, gathered on March 7, 1965, in an orderly peaceful non-violent fashion to walk from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama to dramatize to the nation and to the world that
we wanted to register to vote, wanted to become participants in the democratic process. We were beaten, tear-gassed, left bloody, some of us unconscious. Some of us had concussions. Some of us almost died on that bridge. But the Congress responded, President Lyndon Johnson responded, and the Congress passed the Voting Rights Act, and it was signed into law on August 6, 1965. We have come a distance. We have made progress, but we are not there yet. There are forces that want to take us back to another place. We don’t want to go back. We want to go forward. As the late A. Phillip Randolph, who was the dean of the March on Washington in 1963 often said, “ our foremothers and forefathers all came to this land in distant ships, but we’re all in the same boat now.” It doesn’t matter whether Sen. Sessions may smile or how friendly he may be, whether he may speak to you. We need someone who will stand up and speak up and speak out for the people who need help, for people who are being discriminated against. And it doesn’t matter whether they are black or white, Latino, Asian or Native American, whether they are straight or gay, Muslim, Christian or Jews We all live in the same house, the American house. We need someone as attorney general who is going to look for all of us, not just some of us. I ran out of time. Thank for giving me a chance to testify. (Below is the rest of Rep. Lewis’s statement as written. Longer remarks were also submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee record and can be requested) I want to make it crystal clear for the record -- we have made a lot of progress, but we are not there yet. Some people argue that the 48 years of a fully-operational Voting Rights Act simply erased hundreds of years of hate and violence. This is not ancient history; the scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in our society. This is proven by the thousands of pages of evidence submitted to Congress which verify continued voting rights discrimination across our nation and in the Deep South. Representing Alabama on this Committee, Senator Sessions had an opportunity to lead. Instead, the Senator turned a blind eye to the persistent and consistent efforts to make it harder and more difficult for minorities, the poor, the elderly, and others to exercise the right to vote. I spent most of my life living and working in the South. For many years, I worked hard and long to protect the Voting Rights Act. Not once have I heard the Senator recognize the presentday, recorded, voting discrimination which is why Alabama continued to be covered by the preclearance formula. After the Shelby v. Holder decision, minorities were in mourning as Senator Sessions was celebrating. He declared the decision was “good news for the South”. Alabama and other States immediately adopted voter ID legislation -- making it harder for minorities to execute
January 19-25, 2017
their right to vote. We must face the truth. We are a multi-racial, multi-ethnic country. We cannot escape this reality. As we prepared for the March on Washington, the late A. Philip Randolph said, “Maybe our forefathers and foremothers came to this country in different ships, but we are all in the same boat now.” You see, the issue of discrimination cannot be swept into a corner or under a rug. It is still here. And we cannot avoid the fact that there is a systematic, deliberate attempt to destroy the advances of civil rights in this country and take us back to a period when America declared its greatness on one hand, but fostered the worst kind of racial discrimination on the other. As a fellow Southerner, I have no doubt that Senator Sessions is polite to all he meets. My concern is not about how nice he is. My concern is about where he will take the Department of Justice and whether he will respect the dignity and worth of every, single person in our country – regardless of race, color, or background. No one, but no one should be discriminated against because of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. So today, I ask the Members of this Committee to think long and hard about what it would mean for an outspoken opponent of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act and the Violence Against Women Act to serve as the chief law enforcement official in our land? It will take more than a photo on a bridge in Selma or a medal ceremony in the Capitol. It will take hard work and commitment from the
heart and soul. How will Mr. Sessions confront the challenges of protest in a nation? Will he use the law as a shield? Will he use the law to silence the voices of those who are different and disagree with the status quo? The Attorney General is expected to be a champion of justice for all people – not just the rich and the powerful. This person has the duty and responsibility to fight to ensure that every person – White, African American, Latino, Asian, or Native American – can participate in the democratic process. That every person will be equally protected under the law. It is not the law that is sacred above all, but the spark of the divine that is the essence of every human being. Justice is the impact of law, not the law itself. Senator Sessions will be called upon to uphold justice, not to use the law as a cover to pursue a political agenda based on suspicion and contempt of certain Americans. In closing, I ask the members of this Committee to consider the same question that Senator Sessions posed to many witnesses who went through this very same confirmation process. Will his background, will his sympathies, and will his prejudices impact his service to our nation? My friends, I do not envy you. Leadership is not easy. You are expected to make tough decisions – to do what is right, what is just, and what is fair for all the people of this nation who rely on you to speak up and speak out on their behalf.
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