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Volume 87 • Issue 32

Judge Hatchett

March 19-24, 2015

on board to defend disabled MARTA rape victim

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COVER STORY

Celebrity TV Judge Hatchett accuses MARTA of cover up in savage ‘rape’ of disabled woman By Terry Shropshire Celebrity TV Judge Glenda Hatchett’s brain was set aflame when she learned of the alleged savage sexual assault by a former MARTA bus driver against a mentally and physically disabled female passenger four years ago. That flame morphed into a full-fledged inferno that nearly consumed the celebrity TV judge when she learned of MARTA’s and the Fulton County district attorney’s decision not to fire and prosecute the purported perverted perpetrator. Former MARTA bus driver, Xavier Winfrey, was originally accused of kidnapping, raping, sodomizing and abusing a disabled person on Oct. 18, 2011. The case is extremely graphic in nature as Winfrey, who has resigned but was not indicted on any charges, that he allegedly took advantage of a mentally retarded female who also has cerebral palsy. On Sept. 23, 2011 the woman was the last passenger on the MARTA Mobility bus she boarded at Emory Egleston Hospital in Atlanta, the new lawsuit contends. When the bus reached the woman’s neighborhood, the bus driver, Winfrey, turned off the ignition, which he allegedly knew would disable the surveillance camera and raped and sodomized the woman, lawyers said. According to Hatchett and members of the Cuffie Law Firm which Hatchett has aligned herself with, this is what happened: “Once inside the victim’s neighborhood, Winfrey parked the bus, turned off the ignition, therefore deliberately deactivating the surveillance camera,” the lawsuit contends. “Winfrey then forced the victim to the floor on the back of the bus to have the woman perform oral sex on him … [Winfrey] spat on the victim twice for the purpose of lubricating her vagina and anus, penetrated her vaginally with his fingers, and penetrated her anally with his fingers and penis, without a condom, causing severe tearing of her anus. “Over and over again the victim begged for Winfrey to stop,” the lawsuit continues. “After he finished brutalizing the victim, Winfrey told her to get dressed, then he returned to the front of the Mobility bus, turned on the ignition, and dropped the victim off at her home” in Stone Mountain, Ga., an Atlanta suburb. The parents of the disabled discerned that something was very wrong with their daughter and filed a report with MARTA police. Hatchett is also outraged that the woman was interrogated for hours without having her parents present, nor having any legal counsel before being taken to the hospital to have a rape kit and examination performed. According to The Hatchett and Cuffie Law firms, the examination results confirmed the sexual assault and revealed a severe anal tear on the young woman. The driver of the bus admitted to having sex with his then 21-year-old passenger in 2011, said Hatchett who said Tuesday she had joined the three-yearold case as a lawyer and advocate. MARTA says it is not responsible for the driver and said it was not a forcible rape. MARTA contends that Winfrey and the disabled victim, then 21 years old, had consensual sex and that Winfrey had sex outside the confines of his job — despite the fact Winfrey was on the clock and was driving a MARTA bus. “To say this is consensual, to say this is outside the scope of his employment is outrageous,” Hatch-

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ett said. “There is no question that the rape happened.” Even if the woman was capable of making that kind of decision, according to court documents, its against MARTA policy to have sex on property not to mention at work. Despite Winfrey allegedly admitting to MARTA that he had sex on the job, Winfrey was not terminated. He was allowed to resign. “(He) got paid for that entire shift, including the time that Mr. [Ray] Nash’s daughter was raped,” said Glenda Hatchett, just one of the attorney’s now fighting for financial compensation for the family and policy changes within MARTA. Hatchett said during a Tuesday press conference that she believes MARTA convinced Winfrey to resign. If MARTA had fired Winfrey, they would be admitting that there was a wrong committed and, thus, would make them open and vulnerable to a successful and costly lawsuit. Hatchett is also in a state of disbelief that Fulton County prosecutor, District Attorney Paul Howard in October 2011, neglected to vigorously follow-up when Winfrey was arrested and charged with sodomy, false imprisonment, aggravated sexual battery and abuse of a disabled person. But according to the Solicitors Office, all but a misdemeanor offense was later dropped by the Fulton County District Attorney. The Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard release a statement Tuesday refuting the claims brought by Hatchett, the Cuffie Law Firm and the victim’s parents. “The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office received notice that a lawyer representing a party in a civil suit against MARTA raised questions regarding the disposition of a 2011 rape charge involving a then-employee of the Transportation Authority. To be clear, we are not parties to the lawsuit and do not wish to provide the appearance of support to either side. Most importantly, we feel it is inappropriate for this office to make statements about the alleged victim in this matter—statements which may appear to criticize or disparage the character of this woman.

“That said, we can affirm the following: when the case was presented to our office in October 2011, we thoroughly investigated every aspect of this incident. We concluded that no crime occurred, declined prosecution and closed the case. It was not transferred to another agency as has been purported. After reviewing the file today, we stand by our earlier conclusion, as the reasons for our actions were justified and more than sufficient. One point of clarification: as the timeline submitted by our office reveals, one count of the case (exploitation of a disabled person) was forwarded to the Fulton County State Court by Magistrate Karen Woodson on November 1, 2012. Again, it was not referred by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.” Hatchett is not only flummoxed by the decision of the Fulton County district attorney’s office, but she is also frustrated by the behavior of MARTA in the aftermath of this wrongful encounter on the bus. “To date, MARTA has not attempted to resolve this matter and what’s even more disappointing and disheartening, MARTA has intentionally engaged in lengthy, costly legal maneuvering — adding more burden to a family that has already been so deeply affected by this tragic incident,” Hatchett said. “That is why I stepped beyond the bench and established The Hatchett Firm — to work tirelessly seeking the results people deserve.” Nash said during a press conference that the parents decided not to go to trial on the misdemeanor offense, fearing it would only traumatize their daughter further. “My daughter was already scared,” said Nash, “You know how people can get in a court room and they can make it seem like you’re... all of this is your fault. And it’s not her fault. I did not want her to have to be exposed to anything like that.” Nash says his family tried to work behind the scenes instead, to push for changes within MARTA to make the system safer for mentally and physically disabled passengers. His daughter qualifies on both counts.

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NEWS

March 19-24, 2015

Historic Atlanta Daily World GDOT announces plan for Camp building saved and ready for tenants Creek Parkway Diverging Diamond Interchange

By SaportaReport.com

An intersection known for tough traffic is slated to be transformed, and officials will explain Atlanta’s next major transportation enhancement at a special meeting this month. Representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), City of East Point and Airport West Community Improvement District (AWCID) will be present to discuss plans for a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) coming to the I-285 bridge over Camp Creek Parkway. Stakeholders can join in a public meeting on March 25 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Courtyard Atlanta Airport West – 2400 Creek Point Dr., East Point. DDIs are already successfully alleviating congestion in Gwinnett and north Fulton. The unique travel pattern shifts traffic to opposing sides as they cross over expressways, making it faster and easier to complete left turns to access interstates. AWCID Executive Director Gerald Mc-

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Dowell said the much-needed interchange improvement is a cooperative effort joining the area’s private sector with municipal and state transportation authorities. “We are proud to partner with the Georgia Department of Transportation and greatly appreciate the department’s leadership in this vitally important initiative,” McDowell said. “We want to invite all of our commercial property owners, business leaders and residents to join us on March 25 to hear key project details from state and local transportation resources. This is an important first step for the DDI effort.” The Camp Creek Parkway DDI is expected to cost an estimated $8 million, and construction could begin as early as 2017. Anyone seeking more information about the March 25 meeting is encouraged to contact Gerald McDowell at gmcdowell@airportwestcid.com or 678-521-2020.

To all the naysayers who view dilapidated older buildings as lost causes, stop by the Atlanta Daily World building at 145 Auburn Avenue in downtown Atlanta. The attractive red brick building today stands as a testament of what a sensitive developer who has a passion for the historical integrity a place in time can accomplish. The building dates back to 1912 – witnessing the ups and downs of one of Atlanta’s most famous corridors – Sweet Auburn. From 1928 to 2008, it was the home of the Atlanta Daily World, the oldest, continuously operating daily African-American newspaper in the United States.

And then came the devastating downtown tornado of 2008 – when the roof of the building was blown off and the famous Atlanta Daily World sign was damaged. The newspaper, then being run by Alexis Scott, moved to a suburban location. In January 2012, the Integral Group announced it wanted to buy the property, tear down most of the building and redevelop on the site. In a joint statement at that time, Alexis Scott and Integral said: “the building has been uninhabitable and beyond repair since the storm.” In making its case, Integral said it wanted to “preserve the façade of the building while demolishing portions of the building that are beyond saving.” A petition with 1,100 signatures objected to the demolition, and the Atlanta Urban Design Commission unanimously denied the demolition permit. But Mark McDonald, president and CEO of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, said saving a building from demolition is only half a win. A true win is finding someone who will preserve a historic structure and give it an economic reason for being.

Atlanta City Councilmember Keisha Lance Bottoms wants annexation of communities C o u n cilmember Keisha Lance Bottoms recently introduced legislation at Monday’s Atlanta City C ounci l meeting that supports Georgia State House Bills 586 and 587, Keisha Lance Bottoms which would amend the Atlanta City Charter to change the corporate limits by providing annexation referenda for communities in DeKalb and South Fulton. The legislation urges all members of the Atlanta delegation to support House Bills 586 and 587, both of which were introduced by Representative Pat Garner of the 57th District. House Bill 586 allows the amendment of the City of Atlanta’s Charter to change the corporate limits to include part of Druid Hills, Briar Vista, LaVista Park, Clairmont Heights and Medlock communities, as well as Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control. House Bill 587 allows the amendment of the City of Atlanta’s Charter to change the corporate limits to include numerous com-

munities along the Cascade, Camp Creek and Butner Road corridors. The two annexations would be the City of Atlanta’s largest since 1952, bringing with it a world leading teaching and research institution, hundreds of thriving commercial and industrial businesses and one of the Federal Government’s most prestigious institutions. The legislation was passed by a vote of 14-0. “The Atlanta City Council has over whelmingly expressed its support of the proposed annexations by passage of this legislation,” said Bottoms. “As both bills continue through the Pat Garner legislative process, we look forward to communities who have expressed a desire to annex within our boundaries having an opportunity to vote in November to make House Bills 586 and 587 a reality.”

March19-24, 2015

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COMMUNITY

March 19-24, 2015

Camp Broadway summer musical theater now accepting applications in Atlanta The 2nd Annual Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation Scholarship application is now available for parents of children ages 10-17 who want to attend Camp Broadway’s annual summer program in Atlanta that will be held at the Rialto Theater, Monday, June 8 - Friday, June 12, for one week only. To fulfill the First Lady of Song’s desire to foster the love of art and music in deserving children, four scholarships will be awarded by the Foundation through a generous grant to the Broadway Education Alliance, a New York based 501.c3. “We started working with the terrific folks at Camp Broadway LLC a few years back and we just love them,” says Fran Morris-Rosman, Executive Director of the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation. “Ella sang hundreds of songs from so many Broadway shows and we’re thrilled to carry on her musical and charitable legacy by funding ‘camperships’ to Camp Broadway.” The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation Scholarship application is available at www.campbroadway.com. Submissions must be received no later than

April 15, 2015. Recipients will be notified of their acceptance on Ella Fitzgerald’s birthday, Saturday, April 25, 2015. Camp Broadway returns to Atlanta for its 15th annual summer program in June for one week only. Director/Choreographer, Michelle Robinson (Chicago, Dreamgirls) will lead a team of experienced Broadway professionals from New York in the presentation of the five-day musical theater program at the Rialto Theater, located on the campus of Georgia State University. Young performers will enjoy 40 hours of classes in singing, dancing and acting in preparation for the annual Family Finale. The children will also receive the official t-shirts, rehearsal materials, healthy lunches, snacks and more. The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation was created and funded in 1993 by Ella Fitzgerald, the First Lady of Song, to fulfill her desires to use the fruits of her success to help people of all races, cultures and beliefs. Ella hoped to make their lives more rewarding by fostering a love of reading and music, as well as to enable disadvantaged members of our communities to achieve a better quality of life.

Because you get what you pay for.

That’s why I invested in ENERGY STAR® appliances and received rebates in return. Thanks to the money saving tips on the Georgia Power website, I learned exactly how to turn my renovation into a reward. First, I got $50 for taking advantage of the Georgia Power Refrigerator Recycling Program. Then, I got a rebate for purchasing ENERGY STAR® certified appliances, and since these appliances use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models, I get the benefit of a lower monthly bill. For more information on tips and rebates, visit georgiapower.com/save. Certain restrictions apply. Must be a Georgia Power customer. Rebate available through November 30, 2014. Customer must submit receipt/invoice for the ENERGY STAR® appliance with the rebate form.

March19-24, 2015

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BUSINESS

March 19-24, 2015

5 Georgia movie and television studios form unprecedented business alliance

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson launches online parking By Terry Shropshire Travelers driving into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport may now reserve parking spaces online. Airport executives said in a statement that the online parking spot reservation program

also includes discounts for travelers parking at the international terminal. The airport’s General Manager Miguel Southwell says airport officials are trying to make the facility more efficient by expanding passenger services.

Cannabis Career Institute’s seminar in Atlanta promotes jobs and business opportunities On Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Hampton Inn Atlanta Airport, 1888 Sullivan Rd. in College Park, the Cannabis Career Institute will host a business seminar about the future of the cannabis industry. Cannabis Career Institute offers state-specific training courses that address a range of topics – from legal requirements and regulations to basic grow techniques. The class will be led by Doug Porter, the Cannabis Career Institute expert in Bud-Tending, Dispensary Management, Delivery Service and Security. Last week, a measure to legalize medical cannabis at the federal level was introduced and the news has marijuana proponents celebrating. “This is a significant step forward when it comes to reforming marijuana laws at the federal level,” Dan Riffle, director of federal policies at the Marijuana Policy Project, said in a statement. “This is a proposal that Republicans and Democrats should both be able to get behind. It’s a matter of compassion and justice, states’ rights, public safety, and medical choice.” If the measure succeeds, it would have resounding implications for cannabis-based businesses across the country, ranging from finance issues to paving the way for new markets. In Georgia, House Bill 1 – that would allow medicinal cannabis use for those with cancer, autism, seizures and a range of other illnesses and diseases – is currently being debated with a state decision imminent.. “Both the federal announcement and what’s happening at the state level herein Georgia are significant steps for the movement,” said Porter. “It will be extremely gratifying to finally see cannabis taken off the

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Schedule 1 list and appropriately re-classified. Once that happens, the amount of opportunity in the cannabis industry will be off the charts.” Cannabis Career Institute specializes in teaching would-be entrepreneurs how to navigate the often-murky waters of getting into and/or starting up a cannabis business. CCI presents students with an objective expanse of options with step-by-step instruction on the process of starting a business. Delivery, Dispensary Management, Law, Compliance, Marketing and Advertising, Cultivation, Extracts and Cooking are all discussed in detail, providing students with many choices to fit their career goals and lifestyle. Cost for the one day seminar, that also allows for students to attend any future class for free, is $349 and includes a seminar manual. CCI is scheduled to return to Atlanta in June. As seen on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, the Huffington Post, and more, Cannabis Career Institute was the first cannabis seminar training program ever offered and is the most successful of its kind.

On Wednesday, March 18, the Georgia Studio & Infrastructure Alliance announced the members of a new film and television studio and infrastructure association for Georgia: Eagle Rock Studios Atlanta, EUE/Screen Gems Studios Atlanta, Mailing Avenue Stageworks, Tyler Perry Studios and Triple Horse Studios. A 501 C-6, the group was formed to serve as a legislative and educational advocacy group for studio and production support businesses in the Georgia film and television industry. Education of the crew members and development of talent needed to keep clients returning to Georgia will be another key focus. In 2010, EUE/Screen Gems Studios was the first large “for hire” movie and television production studio to invest in Georgia. Today, due in part to Georgia’s Entertainment Industry Investment Act (also called the Georgia film and television credit), five large Georgia-based studios have come together. Studios and entertainment-related businesses do not receive the tax credit. (Tyler Perry Studios and Triple Horse Studios are eligible for credits only for their in-house production and post-production work—but not for their studio investment or hosting of third party productions.) The tax credit applies only to the production dollars spent creating television content or motion pictures. “This is a group of companies putting capital at risk and hiring employees, many of them Georgians, due to the success of the tax credit,” said Kris Bagwell, executive vice president of EUE/Screen Gems Studios. “Tyler Perry Studios is pleased to become a part of the Georgia Studio and Infrastructure Alliance. We believe that it is important for those investing in making this a longterm business in the state of Georgia speak with one voice. TPS is fully committed to working with state and city officials along with the other members of the Alliance to make the TV and film production business a permanent fixture in Georgia’s vibrant economic success story,” added Tyler Perry Studios president, Ozzie Areu.

Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office Deputy Commissioner Lee Thomas points to the combination of the sound stages and the film tax credit make it possible to attract projects that directly and indirectly employ more than 77,900 people in the state. “Being able to provide productions with state-of-the-art infrastructure, a trained workforce and deep network of support services is essential to the sustainability of this industry,” she says. Members of the group made education and job training a priority as they formed the organization: • The GSIA has partnered with the Lt. Governor’s Office and Georgia’s College and Career Academies, developing a training curriculum for film and television jobs. • Several GSIA members serve on the Advisory Board for the Georgia Film Institute at Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin, Ga. where students are already enrolled and learning film-specific trades. • In Nov. 2014, GSIA members joined Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle at his annual Business and Education Summit. Film education was one of the top initiatives, and members helped produce a video on film jobs for the College and Career Academy website: “I couldn’t be more excited and thrilled about the partnership between the Georgia Studio & Infrastructure Alliance and our College and Career Academies. It is important that we develop a film-ready workforce to meet the needs of the film productions that are advancing to Georgia. This great partnership will not only serve as a powerful economic generator for our state but will create jobs for Georgians and new opportunities for a highly skilled workforce,” said Georgia Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle. GSIA executive director Misty Holcomb says the membership will eventually encompass other production support businesses such as post-production houses, lighting and grip companies, production payroll and others.

March19-24, 2015

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friday, mar 27 @ 7:30

TRU 2 ATLANTA

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ENTERTAINMENT

March 19-24, 2015

K. Michelle, Yolanda Adams, Estelle and Jussie Smollett perform at UNCF an Evening of Stars® “Black-ish” executive producer and star Anthony Anderson will return to host UNCF An Evening of Stars® for the third consecutive year. K. Michelle, Yolanda Adams, Estelle and Jussie Smollett will perform. Estelle and Smollett will perform the special duet version of her single “Conqueror,” as seen on the hit FOX series Empire. UNCF An Evening of Stars®, which has Anthony Anderson been the hallmark of African American superstars supporting minority education for 36 years, will tape in Atlanta, Georgia at the Atlanta Civic Center on April 12, 2015 and air nationally on BET, Sunday, April 26 at 10 p.m. Additional performers and presenters will be announced shortly. “As it always has, UNCF is answering the call to make a difference in the lives of minority youth and the community at large. In the spirit of ‘Black Lives Matter,’ UNCF is redoubling its efforts and joining with other influential voices to ensure ‘Black Lives Matter.’ Through partnerships with Target,

Usher’s New Look Foundation and other important partner foundations, we are making a difference,” said UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax. “I want to personally thank Anthony for his continued support and shepherding of UNCF An Evening of Stars®. He brings comedy, experience, heart and resources to this important endeavor and inspires us all to invest in better futures for young people across the country.” “Atlanta is proud to be the home of UNCF An Evening of Stars®,” said Mayor Kasim Reed, City of Atlanta. “Through the work of UNCF and countless supporters, thousands of our young people are receiving educational opportunities and resources to complete their education and continue along the road to achieving their dreams. I applaud this year’s performers and sponsors for their unwavering commitment to invest in future generations by ensuring they have access to a high-quality education.” This year’s show is made possible by national sponsors McDonald’s and Wells Fargo. Target, is an official sponsor and also serves as a “Rising Stars” scholarship sponsor. Buick is a major sponsor. The City of Atlanta, iHeartMedia and BET

Networks serve as the city and media partners, respectively. The Walton Family Foundation is a philanthropic partner. UNCF An Evening of Stars® will also air in syndication on April 25 and 26. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, returns to produce UNCF An Evening of Stars for the third year. Collins has played an integral role in producing some of television’s most memorable performances in the music entertainment arena. Formerly executive producer and executive vice president of Cossette Productions, he has produced award-winning television programming including the GRAMMY® Awards, the BET Awards, BET Honors and the BET Hip Hop Awards. He has worked with superstar talent including Beyoncé, Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jay Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige and Kid Rock. Collins is also executive producer of the BET hit series The Real Husbands of Hollywood starring Kevin Hart, which won an NAACP Image Award® for Outstanding Comedy Series. Tickets to the show’s taping can be purchased at www.UNCF. org/AEOStickets

Rihanna to headline March Madness music festival The NCAA has just doubled its Rihanna dosage this year. The organization announced Monday that the singer will headline the upcoming three-day March Madness Music Festival. The announcement comes as her single “American Oxygen” was named the tournament’s theme song last week. [Scroll down to watch.] While the festival kicks off Friday, RiRi will take the stage on Saturday, April 4, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Also performing that day is musical group Bleachers. Last year’s headliner was Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. The concert will take place ahead of that day’s semi-finals games, with footage from the performances to air during the match ups.

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March19-24, 2015

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ENTERTAINMENT

March 19-24, 2015

5 rappers make the ‘Game of Tyrese dedicates ‘Furious 7’ to Thrones’ mixtape … but can Paul Walker at SXSW premiere they survive Westeros ? By Dylan “CineMasai” Green “Game of Thrones” is to premium cable television what “Empire” is becoming for the networks: a runaway pop culture smash that’s ensnared the attention of everyone. The show’s fifth season premieres on Sunday, April 12, and HBO has taken an unconventional path in marketing its fantasy action giant: an iTunes release, Catch The Throne: The Mixtape, Vol.2, featuring concept songs from artists across musical genres.

but what about their sword games? Let’s take a look at the mixtape’s hip-hop roster, and see just how long they’d survive on “Game of Thrones.”

That’s … not what any of us were expecting, even when they did this for the first time last season, but it’s an attention-grabbing strategy that will at least draw some flies in. This mixtape features more than just rappers, and even includes the likes of thrash metal band Anthrax, metalcore group Killswitch Engage, and R&B’s own Estelle. The hip-hop lineup this time features more heavy hitters spitting poetic about Lannisters, dire wolves, and dragons. Method Man and Talib Kweli are the best at it when it comes to the music,

Stalley Song title: “All Mine” Noble house: Baratheon Survival rate on GoT: 25 percent, Eaten by a Dire Wolf.

Source: Frederick M. Brown / Getty

Source: Mike Lawrie / Getty

Method Man Song title: “The Oath” Noble house: Stark Survival rate on GoT: 45 percent, Defects from Stark, forms the House of Wu.

Talib Kweli Song title: “Lord of the Light” Noble house: Tully Survival rate on GoT: 80 percent, Becomes a man of the people.

Source: Bennett Raglin/BET / Getty

Source: Jason G. Bahr / Getty

Ty Dolla $ign Song title: “Never Back Down” Noble house: Tyrell Survival rate in GoT: 40 percent, Becomes the new Joffrey.

Snoop Dogg Song title: “Lannister’s Anthem” Noble house: Lannister Survival rate in GoT: 15 percent, Too baked to remember to avoid the Red Wedding.

March19-24, 2015

Tyrese Gibson and the producers of “Furious 7” led dedications to late actor Paul Walker before his final movie debuted at the South by Southwest Festival. Walker died in a car crash in 2013 before completing work on the latest “Fast & Furious” installment, and the film delayed production to rework the story. His brothers, Cody and Caleb, later stepped in to help complete Walker’s scenes. “Furious 7” finally premiered shortly after midnight on Monday (March 16) as a last minute addition to the line-up at the festival in Austin, Texas. Tyrese, director James Wan and producer Neal Moritz took to the stage

before the screening to thank fans for their continued support, before dedicating the movie to their late friend. “We don’t look at y’all as fans of the movie… Most of you grew up with us,” Gibson said, according to Variety.com. “The reason we kept the movie going is on behalf of our brother Paul Walker.” Moritz added, “I know Paul Walker would be smiling down on us… We lost a dear friend, brother and comrade when we were making this movie. When we decided to continue this movie, we were determined to honour his legacy.” The film ends with a tribute to the actor.

Source: John Ricard/BET / Getty

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Publishes Every Thursday March19-24, 2015

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GUEST COMMENTARY

by Robert Weiner and Hannah Coombs

by Kevin P. Chavous

Will Lynch carry on Holder’s legacy? As Attorney General Designee Loretta Lynch prepares to move from final Senate approval to serving as the Nation’s Attorney General, the question is whether Congress will allow her, the country’s first African American woman Attorney General, to continue Holder’s enormous legacy. The hearings were more, “You’re not Holder are you?” than what she will do herself. Even after Lynch took the first step with a Senate Judiciary Committee vote by 12-8, Congress is still playing politics over a spotless nominee – no one had any objections but Republicans still voted no -- and prolonged her assumption of the post. At a farewell speech at the National Press Club on February 17, Holder told the audience, “Real and daunting challenges lay before us”. Aside from reporting his success with the Justice Department and the “Smart on Crime Initiative” to reduce unnecessary incarcerations, Holder discussed what still needs to be done. Initially breaking ground as the first African-American Attorney General, Holder established his legacy over the past six years with criminal justice reform, same-sex marriage and expanding voter rights. He asserted, “Not every drug case should be brought to the federal court.” He stressed the excessive funds wasted on mandatory minimum sentences, saying that these punishments would be “better suited to violent criminals or drug kingpins”. Holder announced developments under his department including advances for civil rights with the Ferguson case. Following the Michael Brown killing, Holder and his team conducted an on-going civil rights investigation of the Ferguson Police Force. On March 4th, he issued what he called a “searing” report, forcing the police department to end racially “disproportionate” arrests or face a law suit from the Justice Department. During questions at the Press Club, he made news supporting a moratorium on executions until the Supreme Court ultimately decides on the constitutionality of lethal injection drugs pending in Oklahoma. He said he is known for being openly against the death penalty, and he gave his reasoning: “Our system of justice is the best in the world…but there is always the possibility that mistakes will be made”, saying that is his “ultimate nightmare”. When asked about authorizing surplus military equipment for police, as used in Ferguson protests, Holder commented that it depends on “what kind of training do they have”, “when should it be deployed” and “what does it look like”. It also comes down to the appearance of the weapon. “If it looks like the military is in fact occupying American streets during civil disturbances, that, I think, is not a good thing for the American people or for the world to see.” He described the differences between rural communities and a terrorist attack in New York where military combat equipment might be necessary, including occasions where “we have failed before”.

March19-24, 2015

March 19-24, 2015

A large portion of Holder’s legacy left out of his speech at the Press Club was mentioning his actions on voter suppression. It was surprising that questions were not asked about unsuccessful efforts to stop partisan voter suppression in several states including North Carolina, Florida, and Texas. Efforts were largely ineffective in eliminating restrictions on absentee ballots, early voting periods, and large numbers of African Americans, Hispanics, as well as young people were unable to vote. Likewise, in North Carolina, the Justice Department challenged the restrictive voting laws requiring government issued photo identification, arguing it as a direct form of minority discrimination, but young people and Blacks still were given obstacles including no voting with a college address, and church-organized registrations and voting were blocked by closures on their scheduled days. With issues such as this flying under the radar, will Lynch pick up the problems and continue implementing solutions? When asked last month whether the Justice Department will continue fighting against voter suppression after his own resignation, Holder responded, “We will.” In fact, that is now up to Lynch. One question posed to Holder at the Press Club but not asked by the emcee was “if the bar is too high to prosecute federal civil rights cases,” given the prosecutor’s confusing the Ferguson grand jurors and failing to indict, refusing to indict the shooter of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Florida black man after stalking him, picking a fight and shooting Martin; refusing to indict the strangler-choke holder-policeman of the Staten Island victim, Eric Garner, and refusing to indict the police shooter of the 12-year old boy after 1.7 seconds, Tamir Rice, who had a toy gun in Cleveland. Holder has since raised the issue himself by saying “We do need to change the law. I do think the standard is too high.” Even as she comes one step closer to the position, Lynch herself has faced the hostility of those unhappy with her siding with Obama on major immigration efforts as well as Republicans who repel her similarities to Holder, no doubt motive for delaying her confirmation for four months after nomination. Senator Harry Reid commented on her delay saying “She has had to wait longer than any Attorney General nominee in 30 years and that is unacceptable.” Can Lynch fill the shoes of her predecessor, as a dynamic civil rights leader? Time will tell. There is a great deal at stake. Robert Weiner was a Clinton White House spokesman for six years and senior staff for Congressmen Conyers, Charles Rangel, Claude Pepper, Ed Koch, and Senator Ted Kennedy. He regularly writes on the White House and Congress for the Atlanta Daily World and wrote the epilogue to Bankole Thompson’s groundbreaking book, “Obama and Christian Loyalty.” Hannah Coombs is a policy analyst at Robert Weiner Associates and Solutions for Change.

Educating the kids nobody wants After giving a recent education reform speech in Georgia, a thirty-something man approached me to discuss my views on the increasing school expulsion rate for kids, particularly boys of color. He told me that his wife was a special education teacher; that she worked with troubled kids and she had developed a close relationship with a young boy who had been expelled several times from his school. The man’s wife said that she had been asked to work with the boy because his classroom teacher suspected that the boy had Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Apparently, the boy had been having fits and would, on occasion, throw chairs around the classroom. The teacher reportedly was fearful for her safety and the safety of the other kids in the class. The man then told me that his wife found out that the boy was consistently abused at home and had no outlet to get the counseling help that he needed. As she began to work with the boy, his behavior improved and his attitude towards school improved. When I asked the man about the boy’s grade, he smiled and said, “Mr. Chavous that is why I wanted to talk with you. The boy is only 4 years old, and he did not have ADD. My wife can’t believe that she keeps getting more and more of these intervention calls from preschools. What can be done about this?” Good question. In 2005, Yale professor Walter Gilliam shocked the nation with the first research showing that preschoolers are expelled at three times the rate of children in kindergarten through 12th grade. He showed that young African-American boys like the boy referenced above are most vulnerable to what he calls “the capital punishment of schools.” And while preschooler’s expulsion rates continue to outpace their K-12 school counterparts, the fact is that all school expulsion rates are growing along with the high school dropout rate. All of which begs another question, “Who will educate the kids that nobody wants?” In answering both questions, we must be honest about who will not educate these kids: most local school districts. It is increasingly clear that the vast majority of local school districts - especially in urban America - are either unwilling or unable to educate the growing number of kids coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. And since our teaching core has begun to feel the pressure of having their students do well on standardized tests, they do not have the energy or often the skill set

to address the needs of our most challenged school population group. As a result, the average local school district resorts to easy special needs labels as a way to get these troubled kids out of the classroom so they won’t affect the other students. As the saying goes, ‘one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch’. So, they kick these kids out of school. Fortunately, around the country, there are a number of schools who take pride in educating the kids that nobody wants. Schools like the Hope Academy Charter School in Kansas City, Maya Angelou Charter School in D.C. and the Legacy Charter School in Greenville, S.C. Each of these schools, and several others like them, make it their mission to value all of the kids they serve and they refuse to write kids off based on their background, home life or previous school experience. Knowing that schools like these exist, wouldn’t it make sense for our most challenged school districts to eagerly embrace these alternative programs? Apparently not. Recently, charter school authorizers in Philadelphia rejected the application of Ligouri Academy, who made that city the same offer that Hope Academy, Maya Angelou and Legacy made to their cities: let us teach the kids who are the kids toughest to educate. Ligouri, through its founders Mike Marrone and Pat Wright, planned on using a model that included a Personalized and individualized curriculum, which has been proven as an effective strategy for all students, but especially critical for disengaged learners. The proposed Liquori model has yielded impressive results for the most challenged students in places like Fresno, CA, Buffalo, NY and Chester, PA. Still, the authorizers in Philadelphia denied Liquori’s application - even though, according to research conducted by the National Center for Dropout Prevention Network, 5000 9th grade students within the School District of Philadelphia, have a less than 1% chance of graduating high school. At some point, our education elite will wake up to the fact that one size does not fit all. And that having a menu of education offerings available to educate kids with different needs helps not just those kids, but all kids.

DIGITAL DAILY

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