The Gospel Tribune Atlanta Newspaper

2 | www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

October/November 2011 PUBLISHER

Pastor Tyrone Crider, Sr.

14

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Contents

Mr. Tracey Harris

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Robin Ware

PUBLIC RELATIONS

GTA Congratulates Xernona Clayton

6

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Editorial Statement Mr. Tracey Harris

7

TreMedia

Leslie Briscoe Dr. Candace Cabbil Dan Clayborn Ava Collier Dr. Shelley M. Dunson-Allen Bella Gandhl Pastor Joyce Gilmer Micah Harris Patricia Hagood W. Alvin Jackson Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight Cassandra Johnson Landry Nurisha Liggins Rhodell Lewis, Jr. Dr. Saled T. Murphy Anthony Roberson, Jr. Harriet Roberson Minister Tavares Stephens Dr. Lisa M. Tait Juana Wooldridge

facebook.com/thegospeltribuneatlanta twitter.com/gospeltribune linkedIn/gospeltribune

Feature 5

Mayor Kasim Reed Welcomes GTA 13

LAYOUT & DESIGN Whispers of the Heart

BET’s Reed Between The Lines 24

PHOTOGRAPHY

Susan G. Komen

The Gospel Tribune Atlanta info@gospeltribuneatlanta.com advertising@gospeltribuneatlanta.com Phone: (678) 278-9145 The Gospel Tribune Atlanta is a free monthly publication.

There is a $20/year fee for home delivery & online access.

Reproduction of the content in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2011 - The Gospel Tribune Atlanta.

Cover Story 14 Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery

Arts & Entertainment 17 Morehouse Honoring Our Fathers 18 A Taste of Tradition

(770) 881-6599

Tameka Pero tpero@me.com (678) 525-5588 www.tpero.com Additional Photography by Shawn Warren & Edward Charles Cover photo by Caselove Photography

Youth Corner 13 Interview with BET’s Zoe Hendrix Athletes Against Bullying

Founder of the Joseph E. Lowery Institute For Justice and Human Rights

PRODUCTION/OPERATIONS Mariah & Nathaniel Harris Tevera Tabron Linda Whatley

Spiritual Enhancement 8 Get Un-Stuck And Move Forward Why Giving Is Important 9 Dorinda Clark-Cole 11 Tribute to a King Get Your Rest On 12 The Power of Transformation

Health & Wellness 19 I Might Need Dialysis 20 An Opportunity For God’s Blessing 21 The Sun and Vitamin D Uterine Fibroids 22 23 24 25

Family Corner Children Are Ruining My Marriage Child Exploitation Race For The Cure Future Leaders of Tomorrow All The Single Ladies

Senior Living 27 Honoring Virgil Ladson

Bishop Paul S. Morton Dec/Jan Feature

Special Feature 28 Soledad O’Brien Gala Awards

4 | www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com | 5

Editorial Statement What a blessing it is to publish the next edition of the Gospel Tribune Atlanta newspaper. As editor-in-chief, I feel a profound responsibility to share with local readers and readers from other communities the kingdom-building that is taking place daily in the City of Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area.

In this issue, not only will we acknowledge that October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but we honor the courageous souls who have survived both. Further, it is our goal to provide information about how to combat breast cancer and domestic violence and to make both maladies a part of our collective past. There are so many ways to volunteer; we hope that you will choose at least one and commit some of your time and talents to organizations that support these initiatives. A huge thank Tracey & Mom (Mrs. Patricia you to my mom, Mrs. Harris, who works and prays daily for individuals that have been diagnosed with cancer and experienced Domestic Violence. You are my example and I love you!

Harris)

One of the things I love most about Atlanta is the larger than life men and women who call this great city home. The Reverend Joseph E. Lowery, affectionately referred to as dean of the Civil Rights Movement and the founder of the Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights, is one such icon. If you are nearly as awed by the power of his experiences and ongoing vision as I am, I am sure that you will enjoy his interview.

GTA was pleased to speak with Mrs. Xernona Clayton in a previous issue, and we extend warm congratulations to her on the recent naming of Xernona Clayton Way and Plaza. We also offer well-deserved praise to Chris Bridges (aka Ludacris) for winning the Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award. Please don’t close this issue before learning about how these two conscientious Atlantans give of themselves to make our city a better place for its citizens.

Again, I thank you for the support Atlanta has showered upon GTA and its staff. We do what we do for you and could not succeed without you. To all Bishop’s, Pastor’s and Churche’s we encourage you to advertise your 2011 “watch night” services with us in our next issue.

May God’s grace be continue to be with you.

Mr. Tracey Harris Editor-in-Chief

www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com | 7

Get Un-Stuck and Move Forward Embracing Seasons of Change

by Pastor Joyce Gilmer

Shades of orange, rust and reds, with hints of deep greens and yellows saturate the leaves that now fall so gracefully to the ground.

Birds are not as active as they were on warm summer days, swimming pools are becoming empty, and for children, blissfully playing outdoors now requires a light jacket, simply because the season has changed.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 declares, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:” Simply stated, everything has a set time when it must change. Many will miss out on the splendor the fall season brings, by opting to stay indoors to avoid the brisk air the season can bring. Others will mull over the fact that the enjoyment of summer has ended, and desire for it to linger just a few days more.

However, let’s consider two important facts: First, seasons change with or without our permission and they wait for no one. Secondly, each shifting season is essential and helps to usher in the transition of the next.

We must understand regardless of how enjoyable or challenging the last season was, when the new season arrives, we are all presented with the choice to stay stuck or move forward. As our lives are dramatically altered, we can sometimes become stuck emotionally, economically and socially. Refusal to let go of unhealthy mindsets, poor spending habits and non-value added relationships, may result in the loss of the benefits awaiting you in the new season.

Truthfully, if you desire change, you must be willing to change, even if it costs you something in the process. You must change your disposition and be willing to do the following: Grow and Go Know that even if your last season was a “trying season”, it can still be viewed as a “learning season” that caused you to grow.

So, learn the lesson and move forward.

Release and Embrace Release past failures and disappointments and prepare to embrace the “greater” that God has predestined for your future.

Unexplainable opportunities, keener insight, healing, direction and value-added relationships are already prepared to ride in on the transition of this new season. Don’t allow current stagnation to hinder the future celebration of your new season. Move forward!

Why is

Givingimportant and why should we Practice it?

By Juana Wooldridge

They say giving is better than receiving, why is this? Giving creates a circle for one thing. When we give, that keeps going until it comes back to us. We don’t give so that we receive but it does get us into the circle of giving. When you are in this circle of giving, you are in the circle of success. This is because everything we have in life is given to us and is a gift. It doesn’t matter how hard we work, we are still given things everyday that we cannot work for. Life is about appreciating what we have and by giving we show this. We also bring more good things to us. So, when we give, we become a part of the giving circle.

There is another reason to practice giving. This is the way everything in the world gets taken care of, showing how important this circle of giving is. When someone has a need, or a want, the way it is manifested many times is from a giving heart. When your child needs food, you give to them from what you have been given. Love for others makes us want to take care of each other. When you walk by someone, or see someone who needs food, how are they going to get food? Yes, everyone should work and take care of themselves and their family, but we are all an extended family. So if no one reaches out and gives that person something to eat, how will they eat? Yes, if you believe in God, you have faith and know that God supplies all things for others. We have been given a chance to help supply each other’s needs when we are willing to give.

8 | www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

The golden rule is to do unto others what you want them to do to you. If you didn’t have food, would you want someone to help you get some, or to just give it to you? If you were drowning in water, would you want someone to help to pull you out? If you wanted to go out for an evening, but you didn’t have anywhere to go, or the money to just go out alone, would you want someone to invite you out and treat you to a nice evening. All of us can answer yes to at least one, if not all of these questions. Giving is a way we can practice this rule. Giving is one of the biggest ways we can do unto others as we want done to us. When we do this, it also makes us a great gift giver.

There is a deep spiritual satisfaction from giving because when we give we are working on a high spiritual plane. Our bodies become healthier and happier. If you want to live long, keep giving. This is a way to draw closer to God, or to what many like to call the universe.

When you do this it gives you a great deal of peace and tranquility.

When we give, it does good for our own happiness and contributes greatly to our spirituality.

In the end, the person who gives is the person who wins in every way. Be a part of the circle of giving, and see how plentiful your life becomes in every way. The richest people in the world are the greatest philanthropists. I think the greatest gift from giving is just putting a smile on some ones face. That will make your day every time.

Dorinda Clark - Cole

A Conversation With

By Ava Simone Collier

Grammy Award winning gospel singer/songwriter, Dorinda Clark-Cole, is telling me about her CD, Take It Back and what it means to her. “The Take It Back CD is so close to my heart because of the trying times that the world is going through, a recession. But we don’t really acknowledge that because the saints know how to walk through this journey. The people of God in our communities are losing jobs and homes and loved ones. God has a way of replacing things, even if you don’t want it back,” says Dorinda.

She comes from a line of spirit-filled believers with a legacy left by her mother, mass choir director, Mattie Moss Clark. Dorinda is also a member of the famous award winning gospel group, The Clark Sisters. She is also an evangelist and heads Harvest Time Ministry.

Her gift of song is matched only by her anointed preaching, which she often does during concerts. Dorinda and I talked about how her faith in God has led her out of places of emotional darkness and into God’s plan for her life and her testimony of deliverance.

Dorinda states that it was after her mother died and she’d been going through many personal trials and tribulations, she began to suffer from depression and candidly shared with me that she not only contemplated suicide, but actually attempt it. “It was a very, very bad situation that I was dealing with,” she says. After feeling overwhelmed and hopeless, she got in her car one night and drove to the river. She’d planned to drive her car off a bridge. “Things got out of hand and one thing led to another.

I was so depressed and didn’t know what was going to happen. My mom was gone and I missed her because she was always there when we needed to talk and help us through things.”

Dorinda continues, “I was at a vulnerable point. The enemy was targeting my mind and told me that I didn’t have to go through this and I could just end it all. On my way to the bridge, I was driving fast. That’s when the Holy Spirit said to me not to allow everything that He’d invested in me to be taken away now.” Dorinda states that when God spoke to her, she immediately grabbed the

steering wheel and turned around. “I said to God ‘Thank you for saving my life!’ If I hadn’t heard God’s voice, I would have been doomed and consumed today.” It was because of that dark moment, she says, that she wrote the song I’m Still Here. Dorinda adds, “God is definitely a Deliverer and He gave me another chance to get it right.”

Also known as the Rose of Gospel, Dorinda is also the host of her own show, Dorinda, which can be seen on Total Christian Television (TCT). I asked her why she’s called the Rose of Gospel. “I’m glad that title was given to me. It was given to me by my record company at the time. Every artist wants to give back to their fans in some way. My way of giving back is when I sing, it’s to encourage some people. I give out roses during my performances.

I can’t give out roses to everybody, but there’s a reason why I give a rose to certain people. When I’m there singing, I can feel what they’re dealing with and what they’re going through. The rose is a symbol of encouragement to keep on going.” She says that all of her CDs are color coded. “My first CD was red, my favorite color, so I passed out red roses.

My second CD was pink, so I passed out pink ones.”

Dorinda believes in the Bible scripture from Matthews 25:23. She shared that her mother always instilled in her and her sisters to be grateful for the small things and to show appreciation. She says that being faithful over a few things will make you a ruler over much. She said that it’s manifested for her. “I have seen it in my own life. There are some things that God will trust us with, maybe not a lot at that time, but God watches us with what we call a little and He sees how we handle that. If He sees that He can trust us with what people give to us, no matter how small, He will trust us with the big stuff that He has for us!”

Visit Dorinda at www.dorindaclarkcole.net

www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com | 9

10 | www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

October 16 Washington, DC - President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Dr. King’s family and many other civil rights figures and entertainers joined an estimated 70,000 people from all walks of life to formally dedicate a memorial honoring the life of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. The MLK Memorial Monument is just steps from where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Designed as what King described as a stone of hope hewn from a mountain of despair, the memorial is the first commemorating an African American and non-President on the National Mall and its parks.

Tribute to a King

“An earthquake and hurricane may have delayed this day, but this is a day that will not be denied,” President Obama remarked in the opening line of his speech. Hurricane Irene pushed the dedication day back nearly two months; it was planned to be held on Aug. 28, the anniversary of the Dr. King’s famous speech.

M.C. Gwen Ifill brought up several members of Martin’s family: Bernice King, his sister Christine King-Farris and Martin Luther King III. When Bernice took the stage, she stated, “It’s been a long time coming, but today we are here.” Bernice said in closing, reminding

Get Your REST On!

By Nurisha Liggins God has been dealing with me about the importance of REST. You know, the kind of rest where you truly abide in the presence of God.

Rest is important to every area of our lives. Physically, we need rest for our bodies to heal and maintain healthy function.

Emotionally, rest helps us to refocus, and create healthy responses and reactions to situations. Rest refreshes and rebalances our senses and understanding.

Mentally, rest allows us to refocus and think more clearly, with wisdom about decisions we have to make. Stress is the result of the lack of mental rest. I always say: “A restless mind is the breeding ground for crazy.”

I am a thinker. And as a thinker, I must admit that I can over-think situations. I find that the situations I often think about are those that God wants to handle for me. He wants

us that her father’s dream hasn’t completely come true just yet. “One day we will be able to say, free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty we are all free at last.” After a performance by Gospel Duo “Mary Mary”, poignant speeches were delivered by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev, Al Sharpton, Cicely Tyson, Dr. Andrew Young, Dr. Julian Bond, Rep John Lewis, Diahann Carroll, Dan Rather, Designer Tommy Hilfiger and Rev Joseph Lowery, who stated he was the oldest person there who walked with Rev King. Many of the speakers us to abide in Him. (John 15:4). He is our peace. He is our problem solver. We try to work things out on our own in our thoughts, when He is really saying, “Rest, I got this!”

Resting in God is easier said than done. I believe this is why David said in Psalm 23:2 “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.”

When I think of green pastures, I think of beautifully manicured grass, with no weeds, freshly trimmed, beautifully landscaped, adorned with the finest flowers, plants and trees... perfectly maintained. He is making me take rest in a beautiful, peaceful place where the work is already done. In Him. He longs for you to rest in Him, because true rest requires relationship and trust.

Just recently, I was toiling over a situation that required me to make a big decision that could affect not only myself, but potentially thousands of people. I knew what God had told me to do, but it was risky. I toiled over the decision to walk in obedience because somehow, I knew more than God did! (That’s really what you are saying when you struggle to obey.)

referenced the injustice of executed inmate Troy Davis.

Aretha Franklin sang “Precious Lord” before President Obama took the stage.

Chants of “four more years” rolled through the crowd. President Obama, who spoke at the base of the MLK memorial and away from the main stage, graciously stepped up to podium after touring the memorial with his family and members of the King family. “It is right for us to celebrate Dr. King’s marvelous oratory, but it is worth remembering that progress did not come from words alone. “Progress was hard.

Progress was purchased through enduring the smack of billy clubs and the blast of fire hoses.” “And so on this day, in which we celebrate a man and a movement that did so much for this country, let us draw strength from those earlier struggles.” The current Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church of Atlanta GA, Rev. Dr. Raphael Gamaliel Warnock, prayed a dedication blessing over the MLK memorial and gave the benediction. www.mlkmemorial.org/

By Harriet Hagood Roberson

www.harrietroberson.com

I finally decided that I was going to obey, and I scheduled a day that I would carry out His instruction. I totally released my own plan. I lay in bed and looked up at my ceiling (because that’s where God lives in my house - the Holy Spirit hangs out in my shower). I spoke these words aloud to Him: “I choose to do it your way. I choose to abide in you and rest in your plan.” Two hours later, I received a text message that solved everything. Every “what if”, “when should I”, and every “how should I” was all answered in a single text message.

I praised God for His Word. You see, when you begin to rest, God’s completed work begins to manifest. He’s already done the work. How foolish we must look to God worrying about the sun coming up. He took care of that problem long before we were born. He took care of all of your problems a long time ago too! He has been waiting for you to rest so that you can receive.

www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com | 11

The Power of Transformation Imagine being an eleventh grader and you want to be the best you can be, yet you’re struggling academically. You excel as an artist and writer, but your teacher just accused you of plagiarism because,

solutions driven dialogue helping teachers overcome challenges they face.”

Chike credits part of his transformation to a conversation he had

in his eyes, your 1.9 GPA doesn’t equate

with his sister, Leslie, prior to his senior

with the virtuoso essay you’ve just

year in high school. He states, “My sister

written. Your teacher can’t see that,

encouraged me, helped me set higher

although you are presently struggling,

expectations, and envision success. She

soon your transformation will take place.

spoke success into me. I believed in myself

He can’t see that you will graduate with

and success began to happen.” As a result

honors from Hampton University, be

of his transformation, Chike believes that

an author of 8 books by age thirty-five,

“we must see ourselves operating with the

and an entrepreneurial genius who trains

power of God through Christ. If we don’t,

other for business success. He can’t

it’s problematic because God can’t use us

see that you will evolve into an award

the way He desires.” In fact, he sees his

winning educator recognized as one of

work as a fulfillment of God’s calling.

America’s 50 Leaders of Tomorrow by

In order to remind himself of

Ebony Magazine, as well as, a lecturer

his calling, Chike uses daily devotions

and trainer whose commitment to God,

to commune with God. He believes

family, and community will inspire people

wholeheartedly in the Bible’s declaration

worldwide. Your professor can’t see this

of being made in God’s image and the

transformation coming but God can and

redemptive life and power we receive

eventually, so will you.

through Christ. Chike begins and ends

Chike Akua, owner of Imani Enterprises, was that struggling

each day meditating on these truths. They remind him of “Who he is,

student whom God transformed. Now an internationally renowned

Whose He is, and what is possible through God.” When examining

author, trainer, and lecturer, he tours thirty cities per year nationally and

Chike’s ascent from struggling student to inspiring success story, one

conducts summer lectures series in west and east African. His book, “A

can see that “with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).” And

Treasure Within,” also received an NAACP Image award nomination. In

no matter what struggles we endure, once God transforms us, our lives

2008, Chike founded the Teacher Transformation Institute. The institute

become an unlimited blessing.

serves as a national teacher training conference empowering teachers

For more information on Chike Akua go to myteachertransformation.

through standards based, research driven, and culturally relevant

com and africanoriginsontour.com Tavares Stephens

strategies. When asked why he started the institute, Chike states, “After being a struggling high school student, and after witnessing challenges I’ve seen students and schools face, I felt compelled to bring teachers together to learn cutting edge techniques that help students excel. The Teacher Transformation Institute teaches these techniques and facilitates

12 | www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

One on One with

Z H oe

endrix

Athletes Against Bullying

Dude, Bullying is Not Cool By: Anthony Roberson, Jr.

New Series Reed Between the Lines Micah Harris, 11, sits down with Zoe Hendrix. Thank you, Tresa Sanders & Juanita Stephens with: Tre-Media Public Relations Micah - Tell us a little bit about your character on the show?

Zoe – Alexis is 7 years old. She is hyper and really wants a kitten or a pony!

Micah - How were you chosen for the roll?

Zoe – All I really did was be natural! And I worked with my agency too!

Micah - How do you remember your lines for the show?

Zoe – I remember my lines by going over and over them constantly. After that I remember them. Sometimes I get them on the first try.

Micah - What is your day like on the set?

Zoe – My day on the set is like focus! Concentrate! I wipe everything out and tell myself you are not Zoe Hendrix, you are Alexis Reed. I have this little thing when I pass the tape to the set I turn into Alexis and when I pass back by the tape I am Zoe. Micah - What is it like to be Malcolm Jamal’s and Tracee’s daughter?

Zoe – It is fun! Mr. Malcolm has me as his weight bar and he is my jungle gym. Me and Miss Tracee are both fun and active. We are both crazy!

My name is Anthony Roberson, Jr. I live in Richmond, Virginia. I am Micah - I’ve heard that you are very crean honor roll student in ative, can you tell us a little bit about the the eighth grade. I am script you’re writing? Can you tell us the on the football, basketname of it? ball, baseball and track Zoe – The script I am writing now is called and field teams. I am in “Let’s talk about teamwork”. It is about some a lot of clubs in school of the experiences I have working on the set and I am very popular. with my Reed family.

One thing that I am not is a “Bully”. I don’t like bullies and you cannot Micah - Tell us about the handbags you be my friend if you if you are a bully or participate are making? in bullying other kids.

Zoe – I made a handbag on a sewing maIt doesn’t matter if it’s physically bullying another chine for the first time recently. The fabric student, ridiculing or teasing someone or bullying was hard to work with. I also used burlap through cyberspace (texting and emailing jokes or fabric and yarn and made a purse. threats). It’s NOT COOL!!! And, if I see someone being bullied, I speak up and tell that person to stop.

Micah - You have a birthday coming up; I looked online and saw this definition of what bultell me how you want to celebrate it? lying is all about. Bullying includes behaviors that Zoe – On my 10th birthday I want to have a focus on making someone else feel inadequate, or focus on belittling someone else. Bullying includes fundraiser and support Autism. harassment, physical harm, repeatedly demeanMicah - Kids like to have fun, what do you ing speech and efforts to ostracize another person.

Bullying is active, and is done with the intention of like to do for fun?

Zoe – For me to have fun I like to go outside bringing another person down.

and play. Another way I have fun is by making a tent and inviting neighbors over or by playing funky music and dressing up.

Micah - Your mom is on the set with you every day, that must be cool?

Zoe – Yes, it is cool. But now that I am away from my dad and my baby brother it can be hard. But I am happy to be with my mom.

Zoe, thank you for the interview.

If you are someone who is bullying: Please stop! You don’t know what damage you are causing that person. Recently several kids have committed suicide over the pressures of being bullied. I don’t think you would want to cause someone to kill them self.

And, you wouldn’t want someone to bully you or someone in your family.

If you are someone being bullied: There are some things that can help discourage bullying situations.

You should be encouraged to seek friends who are supportive and kind. You should also try to move in groups if possible, since bullies like to single out kids who are alone. Don’t be afraid to tell the principal, a teacher or even the resource officer at your school. Tell them in private so they can put the word out to the other teachers to secretly watch out for that person doing the bullying. I’m sure you are not the only one being bullied by that person and they will be caught and dealt with.

Lastly, pray and ask God to protect, lead and guide you. Remember nothing is too hard for God. As my parents say, “Problems are only for a season and what you are going through will eventually pass”.

God Bless you and I’m praying for you.

Anthony Roberson, Raquan Andrews, Tyriq Branch

www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com | 13

R

A man that needs no introduction

everend

DJ r.

oseph

EL

Dean of the Civil Rights Movement

.

owery

Hailed as the “Dean of the Civil Rights Movement,” Rev. Dr. Lowery has played diverse roles over the course of his nine decades, most notably serving as the co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and serving as the organization’s leader for 20 years.

In honor of Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery’s 90th birthday, the Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights presented His Words – Our Gift, a musical and theatrical experience in celebration of the life and work of legendary civil and human rights pioneer Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery at Atlanta Symphony Hall. At the star studded event, presented by Delta Air Lines, Coca Cola Company and Kia Motors, Inc., the evenings guests were surprised by a salute from President Barack Obama. CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien served as the host, and performances included Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Holliday, Peabo Bryson, Lady Tremaine Hawkins, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Cicely Tyson, Dawnn Lewis, Cassi Davis, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Morehouse and Spelman College Glee Clubs and other special guests.

GTA: Tell us about your experience as it relates to the civil rights?

JL: I never considered myself going into the civil rights movement.

I was going into my ministry. And ministry is a holistic approach to life. I think the Gospel speaks to the totality of life – the social, political, economic, business, educational, personal, public, everything. God looks at the totality of life. So I saw my ministry as not only trying to help make heaven their home but to make their homes here heaven. And that took in what I call Civil Rights. It took in every aspect of living and every aspect of life. So I never distinguish between Civil Rights and the work of the church. It is all related to “what thus saith the Lord”.

recognizes the fact that the country accepts the fact that Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the fathers of this country. He’s on that mall with the other fathers. It’s marvelous that he’s there because he helped America find a new birth. He helped America become a new nation, entering into a new era of brotherhood and fellowship and justice. And that is what makes you a father of this nation. He belongs on that mall. And although he was just dedicated the mall knew he was there. The whispering grass told the trees and the trees told the birds and the bees and they told the babbling brook there is a new kid on this block!

GTA: What was your experience with Dr. King?

JL: I wish I could put adequately into words a description of what a marvelous and powerful personality Martin Luther King was. He was one of a kind. It was so tragic that he was taken from us at such an early age. He used to say to me that he wouldn’t make 40 and I would say to him, come on now you’ll live to be an old man. Your beard is gonna drag the ground but he died at 39. But it never deterred him from his work. He never took any shortcuts. He didn’t abbreviate his ministry in any shape or form because he was in danger and he knew he was in danger. He knew he was being stocked. He knew his life was threatened. But it never made him shortcut his ministry nor compromise his position on critical issues. He loved people. He enjoyed his work. He was at home with kings he was at home with a small town preacher like me. Really one of the great experiences of my life was being a friend and colleague of Martin Luther King Jr.

GTA: Dr. Lowery, in your time you have seen the election of an African American president come to pass. You’ve seen this incredible 30-foot monument of Dr. Martin Luther King erected in Washington. At 90, what does this all mean to you?

JL: Well, I wish I knew. I’m trying to discover what it all means. If I had known it was so much fun, I would have turned 90 sooner.

People have been so loving and so warm and embracing me in so many perspectives. I don’t know what to think. I don’t deserve it but I’m not giving it back. Like I told President Obama when he gave me the Freedom Medal, I thank you, I don’t deserve it but you are not going to get it back. It was a wonderful experience! I think that we all have to thank God. When we got the Voting Rights Act Bill passed in 1965 we talked about the election of a black president. We said this will open up new vessels of opportunity. But none of us will be able to see a Black president. One or two of us may have said you can never tell it but it will be a few years. Obviously I never thought I’d live to see it. And not only did God allow me to live to see it He allowed me to participate in it. So I am overjoyed. If God took me home right now He wouldn’t owe me anything. My blessings have been abundant and enormous and marvelous. And I am thankful for everything the Lord has done.

GTA: What was the recent dedication ceremony for Martin Luther King Jr. like for you?

JL: It was tremendous! We completed a task. It is a marvelous experience and a marvelous project. Someone said Martin was about 5’ 8” and that statue is about 30 feet, so he is a big man now! It is a marvelous tribute to Dr. King, to the movement and to the country because it

14 | www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

GTA: What victory of the movement do you feel impacted your life the most?

JL: I guess the single event of movement that impacted the country most was the voting rights act. There would be no black president.

No black congressmen, no black mayors or elected officials.

When Martin died, there were only a few hundred. So we’ve come a long, long way and I think that Voting Rights Act is the most significant piece of legislation in our lifetime. There were so many memorable events – the inauguration of Barack Obama. And my getting to give the benediction was a memorable event. No way to overlook that. There have been so many wonderful experiences. Like I said if He (God) took me right now I would have no complaints.

GTA: Dr. Lowery, your love for Christ is very apparent. Share with us how you’ve maintained your faith during difficult situations and challenges?

JL: Let me turn that around, it was faith that sustained me in the movement and in all of my ministry. I always had a sense of calling.

I wouldn’t have had the courage or the nerve to stand up there and say to people you listen to me if I had not felt that God had called me to do it. And that He would sustain and inspire me. He filled my mouth with words. I have had a sense of God’s calling. I felt I was in partnership with God and that gave me courage and that gave me strength. And many times when you get discouraged and down you just remember that you are not alone. It was my faith in a loving God that sustained me. Without that faith I would have fallen by the wayside long time ago.

GTA: What message do you have for our youth today?

JL: I would hope that we’ve made progress academically. We have college presidents. We have more of our young people going to college than we’ve had before, not enough but we still have a large number. We have many more young men going to college. So we’ve made progress in many areas but the one area where we are lagging is in, the spiritual arena. We’ve got to catch up with the intellectual and literary and even the economic progress with our spiritual achievement. We’ve got to learn to love each other. We’ve come a long way and we’ve learned to tolerate each other but we’ve not learned to love each other. Our tolerance comes by law. You can’t separate and you can’t deny us participation in certain areas of life. But that’s not the same as love. And we’ve got to find a way to understand that God made us one family and it’s silly of us to have the kind of divisiveness that characterizes the human experience today. Young people love each other, embrace each other. God doesn’t care about our color.

youngest daughter, Cheryl Lowery Osborne, resigned from her previous position to take over the institute. The birthday celebration was her first major project and she did a beautiful job. It filled up and they sold out. It was a beautiful program and I said to the symphony that I thought they ought to pay us instead of us paying them for the privilege of accompanying The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, Tramaine Hawkins, Peobo Bryson and Stevie Wonder. All of them were jubilant.

It was a tremendous experience. It was an honor to the movement and to what the movement was about.

GTA: Dr. Lowery, if you would, please lead us in prayer for our nation - a prayer to include our young people, all those who are struggling and losing their homes, etc.?

JL: Let us pray. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far along the way, thou who has by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path we pray. Lord, we thank you for our blessings and thank you for this opportunity to send a message of prayer and love and faith through the magazine and through photographs and through our own witness as your children.

I pray for the young people who hear my voice. Our young people are our smartest yet generation and the most promising generation and we need, Lord, to throw our arms around them and keep them in the fold of faith, and not let them waste themselves in unrighteous living and drugs and other things and violence, but to turn to each other as your children and to understand that we are your children.

Be with us, Lord, in the days ahead. This nation unto thee can help the whole world as the world looks to America for these issues. So let this nation’s light shine, and let the glory of God shine through us, and let God work through us as we love each other. And as we look forward to that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around, when yellow can be mellow, when the red man can get ahead man and when white will embrace what is right. That’s the world we know you want us to have and we thank you for leading us to it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Visit our website: www.gospeltribunealtanta@gmail.com to see the complete interview with Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery. GTA would like to thank the following: Dr. Lowery, Cheryl Lowery, Delta Airlines, Erica Newsome, Cascade United Methodist Church, Robin Ware, Amadi, Tameka Pero, Teresa Poole and Pia Forbes.

GTA: As it relates to our youth, what’s going on with the Joseph E. Lowery Institute?

JL: It was Carl Ware, who was Chairman of the Board of Trustees, at Clark and Dr. Thomas Cole, President at the time back in 2001 who established the institute. It has taken us all those years to get situated, but I think now we are getting it off the ground. Just recently my

www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com | 15

INSPIRATIONAL INTERESTING ENTERTAINING ENGAGING

S S E N T WI

AMUSING SERIOUS

; man ng e of u o y d t f a h Si ir o e Sout o grea o m t h e t m y n s o vert ing d. mov he ‘50 ject po l of Go d t n l i b a n a i w om lling om and mpe ingle m rise fr grace o c e s The to a his gh th u n nd bor go a ts, thro a Chic heigh

vin l A W.

on s k Jac

16 | www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

A MUST READ

Pr

ais

“Wh bey en I firs o t was nd bei met [A n l end in work g brigh Jackso ured n i t, ca ng f Blac pab ] I knew o a lo rC k ther odd man wo t. I kn hrysle le and e a e r s oth . I soo rking at w from Corpo rticula was som ers ratio te. n t fi h ethi d a r For stha t lev isco mem to d n ng a h el v e n s find oir is w fine him ered th for Chr d expe a Seni im to b specia l or M e in ysle r a thei ell-w i t e o n h r r le th abou ,t ce e a r wa y.” ritten a t thing had a rying to how d nager m e posit t him grea ion succ nd a iffic s th e a he n ult i mus at ha t resi eed a t w t he g l p t-re ad f pened ience t ainst ins as bei had hat or s n u i g n r mo a h re pirit uall is past fused untable “Mo y le s d m define to allow and t of us h en s a trug im. Hi and purpos nd esp s Dr. P glin e g to out drift fro for th ecially h a r men em. es A of th m o the . No , str ne t ings For j u el ll ofte ourney . As th hing to many ggle w e i n mos calle begins y conti the ne t becom ith tryin x da n t of f g life’s rom w ue to l t trying es a lo to un us.” revi ithin. ook f to fi st cau derst o ew to d This bo r answ nd thei se and and Go r wa ers isco ok i they d’s w o s ver y the an end utward and m langu ill i l “Wa ans y e wer aver t , few r ake sen sh t eali o co Und ching h to q ze t se n erne is jo u d e u h stio and urne ath ns t ct wha at g Rev hat t him race o all of i y has b . Tro plag is tIk f Go e alon y e n M ue sou d. I a now insp . Ben g th n ton as y ding b e way. I m than that his irationa oard ou n kful l an hav t r a d ns e to avig . ate This bo been h have forma at time b t i s you r wa ok in m s co-pil een a p ion has has lef o t y th a rou any wa t, profe rt of h been th me awe gh l i y s s ife” s will b sional life an rough struck. th d e ab cons le to ultan to help e will guid t an do t d he s e ame spiritua for y l Will ou, iam H. A dkin s

www.jarradent.com

ef or

Wit ne

ss

President Banks (3rd from left) with Honorees

Jamal Ahmad - Nicole Sweeney - Patrick Allen

Morehouse Men with Honorees

Dr. Joseph Draper - Honoree - Dr. Wilbur T. Leaphart

HONORING OUR FATHERS THE MOREHOUSE WAY breakfast. The fundraiser was put on by the Atlanta Metro Chapter of the Morehouse College National Alumni Association at the Commerce Club located in the 191 Peachtree Tower in downtown Atlanta. The event, which appeared to be sold out, was co-hosted by Nicole Sweeney, the middday host of “Jazz of the City” at radio station 91.9 WCKL and Jamal Ahmad, host of “The S.O.U.L. of Jazz” during the afternoon drive time at the same station.

The president of the Atlanta Metro Chapter, Brandon Banks seemed pleased with the way the event turned out. The event honored three

The next recipient was the former Dean of Admissions and Records at Morehouse for 27 years, Sterling Hudson III. He was awarded The Mangham Mentorship Award. The award recognizes an individual who has mentored and guided young people toward the attainment of their educational and professional goals. Mr. Hudson is the CEO of Child First USA. The last recipient to receive an award was Attorney H. Lamar Willis.

He has served as the Post 3 At-Large council member since 2001.

He received the Leaphart Fatherhood Award given to a local Honoree Attorney H. Lamar Willis (R)

Honoree David Jernigan (R)

father who is stalwart in his commitment to children while maintaining a successful balance between his personal, professional and family life. Each award recipient’s bio was read by a current Morehouse student and was greeted by the award’s namesake. It was truly a great way to honor men who have and are making a

W. Alvin Jackson is an author and retired automotive executive from Chrysler Corporation, who has traveled extensively and lived abroad in Paris.

Honoree Sterling Hudson (L)

Al Jackson (L) - GTA - Tracey Harris (R)

www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com | 17

A Taste of Tradition Rhodell Lewis Jr. AKA “Rhodell In The ATL”

As a child, I remember when my father would take me to concerts to see traditional gospel groups such as; Slim and The Supreme Angels, Spence Taylor and The Highway QC’s, Margaret Allison and The Angelic Gospel Singers, The Pilgrim Jubilees, The Sensational Nightingales, The Jackson Southernaires, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Williams Brothers… wow, this takes me back. Nowadays, you don’t hear much of their music, so I thought it would be nice to go back and take you along as I talk about and interview some of the great traditions we had in our community… traditions we loved and lived by.

For some strange reason radio has moved away from the ‘traditional sound’. It has been said that the traditional sound doesn’t sell, that it’s not marketable, it’s old-timey. I believe that if we could go back to our traditional roots, some things wouldn’t be the way they are. Traditional gospel relies on gospel standards instead of newly written material.

I want to take us back, on a journey through traditional gospel music and artists, bringing us back to the future. Traditional music is here to stay. It is part of our rich heritage…let’s embrace it! As the recording artist Dorothy Norwood has said, “Certainly this audience for Gospel won’t go away. There are young people who love traditional Gospel, so it is [still] spreading. Traditional Gospel music just gets better with time, like old wine.”

Let’s begin our journey with the late great Albertina Walker, hailed as the Queen of Gospel. Albertina was born on August 29, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. She began singing in the church at the age of four, and joined several Gospel groups in the years to follow.

Albertina was greatly influenced by Mahalia Jackson, her friend and confidante. Mahalia Jackson took her on the road when she was just a teenager. Albertina often spoke about how Mahalia used to kid her. She recalled Mahalia saying, “Girl, you need to go sing by

18 | www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

yourself.’” In 1951 Albertina organized her own group, the world famous Caravans. The original group the Caravans consisted of Elyse Yancy, Nellie Grace Daniels, and OraLee Hopkins Samson.

Albertina’s discovery of new talent, the legendary Caravans launched the careers of Pastor Shirley Caesar, Inez Andrews, Delores Washington, Cassietta George, Evangelist Dorothy Norwood and the “King of Gospel” the Reverend James Cleveland. This rightfully earned her the title “The Star Maker”. The Caravans achieved great success with hits like Sweeping Through The City, Mary Don’t You Weep, Walk Around Heaven, and Lord Keep Me Day By Day. In 1975, Ms. Walker went on to phenomenal success as a solo artist, recording her first project Put A Little Love In Your Heart. She has recorded over 60 albums, including gold selling hits Please Be Patient With Me, I Can Go To God In Prayer, The Best Is Yet To Come, Impossible Dream, and Joy Will Come.

Ms. Walker’s charitable contributions, personal and media appearances, and her honors and awards are too numerous to mention. However, it should be noted that in 1995 she received a Grammy Award for the Best Traditional Gospel Album (Songs of The Church); was inducted into the 2001 Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee; is featured in the Who’s Who In Black America, and has received several keys to various cities. She was honored at the Chicago Gospel Festival where a bench bearing her name was placed in downtown Chicago’s Grant Park. The city of Chicago paid tribute to her by renaming 35th and Cottage Grove “Albertina Walker and The Caravans Drive”. The honorary Doctor of Letters Degree was conferred upon her by the Chicago Theological Seminary, an institution of the University of Chicago, Illinois. In a ceremony held at the White House on May 31, 2002, President Bush honored Dr. Walker for her contribution to gospel music, declaring the month of June as Black Music Month. Albertina Walker’s unselfish devotion, contributions and love for gospel music has truly earned her the historical rank as the “Queen of Gospel”. The legend passed away on October 8, 2010 in her hometown of Chicago. She was 81. Dr. Albertina Walker is gone, but not forgotten. She lives on in her traditional music ministry.

Next time, we’ll take a look at the late Reverends, Walter Hawkins and F.C. Barnes.

“If you can’t do great things do small, things in a great way”

I HAVE JUST BEEN TOLD I MIGHT NEED DIALYSIS...

And I am afraid to death - my life is over!

By Saied T. Murphy , M.D.

when a new patient arrives in my office many of

incidence of diabetes. Besides genetic birth markers many of these ethnic groups have other contributing factors, such as the foods they eat, which oftentimes lead to diabetes and hypertension.

them come in as if they have just been handed a death sentence. As a nephrologist (commonly known as a kidney doctor), patients I see for the first time have either been referred to me by their primary care physician or the attending physician from the hospital they were just released from.

Normally this is after experiencing some type of medical emergency. In any case, when they arrive most are filled with all sorts of anxiety based on things they have heard and not the facts.

Before I tell any patient definitively that they need dialysis, I run a series of test to check their creatinine levels and a GFR (Glomercular Filtration Rate) to measure their level of kidney function. This is done in conjunction with determining whether they have any underlying disease such as diabetes, known to affect the kidneys. It is the leading cause of end stage renal disease. A serum creatinine above 1.2 would be considered abnormal in many patients, but is not the best test, since this level can be affected by factors not related to renal functions alone and its’ impact changes as we age.

A GFR below 10-15% means anything can happen at anytime, including the possible need for immediate dialysis. If it is determined they have renal failure and need to be dialyzed, there is a process we go through to prepare them. One of the first steps is to begin properly educating them on dialysis and arranging for an access to be put in, so they can be dialyzed. There are two different types of vascular accesses; one is called a fistula and the other is a graft, both have to be surgically implanted. In cases where dialysis has to be performed on an emergency basis, and there is no access or not enough time for the access to become strong or the site to heal, a catheter is used as a temporary access.

The most frequently asked question by new patients is what causes renal or kidney failure. As I mentioned previously, diabetes is the leading cause and then there is hypertension (high blood pressure) and substance abuse. High blood pressure is one of the most common causes of kidney failure. High blood pressure and especially when it is untreated, can damage both the large arteries leading to your kidneys and the tiny blood vessels (glomeruli) within the kidneys. Damage to either makes it so your kidneys can't effectively filter waste from your blood.

As a result, dangerous levels of fluid and waste can accumulate. When I mentioned substance abuse, I am not just talking about illegal substances. For example, in the South many individuals end up with renal failure because of excessive and chronic use of over the counter medications like BC Powder and Goody’s Powder. The prolonged and constant use of these products, which both contain aspirin

XX

| www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

and caffeine, and are normally consumed with a coke, can reek havoc on the kidneys. It is important to remember that the kidneys filter all toxicity from the body.

I often tell patients that there are five things that can be done to help avoid renal failure. (1) Regular check-ups and routine physical examinations on an annual basis. (2) Control of life-style factors such as diet and exercise. (3) Taking your prescribed medications daily in the right dosage. (4) Don’t abuse or over use any substance or drug, including over the counter ones. (5) Knowing your families’ medical history.

While all these things may not completely prevent the need for dialysis, it will significantly reduce them.

When it comes to dialysis there are two types, one is called hemodialysis and the other is peritoneal dialysis. The latter is performed at home using dialysis solution instilled in the belly several times a day by the patient or spouse. Hemodialysis is done at a clinic or hospital and is administered by trained nurses and technicians. They work in concert with a nephrologist, who is normally the director of the unit. I am the Director of the DaVita North Lake unit in Tucker, Georgia. Patients are usually dialyzed three time a week during the day for 3-5 hours (depending on how much fluid and toxin buildup they need to have removed), on either Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

For patients who work, there is a third option called “nocturnal.” Similar to how patients are dialyzed in Europe they are dialyzed much longer at a slower speed or rate of removal. At the DaVita North Fulton unit in Roswell, Georgia on Hembree road, which offers this third option, their nocturnal patients arrive at 8:00 p.m. and are dialyzed until 2:00 or 4:00 a.m. As is the case in Europe, many of these patients prefer the longer dialysis because it is physically less depleting, and they claim they have much more energy after being dialyzed.

In case you are wondering whether there are any particular groups who seem to have the greatest pre-disposition to ending up on dialysis, it would be Pima Indians, African-Americans and Hispanics. In fact, Pima Indians have the world’s highest reported

In terms of the things you can or cannot do as a dialysis patient, you pretty much can live a normal life with some restrictions. You can work or hold most jobs, although it might require scheduling flexibility to work around when you need to be dialyzed. Traveling is possible as long as you plan in advance, and work with the social worker at the unit where you are dialyzed, to make arrangements to be dialyzed in the location you are traveling to. Dialysis has become so prevalent and widespread that there are very few locations in the U.S. where there are no dialysis units. In fact, some cruise ships have dialysis facilities aboard. There is a web site called “Dialysis At Sea Cruises” where you can book a cruise on a ship with a dialysis unit and enjoy the freedom of cruising. As for sexual activity, there are no restrictions, however fatigue, depression and erectile dysfunction (for some males) may create some challenges. Problems such as this should be brought to the attention of your doctor and can sometimes be helped with medications.

The biggest restrictions and challenges most patients face are related to the limitations placed on how much fluid they can intake and the foods they should or should not eat. Every dialysis unit has a dietician to work with their patients on food choices and meal preparation.

The big no-no are foods high in potassium and phosphorus. The list of fruits and vegetables high in potassium include things like greens, potatoes (all types including potato chips), tomatoes and tomato related products, bananas, melons (cantaloupe, honeydew and water melon), kiwi, figs and raisins. On the phosphorus side you have meats such as fish and seafood, lamb, liver, pork, turkey and veal.

Add to this certain bread and starches and diary products. While it seems the list includes just about everything, the key is limiting the amount you eat and drink. Managing this is not impossible, it just takes a different mind set.

In the end being dialyzed is not a death sentence, it just requires some adjusting. It is life saving.

Dr. Saied T. Murphy is a graduate of SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse, New York. He is affiliated with Northside Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, North Fulton Medical Center and the DeKalb Medical Center.

www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com | 19

An Opportunity for God’s Blessing As the doctor walks into the recovery room, I am just waking up from the anesthesia.

I hear, “Well, it looks like cancer.” Whooo, whooo, rewind that back please, what did you say? “Looks like what I feared was true, you have squamous cell cancer.” I had come into the hospital for one specific procedure and leave with another.

words were, “Dan, do you really want the church to pray for you?” I said, “Yes! There’s power in prayer.” That following Sunday, just days before I would start my treatment. My Pastor called me to the front for anointment and prayer. Brothers from all over came down and laid hands on me and there was a call for all cancer survivors to come down and I sensed the Power of the Lord all around me.

I wanted to write this article to inform the reading audience about this, not so familiar, form of cancer and the blessings that came with it. Sure, I had to go through 39 sessions of radiation and 7 sessions of chemotherapy, which left me with impaired hearing in both ears, numbness in my hands and my feet, hair loss, dry mouth and loss of taste, but, you know, thank God, I am still alive!

Head and neck cancer is a form of cancer that typically attacks individuals who are heavy drinkers and/or smokers and are somewhere upwards to 70 or more in age. I am none of the above.

I don’t know how I contracted the disease, but thank God for His healing power and for prayer, my family and my friends.

That’s not how it’s supposed to work!

The moment that I was diagnosed, that Sunday, I immediately went to my Pastor, Dr. Micheal T. McQueen, Sr. Pastor at St. James United Methodist Church, in Alpharetta, Ga asking for prayer. His

20 | www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

I completed the treatments and am completely healed from the “head and neck” cancer that consumed nearly 30 pounds of my body weight and left me unemployed, BUT, through it all, I met some of the best individuals in my life! Individuals who would volunteer to cook dinner for me and my family, do chores around the house, maintain our cars, and even watch our children, Danielle and Daniella, while my wife and I were at appointments. Brothers like John Fowler and Edwin Joseph from the church would stop by and check on me. And by the grace of God, my wife, Felicia, was able to take care of the children, the home, and generated cash-flow while I was incapacitated.

Dan Clayborn, MS

THE SUN AND VITAMIN D By: Dr. Candace Cabbil We all know that proper exercise, fresh air, and natural (raw) foods are important for good health. But did you know that sunshine is just as essential for gaining and maintaining health, strength, beauty, and vitality? It is true that all life require sunlight. The sun’s rays not only influence the skin, but pass through the skin into the body exciting and stimulating the cells and tissues. Dr. Thiel asserts in Combining Old and New: Naturopathy for the 21st Century that it is a proven fact that the skin absorbs the solar energy drawing the blood to the surface, vitalizing the skin and stimulating its respiratory and eliminative functions, thereby relieving the overworked lungs, liver, and kidneys. Sunshine stimulates every function of the body to normal activity.

The sun and Vitamin D work together synergistically. The sun is the source and activation of Vitamin D production in humans. It is virtually impossible to get enough Vitamin D in the diet naturally, which is the major difference between Vitamin D and all other vitamins. The sun provides it instead.

According to the article “The Power of D” in Science News, the ultraviolet rays of the sun trigger the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin producing the vitamin’s seemingly broad benefits — ranging from maintaining bone strength to sharpening mental acuity. Despite the fact that most people don’t get enough sun exposure, the sun is a natural way to optimum health by supporting the proper functioning of the immune system, heart, brain, and the bones. Due to limited sun exposure, most people today suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency. The amount of Vitamin D produced is heavily dependent upon factors such as age, where people live and skin pigment. African-Americans, other darker-skinned people, and those living in the northern hemisphere are particularly vulnerable to Vitamin D deficiency because

UTERINE FIBROIDS Shelley M. Dunson-Allen, M. D. What are they?

Uterine fibroids are growths that develop from the cells that make up the muscle of the uterus.

They are also called leiomyomas or myomas. The size, shape and location of the fibroids can vary greatly. They may appear inside the uterus, on its outer surface, within its walls, or attached to it by a stemlike structure called a pedicle. Fibroids can range in size from small pea sized growths to large, round ones as large as eggs, oranges, or grapefruits.

As they grow, they can distort the inside as well as the outside of the uterus. Sometimes fibroids grow large enough to completely fill the pelvis or abdomen. Fibroids can be singular or multiple.

Fibroids can be slow growing or rapidly growing, which makes optimal treatment and management difficult to predict. Women have to be evaluated and treated on an individual basis depending on their symptoms.

What causes them?

Fibroids are most common in a women aged 30-40.

However, they can occur at any age usually after puberty. Fibroids occur more commonly in African American women than in Caucasian women or women of other nationalities. Fibroids have been estimated to occur in as many as 25% of all African American women over the age of 30. Fibroids also seem to grow more quickly in African American women. The exact cause of the development of fibroids in an individual is unknown. However,

they do not produce enough. In fact, according to the Washington Post Article, “Vitamin D Deficiency Called Major Health Risk,” a nationwide federal study found that nearly one half of African American women of childbearing age may be Vitamin D deficient.

It is unclear if Vitamin D deficiencies are a long-standing problem or if it is indicative of life-style changes, people shunning the sun, the overuse of sunblock, and the smog covering the sun.

Whatever the case, it is clear that the amount of Vitamin D people produce naturally is very low. As you enjoy the final days of summer, remember to do your body some good by enjoying plenty of outdoor activities in fresh air, basking in the sun to produce and boost Vitamin D levels, naturally!

Associate/Internal Organizational Development Consultant with SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective. Candace@sistersong.net or www.sistersong.net

this is an area of active research in the medical community. At this point, it is known that the female hormone estrogen affects and stimulates the growth of fibroids. Therefore, women who are premenopausal and have ovarian function can expect to have continued growth of their fibroids over time.

How do I know if I have them?

Many times fibroids, while present, may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, they typically include changes in menstruation, pain, pelvic pressure, and much more rarely miscarriages and infertility. Sometimes fibroids are incidentally discovered during routine gynecological examinations. However, when patients complain of the aforementioned symptoms, in addition to the physical examination, physicians can do tests such as ultrasound, hysterosalpingogram, CT or MRI scans. In addition, procedures such as hysteroscopy or laparoscopy may show more information about the fibroids.

What can be done about them?

Fibroids that are small and not causing any symptoms frequently do not require any treatment. Also, in women who are menopausal or nearing menopause, no treatment may be necessary. However, in women with symptoms, medical treatment with iron supplements, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, birth control pills, or Lupron may help alleviate symptoms. If the symptoms persist or worsen despite these non-surgical attempts to manage them, surgery or uterine artery embolization is usually required.

Surgery is a definite cure for fibroids and the gynecologist may perform either a myomectomy

or hysterectomy. Depending on the individual patient evaluation and the specifics of the fibroids, these procedures can be done via laparotomy, laparoscopy, or hysteroscopy. Uterine Artery Embolization is a fairly new technique of directly blocking the blood flow to the fibroids via an arterial catheterization procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. This procedure is effective in relieving the uncomfortable symptoms associated with fibroids in 80% of women. It is an excellent alternative for women who have completed their childbearing and are not candidates for definitive surgical management.

What should I do?

Understand that uterine fibroids are common benign growths that can occur in any woman who has a uterus. Fibroids are particularly common in African American women. Fibroids may cause no symptoms and therefore require no treatment.

You should have an annual Gyn examination. This exam may also importantly include a pap smear in addition to the physical examination to screen for abnormalities such as fibroids. You should pay attention to your normal physical function and be alert to changes or symptoms that could signal a problem. If you have uterine fibroids or have had them in the past, you should continue regular checkups with your doctor.

www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com | 21

MY CHILDREN ARE RUINING MY MARRIAGE

BY DR. LISA M. TAIT

depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). But what

SIDEBAR

should a couple do when they have reared

* An estimated 19.9 million Americans aged

their child in the ways of God and that child

12 or older were current users of an illicit drug

still strays. Here are some helpful tips parents

in 2007. This estimate represents 8.0 percent

can use to guard their relationship when

of the population. (Source: NIDA, www.nida.

their children are troubled.

nih.gov, accessed March 18, 2009.)

Acknowledge The Stress – Many times

* Half of all new HIV infections occur among

couples refuse to talk about the impact

adolescents. (Sadd.org)

that the child’s behavior is having on their

In the last week I have counseled two teenagers under the age of 16 who have six suicide attempts between them. Their parents are desperate to get help for their children who are suffering from mental health issues but rarely have they considered the toll their children’s behavior is having on their relationships. According to an article printed by the New York Times, nearly 6 million

relationship. You must be willing to break the

* In 1994 (the latest year for which statistics

silence and talk about ways to eliminate the

are available), 855,000 cases were formally

stress brought on by your child’s behavior.

processed in the state juvenile justice

Get Help For Your Child – In many instances

systems. (American Bar Association)

our children are crying out for help. Their behavior is seen as volatile, self-destructive,

* Suicide is the third leading cause of death

immoral

many

for 15-to-24-year-olds, among this age group,

times that child is wrestling with mental

suicide accounts for 12.3% of all deaths. In

health issues and is in need of the help of a

2007, 6.9% of high school student surveyed

professional.

through the Youth Risk Behavior Survey

and

defiant.

However,

indicated they had attempted suicide in

children today (in America alone) have been diagnosed with a variety of mental disorders or psychiatric issues. The strain on couples raising children experiencing difficulties in coping, discipline and behavior may have a variety of effects, ranging from frustration to divorce (Denise Wang, Livestrong.com).

So what should parents do when they find their relationship is falling apart because of a child who is suffering from a mental illness, or chooses to use illegal drugs, or gets entangled with the legal system. The Bible tells us to “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not

22 | www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

Become A United Front

the last 12 months, and 14.5% had seriously

Parents who are not on the same ‘page’ when

considered attempting suicide. (Source: CDC,

it comes to discipline or addressing the needs

www.cdc.gov, accessed March 18, 2009)

of a troubled or special child may experience marital strain due to lack of communication or the ability to communicate at all.

Seek

Marital/Couples

Counseling

~

Couples married, divorce or never married need to seek counseling when their child begins to act out. The reason for this is that many couples will start the blame game and this only makes matters worse when the parents begin to resent one another.

Dr. Lisa Tait serves as Executive Director of the Atlanta Center For Healing, Public Relations Manager and Therapist with Mental Health Georgia (www. mentalhealthgeorgia.com) an Adjunct Professor at the ITC, and a radio personality and relationship expert. She is author of Women of Destiny: Five Principles For Pursuing Your Purpose in God and CEO & Founder of Women of Destiny Ministries (www.womenofdestiny.org). Learn more about Dr. Lisa at www.DrTait.com.

Child Exploitation: The Human Trafficking Epidemic

by Cassandra Johnson Landry, L.P.C.

Harriet ran away from home when she was 11 years old and moved in with a 32-year-old man who sexually and physically abused her and convinced her to become a prostitute. In the next two years, Harriet became addicted to drugs and contracted numerous sexually transmitted diseases. The police arrested Harriet when she was 13 and charged her with committing prostitution. They made no efforts to find her pimp. Harriet was placed on probation for 18 months in the custody of juvenile probation officials. Her lawyers have appealed the decision, arguing that since she could not legally consent to sex, she cannot face prostitution-related charges. (U.S. Department of State Diplomacy in Action).

each month, an estimated 3 times a day. And approximately 7,200 men knowingly or unknowingly pay for sex with adolescent females in Georgia each month.

Every year an estimated 800,00 to 900,000 human beings are bought, sold or forced across the world’s borders. This action is known as human trafficking and among them are hundreds of thousands of teenage girls, and others as young as 5, who become victims of sex trade for the purposes of sexual servitude and labor exploitation.

What you can do to help: Learn to identify traits of victims of exploitation: • Unexplained absences in school • Chronically runs away from home • Exhibits bruises or other physical trauma, withdrawn behavior or fear • Is hungry, malnourished or inappropriately dressed for the season • Demonstrates a sudden change in behavior, attire or material possessions

Child exploitation is a broad term; which includes the enticement of children for sexual acts; forced or dangerous labor, child trafficking, and child prostitution. The term is further used to refer to situations where children are abused physically, verbally, or sexually; or when they are submitted to unsatisfactory conditions as part of their forced or voluntary employment. Many of the children who suffer from exploitation do so because they have no other choice. They may be runaways like Harriet, their parents may need the additional income, or the children may be orphaned or responsible for their siblings. They may also have been trafficked or forced into slave labor and may be living a life of struggle and suffering. The predators and pimps play on the victim’s vulnerability by luring them with false promises of a better life, payment for education, food, or housing.

It is absolutely imperative to note that many of these cases do not merely take place in foreign countries but are happening right here in the state of Georgia, with Metro-Atlanta being identified as a central portal for such travesty. These victims are in essence, hidden in plain sight. Within our state, more than 375 young girls are trafficked

With its existence so close to home, we need to understand exploitation and human trafficking is not someone else’s problem.

It is nothing less than slavery and poses a threat both to democracy and public health. Traffickers target victims through phone chat lines, Internet, on street corners, at malls and additionally by peer recruitment. Our primary sense of responsibility may initially lie in becoming alertly aware of this activity and responding accordingly.

Report suspected incidence of human trafficking: • In cases of immediate emergencies, it is best to call your local police department.

• You can report suspected trafficking crimes or get help by calling the national 24/7 toll-free Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888. This center will help determine if you have encountered a victim of human trafficking.

• Identify local resources available in your community to help victims; and coordinate with local social service providers to help protect victims so they begin the process of rehabilitation.

Victims of exploitation lead fragmented lives. We can help ignite change and restore hope and healing one life at a time.

Cassandra Johnson Landry is a licensed child and adolescent therapist practicing in the Atlanta Metropolitan area. She is the Co-owner of Mental Health Georgia (www.healthgeorgia. com) and Co-Founder of the Atlanta Center for healing.

www.stophumantraffic.com

Breast Cancer Awareness Month I was a teenager in 1971 when my family and I moved to South Carolina from Germany. We stayed with my favorite aunt while my parents were looking for a new home. After a couple of months, I began to notice that my once vibrant and beautiful aunt was progressively becoming ill. Her long black locks were falling out in patches, her shapely frame was skeleton, and her stunning tawny skin was colorless. Within a year, my aunt had died.

This was my first experience with cancer, specifically Breast Cancer. Forty years later, I remember its profound effect.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the celebration of 25 years of Awareness, Education, and Empowerment – the road map to conquering and finding a cure. During this month pink is everywhere in the form of t-shirts and ribbons to cleats in the NFL. Although there is one month designated, it is a year long process in awareness of breast cancer, education pertaining to the knowledge and understanding of symptoms, testing and treatment, and empowerment in taking control of cancer through awareness, education, and medical research.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be diagnosed in men also. The most common signs of breast cancer are a lump, abnormal thickening or a change in the shape or color of the breast. Breast tumors can be either benign which is not cancer or life threatening or malignant which is cancer. Monthly self examinations, mammograms and annual visits to your doctor are imperative in the early detection of abnormalities in the breast. Consult your health care provider or www.nationalbreastcancer.org for more information. Awareness and knowledge is empowering; it might save a life--your life. - Patricia. Hagood

Every 12 seconds, a woman is beaten by her husband or boyfriend. Between 3.3 and 10 million children witness domestic violence annually. One in every 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.

At The Safe Families Office, attorneys and advocates are on hand to offer legal and safety planning assistance on a walk-in basis to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking who are seeking to file a protective order in Fulton County. All services are provided FREE of charge.

If you or a loved one is in need of help, please call us.

The Safe Families Office Fulton County Superior Court, Courtroom 6G 136 Pryor Street, Atlanta, GA 30309 Mon – Fri 9:00am to 4:00pm: 404-612-4316 PADV’s 24-hour Crisis Line: 404-873-1766 The Safe Families Office is a collaboration among Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF), Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV), and the Fulton County Superior Court. For more information about our programs, visit us at www.avlf.org.

24 | www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

Greater North Atlanta Chapter

Stone Mountain Chapter

Atlanta Chapter

Buckhead Atlanta Chapter

Lake Spivey Georgia Chapter North Suburban Atlanta Chapter

East Suburban Atlanta Chapter

Fayette County Area Chapter

BUILDING FUTURE LEADERS OF TOMORROW The Jack and Jill of America, Inc. organization of

today, which boast over 220 chapters nationwide representing over 30,000 family members got its’ start way back in 1938 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The founder, Marion Stubbs Thomas and twenty other mothers got together to discuss creating an organization to provide social, cultural and educational opportunities for their children.

It is a membership organization of mothers with children between the ages of two and nineteen.

Their commitment is to nurture future leaders by providing programs that support leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. The goal is to create a medium of contact for children which will stimulate growth and development while providing a combination of constructive educational, cultural, civic, health, recreational and social experiences.

While Jack and Jill does a tremendous amount of good work in the community, it is sometimes viewed by outsiders as more of a social organization than anything else. If you look at the kinds of programs they sponsor and the community activities they get involved in, you will see that there is nothing further from the truth. When you ask some of them why they joined Jack and Jill they will openly acknowledge it was in part for social reasons, not necessarily for themselves but for their children. You see the areas where some of them live are high income, predominantly white neighborhoods, and the schools their children attend (both public and private) are pretty much the same. For many of these kids, Jack and Jill is the only time they get to socialize with other kids who look like them.

It also provides them an opportunity to better connect with the African-American community at large.

For those of you asking what about the fathers, some chapters have a Fathers Auxiliary group who’s main purpose is to support the activities of the chapter by lending a hand when needed. Many of these chapters have utilized the fathers to oversee special programs that have been developed like the Stock Market competition that is held every year.

The kids are paired off and select stocks after a small tutorial presented by the dads. The stocks are monitored over an eight to ten week period, and the group with the highest percent increase wins.

In the Atlanta area there are eight Jack and Jill chapters: Atlanta, Buckhead Atlanta, East Suburban Atlanta, Fayette County, Greater North Atlanta, Lake Spivey, North Suburban Atlanta and Stone Mountain. This year Atlanta is the location where they held XXI www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

the Southeastern Region’s 55th Annual TEEN Leadership Conference from June 22nd thru the 26th at the Marriott Marquis downtown; under the watchful eye of Joli Cooper, Regional Director for the Southeastern Region. You had Jack and Jill mothers and their teens, from throughout the Southeast, participating in an intense five days of meetings, networking and socializing.

The Atlanta Chapter of the organization is run by President Rebecca Paschal Young. It is the largest chapter of Jack and Jill with nearly 164 members.

Last year on September 16th they celebrated 60 years of service in the Atlanta community. They are very proud that they have logged in over 1,000 hours of community service. Conscious of our environmental obligation they planted two trees as part of Trees Atlanta put on by the Junior League of Atlanta and the Atlanta Parks Commissioner. In response to the ever growing needs of underprivileged youth they teamed up with Cool Girls to donate Christmas gifts.

Representing the central part of Atlanta is the Buckhead Atlanta Chapter led by President Tracy Moss. They have 43 mothers that make up their membership.

Their main goal is to create a village within the Atlanta Metropolitan area that supports each of their families and make the community better than they found it. Their major service project is called The Cake Connection, which celebrates the birthdays of homeless children who reside at the Salvation Army Red Shield Service Center. Given their family situation most of these kids are not expecting anything for their birthday and are pleasantly surprised.

The East Suburban Atlanta Chapter is headed up by President Dorothea “Dee” Dawkins-Haigler, who is also a state representative. The chapter which was chartered in 2008 consist of 27 mothers. On an ongoing basis they support the Aidemore Girls Home and provide mentoring with the Boys and Girls Club of America for at-risk children. They hold an Annual Leadership Retreat that provides college recruitment and career planning for more than 100 children described as at-risk by their schools and government agencies. In addition to this, they include several of these children in their annual Beautillion and Advocacy Day at the State Capitol.

Katrina L. Parker is the President of the Fayette County Area Chapter. This chapter has been in operation for ten years and includes 41 member families. When they throw a party it is with a purpose. Last December they hosted their Black and White Teen Gala and collected can goods that were donated to Hosea Feed the Hungry. Their community service initiatives included donating supplies and clothing for Fayette Samaritans and writing letters and cards to the military during the United We Serve Campaign.

One of the newest chapters in the Southest Region is the Greater North Atlanta Chapter directed by President Maria Owen Aguilar. With its’ 72 member families this chapter volunteered at the Thomasville Heights Discovery Program and put on the Mentoring in Medicine Conference. Recognizing the importance of early intervention, they tutored 1st and 2nd graders in math, reading and language Arts at the Thomasville Heights elementary school. The Mentoring in Medicine program, which was a huge success, provided teens considering entering the medical field an opportunity to hear from various healthcare professionals.

The Lake Spivey Chapter is headed up by their President Dr. Jamnique Walton-Kengwa. This chapter with its’ 41 members have dedicated their resources to supporting the Arrowhead Healthcare Assisted Living facility in Jonesboro. They make monthly visits and deliver donated items that have been requested as well as spend quality time with the residents. They share their musical talents, play board games and help out in whatever ways are needed.

According to Dr. Terena J. Washington, President of the North Suburban Atlanta Chapter, they have 90 phenomenal, dynamic mothers and their families as members. At their recent 30 year anniversary celebration they raised over $10,000 for the Jack and Jill of America Foundation and other local charities. They are partnering with The Drake House in Roswell, a facility that services homeless women and children. They will support the facility in its’ mission to empower mothers and their children as they recover from their interim homeless situation.

Last but not least is the Stone Mountain Chapter, where Attorney E. Noreen Banks-Ware is the president. This chapter, which has 60 members, for the past five years has hosted teens in a Legislative Day at the Georgia State Capitol. This past year has been particularly busy, because along with the East Suburban Atlanta chapter they hosted the 55th Annual TEEN Leadership Conference here in Atlanta. All 39 of the Southeastern Region chapters were involved with over 1,000 participants. Activities included a “Rep Your City” welcome reception, formal plenaries, leadership workshops, oratorical competition, a talent/step show, a basketball tourney, nightly dances, a trip to Six Flags and community service activities. What an event!

W. Alvin Jackson is an author and retired automotive executive from Chrysler Corporation, who has traveled extensively and lived abroad in Paris.

www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com | 25

3670 Highlands Parkway Bldg. 6 Smyrna, GA 30082 770. 856. 7600 CORE and IFI Services for Children , Adolescents, Adults

Assessment Services

Biopsychosocial Assessments Treatment Plan Psychological Testing and Evaluations Nursing Assessments Drug and Alcohol Evaluations HUD McKinney Forms School Psychological Evaluaations/ IEP Process Treatment Services

Mental Health Outpatient Services Medication Management Psychiatric Assessment Nursing Services Individual Counseling Family Counseling Group Counseling Resource Coordination Community Support Service Community Linkage Intensive Family Intervention

Issues Addressed

ollow us on acebook 26 | www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

Academic/Behavioral Problems ADHA Anxiety Anger Management Depression Family Conflict

Grief/ Loss Mood Disorders Oppositional Defiance Stress Management Substance Abuse Trauma

Visit our website at www.brownstonechc.com

ALL THE SINGLE LADIES! 8 Steps To A Great First Date Does the thought of dating put a knot in your stomach and get your heart racing? If so, you’re not alone. Dating today is more complex and challenging than it was a decade ago. People are more sophisticated, have higher expectations from a mate, and sex is easier to get. Additionally, online dating has exploded: more than 20 million singles are reported to be dating online, and it’s easier than ever to get a first date. As a result we tend to screen people out much faster than we screen them in; there are lots of other choices in our inboxes.

Because things have changed so substantially, it’s more important than ever to date well. Rest assured, though, dating is a skill that can be easily acquired. You can turn the first date into the second date, and then the third – and get “screened in.” First, remember an important fact: Most men are simple…they are looking for warm, happy, kind, and thoughtful women–as they say, “a soft place to land” after work! They are not looking for female versions of themselves. With this in mind, here are eight great tips to putting your best foot forward for a first date: 1 Step Up Your Feminine Look. Dress beautifully in a dress or skirt. Take some time to get ready – when you feel pretty, you feel confident!

5 Be very prepared to chat. Think of fun and interesting stories about yourself that cast you in a good light. Word to the wise though – don’t oversell.

2 Smile a lot. Just like Mama told you. Happy, confident people attract the most people.

6 Leave your “Inner CEO” at home. Don’t be bossy, demanding, rigid, or argumentative – definite deal breakers!

3 Be genuinely interested in your date. Be an active listener, and asking good questions about something he likes/is interested in. Don’t ask questions as if you’re interrogating him, though.

4 Break the force field. Give your date a hug when you meet – and a gentle appropriate touch on the arm or back during the evening will jolt him into paying closer attention to you!

7 Be lavish with appreciation. We all love to hear nice things. Telling him "I had such a nice time this evening, thank you!” It will make him feel good.

Bela Gandhi is the founder of Smart Dating Academy, a full dating coaching service for busy, successful professionals. One-on-one coaching, image consulting and on-line dating consulting. www.smartdatingacademy.com

8 Give him the benefit of the doubt. Don’t rule out a guy unless he demonstrates truly inexcusable behavior on the first date. This is important – the frog on date one can turn into Prince Charming by date four!

www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com | 27

Q: How many years have you been married to your beautiful wife and what advice do you have for young married couples?

A: 54 ½ years! December 15th will make it 55 years! My wife and I met while we were both in the service in Spokane Washington. We met through good friends. She is a nurse and received her degree from Ohio State University. We have three wonderful children who all reside in the Columbus Ohio. Two sons and a daughter and between them we have five grandchildren. My oldest son has a degree in Engineering, my daughter is a Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist) and my youngest son is in the military (Army division). If I were to give advice on marriage I would have to say communication is critical.

Speak with each other and discuss everything even if you are upset.

My wife always says we should pray to the Lord and thank him that we are together. We both believe that the Lord is our guidance and that we stay on track with him.

Honoring Our Seniors

Virgil Ladson

Q: Are you originally from GA? A: I was born January 5, 1931 in Savannah Georgia. I attended Beach High in Savannah and then went to college at Savannah State. I eventually attained my Masters from University of Southern California. I began my career as a Navigator in the Air Force and traveled extensively. Most of my Air Force career was spent on the West Coast. After 20 years I retired and relocated to Columbus Ohio to work for Rockwell International. My family and I lived in Ohio from 1973 – 1983 when we were then transferred to Atlanta. The Rockwell International headquarters are located in Duluth Georgia and I worked in the Tactical Missile Systems Division.

Q: What are some of the highlights from your career in the Air Force?

A: I would have to say taking advantage of the opportunity to travel and see the world. I traveled to Japan in 1969 and ended up staying 3 ½ years. It was a wonderful experience. The communication was a challenge but we somehow managed to figure out what each other was saying. One of the things I remember most is riding on the high speed train. The Japanese are very small people – I felt like I was squeezed into a capsule!

Q: How long have you been a member of St. James and what ministries are you involved in?

A: My wife and I joined St. James in 1992 when there we 125 members. The church was located on Kimball Bridge at that time.

I have been involved in almost all of the ministries at one time or another. Currently I am a Lay Leader and a part of the Ushers, UMM, Voices of Faith and Sunday School ministries. I am also a counter and serve with the Trustees. You could say I am an honorary member!

Q: What other hobbies, interests or activities do you enjoy? You

seem to keep yourself very busy!

A: I love sports and while I don’t actively participate anymore I have always enjoyed bowling, tennis and softball. I love football! My wife and I used to play bridge as well. I am also an active member of the Savannah State and University of Southern California’s alumni associations. I feel civic duty is important and am a member of the Lion’s Club International. And yes, I am quite busy these days! My family and I just got back from a family reunion in the Baltimore Maryland/DC area and are off again next week to another family reunion in Las Vegas! I wouldn’t have retired if I knew I had so much work to do!

Web & Print Graphic Design for Business.

678.777.3165 | misenheimer.com

www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com | 29

30 | www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com

left to right) Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, 2011 Awardee, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, MSM Dean and Executive Vice President, Soledad O’Brien, CNN Anchor & Special Correspondent and Dr. John E. Maupin, MSM President

(left to right) Dr. John E. Maupin, MSM President, Dr. Valerie Montgomery (left to right) John Maupin,Vice MSM President, Dr.‘Ludacris’ Valerie Montgomery Rice, Rice, MSM Dr. Dean and E. Executive President, Chris Bridges, 2011 MSM DeanSoledad and Executive Vice President, ‘Ludacris’ Bridge , 2011 Awardee, Awardee, O’Brien, CNN Anchor Chris & Special Correspondent and Dr. Henrie Soledad O’Brien, CNN Anchor & Special Correspondent and Dr. Henrie Treadwell, Treadwell, MSM Director of Community Voices MSM Director of Community Voices (left to right) Dr. Christopher Edwards, MSM Alum and member of MSM Board of Trustees, Soledad O’Brien, CNN Anchor & Special Correspondent, and Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridge, 2011 Awardee

The Community Voices of Morehouse School of Medicine created the Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award to compliment it’s core mission of improving health care for the underserved. Ms. O’Brien’s tremendous accomplishments in her field together with her commitment to cover stories that others fail to pursue, and her willingness to be a voice for those in our society who are unable to speak for themselves, inspired Community Voices to name it’s new award in her honor. Dr. John E. Maupin, Jr, MSM President

(left to right) Dr. Christopher Edwards, MSM Alum and member of MSM Board (left to right) Dr. Christopher Edwards, MSM Alum Correspondent, and member ofand MSM Board of Trustees, Soledad O’Brien, CNN Anchor & Special Chris of Trustees, Soledad O’Brien, CNN Anchor & Special Correspondent, and Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, 2011 Awardee ‘Ludacris’ Bridge, 2011 Awardee

Honoring Chris “Ludacris” Bridges

(left to right) Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, 2011 Awardee, Soledad O’Brien, CNN (left to right) ChrisCorrespondent ‘Ludacris’ Bridge, Awardee, Soledad2012 O’Brien, Anchor Anchor & Special and 2011 Olusinmi Bamgbose, MSMCNN Honors &Scholarship Special Correspondent and Olusinmi Bamgbose, 2012 MSM Honors Scholarship Recipient Recipient

(left to right) Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridge, 2011 Awardee, Soledad O’Brien, CNN Ancho & Special Correspondent and Olusinmi Bamgbose, 2012 MSM Honors Scholarship Recipient (left to right) Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, 2011 Awardee, Dr. Valerie Montgomery (left right)Dean Chrisand ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, 2011 Awardee, Dr. O’Brien, Valerie Montgomery Rice, Rice,toMSM Executive Vice President, Soledad CNN Anchor & MSM Dean and Executive Vice President, Soledad O’Brien, CNN Anchor & Special Special Correspondent and Dr. John E. Maupin, MSM President Correspondent and Dr. John E. Maupin, MSM President

www.gospeltribuneatlanta.com | 31