Arizona Informant News - July 1, 2009

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ARE WILLIAMS■ /AZ PHOTO REACHING 100,000 WEEKLY READERS WE RECORD BLACK HISTORY

Michael Jackson Remembered

Danny Bakewell Elected NNPA Chair

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VOLUME 42, ISSUE 9

Republicans Agree On Worst Horne Blasted By Dems On Ethnic Studies Ban Budget Deal In Arizona History STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Republican Gov. Jan Brewer and Republican lawmakers succeeded in agreeing on the worst budget deal in Arizona history, says the Democratic Caucus of the Arizona House of Representatives.

Brewer, who for the last several weeks vowed to not make deep cuts to vital services like education, has reportedly agreed to cut more than $600 million, including deep funding cuts to K-12 education. Republican lawmakers allowed Brewer’s tax increase of $438 a year for the average Arizona family after months of condemning it.

Both decided to harm middle-class families, Arizona’s economic engine, by increasing their income taxes on top of the sales tax increase.

“This is the worst budget deal Arizonans could have asked for,” said House Democratic Leader David Lujan. “It cuts education and vital services to children and middle-class families, the elderly and the disabled while burdening them with high tax increases.”

Brewer had six months to solve the budget crisis, but she sat on her hands in the executive tower, waiting until the last minute, while Republicans planned massive cuts to education and vital services.

Then Brewer planned massive cuts herself — $60 million to health care for children and adults, $30 million to the elderly, disabled and others and $30 million from services for people like children with life-threatening conditions.

Rep. Cloves Campbell, Jr. But Brewer said otherwise, appearing in public and championing how her plan protects education and these vital services.

“After six months of wasting Arizona’s time and money, Gov. Brewer gave in to Republican lawmakers and decided to sign their budget that devastates education, children and middleclass families in Arizona,” said Assistant House Democratic Leader Kyrsten Sinema.

“Arizonans wanted a better economy, jobs and education, but instead they got a destructive short-term plan that depletes stimulus money and creates an unstable revenue system, leaving a budget hole next year that makes us worse off than today.”

Instead of addressing the need to create a stable revenue system to ensure the state has adequate funding for education, Republicans’ plan appears to give away huge tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy, while forcing the middle-class families to pay higher income taxes.

See STATE BUDGET, Page 7

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Speaking out against Tom Horne’s proposal is Wilbert Nelson, NAACP state conference chair. Also taking the podium were Gerald Richard, A.J. Miller, and Leah Landrum-Taylor among others.

By Floyd Alvin Galloway An ethnically diverse group of Democratic lawmakers and community leaders gather in a Arizona Senate conference room for a press conference, June 25 and blasted Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne for a bill he is pushing that would ban ethnic studies in Arizona public schools.

Sen. Leah Landrum-Taylor and Rep. Cloves Campbell called the press conference regarding Horne’s attempt to get senate bill 1069 through the leg-

islature. Landrum named numerous historical events that would be affected if the bill would become law. Issues dealing with slavery, exploration of the west and southwest as related to native tribes, women suffrage, the Holocaust, the war between the states, the civil rights movement and a number of other history making events would be eliminated according to Sen. Taylor.

Taylor disputed Horne’s claim that eliminating such programs would be cost savings to the state.

This bill would be an expensive way to promote ignorance, says Sen. Taylor. “This bill will leave a gapping whole in the ability for our children to have the same educational success as students in other areas. This ignorance will be costly to their future.”

Representatives from several community organizations including Chicanos Por La Causa, NAACP and the Urban League attended the press conference speaking out against Supt.

Horne’s initiative.

See STUDIES BAN, Page 2

Arrests Made In 2004 Scottsdale Diversity Office Bombing

By ArnE Williams Friday, the U.S. Attorney Diane J. Humetewa joined federal and local law enforcement executives to announced the federal indictment and arrests of two longtime white supremacists Dennis and Daniel Mahon for their alleged role in a mail bomb attack that seriously injured three City of Scottsdale employees, including Donald Logan, the city's Director of Diversity and Dialogue, in February 2004.

According to the indictment in Arizona U.S. District Court, the brothers conspired with other unnamed individuals to carry out the bombing plot in an effort to promote racial discord on behalf of the "White Aryan Resistance", a white supremacist organization.

The Mahons, who are twin brothers and former Arizona residents, were arrested Wednesday by federal agents at their northern Illinois home.

Logan was apparently singled out because he is an African-American whose work in community relations was well known. He caught the brunt of the bomb and had to undergo extensive surgery to repair damage to his hands and arms.

U.S. Attorney Diane J. Humetewa announced that arrests had been made in the case. A. WILLIAMS/AZI PHOTO

Logan, who now works in a similar job for Glendale, was instructed by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Arizona not give interviews, but he did release a written statement.

See BOMBING SUSPECTS ARRESTED, Page 7

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IN THE NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

ARIZONA INFORMANT

Black Press of America Elects New Chairman Danny Bakewell aims to harness the power

By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.

(NNPA) – Los Angeles Sentinel Publisher Danny Bakewell, the new chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, a federation of more than 200 Black-owned newspapers, says he aims to fortify the power of the Black Press of America by unifying its ranks while also uniting with other civil rights organizations.

“It’s important to lift the stature of NNPA at least to a place that it is at least equal to other major Black organizations in this country, such as the National Urban League, the NAACP, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, etc,” Bakewell said in an interview the morning after his election by fellow publishers during NNPA’s annual summer conference, held in Minneapolis, Minn., last week.

“We must have constant collaboration with them. They need to be a part of us and our agenda needs to be a part of them.”

The Black Press, Black civil rights organizations, the Black church and Black businesses have long worked together for the advancement of Black people.

But, in recent years, although leaders from those entities have spoken at each other’s conferences, there have been few instances in which the organiza-

Danny Blakewell tions have actually met and collaborated on specific issues.

Bakewell says NNPA in and of itself is among the most powerful organizational forces in the nation.

“What we have is a national member organization. But, we talk about it from a local perspective. We distribute 15 million papers into the households of Black people per week. And if you take that and multiply it [by the number of people who actually read each paper], you could get to maybe a hundred million people,” Bakewell says. “There is no stronger or potentially stronger organization in America than the Black Press. We are talking directly to the people.”

Even during the current economic downturn, Black newspapers are struggling like others, but none of NNPA’s member papers have gone out of business.

Bakewell says he will lead the organization to leverage its own power to gain advertising dollars from places where they have been withheld.

“You take the federal government. It is the only remaining governmental body that still has set-asides,” he says. “There’s a 10 percent mandate set-aside in every federal government agency” that must be allocated for contracts with minority contractors.

John B. Smith, Sr., immediate past NNPA chairman for four years, who was elected first vice chairman last week, has begun this effort in earnest. Smith wrote a letter to top Obama aides in April, asking why agencies were not spending advertising dollars with the Black Press to educate the Black community about the economic stimulus package.

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Barbara Lee has written a letter to Vice President Joe Biden and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, pushing for follow up and a meeting on Smith’s questions and concerns.

Danny Bakewell is widely known as a savvy and successful businessman and community activist. He's the founder and CEO of the Brotherhood Crusade, a philanthropic organization that addresses issues in the Black community and other communities of color. He is also cofounder of the United Black

The Arizona Informant (USPS 051-770) is published weekly, every Wednesday, by Arizona Informant Publishing Company.

Front, founded in the late 1960s to unite 50 black power organizations seeking to address the remaining vestiges of White supremacy. The former advisor to the late L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley bought the now 76-year-old L. A. Sentinel in 2004. The Sentinel was also a 2007 NNPA Russwurm Award winner. This prestigious designation is nicknamed “the best Black newspaper in America.”

Bakewell says he also intends to help strengthen some of NNPA’s smaller papers by creatively escalating the organization’s push for advertising dollars. As a start, he committed to working with U. S. Rep. Charlie Rangel, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, the most powerful finance-related committee in Congress. Simultaneously, a coordination of messages among the NNPA member papers would influence public policy as it pertains to civil rights and the advancement of Black people, he says.

“If we ever coordinated our messages and take that to the local audience as an overriding public policy address, nobody can beat it. That’s our game,” he says.

“That’s the way that we get a real bang for our efforts. And we’ve also got to get a lot more visible.

People have got to see us as America’s Black Press.”

Ethnic Studies Ban Proposal Draws Ire Of Dems, Community Cont’d. from Page 1 Horne had described some of the Tucson School District ethnic studies programs, “as destructive ethnic chauvinism that the citizens of Tucson should no longer tolerate.”

“What are we trying to fix (with) this bill? It doesn’t appear to be anything broken that needs fixed with this bill,” said Arjelia Gomez COO of Chicanos Por La Cause. She also noted the cost of buying new books would be spending money instead of saving.

“Mr. Horne seems to be making his notoriety on the backs of Blacks and other people of color, and poor people. We have too many pressing issues in education for him to target ethnic studies,” says Wilbert Nelson, Arizona NAACP State Conference president.

George Dean, president and CEO of the Phoenix Urban League stated he agreed with the previous speakers. “This is the worst kind of legislation that could possible come forth. We hope this bill is completely off the

table and is defeated.”

Two students from the Tucson school district that Horne has been battling also attended the press conference and gave their response to the controversial bill.

Zach Padilla a junior noted the classes have expanded his way of thinking, opened his eyes about his culture and others.

“This bill seems to say we don’t value other cultures in our society,” says Padilla.

Crystal DeRicas, a recent Tucson High School graduate, whom also took some of the class-

es Horne is trying to ban, says her AIMS scores increased immediately following the classes because it gave her incentive to learn and do well.

“I thought education was for the purpose of overcoming ignorance, understanding other people,” said Sen. Albert Hale, a Navajo, representing district 2.

“We can’t legislate away the contributions of other cultures, other people to this country. Our strength lies in our respecting each other, embracing our diversity.”

KICKIN’ H I G H N O W

— IN MEMORY OF FOUNDERS — CLOVES C. CAMPBELL SR. & DR. CHARLES CAMPBELL Roland W. Campbell, Jr. Co-Publisher, CEO Cloves Campbell, Jr. Co-Publisher, Board Chairman Chief Operating Officer Sports Editor Vincent R. Crawford Religion Editor Florence Darby Entertainment Editor Deborah René Community Relations Lanette Campbell Graphic Design & Production ADP/RCBradley Robert Daniels Leah Staten Staff Reporters G. Napier Barnes III Bobby Burns Michael A. Dean Ima Denmon Karen Flemister Mike Flemister Floyd Galloway Wardell Holder Shereka Jackson Wayne Parham Deborah René Sandra D. Scott Jessie Vanderson Danny L. White Arne Williams Editorial & Business Office 1746 East Madison, Suite 2 Phoenix, AZ 85034-2438 Phone 602-257-9300 Fax 602-257-0547 ainewspaper@qwest.net Office Manager Nancy Thomas-Jones Subscriptions $30 per year in-state $35 out-of-state All subscriptions payable in advance. Periodical postage paid at Phoenix, AZ. Postmaster: Send address changes to Arizona Informant, 1746 East Madison, Suite 2, Phoenix, AZ 85034-2438.

Member of National Newspaper Publishers Association

Credo of the Black Press The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights.

Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR - JULY WED 1 Phoenix College NAACP and Black Student Union and Mesa Community College NAACP poetry night open mic fundraiser to cover expenses to attend the 100th National NAACP Convention in New York Center this summer. 7 p.m. in the Phoenix College Bulpitt Auditorium, 1202 W. Thomas Road in Phoenix. Poet HB will host the evening which features Wisdom, Black Poet Ventures, and the South Mountain High School Poetry Team. Tickets can be purchased the evening of the

event. All individuals will have the opportunity to share their poetry as time permits.

Arizona African American Republican Committee meeting 6 p.m. ast 3501 N. 24th St. Republican headquarters in Phoenix. Special guest is Sylvia Brekke, Phoenix Youth at Risk, Contact: Clyde Bowen, 602 2745439 email: aaarc6@msn.com

FRI 3 “Light Up The Sky” Independence Day celebration at Maryvale Baseball Stadium from 7:00 to 9 p.m. An opportunity for family and friends to gather at the park, meet their neighbors and

celebrate, as a community, the true spirit of the holiday. The highlight of the program is of course the outstanding display of fireworks that concludes the event.

For more information call 602262-5051 or via email at jermel.stevenson@phoenix.gov.

SAT 4 Fiesta of Independence

Naturalization Ceremony 10 a.m. at South Mountain Community College Gymnasium 7050 S. 24th St. (north of Baseline Rd.) The gym will become a courtroom with a presiding judge. Contact: Marie Sebrechts, USCIS Regional media manager 949- 360-3000 marie.sebrechts@dhs.gov.

Phoenix Independence Day celebration will kick off at 6 p.m. at Steele Indian School Park, 3rd Street and Indian School Road in central Phoenix. Entertainment on the events three stages will begin at 6 p.m. and the fireworks display, one of the biggest in the Southwest, will take to the sky at 9:20 p.m. Information on the city’s free Independence Day celebrations, including Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix 4th, is available online at phoenix.gov/parks.

Fabulous Phoenix 4th information is available at 602-534-FEST.

TUE 7 Shemer Art Center and Museum’s Student Biennial Exhibition Opens. The Shemer Art Center and Museum, along with the Phoenix Center for the Performing Arts, will feature the works of students and instructors this summer. This multifaceted exhibit will run from July 7 – Aug. 4 at the Shemer Art Center and Museum at 5005 E. Camelback Road, The exhibit can be viewed during summer operating hours: Monday – Thursday 12:30 – 8:30 p.m., Friday 12:30 – 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. For information www.phoenix.gov/PARKS /shemer or call 602-262-4727.

ARIZONA INFORMANT

EDITORIAL & OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009 3

Testing Is Key To Curbing AIDS

Clarence Thomas: Wrong On Voting Rights

Blacks are more likely A major problem is that than other racial and ethnic health care providers place a groups to have been tested disproportinate emphasis on for HIV, the virus that caushigh-risk groups such as gay es AIDS, but will need to be or bisexual men and drug examined at much higher users while failing to recogrates in order to curb the nize that the virus has perdevestation the epidemic is meated all sectors of Black having on AfricanAmerica. For example, one Americans. study in South Carolina, That’s the conclusion of a where African-Americans

BY GEORGE CURRY new report by the Black make up three-fourths of all AIDS Institute titled, “Passing the Test: people living with HIV, found that if The Challenges and Opportunities of efforts were concentrated only on highHIV Testing in Black America.” The risk groups, 79 percent of those with HIV report was made public last week to coin- would go undetected. cide with National HIV Testing Day Not only must the entire Black com(June 27). However, while special obser- munity be targeted, the key is to test vances such as National HIV Testing Day everyone earlier. Phill Wilson, CEO of and World AIDS Day (December 1) are the Black AIDS Institute, stated: “People used to rally the public, attention on who are diagnosed late in the course of HIV/AIDS needs to be maintained HIV infection have a much poorer progthroughout the year. nosis than individuals whose HIV diagAlthough African-Americans represent nosis is timelier. In New York City, indionly 12 percent of the U.S. population, viduals whose HIV and AIDS diagnoses we accounted for nearly half of all AIDS occur within 31 days of one another are cases diagnosed in 2006. Black women twice as likely to die within four months represented 66 percent of all new AIDS of diagnosis as people with a non-concurcases among women. Although Blacks rent AIDS diagnosis.”

13-19 years old are only 16 percent of In order to combat HIV/AIDS, we U.S. teenagers, they account for 69 per- must know when and how the virus is cent of new AIDS cases. Among men attacking African-Americans. Among infected, 46 percent were African- Black men, 63 percent are infected Americans. through male-to-male sex, 20 percent More than half of African-Americans through heterosexual sex, 12 percent by know of a friend or relative who is HIV drug injections, and 4 percent through a positive or suffering from AIDS. A Kaiser combination of drug use and having sex Family Foundation survey found that 38 with other men. percent have experienced a relative sufferThe pattern is different for Black ing from the virus and 20 percent of women, with 80 percent becoming Blacks had an acquaintance or co-worker infected through heterosexual activity infected with HIV/AIDS. and 20 percent through drug use.

According to the Centers for Disease The Black AIDS Institute report cited Control (CDC), 52 percent of Black four major reasons the epidemic has not Americans 18 or older reported being been halted in Black America: tested for HIV at least once in his or her • The stigma associated with being HIV life, compared to 38 percent of Latinos positive; and 34 percent of Whites. Still, that’s not • The failure of many physicians to good enough. include HIV screening as part of routine “Blacks actually need to be tested at medical exams; much higher rates to ensure prompt diag- • A requirement by some states that a pernosis,” the Black AIDS Institute report son must provide written consent before noted. “Nationwide, well over 100,000 being tested for the virus and Black Americans are currently unaware • The failure to increase testing rates that they are living with HIV. In though effective marketing efforts.

Washington, D.C., nearly half of all Among the report’s recommendations: Blacks surveyed said they had never taken • The establishment of community-based the test. In a multi-city survey of young testing coalitions; gay and bisexual men, two-thirds of Black • Having African-Americans discuss men who tested HIV-positive had previ- HIV/AIDS more openly; ously been unaware they were infected.”

SEE AIDS TESTING, PAGE 7

By Ron Walters, NNPA Columnist It is worth noting that when the Supreme Court rendered its most recent decision on whether to uphold Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act in the Austin municipal district case, Justice Clarence Thomas was the only one to vote against it in the 8-1 decision.

That isolated vote was a monumental confirmation of many things his opponents have been saying about his lack of fidelity – indeed his hostility – to the Africa American civil rights tradition.

What makes it so bad was he was wrong on the basis for his rejection of the responsibility of the Justice Department to pre-clear changes in voting procedures for certain selected states that have historically practiced discrimination.

Some aspects of Thomas’ logic as stated in his dissenting opinion was that: “The extensive pattern of discrimination that led the Court to previously uphold Section 5 as enforcing the Fifteenth Amendment no longer exists. Covered Jurisdictions are not now engaged in a systematic campaign to deny black citizens access to the ballot through intimidation and violence.”

As a result, “Punishment for long past sins is not a legitimate basis for imposing a forward-looking preventative measure that has already served its purpose.”

Clearly, Thomas’ analysis is rooted in a past notion of what constitutes Black voter disenfranchisement. He declares that the “extensive pattern of discrimination no longer exist” and seems to define it as that kind of discrimination fostered by widespread “intimidation and violence.”

This may be true, but if Thomas was alive in 2000 and 2004, he saw an extensive pattern of Black voter disenfranchisement, not only in Florida and Ohio, but in other states as well.

The new tactics are based on skillful manipulation of aspects of the voting system. When voter lists are purged and Black voters disproportionately taken off, the notorious reason in Florida in 2000 was that they were wrongly perceived to be felons. Republicans have been known to practice “vote caging” in Black districts, sending post cards to find out if they are returned saying the person registered to vote does not live there.

Black votes are disproportionately spoiled by voting machines for a host of reasons and Blacks have also been denied access to provisional ballots in some places. Sufficient voting equipment is often unavailable in Black districts and officials are often not as helpful.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR SAT 11 The Metropolitan Sun

Section National Council of Negro Women monthly meeting at the Hilton Suites Hotel at 10 Thomas Rd. Phoenix 1:30 p.m.

Meetings being held in Casa Grande also. July 18, Curb side Coffee shop location 820 Cottonwood Rd. For information regarding meetings call 520-3169231 e-mail: ncnwmetrosun@ yahoo.com

TUE 14 Phoenix Children’s

Chorus Auditions for Upcoming Season. For boys and girls in grades two through 12, for the 2009-2010 Season. No prior choral training is required – appli-

cants need only possess a clear, pleasant singing voice and the desire to learn. There is no fee to audition. Auditions will be held 6 p.m., at the Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. Third St. in central Phoenix. More information and audition scheduling is available online on the Arts, Culture and History link on the Parks and Recreation Department website at phoenix.gov/parks or by calling 602-534-3788.

THU 16 Phoenix Parks and Recreation Open House On Special Events In Mountain Preserves. Meeting to gather input on guidelines for the private

production of organized and special events in the city’s desert and mountain preserves. Participants will be able to ask staff questions; and indicate their own preferences for potential use of the city’s preserves for organized or special events. Public input eventually will be incorporated into a proposal for consideration and possible vote by the Parks and Recreation Board. 5:00 to 7 p.m. at South Mountain Environmental Education Center, 10409 S. Central Ave. in Phoenix.

SAT 18 Backpack Giveaway

8:00 to 10 a.m. at South Mountain Community Center, 212 E. Alta

Then, there are the old problems of boxes of ballots going missing and police showing up in Black neighborhoods on election day to intimidate voters. Yes, the old tactics have declined, but they have been replaced by more sophisticated tactics that are no less effective in paring down the Black vote.

If any of these tactics had not been effectively practiced in 2000 and probably 2004, George Bush would not have been elected president.

True enough, Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act has served its purpose, but the Republican party has been consistent in attempting to get around it by passing voter ID laws in southern states such as Georgia where the Secretary of State has testified that it would have negative effect on Black voters most of all.

Then, the Bush administration’s Justice Department failed to enforce Section 5 in many cases. I validated this when attending a meeting with the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights with Rev. Jesse Jackson and Louisiana Rep. Cleo fields who objected to his legislature changing the date of the New Orleans mayoral election, shortly after the Katrina hurricane struck.

After the meeting, he received a letter from the Civil Rights division saying it routinely had approved such changes in voting procedure after they were made – clearly violating Section 5.

In all of this, there is the ring that since the United States elected an African American President, the protection of voting rights based on the Justice Department monitoring voting procedures is no longer needed, since the African American vote performed so decisively.

But, like many other racial dynamics, the election of Barack Obama will not stop politicians from attempting to suppress the Black vote as evidenced in the15,000 pages compiled by Congress in its 2006 examination of whether the Voting Rights Act key provisions were still necessary. After all, the responsibility to pass appropriate legislation to see that states did not deny a person the right to vote was given to the Congress by the 15th Amendment to the Constitution.

In passing such legislation in 2006 Congress found that it was certainly appropriate and Justice Thomas should respect that.

Dr. Ronald Walters is professor of government and politics at the University of Maryland College Park.

Email ainewspaper@qwestoffice.net by noon Friday prior to publication date.

Vista Road in Phoenix. For information contact KEYS Community Center 602-243-0174 or AZ Rod & Classic Car Club 602-237-8075.

SAT 25 The Coalition for

African American Health and Wellness (CAAHW) “Day in Pink”, a breast cancer awareness event on Saturday, July 25th. The program will include workshops on a variety of topics: reducing breast cancer risk, living with breast cancer, and the effects on family members. For cost and information email Mary Stoute at maryapple@aol.com. or call her at 520-882-2051.

Tell The Community About Your Events Email Community Calendar Information to ainewspaper@qwestoffice.net

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

IN BUSINESS

ARIZONA INFORMANT

Eastlake Mortuary: Tradition Of “Caring, Courteous and Professional”

By Wardell Holder Before, during, and after a loved one passes, Eastlake Mortuary is there for you, your family and the community.

Shawn Miller, funeral director says, “When a loved one is dying or dies, there is a grieving process.

Recovery is a slow and emotional painful one.

The grieving process is different for everyone, and can be less painful if you try to understand that loss and grief is a natural part of life.” Miller adds that his professional staff has years in the mortuary business and their job is to walk you and your family through life’s passages.

Miller has been the owner at Eastlake Mortuary for the past four years, but has been in business since 1998. Shawn feels that theie motto “Caring, Courteous, and Professional” is without a doubt a reflection of how they work.

The staff, he says, is experienced with family mood swings - they expect good days and bad days during the personal ordeal.

Shawn Miller, funeral director (front right) with the “caring, courteous and professional” WARDELL HOLDER/AZI PHOTO staff of Eastlake Mortuary.

Eastlake Mortuary is servicing customers in another way; they are now coming to your home if you are unable to come to them. “Everyone is different, and making arrangements in one’s home maybe more comfortable for them,” shares Miller.

Call Shawn Miller at 602-253-4105. Eastlake Mortuary is open seven days a week and is located at 1715 E. Jefferson Street in Phoenix.

The web address is: eastlakemortuary.com, and the e-mail address is: stmmort@qwest.net.

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ARIZONA INFORMANT

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

Democrats Affirmative Action Committee Reaches Out To Voters Story and photos

By Bob Motley In an effort to reach out to voters, The Maricopa County Affirmative Action committee had a booth at the South Mountain Community College Juneteenth Celebration recently.

The purpose of the booth was to provide a location where individuals could register to vote, be informed about the goals of the committee, and volunteer to become a part of effort to get more people involved in the political process.

Another reason for the committee’s presence was to expose the names and faces of potential candidates for elective offices to the celebration attendees.

The booth was manned by members of both the state and county Democratic party.

They were quite successful in registering voters and informing them about the party and their efforts to reach all ethnic and racial groups.

ABOVE: State party worker Sherri Williams is impressed with the number of news voters registered. BELOW: US Airways Affirmative Action Committee member were onhand to assist in the voter registration drive.

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IN BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

Considering A Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a loan secured by the value of a house, where no repayment of the loan is required until the borrowers permanently vacate the home.

Although historically, this has been of particular interest to those with limited sources of liquid income, these days, there are many new retirees considering a reverse mortgage as an option after looking at all the other assets they’ve accumulated.

By Linda Lucente

R

everse mortgages have become an increasingly important financial tool for people 62 and older who want to remain in their home and fund their retirement.

According to American Banker, half of all reverse mortgages were made in the past two years, and, with 78 million Baby Boomers approaching retirement, interest is expected to grow. Despite this, many Americans are still unclear about how reverse mortgages work and when they may be appropriate.

.

Modern retirement income planning is about making the most of what you have, and reverse mortgages can be an important part of that plan.

This tool can help a person avoid taking Social Security too early or defer taxable withdrawals from IRA or 401(k) balances.

Reverse mortgages enable many Americans to ‘age in place’ comfortably in retirement. For many people, reverse mortgages are a good way to continue to stay where they are, remain independent, and live a more fulfilling life.

Modern retirement income planning is about making the most of

what you have, and reverse mortgages can be an important part of that plan. There are several advantages to securing a reverse mortgage.

Borrowers can continue to live in the home as long as they want, and the amount owed to the bank by the borrowers when the property is sold will not exceed the lesser of the mortgage or its sale value.

Interest and charges, including origination and closing costs, accumulate until that time, with no periodic payment required.

As with traditional mortgages, the bank does not own the client’s home: borrowers retain ownership, and are responsible for paying property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, as well as property repairs.

Linda Lucente, who has been a reverse mortgage consultant for over five years, is committed in educating and clearing up the misconceptions of reverse mortgages. She wants to make a positive difference in a senior’s life by providing an option that helps maintain a quality of life, financial independence and a peace of mind, but most of all stay in their home for as long as they can. Contact Linda at 480-273-9257 for more information.

ARIZONA INFORMANT

Hugh Smith Elected To South Mountain YMCA Board

Hugh M. Smith, Jr., executive director at The First Tee of Phoenix, has been elected to the board of South Mountain YMCA. Previously, he worked as a procurement officer in the Office of the Governor of the State of Mississippi.

Smith earned a BBA in management and finance from Jackson State University, graduating with the highest GPA of any student athlete at the university. Simultaneously, he became the best minority amateur golfer in the USA. Smith is a member of Omega PSI Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is a native of Hopewell, Virginia and resides in Phoenix. His leisure activities include golfing, playing tennis and reading.

Smith is a member of the Black Board of Directors Project, a 25 year old advanced leadership organization that empowers its members as leaders in “Building a Great Tomorrow – Today!”

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009 7

Arrests Made In Diversity Office Bombing Cont’d. from Page 1

The Jackson 5: Marlong, Tito, Michael, Jackie and Randy

Jackson’s Legacy Unsurpassed Like so many others, I am still in shock over Michael’s Jackson’s death.

Throughout the cosmos, the brightest stars often have the shortest life spans, so I have always suspected that we would only have Jackson for a relatively short period of time. Still, I, and so many others, feel a tremendous void now.

His music was the soundtrack of our lives, and I identified with the loneliness of his crowded and overbooked existence, as well as the optimism he embodied in a world rife with pessimism and bitterness. His music comforted me.

His success buoyed me, and his altruism, activism and philanthropy uplifted me.

No matter how confusing and dismal things got, his artistry, energy, work ethnic, artistic genius, and unsurpassed accomplishments were always there.

Even in the midst of scandal and his often eccentric and inexplicable behavior, much of the music he produced and the performances he rendered bordered on perfection. He was one of a kind, an original that will never grace the earth again, and even though I never met him,

I miss him.

He gave us 45 years of his brilliance.

His impact on the music industry is

BY MATTHEW WHITAKER mind boggling, and he singlehandedly changed the music video game. It was he who made MTV a household name. He was no doubt tired, however, after entertaining and uplifting millions for so long. I know that he is resting in a more forgiving place now, and I know that he is not alone.

I salute you, Michael Jackson, and I thank you for the many gifts that you gave us. You were one of, if not the, greatest entertainer of all time, and your brilliance will echo through the ages.

Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker is an associate professor in the Department of History, and an affiliate faculty member of African and African American Studies and the Justice and Social Inquiry Program at Arizona State University in Tempe. He also is CEO of The Whitaker Group, L.L.C., a consulting firm specializing in diversity and human relations.

• SEE MORE ON MICHAEL JACKSON ON PAGE 24 •

HIV Testing Is Key For Black Americans Cont’d. from Page 3 • Seeing national leaders include HIV/AIDS are part of their priorities; • Development of a national AIDS strategy; • Congressional passage of the Routine HIV/AIDS Screening Coverage Act, the Stop AIDS in Prison Act and the National Black Clergy for the Elimination of HIV/AIDS Act; • Providing adequate treat-

ment for people who are HIV positive; • Instituting an ant-stigma campaign and • Having insurers reimburse health care operatives for HIV testing.

Phill Wilson said many of the objections to being tested for HIV have been removed.

“There are agencies offering free HIV tests in nearly every city in America,” he said. “HIV tests are painless. The most

common form of HIV testing today uses an oral swab – no more blood or needles. The days of waiting a week to get your results are over. With the rapid tests, you can get your results back in less than an hour.”

George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine and the NNPA News Service. He can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com.

"We've waited five years to hear the news announced (Thursday) regarding the arrest of two individuals alleged to have been responsible for the February 2004 mail bombing in Scottsdale.

(The) announcement was met with much enthusiasm and appreciation," Logan said.

“Although very excited about the arrest, we’re cognizant of the fact that this is the first step in the judicial process. I’ve been advised by the U.S. Attorney’s Office not to conduct interviews regarding the case and, as such, will refer all inquiries to their office.

“I want to personally thank the investigators from ATF, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice, and a special thanks to the city of

ARNE WILLIAMS/AZI PHOTO

Don Logan, who at the time was the Scottsdale’s director of Diversity and Dialogue, was targeted in the bombing.

Scottsdale. The members of the Scottsdale Police Department are true professionals and we’re appreciative of their efforts ensuring our safety and well being during this time. I remain convinced the judicial process will result in justice to me and

my colleagues impacted by the blast.”

The arrests came after an exhaustive investigation that spanned nearly fiveand-a-half years and involved the dedicated efforts of several law enforcement agencies across the country.

Budget Agreement Called Worst In History Cont’d. from Page 1 All the while, Republicans, including Brewer, refused to include Democrats in negotiations, isolating themselves in crafting a purely partisan Republican-ideological budget that furthers their own destructive January budget cuts.

“This Republican led Legislature began this session promising to be open, transparent and bi-partisan. Obviously, they have not kept their word. Their cuts to programs for HIV/AIDS, the elimination of the Commission on African-American Affairs, the efforts to eliminate equal opportunity programs all indicate that they have little regard for the minorities and disenfranchised people of our state,” said Representative Cloves Campbell.

“As Democrats, we recognized from the begin-

ning that to solve Arizona’s budget crisis, we needed to work together to create a bipartisan, common-sense and comprehensive budget solution to create a stronger Arizona,” said House Democratic Whip

Chad Campbell. “Republicans, including Brewer, exhibited stubborn behavior, refused bipartisanship and now set Arizona on a path to economic destruction.”

Fried Catfish • Jerk Chicken BBQ Beef / Chicken • Shrimp • and more With choices of: Fresh Mixed Greens, Potato Salad, Yams, Red Beans-n-Rice, Corn Bread Peach & Apple Cobblers Sweet Potato Pie ala mode Located next door to U.S. AIRWAYS ARENA

8

COALITION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

Coalition Organizations Honor Dads At The Sportsman Social Club

At AMVETS Posts 15 & 5

ABOVE: Shirley Cheatham serves dinner to Sons of AMVETS Commander Manny Hester.

From left to right Dottie Battiest, Synthia Battiest, Curvey Burton and Derrick McKinney enjoy dinner and Fathers’ Day at the Sportsman.

BELOW: AMVETS Post 5 members enjoy the day and hold the door prizes presented to them by the auxiliary.

The Sportsman Social Club entertained a packed house of fathers on Fathers Day. Female members prepared green beans w/potatoes, chopped beef, corn and rolls. Attendees enjoyed dinner and the music of DJ Mo’reece Cutler. Everyone enjoyed the day shooting pool, playing cards and socializing.

VFW Post 1710 Celebrates In Style

R. H. Hamilton American Legion Post 65 Auxiliary donned black and white to serve its members and community fathers. The afternoon started with prayer and Georgia Johnson offered some Fathers’ Day quotes.

Attendees all received a door prize as they entered.

President Mischelle Scott and 1st Vice President Sharilyn Taylor took food to Victory Place Home for the veterans living there. Auxiliary members Michelle Daniels and Annette Airs prepared most of the food.

VFW Post 1710 Ladies Auxiliary led by event Chairman Marian Marsh members in first class style using beautiful dinnerware, silverware and decorated tables. Post and Auxiliary members were especially gratified when two older commanders, Chuck Anderson and James Hardy were able to join the rest of the fathers.

AMVETS Past Department Commander James Goode was the special guest of Quartermaster Cottreal Cleveland and Chaplin Bob Boyd.

Attendees enjoyed baked chicken breasts, meat loaf, mashed potatoes, greens and cabbage, two varieties of garden salads, rolls, cake and peach cobbler.

Post Commander Charles Pearce gave the ladies accolades for the delicious dinner and service to post members and other attendees. Special thanks to Post and Auxiliary friend Kenny Jackson who even though he is a father made the delicious peach cobbler that everyone enjoyed.

STORIES AND PHOTOS BY IMA DENMON

American Legion Installs New Officers Story and photo

By Ima Denmon Members of R. H. Hamilton American Legion recently installed the officers for the 2009-2010 year.

Mishelle Scott will lead the auxiliary this year. She will be assisted by Sharilyn Taylor as 1st vice president, Darlene Ellis as 2nd vice president, Shirley Cannon-Johnson as treasurer, Alice Mayfield as secretary, Deborah Brisco as assistant secretary as historian, Paulette Wilson as Sgt. at arms, and Vanessa Washington as assistant Sgt. at arms. Executive Board members are Barbara Martin, LaTreece Meador, Mary Pascal, Francine Griffin, Deitra Webb, Virgil Curry, Michelle Daniels, and Georgia Johnson.

The Junior officers are: president, Destiny Lopez; vice president, Aalayah Smith; secretary, Alisha Jones; chaplain, Jernessa Jones; treasurer, Treazure Hardeman, Sgt. at arms, Kortnee Henry; and Asst. Sgt. at arms; Asha Megis.

JULY C0ALITION CALENDAR Compiled by Ima Denmon

The Coalition will fellowship at AMVETS Post 65 on July 4th American Legion Post #65 – 602-268-6059 – 1624 E. Broadway – Sunday night Karaoke with cash prizes and dancing, 8 p.m. until closing. Gino on the Wheels of Steele. Monday is Blue Monday, MJ on the grill, PhillG 3 spinning the sounds.

Tuesday join us for Chicago Style Stepping on Broadway from 7 to 10 p.m. Backyard grilling. Wednesday is Pool Tournament night hosted by Paulette. Ms. Phyllis in the kitchen. Line dancing classes (free) 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday is also Ole School Wednesday with your hosts Darlene and Jewell giving away prizes and ole school sounds from DJ Mike.

Ms. Phyllis in the kitchen. Thursday is games night – cards, dominoes, pool, D J. Gino playing and Phyllis in the kitchen.

Friday and Saturdays are regular DJ and party nights. D J 8 until 1 a.m. Kitchen open. Join us for First Fridays. Games, raffles, music, food available and lots of fun. The post is open during renovation - “Please pardon our dust.”

AMVETS Post #15 – 602-268-3331 – 4219 S. 7th Street – Monday and Tuesday. drink specials, open pool. Kitchen open with Michele. Wednesday night is Karaoke from 8 p.m. until closing. DJ Moreece Cutler is your host. Kitchen open with Alto.

Cards and pool are played nightly. DJ Moreece on Thirsty Thursdays with drink specials, open mike, poetry, rap, comedy and fun. Friday nite, DJ Correct, kitchen open. Saturday nite, DJ Micko, kitchen open. Brunch with Michelle every Sunday at 11 a.m. Please contact Shirley Cheatham at 602-268-3331 to schedule parties or events. Dance to the music of the Huney Brown band on July 25.

American Legion Serves Post and Homeless

Board member James Davis enjoys Fathers’ Day dinner with his wife Mary (right) and daughters Sabrina Marshall (left) and Jeanette Jones.

ARIZONA INFORMANT

From left: Department Commander Henry Branch; Aux. President Mishelle Scott; Junior President Destiny Lopez; Post Commander Bill Bridgeman; Department President Vickey Zwall and SAL Commander Dennis Prince.

Department Commander Henry Branch installed The Sons of the American Legion (SAL). Dennis E. Prince will remain as commander of the SAL. Assisting him will be Jimmy Huckaby as 1st vice commander, Charles Thompson as 2nd vice commander, Charles Martin as finance officer, and Andrel Hollins as adjutant. Executive Board members are Phillip Melvin, Don Martin and Jewell Miller.

Bill Bridgeman will continue to lead the post. His officers are Don Mosley, 1st vice commander; Marcus Spells, 2nd vice commander; Ed Curry, adjutant; and Jackie Traylor, finance officer. Executive Board members are Alvin Blanding, Robert Carr, Sam Davis, Ray Graham, Ford Hulin, Castro Jones, Wayne Mitchell, Bill Scott, Johnnie Tyler, Willie Walton and Oscar White.

AMVETS Post #65 – 602-257-9016 – 1303 W. Grant – Happy Hour 12 – 6 p.m. Mon-Fri. Mondays members night; Drink specials from 6 p.m. Tuesday night is steak and game night from 7 p.m. music by DJ Ray Dollars $$$. Thursday night Karaoke from 7 p.m. until closing with DJ Ray $$$$. Drink specials from 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday are party and jamming nights with DJ Louie, Louie 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. July 3 join Commander’s Holiday Special – 11:30 till 4:30 p.m.

Mesquite grilled chicken with two sides and several drink specials. Call in orders. Deliveries available. Start your holiday weekend right. Auxiliary President Janetta Brooks-Garland invites everyone to join her for her Red & Black birthday party on July 16 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dinner will be served from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Elks Lodge #477- 602-254-1772, 1007 S. 7th Avenue – Thursday is games night – cards and dominoes, 7 p.m. Food available. Friday Happy Hour with free food and DJ Calvin McCowin - 5 until 10 p.m. Saturdays are party nights with music by various D Js. Stop by the Elks Café every Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Iwana and Rosalyn for brunch or lunch. 2nd Tuesday is Buffalo Soldiers’ Night.

Every Tuesday is members’ night. Come by the Elks and socialize after the meetings. Food, fun and music. Wednesdays Step to the music of DJ Mike, hosted by Ms. Tina. Every 2nd and 4th Sunday, stop by after church for a steak dinner.

Sportsman Social Club - 943 W. Watkins Road- 602-252-7153 – Birthday parties every Saturday during the month; Back Yard Boogie cookout every Sunday starting at 4 p.m. Ladies night every Thursday with drink specials and the sounds of DJ Mo Reece; Come on over Friday and start your weekend off at the Sportsman.

VFW Post 1710 - 602-253-6409- 1629 E. Jackson – Tuesday is games night – cards and dominoes. Tuesday night is Open Grill. Chicago style stepping lessons from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Challenge yourself (or come down and learn to play) in our Pinochle games on Wednesday afternoons starting at 1 p.m.

Ladies Night every Wednesday from 7 p.m. Ladies free, drink specials, pool tournament, music and food available. Old School Thursday nights 5 to 7 p.m., three of the hottest DJs in town spinning the latest sounds, pool tournament with cash prizes, Old School CDs given away during the night. Fridays, Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Pool tournament, jazz music with DJ Scorpio, snacks every Sunday.

All organizations invite the public to book your birthday, anniversary or other special event at their posts. Call for details.

Missed an Issue of the Arizona Informant?

Back Issues Are Available at our office at 1746 E. Madison, Suite 2, in Phoenix Issues for the previous four weeks are available for 50¢ Issues older than four weeks are in limited supply and available for $1 - please call ahead for availability.

SPORTS ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT LIVING 9

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

King Of Motown Smokey Robinson In Concert At Celebrity July 1

Local Masons Celebrate St. John's Day

By ArnE Williams Masons representing five lodges of District 0ne of Arizona's Prince Hall Grand Lodge assembled on a recent Sunday morning for worship at Phillips Memorial C.M.E. Church honoring one of the two patron saints of freemasonry - St. John the Baptist.

"We celebrate St. Johns days on the Sundays closest to June 24 and December 27,” said Lewis Brent, the Grand Lodge's Most Worshipful Grand Master. The June festival commemorates John the Baptist and the December festival honors John the Evangelist."

He said the Saints John were patron saints because of their works in community and faith. "These are the things we base our fraternity on, " Brent said. "They have given us the type of guidance in our lives to worship and meet the needs of the community."

According to Masonic scholars, it was a common custom in the Middle Ages for craftsmen to place themselves under the protection of some saint of the church. All the London trades appear to have ranged themselves under the banner of some saint and if possible they chose one who bore fancied relation to their trades Thus, the fishmongers adopted St. Peter; glove makers chose St. Crispin; guards chose St. Matthew; tillers chose St. Barbara; tailors often chose Eve; lawyers selected St. Mark; lead workers

ARNE WILLIAMS/AZI PHOTO

Local Prince Hall Lodge masons and Eastern Star matrons assembled on St. John's Day at Phillips Memorial CME Church in Phoenix. They are carrying on an old tradition that dates back well over 200 years in North America.

chose St. Sebastian; stone cutters chose the Four Crowned Martyrs; doctors chose St. Luke; astronomers chose St. Dominic; and so on.

The scholars said St. John's Day, June 24, symbolically marks the summer solstice, when nature attains the zenith of light and life and joy. St. John's day in winter, December 27, symbolizes the turn of the sun's farthest journey - the attainment of wisdom, the rewards of a well-spent life, and love toward one's fellow man.

Freemasons agree that the choice of these two ancient Brethren was, indeed, wise. No other two great teachers, wise men, or saints could have been found who better exemplified through their lives and works the sublime doctrine and ageless teachings of Freemasonry.

Although, these festivals have Christian names, Freemasonry has

taken away Christian dogma, and made their observance universal for all men of all beliefs.

"We have many denominations within our lodges," explained Brent, "but on this day we all come together at a community church for worship. This year it happens to be Phillips Memorial, the church home of our Eastern Star's Grand Worthy Matron Nancy Thomas-Jones."

"The appropriateness of the two Johns is obvious in our system of Great Moral Teachings, if we consider the spiritual suggestion of their lives," said Thomas-Jones. " St. John's Day was a day of bringing people together not only to remind them that it is from God from whom all blessings flow and the grace and peace of our Father that is the most important thing in our lives but also for those present to bond and unite as a family."

Tickets are still available to see Motown legend Smokey Robinson in concert with special guest Nayo Jones on Wednesday, July 1 at the Celebrity Theatre. The Sanderson Music Series event starts at 8 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Earlier this year, Smokey Robinson, along with Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr, were featured as mentors on FOX TV’s American Idol. Filmed in Hitsville USA's famed Studio A in Detroit, the segment paid tribute to Motown’s 50th Anniversary.

Save for founder Berry Gordy, no single figure has been more closely allied with the Detroit-based recording empire known as Motown than William “Smokey” Robinson. In addition to leading the Miracles, Robinson served as a Motown producer, songwriter, and talent scout. Robinson recorded thirty-seven Top 40 hits from 1960 to 1987 with The Miracles and as a solo artist. Chart toppers included “Being With You,” “Cruisin,” and “Just to See Her.” Robinson also turned out hit after hit for other Motown acts: Mary Wells ("My Guy"), The Temptations ("My Girl"), and numerous others for The Marvelettes and Marvin Gaye.

Bob Dylan once called Robinson "America's greatest living poet." In 1987, Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards, and was a performer at this year’s 51st Grammys. Most recently, Robinson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work with the Miracles. Still making music, his latest release is called Timeless Love.

Tickets are available at Celebrity Theatre or online at www.celebritytheatre.com. To charge by phone, call 602267-1600 ext.1. Celebrity Theatre is at 440 N. 32nd St., four blocks south of the Loop 202 freeway, in Phoenix.

Step By Step: Bertie Bowman Describes Runaway Youth To White House Career

By Deborah René Bertie Bowman ran away from home as young southern boy, overcame challenges and eventually served as hearing coordinator for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the White House. Bowman describes his journey in a new book titled Step By Step.

In his book, Bowman describes that when Senator Burnet Maybank presented a speech in Summerton, South Carolina he closed by saying to the crowd, “If you ever get to Washington, D.C. drop by and see me.” A young Bertie Bowman went right up to the Senator and asked, “If I come to Washington can I come by and see you too?” The senator

Hearing Co-ordinator Bertie H. Bowman (L) signals photographers to back off after U.S. Secretary of State nominee Hillary Clinton took her seat at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Capitol Hill January 13, 2009 in Washington, DC.

answered in a positive way and this just added to Bowman’s hope to leave Summerton.

At the age of 13 and with 50 dollars, Bertie Bowman ran

LIVING: Alice Hester Celebrates 90 – 11 –

away from picking cotton and life on the farm. He headed north to be a success in the city.

Bertie made it to Washington and found Senator Maybank

who listened to Bowman’s need for a job. The senator turned Bowman over to a White House employee called Mickey. Mickey showed Bowman how to handle and sweep the steps of the Capitol.

Bertie describes the kindness of Senator Maybank and the critical programs he supported.

Step By Step is a well written short book that provides good insight about Bowman and blacks working in the White House during the 1950s, through the time committee chair man Jesse Helms brought called Bowman out of retirement to serve as hearing coordinator for the Senate Relations Committee.

The book describes many of Bertie Bowman’s friendships

FOOD: Enjoy a Star-spangled Celebration this weekend!

- 12 -

with politicians through the years including Bill Clinton.

Step By Step provides insight on learning how to agree to disagree while maintaining dignity, character, and friendships while working in the White House.

There is also a love story tucked away in the book.

SPORTS: No Excuses For Shaq - 15 -

10

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

ZONEI N . A&E

IN MOURNING: R&B singer Charlie Wilson B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S song and donate the proceeds to The Kroc and his family lost their patriarch, Bishop Center, which will sit on 19 acres of land and Oscar W. Wilson, to a battle with prostate include a two-story, 84,000 square-foot recrecancer on Father’s Day. According to ation center with a gymnasium, a fitness cenWilson's spokeswoman, Juanita Stephens, ter, gardening areas, walking trails, pools and the former Gap Band front man was on his other facilities to train future athletes and way to hosting Steve Harvey's nationally synOlympians. dicated radio show when he learned of the news. "Like a trooper, he continued his comIN REPRINT: Four books that have been long out of print by the Rev. Martin Luther King mitment to the radio show for four hours nonJr. will be published again under a new deal stop," Stephens said. The singer was himself with Beacon Press brokered by King's diagnosed with the male-reproductive disyoungest son. Dexter King called it a historic ease last fall and has been a staunch advocate for the Prostate Cancer Foundation to BY ANTRACIA MOORINGS partnership that will bring his father's words to a global audience. Beacon, a department of help raise awareness and money for the Unitarian Universalist Association, publishes books on research. "When I was diag- social justice, human rights and racial equality. The Bostonnosed with prostate cancer in based publisher will release new editions of "Stride Toward September, I thought to Freedom," "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or myself 'I'm too young... this Community?," "Trumpet of Conscience" and "Strength to isn't a cancer I should be get- Love" in 2010. ting,'" he previously said.

"While I was surprised to dis- BRIEFLY: Fox Searchlight has tapped two rapper-turnedcover that this disease strikes actors, Common and Queen Latifah, for a sports-themed one out of every six American men, I was astounded to learn romantic film titled "Just Wright." Directed by Sanaa Hamri, that African American men are 1.6 times more likely than the film revolves around a sports trainer who finds herself others to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. My wife, falling in love with a professional basketball player while Mahin, and I are very fortunate. I was lucky to be diagnosed rehabilitating him from a career-threatening injury. Shooting and begin treatment early. My prognosis is excellent." "My starts in mid-July in New York for a release next father was an incredible man who had a profound effect on year…Andre Braugher, the Emmy-winning alum of TV's our family both as a father and a spiritual guide," Wilson "Homicide," will guest star on the two-hour season premiere said. "I made a commitment to spread the word about of "House," the show's producers revealed at a Paley prostate cancer, and with the passing of my Dad, that com- Center for Media event in LA. The actor will play a doctor at mitment is even stronger." In lieu of flowers, the family the psychiatric facility that Dr. Greg House (Hugh Laurie) requests that donations be made to the Prostate Cancer checked himself into at the end of last season. Braugher's character’s challenge is to get inside House's head.

Foundation at Unclecharliewilson.com.

GIVING BACK: Snoop Dogg is reportedly trying to raise $5 million toward a $140 million youth center being built and run by the Salvation Army in his hometown of Long Beach.

According to Allhiphop.com, the rapper plans to record a

FINALLY: Etta James' recording of "At Last," the unofficial theme song of the Obama administration, is one of 25 recordings to be preserved for posterity by the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.

ARIZONA INFORMANT

CONCERTS ETC. JULY WED 1 Smokey Robinson with special guest Nayo Jones at the Celebrity Theatre 8 p.m. Tickets available at Celebrity Theatre or online at www.celebritytheatre.com.

To charge by phone, call 602-267-1600 ext.1. Celebrity Theatre is on 32nd St., just 4 blocks south of the Loop 202 freeway, in Phoenix.

THU 2 Jay Z giant of the rap world since 1996, and seven-time Grammy winner 7: 30 p.m. at Dodge Theatre, 400 West Washington, Phoenix. Tickets at livenation.com.

TUE 7 Beyonce - 10 Grammys, 17 top ten hits and certainly among today’s greatest entertainers, 7 p.m. at US Airways Center, 201 East Jefferson St. in Phoenix. Tickets at livenation.com.

FRI 24 Earth Wind & Fire and Chicago will bring their national co-headlining tour to Jobing.com Arena at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are at the Jobing.com Arena Box Office, www.JobingArena.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. For more information visit www.JobingArena.com.

AUGUST SAT 8 EnVogue and Bel Biv Devoe here for UrbanAZ’s nine year anniversary concert. Tickets available at Celebrity Theatre or online at www.celebritytheatre.com. and UrbanAZ.com. Celebrity Theatre is on 32nd St., just 4 blocks south of the Loop 202 freeway, in Phoenix.

Arizona Informant News And Information About Your Community For Over Four Decades Subscribe at www.azinformant.com

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ARIZONA INFORMANT

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009 11

LIVING

July 1, 1899

The Father of Gospel Music, Thomas Dorsey, born in Villa Rica, Ga., 1899

Alice Hester Celebrates 90 With Family And Friends You know you’re special when you have family and friends who travel some distance to celebrate your birthday with you. Mrs. Alice Y. Hester can testify to that. As friends and family members from Arkansas, Baltimore, Washington D C, Chicago trekked to Arizona to help Hester celebrate her 90th birthday.

The former educator of 42 years at Eliza Miller and Central High Schools in West Helena, Arkansas was thrilled to have some of her former students come to help celebrate with their

favorite teacher. Now a junior high school following integration, they reminisced over the great times they had.

The special birthday program coordinated by her three children Camilla Hester-Westenberg PhD, Harold Hester and Mary Hester-Clifton, included her six grandchildren, one great grandchild and a host of friends from her church Tanner Chapel AME, her sorority Delta Sigma Theta and neighbors.

Mrs. Hester loves sports and reading. A basketball player and former coach still enjoys watching the game and other games.

Sharp as a tack, the humorous and vibrant Hester told of her

Delta Sigma Theta members came out in force to wish their soror Alice Hester a happy birthday and serenade her with their sorority song.

days as an educator, the friendships she has developed over the years and the special meaning her neighbors and church have in her life. She has been an Arizona resident since 1992.

“When I moved here I had to immediately register to vote. So I could vote for (Bill) Clinton.

She worked on her fellow Arkansan's campaigns in their home state. She followed her brother north to the Windy City He worked in a nearby steel mill.

The last of seven brothers and sisters from the Young family, her maiden name, Hester at the urging of her daughter Dr. Westenberg moved to Arizona to escape the Arkansas cold. She is enjoying a long and fruitful life.

An AME all her life, instead of gifts Mrs. Hester insisted guests make a donation to her church’s stewardess board, of which she is a member. She believes over $700 has come in from donations.

She really enjoyed her party and what her children did for her. “They really went over and beyond the call of duty for me.

They went all out.”

When her husband was killed in an auto accident she took on

Alice Hester’s children, grandchildren and other relatives coordinated a great celebration for the matriarch.

the challenge of raising her kids That teacher had such an head on. “We had been married impact that Mrs. Hester taught 22 years when he died and right in her same class room and now then I decided I had to be both one of her former students is parents. All of her children and doing the same, because of the most of her grandchildren have impact Hester had on her. She’s gone to college. And the only just like glue, once she touches reason they haven’t is because you, you can’t let her go. they’re too young.

Education is extremely important to her as it was to her parents. She attended A&M Pine Bluff and the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and still communicates with some of her college friends to this day. “I wanted to be a teacher, because my teachers in high school were Friends since college, Rebecca all so wonderful. Especially my Dawkins (l) helps Alice Hester celebrate 90. home economics teacher.”

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Story and photos

By Floyd Alvin Galloway

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1-866-560-4042

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An AHCCCS/Kidscare health plan serving Maricopa County.

12 WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

ZONEIN FOOD

ARIZONA INFORMANT

From left: Cherry Salsa With Star Crisps, A Star of a Salad, Mixed Green Salad With Northwest Cherries, Almonds & Goat Cheese

FAMILY FEATURES

A Star of a Salad Makes about 12 servings 1 box (16 ounces) orzo 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast or turkey breast 1 1/2 cups diced green bell pepper 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed dried thyme 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 cups pitted Northwest Red or Rainier cherries, quartered Line Star Pan with plastic wrap. Prepare orzo following package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

In large bowl, combine orzo, chicken, bell pepper and shallots. In small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, honey, mustard, salt, thyme and black pepper. Pour over orzo mixture; mix well. Gently stir in cherries. Pack into prepared pan. Chill at least 1 hour. To serve, place serving platter over star pan. Carefully turn over to release salad; remove plastic wrap.

Mixed Green Salad With Northwest Cherries, Almonds & Goat Cheese Makes 6 to 8 servings 1/4 cup pitted Bing cherries 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 6 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 pound (about 8 cups) mixed salad greens, washed, dried, and chilled 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 cup Bing or other dark Northwest cherries, split in half and pitted 1 log (4 ounces) fresh white goat cheese, crumbled 1 cup glazed sliced almonds* In blender or food processor fitted with steel blade, purée 1/4 cup cherries, vinegar and oil until smooth; set dressing aside.

In large bowl, gently toss greens with dressing. Add salt and pepper. Sprinkle with 1 cup cherries, goat cheese and almonds; toss gently. Serve immediately. *Found pre-packaged in the produce section of most supermarkets.

Celebrate the Fourth!

Dine outdoors and serve a fabulous make-ahead menu.

Star-Studded Starter Start with a sassy salsa of in-season sweet, plump Northwest cherries paired with peppers, onion and cilantro! Serve cracker-like crisps — cut from pita breads using star-shaped cookie cutters — for dipping.

Salads Make the Meal Toss orzo, chicken and sweet cherries with red wine vinaigrette and pack into a star-shaped pan. Chill and then turn out onto a platter for serving. Add a simple mixed green salad topped with glazed almonds, creamy goat cheese and fresh, antioxidantrich cherries.

Dazzling Dessert Trio Swirls of red, white and blue candy bark, a giant cupcake adorned with stars and stripes, and luscious frozen cherry cream atop a brownie shell create a perfect patriotic finish to enjoy with the fireworks finale.

Visit www.nwcherries.com for cherry recipes and information about storage, purchasing, nutrition and health.

Check www.wilton.com for more celebration ideas and recipes, plus bakeware, books and decorating supplies.

Cherry Salsa With Star Crisps Makes about 4 cups salsa 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper 2 tablespoons boiling water 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 cups pitted Northwest cherries, quartered 1/3 cup finely diced sweet red bell pepper 1/3 cup finely diced purple onion 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro Star Crisps (recipe follows) In medium bowl, place crushed red pepper.

Stir in boiling water; let stand at least 10 minutes. Stir in lime juice, vinegar, sugar, salt and cinnamon. Add cherries, bell pepper and onion; gently stir. Let stand 30 minutes. Stir in cilantro and serve. Serve with Star Crisps.

Red, White and Blue Bark Each piece serves 1 1 package (14 ounces) White Candy Melts 1 package (14 ounces) Red Candy Melts 1 package (14 ounces) Blue Candy Melts Cinnamon drop sprinkles or crushed peppermint pinwheel candies Line cookie pan with parchment paper.

Melt each package of Candy Melts following package instructions. Spoon candy into prepared pan distributing colors randomly. Tap pan on counter to remove air bubbles; with spoon or butter knife, marble candy in pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon drops or crushed peppermint candies. Chill until firm, about 10 minutes.

Remove parchment from pan; break candy into smaller serving pieces.

America’s Star Cupcake Makes 12 servings 6 cups of your favorite pound cake batter 3 cups buttercream icing Red-Red and Royal Blue icing color Patriotic nonpareils 2 packages Patriotic Stars icing decorations Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray Giant Cupcake Pan cavities with vegetable pan spray with flour.

Pour 3 1/2 cups batter into base/bottom half of pan and 2 1/2 cups batter into top part of pan. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool in pan 20 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely.

Stack cake layers on serving plate with icing between layers. Decorate sides of cupcake with lines of red and blue Decorating Tip #18 stars. Cover cupcake top with white icing using Decorating Tip #1M stars. Sprinkle with nonpareils; attach icing decorations.

Black Forest Brownie With Frozen Cherry Cream Makes about 6 servings 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup cold water 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1 pound (about 4 cups) individually quick-frozen cherries 1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream, softened 2 packages (about 15 ounces each) brownie mix (8 x 8-inch size) Eggs, water and oil to prepare mix Vanilla Whipped Icing or whipped topping Whole Bing cherries, for garnish In medium bowl, combine sugar, water, lemon juice and extract; stir until sugar is dissolved. Place in freezer until slushy, about 1 1/2 hours.

In food processor fitted with grater attachment, grate frozen cherries. Immediately whisk into slushy sugar syrup. Cover with plastic wrap or place in airtight container. Freeze 2 to 3 hours or until mixture is a soft serve consistency. Fold in ice cream; freeze 8 hours or overnight.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325°F. Spray Dessert Shell Pan with vegetable pan spray. In large bowl, prepare brownie mix following package instructions; spoon 1/2 the batter into cavities of prepared pan.

Bake 35 to 38 minutes or until brownies test done.

Cool in pan 5 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.

Place cooled brownie dessert shell on plate; add scoop of cherry ice cream mixture; add whipped icing and cherry to garnish.

Star Crisps Makes 10 to 15 crisps 2 packages pocket pita breads (6 inch or larger) Olive or vegetable oil Coarsely ground salt and pepper (optional) Preheat oven to 375°F. Using 2.4-inch or 3.23-inch star cutter, press and cut shapes from pita; pull apart into two pieces. Arrange on ungreased cookie sheet.

Brush with oil. If desired, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake 5 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp.

From left: Red, White and Blue Bark, America’s Star Cupcake, Black Forest Brownie With Frozen Cherry Cream

ARIZONA INFORMANT

ZONEIN FOOD

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009 13

14 WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

ZONEI N

ARIZONA INFORMANT

ARIZONA INFORMANT

ZONE I N - S P O R T S

Arizona State’s Williams, Stevens Named Pac-10 Track & Field Athletes Of The Year The Pac-10 Conference announced its annual awards for track and field last week with two members of the Arizona State University program being honored for their success on the track and in the field during the 2009 indoor and outdoor seasons. Sarah Stevens was named the Pac-10 Women’s Field Athlete of the Year for the second time in her career while Charonda Williams earned the Pac-10 Women’s Track Athlete of the Year accolade, making her the first Sun Devil woman to garner the award since it was first handed out in 1987.

Stevens’ honor is her second after earning the accolade in 2007 and keeps the award in Tempe for the third year in a row after Jacquelyn Johnson was selected for the award last year. While Williams’ honor is the first on the track for a Sun Devil, it also places her in elite company as she is one of just five women (and the second Sun Devil) to first be named the Pac-10 Newcomer of the Year before earning an athlete of the year honor. The other dual recipients include ASU’s Johnson (2004 newcomer and 2008 field), USC’s Virginia Powell (2003 newcomer and 2006 track) and UCLA athletes Monique Henderson (2002 newcomer and 2005 track) and Sheena Johnson (2001 newcomer and 2004 track).

One of the most decorated athletes in the program’s history, Stevens capped her career with 15 All-America honors, the most in program history, by finishing second in the shot put and discus at the NCAA Championships while also taking third in the hammer to give her 98 career points scored at the national meets (indoor and outdoor included). The 2007 NCAA indoor shot put and 2008 NCAA outdoor discus champion, Stevens rolled through the 2009 season as she took second in the shot put indoors after winning the shot put and hammer at the MPSF Championships

for the third year in a row.

During the outdoor season, Stevens ranked among the Top 5 nationally in all three throws and was the only woman to not only compete in all three at the national championships earlier in June, but automatically qualify for all three. At the Pac-10 Championships, she earned the Women’s Athlete of the Meet honor by scoring 28 points as she won the shot put and discus and took second in the hammer and then repeated those finishes at the NCAA West R e g i o n Championships two weeks later.

Arizona S t a t e’ s Charonda Williams broke an 18 year old record school record and made the track and field squad for Team USA that will travel to Berlin, Germany this summer to compete in the Track and Field World Championships.

Overall, Stevens was named the MPSF Indoor Female Athlete of the Year and also earned several academic honors, including ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American.

Williams was one of the top stories in the nation this season as she continued to break school records and rank highly on both the national and international Top 20 lists.

Competing in competitive track for just four years, Williams dominated the Pac-10 for the second year in a row as she won the 100m and 200m dash titles, making her the first woman in conference history to sweep both short sprints in back-to-back years.

Williams also anchored the 4x100m relay to Pac10 gold as well.

Most recently, Williams, who entered the season with a personal-best time of 23.09, continually rewrote the record books as she first ran 22.82 at the Sun Angel Track Classic to break an 18 year old school record (22.91).

At the NCAA Championships two weeks ago, she ran 22.17 in the semifinals to lower the mark once again. But, she was not done there as she ran 22.65 and 22.55 in the first round and semifinals, respectively, at the USA Championships over the weekend before running a windy 22.39 in the final.

With her fourth-place finish at the USA meet, the 2009 NCAA runner-up earned a berth onto Team USA for the 12th IAAF World Championships that will be held in Berlin, Germany, later this summer.

Editor’s note: Two other ASU athletes earned berths onto the world championship team. They are Dwight Phillips (Long Jump) and Kyle Alcorn (Steeplechase)

Charonda Williams (above) and Sarah Stevens are the winners of the Pac-10 female track and field athletes of the year respectively.

ARIZONA INFORMANT NEWSPAPER: CELEBRATING 38 YEARS IN RECORDING BLACK HISTORY WEEKLY

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009 15

Message to Shaq: No More Excuses This deal that sends Shaquille O’Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers is a great one, as it gives everyone involved at least a year’s worth of house money to play with. It’s the kind of trade that turns merely casual observers of basketball into fans, and fans into would-be general managers.

Robert Sarver, the banker who owns the Phoenix Suns, gets to save a boatload of money, and Mike Brown, coach of the Cavaliers, gets to save his job. And all across the country, people like me, purveyors of opinion, are counting their blessings to have just received such a windfall.

Every storyline is heightened, from New York to Los Angeles. Will this be enough for Cleveland to get past Orlando? How about Boston? Will it be enough for LeBron James to stay? Even as these questions are answered, the more hypothetic discussions promise to become even more vicious. There’s still Shaq vs. Kobe, Shaq vs. Dwight Howard, Shaq vs. Stan Van Gundy, and most revealing but least remarked on, Shaq vs.

Father Time.

He’s the exception here. Ordinarily, the pressure would be on a guy like James, the young star in his prime. But O’Neal has been talking so loud for so long, he doesn’t get to play with house money. The burden of proof is on him.

At the very top tier of NBA life, players seem to have forsaken the sillier forms of rivalry – salaries, cars – for the more meaningful ones. Guys like Kobe, LeBron and Shaq, just to name a few, are clearly playing for their legacies.

And O’Neal’s, for all it is, is considerably less than it should be. He should’ve been the greatest center SPORTS EDITOR DIGEST to play the game. But he’s not, not by a long shot.

Remember, he proclaimed himself a savior upon his arrival here in Phoenix. “I look forward to making people eat their words,” he said at his inaugural press conference with the Suns.

Apparently, he was offended at those who had the nerve to doubt him. BY VINCENT CRAWFORD This was after he got fat and quit on the Miami Heat with whom he had won a championship.

“I’m very upset. When I’m upset, I’m known to do certain things – like win championships.”

As it happened, O’Neal had the good fortune to land on a team with Steve Nash, Amaré Stoudemire and Grant Hill. But in his first less than half a season with the Suns, they were eliminated in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs. This past year, with Shaq on the roster for the entire season, they didn’t even make the playoffs.

So it’s a good thing Shaq never had to eat his words.

It seems as if he’s devoted most of his energies of late to rapping and Twittering. Too bad.

I once considered him as the most charming player in the NBA. He was funny, this big man who needed to be liked. But the act, in all of its manifestations, has worn thin.

The need for acclaim is fine, but not when it conceals mean-spiritedness. Now, in the twilight of O’Neal’s career, he wants to get even more than he wants to be liked. You don’t believe me? Ask Kobe, Howard or Van Gundy. There was no need for any of that stuff. It diminishes his legacy.

Speaking of that legacy. O’Neal once proclaimed himself to be “the last in the line of Russells and Chamberlains.”

Really? Bill Russell won nine championships.

Wilt Chamberlain averaged – averaged! – 30 points and 23 rebounds over a 16-year career.

O’Neal turned 37 a few months ago, during what was widely described as a comeback season. He averaged 18 points and eight boards for a team that, again, didn’t qualify for the postseason.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the game’s all-time leading scorer, and another target of O’Neal’s ire, averaged 22 and eight when he was 37. He also won a championship.

But Abdul-Jabbar had Magic Johnson, you say.

So now Shaq has LeBron James.

ARIZONA INFORMANT ZONE I N - S P O R T S Former Carl Hayden Standout Damion Gosa Averyhardt Notches First Win Fatally Shot In Home Invasion Last year, during the

16 WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

27th East-West Golf Classic in Scottsdale, Shasta Averyhardt stood before a packed banquet hall and told everyone her story. She talked about accomplishing her goal of earning a college education and wanted to turn pro and eventually play on the LPGA Tour.

Averyhardt made a step in the right direction last week by winning M DEAN/AZI PHOTO her first event as a professional golfer. The golfer who stands 6’1” doesn’t suffer from lack of distance off the tee. Her prodigious drives enabled her to post scores of 72-73-77=222 that led to a one stroke victory over Jackie Barenborg of Vero Beach, FL. Averyhardt, who is from Flint, MI and played her collegiate golf at Jackson State University, began the final round with a five shot lead and struggled with her game but held on for the win.

And though it wasn’t a win on the LPGA Tour, a win is a win and eventually DEAN’S DUFFERS should lead to other wins.

The victory came in Florida in the SunCoast Ladies Series at Stoneybrook West Golf Club.

“It is pretty exciting getting my first win,” said Averyhardt, “I played well the first two rounds but I had difficulty with the putter today.”

BY MICHAEL A. DEAN

Cheyenne Comes Up Short In LPGA Event It wasn’t about winning or losing, it was about having the opportunity to play and that’s what Phoenix golfer Cheyenne Woods did this past week. The 18-year old Wake Forest golfer received a special exemption to play in the Wegmans LPGA event in Rochester, NY where she posted rounds of 75-74=149. The scores weren’t good enough to make the cut but she was close. After an opening 75 +3 she had rebounded the second day with two birdies and was one over par before darkness set in on Friday. On Saturday she began by making par but a pushed drive ended in a lost ball which caused her to make a triple bogey on the twelfth hole.

She couldn’t get it going after that but did closed with a birdie on the final hole, just like her famous uncle Tiger. A spotter heard her ball hit but it wasn’t found in the allotted time so a penalty was assessed and she had to replay from the tee.

“My goal was to make the cut, but I thought I played well for the most part,” said Woods, “I just had a lot of fun and just tried to take in the moment.”

Other Teebits: 15-year old Mariah Stackhouse of Atlanta rallied to defend her Georgia Women’s Amateur Championship with a come-from-behind victory over Dori Carter. Stackhouse overcame a fiveshot deficit to force a three-hole playoff that saw her trailing by a stroke with one hole to go. The youngster rifled a 6-iron to within 8-feet of the hole and watched as her opponent’s chip shot came up four feet short.

She then sank her birdie putt placing the pressure directly on Carter who needed the par to keep the playoff going in the stroke play event. The putt was solid but caught the lip and spun out giving Stackhouse her second consecutive championship.

Stackhouse closed with a 69 for a three day total of 211 tying Carter who posted 74 which forced the playoff.

Until next time, “Keep on Strokin”

By Danny L. White Another senseless fatal shooting and another loss of life.

Last Thursday night, at approximately 10:30pm, 35 year-old Damion Gosa was inside his apartment located at 30th Street and Indian School Road, when two armed suspects kicked in the back door and demanded money.

According to police reports and information published by AZfamily.com, Gosa was fatally shot and the suspects then demanded money of his girlfriend before fleeing through the front door of the apartment.

Police are searching for two Black males between the ages of 25-30, both about six feet tall and at the time of the home invasion, one of the suspects was wearing a do-rag and dressed in a black and white horizontally stripped shirt and the other was wearing dark clothes.

The suspects reported fled in a white Ford Expedition or Explorer.

Anyone with information or that might have witnessed any aspect of this senseless crime are asked to call the Phoenix Police Department at 602.262.6141 or Silent Witness at 480.WITNESS (948.6377) A standout on the great Argie Rhymes coached Falcon teams of the late 80's and early nineties, Gosa, is the son of former Phoenix Union standout Charles Sr., and Cynthia (Woods) Gosa.

Gosa’s son Daniel Bejarano, who is soon to be a senior at North High, is considered to be one of the top five basketball prospects in Arizona.

More than 20 people have left their sentiments and condolences to the Gosa family on a blog that accompanied the story.

One resident of the apartment complex wrote, "This complex has a lot of come and go short term visitors. To get to the backdoor of the units, the person has to go through a fenced backyard of the unit.

"The person has to go through a fenced backyard area to exist out the front door. This would place a person in the interior of the complex in a gated community.

Someone might have seen something that can help."

More than a hundred family members and friends gathered to pay their respects to former Carl Hayden basketball standout Damion Gosa (at left).

Gosa was fatally wounded in an attempted burglary in his Central Phoenix home.

The memorial service was held Saturday at Carl Hayden High School.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOSA FAMILY

Another blogger wrote, "Damion and my cousin were always together. They loved and cared about each other. My cousin and the girls are having a hard time right now. I don't even know what to say to her."

"I competed against Damion in basketball during our high school days.

He played hard, but fair.

He did not deserve to go out like this."

"For those of you that did not know. Damion was the voice for Shaqtus the Big Cactus," wrote yet another individual on a growing list of tributes.

The funeral for Gosa was held Saturday at Carl Hayden High School.

ARIZONA INFORMANT

YOUTH & EDUCATION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

17

Performing+ School - Campbell Promotion Brings Smiles And Honor To School And Students

By Danny L. White At Cloves C. Campbell Sr., Elementary in the Roosevelt School District (RSD), one of several schools in the district to earn the distinction of being a performing + school, April testing, and year-long hard work by the students and staff, resulted in big smiles during their promotion ceremony and in the recently released Tera Nova Report.

The Tera Nova is a national standardized test that matches students locally with students of similar age and grade across the Cloves Campbell, Jr., and Keturah Mattox-Sharpe, CEO Vision Group country. Once again Campbell Homes were quest speakers. They are joined by Ms. Sallie (left) of the students proved they are on par school's PTO in saluting a trio of young ladies.

DANNY WHITE/AZI PHOTO with students from across the results from math, reading and dents being promoted, but also country. reading comprehension. because of the value and empha“This was certainly a compliPromotions at Campbell, sis the school’s namesake, the ment to the teachers, parents from the time the school was late Arizona state senator placed and students,” said Campbell first built and dedicated in on academic achievement.

Principal Marcie Figueroa 1999-2000, have become special “Mr. Campbell would visit us –Stewart, in acknowledging the beyond the excitement of stu- often. On his birthday in April

we would have cake and he would always tell the students how important earning a good education was and how it would benefit them now and later in life,” said Figueroa-Stewart.

The Campbell School class of 2009 was lead by class valedictorian Julie Kim and salutatorian Viannie Sarik. Guest speakers were Representative Cloves Campbell, Jr., and Keturah Mattox-Sharpe, CEO of Vision Group Homes and a former NAU/pro basketball player.

Campbell encouraged the class of 2009 to make good decisions. “You are being promoted today; we expect to hear good things about each of you over the next four years.

“Make good decisions, make wise choices, and don’t get caught up in situations that can lead to unpleasant endings.

There are a number of opportu-

nities out there, think before you act, your future and life depends on it,” Campbell said.

Said Mattox-Sharpe, “In the next four years be strong in yourselves, be the friend to others that you want for yourself and be that kind person that say thank you.

“There will be hard times in your life, put don’t give up.

There will be times when you think you are standing alone, but don’t give up. There will be times when friends or those you believe to be your friends might let you down. But don’t give up.

“Believe that every trial and tribulation, every bad thing that has or might happen to you, will be overcome by your hard work, commitment and desire to continue on. ... Stay true to yourself.

Be strong, be sincere and be you!” said Mattox-Sharpe.

Marcus T. Coleman Jr. Headed To Grad School At American University In Washington, D.C.

Marcus T. Coleman (left) is moving to Washington D.C to attend American University.

With him are Tucson NAACP President Donna Liggins and former Pima County Board of Supervisor Dan Esktrom.

BOBBY BURNS/AZI PHOTO

By Bobby Burns TUCSON - In May of 2008, Marcus Coleman graduated from Howard University. This Tucsonan wanted to start giving back to the community – and that gave him the encouragement to get a good education. It was meeting President Barack Obama personally and becoming active in the Democratic Party which caused a fire to burn in his belly to help his fellow man.

This June, he headed back to Washington to study for his master’s degree in public administration.

Coleman has always

wanted help his community become a better place as he learned from home, professors, extended family and the friendships he gained at Howard University and in DC. Being around successful people doesn’t hurt.

Getting back on the road is something he’s excited about. If Tucson honored a group of influential people of people under age 30 “On the Move,” Coleman would be in that select group. Some people say he could be the first black Mayor of Tucson or the first black governor of Arizona for that matter.

Seasoned politicians

have already begun laying the foundation for Coleman to one day fill their shoes.

Ford Motor Company and the city of Tucson have sought his advice and admire this young man’s ambition. What’s exceptional about Marcus is his ability to relate to people in board rooms or the average Joe on the street.

The Tucson community has watched him grow into a hard working person who cares about his community, because without an effort to invest in and uplift one another collectively, as Coleman sees it, we are all guaranteed to fall short in life.

SUPPORT OUR YOUTH THEY ARE YOUR FUTURE

Uif!Sbdf!Gps!Uif Cftu!Kpct!Tubsut!Fbsmjfs Uibo!Zpv!Uijol It starts before the in-person interview, before the diploma is framed or the tests are aced. From their earliest years, Arizona’s children are in a race. It’s a race to keep up with their classmates, and stay ahead of students around the world.

At stake are the best job opportunities and ultimately their quality of life. To help them, we need to do more at every stage of the education experience —from birth through career. That’s why in Arizona, all of us must work to make sure our education system is strong. Across the state, Arizonans are taking up the cause. Join the movement to strengthen education in our state. Visit ExpectMoreArizona.org.

ExpectMoreArizona.org

18

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

IN RELIGION

Pastoral Appreciation Held At Gideon Baptist

By Florence Darby Religion Editor The third annual appreciation services honoring Rev. John and Mrs. Anita Powell were held Sunday, June 28 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

They are the founding pastor and first lady of Gideon Missionary Baptist Church of Surprise.

This year's theme was, "A Pastor Who Follows Instructions From The Master." The theme scripture was Deuteronomy 12:1-8.

Pastor John and first lady Anita Powell were escorted into the morning worship service by Kayla Valles and Jeremy Hood.

Sister Charlnette Grandberry gave the tribute to the honorees. Rev. James Lewis from Berean Baptist Church in Phoenix delivered the anniversary message.

At 4 p.m. the beautiful sanctuary of the church filled up quickly. Citywide guests arriving for the afternoon service of honor and appreciation were warmly greeted and welcomed by friendly ushers at the entrance. After a Spirit-filled devotional by deacons and the anniversary prayer by Rev. R. L. Johnson, Sister Donna Mathews escorted the pas-

Impart, Impact and Ignite. These are the key words of With God International (WGI)’ Mission in the lives of children, youth, young adults and families is to Impart Godly truths that will Impact their course of life and Ignite their passion to pursue purpose, in fulfillment of their of their divine destiny.

In 2000, after watching her friends go to drugs, and other vices Minister Ebony Oakry asked God what she could do to help.

“How can I make a difference?” And he gave her a vision and she founded With God International to help young children, youth and families.

Minister Oakry states that “with the economy the way it is, single parent and low income families don’t t have much money to spend on food, etc.

During the school season, the children receive break-

PRAISE CALENDAR

BY FLORENCE DARBY RELIGION EDITOR

Submit listings to ainewspaper@qwestoffice.net

— JULY — FRI-SUN 3-5 Pastor Warren H. Stewart, Jr. and members of the Church of the Remnant celebrate their first anniversary on July 3, 4 and 5. The first phase of the celebration on Friday night, July 3, will be an outreach in Soleto Park (35th Avenue & Camelback in Phoenix) from 5:00 to 8 p.m. On Saturday night, July 4, at 6:30 p.m. celebration concert at the Berean Church, 3102 North 29th Avenue in Phoenix, will feature Chrystal Stewart, BIGWO, Joseph Lindsey, Bryan Kilgore and more. The 3 p.m. celebration worship service Sunday, July 5, will include prayer, praise and preaching. For information visit: www.remnanmovement.com or churchoftheremnant.org.

Reverend John and Anita Powell celebrated his pastoral appreciation at Gideon Missionay FLORENCE DARBY/AZI PHOTO Baptist Church of Surprise last Sunday.

tor to the place of honor.

Anita Powell, fashionably dressed, as usual, in a beautiful designer's suit with matching hat and accessories, followed her husband on the arm of her escort, Brother Chris Kyles.

The large audience was warmly welcomed by Sister Martha Shockley and Sister Laura Flemons from South Phoenix Baptist Church gave a wonderful response.

Tributes to their beloved pastor and first lady were given by Sister Jaime Thompson and Brother Oben Shockley.

Rev. R. L. Johnson, pastor of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Phoenix, introduced the guest speaker, Rev. J. H. Abram, pastor of Southern Avenue Baptist Church in Phoenix.

Special prayers were offered for Dr. Bernard Black, the designated speaker, who was unable to attend.

Musicians for this special occasion were introduced by the mistress of ceremony, Sister Wanda Cobb. They were choirs and soloists from Gideon Baptist, Mt. Sinai, Southern Avenue and

South Phoenix Baptist Churches.

Sister Minnie Williams, chairperson, introduced and thanked her co-chair, Sister Mary Bolden, her committee of dedicated workers and all who came to help them show love and honor to their beloved pastor and first lady.

Presentations were received from auxiliaries of the church by the honorees and thanks were expressed.

Refreshments were served after the service.

Gideon Missionary Baptist Church is located at 12763 NW Grand Avenue in Surprise.

WGI Ministries Reaches Out To Inner-City

By Ima Denmon

ARIZONA INFORMANT

FRI 24 Elder Jerome L. Ferrell and the “Next Level”

Present a Free “Live” Gospel Recording Session. The session will feature Dr. Erral Wayne Evans of St. Louis, Missouri. The session will begin at 7pm at First Institutional Baptist Church Sanctuary located at 1141 E Jefferson St. Phoenix 85034. For more information call 877-798-7297 or visit the website at www.qwestmusicentertainment.com

South Phoenix Baptist Church will be having a candlelight service in memory of DaRon L.S. Gibson.

When -Sunday 7/5/2009 at 6:30 pm Where - South Phoenix Baptist Church 2006 E. Broadway in Phoenix DaRon Gibson was killed on July 8, 2007 at the Clubhouse in Tempe, AZ. His offenders have not yet been caught.

This service is to commemorate DaRon as well as bring focus back to this tragedy. We are hoping this service will encourage someone to step up and speak with information that will lead to justice for DaRon.

Tots at Christmas and counseling to young families.

“Our Vision is to provide life training and development to children, The staff of WGI (l to r) Dora Payne, site Supervisor, Minister Ebony Oakry, WGI youth and young adults Founder and President, Allen Mastin, Site Staff, Theresa Johnson, Site Supervisor, that their love may grow to Tameka Smith, Site Staff and Kiera Smith, Site Staff work hard for children, youth and its fullest development in IMA DENMON/AZI PHOTO families in the community. the knowledge of God and fast and lunch at the pare and serve meals to 51st Avenue and Thomas. his Kingdom.”

WGI has been fortuschool and hopefully children from babies to 18 They are currently looking nate enough to be sponanother meal when they two meals a day and some for more sites. get home. evening meals.

“We are just asking for sored by the Arizona During the summer Currently they have space to serve the commu- Department of Education when the family budget services at South Minister nity. Simply put---We’re and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is one of does not cover those two Presbyterian Church, 18th God in Action.” meals, children some time Street and Broadway, Oakry and her staff three recipients that have go hungry and only get Vineyard Estates, 7th Ave have expanded their serv- received a grant from the one meal a day.” To help and Alta Vista, Vista ices to provide care pack- Dairy Council of Arizona. fix this problem, WGI has Sunrise Apartments, 28th ages at Thanksgiving and This grant provides the set up sites where they pre- Street and Broadway and Christmas and Toys for milk for the children.

“It is our hope that God will bless us with more sites to serve the community and more sponsors to help fulfill the needs of the community.

We have a fundraiser coming up in July at the Arizona Grand Resort to raise funds to obtain property in South Phoenix for a WGI Life Enrichment Center.”

For further information contact Minister Ebony Oakry at 602-413-6784.

Donations may be sent to With God International Children, Youth and Family Services (WGI), P.O. Box 91242, Phoenix, AZ 85066.

ARIZONA INFORMANT

IN RELIGION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009 19

C H U R C H D I R E C T O RY Attend The Church Of Your Choice Find One Here In The Arizona Informant Church Directory

Murph Community A.M.E. Church Rev. Teresa Nelson - Pastor 602-246-3951 • 6702 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85017

Sunday Church School at 8-9:20 am Praise and Worship at 9:30 - 9:45 am Divine Worship Service at 9:45 am • TRANSPORTATION WILL BE PROVIDED • Wednesday - Bible Study at 6 to 7pm Saturday - Men's Bible 8:30-10am Youth Church 9am-3pm (2nd and 4th Sat.) Women's Bible Study 9-11am (1st and 3rd Saturday)

Put Your

Church Directory Information in this Space

W O R L D H A RV E S T M I N I S T R I E S CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP COGIC 2950 W Fairmount Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017 602-248-0636, 602-266-1227 fax

For Information call 602-257-9300 Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 1720 E. Broadway Road Mesa, AZ 85204 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4242 Mesa, AZ 85211 Ph. (480) 964-5048 FAX (480) 964-5711

BEACON LIGHT SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH Dr. W. Don Edwards 2602 N. 51st Ave. Phoenix, Arizona 602-285-9391

Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday Sabbath School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Everyone Welcome

Your Church Directory Information in this Space For Information call 602-257-9300

www.mcbcmesa.org Reverend David L. Wade Pastor

The Glory of the Lord is in This House

Pastor & First Lady Horne

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Sunday Morning Prayer . . .9:00 am Sunday School . . . .9:30 am Morning worship .10:45 am Wednesday Bible Study . . . . . . .7:00 pm 1st Fridays - Prayer and Pastoral teaching 7:00 pm

Impacting and empowering lives with the Word of God Making Disciples, Maturing Christian, Multiplying Saints

Listen to the Harvest Time Radio broadcast Sunday 6pm 1280 AM KXEG Visit us on the web at: www.Whministries.com

Schedule of Services Sunday Monday Night Church School 8:30 a.m. Brotherhood 7:00 p.m.

Morning Service 10:00 a.m. 1st & 3rd Senior Mission 7p.m.

1st & 3rd Men’s Chorus 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday Wednesday 2nd - 4th Young Adult 7 p.m. Noon Day Bible Study 12 p.m.

3rd Tuesday Ushers 7 p.m. Family Prayer & Bible Study 7 p.m.

Thursday Senior Choir 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Youth & Children Choir 10:00 a.m.

2nd Pastoral Support 12:00 p.m.

3rd Saturday Food Care Distribution 8:00 a.m.

Put Your

Church Directory Information in this Space For Information call 602-257-9300

IN RELIGION C H U R C H D I R E C T O RY

20 WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

WILLOW GROVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Gideon Missionary Baptist Church A church on the move Come move with us!

Rev. John R. Powell, Pastor First Lady Sis. Anita Powell

4401 S. 7th Place Phoenix

602-437-0260

“Therefore go and make desciples of all nations...”

Services Held Sunday at Windmill Inn Suites 12545 W. Bell Road Surprise, AZ 85374

Bible Study Wednesday Night Various Locations - Call 623-875-1525

First Institutional Baptist Church

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 91003 Phoenix, AZ 85066-1033

Pastor Darryl T. Henry

Greater Love Deliverance Church 1523 E. Wood Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040

1141 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr., Senior Pastor

Church (602) 243-7119

www.fibcaz.org (602) 258-1998 FAX: (602) 256-2957

GLDC_church@netzero.net

Scriptural Foundation: Exodus 3:12-15; I Peter 2:9; Romans 12:3-5; 8:31-37 (NLT)

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Putting on the Armor of God Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 7:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Church School 9:30 a.m.

School of the Bible Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

Sundays Sunday School at 9 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer, Worship and the Word on Wednesdays

6:30 p.m.

Dr. Lee E. Wells & First Lady Elder Deborah Wells

Office Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

1248 East Roeser Road Phoenix, Arizona 85040 Church Phone 602-268-5930 FAX 602-268-1501

Elder Dr. Julian E. Turner, Pastor

G R E AT E R S H I LO H

ADENA DEAN INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES INC. Evangelist Adena Dean, Th.B.

202 N. M L King Circle Phoenix AZ 85034 602-254-1576 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me - Phil 4:13

Missionary Baptist Church

901 W. Buckeye Road, Phoenix, AZ 85007

REV. ROY L. FITZPATRICK, PASTOR Telephone (602) 253-0219 • Fax (602) 253-2772 “Jesus Christ Is Lord To The Glory Of God The Father.” Phil. 2:11 (b)

Praise & Worship Services Prayer Service Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.

“YES, GOD IS! YES, GOD HAS! YES, WE ARE! YES, WE WILL!”

Church of the Living God (C.W.F.F.)

Service Times Sunday School.........9:15 a.m.

Morning Service..........11 a.m.

Bible Class Wednesday...7 p.m.

dzo321@aol.com

Church School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 11 a.m.

ARIZONA INFORMANT

Building people of ...

Purpose, Power, Praise, Prayer and Excellence

Sunday Morning Worship – 10:00 a.m.

Sunday School – 9:00 a.m.

Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: (Wednesdays) – 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Lord’s Supper – (1st Sunday only) For additional information, please call: (602) 253-0219

A Ministry of Excellence!

Gethsemane Park Apostolic Church 111 N. Sun Valley, Mesa, Arizona 85207 Order of Weekly Services Sunday School ........................9:15 a.m.

Elder Michael C. Newman Morning Worship.................10:30 a.m.

Pastor KXEG AM1280 Broadcast.....4:30 p.m.

(480) 641-PARK (7275) Evening Worship....................6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Class ...........7:30 p.m.

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6699 Mesa, AZ. 85216 Web Address: www.angelfire.com/az2/gethsemanepark “The church controlled by the Spirit of God!”

Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 1401 E. Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85034 (602) 258-0831

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas, Senior Pastor LINING UP SUNDAY Morning Worship . . . . . . . . . . . .7:45am & 10:45am Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:30am Broadcast KXEG Radio 1280 AM........9:30-11:00pm WEDNESDAY Prayer & Praise . . . . . . . . . . . . .6:00pm Family Cluster Bible Study . . .6:30pm

AMOS METROPOLITAN CME CHURCH “Together We Can” 2804 E. MOBILE LANE PHOENIX, AZ 85040

602-243-3109

SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:00 A.M. SUNDAY SERVICE - 10 A.M. WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 7 P.M. TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE 602-486-7861 REV. HURLEY

THEME FOR JULY: “Hearers Of God’s Word”

Your Church Directory Information in this Space For Information call 602-257-9300

GRISSOM, PASTOR

IN RELIGION C H U R C H D I R E C T O RY

ARIZONA INFORMANT

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009 21

U N I T E D F E L LOW S H I P C H U RC H 4210 E. Main St. (suite 10 & 11) Mesa, AZ 85205 480-779-6444 • www.unitedfellowshipchurch.com

WORSHIP SERVICES:

Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Saturdays at 4 p.m.

Overseers Brian & Yolanda Ewing Pastors Joshua & Tamela Farr

Chur ch of Chr ist

1101 W. Tonto St., Phoenix, AZ 85007 Weekly Services Sunday Morning Bible Class ........................... 9:15 a.m.

Worship...............................10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Bible Class (All Ages) ............5:00 p.m.

Worship ................................6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Bible Class (All Ages) ............6:30 p.m.

Church: 602-252-7852 Res: 602-268-6275

2766 East Marguerite Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85040

602-268-8076 or 276-5902 PASTOR CHARLES R. JOHNSON Saturday Sabbath School 10 a.m.

Saturday Worship 12 p.m.

Sunday Night Service 7: 30 Tuesday/Thursday Bible Study 7:30

Bethesda Community Baptist Church 906 E. Jones Ave. - P.O. Box 8442 Phoenix, Arizona 85066 Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Tuesday Womens Ministry: 6:00pm-7:00pm Tuesday Mens Ministry: 7:00pm-8:00pm Tuesday Outreach Ministry: 7:00pm-8:00pm Wednesday Hour of Prayer: 6:00pm-7:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm-8:00pm Wednesday Youth Ministry: 7:00pm-8:30pm Thursday Music Ministry: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Pastor James N. Preston, Pastor/Teacher Telephone - 602-276-1006 * Fax - 602-276-4526

Southminster Presbyterian Church 1923 E Broadway Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85040 • P.O. Box 8764, Phoenix, Arizona 85066 Telephone (602) 276-2582 • Fax (602) 276-7160 • E-mail southminster@smpc.phxcoxmail.com

Elder Reginald Ragland Commissioned Lay Pastor Weekly Community Worship every Sunday at 10am Weekly Prayer and Bible Study every Thursday at 6pm

FIRST PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, INC. 2701 E. Marguerite Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85040 Church: 602-268-0348 or 276-9075 David Eddings, Pastor

“…faith, hope, love abide, …the greatest of these is love.”

1 Cor 13.13 RSV Sunday: Sunday Morning Prayer......... 8:30 a.m.

Sunday School ................... 9:15 a.m.

Morning Worship .................10:30 a.m.

Evening Worship ................ 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: Bible Study ........................ 7:30 p.m.

Thursday: Worship ............................ 7:30 p.m.

All are welcome!

Youth and Adult/Church School is each Sunday: Children 3-6 years of age meet at 9:00am Children 7-12 years of age meet at 9:00am Teens and adults meet at 11:30am The Chancel Choir meets every Thursday at 7:00pm Youth Choir meets every other Saturday at 2:00pm

Merlon M. Thompson

Fisher Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church 1607 EAST SOUTH MOUNTAIN AVENUE PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85040

Sunday School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:45 a.m.

Morning Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday Bible Study......10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

“Come Worship With Us” Rev. Gina R. Casey, Pastor fisherchapel@msn.com Church: 243-5913

Phillips Memorial C.M.E. Church 1401 E. Adams Street Phoenix, AZ 85034 602-253-7156

Rev. Felix Jones, Pastor Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . 9:15 AM Sunday Services . . . . . . . . 11:00 AM ............6:00 PM Bible Study Wednesday . . . . . . . . . . . 7:00 PM

Sunday Mornings .8 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Sunday Mornings . . . . . .9:15 a.m.

Sunday Mornings . . . . .10:45 a.m.

1st Sunday Mornings Wednesday Mornings . .9:30 a.m.

Wednesday Evenings . .6:30 p.m.

Rev. C.R. McDuffy South Phoenix Missionary Baptist Church 2006 East Broadway Road • Phoenix, AZ 85040 Study: 268-2512 or 276-6237 Weekly Services Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:15 a.m.

Morning Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:00 a.m.

1st Sunday Communion . . . . . 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday Teacher’s Meeting . . . . . . . . . 6:30 p.m.

Mid-Week Service . . . . . . . . . 7:30 p.m.

Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 p.m.

Dr. Bernard Black, Pastor “This is the Church Where Everybody is Somebody”

UNION INSTITUTIONAL BAPTIST CHURCH 2760 East Mobile Lane Phoenix, Arizona Phone: 602-276-6871 Fax: 602-314-6421

Rev. Lenten Jackson, Jr. Pastor Church Schedule Sunday School............ 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service ..........11:00 a.m.

Prayer Meeting .. Wed. 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study ..........Wed. 6:30 p.m.

Canaan Missionary Baptist Church

F a i t h Fa m i l y Community C h u rc h Sunday Services Conducted at Hope Community Church 7901 East Sweetwater (Sweetwater & Hayden) Scottsdale, AZ 85260 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

1428 So. 13th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007 Phone: 602-252-5344 • Fax 602-252-1478 Breakfast Ministry Sunday School Morning Worship Communion Prayer & Bible Study Prayer & Bible Study

“Come Visit With Us Where You Are A Stranger But Once”

THE FREE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST IN JESUS NAME, INC.

St. John Institutional Baptist Church

931 S. Stapley Dr. Mesa AZ 85204 www.mycmbc.org 480-835-6320 Dr. Gene James Pastor

Wesley United Methodist Church 750 E. Southern Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85040 P. O. Box 8508, Phoenix, AZ 85066 Phone: (602) 268-9461 Fax: (602) 305-9424 www.wesleychurchphoenix.org.

Experience the fellowship of caring Christians.

A warm welcome awaits you.

REV. KARL M. CLARK Worship Services PASTOR Early Morning Worship . . .8:00 a.m.

Sunday School . . . . . . . . .9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship . . . . . . . .11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study . .Noon & 6:30 p.m.

SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 56 S. Robson, Mesa, AZ 85210-1344

480 844 2687 OTTLEY W. HOLMES, JR. PASTOR

Touching Hearts and changing Lives by The Power of His Word Luke 4:18,19 SUNDAYS: 9am- Sunday School 11am- Morning Worship 4 pm - BTU/CBT Christian Bible Training MONDAY: 6pm - Intercessory Prayer Meeting WEDNESDAY: Prayer Meeting– 5:30pm Bible Study - 7pm www.smbcmesa.org E-mail: sbchurch1011@qwest.net

SUNDAY WORSHIP AND BIBLE STUDY Early Worship - 7:50 a.m.

Morning Worship - 10:20 a.m.

Sunday School - 9:20 - 10:25 a.m.

BIBLE STUDY Tuesday Evening: 7 - 8 p.m.

Wednesday: noon - 1 p.m.

22 WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

ARIZONA INFORMANT

• A black female alleged she had been terminated by HealthSouth, and had been refused any documentation by local human resources. Contact with the corporate Regional HR Director revealed they were informed of the matter and requested the complainant contact him personally. Pending.

MARICOPA NAACP IN ACTION! June Report of Activities……

• An 80 year old senior citizen complained to the NAACP that a relative of his deceased wife had removed over thirty thousand from the estate account. He alleged the person used trickery to do so. Contact was made with Wells Fargo Bank who conducted an investigation. The complainant re-contacted this office to state the funds had been recovered. Closed.

• A black female complained that Wells Fargo fraud section refused to reimburse her for $2200. She alleged she had police reports and other documentation revealing the person(s) who withdrew the funds. Contact made with the fraud section in California. They advised that the office of the comptroller had recently conducted an inquiry also. Pending.

A black female complained that she was not treated fairly by Scottsdale police. She stated this occurred when they served a search warrant at her office. Preliminary inquiry by Scottsdale police chief revealed the complainant was not being truthful and the final police report will show the action of the officers to include the witnesses. Closed.

• A black male complained he was called the N-word by an employee of a Sun Devil Pool store. An investigation was conducted and the owner stated appropriate action was taken with follow up training. The owner reiterated this is not the type of service his company is known for and firmly stated it will not happen again. Closed.

• The family of a 7 year old girl requested the NAACP assistance in getting some action from Arizona Child Protective Services. Their documentation and police reports revealed the child was in a dangerous situation where she was living.

Contact with CPS was met with negative results even when told the child had been kept from school. A further request for an appointment with the acting director of Arizona Department of Economic Security was also met with negative results. The matter will be elevated to the office of the governor. Pending.

• A black female complained that her supervisor at Calvery Portfolio Services had been harassing her. She stated she felt it was retaliation for her filing a sexual harassment charge against him. Contact was made with the corporation general counsel. He advised that his office had conducted an investigation and was willing to reopen the case if she had further information. Complainant compiled documents to send to NAACP and the general counsel. Pending.

• A black male employee of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs hospital alleged he was being terminated due to friction between him and his supervisors. He further alleged a supervisor had become angry with him when she found out he attended a certain church. He stated she would constantly berate him and his pastor for some things that she alleges happened in the past. A scheduled meeting is pending with the director and his deputy next week to further discuss this and other complaints. Pending.

Congratulations to Scottsdale police and all federal agents who were involved in the arrest of the suspects in the letter bomb.

The bomb injured NAACP member and civil rights advocate Don Logan. Hate crimes must be prosecuted to the maximum.

CLASSIFIED

EMPLOYMENT

ONLINE APPLICATIONS ARE REQUIRED Apply for this position by applying online at Maricopa Community College website www.Maricopa.edu/hrweb and select posting #90301.

Maricopa Community Colleges District Office 2411 W. 14th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 731-8465 www.dist.maricopa.edu/hrweb Closing date: 7/2/2009 The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution.

Thru 7/1

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FNF Construction Inc., a heavy highway contractor, is now accepting applications for laborers, operators, carpenters, cement masons and CDL drivers for the Taxiway L Extension project at the Phoenix Mesa Airport.

Apply online at www.fnfinc.com, fax resumes to 480-377-9874 or email jobs@fnfinc.com.

Call the jobs line at 480-929-9675.

EEO/Drugfree Workplace.

DOLLAR & DOLLAR PLUS MAILBOX, PARTY, DISCOUNT CLOTHING OR TEEN STORE FROM $51,900 Worldwide!

100 % TURNKEY CALL NOW 1-800-518-3064 WWW.DRSS3.COM thru 7/1

For Classified Ads Call 602-257-9300

By ArnE Williams Students of the Phoenix College NAACP and Black Student Union and Mesa Community College NAACP are sponsoring a poetry night Open Mic – “Blame It On” fundraiser to cover expenses to attend the 100th National NAACP Convention in New York Center this summer.

The poetry night will be held Wednesday, July 1 at 7 p.m. in the Phoenix College Bulpitt Auditorium, 1202 W. Thomas Road in Phoenix "Come out to help support students in their summer educational project and enjoy an evening of excellent poetry," said Camilla Westenberg, NAACP/BSU advisor She said the convention will provide tremendous opportunities for the students.

"They will attend educational workshops, develop their leadership skills, network with other students from across the country," said Westenberg, "and have the opportunity to hear many of the major African-American leaders in political, educational, and economic fields from across the country."

The highlight, she said, will be the opportunity to hear President Barack Obama speak at the closing session.

Poet HB will host the evening which features Wisdom, Black Poet Ventures, and the South Mountain High School Poetry Team.

Tickets can be purchased the evening of the event.

All individuals will have the opportunity to share their poetry as time permits.

For Classified Sales, Call 602-257-9300 PUBLIC NOTICE

Special Programs Coordinator – (posting # is 90301) $47,966 to $56,959 Assists in researching, developing, coordinating and implementing special programs to meet needs of businesses identified for special outreach i.e. technology oriented/techtransfer. Provides business counseling and presents workshops.

Wednesday, July 1 at Phoenix College

EMPLOYMENT • BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES • ANNOUNCEMENTS • NOTICES • SERVICES VEHICLES • REAL ESTATE • APARTMENTS/HOMES • APPLIANCES • EQUIPMENT

PUBLIC NOTICE

EMPLOYMENT

Poetry Night Set To Help Students Attend NAACP Convention

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Aviation Department REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) 10-001 STAGEHAND SERVICES The City of Phoenix, Phoenix Convention Center Department is seeking proposals from qualified firms experienced in Stagehand Services. The work includes, but is not limited to exclusive stagehand labor services to assist with maintenance of PCC production systems and equipment at all PCC Department venues, including Phoenix Convention Center, Symphony Hall, Orpheum Theater and Herberger Theater Center, under direction of PCC Production Services Section. Proposer shall also provide exclusive stagehand labor for operation of City owned theatrical equipment for events at the Orpheum Theater and Symphony Hall, and non-exclusive labor for additional stagehands at Orpheum Theater and Symphony Hall.

The RFP will be available on or about Wednesday, July 8, 2009. Firms that would like a copy of the RFP shall make their request to the following: Celeste Mims, Contracts Specialist II City of Phoenix Convention Center 100 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 495-5307 • celeste.mims@phoenix.gov When making your request, please include a name, address, telephone and fax number, email address, and state whether you prefer a hard copy or electronic copy of the RFP. The deadline for proposal submission is Friday, August 7, 2009.

A Mandatory Pre-proposal conference will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2009, at the Phoenix Convention Center, North Building, Room 125A, 100 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, beginning at 10:00a.m. Phoenix local time. *Note: All interested firms must call or email to reserve their space at the Pre-proposal conference. When calling or emailing, please indicate how many attendees from your firm will be present. The meeting room is subject to change depending on the total number of attendees.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Voluntary Acquisition and Relocation Services Program (VARS) REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) The City of Phoenix Aviation Department is seeking program management services for VARS, which is a component of Aviation Department’s Community Noise Reduction Program. RFQ documents are expected to be available July 2009. Visit www.phoenix.gov/avirfp or contact Gretchen Wolfe, City of Phoenix Aviation Department, 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., Suite 3300, Phoenix, AZ 85034-4405, 602-273-4082 (phone), 602-273-8809 (fax) for more information.

ARIZONA INFORMANT

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

23

Coalition Organizations Celebrate June Birthdays

By AZI Staff Writer Although most Coalition organization members have been busy all month with graduations and annual conventions, many have taken time to celebrate life – and birthdays in particular.

happy returns. Friends Richard and Gwen Slan were also celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary that day.

VFW Post 1710 was the place for a surprise birthday party for Ima Denmon. Ima is the treasurer and a past president of Post

food. DJ Gino was on the Wheels of Steele playing all the latest and appropriate sounds.

The food was delicious and the service was superb.

Sharilyn’s sister Sheri, niece Alexandria and friend Twyla helped Sharilyn plan and orchestrate her party.

Ima and Elaine enjoy their day surrounded by friends and family

Bessie Santa Cruz surrounded by friends as she enjoys her day.

Bessie Santa Cruz had the first party at a pink decorated AMVETS Post #5. Guests enjoyed live music from Dr. Fish’s band and a scrumptious feast that consisted of three different cakes along with all the other good food. Bessie’s son and friends Huney Brown and her band members came out to wish Bessie Happy Birthday.

Councilman Mike Johnson also stopped to wish Bessie many

1710 Ladies Auxiliary. Honors were shared by Auxiliary Senior Vice President Elaine Devine whose birthday is on the same day as Ima’s.

The building was beautifully decorated in multi colored balloons with music by D J Silk and D J Scorpio. The party was planned by Kenneth Jackson with help from Carol Conner, Commander Charles Pierce, and Elaine. Ima was surprised and

gratified by the efforts everyone made and for all that attended.

Elaine’s sister Betty Dean came by to spend the evening with her. A delicious dinner and a special Ima and Elaine cake was enjoyed by all. The night was filled with good wishes, dancing, eating and fun.

Black and White was the color scheme at the American Legion for the party of Jewell Miller and Jackie Trayler. Jewell did his usual magnificent decorating with black and white balloons everywhere. Most attendees also dressed for success in scheme colors to honor the birthday celebrities. Attendees munched on appetizers and later a feast of chicken and ham,

with all the trimmings was enjoyed by all.

The Sportsman Club hosted the birthday of Sharilyn Taylor.

Sharilyn decorated the building and members helped prepare the

Sharilyn looked gorgeous on her birthday.

Jewell and Jackie looked good for their black and white themed party.

Arizona Informant

Published each Wednesday by the Arizona Informant Publishing Co.

1746 E. Madison, Suite 2 • Phoenix, Arizona 85034 Telephone: (602) 257-9300

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24

BACK

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009

L O N G

PA G E

L I V E

ARIZONA INFORMANT

T H E

August 29, 1958 Jackson Redefined Entertainment, Social, Political Spectrums

By Rev. Al Sharpton NNPA Columnist NNPA – It was the mid-1970s.

The nation was fresh off the heels of the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War was finally over and people began adjusting to a newly, fully integrated society. Blacks and Whites worked side by side, and women and minorities slowly but surely began to crack open that all too visible glass ceiling in triumphant ways.

As society progressed however, we waited – and yearned – for that one individual who could break the mold in mainstream pop culture and truly make it acceptable to not just speak of equality in all endeavors but transform it into an actuality. We awaited someone who defied racial impediments and institutional barriers, and could finally nor-

June 25, 2009

youngest member of the Jackson 5 was about to revamp our complete social, political and entertainment structure in unfathomable ways, and in the process, reshape the perception of an entire race on the world stage.

I was a young teenager when I first met Michael. We were both blessed to have known the late great Godfather of soul James Brown, who, in many respects, was like a surrogate father to us both.

Throughout the decades, we formed a close kinship that many may never be able to comprehend. During his 1984 Victory Tour, Michael and I began working together as I took on the role of his community relations director. In 2002, the King of Pop came to our National Action Network headquarters in Harlem, and he and I marched together to Sony Music along with hundreds of supporters as we fought for Michael’s ownership of his own music catalogue. And during his tough trials and legal bouts throughout the years, I openly supported Michael and that itself will never change.

FROM LEFT:

Al Sharpton with a teen-age Michael Jackson and James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, whom they both admired. Janet Jackson at left; Sharpton and Jackson marched to Sony and fought for Jackson's rights to his music catalogue. ABOVE: With Michael’s father, Joe, during a recent news conference outside their Encino, Calif., residence.

malize African-Americans onto television sets and into living rooms across the country. That someone who possessed enough raw talent that even the most discriminatory of individuals could not help but respect and acknowledge his or her sheer gift.

Little did we know then that the

I was one of the lucky few to have known this Apollo legend and bear witness to not only an exceptional career, but to a compassionate, determined, driven individual whose greatest qualities are often underscored. A man who dominated the charts with sales of some 50 million copies of his ‘Thriller’

album alone, but who never forgot his humble roots of Gary, Indiana. He was an incomparable artist, dancer and entertainer who dazzled audiences on every corner of the planet, and still created and participated in countless charities.

Penning humanistic, moving lyrics like ‘We Are The World’ and ‘Man In The Mirror’, Michael took his message well beyond the TV sets of America. He was a true groundbreaker who paved the way for many of today’s artists who often imitate his signature style, and a man who relentlessly opened endless doors for African-Americans to be acceptable idols around the world. During the 1980s, music channel MTV refused to play videos by Black musicians, but it was Michael’s undeniable talent that won him heavy rotation for years to come.

We as African-Americans and people of all races as a whole owe a tremendous deal to Michael Jackson. He not only set the standard for excellence in entertainment, but maintained a positive outlook despite all his trials and tribulations.

And in his sheer existence, he forced all of us – White, Black and Brown – to take a good look in the mirror at our own selves, our own truths and our own convictions. Many attempted to vilify and defame Michael; let us not repeat the same mistake after his passing. If he had any shortcomings, they in no way equaled his strengths.

When we suddenly lost the Godfather of soul in 2006, Michael was the only major artist who spoke at his funeral. I’ll never forget when he placed his hand on James Brown and said ‘I hope he gets in death what he didn’t get in life’. I pray the same now for my friend, my comrade and legend Michael Jackson. I hope history will serve him due justice and be more kind than some of our contemporary media.

And may he finally attain eternal peace.

• R E M E M B E R I N G

By Floyd Alvin Galloway

M

chael Joseph Jackson, the King of Pop, shot onto the musical scene as the 5year-old cute lead singer of the R&B group the Jackson 5 from Gary, Indiana. The group – which consisted of him and his brothers, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon – later become the Jacksons as brother Randy and sister Janet joined the musical sensation on tours and albums. His fame and fortune skyrocketed when he went solo, setting record after record with his musical genius and collaborations with some of the world’s best in the industry.

Revered around the world, his music and persona transcended borders, ethnicities and lan-

guages. Since his sudden death June 25 his fans have paid tribute to the he iconic musical superstar.

Jackson has a number of relatives that call Arizona home, and his grandparents lived in south Phoenix for many years before their passing.

A few Valley fans reflected on what he meant to them.

“Michael was a great man. He had a hit for every person. Michael didn’t see color; Michael made great music for all to love.

Michael will be greatly missed. Roshwandra “Michael Jackson was my alltime favorite recording artist! I can't

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tell you how many hours I stood in front of a mirror as a kid and practiced his dance moves! I had the "Thriller" jacket, I had the glove, I even tried to get my mom to buy MOORE me a monkey ... needless to say, that didn't happen!

Despite all of the craziness that occurred in Michael Jackson's life before and after he hit it BIG with his JASPER "Thriller" album, no one can ever say that he wasn't one of the greatest performers ever! R.I.P. Michael Jackson ... I hope you truly are at peace! You were the

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G L O B A L best! Tremaine Jasper

My heart is broken that at 50 he had not found peace.

Reminder that money and fame don't buy peace & happiness and you must find a way to do you or it leaves Rosalind Moore I'm still mourning Luther, I will probably mourn Michael for the rest of my life” Michelle Grier For a man. Not just any man...A BLACK MAN to accomplish as much as he did, here and literally around the world, breaking all color barriers, and was loved and admired by all is simply mind bog-

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gling! Though he is loved around family stated no trauma or fool play the world, he was a family member involved in his death, but the offito all Alack people. This is the cial cause of death reason why the news of his remains a mystery. passing hit us the hardest.

This will not be He was one of us! And we ready for several are extremely proud of weeks when toxihim and the Jackson 5 for cology tests are being the soundtrack of finished. our lives. Warcondo Cleary Though Jackson CLEARY faced many challenges Preliminary reports state he in his personal life like many of us suffered a cardiac do, but without the glare of the arrest at his home world media looking into our closin Los Angeles. ets, he is and was the greatest An autopsy by entertainer to bless this world. His the city’s Coun- music will live on forever. As was ty Coroner’s the case for Elvis, one Michael’s office and a sec- heroes, who also died young, 44, GRIER ond one done at Jackson’s earnings are sure to the request of the become record breaking.