King Center: MLK Holiday Celebration Schedule of Events
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Volume 87 • Issue 22
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Page 4 January 8 - 14, 2015
Kasim vs. Ceaser
Beltline Funding and APS Debt
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COVER STORY
Are Atlanta Public Schools the losers in the Beltline Beautification Project? state of affairs between the City of Atlanta and Atlanta Public Schools concerning the Atlanta BeltLine project,” Mitchell wrote. “The path forward is a straightforward one where political and civic jostling is set aside, and the unifying spirit of partnership symbolized by the BeltLine -- and ultimately required to save our youth -- is affirmatively embraced,” Mitchell continued in the op-ed on SaportaReport.com. “It is in that spirit of coming together that I will aggressively do everything in my power as president of the Atlanta City Council to resolve the contractual dispute for the sake of Atlanta’s children and our intown neighborhoods.” Mitchell is asking the city of Atlanta and Reed to appropriate $13.7 million out of the $137 million in city reserves to pay off its past due debt to the APS under contractual agreement. “But this show of good faith is only part of the solution. Thus, I humbly caution my committed friends at APS, who are working very hard to improve educational outcomes and transform our school system, not to misinterpret this good faith,” Mitchell wrote. An outraged Reed denounced Mitchell as violating his fiduciary duty to the city by attempting to undercut him during the negotiations with the APS. By Terry Shropshire In this corner of the ambitious Atlanta Beltline project, you have Mayor Kasim Reed along with consortium of powerful Beltway supporters. In the other corner, there’s the Atlanta Public School system and Atlanta City Council President Caesar Mitchell. In the middle is a beleaguered school system in desperate need of the promised cash to educate the students of Atlanta.
Mayor Kasim Reed Nearly a decade ago, the APS and the city entered an agreement by which the school system would relinquish a portion of the property taxes to help the city build the 22-mile Beltline that would connect the many neighborhoods, help beautify the city, and add additional income streams. The city in turn was supposed to fork over lump sums of millions of dollars at designated times in order for the APS to operate at optimum levels. Multiple events took place that prevented the actuality of the agreement from manifesting in ways that would appease both sides, most significantly one of the greatest economic recessions the county has ever seen. After going through the courts and other avenues, the city and the APS were negotiating a new
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agreement that would enable the city to pay off its APS debts without jeopardizing the health and stability of the Southeast’s most important city. But some parties within the APS camp believed the negotiations were not moving along fast enough -- and Atlanta Public Schools were, as they believe, suffering because of it. Therefore, Mitchell entered the negotiation process in what Mayor Reed believed was a grandiose fashion that undermined his authority and made him look bad. Subsequently, political fireworks commenced. A war of words erupted over the airwaves after Reed became angered that City Council President Ceasar Mitchell introduced legislation Monday, Jan.5 to settle a dispute with Atlanta Public Schools over Atlanta Beltline dollars, and urged the city tap into city reserves to reconcile its debts to the APS. Reed steamed at a press conference to, in effect, to tell Mitchell to get back in his place because he has the situation handled. “We don’t pull political stunts like offering to pay $13.8 million to someone in the middle of a negotiation where you are the number two fiduciary in the city,” Reed said angrily at a news conference at City Hall. “Where do they do that at?” he asked with an accusatory and incredulous tone in his voice. Mitchell fired back outside council chambers, and vehemently denied that he was working behind the mayor’s back, nor did he say he submitted legislation to pay off the $14 million debt to the APS all in one fell swoop. “I didn’t say just say cut a check. That would be crazy,” he said adamantly. “That would be crazy!” he added for emphasis. Reed was already incensed after getting a hold of a scathing column that Mitchell wrote, accusing the city of reneging on its promises to provide sizable payments to the APS in exchange for using property taxes on the Beltline. “This inescapable fact brings me to the current
January 8 - 14, 2015
Atlanta Daily World
Founded August 5 1928; Became Daily, March 12, 1932 W.A. Scott, II, Founder/Publisher August 5, 1928 to February 7, 1934 Published weekly at 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30354 Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta Mailing Offices. Publication Number 017255 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Atlanta Daily World, 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30354 Subscriptions: One Year: $52 Two Years: $85 Forms of Payment: Check, Money Order, VISA American Express, MasterCard MEMBER: Associated Press Atlanta Business League Central Atlanta Progress Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce National Newspaper Publishers Website: www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com Roz Edward
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Terry Shropshire
Atlanta City Council President Caesar Mitchell Reed said the city has worked hard to build up its reserves to the levels they are now. Afterwards Reed worked hard at unleashing a barrage of verbal punches at Mitchell. “And then he writes this long soliloquy where he’s talking about why people haven’t been able to decide. Well, I’ve got something for him. That’s why he’s not mayor,” said Reed. “You do know he ran for mayor, right?” Mitchell, a lifelong Atlanta resident and longtime city servant, tried to brush off the mayor’s brusque comments by saying he is only defending and protecting the city’s future by ensuring children get the best possible education. “This is leadership. Something that we sorely need and I’m not standing here in a heated fashion. I’m being very firm about this. I was born in this city. I will die in this city. I love this city and anyone who challenges that notion is certainly going to hear from me,” said Mitchell, adding that he was “blindsided” and “dumbfounded” by Reed’s comments. “The conditions and the environment have changed in the last 10 years and understanding that, we need to do this agreement over again. And that’s essentially what the legislation was saying,” Mitchell said in his defense.
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NEWS
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January 8 - 14, 2015
Gov. Deal, Mayor Reed vow preparedness for 2015 winter storms By Terry Shropshire Georgia’s governor and Atlanta’s mayor vow there will be no repeat of the 2014 winter snow storm debacle that subjected the metro Atlanta area to national humiliation. Metropolitan Atlanta road crews said they have the training and equipment to counter any snow and ice storms this winter. The State of Georgia purchased multiple salt barns for a total of 30 facilities, after running out of salt in the winter 2014 debacle. Atlanta’s interstate highways and state
roads turned into parking lots and thousands of commuters were stranded overnight on the roads during the snow and ice storms in January of last year. Deal and Reed developed a plan after poor handling of 2104 winter storms embarrassing themselves the city and the sin 2014. • The state, which in charge of the interstates and state roads, reportedly bought 90 new snow plows and new brine spreaders for a total of 500 pieces of equipment. • The state mandated that personnel from a number of state agencies, including transportation, forestry and state patrol, undergo drills to prepare for
worst case scenarios. • The state developed a Winter Task Force that studies the best way to handle future storms and augment the infrastructure in place. • The state spent $14 million on new road clearing equipment in order to clear the streets quicker than last year. • The governor’s winter weather task force also developed communication strategies with state and local agencies and school districts. “What we want to make sure is we’re drilling, we’re drilling, and drilling,” said Bart Gobeil, with the governor’s Winter Task Force.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed fires fire chief for anti-gay book
By Terry Shropshire Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed fired highly-decorated and respected Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran for writing, publishing and distributing a book condemning homosexuality. Cochran had published the book, Who Told You That You Were Naked, and spoke about in church, where he serves as the deacon and Sunday School teacher. “I want to make my position and the city of Atlanta’s position crystal clear,” Reed said strongly and resolutely in a press conference at Atlanta City Hall. “The city’s nondiscrimination policy … really unequivocally states that we will not discriminate.” Any individual who violates that policy or “creates an environment where that is a concern” will not continue his or her employment with the city government. Conservatives have flocked to his defense, saying Cochran has been subjected to unjust ridicule and persecution for espousing his religious beliefs. J. Edgar White, executive director of the Georgia Baptist Convention, accused the mayor of subjecting Cochran as part of those “who are punished or marginalized for their faith.” White is imploring Christians to purchase
Cochran’s book and support him. Reed vehemently and repeatedly denied Cochran was terminated for his religious beliefs, instead saying the book, Who Told You That You Were Naked?, was published in violation of Atlanta’s Standards of Conduct, which requires approval from the Ethics Officer and the Board of Ethics. According to Reed, Cochran’s “actions and decision-making undermine his ability to manage our fire department” because people under Cochran’s charge need to feel that they are “a valued member of the team and that fairness and respect guide employment decisions.” “Let’s stop trying to make this about ‘religious freedom,” Reed said with a trace of anger and defiance in his voice toward his critics, “when it’s about making sure we have an environment in government where everyone, no matter who they love … can do their job and go home without fear of being discriminated against. That’s what this is about.” The mayor was referring to the inflammatory and defamatory emails he received over the holidays calling him the “anti-Christ,” insisting that Cochran’s book is “clearly inflammatory.” “To those folks who were calling me and telling me that I should retain him, I just want you to know one thing ... his religious decisions are not the basis of the problem; his judgment is the basis of the problem,” Reed concluded. The mayor also has his supporters in firing Cochran. An Atlanta columnist, Jay Bookman, blasted the ex-fire chief for his judgment. “When you have been suspended without pay from your job, as Cochran was,” Bookman penned, “you can’t make it clear during the suspension that you intend to continue such statements, and then expect that you’ll be reinstated.” Cochran’s book included very strong language about multiple acts of sexual impropriety and iniquity: “uncleanness — whatever is opposite of purity; including sodomy, homosexuality, lesbianism, pederasty, bestiality, all other forms of sexual perversion.” Cochran included homosexuality among behaviors that are “vile, vulgar, and inappropriate” and “defile [the] body-temple and dishonor God.”
‘It felt bad at the time; it still feels bad’ In a special collaboration with the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Atlanta Daily World presents the third installment of “Black and Blue: Personal Stories From the Intersection of Police and Public,” a special series occasioned by events in Missouri and New York. Chuck Meadows, 38, a former vice president of public policy at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, is the new executive director of the private fundraising group the Beltline Partnership. He was interviewed last week by staff writer Ariel Hart. His comments have been edited for space and clarity. More than a decade ago Meadows was an aide in then-Gov. Roy Barnes’ office. He was driving his week-old Pontiac Grand Prix, which still had its temporary or “drive out” dealer tag. I was stopped in Cobb County by an officer. You know, hadn’t committed any violation, hadn’t run a red light, wasn’t speeding. When I asked him why I was pulled over, he said it was because even though I had a drive-out tag, to him my car did not look new. He asked for all kinds of proof that I had purchased the car legally. I wouldn’t characterize (the officer’s behavior) as overly aggressive. It was sort of matter of fact and nonchalant. He wasn’t overly rude or yelling or anything of that sort. Thankfully I had the proof he wanted in a folder tucked neatly in my glove box because I’d just bought the car. And it wasn’t a used car, it was a brand new car. Obviously you can never empirically prove the whole driving while black situation, but that one stands out in my mind as pretty blatant. It felt bad at the time, it still feels bad when I remember it now. • Black and Blue main page At first I was a little — you know how you feel when you buy a new car — you’re kind of proud of yourself or whatever, or proud of the car, at least. So that was my first reaction, to be insulted that he said my car didn’t look new. You know, what do you mean my car doesn’t look new? It still smells new! But then I started thinking about just how strange it was that his whole reason for stopping me was that my car didn’t look
Chuck Meadows new. Like it just didn’t add up. I would say there have been encounters with white law enforcement officers that have gone completely well. Where there wasn’t anything fishy that happened, the officer treated you with respect and handled the situation professionally and appropriately. There is that fear in your mind that you could have an experience that does go wrong; if you do get pulled over, do things like put on the interior lights, make sure hands are visible, roll the windows down, and all those types of precautionary measures – that I would argue that folks generally don’t have to think about if they’re not black. That was definitely on my mind as I was taking my family across the country on our Thanksgiving trip. Cobb police response A Cobb County police spokesman pointed out some of the vague details of Chuck Meadows’ decade-old story and called it an “alleged” stop that the police department could not verify ever happened. The spokesman, Officer Mike Bowman, also noted that at that time, the law concerning drive-out tags did not require them to bear dates, and allowed anybody driving with one to be stopped.
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COMMUNITY King Center: MLK Holiday Celebration Schedule of Events
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The King Center has planned a number of events and activities to celebrate the 2015 MLK Holiday. This will be the 29th Holiday
January 8 - 14, 2015
Celebration commemorating Dr. King 86th birthday. All events are open to the public. Details of activities are subject to change.
What: State of Georgia Martin Luther King Jr. Advisory Council Program When: Friday, Jan. 16, 10:00 am Where: Georgia State Capitol __________________________________________________________________________ What:
Annual “Salute to Greatness” Awards Dinner
STG Honorees: President Bill Clinton and Kaiser Permanente A.N.G.E.L Award Recipients: Mr. Aidan Hornaday and Mr. Harris Rosen The King Center Distinguished Legacy of Service Award Recipient: Dr. Christine King Farris When: Saturday, Jan. 17, Reception: 6:00 p.m. , Dinner 7:00 p.m. Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Downtown Atlanta __________________________________________________________________________ What: When: Where: Speaker:
Annual Commemorative Service Monday, January 19, 2015, 10:00 am Ebenezer Baptist Church—Horizon Sanctuary Keynote Speaker, Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, President, Alabama State University Special Tribute, Mr. David Oyelowo, Actor (plays Dr. King in Selma) Special Musical Selection, Ms. Sandi Patty, Award Winning Gospel Artist Special Greetings, Mathilde Mukantabana, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to U.S
What: King Holiday Press Conference When: Thursday, Jan. 8, 10:45 am – Noon Where: The King Center—Screening Room _______________________________________________________________________ What: 2015 King Holiday Kick-Off and Reception When: Friday, Jan. 9, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 pm, Program starts at 6:00 p.m. Where: The King Center Freedom Hall ________________________________________________________________________ What: When: Where:
The Race Factor: The Truth, The Lies and The Myths Saturday, Jan. 10, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Ebenezer Baptist Church Assembly Room 101 Jackson Street, Atlanta, GA 30312 __________________________________________________________________________ What: Leading with Courage: The “Friendship 9” and “Radical King” When: Sunday, Jan. 11, 2:45 p.m. – 6:00 pm Where: The King Center Featuring: Mrs. Kim Johnson and the Friendship 9, Dr. Cornel West, Dr. Bernice A. King and other extended King family members. __________________________________________________________________________ What: Choose Nonviolence! No Other Way! Students with King Who: Students from K-12 Metro Atlanta Schools Invited When: Tuesday-Thursday, Jan. 13 – Jan. 15, 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Where: The King Center Freedom Hall Auditorium __________________________________________________________________________ What: Birthday Celebration and Party When: Thursday, Jan. 15, 11:00 a.m. Who: Students from K-12 Metro Atlanta Schools Invited Where: Freedom Hall Atrium __________________________________________________________________________ What: When: Where:
Millennials Leading with Courage Thursday, January 15, 2015, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Fire Station No. 6, Historic King District, Corner of Auburn Ave. and Boulevard.
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BUSINESS
January 8 - 14, 2015
Fourth Annual DRIVEN event features automotive innovators By Roz Edward While the nation — and particularly the auto industry — discusses Detroit’s remarkable recovery from bankruptcy and its reemergence as a leader in technology and innovation, there is no shortage of business success stories to tell the tale. And with all eyes focused on the Motor City, as the North American Auto Show comes to center stage featuring cutting edge and state-of-the-art technology for the best possible driving experience, it’s a prime time opportunity to take a look at the movers and shakers in the automotive world. Who’s Who Publishing and Real Times Media compiled stories through exclusive and in-depth interviews with many of those who are in large part responsible for the city’s comeback story. The fourth annual edition of “DRIVEN In Living Color: A Tribute to Multi-Cultural Achievement in the Automotive Industry” will be unveiled and made available to the public on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Garden Theater in Midtown Detroit.
“We are very pleased to expand the DRIVEN brand to showcase the accomplishments of many diverse communities in the auto industry,” said Hiram E. Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media. “There are so many people of color who have assisted in the development of the industry. We wanted to broaden the tent to share more of these incredible stories of achievement.” This is the first ever multiethnic edition of the automotive industry staple, and as many of the honorees on the pages of DRIVEN stated in their fascinating accounts of automobile advances, Detroit and the industry are renowned for overcoming adversity, and each success makes us both stronger and better prepared for the next great era in transportation and automotive advances. “DRIVEN In Living Color: A Tribute to Multi-Cultural Achievement in the Automotive Industry” will be unveiled Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Garden Theater in Midtown Detroit. The reception begins at 6 p.m. For more information call (313) 963-5522.
Georgia Chamber hosting 2015 Eggs & Issues Breakfast The Georgia Chamber will host its annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Thomas Murphy Ballroom in Building B, at the Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 7:30 a.m. Governor Nathan Deal, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, and House Speaker David Ralston will each speak during the event.
Held concurrently with the convening of the General Assembly each year, the annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast serves as a kickoff to the 153rd Georgia General Assembly session. This annual event attracts over 2,000 Georgians, including many of the state’s top level officials and business leaders. View more details at www.gachamber. com/2015ei or RSVP to Jo Morsberger at jmorsberger@gachamber.com by Monday, Jan. 12.
Atlanta new home for Mercedes Benz corporate headquarters
By Roz Edward Atlanta has been selected as the new U.S. headquarters for Mercedes-Benz, company officials said in a statement on Tuesday, Jan. 6. The luxury car company will begin relocation of its Montvale, N.J. headquarters along with 1,000 current employees beginning in July. Relocated workers will work in a temporary facility until the building of new headquar-
ters is completed in 2017. “Atlanta is a premier city which places us closer to our ever-growing Southeast customer base, our port in Brunswick, Georgia, and to Mercedes Benz U.S. International, our Alabama manufacturing facility, which accounts for half of the vehicles we sell here in the U.S.,” explained Mercedes Benz USA president and CEO Stephen Cannon. The Daimler AG unit is moving to cut costs, including those for cost-of-living and taxes, a source familiar with the brand’s plans said earlier on Tuesday. Cannon said Mercedes selected the Ga. 400 corridor because of its convenience to northern suburbs, Buckhead, Dunwoody and the “Gen-Y” workforce that lives in central Atlanta. “It gave us the most balance and best diversity that we can find,” he concluded.
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BUSINESS
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Georgia’s public colleges, technical colleges, and universities
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Getting that degree can change your life, so why not make this the year you move closer to that goal? With a simpler enrollment process and more ways to transfer college credits, one of our personal advisors can help you get back sooner than you think. You’ll have more class options – online or on campus – to fit your schedule. And the best part is you’ll be earning a degree with real value from a respected and affordable Georgia college. We’re ready to help you get started. Visit GoBackMoveAhead.org or call our toll-free number (1-844-GOBACKNOW) today.
Let’s find the way back that works for you. GoBackMoveAhead.org
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January 8 - 14, 2015
Georgia Chamber’s 2015 federal priorities With the commencement of the 114th Congress, the Georgia Chamber is focusing on federal legislative priorities key to enhancing Georgia’s economic competitiveness and ability to attract new jobs and inGeorgia Chamber President vestment. and CEO Chris Clark “Georgia is fortunate to have a strong Congressional delegation representing our state in D.C.,” said Georgia Chamber President and CEO Chris Clark. “Both our new and existing members of Congress understand the importance of supporting legislation that will grow our economy. We look forward to working closely with them on our 2015 priorities, including immigration reform, funding for the Savannah Harbor Expansion, defeating proposed environmental regulations, and transportation funding, among others, which have a critical impact on Georgia’s business community.” The Georgia Chamber’s 2015 federal priorities include: Immigration Reform The Georgia Chamber supports immigration reforms that ensure a talented and qualified workforce in order to maintain and grow our economy and global competitiveness. This includes measures such as a lawful, manageable and monitored guest and essential worker program; a reliable E-verify system; and, a safe and secure border that does not unnecessarily restrict commerce or access for documented entrants. Savannah Harbor Expansion The Chamber supports the appropriation of the remaining $440 million of federal funds needed to complete the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project. The state has already set aside its total share for the program - $266 million – which through an agreement between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) is being used to begin construction on this long-awaited project, which will allow our ports to maintain their global competitiveness and boost our state’s economy. Retailer Fairness The Chamber supports the Marketplace Fairness Act, which would tax transactions from online retailers in the same manner as storefront retailers. While current state law requires customers to remit “use” taxes to the state for untaxed online purchases, few comply. As a result, brick and mortar stores are placed at a significant disadvantage to their online counterparts and our citizens who shop online carry the burden of compliance. Proposed EPA Clean Power Plan The Chamber is concerned that through the proposed Clean Power Plan the federal
Environmental Protection Agency is rushing to achieve an arbitrary deadline for reduced emissions without fully considering state-specific options or the serious long-term consequences that will arise from the range of regulatory requirements that would be imposed on the energy sector. The Chamber has implored the EPA to take the needs of individual states, and their economies, into consideration before finalizing the proposed rules. Proposed EPA Waters of the US Rule While the Chamber supports the objectives of the Clean Water Act, we also support formal rulemaking processes that promulgate rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. As such, the Chamber opposes recent attempts by the Obama Administration to circumvent the role of Congress in the regulation and management of the nation’s water resources, as well as that of the states. In addition, the Chamber believes the proposed rules would violate private property rights, threaten Georgia’s agriculture and other industries and subject business to yet another layer of uncertainty due to their ambiguity. Highway Trust Fund The Chamber supports efforts to preserve the solvency of the Federal Highway Trust Fund. Should Congress not successfully address this critical transportation funding measure, Georgia will see reduced and delayed reimbursements for needed transportation projects, putting some at risk for completion. While the federal gas tax, currently 18.4 cents per gallon, has been the traditional source of revenue, it has struggled to keep pace with expenses as vehicles have become more fuel-efficient. Both reauthorization of federal funding and an increase in the gas tax is necessary to keep our highways and transit systems efficient for transportation and commerce. Protecting Georgia’s Military Bases The Chamber supports the military presence in Georgia, which currently includes three Army bases, two Air Force bases, a Navy base and a Marine base, installations that have a total impact of $20 billion on our economy. Of 9.5 million Georgians, over a million are compensated directly because of the military in our state. The role of these bases has only grown more critical with troop draw downs in the Middle East and dramatic cuts in funding and manpower underway. We urge Congress to avoid additional cuts to the Department of Defense and any future BRAC efforts to reduce Georgia’s military footprint. Debt Ceiling The Georgia Chamber calls on Congress and the Administration to avoid any future government shutdowns. While important policy issues are at stake in the ongoing debate about federal spending, debts, deficits and entitlements, the full faith and credit of the United States should not be subjected to further brinksmanship. The consequences of a default to the U.S. economy and the business community are too extreme to be allowed to occur.
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ENTERTAINMENT
January 8 - 14, 2015
Drake to headline Ambassador Andrew Young Coachella 2015 sets the record straight about LBJ and Selma
Get ready for a rap invasion to occur in the desert. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has revealed its lineup for the highly anticipated music festival and Drake has been listed as the event’s headliner. Drake will perform alongside some of raps hottest acts and emerging artists in the game for the event. The festival’s long standing tradition is to feature established and up-andcoming artists for two consecutive weekends starting April 10. Coachella boasts a wide range of musicians from different genres to appear. This year, Drake will perform April 12 and 17 along with some of your favorite rap artists including: Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, The Weeknd, Azealia Banks, Tyler The Creator, Flying Lotus, Ab-Soul, FKA Twigs, Run The Jewels, Lil B, Kaytranada, Jamie xx and more.
Director Roger Bobb: A new force on the ‘RHOA’ set Who is Roger Bobb? Why thank you for asking. We’ve been meaning to chat about the new reality star since his debut on the “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” If you’ve been keeping up with Season 7 of “RHOA,” Bobb has been stirring up a bunch of trouble on the show since it was revealed he was dating two women at the same damn time. Chile, Demetria McKinney got the shocker of her life when she found out Roger (who she’s been dating for eight years) was cheating on her with a blue-haired woman named Gocha Hawkins, who also happens to be a friend of Kandi Burruss. Demetria was in denial about it all but Roger didn’t deny that he was dating Gocha. Messy, messy, messy. Well Roger may keep a side chick or two in his stable, but he and Demetria are still going strong. With Roger causing all this hoopla, we thought it prudent to share why he is so sought after by the shows ingénues. Here’s some facts about the film and television producer: His full name is Roger Marcellus Bobb. He was born in London, England, but was raised in Brooklyn by two Guyanese parents. In 1995, he was accepted into the Directors Guild of America’s Assistant Director Trainee program. He has worked with legendary directors Woody Allen, Mike Nichols and James Mangold. He was the youngest African American First AD member of the Directors Guild of America. He is the president and CEO of Bobbcat Films — a film and television production company based in Atlanta.
Joseph A. Califano Jr., a top aide for President Lyndon B. Johnson is decrying how LBJ was portrayed in the Martin Luther King, Jr. biopic, Selma, directed by Ava DuVernay. In a recent op-ed piece, Califano wrote: “The makers of the new movie Selma apparently just couldn’t resist taking dramatic, trumped-up license with a true story that didn’t need any embellishment to work as a big-screen historical drama. As a result, the film falsely portrays President Lyndon B. Johnson as being at odds with Martin Luther King Jr. and even using the FBI to discredit him, as only reluctantly behind the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and as opposed to the Selma march itself.” Califano also stated in his opinion piece that “Selma was LBJ’s idea,” which has caused many involved in the Civil Rights movement of the 50s and 50s to cry foul. Califano also went as far to say that the movie should be “ruled out” during award season. But, former Atlanta mayor, Ambassador Andrew Young spoke with Roland Martin about the true nature of the relationship between Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Lyndon B. Johnson as well as set the record straight about how LBJ was depicted in the movie “Selma.”
Atlanta Daily World
Roger Bobb Prior to starting his own company, he served as the executive vice president of Tyler Perry Studios. Some of his credits include: For Colored Girls, Why Did I Get Married Too?, “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne,” “Meet the Browns” and more. He has won six NAACP Image Awards and he is the only two-time winner at the American Black Film Festival. He was named one of the “Top 40 Executives Under 40” by The Network Journal Magazine. With all of the accolades and accomplishments, we’re beginning to understand why women are fighting over him.
Ambassador Young told Martin “Selma was Amelia Boynton’s idea. Amelia Boynton was a Black woman who went to Selma in 1929 with George Washington Carver, she registered to vote in 1932.” Young continued the history lesson saying, Boynton was a member of Delta Sigma Theta and “she lead a march across the “Black Belt” to get Barack Obama elected in 2010 when she was 100-years-old.” “This is the woman that nobody knows, who came to see Martin Luther King, just before Christmas in 1964 and said, ‘You need to come and help us in Selma,’ and that is where the Selma movement started,” said Young. Rock Newman, host of “The Rock Newman Show” called the controversy over whose idea the march on Selma was is the “tempest in the teapot,” and said the debate over Selma takes away from the impact of this movie. Newman said it was unfair for the discussion about the movie to be focused on this controversy and “everyone should see this film. If White people would see it, they would see the insanity that is fostered with a sense of White supremacy and take some responsibility. If Black folks see it they would see the struggle and be inspired.”
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HEALTH CDC: Flu season continues to worsen, could peak this month www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com
January 8 - 14, 2015
(AP) - The flu is now widespread in all but seven states, and hospitalization rates match the dismal season two years ago. While health officials fear this will be an unusually bad year, it’s too soon to say. The latest figures released Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the flu hitting hard in most of the 43 states where the illness was widespread. But the flu was not yet rampant in populous states like California and New York. The report is for the week of Christmas, and it shows the flu season following a similar track as the last two, when flu activity peaked no later than mid-January. Perhaps that will happen this winter, too, the CDC’s Dr. Michael Jhung said. How bad is this flu season? It’s not clear yet. Experts are worried because the nasty bug that’s making most people sick isn’t included in this year’s vaccine. Preliminary data on how well the vaccine is working is still weeks away. Among infectious diseases, flu is considered one of the nation’s leading causes of death, killing roughly 24,000 a year, on average. How unusual is flu this year? The different flu strain makes predictions more difficult. The current season hit hard in December – earlier than usual. But the last two flu seasons hit early, too. So far, flu hospi-
talization rates are similar to the harsh season two years ago, which was dominated by a similar flu virus. Especially this year, health officials this year are urging doctors to treat flu patients promptly with antiviral medications. Has flu become epidemic? Yes, but that’s not unusual. “It’s safe to say we have a flu epidemic every year,” Jhung said Monday. Epidemics occur when a virus spreads quickly and affects many people at the same time. According to one CDC definition, flu is epidemic when a certain percentage of deaths in a given week are due to flu and pneumonia. By that measure, flu epidemics occurred in nine of the last dozen winters, including this one. Flu-related deaths surpassed the epidemic threshold three weeks ago, then dropped below that level the next week. But other measures indicate flu still is epidemic. Is it too late to get a flu shot? CDC officials say no. Even if the flu season peaks soon, it will still be around for months. Despite the new flu strain, the vaccine has been well matched in roughly a third of the flu cases seen so far. And it is considered to be effective against some other flu viruses that could surge in the late winter or spring. About 40 percent of the public was vaccinated against flu as of November, which is about normal in recent years, Jhung said.
7 Tips for fighting colds and flu without medications You can also strengthen resiliency by avoiding IgG/A food allergens (different than IgE food allergens). It may be hard to believe, but if you are eating foods that trigger an immune response in your body, then you are actually decreasing your ability to prevent infections. That is because it increases inflammation in your body, leaving you susceptible. By avoiding them and the resultant inflammation, you will boost immune function. If you haven’t had a test to determine your IgG and IgA food allergens, ask your naturopathic doctor, or contact Dr. Doni’s office.
By Dr. Doni Wilson With cold and flu season now upon us, it’s time to think about preventative measures to avoid coughing, sneezing and hacking all over your coworkers, friends and family. Dr. Doni Wilson, an award-winning naturopathic doctor and nutritionist, is offering her tested and effective methods for staying healthy and resilient during the winter months. Lordt knows we don’t want to get sick these season, so we’re all ears! With a natural approach to wellness, all of Dr. Doni’s remedies are easy to understand and incorporate into a daily routine. Let’s start with prevention: 1. Avoid Sugar and Alcohol: The top two enemies to an invincible immune system are sugar and alcohol. Dr. Doni recommends avoiding or minimizing sugar and alcohol consumption, as they both lower your ability to fight off viruses. Even just eight tablespoons of sugar (as in two cans of soda), or fructose (such as in honey or 1/2 cup of orange juice) can lower your immune function for five hours after you consume it. Sugar inhibits the white blood cells that fight off bacteria, leaving you vulnerable to infections. A similar thing happens with alcohol. When you drink three or more alcoholic drinks (wine, beer or liquor), your white blood cells are weaker and have a harder time fending off viruses and bacteria. So instead of reaching for orange juice when you are feeling under the weather, it is better to reach for water or tea and to take immune boosting herbs and nutrients. 2. Take Immune Boosting Supplements: Vitamin C is safe to take daily–500 mg at a time–even three times per day, to support your immune system. Zinc is a mineral that is also known to support immune function at 10 to 15 mg per day. Echinacea, Hydrastis, and garlic are all herbs that boost your ability to fight off viruses and bacteria. Even better is when you can find a product that has all of
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6. Consider Taking Probiotics Daily: You should also consider taking a probiotics daily. Research shows that probiotics improve immune function and decrease susceptibility to infections. Be sure to choose a high quality product, such as those with 25 to 50 billion per capsule and kept refrigerated. these ingredients all in one, such as a product that Dr. Doni recommends called EHB. To help boost your body’s disease fighting capabilities, Dr. Doni also suggests taking Triple Flu Defense, a homeopathic remedy known to prepare your immune system for fighting off viruses, weekly. Another supplement that strengthens your disease fighting power in the winter is vitamin D, especially if your levels are low. During the winter it is known that vitamin D levels tend to be depleted due to less exposure to sunlight. Take 1,000 to 5,000 iu daily. When vitamin D is low, you become more susceptible to both infections and to other health issues such as bone loss and mood changes. 3. “Sleep is Medicine”: Next, be sure to incorporate a healthy sleep routine during cold and flu season. Dr. Doni recommends getting 7.5–9 hours of sleep every night. This is a critical time for your body to rest and recover, and for you immune system to replenish. Research indi-
cates that when you sleep less, that you become more susceptible to infections, as well as other health issues. Now for how to boost your resiliency: Stress is known to lower immune function, so when you are under stress, it is important to give your body extra support for fending off infections. This is also true when you are exposed to others who may be sick, such as when traveling and during the holidays. 4. Support Healthy Bacteria: When your immune system requires a bit of extra support, Dr. Doni first thinks to recommend taking arabinogalactans daily – such as in a product called ARA – because it supports healthy bacteria in the digestive tract and immune function throughout your body. Another option, in addition to those mentioned above, is to take Astragalus and/ or Andrographis, such as in a product called Genoma Security. 5. Avoid Foods That Trigger an Immune Response:
7. When a Cold Starts, Act Fast with Vitamins & Nutrients: If you think that you are coming down with a cold, remember to start taking the vitamins and nutrients that will help boost your immune system and ability to kill the virus quickly, especially vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc (all of which are in EHB). So have them handy in your home and as soon as you notice symptoms of a cold, take one or two capsules every four hours. (Be sure to check with your practitioner before taking vitamin A in high doses—while it is a very effective anti-viral, it is important not to use it long term or if there is a chance that you might be pregnant.) It is also quite effective to gargle with salt water or to drink herbal tea to soothe a sore throat. And Dr. Doni always recommends to her patients who call in with a cold to take a hot bath or shower and go to bed early. It is amazing how often you’ll wake up feeling better just from these simple steps.
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EDUCATION
Tom Joyner partners with Spelman College to provide scholarships
The Tom Joyner Foundation is partnering with the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College to help raise funds to support scholars attending the Atlanta institution, recognized as a global leader in educating women of African descent. Funds raised during the partnership will be allocated to the NAASC Donald and Isabel Stewart Endowed Scholarship Fund at Spelman College, which provides annual scholarships to students and is administered by the College. This scholarship was named in honor of the sixth president of Spelman College, Dr. Donald M Stewart and his wife, Isabel Stewart, for their success in increasing the College’s endowment and expanding the College’s donor base. As a partner with the Tom Joyner Foundation ‘Schools of the Month’, the NAASC and its chapters will be promoted on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Each Thursday in January, Joyner will announce “The Buddy Scholars”, named in honor or Joyner’s mother, Frances Joyner. Spelman College will receive those funds raised from listeners, alumni and other interested parties that month. The radio show airs in more than 100 markets around the country, reaching nearly eight million listeners every week. From its beginning in 1892 as the Alumnae of Spelman Seminary, through its incorporation in 1976 as an independent 501 (c) (3) organization, the NAASC has made an enduring commitment to her alma mater. The Association has forty-eight chapters around the country. The flagship chapter in Atlanta recently celebrated its Centennial Anniversary (1914 – 2014). Spelman College, founded in 1881, has 2,100 students and offers 27 majors in a wide variety of subjects. It’s outstanding alumnae include Children’s Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman; Sam’s Club CEO Rosalind Brewer, Broadway Producer Alia Jones, Former Acting Surgeon General and Spelman’s first alumna President Audrey Forbes Manley, Harvard University Professor Evelyn Hammonds, author Pearl Cleage, and actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson.
The Foundation’s ‘Schools of the Month’ for the rest of the year are as follows: February - Jackson State University, Jackson, Miss.; March - Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, N.C.; April - Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, Fla.; May - University of the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C.; June - Xavier University, New Orleans, La.; July - South Carolina State University, Orangeburg S. C.; August - Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Ala.; September - Prairie View A&M University Foundation, Prairie View, Texas; October - Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tenn.; November - Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, Ala. For more information, contact Neil Foote, media relations, Tom Joyner Foundation, 214.448.3765 or neil. foote@tomjoynerfoundation.org or go to TomJoynerFoundation.org.
January 8 - 14, 2015
Councilmember promotes movie production assistant course at Atlanta Technical College Atlanta City Councilmember Joyce Sheperd will join Atlanta Technical College President Dr. Alvetta Thomas to host an information seminar to promote a film and movie production assistant course that will Joyce Sheperd be offered by the college in January and February. With the support of Mayor Kasim Reed, Councilmember Sheperd and Atlanta Technical College will continue to create career development opportunities that leverage the $5.1 billion dollar film industry in Georgia. The event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium of Atlanta Technical College, located at 1560 Metropolitan Parkway. The event is free and open to all who are interested in careers as production assistants in the movie industry. The two-day production assistant course will introduce students to: • Production terminology • Crew roles and responsibilities • Production paperwork and jargon • Set and office etiquette – Do’s and Don’ts • Production assistant gear and supplies • Where to find production jobs • How to prepare your resume for the film industry • Walkie-talkie and equipment use • Set safety and ethics standards
Jan. 31 to Feb. 1. Participants will be able to select one, two-day session. The course will be taught by James TrippHaith, renowned producer, production manager, and actor. Scholarships are available for the training sessions; however you must attend the information seminar to apply. Participants will earn 3.2 continuing education credit units. For more information call 404.225.4487 or email CE@atlantatech.edu.
The course will be offered Jan. 24 to 25 and
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January 8 - 14, 2015
GUEST COMMENTARY
GUEST COMMENTARY
by George Curry
by Honorable Peter C. Groff
Ed Brooke doesn’t get his just due Sandwiched between the deaths of former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo and popular ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott, the passing of former Massachusetts Senator Edward W. Brooke III at the age of 95 did not get nearly the attention it deserved. Though two African Americans were elected to the U.S. Senate during the Reconstruction Era by the Mississippi legislature – Hiram R. Revels and Blanche K. Bruce, both Republicans – Brooke was the first Black elected to the upper chamber by popular vote, beginning his term in 1967. What made his election remarkable at the time was that a Black Republican Episcopalian could be elected statewide in Massachusetts, a predominantly Democratic and Catholic state with a Black population of less than 3 percent. It would be another 25 years before another African American – Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois – would win a U.S. Senate seat (1992). Prior to his election to the Senate, Brooke served two terms as attorney general of Massachusetts. When he came to Washington, he declined to join the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and told Time magazine: “I do not intend to be a national leader of the Negro people. I intend to do my job as a senator from Massachusetts.” While doing his job, Brooke showed that – as did several Black Republicans who would later follow him in public service, including Assistant Secretary of Labor Arthur Fletcher in the Nixon administration and William T. Coleman, Jr., Secretary of Transportation under Gerald Ford – he could be a Black Republican without selling out his principles or abandoning the fight for civil rights. When Barry Goldwater won the party’s 1964 presidential nomination, for example, Brooke, the state attorney general, refused to be photographed with Goldwater or endorse the Arizona ultraconservative. In the 1966 book titled, The Challenge of Change: Crisis in Our Two-Party System, he asked, rhetorically: “Where are our plans for a New Deal or a Great Society?” Though fellow Republican Richard Nixon was in the White House, Brooke opposed Nixon’s attempts to abolish the Office of Economic Opportunity and the Job Corps and weaken the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). And when Nixon nominated Clement Haynsworth and Harrold Carswell to the U.S. Supreme Court, Brooke was part of a bipartisan coalition that blocked the appointment of the two nominees who were considered hostile to civil rights. On Nov. 4, 1973, Brooke became the first Republican to call for Richard Nixon’s resignation after the famous “Saturday night massacre” that took place when Nixon ordered the firing of Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox after Cox issued a subpoena for copies of Nixon’s taped conversations recorded in the Oval Office. Brooke assumed an offensive posture as well, particularly on housing issues. He co-sponsored
The way forward for black students
the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion or ethnicity. It was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson a week after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He continued to work on strengthening the law and in 1969, Congress passed the “Brooke Amendment” limiting public housing tenants’ out-of-pocket rent expenditure to 25 percent of the resident’s income, a percentage that has since increased to 30 percent. With the Voting Rights Act up for renewal in 1975, Brooke engaged in an “extended debate” with John Stennis (R-Miss.) on the Senate floor that resulted in the landmark measure being extended and expanded. He was also part of the team of legislators who retained Title IX that guarantees equal education to females and the Equal Credit Act, a measure that gave married women the right to have credit in their own name. In 1967, Brooke served on the 11-member President’s Commission on Civil Disorders, better known as the Kerner Commission, which was established by President Johnson to investigate the causes of the 1967 race riots and to provide recommendations for the future. At various points during his career, Brooke was at odds with civil rights leaders and liberals. As attorney general, he opposed the NAACP’s call for a boycott of Boston’s public schools to protest the city’s de facto segregation, saying the law required students to stay in school. In the Senate, he opposed a program to recruit teachers to work in disadvantaged communities and opposed amending Senate rules to make filibusters against civil rights legislation easier to terminate. Brooke also faced personal health challenges, including being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. He underwent a double mastectomy and was declared cancer free. Brooke spoke publicly about the illness, which strikes about 1,500 men each year, a disproportionate number of them Black. In his 2006 autobiography, Bridging The Divide: My Life (Rutgers University Press), Brooke said, “My fervent expectation is that sooner rather than later, the United States Senate will more closely reflect the rich diversity of this great country.” Throughout his life, Brooke did that exceptionally well.
For good reasons many African Americans have wonderful memories of their time in public schools. Among those recollections are the family and community legacies, the favorite teacher and the lifelong friends that were made. Even for those, particularly in the south in the 1950’s and 1960’s, who have mixed feelings about their public school experiences they also remember the solid foundation that public education provided for college and a career. The system, even with its flaws, was good enough for our parents and, in some cases, for us. However, that nostalgic era must come to an end and African Americans need to remake public education for our kids. Too many of our kids have fallen through the cracks of the one size fits all public education system that was created in the 19th Century. According to the U.S. Department of Education, an academic achievement gap exists has been created and is widening. Nationally, on average, African American twelfth graders read at the same level as white eighth graders, and barely more than half of African Americans graduate from high school. These numbers and other statistics like them are stunning, but when you realize that the majority of people incarcerated in the U.S. are people of color who have low educational attainment, and every person who drops out of school costs society about $260,000 in earnings, taxes and productivity, the numbers are frightening. If our kids are going to be competitive in the burgeoning global economy we must prepare them better. President Barack Obama outlined the challenge in February of 2009 during his first address to Congress. “In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity – it is a pre-requisite. Right now, three-quarters of the fastest-growing occupations require more than a high school diploma. And yet, just over half of our citizens have that level of education… and half of the students who begin college never finish.”
first four years of kindergarten and elementary school. Responsively, our community must demand high quality preschool programs for every four and five year old child, especially our poorest kids, and guarantee access to affordable, quality and safe child care. 2. Once our kids are properly prepared for K-12 education we need to ensure their learning does not stagnate or falter. We must require that our legislators and school districts give our parents high quality choice within the public school system. Innovative options like charter and online schools, homeschooling and even high performing traditional schools recognize the overwhelming body of research that shows not all children learn the same and that a one size fits all system is destined to leave countless students behind. Policymakers must deliver the K-12 choice, innovation and quality that numerous national polls show that parents are demanding, especially African American parents. 3. Finally, the President often reminds us that “…three-quarters of the fastest-growing occupations require more than a high school diploma”, but African American students are 45% more likely to take remedial class if they attend college, and then less than 40% graduate often because of economic pressures. The community must demand that school districts better prepare African American students for college and that legislators increase Pell grants, help families manage loan debt, slow tuition costs, and undergird community colleges. In addition, the community should clamor for high quality vocational training programs and meaningful apprenticeship opportunities for those students who elect not to attend college. The schools of today have a unique challenge to prepare all students to compete on the world stage where critical and cutting edge thinking and knowledge are a must. For our kids’ sake and for the nation’s future we need to shake our nostalgic attachment to the schools of our past and demand something new. We must demand choice, innovation and quality in all our schools and for all our students.
So how do we create a better way forward for our kids? How do we create high quality options and opportunities for all students? 1. Far too often our children enter kindergarten unprepared to learn; thus, they are more likely to fall even further behind in the critical
Hon. Peter C. Groff is the former President of the Colorado Senate and a Senior Education appointee of President Barack Obama. Groff is a noted policy and political strategist and the Principal of MCG2 Consulting. Follow him on Twitter @ petercgroff
George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook
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