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Volume 88 • Issue 30

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NNPA Foundation launches UNDress P. 3

Award-winning author Shaka Senghor P. 4

Ice Cube shakes up Hollywood P.7 March 3-9, 2016

Operation Reset:

Lays groundwork for ex-offenders

March 3-9, 2016

COVER STORY

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Operation Reset: Giving ex-offenders a true second chance

Rocky “The Roofer” McKay gives ex-offenders and ex-servicemen job skills to repair lives

By Terry Shropshire It is far from a secret that the exorbitantly high rate of recidivism from former prison inmates is directly correlated to the difficulties of getting reacclimated back into society. Many ex-offenders either lack formal education, are devoid of marketable job skills, or are forced to return to the same neighborhood and environments that got them into trouble in the first place.

Enter Rocky McKay, aka Rocky “The Roofer,” who owns a roofing construction company RTR Consulting where he makes it a point to employ the disenfranchised.

McKay can most certainly empathize with the plight and often cumbersome climb back to respectability because he has been where they are and felt the same levels of hopelessness and bitterness they felt. Like many who have been incarcerated, he too lost everything when he did a stint in jail.

That’s why McKay became founder and resident of The Operation Organization Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose program Operation Reset gives a “hand-up and not a hand-out” to different segments of society: U.S. veterans who’ve returned home jobless; non-violent ex-offenders, and homeless people in need of a second chance.

The Long Island, N.Y.-born and bred McKay was living the “American Dream”— until his life came crashing down around him one day. The son of a U.S. serviceman, Rocky the Roofer had enviably traveled the world before he was an adult, living in such coveted glam spots as Italy, Holland and Germany before eventually settling in New York. He worked as a roofer to support his small, but growing family after getting married at age 19.

Because he was so prolific in the roofing game, he became known as Rocky “The Roofer,” a sobriquet that was initially intended as an insult, but instead became a part of his persona.

His All-American dream world began a sudden descent when McKay left the roofing business to pursue a career in the music industry and uprooted his family from New York to Florida. It didn’t take long for McKay to realize that this volatile and

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ruthless world of music making was not his calling.

“I soon realized that the music industry wasn’t for me,” he said. “It required a lot of traveling and since I moved so much as a child, I didn’t want to put my family through that.”

The problem was that when Rocky tried to return to his former life, that life was not there waiting for him. The life he had previously lived was gone. Eventually, McKay succumbed to the temptations of illicit activities and wound up in jail for 90 days.

It was the day that McKay lost everything — but miraculously, he found his purpose in life.

“It was the lowest part of my life, but I learned so much about myself. I met so many people with different backgrounds who I wouldn’t have met on the outside. I realized that many of them were just like myself, in the wrong place at the wrong time or associated with the wrong people.”

McKay was released from jail to find that he had nothing; everything he worked so hard for was gone. Yet he emerged a man with a new perspective on life, a new purpose.

“One of the biggest lessons I learned in lockup was humility. I learned not to judge people based upon their past. People in jail have dreams, hopes, and families they need to support. They are our brothers, fathers, sons, moms, and daughters. Ex-offenders have served their time, but remain shackled to their past. I wanted to create a program that would give them

hope, a new beginning when they come home.”

The idea for Operation Reset came while Rocky and his RTR Consulting team were on a roofing contract. “One of my workers yelled for me to come and see a busload of men who were being transferred from prison to a halfway house. We went down to talk with them and it turned out they were all looking for jobs. I decided to see if Operation Reset would work by hiring these men and I haven’t regretted that decision. That day and every one since has been a ‘yes’ day” Here is how the program works: After training with “Operation Reset,” qualified participants are given certificates to open up opportunities within Operation Reset’s network of roofing/construction companies across the nation. Yes, you read that right -- across the country. When you complete the training through Rocky the Roofer, he receives calls from companies needing his services in different states throughout the South and Eastern Seaboard.

Through Rocky the Roofer, “Operation Reset” has been such a success that has been called on to provide roofing and construction services through RTR Consulting to: NASA Space Center (TX & MS), Fort Benning (GA), Mayo Clinic, Universities of North and South Florida, University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital, Gladys Knight Chicken & Waffles Restaurant (ATL, GA), University of Florida, Publix (FL and GA), Kroger (TN and GA), Walmart (FL, GA, SC and NC), Hampton Inn, Embassy Suites (FL), Palm Coast Fire Dept (FL) and more. At Fort Lee Army Base (VI), RTR hired approximately 100 men, 89 of those men have jobs in construction now thanks to the training and mentorship of Rocky “The Roofer.”

“Rocky is a man of great character and giving heart,” expresses Tara Cummins, VP of Operation Reset.

“We are not defined by our past mistakes.

Sometimes we just need a new start, a new opportunity to become better, not in spite of our past, but because of it,” shares Rocky.

“This is my way of giving back to the men I meet when I visit the jails.

One of the first things that happens when you go to jail is you’re stripped of your outside life, your personality.

Your clothes are taken from you, your hair is cut in an attempt to strip you of your dignity. You’re given a new identify, a number, and the only thing that separates you from other inmates, is that number. These people are not numbers to me. Watching them change their lives through Operation Reset is evidence that as we expand our program nationally, we could not only change the lives of our participants, but the communities they’re a part of … just by saying yes!”

Atlanta Daily World

Founded August 5 1928; Became Daily, March 12, 1932 W.A. Scott, II, Founder/Publisher August 5, 1928 to February 7, 1934 Published weekly at 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30354 Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta Mailing Offices.

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NEWS

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March 3-9, 2016

Atlanta receives national recognition for building affordable housing for senior citizens ADW staff reports The City of Atlanta announced today that City Lights, a new senior housing development which the Department of Planning and Community Development Office of Housing contributed $300,000 in federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds to help complete, received GOLD status for 2016 Best 55+ Affordable Rental Community by the National Association of Builders (NAHB). The award was presented recently during the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.

The annual program recognizes excellence and innovation in the design, development, lifestyle and marketing of housing.

Collaboration between the Office of Housing and key partners including Mercy Housing Southeast, Invest Atlanta and the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. will make the new construction project possible. Total construction costs are approximately $11.2 million and the complex is expected to be completed in the summer of 2016.

“It is an honor that the City of Atlanta is being recognized for offering state-of-the-art

housing options for our seniors,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “It is important that senior citizens have housing near transportation, healthcare and food centers because these resources foster independence and self-

sufficiency, and promote a better quality of life. This new residence will accomplish these goals.”

Located in the Old Fourth Ward community, City Lights has 80 one-bedroom

NNPA Foundation launches anti-human trafficking campaign, UNDress

The National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation during National Human Trafficking Awareness month launched its own anti-human trafficking campaign called “UNDress,” which stands for Undermining Nationwide Demand for the Recruitment, Exploitation and Sexual Solicitation of women and children. The campaign will target those who buy and traffic women and children by placing public service announcements in places where buyers typically ‘shop’ for sexual services.

“The NNPA Foundation is in a unique position to address this issue, because we can generate education and awareness by utilizing our own media products,” said Kimberly Johnson, the Foundation’s executive director.

Years before her term at the NNPA Foundation, Johnson conducted speaking and training events all over Georgia, working with trafficking survivors, local nonprofits,

government agencies, advocates and local and national law enforcement. Johnson is certified to train on human trafficking and child sexual abuse and is an award-winning producer of the docufilm, Sex Trafficking in Atlanta: A Survivor’s Perspective.

“The issue of human trafficking, particularly sex trafficking, is partly fueled by salacious images in media”, Johnson said.

“We plan to counter the effects of those images through our own content and resources. We are looking to partner with other organizations in this effort.”

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) will hold its Mid-Winter Conference in Coconut Grove, Florida on January 27-30, 2016 where the NNPA Foundation (NNPAF) will announce its initiative during a press luncheon.

The NNPA Foundation has plans to host a series of human trafficking town hall meetings in 2016, including one in DC during the organization’s Black Press Week conference in March. Other initiatives scheduled for launch include STEM Reach 2020. To support the NNPA Foundation, contact ED@ nnpafoundation.org.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation’s (NNPAF) mission is to exemplify and advance the highest standards in media by influencing education, technology, health, wellness, business, economic empowerment, and cultural and civic engagement.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is the trade association for the more than 200 African American-owned community newspapers across the United States, delivering news, information and commentary to more than 20 million people each week. Since its founding 75 years ago, NNPA has consistently been the voice of the black community by reporting news that makes history and impacts our country.

affordable apartments, as well as a state-ofthe-art fitness center, TV and movie room, community kitchen, sun deck, covered garage, WiFi access and a business center.

The Wingate Companies and their partner, Columbia Residential are taking the lead in developing the community.

“Our department takes the responsibility of meeting the demand of housing needs for our older residents very seriously,” said Tim Keane, Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Community Development.

“City Lights is one of three new senior housing projects citywide. We will continue to work to create affordable housing choices along the Atlanta BeltLine.”

“We continue to see the 55+ market lead the housing industry in both innovation and sales performance. The judges saw wonderful examples of what the mature buyer and renter is looking for, including innovative floor plans, universal design skillfully integrated into the home, communities with beautiful lifestyle amenities and homes located close to local shops, restaurants and parks,” said Tim McCarthy, chairman of NAHB’s 55+ Housing Industry Council.

City of Atlanta Municipal Court announces new judicial assignments ADW staff reports The City of Atlanta Municipal Court today announced new assignments for its presiding judges. Judge Crystal Gaines will preside over the revamped Failure to Appear (FTA) docket after presiding over the Housing Court for the past six years. Each year more than 40,000 cases enter FTA status and many defendants come to court later attempting to resolve their cases. In her new role, Judge Gaines will hear FTA cases daily, allowing individuals the opportunity to clear up outstanding cases.

Judge Christopher Portis will preside over the Housing Court. The Atlanta native was appointed to Municipal Court

by Mayor Kasim Reed in July 2015 after serving as a part-time Fulton County Magistrate Judge since 2008.

“This innovative change is a testament to this court’s commitment to fair, efficient, and transparent resolution of cases,” said Chief Judge Christopher Ward. “It was clear that the courts needed to create more capacity for walk-ins, and Judge Gaines didn’t hesitate to answer the call. I’m thankful for her years of service in the housing division and I’m pleased that Judge Portis has agreed to step up to this new opportunity.”

The new assignments will take effect on Monday, March 14th. For additional information please visit court.atlantaga.gov or contact the Municipal Court at 404-954-6714.

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COMMUNITY

March 3-9, 2016

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South Fulton Career Center to host Zaxby’s recruitment The South Fulton Career Center of the Fulton County Office of Workforce Developments will host a Zaxby’s Recruitment Fair on Monday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Zaxby’s will be hiring crewmembers and those who desire a future as managers for the Campbellton-Fairburn Road location. The South Fulton Career Center is located at 5710 Stonewall Tell Road in College Park.

Zaxby’s recruiters will offer flexible work schedules and opportunities to advance for those who provide great work. All applicants for the Team-member positions should exhibit the following: • Positive mental attitude • Enjoys working with a team • Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment • Drive and determination • Desire for personal and professional growth Working conditions include but are not limited to the following primary requirements: • Restaurant environment; work with advanced kitchen and front-of-house operational equipment; hazardous conditions

Clark Atlanta University Alumni present ‘Spirit of Greatness’ gala ADW staff reports Clark Atlanta University and the Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association will host its 8th annual Spirit of Greatness Gala recognizing alumni which are the nation’s trailblazers on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta. The general reception begins at 6:30 p.m., and the awards program begins at 7:30 p.m. The event will benefit the University’s Scholarship Fund.

“Clark Atlanta University is one of the nation’s foremost research universities and a global forum for ideas that matter,” CAU President Ronald A. Johnson said. “While our graduates have shaped and informed the course of history for more than 150 years, our most exciting chapters have yet to be written. Our students portend great promise in myriad fields of endeavor and we are honored to support their pursuit of excellence.”

“We are so excited to celebrate the University’s founding, honor distinguished alumni and most importantly, raise funds to support the scholarship fund at Clark Atlanta University,” said Marshall Taggart, president of CAUAA. “Each year the number of students with unmet financial need increases, as well as the gap between the cost of college and their available resources.

This event helps bridge that gap.”

Clark Atlanta University and the Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association will honor: • Tina Dunkley, Former Director for Clark Atlanta University Art Galleries, Atlanta University, 1980 • Bomani Jones, Sports Journalist for ESPN, Clark Atlanta University, 2001 • Terry Lee, Retired Executive for General Motors, Clark College 1972 • Jesse “Coach Mac” McClardy (posthumously), Clark College 1957; Former Head Football Coach for Clark College The black-tie gala includes a general/sponsor reception, dinner, awards ceremony and musical entertainment. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased online at www.cauaa.org/annual-gala.html or www.cau.edu.

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• Essential job functions may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for standing, walking or sitting for prolonged periods Applicants must be18-years-old to apply for the open positions.

The Fulton County Office of Workforce Development is a division of the Housing and Community Development Department.

Citizens in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability including communications in an alternative format should contact the Disability Liaison in the Housing and Community Development Department at (404) 613-7944. For Georgia Relay Access, dial 711.

For more information about employment requirements contact Jason Lane at 404-613-6381 or email Jason.Lane@ fultoncountyga.gov

Renowned author Shaka Senghor at First Baptist Church of Decatur

By Roz Edward An appearance on Oprah’s “Super Soul Sunday” is usually an affirmation that the guest is officially recognized as an intellectual or a spiritualist who has transcended ordinary life experiences to join the ranks of the enlightened. They are typically the sages who’ve lead stellar lives and have long been considered pillars of society. But, award-winning author and motivational speaker, Shaka Senghor joins that company social commentators after taking a turn on the path to higher understanding, which lead him to a 19-year stint in prison.

On Friday March 11, Senghor will speak at First Baptist Church Decatur to discuss the best-selling book about his experiences pre- and post- incarceration. Senghor’s book, Writing My Wrongs: Life Death and Redemption in an American Prison is one of familial intensity as he recounts his unconventional coming of age, the immense despair he experienced in the early years of his prison sentence and how he eventually emerged more enlightened and profoundly aware of the social dynamics that almost caused his demise.

“It takes strength to walk away from an argument. Back then, I didn’t have that strength. I was afraid and I allowed my fears to dictate my actions. … When you and I encountered each other, I was already programed to kill. I had convinced myself it was better to shoot than be shot; that the handgun in my pocket was the only thing that could protect me,” Senghor writes in a letter to his victim in the prologue of Writing My Wrongs: Life Death and Redemption in an American Prison.

“You have to understand and you have to understand the thinking of young inner city kids, mostly black and brown males who grow up in these very volatile environments.

And once you understand a lot of the abuses and the high level of gun violence they are exposed to and the proximity to

death and danger, then you can begin to help them cope and help them understand what their own cognitive processes are, what their emotional processes are and how they are psychologically damaged by their environment. You can fix that if you understand it.”

To meet the author and hear more of his riveting account of his ascension from prison to prominence join us for an open discussion at First Baptist Church Decatur on Friday, March 11 at 7 p.m. First Baptist Decatur is located at 308 Claremont Ave.

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March 3-9, 2016

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March 3-9, 2016

BUSINESS

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Local firms unite to mobilize Atlanta Community Food Bank Operations

Local firms help the food bank deliver hundreds of thousands of pounds of food to agencies servicing communities challenged with hunger BlueFletch, LLC and Catavolt, Inc. today announced the results of a joint initiative to mobilize the operations of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. BlueFletch, a mobile technology consultancy serving large enterprise organizations, used Catavolt’s secure rapid mobile app development platform to modernize and mobilize the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s warehouse operations. BlueFletch and Catavolt donated their services to the food

bank at no charge so the food bank could better serve its community without incurring additional costs.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank connects over 750,000 people each year with more than 61 million pounds of food. Under the strain to expand rapidly to serve a growing market and better serve its agencies, the food bank was looking for innovative approaches to order fulfillment.

Relying on an outdated ERP system with no easy path to upgrade, the food bank was looking for ways to make better use of their existing technology infrastructure.

BlueFletch and Catavolt approached the food bank with a solution: Deploy mobile apps into internal warehouse operations to drive efficiency, and connect agencies through their own mobile app to check food inventory, place orders and schedule pickups.

“We are hearing from many of our partner agencies that they love Mobile Harvest as a new means of placing their orders for food and grocery products at the Food Bank,” said Atlanta Community Food Bank President & CEO Kyle Waide.

“We already have 133 orders created in Mobile Harvest totaling 389,434 pounds.

It’s this kind of innovation that empowers our agencies to gain in efficiency to provide more nutritious food for the hungry in their communities.”

“Having the app on my smart phone gives me the ability to check the Food

Bank’s inventory more frequently throughout the day so I can see when the items we need to order are available,” said Kathy Shrader, Meals Coordinator, Meals on Wheels of Coweta. “Vegetables, fruits, pastas and grains are the biggest things we look for. We use these as the side items for the meals we deliver to complete a healthy meal. With some of our senior clients, it may be the only meal they receive for the day. So the best, nutritious meal we can provide is crucial. The app gives me the advantage when I’m ordering food from the Food Bank. I love using the app.”

“With no prior knowledge of Catavolt, I was able to develop and deploy Catavolt apps to meet the needs of the business within a month,” said Patrick McGlynn, a business analyst at BlueFletch. “By avoiding writing custom code, fixes were as simple as changing settings in Extender and there were never issues with app stability. Catavolt’s seamless integration into the ERP made it possible for ACFB to have a mobile presence with limited resources.”

“Every day our primary goal at Catavolt is to help our customers out-mobilize their competition,” said Eric Martin, vice president of marketing at Catavolt.

“Partnering with BlueFletch on this project was just one way to help the Atlanta Community Food Bank out-mobilize hunger in the communities they serve.”

What if we increased incentives for single taxpayers who work?

By Milton J. Little, Jr. President, United Way of Greater Atlanta One of the nation’s most successful (and politically popular) programs, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), has lifted more children out of poverty than any other Milton J. Little, Jr. government program by increasing incomes and incentivizing work for millions of low-income families.

But an important group of low-wage workers has been largely left out: childless adults eligible for the tax credit. This group can only receive a maximum of $500 – and often much less. Compare this to a mother, for instance, who can receive a tax credit of more than $6,000 per year.

Low-earning single adults, especially young men who are noncustodial parents, have been hit exceptionally hard by lower wages in the post-recession economy

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leading to less incentive to work. Offering this group an expanded EITC is one of the most promising vehicles for turning this trend around. That’s why United Way of Greater Atlanta is piloting an innovative program called Paycheck Plus, which is testing the effects of offering an enhanced EITC for single adults without dependent children. Eligible residents in greater Atlanta’s 13 counties who enroll by March 31, 2016, will now have the opportunity to earn a bonus of up to $2,000 per year when they work and file their taxes.

This three-year pilot in Atlanta is part of a study that will rigorously measure the effects of the enhanced EITC on reducing poverty and hardship and increasing work effort, child support payments, health and well-being, and other positive outcomes. The Paycheck Plus study, a partnership between United Way and MDRC, a nonprofit research institution, puts Metropolitan Atlanta at the forefront of a national conversation about one of the most important social policies of our time. It is also being piloted in New York City, where last year nearly 1,400 residents earned a bonus averaging about $1,400.

During the current tax season, United Way is enrolling 4,000 Atlanta residents in the study, half of whom will have the opportunity to earn a bonus in 2017,

2018 and 2019. The other half of study participants will not be eligible for the bonus, but they will still have access to services available through the 2-1-1 system and throughout the community.

By comparing the outcomes of the two groups over time, we will be able to learn what the effects of the bonus are for participants. Will it promote employment for those eligible for the bonus? How will lives and the economy change as a result?

Eligible residents in greater Atlanta have about one month left to enroll in Paycheck Plus for the opportunity to earn the first bonus in 2017 after filing taxes.

United Way is excited about helping single workers in greater Atlanta access this innovative new program and showing political leaders at the state and national levels the real-world effects of offering an enhanced EITC to single workers. So we ask this of you – if you are a single adult in the Atlanta area, between the ages of 21 and 64, who earned less than $30,000 in the past year without claiming children on your tax return, sign up for the Paycheck Plus study today and have an important role in expanding EITC. Learn more by calling 2-1-1 or 888366-9647 or visit unitedwayatlanta.org.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Ice Cube makes plans to shakeup Hollywood with studio venture

‘RHOA’ star Phaedra Parks to change career paths

By Terry Shropshire

Ice Cube with son O’Shea

By Terry Shropshire

faces roadblocks to get films made.

“I’m ready to run a studio,” he said. “I’m ready to green light movies, and be in it to win it, you know? It’s close. It’ll happen.”

And as far as making movies to appeal to the Academy, he’s consistent on his opinion on them. “When you go to a movie, you don’t care for one Oscar, really. Do you care if a guy got an Oscar on the shelf or is it a good movie? And, you don’t care how much the movie made. Do you like it?”

Adding, “A good movie is a movie that you could see over and over again, not a movie that wins a Oscar, or a movie that makes a lot of money. It’s a movie that you personally can watch over and over again. That, to me, is a measure of a good movie.”

“Real Housewives of Atlanta” veteran star Phaedra Parks is part of a minority of reality stars who have wisely leveraged their new-found fame and national platform and translated it into additional revenue streams and business opportunities.

Since the entertainment lawyer joined “RHOA” several seasons ago, she’s added a fitness DVD and certification in being mortician to her business portfolio.

Parks also frequently talks about another love of hers, politics, as she explained the allure of public service.

“I always thought I would be the insurance commissioner, but then when I got into practicing law, things just evolved, and next thing I know, I’m in this entertainment field,” Parks said. “I love politics. I think politicians heal the community through their efforts in the legislation to pass laws that can help the people.

Politics definitely plays its role.”

When asked if she will run for office in the future, she replied, “I’m sure I will,” “I’m very much so connected to politicians, and my own aunt was the first woman and person of color to be elected into politics in Hall County. So I come from a very political family,” Parks added.

T:5” Parks didn’t divulge when she will make

that run for political office or exactly what level she will go out for, but our hunch is that it won’t come until after her run with the blockbuster “RHOA,” is over.

The show is by far the flagship show in the entire BRAVO TV portfolio.

Celebrating and Honoring our Educators during Black History Month

© 2016 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved.

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On the eve of the 88th Academy Awards the discussion over #OscarsSoWhite had yet to die down. And with more and more actors boycotting the event that excluded Creed, Beasts of No Nation and Straight Outta Compton from major recognition, the list of no-shows was growing.

Actor, rapper and producer Ice Cube was on hand for The Hollywood Reporter‘s interview series “The Hollywood Masters,” to talk about why he didn’t attend.

Filmed at Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film & TV in front of an audience of students, the 46-year-old music veteran kept it 100 about the industry, what he wants to see and how to make progress happen.

“I’ve been fighting my whole career to show a different side and prove naysayers — not prove them wrong, because I don’t think you should get your energy from negative people, like, ‘He don’t believe in me so I’m doing it.’,” he said about rejection in Hollywood. “That’s the wrong approach. You should just do it ’cause you feel like you the sh*t and you can do it… There’s not enough Ice Cubes getting a chance to do their thing. And hopefully my example will break down more doors.”

As a producer, Cube has 26 titles under his belt; as an actor, 41 titles.

But despite being a respected and successful m u l t i talented entertainer he stills

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March 3-9, 2016

ENTERTAINMENT

March 3-9, 2016

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Mayor Reed hires Christopher Hicks as Director of Office of Film and Entertainment Capitalizing on the city’s burgeoning national and international reputation as an epicenter of music and movies, and determined to expand upon it, Mayor Kasim Reed announced the hire of Christopher Hicks as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment.

The timing of Hicks’ appointment was fortuitous as his first day including introducing legendary music producer and executive, L.A. Reid, who spoke and signed copies of his book at Morehouse College.

Hicks, a 20-year resident in Atlanta, has worked with some of the m o s t successful national and international artists to come from Atlanta. Hicks has also been an entrepreneur, running his own production and publishing houses based in Atlanta.

“Christopher Hicks has been a pillar of Atlanta’s entertainment industry for more than twenty years,” said Mayor Reed.

“He will bring his extensive experience, deep knowledge of the entertainment industry and unique creative vision to the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment. I am excited about what he will be able to accomplish in support of our strong and growing

film, television, digital entertainment and music industries.”

Hicks served as the Executive Vice President of Island Def Jam Records, part of Universal Music Group, from 2009 to 2012, splitting his time between Atlanta and New York. In this role, Hicks was part of the team to launch Justin Bieber’s career. He reported directly to the Chairman and CEO of Island Def Jam and was in charge of the creative staff across the record label.

“I am excited to serve Mayor Reed as a member of his administration and the City of Atlanta, where I’ve made my home for the last 20 years,” said Hicks. “The film and entertainment industry is surging in Atlanta, boosting the economy in the city

RE:THINK RE:IMAGINE RE:DREAM Re:Dream is an immersive, digital-first project taking a look at what it means to “make it” in the 21st century. Forty micro-documentaries from five different cities tell the stories of individuals as they prepare for success, meet obstacles, and pursue their American dream.

Join the conversation online at ReDreamProject.org.

An Initiative of the DeBruce Foundation

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In partnership with…

and across our state. I am thrilled to help advance this industry and support this growing talent pool in my new role.”

From 2007 to 2009, Hicks was Senior Vice President and Head of Urban Music at Warner Chappell, part of the Warner Music Group. He was responsible for reinvigorating the urban music division, which had once been a dominant part of the Warner Music Group business.

Hicks also founded and served as CEO of Noontime Music Publishing, and was a managing partner with CONTENT Music Group, where he consulted for Mary J. Blige and Usher Raymond. In 2012, Hicks launched his own production and consulting practice, DSRPT INC., where he advised clients from diverse industries on traditional and nontraditional brand visibility strategies. In his free time, Hicks enjoys volunteering with The First Tee, a youth organization which provides character education and healthy opportunities through golf lessons.

Christopher Hicks succeeds LaRonda Sutton in this role. Sutton was the first director of the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment and held her post from 2013 through January 2016.

Katt Williams arrested for punching store employee near Atlanta

By Terry Shropshire Troubled comedian Katt Williams’ rap sheet is thicker than his portfolio of jokes as he has been arrested — once again — after he allegedly punched a pool store clerk during a heated argument Authorities state that Williams was arrested after he had a verbal altercation with an employee and it escalated to the point where he threw an object and then punched the employee in the pool supply store about an hour outside of Atlanta, tmz. com reports.

Williams, a brilliant comedian with a troubled soul, is compiling quite an unimpressive arrest record, was already in the prone position with his hands behind his back when officers arrived on scene — perhaps because the volatile comedian didn’t want to get shot.

He’s being held on $5,000 bail.

POLITICS

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March 3-9, 2016

Atlanta Daily World’ endorses Hillary Clinton for Democratic nomination

By Keith Owens For us, the choice is clear; the leading Republican candidates – one in particular – pose one of the biggest threats to the well-being and stability of the United States that this country has ever witnessed, which means that the sole objective for the Democrats should be to choose the candidate with the handsdown best chance of defeating whoever the Republicans choose to lead their party into the November general election. And although Democratic challenger Bernie Sanders certainly has some very good ideas for how to make this a more fair and equitable nation, and his willingness to directly challenge the excesses of Wall Street is not only commendable but has shifted the direction of the Democratic debate, it remains our opinion that Sanders’ ideas are much more commendable than his ability to deliver them into reality.

For example, is it possible that a President Bernie Sanders can upgrade Obamacare into a healthcare-for-all system and also create access to free college-for-all while also taming Wall Street? Against the same Republicancontrolled rightwing Congress that ferociously battled Obama every inch of the way toward progress? While building a Democratic people power revolution on the ground that will provide the fuel needed to sufficiently overhaul the membership of Congress in 2018 to allow the possibility of any of these ideas getting off the drawing board?

Sure. Anything is possible. But is it likely? No. It’s not. Not at all.

As for Sanders’ chances against a Donald Trump, who right now appears to be the likely Republican nominee despite the fevered wishes of the Republican establishment, he is a solid debater with a quick wit who would no doubt be able to counter some of Trump’s parries and thrusts. But to most effectively deal with someone like Trump, who loves to attack, mock, and berate, the Democrats need someone with not only superior policy experience and who has better ideas for the nation, but someone with the fire-hardened experience of dealing

with constant attack. And there are few candidates anywhere who have as much experience of dealing with constant attack and ridicule – over a period of more than two decades – than Hillary Clinton. But in the face of all that perpetual criticism, much of it resulting (at least at first) from her husband’s deeds and misdeeds rather than her own, Clinton went on to represent New York State admirably as a U.S. Senator, then later was appointed to be the Secretary of State by President Barack Obama, against whom she had waged a historic, brutal, long and bitter campaign. Because despite her wellknown flaws, and the occasional ugliness of her campaign tactics, even Obama could see that Clinton’s merits strongly outweighed her shortcomings when it came to handling foreign policy and representing the United States on the world stage. And certainly if anyone had reason to be done with Hillary Clinton, it was President Obama.

As for those who insist that Bernie Sanders is more electable because of the undisputed enthusiasm of his supporters and his more inspirational message, his widening appeal, and his perceived status as somewhat of a rogue outsider willing to take on the Washington establishment, please keep in mind that Sen. Sanders has been a member of that same establishment for more than a quarter century, both in the House, where he served for 16 years, as well as the Senate, where he has served for 10 years. Sen. Sanders is not an outsider. And despite the appeal of many of his ideas, his self-identification as a Democratic Socialist will absolutely serve as a broad target on his back during the general election. It shouldn’t matter at all, but in the America in which we live most of us should know better than to think that it won’t.

None of this is to suggest that Hillary Clinton does not have her fair share of vulnerabilities because she does. But these are vulnerabilities that she has been defending against for more than two decades, so it’s safe to say she’s prepared. It’s also safe to say that Clinton’s plans for continuing on with the best parts of President Obama’s legacy while

formulating a strong foreign policy that continues to adjust to an everchanging global landscape as well as a domestic policy that acknowledges the need to tackle the ever-escalating crises of income inequality and racial and gender-based injustice as well as effectively reign in the excesses of Wall Street are what is strongly needed to keep this country headed in the right direction.

New voting precinct in Southwest Atlanta Voters in polling precinct 10B & 10I will now vote at the Anthony Flanagan Recreation Center at West Manor Park , 3240 West Manor Circle.

Additionally, 10L has been absorbed into 10B and will also vote at the Anthony Flanagan Recreation Center at West Manor Park.

Please be advised the previous locations for (10B, 10I) and 10L Young Middle School, 3116 Benjamin E. Mays and West Manor Elementary, 570 Lynhurst Dr. respectively will no longer be voting precincts.

For additional information, please call the City of Atlanta Municipal Clerk’s Election hotline (404) 330-6500.

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March 3-9, 2016

GUEST COMMENTARY

GUEST COMMENTARY

by Julianne Malveaux

by Jesse Jackson

Do students deserve internet privacy As the FBI battles with Apple about privacy protection and the need for the technology company to break down computer firewalls, I wonder who will, exactly, be protected, when technology companies go fishing to find protected information from their users. It is not so much that those who use troll cyberspace through their tablets and telephones, but that it makes sense to understand how much information is available because some data is too easily available for data breaches. In other words, that which is perceived as private isn’t always private. Who has privacy protection?

I am especially concerned that students are vulnerable to data breaches, and that hackers are able to invade university spaces. Young people. Who have not yet had the opportunity to establish a credit identity, are at risk when hackers get into databases that provide social security numbers, and other protected information.

While legislation attempts to protect those whose privacy is violated, enforcement is too often challenging. Tens of thousands of students have their identities at risk, and they have little protection from hackers.

On February 4, 2016, the University of Florida announced that “as many as 63,000 current and former students and staff had their names and social security numbers compromised.” The school has taken steps to inform those who were affected by the breach, including mailing letters and launching both a website and a call center.

That’s an adequate first step. Even after the immediate concerns have been addressed in the wake of this latest hacking incident, underlying issues surrounding student privacy remain.

In 2015 alone, 182 bills in 46 states were introduced to protect student privacy. This is both recognition of the problem and indication of the difficulty in finding a solution. Many of these efforts are focused on what happens within public schools, funded by taxpayer dollars, and rightfully so. As a longtime educator and former university president, I’m all too familiar with many of these issues, even as new ones emerge every day. Too many students find their identities compromised because of hacking.

Too many spend dozens of hours (if not more) attempting to protect themselves from hackers.

Identity theft is a real problem, and too many of the solutions require people to spend more time than they have forging solutions.

Technology both enables us and shackles us. Our educational system is enhanced by the software that is becoming more deeply embedded in our education system on a daily basis. At the same time, this software may provide an extraordinary access to student data. How do we balance privacy concerns with access to data? One advocacy group found that “school-issued Google Chrome books upload private student data to the cloud by default, including web history. Chrome books also track students on school-assigned accounts when they navigate to Google-owned services that aren’t segregated as ‘educational’ (non-‘educational’ products include Google Maps, Google Books, and YouTube).”

Student privacy protections are also important for after school programs. Largely unreported on by the media, the student test preparation company The Princeton Review was purchased last year by The Match Group, an online dating umbrella company that owns the hookup app Tinder, as well as Match.com, OkCupid and dozens of other online dating websites. Online dating sites are notorious for their failure to protect user data – according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, “Your profile is indexed by Google. While this isn’t the case for every online dating site, OkCupid profiles are public by default and indexed by Google. … Even something as small as a unique turn of phrase could show up in search results and bring casual visitors to your page. … last October researcher Jonathan Mayer discovered that OkCupid was actually leaking personal data to some of its marketing partners.”

Do our students have any privacy as they troll the Internet, visit dating sites, and offer more information than they want others to know?

As we have conversations about privacy, have we focused on the young person who is most vulnerable to a pernicious information sharing that puts young people at risk? A loose patchwork of regulations exists to protect student privacy in the United States, and little oversight of private company interactions exists at either the state or federal levels. This is especially true of data sharing between first parties, as both Tinder and Princeton Review are designated under their joint ownership. Rules have been proposed in the past that would “prevent separate businesses owned by the same company from both being considered ‘first parties’ and thus being able to freely share information with each other,” but little has actually been done.

Conversations about privacy do not often, unfortunately, focus on students and their special vulnerability. Yet, as we grapple with technology challenges, students are among those who will require special attention . From capital buildings to courtrooms to classrooms, privacy issues are going to loom large in this modern age of technology. Even as we enable students to use technology to enhance their possibilities, so must we also encourage them to use technology to manage their future options?

Legislators have focused on privacy issues, but they have been remiss when they have refused to deal with the privacy rights that students have. Too many data companies have too much access to student data. Too many who are concerned with justice issues must raise legitimate questions about the rights of our students, especially minors who can be more easily targeted in data mining operations.

While there are appropriate conversations about privacy rights for adults, there must also be conversations about the privacy needs of young people and students. Cyberspace isn’t always the safest space. If the law will protect the privacy of adults, it must do so much more to protect the privacy of minors.

Rebuild America’s infrastructure In the presidential campaign, we’ve seen libels on immigrants, fear mongering about Syrian refugees, arguments over Medicare for All and Obamacare, concerns about big money corrupting our politics and more. But too little attention has been paid to the one thing on which there should be consensus within and between the parties: the need to rebuild America now.

We didn’t need the horrors of children at risk from fouled lead pipes in Flint, Mich., to know that our infrastructure is dangerously decrepit.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) issues a report card every four years on our infrastructure, detailing the level of our investment deficit.

According to the most recent report card, issued in 2013, simply to get the country’s drinking water — drinking water — in safe shape would cost more than $1 trillion over the next 25 years.

The report card pegged the immediate cost of fixing at-risk bridges at $76 billion. Add fixing unsafe schools, repairing mass transit, disposing of hazardous waste and maintaining other basics, and ASCE estimated an infrastructure price tag of $3.6 trillion by 2020.

That is simply to repair what is. But we face a far larger investment deficit. If we are ever to enjoy widely shared prosperity, we will need a far more competitive real economy. That means 21st century broadband, fast trains, modernized airports, efficient mass transit and a modernized electric grid, just for starters.

And, as Flint demonstrated, we have communities in distress that need special, targeted investment. Community health clinics to replace hospitals that have closed. New schools with modern facilities and equipment.

New water systems. New affordable mass transit that makes getting to jobs in the suburbs possible. Public parks that provide a place for children to play.

And now catastrophic climate change is causing hundreds of billions of dollars in damage. We need significant research and development to generate the next generation of efficient appliances, cars, buildings and factories.

We need public/private partnerships, and public investment, to help retrofit buildings and

apartment houses for efficiency and alternative energy.

The need is clear. But the price tag should be seen as an opportunity, not a barrier. We still have not recovered from the financial collapse in 2008. Millions have dropped out of the work force. Some 17 million are still in need of fulltime work. We pay to imprison too many and educate and employ too few.

In these circumstances, a bold plan to rebuild the country will put people to work, generate demand, and boost a flagging economy.

Modernizing our infrastructure would help us compete in the global economy.

W i t h interest rates near zero, reputable economists argue that this will pay for itself in increased productivity, employment, wages and tax revenue. If not, we can easily afford it by requiring the wealthy and the corporations to pay their fair share of taxes.

This is not and should not be a partisan question. Republican Abraham Lincoln built the railroads and the land grant colleges even in the midst of the Civil War. Republican Dwight Eisenhower built the interstate highway system in the 1950s. The conservative Chamber of Commerce joins with the AFL-CIO to endorse a major infrastructure plan.

Yet, to date, the presidential candidates haven’t stepped up. Republican talk about infrastructure is focused on Trump’s promise to build a wall on the border and get the Mexicans to pay for it. Marco Rubio promises to spend $1 trillion more — but on the military, not on rebuilding America.

Hillary Clinton’s proposal on infrastructure — $275 billion over five years — is below what President Barack Obama has called for. Bernie Sanders’ proposal — $1 trillion over five years — is still far short of the ASCE accounting.

As Flint has shown, the human costs and risks of allowing our infrastructure to decline are immense. The economic costs are far greater in lost productivity than the price tag of making the investment. Consider this a simple measure of our future.

America’s decline will continue for as long as we fail to rebuild the country.

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March 3-9, 2016

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