DIGITAL Version 2020
Vol: 2 No: 26
NOVEMBER 120 2020
THANKS TO TRUMP WE HAD RECORD VOTER LINES IN 2020
THANKS TO MITCH MCCONNELL WE HAVE RECORD FOOD LINES IN 2020 ALSO...
EDITORIAL Page 29 Published by The Village Press, Inc.
NEW YORKERS WILL HAVE TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES FOR COVID-19 VACCINE TRUMP SAYS Page 3 1
11/20/2020
Why Charges Against Protesters Are Being Dismissed by the Thousands
Moore School at that time, Mr. Kaufmann was among more than 800 people swept up by the police Prosecutors declined to pursue in Louisville during the many many of the cases because they months of demonstrations promptconcluded the protesters were ex- ed by the police killings of George ercising their basic civil rights. Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville. LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Matt Kaufmann Mr. Kaufmann and his fiancée, proloved bringing real-world issues test novices, joined a large downinto his classroom, but he never town crowd in late May, he said, expected he would become a les- when police officers began to son himself. The headlines, howev- break up the demonstration by firer, made it hard to avoid: ing tear gas and charging from all “Kentucky High School Teacher of sides. With a helicopter thumping the Year Arrested,” blared the local overhead, he suddenly found himnews after he was detained on self lined up on the ground with May 31. dozens of other protesters, then An English teacher at Marion C. Published by The Village Press, Inc.
2
hauled off to a crowded jail cell. Now, more than five months later, as Mr. Kaufmann’s case and those of thousands of others finally land in courts across the United States, a vast majority of cases against protesters are being dismissed. Only cases involving more substantial charges like property destruction or other violence remain. Prosecutors called the scale of both the mass arrests and mass dismissals within a few short months unrivaled, at least since the civil rights protests of the early 1960s. With the police detaining hundreds of (Continued on page 6)
11/20/2020
Trump says coronavirus vaccine won’t be delivered to New York right away President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. government would not deliver a coronavirus vaccine to New York if and when one is available. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo “will have to let us know when he’s ready for it because otherwise, we can’t be delivering it to a state that won’t be giving it to its people immediately,” Trump said during a press conference from the White House Rose Garden. “He doesn’t trust where the vaccine is coming from,” Trump added. “These are coming from the greatest companies anywhere in the world, greatest labs in the world, but he doesn’t trust the fact that it’s this White House, this administration, so we won’t be delivering it to New York until we have authorization to do so, and that pains me to say that.” On MSNBC shortly after Trump’s comments, Cuomo said, “None of what [Trump] said is true. Surprise, surprise.” “I have been an outspoken opponent to many of Trump’s policies over the last four years,” he said, adding that Trump lost in New York in the presidential election by “huge margin” and state prosecutors are also investigating the president for tax fraud. “So, he has issues with New York and he likes to point to New York,” Cuomo said. “But this is his issue. It’s his credibility issue. It’s the fear Published by The Village Press, Inc.
that he politicized the health process of this nation, which is a wellfounded fear.” Shortly after Trump’s comments, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a statement threatening to sue Trump if a vaccine is not sent to the state once available. “This is nothing more than vindictive behavior by a lame-duck president trying to extract vengeance on those who oppose his politics,” James said. Also in response to Trump, a senior advisor to Cuomo said on Twitter that the governor “is fighting to ensure the communities hit hardest by COVID get the vaccine.” Trump “has failed with his pandemic response, lied to Americans about how bad it was when he knew otherwise & was fired by voters for his incompetence,” Rich Azzopardi said. Trump’s comments were his first in -person remarks since NBC News and other news outlets projected over the weekend that Joe
Biden won the presidential election. Cuomo announced in late September that the state would form an independent task force of scientists, doctors and health experts that would review data from every Covid-19 vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The governor said the state would independently review the vaccines after many questioned whether the White House was attempting to rush the approval process ahead of Election Day for political reasons. “Frankly, I’m not going to trust the federal government’s opinion and I wouldn’t recommend to New Yorkers based on the federal government’s opinion,” the Democrat governor said in a statement. Other states followed New York’s lead. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Oct. 19 that the state wouldn’t distribute a vaccine until its own panel of experts reviewed the data to determine its (Continued on page 5)
3
11/20/2020
Presidential Transition: Trump Fires Official Who Disputed Baseless Claims of Election Fraud Christopher Krebs, the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, had called the election “the most secure in American history.” Republican members of an elections board in Wayne County, Mich., changed course after initially refusing to certify results. Trump fires Christopher Krebs, official who disputed his election fraud claims.
Mr. Trump wrote a little after 7 p.m., “in that there were massive improprieties and fraud — including dead people voting, Poll Watchers not allowed into polling locations, ‘glitches’ in the voting machines which changed votes from Trump to Biden, late voting, President Trump on Tuesday and many more.” night fired his administration’s He said Mr. Krebs “has been termimost senior cybersecurity offinated” as the director of the Cycial responsible for securing the bersecurity and Infrastructure Sepresidential election, Christopher curity Agency, a post to which Mr. Krebs, who had systematically dis- Trump himself had appointed him. puted Mr. Trump’s false declaraMr. Krebs, 43, a former Microsoft tions that the presidency was sto- executive, has been hailed in relen from him through fraudulent cent days for his two years preparballots and software glitches that ing states for the challenges of the changed millions of votes. vote, hardening systems against The announcement came via Russian interference and setting up Twitter, the same way Mr. a “rumor control” website to guard Trump fired his defense secreagainst disinformation. The foreign tary last week and has dismissed interference so many feared never other officials throughout his presi- materialized; instead, the disinfordency. Mr. Trump seemed set off mation ultimately came from the by a statement released by the De- White House. partment of Homeland SecuriOnly two weeks ago, on Election ty late last week, the product of a Day, Mr. Krebs’s boss, Chad F. broad committee overseeing the Wolf, the acting secretary of elections, that declared the 2020 homeland security, had praised election “the most secure in Amer- Mr. Krebs’s work. But behind-theican history.” scenes efforts by Mr. Wolf and oth“The recent statement by Chris ers to keep Mr. Trump from firing Krebs on the security of the 2020 Mr. Krebs apparently failed. Election was highly inaccurate,” Mr. Krebs did not immediately rePublished by The Village Press, Inc.
4
spond to questions for comment. But after his termination, he tweeted from his personal account: “Honored to serve. We did it right. Defend Today, Secure Tomorrow. #Protect2020” President Trump fired his defense secretary last week (not two weeks ago, as an earlier post said). TRUMP FIRES KREBS Christopher Krebs, the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, had drawn the president’s ire with his refusal to echo conspiracy theories about voter fraud.
A Michigan county certifies its election results, with Republicans changing course after accusations of partisanship.
DETROIT — Republican members of a key elections board in Michigan refused on Tuesday to certify a county’s election results in a nakedly partisan effort to hold up President-elect Joseph R. Biden (Continued on page 14)
11/20/2020
On Monday, Pfizer said that the Covid-19 vaccine it developed with German drugmaker BioNTech was safety. Washington, Oregon and 90% effective in a late-stage trial. Nevada joined California’s vaccine Pfizer said its analysis evaluated 94 safety review group on Oct. 27, ap- confirmed Covid-19 infections pointing their own experts to reamong the trial’s 43,538 particiview any vaccine that receives fed- pants. It said the case split beeral approval and verify its safety tween vaccinated individuals and before it’s made available to the those who received a placebo indipublic. cated a vaccine efficacy rate of Over the past week, the above 90% at seven days after the U.S. coronavirus outbreak has second of the company’s two-dose worsened, with the nation revaccine. porting more than 150,000 new Trump said Friday that it was an infections Thursday, according “unfortunate mistake” when Pfizer to data compiled by Johns Hopkins said earlier this week that it wasn’t University. The seven-day average part of Operation Warp Speed. of daily new cases stands at While Pfizer did strike a deal with 131,445, which is 32% higher than the U.S. government for vaccine a week ago, according to a CNBC doses in July, the company had analysis of Hopkins data. been working on a vaccine for the (Continued from page 3)
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
5
coronavirus long before. Trump said his administration would work to “secure” an emergency use authorization for Pfizer, which he said should be coming “extremely soon.” He called it a “great” and “safe” vaccine, even though Pfizer still needs to release more phase three trial safety data. “It’ll be approved very, very quickly,” he said. “The vaccine will be distributed to front-line workers, the elderly and high-risk Americans immediately. It’ll be a matter of weeks. Get out very, very much ahead of schedule.” Trump also said the economy was “rebounding beyond expectations.” He pointed to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which closed up nearly 400 points on Friday.
11/20/2020
(Continued from page 2)
people in major cities, the arrests this year ended up colliding with the limitations of the court system. In the aftermath, prosecutors declined to pursue many of the cases because they concluded that the protesters were exercising their basic civil rights. Cases involving free speech or free assembly rarely succeed in court, according to prosecutors across the country, and the coronavirus pandemic also played a role in the decision. A wave of thousands of minor cases threatened to capsize courts already floundering under hefty lockdown backlogs. There was also the recognition that law enforcement officers often use mass arrests as a technique to help clear the streets, not to confront illegal behavior. For those handling the cases, the task has felt Sisyphean. “Every day I would think I was done and the next morning there would be 50 or 100 cases to tally,” said Mary Ellen Heng, a deputy city attorney for Minneapolis. So far the city is pursuing about 75 of 666 cases. “What’s happened in the last few months here is nothing like I have seen in my 23 years when it comes to the volume of cases,” she said. Most charges in the almost 300 federal protest cases involve arson Published by The Village Press, Inc.
or assaulting police officers, as do the state and municipal cases. “This is the hangover from months of protests,” said Ted Shouse, a criminal defense attorney in Louisville who helped to organize more than 100 volunteer defense attorneys. Protest leaders and defense attorneys nationwide accuse the police of piling on charges to try to halt the demonstrations. “It was to squelch dissent,” said Attica Scott, the only Black woman in the Kentucky State Legislature and one of the protest organizers detained by the police. The arrest of Ms. Scott in September has become one of the most contentious cases in Louisville because she and several other protest leaders were initially accused of trying to ignite a library, a felony, and of violating a 9 p.m. curfew. The Jefferson County attorney, Mike O’Connell, appeared in court himself to ask that the felony charges be dropped after reviewing the evidence, including a live Instagram broadcast by Ms. Scott with a time stamp showing that the arrests came before curfew.
were charged, but it was not a universal pattern. “Even adjusting for the racial makeup of the protests, Black people have been charged out of proportion,” Mr. Shouse in Louisville said. A recent study by The Louisville Courier-Journal found that Black people constituted 53 percent of those arrested there during the four months starting May 29, but that they faced 69 percent of the felony charges. In Portland, Ore., which is predominantly white, white defendants constituted 65 percent of the more than 140 cases moving forward, while 32 percent were from other racial groups. Sgt. John Bradley, a spokesman for the Louisville Metro Police Department, said that officers made arrests on the basis of Kentucky law, and that it was up to the county attorney whether to prosecute. Precise numbers on both arrests and dismissals nationwide are elusive amid the complicated patchwork of law enforcement agencies and the state, county or city prosecutors involved. In Los Angeles County, for example, the district attorney declined to file criminal charges against 334 people but is pursuing 257 cases of Defense attorneys working on cas- people arrested between the end es in numerous cities said more of May and the beginning of Aupeople of color than white people (Continued on page 12) 6
11/20/2020
DIGITAL Version 2020
Minority Leader Abrahams, Legislators Bynoe & Solages Urge County Executive Curran to Withdraw Legislative Item Seeking Approval of CBA With Superior Officers Association The agreement should not be approved until State-mandated police reforms are enacted, the Legislators wrote to County Executive Curran on Thursday, Nov. 19. (MINEOLA, N.Y.) - Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan M. Abrahams (D - Freeport), Siela A. Bynoe (D - Westbury) and Carrié Solages (D - Lawrence) are urging Nassau County Executive Laura Curran to withdraw a legislative item seeking approval of a collective bargaining agreement with the Nassau County Superior Officers Association (SOA) until the County adopts and enacts a series of Statemandated police reforms. In a Thursday, Nov. 19 letter to County Executive Curran, Minority Leader Abrahams and Legislators Bynoe and Solages said the “effort to fast-track this agreement is clearly premature and would lock the County into a CBA [collective bargaining agreement] which makes no provision for the execution of a reform plan which has yet to be presented.” The legislative item is currently being pushed for emergency approval at the MonPublished by The Village Press, Inc.
day, Nov. 23 meeting of the Nassau County Legislature. “We strongly urge you to withdraw the proposed legislative item seeking approval of the agreement and defer its reintroduction until the police reform plan has been finalized by the Legislature,” the three Legislators wrote. “Only then will we know conclusively what additional issues must be addressed in
the CBA. To do otherwise is to knowingly bind the County to an agreement which we know in advance is unfinished and likely to require significant revision.” Under a June 2020 executive order issued by New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Nassau County and municipalities throughout state must conduct “a comprehensive review of current police force deployments, strategies, policies, procedures, and practices” and then develop a plan for better meeting the needs of communities of color and eliminating racial bias and disproportionate policing. Minority Leader Abrahams and Legislators Bynoe and Solages argue that moving too quickly to approve 7
the SOA contract could jeopardize community confidence in the resulting agreement and the police reforms that are ultimately implemented. “We wish to emphasize that our position is not and should not be misconstrued as a criticism of the brave and selfless men and women of the SOA, whom all recognize to be devoted to protecting and serving the Nassau County public… Our objection is strictly to the timing of the CBA approval process, which we firmly believe should be linked to the final adoption of the police reform plan,” the Legislators wrote.
11/20/2020
DIGITAL Version 2020
THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE As we mature through High School and College, we meet experiences that are not readily available in our pursuit through life. It is our motivated drive to become the unique and significant adult that makes decisions, wisely considered. Our jobs, and education allow us to analyze who we are and what we stand for. It is not a simple effort and many things must be considered. I have always wanted to own a business, and write a book, not knowing if either of these pursuits would come to pass. They did and I am now on the road for other missions leading to a point in time and a point in life.
Don Durant
parent is one who knows the way, based on previous walks along the same path. They tend to reach behind to reflect on past experience to guide their offspring in the current day and time. It is not always on target, based on our children coming through life on their own path to adulthood. Respect and awareness helps a mother or father to understand the sameness and differences between them and their children. We must be proud of who our child becomes, realizing it is only part due to your efforts and emphasis, much of their growth pattern is based on the influence of their associates and childhood friends. I am the father of two successful Adulthood is not a point in time, it is a We are simply an example of our molding adults, and two grandchildren well undertime of awareness. It is a time where we and shaping by family and parents and way. I pray a great deal about them and reflect on our years of exploration and friends. Our life experiences shape the we about what my suggestions to them studies. We then become able to speak that we become. It is an option for these should be. It is not an easy path for any out on issues with a voice of knowledge molding experiences to be positive and participant, grandfather, Mother, or child, and confidence. When we have children at productive. involvement in sports, as well but it is absolutely necessary to pay attenthis time in our experience, we are able to as our spiritual life, will help to guide us in tion and trust from the heart and mind then share with them the positive views positioning our strengths and analyzing that the guidance will be faithful and true, and experience we have gained on our our faith in who we are and our capabilito bring about the success of a life well way to adulthood. It is shameful when we ties lived. fail to reach back to our learned experiP.S.: As the father of two grownups, a son ences to enlighten our children. This failand a daughter, I can reflect on the many ing avoids the necessary growth process choices and voices their late mother used that they too must endure on their way to to bring them to this adult point in life. A
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
adulthood. Learning, trying, and even failing from time to time, aids and assists us to be that informed adult who would then be a benefit to our own children. Our learning never ceases, and we must reflect positively on things provided by our parents as we grow, and even after we arrive. We must be prepared to teach our grandchildren in a way that enlightens and informs them to knowledge and awareness that they may not even receive from their parents. We are each brought into life as blank canvasses that stand ready to be drawn on and painted with various colors, to create a picture clear to all.
8
11/20/2020
DIGITAL Version 2020
Symone Sanders in the running to be Biden’s WH press secretary: report President-elect Joe Biden has the distinction of winning the White House with Sen. Kamala Harris, the first woman vice president and first person of color elected to that office. As whispers about the slated staffing plans for what may be the most diverse cabinet in history start to louden, a report about another key role is exciting D.C. circles. Symone Sanders, who was a senior adviser to the Biden-Harris campaign, is seen as a potential candidate for the role of White House press secretary. Symone Sanders, who was a senior adviser to the Biden-Harris campaign, is seen as a potential candidate for the role of White House press secretary. (Photo by Rachel Published by The Village Press, Inc.
Luna/Getty Images) Politico is reporting that Sanders and Kate Bedingfield, deputy campaign manager in charge of communications and a longtime Biden aide, are on the “inside track” to respectively become the next White House press secretary and White House communications director. If Sanders is chosen for the position, she would be the first African American to serve in the role. Andrew T. Hatcher, a former journalist and California state official among the founders of 100 Black Men of America, was associate press secretary under President John F. Kennedy. But an African American has never officially had the job of being “at the podium.” “She’s lightning-fast smart, one of those people who, whether you’re in just conversation or sparring, you really gotta keep up,” Ed Gillespie, a former White House aide to President George W. Bush, told 9
Politico. “She is always a half-step ahead, if not a full step ahead.” Gillespie met Sanders while the two were fellows at Harvard. Sanders has been a television commentator since 2016 when she provided insight — especially into the Black community — during the early days of the Trump presidency. She was highly sought after by many of the 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls before she cast her lot with Biden. In her new book, No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America, Sanders explains why she has been vocal about her career goals. “It’s like me saying, ‘One day I wanna be White House press secretary!’ There. I said it,” Sanders wrote. “Everyone says don’t tell people your dreams because it’ll kill them. No! You have to express them — you have to give them oxygen in order to let them breathe and grow and become something (Continued on page 11)
11/20/2020
After Biden win, Black activists demand reparations for slavery, police reform
of Southerners on New Ground, a social justice advocacy organization. “Beyond a cheap thank you, we need this administration to be bold and unapologetic about paying that debt through enacting policy changes.”
When President-elect Joe Biden addressed supporters last week to accept the highest office in the land, he took a moment to thank one specific group of Americans. “When this campaign was at its lowest, the African American community stood up again for me,” Biden said. “They always have my back, and I’ll have yours.” Leading Black Lives Matter activists plan to hold him and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to that I.O.U. with a vengeance. In a tumultuous election year, one that both gave rise to a new civil rights movement in response to the death of George Floyd and saw Black Americans suffer disproportionately from the COVID-19 pandemic and staggeringly high unemployment, Black Lives Matter activists are asking the new administration to make Black matters paramount. “For decades, Black people have shown up time and time again for a country that consistently tells us that our lives don’t matter,” said Mary Hooks, a founding member of Black Lives Matter Atlanta and co-director Published by The Village Press, Inc.
After Biden accepted the presidency, Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors wrote an open letter to Biden and Harris saying “we want something for our vote” and asked for an immediate meeting. To date, no meeting has been set, which is concerning, said Melina Abdullah, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles and co-director of Black Lives Matter Grassroots, a national organizing arm of the organization. “Hopefully this is just a delay,” said Abdullah, who also is a professor of Pan-African studies at California State University, Los Angeles. “We need to be sure this administration realizes that Black people voted out Donald Trump. Because of us, we saw a massive turnout and a rejection of blatant racism.” The degree to which the incoming administration works with groups such as Black Lives Matter will help answer a larger unresolved question: how much influence will the progressive arm of the Democratic party have over a career centrist such as Biden and Harris, a former California attorney general, during the biggest reckoning on civil rights and racism since the 1960s? While the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a milestone achievement anchored by Martin Luther King, Jr., that landmark legislation far from erased the hurdles facing Black Americans, whose educational and economic opportunities continue to be stymied by legacies of slavery and systemic racism that surfaced in the form of redlining, redistricting and other restrictive
10
(Continued on page 16)
11/20/2020
People of color make up nearly half of Biden transition team
and people with disabilities. (CNN)As President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office in January, nearly half of the transition Biden to take characteristically deliberative apteam laying the groundwork for his administration is proach to filling Cabinet made up of people of color, and women are in the "For months, the Biden-Harris transition has laid majority. the groundwork for a Biden-Harris administration, Forty-six percent of the transition staff are people of and at the core of that work is an unrelenting comcolor, according to new diversity data of the transi- mitment to diversity," said Ted Kaufman, co-chair tion team provided to CNN, and 41% of the senior of the Biden-Harris transition. "As we continue staff are people of color. The majority of transition working full-speed ahead to Inauguration, our distaff -- 52% -- are women, and 53% of the senior verse group of leaders and staff are reflective of staff are women. America -- upholding President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris' belief that through diThe new diversity figures come as Biden is set to announce his Cabinet picks and senior staff for the verse voices we can develop and implement a poliWhite House in the coming weeks -- one of the first cy vision to tackle our nation's toughest challengtests of his campaign pledge to build an administra- es." tion that will "look like America."
close di alog
The diversity figures mirror that of Biden's presidential campaign, which in September said 46% of Biden's first major step toward diversity in his administration came when he selected Kamala Harris, its full-time staff and 40% of its senior staff were people of color. Women made up a greater share a Black and South Asian woman, as his vice presiof Biden's campaign -- 59% -- than the current dent. In his first staffing announcement, Biden makeup of the transition team, according to the chose a White man and longtime adviser -- Ron transition. Klain -- as his chief of staff for the White House. A transition official said the team provides weekly updates to its leadership to track the progress The transition team's diversity also extends to its made in its diversity. advisory board -- where 43% are people of color and 52% are women. Nine of the 13 members of Biden has repeatedly promised that ensuring diverBiden's Covid-19 advisory board are people of col- sity in his administration and his Cabinet will be a or and five of the members are women, according top priority. to the data. "My administration's going to look like America, not Last week, the transition team announced its agen- just my staff, the administration from the vice presicy review teams despite the General Services Ad- dent straight down through Cabinet members to ministration not yet recognizing Biden as the winmajor players within the White House, and the ner of the election. The teams consist of roughly court," Biden said during a June townhall focusing 500 people, more than half of whom are women. on issues tied to the Asian American and Pacific About 40% of the team "represent communities his- Islander communities. "It's going to be a reflection torically underrepresented in the federal governof who we are as a nation." ment," a transition official said, which includes people of color, individuals who identify as LGBTQ+
Joe Lockhart, who served as press secretary during President Bill real. They’re not real if you’ve nev- Clinton‘s administration, recently er told anyone about them!” wrote for CNN that the person at There are a few other possibilities. the podium for the Biden White according to Axios, which notes House will have to restore public that there are several other wom- trust there because Trump’s apen under consideration for the pointees “have promised the truth role, including the possibility of and delivered everything but.” choosing a “current television per- “The dishonesty from this Presisonality.” dent and his press secretaries — (Continued from page 9)
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
11
all four of them — has us where we are today,” Lockhart wrote. “Truth now comes in two varieties: Republican and Democratic. This is shaking the foundation of our democracy.”
11/20/2020
these cases,” said Mr. O’Connell, noting that a team of four prosegust, said Greg Risling, a spokescutors was combing through them. man. After mass arrests during the 2000 But not all jurisdictions in Los AnRepublican National Convention, geles County are dismissing cases. Lawyers representing clients who Philadelphia legislated a lesser Beverly Hills is pursuing misdehad been arrested during protests charge to get people off the meanor charges against a group of in Louisville prepared to discuss streets. Police officers started issu25 people stemming from one pro- the dismissal of casing summonses outside regular test in June and plans to pursue es.Credit...Xavier Burrell for The courts. Misdemeanors and felonies others from another protest in Ju- New York Times go to the district attorney, while ly, said Rachel Steinback, the coor- Walk into virtually any large court- summonses do not. dinator for the National Lawyers house in America and the strain of Larry Krasner, the city’s district Guild of Los Angeles’s Mass Dedealing with the case backlog is attorney, said that his office was fense Committee. palpable. reviewing 586 cases and that the In Portland, the Multnomah Coun- In Louisville, those cases are recity was dropping up to 2,000 sumty District Attorney’s Office boiled ferred to as being in the “parking monses. Cases being reviewed inits numbers down into a neat lot.” There are some 22,000 such volve incidents like breaking into chart: District Attorney Mike cases over all, with just four of 10 stores or torching police vehicles. Schmidt has rejected 721 cases, is trial courts functioning in the Prosecutions there and elsewhere pursuing 144 and has 165 under Jefferson County Courthouse. were also curtailed by the chaotic review. Across two days in late October, nature of the demonstrations, esBased on the example of Occupy 300 protest case arraignments pecially during the first few weeks Wall Street protesters a decade were jammed onto the calendar, when most arrests occurred. With ago, Mr. Schmidt knew that judges about 10 times the normal rate. the police working double shifts, would toss out most cases or im- Judge Lisa Langford briefly lost paperwork lagged, so finding repose small sentences. “Seventy to track of which cases were in the ports or witnesses for some cases 80 percent would not survive con- courtroom and which were on proved impossible. stitutional challenges,” said Mr. Zoom. “He has been waving at me, Schmidt, who added that the costs I thought he was just happy to see Protesters marching for justice for far outweighed any benefit to pub- me,” she joked after locating a Breonna Taylor clashed with the lic safety. lawyer on Zoom. police in May. Credit...Whitney Adding 1,000 cases to the yearly Prosecutors have moved to disCurtis for The New York Times average of under 20,000 would be miss 219 protest cases, said Josh In Louisville, as the months drag daunting, he said. The same is true Abner, the spokesman for the on with the charges dangling overfor the Minneapolis city attorney, Jefferson County attorney. head, many protesters feel stuck in whose office handles some 15,000 “We don’t have a magic wand that limbo. misdemeanors annually. “Even if we can wave in connection with all (Continued on page 17) (Continued from page 6)
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
Covid was not a problem, it would be a monstrous task for us to prosecute 500 additional cases,” Ms. Heng said.
12
11/20/2020
DIGITAL Version 2019
and roads safer for everyone who calls Elmont home.” Until repaving and re-striping is complete, residents are advised to expect traffic delays and encouraged to plan alternative routes if necessary. County officials said that further improvements are being considered and studied for next year. Prior to completion of the traffic study, Legislator Solages worked closely with County Executive Curran, community stakeholders, and the Department of Public Works (DPW) to secure improvements, such as additional lighting, new crosswalk indicators and speed indicator signs, while the traffic study was underway.
Legislator Solages, County Executive Curran Announce Launch of Dutch Broadway Traffic Safety Plan Upgrades
“By committing to these essential upgrades, Nassau County is following a roadmap charted by traffic experts that will bolster public safety along one of our most important roadways,” Legislator Solages said. “I thank County Executive Curran for hearing the community’s call for improvements to Dutch Broadway and supporting an infrastructure investment that will improve quality of life in Elmont and make our roads safer for every motorist, bicyclist and walker who utilizes them in the years to come.”
(ELMONT, N.Y.) - Nassau County has embarked upon implementing improvements detailed in a traffic safety plan for Dutch Broadway that will make this heavily traveled thoroughfare safer for motorists and pedestrians alike, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Legislator Carrié Solages (D - Lawrence) have announced. These initial traffic safety improvements, which are drawn from Elmont Traffic Safety Evaluation completed in late January 2020, will be implemented upon the the completion of repaving currently underway on Dutch Broadway between Elmont Road and the Queens county line. During re-striping, westbound Dutch Broadway, from Ridge Road to the Queens border, will go from two lanes to one as part of a “lane diet” aimed at reducing speeding in the area. The change will also increase amount of space available to travel on foot or by bicycle, which will be especially beneficial for students at nearby Elmont Memorial Junior-Senior High School. In addition, the County is installing a rectangular rapid flashing beacon at 238 Street and a flashing driver feedback device west of Astor Street to alert speeding drivers to slow down. th
PHOTO CAPTION (top photo) - Nassau County recently embarked upon repaving and restriping of Dutch Broadway in Elmont. The County will implement preliminary elements of the Elmont Traffic Safety Evaluation into the project.
PHOTO CAPTION (lower photo) - Legislator Solages “As County Executive my number one priority is pro- discusses a Dutch Broadway traffic safety proposal tecting the health and safety of our residents,” County with young people from Elmont during a community Executive Curran said. “By studying the issue and lis- meeting earlier this year. tening to the community, we were able to come together and prioritize solutions that will make our sidewalks Published by The Village Press, Inc.
13
11/20/2020
Jr.’s victory over President Trump — only to reverse themselves after an outcry from state officials and Detroit voters. The initial deadlock and turnaround on the elections board in Wayne County, Mich., was among the starkest examples of how previously routine aspects of the nation’s voting system have been tainted by Mr. Trump’s effort to challenge his defeat, though its reversal also showed the limits of what is, in essence, an attempt to disenfranchise large numbers of American voters. The Republican board members certified the results only came after several hours of angry comments by citizens, many from Detroit, who accused the Republicans of trying to steal their votes. The two Republicans on the county elections board said they had Published by The Village Press, Inc.
voted against certifying the results because many precincts were out of balance, even though the disparities mostly involved a small number of votes. The board deadlocked, with Michigan Democrats denouncing the opposition as a blatantly political intrusion into the process and criticizing the 14
move by Republicans as because one board member had singled out Detroit, a predominantly Black city.
11/20/2020
The pandemic has brought unprecedented hardship for small businesses, and it has disproportionately impacted the Black small business community. That’s why we are working with American Express to launch the Coalition to Back Black Businesses—a multi-year initiative to support Black small business owners in their recovery.
Coalition to Back Black Businesses and we hope these grants can help the Black business community begin to emerge from this crisis stronger than ever. APPLY BY 9/21/2020. Learn more at webackblackbusinesses.com.
Over the next four years, the initiative will provide $10 million in grants, leadership development and business mentoring and other development opportunities to empower Black-owned small businesses in U.S. communities that have long been struggling with economic growth. We’re proud to be a part of the Published by The Village Press, Inc.
15
11/20/2020
(Continued from page 10)
measures. Biden has promised to assemble a cabinet that includes voices from across the Democratic spectrum. Despite charges by Trump and Vice President Mike Pence that Biden and Harris will "defund, dismantle, and dissolve police departments," the Democratic leaders do not support defunding the police. It remains to be seen how Biden and his team will handle other demands from Black leaders.
Biden's campaign was brought back from the dead by a March primary victory in South Carolina fueled by the work of South Carolina Congressman and House Majority Whip James Clyburn, who is Black and was an organizer during the 1960s civil rights movement. That endorsement soon had a snowball effect.
Although Trump gained some ground with Black male voters this election, African Americans in crucial swing states such as Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and recount-poised Georgia were instrumental in delivering the White House to Democrats. In return, Black activists say, the winning ticket must take immediate action on matters such as health care, housing, education and, perhaps most paramount, police reform. A Biden administration could provide a swift change in how law enforcement tactics are discussed across the nation.Trump has repeatedly voiced support for officers while calling those protesting for change "left -wing mobs," a stark contrast to the previous Obama administration where Biden served as vice president. Impact of protests:Cities and states across the US announce police reform following demands for change Biden should 'acknowledge' BLM After the officer-involved deaths in 2014 of Michael Biden’s acceptance speech nod to Black voters and Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner in New his choice of vice presidents — Harris being the first York City, President Barack Obama established the woman and first Black and South Asian American in President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing, the position — suggest the incoming president is which pushed for such killings to be investigated by aware he has debts to pay, says Todd Boyd, the Kath- independent prosecutors. erine and Frank Price endowed chair for the study of Since Obama left office, Black Lives Matter, which race and popular culture at the University of South- was founded in 2013 after the acquittal of Trayvon ern California in Los Angeles. Martin's killer, has become a leading voice on civil “There seems to be a consciousness on Biden’s part rights issues. The loosely organized movement gaththat African Americans had a lot to do with him being ered renewed momentum following the death of victorious,” said Boyd. “As to whether Black Lives Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers on Matter in particular has leverage, well, they’re not a Memorial Day. huge lobbying group like the National Rifle AssociaDespite social distancing mandates spurred by COVID tion. But that doesn’t mean they don’t get acknowl- -19, protests attended by diverse groups of Ameriedged.” cans spread across the nation. The movement soon It is not an overstatement to say that (Continued on page 26) Published by The Village Press, Inc.
16
11/20/2020
(Continued from page 12)
Kelly Parry, 33, both a volunteer defense attorney and a defendant, was among some 76 protesters arrested while blocking an avenue in July. “It is mentally draining not knowing what might happen to you,” she said. “You are constantly thinking, ‘Is this a small situation or will it become something bigger?’” Mr. Kaufmann, the teacher, was charged with a curfew violation, a misdemeanor, but tried to ignore
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
it. “I don’t want to give in to fear,” he said, focusing instead on his new job within the Jefferson County school system that involves helping to develop a social justice curriculum. He and Stephanie KornexlKaufmann, then his fiancée and now his wife, decided to join the protesters after hearing the recording of the 911 call that Kenneth Walker, Ms. Taylor’s boyfriend, made as the police broke into her apartment during a botched drug
17
raid. “We were dumbfounded, we were shocked,” Mr. Kaufmann said. “The country does not live up to the values that we have been teaching in class.” Mr. Kaufmann had been named the state’s high school teacher of the year partly for building classroom discussions around realworld issues like the #MeToo movement. But none had hit quite so close to home. (Continued on page 19)
11/20/2020
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
18
11/20/2020
In Partnership with
Wish & LIAACC: The Wish Local Empowerment Program Wish and LIAACC are partnering to bring you the Wish Local Empowerment Program! Wish Local is a series of programs that allows small businesses to partner with Wish, one of the largest eCommerce marketplaces in the world. As part of the Wish Local program, businesses select which programs to participate in and can sell their inventory on Wish, act as neighborhood Wish pickup locations, source wholesale items, and more. The Wish Local Empowerment Program is a $2M fund Wish has dedicated to give roughly 4,000 Black-owned businesses financial support. Businesses choose how to best utilize the funding, but suggestions include keeping your workforce employed, paying rent, or connecting with new customers. Wish recognizes that as a large e-commerce company, we have an opportunity and responsibility to help uplift others and we can't think of a better way than by helping people build their businesses. Learn more about the program and apply today! making change.” In late October, Mr. Kaufmann News of his arrest spread at light- learned that the charges against ning speed. him, his wife and a former student who was with them would be “Even adjusting for the racial dropped. He was elated but noted makeup of the protests, Black peo- that hundreds of cases were still ple have been charged out of pro- pending. portion,” said Ted Shouse, a criminal defense attorney in Louisville.Credit...Xavier Burrell for The New York Times Kaelyn Goatley, 17, a senior at Marion C. Moore School, had to explain to her grandmother, who was initially appalled, why Mr. Kaufmann’s arrest was a good thing. “I was proud that I had a teacher who was out on the streets fighting for justice,” she said. “He has this big title being high school teacher of the year and the fact that he was out there protesting and being arrested meant that he risked that. It shows how adamant he is about (Continued from page 17)
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
19
“My young Black male and female friends who I met through the protests were in greater danger than I was and some of them are still dealing with these charges,” he said. “It is not fair, it is not consistent and we have to do better.”
11/20/2020
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
20
11/20/2020
DIGITAL Version 2020
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Ama Yawson earned a BA cum laude in Social Studies from Harvard University, an MBA from the Wharton School, and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Chief Program Officer: Transforming Education (TransformEd) seeks a strategic and visionary Chief Program Officer to lead the redesign of our programmatic work with school systems, ensuring that our approach to whole child development is inclusive, equitable, and antiracist. As a key member of the executive team, the CPO will ensure the success of the Programs and Research & Learning teams, working closely with the leaders of both departments to ensure alignment and integration of these core components of our model. As a senior leader of the organization, the CPO will serve as an external ambassador for our work and will also play a key role in internal culture setting, leading by example and supporting the organization’s internal equity initiatives to ensure strong alignment with our programmatic work and our core values.
Her articles have been published in MSNBC'sThe Grio, The Huffington Post, The Atlantic, and other publications. Ms. Yawson has also appeared on The Today Show, Al Jazeera's The Stream, The Nate Berkus Show and Fox Business. On a weekly The ideal candidate will be an exceptional leader, with strong basis, Ms. Yawson can be heard on WBAI in New York 99.5 FM Pacifica Radio on her morning talk show entitled How to Make it subject area knowledge of, and deep commitment to, whole child development and K-12 education. This is a full-time, rein the City. mote role reporting to the Executive Director; salary is expected In 2013, a painful experience in which a barber called her son a to be $125,000-$145,000. To learn more and to apply, see the racial pejorative term and said that his hair was not pretty and full job description here. should be shaved off inspired Ms. Yawson to venture into Practice Specialist/Whole Child Development Specialist: Transwriting her first self-esteem building book, Sunne's Gift. forming Education seeks a creative and skilled Practice Specialist Ms. Yawson was so personally moved by the story of Sunne's who will serve as a bridge between research and practice, enGift, that she quit her high-paying job as a securities lawyer for suring that all of our field-facing work is infused with current Citibank in order to become a full-time author and educator and emerging research on whole child topics and that our rethrough her company Milestales. She currently performs search is informed by the needs of educators and other practiSunne's Gift and her other books during her empowering traintioners in the field. The Practice Specialist will work closely and ing programs focused on leadership, diversity and inclusion, collaboratively with colleagues to design, develop, and curate bullying prevention, social and emotional learning, cultural senresources and presentations and serve as an internal expert to sitivity, and other topics. Additionally, she partners with other advise colleagues on key topics of whole child development. thought leaders to provide schools, libraries, universities, They will ensure that all field-facing materials have a lens of eqchurches, institutes, corporations, prisons, and other organizauity, inclusion, and anti-racist practice to support systems-level tions with expanded training and development services. change in districts and schools nationwide. Ms. Yawson lives in New York with her husband and two sons This is a full-time, remote role; salary is expected to be $75,000 blob:https://outlook.live.com/c34e8d4d-c5b2-4b9b-83db$85,000. The ideal candidate has experience in social science 08bed49dbc1f research and whole child development and is skilled at translating research to actionable guidance for practitioners. To learn more and to apply, see the full job description here. Published by The Village Press, Inc.
21
11/20/2020
African American Gun Manufacturer “Civilian Force Arms” Yonas Hagos of Civilian Force Arms National African American Gun Association
USA –-(Ammoland.com)- I ran across a Company called “Civilian Force Arms” they are an African American owned “Gun Manufacturer” in the United States. Yes right here in the USA and they are thriving. The company was founded by Yonas Hagos who is a USA Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient. The company is delivering a World Class AR-15 platform that is dependable and performs at a quite a high level. Yonas Hagos, a child refugee from Sudan, has always dedicated his life to serving his country and others. After being wounded by a rocket propelled grenade in Iraq during the height of the war in 2004, Yonas became an avid community volunteer and entrepreneur. Volunteering as a Mission Continues Fellow, he along with other post 9/11 Veterans dedicated their time and energy to rebuilding communities across the nation. Soon he turned his drive to serve into business, launching three successful businesses helping to employ fellow Americans.
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
Now he is focusing on what he does best, designing and building custom AR-15s. Yonas prides himself on producing weapons that are American Made, Built To Survive.™ This is a solid Veteran owned organization that the NAAG community needs to support “Nationwide” and buy products from. They are based in Illinois. Company Website: https://www.civilianforcearms.com/about Location: Civilian Force Arms 1208B Badger St. Yorkville, IL. 60560 Telephone: 630-882-3498 / Phone: 815-341-9165 Email; levon@civilianforcearms.com About National African American Gun Association (NAAGA): The goal of the National African American Gun Association is to have every african american introduced to firearm use for home protection, competitive shooting, and outdoor recreational activities. We are a civil rights organization focused on self preservation of our community through armed protection and community building. The National African American Gun Association provides a network for all african american firearm owners, gun clubs and outdoor enthusiasts. We welcome people of all religious, social, and racial perspectives. We especially welcome african american members of law enforcement and active/ retired military.
22
11/20/2020
DIGITAL Version 20I9
MARKET ABOUT OUR PUBLICATIONS OUR African-Americans represent a substantial growth In the Bible it is said, “...My people perish for lack of knowledge…” Hosea 4:6 KJV. This statement is not only true for the Saints but for the African American community’s of Nassau County. Over the years I have personally seen the deterioration of the fabric of the Black community first hand and it began in the schools. Now this is not a bad thing but it is an important thing that needs to be addressed before it is too late. While living on Long Island places a lot of pressure on many residents. Long Island is among the top 25 markets in the country. Anything and everything is available to the residents living on Long Island except a professional, stable and strong community news source. If we are not informed how can we make informed decisions? This is why the VILLAGE PRESS was birth and will launch this coming September. An informed community is the worlds best customer as well as best neighbor. We are committed to making that happen. The marketing and sales teams here at the VILLAGE PRESS have a very simple customer marketing strategy. We believe that it is our obligation to meet the client where they are most comfortable, like at Home on a Saturday morning with our Home Delivery Workforce. Or as with this digital publications. Or at their quiet get-a-away; Like their personal SPA, the Gym, or HAIR SALON or even their BARBER SHOP with our Live Streaming Internet Radio Network. Or even at WORK during a break with our Internet Television Podcast. There is no magic to this marketing thing we just want to comfortably meet our clients where it is convenient for them. Published by The Village Press, Inc.
23
segment of the American consumer market for companies and organizations. As a young population with growing economic power and influence it is an important market for those organizations looking for future domestic growth. When looking toward the future prospects of the African-American demographic some key factors indicate a fertile economic opportunity for corporations. The buying power of African-Americans is $I trillion and expected to grow to $I.3 trillion in the next few years. A younger, growing population and higher educational achievement are the engines behind gains in economic power and show no signs of slowing down or plateauing. Overall growth in the number of households with incomes higher than $50,000, $75,000, and $I00,000 indicates the overall buying power increases are broad-based and not concentrated at the top, allowing for increased branding and sales opportunities for companies. Along with exercising more purchase power, African-Americans have started adopting behavioral changes in their lifestyles. These lifestyle changes and consumer behaviors are concentrated in a majority that is in a prime age demographic, have more durable household income levels, and are driven by cultural and ethnic awareness. Cultural identity and ethnicity are key drivers for consumption for African-Americans. African-Americans are very receptive to advertising and programming that include positive cultural themes and include people of color. Black consumers are more likely to support or purchase products and services that are represented or owned by people of the same ethnicity. Not only are African-American consumers culturally aware they are early adopters of new technology and are heavy users of digital media. Blacks are more likely to positively receive advertising and content via mobile phones and use applications to recommend products to others or rate their experiences. African-Americans consume television and video at higher rates than the general population. Black adults are adopting healthier habits including greater participation in exercise and athletics, eating healthier organic foods, cutting back on riskier habits like smoking and drinking alcohol. Healthier living also includes financial awareness, literacy, and preparedness activities like managing debt, saving, investing, and retirement planning. 11/20/2020
DIGITAL Version 20I9
TABLE OF CONTENTS Editorial Page Political News Business News Religious News Opinions Black History Law & Order Education Health Technology Wealth Management Investment Entertainment Food, Fashion Life and Living Travel Sports News
Page 3 Page 4 Page 6 Page 8 Page I0 Page I2 Page I4 Page I6 Page I8 Page 20 Page 22 Page 24 Page 26 Page 28 Page 30 Page 32 Page 34
SUBSCRIPTION RATES MONTHLY HOME DELIVERY $5.00 p.m.* MONTHLY INTERNET RADIO $2.50 p.m.*
TELEPHONE: I.833villprs
MONTHLY INTERNET TV
$2.50 p.m.*
MONTHLY DIGITAL
$6.00 p.a.*
I-833-845-5777
EMAIL: thevillagepress7@gmail.com subscribe@thevillagepress.online info@thevillagepress.online
CALL FOR
FACEBOOK:
BUSINESS
Facebook.com/the-village-press
ADVERTISING RATES
WEB-SITE:
I-833-Villpre
thevillagepress.online *Ask about our CUSTOMIZE SUBSCRIBER PACKAGE RATES... Published by The Village Press, Inc.
24
11/20/2020
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
25
11/20/2020
ANDREAUS GUILTY
AFRICAN AMERICAN MEDIA NETWORK mental health and social justice. Education, housing also pressing for Black activists Other social issues also need attention, said Marcus McDonald, founder of an independent chapter of Black Lives Matter in Charleston, South Carolina. “Trump set us back in so many ways, so I’m hoping this new administration will quickly take action on things such as funding public education and embracing the Fair Housing Act,” said McDonald, CEO of Adesso Entertainment. “Biden has a chance to once again make things non-partisan. Affordable health care, wearing a mask, things like that there’s no middle ground on.” (Continued from page 16)
began calling for an outright defunding of police departments. Although some Democrats bristle at the slogan — including Clyburn, who recently warned that the defund battle cry “is killing our party” — activists are resolute. “Our clarion call was defund the police,” said Abdullah, the Los Angeles organizer. “That might not resonate within the core of the Democratic party, but it resonates with people on the streets.” In Abdullah’s hometown, voters just approved Measure J, also known as “Reimagine LA County,” which requires that 10% of the city’s unrestricted general funds be invested in social services and alternatives to incarceration. “That slogan means what it means, we can’t keep investing in a system that harms people of color and expect a different result,” said Angela Waters Austin, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Michigan, based in Lansing, and CEO of the activist non-profit One Love Global. Like many activists of color, Waters Austin supports the national passage of The Breathe Act, a project of the non-profit Movement for Black Lives that proposes sweeping changes to the way tax dollars are allocated, emphasizing social programs over incarceration and providing grants to promote environPublished by The Village Press, Inc.
Atlanta activist Hooks does not shy away from a defund the police demand — “It is a lifeline we need to save ourselves and future generations,” she said. But she also is keen to push for a range of other changes from a Biden-Harris presidency. With COVID-19 disproportionately hospitalizing and killing people of color, Biden “must prioritize a stimulus package that halts evictions,” she said. What’s more, beyond implementing the federal Breathe Act, the new president must expand Medicaid, expand rights for the LGBTQ community, and set a “dignified” federal minimum wage. “Lastly,” Hooks added, “we need reparations for the descendants of Africans both here and abroad, period.” In many ways, Black Lives Matter activists pushing a progressive agenda on mainstream politicians is part of a time-honored approach to achieving incremental societal change, said Omar Wasow, assistant professor of political science at Princeton University in New Jersey and an expert on protest movements. “There’s always been a classic tension between insiders and outsiders, where popular movements are purposefully more extreme in their views than those of officials in power,” said Wasow. “Now we’re starting to see more subtle arguments, such as a rethinking of how much funding goes to armed officers and how much maybe should go to people who help
26
(Continued on page 28)
11/20/2020
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
27
11/20/2020
(Continued from page 26)
those with mental health issues, many of whom are killed by police officers.” Tanya Faison, founder of Black Lives Matter Sacramento, has been in the streets for years fighting for social justice. The city came to a boil in 2018 after Stephon Clark, a 22-year-old Black man, was killed by two police officers who shot him in the back after mistaking his cell phone for a gun. More recently, flag-waving Trump truck caravans rumbled through the state capital, which made her cast doubts on the possibility of a Democratic win.
Biden and Harris’s victory “was surprising and is positive,” but it is not a cause for unguarded celebration, she said. She pointed out that for many in the Black community, Biden's missteps include his 1994 Crime Bill, a “tough on crime” law signed by President Bill Clinton that led to a surge in incarcerations, as well as his defense of Clarence Thomas during his Supreme Court nomination hearing when Anita Hill’s charges of sexual assault were questioned. As for Harris, who served as California’s attorney general and the district attorney of San Francisco, Faison said she has come under fire by activists for a track (Continued on page 30)
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
28
11/20/2020
DIGITAL Version 2020
EDITORIAL I find it interesting that every time we allow ourselves to support a Republican lead government we all wind up eating like democrats and when we allow the country to be lead my democrats we wind up eating like Republicans. What is funny about that is no one likes to eat like Republicans lead us to but we keep on allowing them to lead us.
The Republican’s complain that the Democrats are driving us into a socialistic society but the capitalistic society the RepubliLarry Montgomery, Sr. cans create leave both DemoPublisher and Chairman crats and Republicans into a deeper and deeper wealth social divide and wealth gap between like the Republicans eat during the economic classes. this new administration even And we keep voting them in. I though I’m a Democrat. hope someone on the other side figures this out. I want to eat
THANKSGIVING DINER 2020 THE REPUBLICANS
THE DEMOCRATS
COLUMNIST
Phil Andrews
Joysetta Pearse Published by The Village Press, Inc.
Sr. Pastor Arthur L. Mackey , Jr.
Chef Arrette Harvey
LISA-ANNE BYERS
Don Durant
Shuray Bethea 29
11/20/2020
“If you know what you’re talking about, it makes it easier to then hold people’s feet to the fire,” she said. record that includes refusing to prosecute police Faison plans to keep doing just that. While she hopes officers. the power of the Black vote brought to bear on “This election was about getting Trump out, but I Biden’s win makes the Democratic party take the dedon’t see a lot of enthusiasm behind Biden,” she mands of the African American community seriously, said. “We have to move away from believing police she assumes her activist work is far from over. without questioning anything." “Asking for equity is not a radical position,” Faison Black Lives Matter Sacramento, like many other Black said. “The fight for Black liberation needs to keep goLives Matter chapters, did not endorse a candidate ing.” during this election. Rather, Faison and other activists simply urged voters to get informed and get to the polls. (Continued from page 28)
Claude Solnik Remove this man's photo from the walls of the Southern District of New York. He should not be honored in our courts, state, country or history. He should be remembered like McCarthy who pretended to have a list of Communists. He pretends to have proof of fraud. One NY Republican working with another: the shame of the Republican party. They blame George Soros (Jewish), Hugo Chavez (South American) and Hillary Clinton (Democrat). Racism or e-Racism trying to erase an election. Published by The Village Press, Inc.
30
11/20/2020
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
31
11/20/2020
AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM NOTE: A face mask must be worn, and non-contact thermometers will be used to measure temperature. A reading of 99.5 = Entry Denied.
Joysetta Pearse
Social distancing will be observed so seats are limited. Reservations are required. Call the museum Wed-Sat 10 am – 5 pm to make reservations
516-572-0730 or email: taags.aam@gmail.com *Some of Ms. Baker’s costumes are for mature audiences.
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
32
11/20/2020
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
33
11/20/2020
DIGITAL Version 2019
EDUCATION ASK LISA-ANNE
of reading disability characterized by difficulties with Help My Child Can’t Read! phonological proQ. My daughter is in the third grade and has been cessing and readstruggling with reading since kindergarten. She is ing fluency. good in math and her other subjects but this year The Child Mind everything requires reading. Do you think she has Institute describes dyslexia? dyslexia as most A. I’m sorry to hear that your daughter is struggling commonly associwith reading. It is very frustrating for students and ated with trouble learning to read. It affects a child’s their parents when students struggle academically. In ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds in lanthe early grades students learn to read however in guage. Kids with dyslexia have a hard time decoding
LISA-ANNE BYERS
3rd grade they read to learn and that’s why 3rd grade is considered the most important grade in school. Gaps in 3rd grade can impede even high school success. It sounds like she may have a specific learning disability for reading and/or dyslexia. If you have not done so already, you should have your daughter evaluated for a learning disability by the special education department in your district. You may also seek a dyslexia evaluation from a certified evaluator. A reading disorder is a generic term for a specific learning disability in areas of phonological processing, reading comprehension, and/or reading fluency. Dyslexia is a specialized term for a specific type
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
new words, or breaking them down into manageable chunks they can then sound out. This causes difficulty with reading, writing and spelling. They may compensate by memorizing words, but they’ll have trouble recognizing new words and may be slow in retrieving even familiar ones. Dyslexia is not a reflection of a child’s intelligence — in fact it’s defined as a gap between a student’s ability and achievement. Some youngsters with dyslexia are able to keep up with their peers with extra effort at least for the first few grades. But by the third grade or so, when they need to be able to read quickly and fluently in order to
34
(Continued on page 35)
11/20/2020
· Struggle when trying to learn the rules to games keep up with their work, they run · Have difficulty keeping track of into trouble. multi-step directions Signs of dyslexia · Struggle with getting the hang of A young person with dyslexia may: telling time · Struggle with learning even sim- · Find it especially challenging to ple rhymes learn another language · Become · Have a speech delay incredibly frustrated, which can · Have trouble following directions affect their mood and emotional · Repeat or omit short words such stability as and, the, but How to help kids with dyslexia: · Find it difficult to tell left from A dyslexia diagnosis does not right mean your child will never learn to In school, children with dyslexia are likely to: · Have difficulty sounding out new words · Lack fluency compared to other children their age · Reverse letters and numbers when reading (read saw as was, for example) · Find it difficult to take notes and copy down words read. There are a number of profrom the board grams that can help, which might · Struggle with rhyming, associinclude these features: ating sounds with letters, and se- · Multi-sensory instruction in dequencing and ordering sounds coding skills · Stumble and have difficulty · Repetition and review of skills spelling even common words; fre- · Intensity of intervention — that quently they will spell them pho- is, more than being pulled out of netically (hrbr instead of harbor) class once a week for extra help · Avoid being called on to read out · Small group or individual instrucloud in front of classmates tion · Become tired or frustrated from · Teaching decoding skills reading · Drilling sight words Dyslexia affects children outside of · Teaching comprehension strateschool as well. Kids with dyslexia gies, to help kids derive meaning may also: from what they’re reading · Find it difficult to decode logos Reading programs that been and signs shown to help kids with dyslexia (Continued from page 34)
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
35
include: · The Wilson Method · The Orton-Gillingham Approach · Preventing Academic Failure (PAF) · The Lindamood-Bell Program · RAVE-O Other things that may help your child with dyslexia include: · Listening to audio books as an alternative to reading · Typing on a computer or tablet instead of writing · Apps that can make learning fun by turning decoding into a game · Using a ruler to help kids read in a straight line, which can help keep them focused Students with reading difficulties and dyslexia need emotional support and academic support. It is easy for a child to think they are dumb and lose self-esteem when everyone else seems to be able to read except them. Have your daughter evaluated and seek out the program that will best assist her with reading. Good luck! Lisa-Anne Ray-Byers is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist who has worked in education for over three decades. She holds graduate degrees in speech-language pathology and multicultural education. She also holds certification in educational administration. She is the author of the books, They Say I Have ADHD, I Say Life Sucks! Thoughts From Nicholas,
11/20/2020
THIS 12-YEAR-OLD IS SET TO BECOME ONE OF THE YOUNGEST COMPOSERS FOR THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA 1Teaching music to children has been said to offer positive growth during their early development. For one Brooklyn girl, her love for music led her to continue her dream toward composing original work while achieving remarkable milestones. Grace Moore is a young musician who is poised for greatness and achieved a huge milestone this week. WPIX 11 reported that the seventh-grader is one of the youngest composers to enter the New York Philharmonic. Moore is enrolled in the organization’s Very Young Composers program designed to teach participants as young as 8-years-old how to create original scores. The members of the program will also get to see their work performed by professional musicians in the orchestra.
Georgia have graduated summa cum laude, each with a perfect 4.0 GPA! The school and their parents are so proud of the three outstanding students. Kendall, Kolby, and Sydney Belcher were also dual enrolled in college while in high school so they started college with about a year of credits already. “I’m very happy and proud of them,” their mother Cathey Belcher told the Henry Herald. The triplets started learning as early as 3-years old when their parents taught them to read and write. “They took off from there,” Cathey said. “They knew they were expected to do their best and never settle for a B or C grade when they could get an A.” The student body of Poly Prep in Brooklyn congratu- The three are attending college, reaching different lated their fellow student on its Twitter page to cele- careers. Sydney is attending Georgia State University to become a nurse and one day work in the hematolbrate the high accomplishment. “#PolyPrep is so proud of seventh-grader Grace Moore ’26” the school ogy/oncology department of a children’s hospital. Kolby is also attending Georgia State University and wrote in a tweet. “Hear her beautiful music complans to pursue a marketing career. Kendall is attendposed as part of the NY Philharmonic Very Young ing Gordon State College and aims a career in the fiComposers program.” nancial services industry. “I’m excited about them going to college,” Cathey said. “We’re encouraging them to keep doing what they’ve been doing and reminding them to always give back to their community.”
TRIPLETS WHO GRADUATED SUMMA CUM LAUDE WITH 4.0 GPAS HONORED BY THEIR HIGH SCHOOL A set of triplets from Ola High School in McDonough, Published by The Village Press, Inc.
36
11/20/2020
DIGITAL Version 2019
THE NEW ONLINE SELF -PUBLISHED BLACK AUTHOR BOOK STORE
HAS LAUNCHED... Published by The Village Press, Inc.
37
11/20/2020
DIGITAL Version 2020
FOOD FOR THE SOUL Bells Sour Cream Apple Pie 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon of salt 3/4 cup of white sugar 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg 1 egg 1 cup of sour cream 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 3 cups of peeled and chopped apples 1 - 9 inch single crust pie 1/3 cup white of sugar 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons of butter Stir 2 tablespoons of flour, salt, 3/4 cup sugar and the nutmeg together in a bowl. Combine the egg, sour cream and vanilla in another bowl and mix well. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing well. Stir in the apples and spoon mixture into the unbaked pie shell and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and bake for 30 minutes more. Remove pie from oven and increase the temperature to 400 degrees. Prepare the cinnamon topping and sprinkle over pie. Return to oven and bake 10 minutes more. Cool on a wire rack. To Make the Cinnamon Topping: Combine 1/3 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of flour and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in bowl. Cut in 2 tablespoons of butter until crumbly.
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
Chef Arrette Harvey
Be Blessed Arrette Harvey Isaiah 54:17 ****No weapon formed against me shall prosper**** fb.me/arretteskitchencatering 954-260-7545 (cell) 1-918-515-4610 (E Fax)
38
11/20/2020
THE INTERNATIONAL GRAPEVINE
THE INTERNATIONAL GRAPEVINE FRIDAY EVENINGS
Special thanks to my special guest Dr. Corrine Graham who covered a lot of important issues regarding Small Business, and some of the necessary approaches to start up a new business. The number of businesses in minority communities continues to grow, adding to America’s competitive advantage and unleashing economic potential. Over the last 10 years, minority business enterprises accounted for more than 50 percent of the two million new businesses started in the United States and created 4.7 million jobs. There are now more than four million minority-owned companies in the United States, with annual sales totaling almost $700 billion.
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
39
11/20/2020
Don Durant
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
40
11/20/2020
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
41
11/20/2020
DIGITAL Version 2020
SPORTS Could Brooklyn Nets Pull Off James Harden Trade? Hello sports fans, just when the New York NBA teams appear to be years away from relevancy, the Brooklyn Nets fast forward by gaining a possible prize of acquiring the services of James Harden. According to ESPN.com Harden has asked to be traded from the Houston
Harden with Durant is a dream team duo that will create a scoring frizzy on any given night, while watching an exciting display of offensive skills. The Eastern Conference has some heavy weight competition in the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, and the Boston Celtics to name some of the more talented teams, but the Nets acquisition of a Harden trade would advance them to the best in the East. Most sports outlets have reported that Harden’s urgency to leave the Rockets is related to the Russell
Rockets as NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski states he may have interest in the Brooklyn Nets. This potential trade would be called a super team combining the leagues best players as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden are commonly regarded as the games best offensive weapons. The word from the cheap seats says that reuniting
Westbrook announcement requesting to be traded to a team with an opportunity to compete for a title. While the exit of Harden would result in a potential melt down of the Houston team, New York fans are feeling an immense thrill that Brooklyn may be the destination if the super team turns out to be real. Brooklyn Nets stars, Du-
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
42
SHURAY BETHEA AT LARGE
rant and Irving were not available for play in the “bubble” this past interrupted season that crowned the L.A. Lakers as the NBA 2020 champions; so, Nets fans will gain a chance to see what the Nets are able to accomplish in the short turn around season recently estab(Continued on page 43)
11/20/2020
(Continued from page 42)
All-NBA First Team 6x in 2014, 2015, and 2017-2020. Harden is an 8x NBA All-Star from 2013-2020 and earned the MVP honor in 2018, which may be his finest season in the NBA, as he provided fans with an array of fascinating highlight moves that has many fans cheering “fear the beard.” Recently Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Harden made his intentions clear that he wanted a trade to the Nets, by turning down an extension to his current contract that would guarantee $50 million a year. Also, in the report, Harden stated the Rockets championship window may have closed and views the opportunity to team up with Durant and Irving as his best shot for a championship.
lished by league leadership. James Harden is 31 years old and he is in his prime years and has expressed the desire to compete for an NBA championship resembling most of today’s all-star players searching for the right fit to win as a unit. Harden has experienced a terrific career of success thus far as the Arizona State Sun Devils retired his number 13, he earned a place on the All-Pac-10 first team 2x in 2008 and 2009. The Oklahoma City Thunder selected him 3rd in the first round of the draft, and he rewarded the Thunder with an excellent rookie season by earning a spot on an All-NBA second team for first year players. In 2012 Harden continued to improve his skills and was sePublished by The Village Inc.Year, also selected to the43 lected NBA Sixth ManPress, of the
11/20/2020
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
44
11/20/2020
Why You Should Back Up Don’t be offended. I’m not asking you to physically back up. Please. Put your fist down, lower your resistance, that’s not what I’m saying at all. I’m suggesting what John Henrik Clarke was saying. Never discuss anything, not even Patrice Lumumba, without backing up and getting the whole story. You with me on that? This is why in our latest episode of Black Fridays (watch here if you missed it), I was adamant about backing up and telling the history leading up to the life and times of Patrice Lumumba. History always needs context. That was my aim and hopeful you thought I did a decent job of that. The goal is to encourage you to continue your studies because all of it is fascinating and important to our future. As you and your children begin to put more of our history together, you will move differently in the world. This information will change you and allow your children to grow with the right since of understanding a liberation mindset. From now on, make a commitment to first learning how a situation came to be. Let the words of the Master Teacher fill your head: “Never discuss a situation until you understand how it came to be.” What did you think of the show? Let us hear your feedback and thoughts of the show. We are interested in hearing the words and your thoughts. What you found most interesting? Looking forward to receiving your feedback and what you thought about the show. I have had so much fun putting these together Published by The Village Press, Inc.
and presenting to you. It has been my pleasure. Can’t believe it is almost over. :( Makes me sad. We are already moving into week 6 of Black Fridays. It is over week 8. Let’s make the next few weeks even better!! All the best, Freddie Love, Peace, and Black Power! PS: You know we love to keep the learning going with our mantra: 5 Minutes a Day Keeps the Miseducation Away! Words to live by, but here is a little bit of an extension on that. This video is a bit over 8 minutes, but gives a decent account of the history leading up to Lumumba’s assassination. How the US and Belgium Assassinated Congo's First Prime Minister | Patrice Lumumba https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=_YS_cLaHdwY&feature=youtu.be
45
11/20/2020
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
46
11/20/2020
Scripture: Luke 17: 11-19
Giving Thanks Is A Matter Of The Heart Reverend Joseph D. Jenkins, Jr., M.Div. Retired Minister African Methodist Episcopal Church The occasion that brings us together this next Thursday is a national holiday, which began in the colonial times of New England, as a harvest festival. In 1621, Governor William Bradford of Massachusetts first declared a day of thanksgiving and prayer to God for the harvest, which soon became a custom in the New England colonies. However, following the revolution, an annual day of thanksgiving was then sanctioned by the federal government. Listen to the words of what George Washington used to proclaim this national holiday: “Whereas, it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore his protection and favor; Whereas, both the houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me ‘to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and single favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity Published by The Village Press, Inc.
peaceably to establish a form of gov- gious rhetoric in proclaiming a naernment for their safety and happi- tional holiday. We are to worship ness!’ God and to give him thanks for his many blessings upon us. For as ChrisNow, therefore, I do recommend tians, who have been baptized into next, to be devoted by the people of Christ’s death and resurrection, who the states to the service of that great have experienced his redeeming and glorious Being, who is the benefgrace and the forgiveness of our sins, icent Author of all the good that was, we should not need an “occasion” to that is, or that will be, that we may remind us to give thanks to God. It then all unite in rendering unto him should be a natural part of our daily our sincere and humble thanks…” life! End quote. The Gospel of Luke tells us that as Thus, this national Day of ThanksgivJesus was on his way to Jerusalem, ing began, and over the years, it was he was about to enter a small village adopted and observed by each of the between the regions of Samaria and states as a holiday. Yet over the Galilee. There, Jesus was met by ten years, especially the last twenty-five lepers, who stood their distance, and years, about all that is left of this cried out for him to have mercy on day, set aside to give thanks to Althem. We all know that leprosy is a mighty God and his providence, is highly contagious disease, and as a that it is a national holiday – a day result, these persons were expelled off of work. We don’t even from their family and community acknowledge its original purpose and required to live on the fringe of inherent in its name. Thanksgiving Day has been replaced with the nonoffensive title “Turkey Day.” After all, in today’s culture, the ACLU would probably sue George Washing(Continued on page 48) ton for his use of such strong reli47
11/20/2020
(Continued from page 47)
society, to keep their distance from all who might come into contact with them. I’m sure that they led a miserable life as a result of their illness. I’m sure that they missed their family and friends and the ability to gather with them for a common meal and share in the fellowship of a holiday feast, which so many of us take for granted. They were no doubt forced to beg for morsels of food to be left at a distance, just to survive. It would not be the kind of life that any of us would like to live, although millions in this world are also forced to beg for daily sustenance.
This is a very appropriate story, on this week before the national holiday of Thanksgiving. First, it tells us that the idea of giving thanks to God for his many blessings upon us is truly a matter of the heart, a thankfulness that naturally flows from our recognition of God’s blessings upon us. And I don’t think that we need to have And so, they cry out to Jesus to have mercy on them. In been healed from some catastrophic illness in order to reality, we are not even sure if they were begging for food, or if their plea for mercy was in recognition of the be moved to give God thanks. hope that Jesus might be able to cure them. It really The truth is, God is the source of the entire universe, of doesn’t matter, for Jesus responds to their plea by exall that exists, and the author of life on this planet we tending to them the tremendous gift of God’s grace. He call earth. It is God, who, through the power of his creasimply tells them to go to the priests, who, at that time, tion – whether we believe that this took place in seven had the authority to restore them to the community. days, or over many years – that has blessed us with the gift of life, the ability to communicate and have fellowLuke then tells us, that as they went to do as Jesus had commanded, they were healed of that dreaded disease. ship with one another, and continues to sustain us from Can you imagine the joy and elation that these ten per- day to day. And it is through God’s love for us, through the gift of his grace poured out for us in Christ’s death sons must have felt, when they realized that they were and resurrection, that we have been redeemed from sin healed? It must have been overwhelming! I can even imagine that their pace picked up to a run, in anticipa- and death, and have the hope of eternal life in God’s heavenly kingdom. tion of being able to rejoin the ranks of their families and society. As such, we have gathered together this evening, on the occasion of our national holiday of Thanksgiving, to ofBut amidst their joy, amidst their desire to be reunited fer God the thankfulness that is in our hearts. And we do with their families and be able to sit at the table and so, not because our nation has declared it to be a nashare a common meal with those they love, one of the tional holiday, but because we choose to gather together ten stopped his run to the priests and returned to give Jesus thanks. One of the ten who were healed, just one, this night to celebrate, as citizens of God’s kingdom, all felt in his heart that his first priority was to humble him- that our Lord has done for us. self before the source of his blessing, his healing, his gift As Believers, we might lament the fact that this Day of of new life, and truly offer thanks to God for what he Thanksgiving has been stripped of its original intent. Yet had received. the truth is, one can not legislate a thankful heart. In And the striking point of this story, is that Luke makes a fact, for the Christian, every day is a day to give thanks point of telling us that this one person who returned to to God, for all His blessings upon us. Today, we simply take advantage of the occasion our nation sets before us, give thanks, was a Samaritan. He was not a person whom we might expect, because of his nationality, to be and claim it as another opportunity to praise God for the one who would return to praise God for the blessings what we have received. which he had received. This was evident in our Lord’s response, when he said to him and his disciples, “Were not ten healed? Where are the other nine? Did no one find it in their heart to return to give thanks, but this foreigner?”
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
48
11/20/2020
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
49
11/20/2020
"How can I know if I am one of the elect?" Answer: While there are numerous ideas of precisely what election means in regards to salvation, the fact that believers are elect is indisputable (Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:4-5, 11; 1 Thessalonians 1:4). Simply put, the doctrine of election is that God chooses/determines/elects/ predestines who will be saved. It is not within the scope of this article to determine how election works. Rather, the question is “How can I know if I am one of the elect?” The answer is exceedingly simple: believe! The Bible nowhere instructs us to be concerned regarding our status of elect vs. non-elect. Rather, God calls us to believe, to receive Jesus Christ as Savior, by grace through faith (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). If a person truly trusts in Jesus alone for salvation, that person is one of the elect. Whether belief secures election, or election causes belief – that is another debate. But what is sure is that belief is evidence of election. No one can receive Jesus as Savior unless God draws him or her (John 6:44). God calls/ draws those whom He has predestined/elected (Romans 8:29-30). Saving faith is not possible without divine election. Therefore, saving faith is evidence of election. The idea of a person wanting to be saved but being unable to, due to not being one of the elect, is absolutely foreign to the Bible. No one seeks after God’s plan of salvation on his own accord (Romans 3:1018). Those without Christ are blind to their need for salvation (2 Corinthians 4:4). This only changes when God begins drawing a person to Himself. It is God who opens eyes and enlightens minds to the need for Jesus Christ as Savior. A person cannot repent (change the mind about sin and the need for salvation) unless God grants repentance (Acts 11:18). Therefore, if you understand God’s plan of salvation, recognize your need for it, and feel compelled to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, then believe, and you are saved.
What does it mean that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away in Job 1:21?
What is egalitarianism? What is Christianism?
If you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior, trusting What is the significance of Decapolis in the Bible? Him alone for salvation, believing that His sacrifice is the full payment for your sins – congratulations, you are one What does it mean to wait on the Lord (Psalm 27:14)? of the elect. What does it mean that “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” in Proverbs 23:7? Recommended Resource: Chosen But Free, revised edition: A Balanced View of God’s Sovereignty and Free Will What does it mean that the tongue of the wise promotes by Norm Geisler health (Proverbs 12:18)? More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with What does God mean when He says, “I will never leave Logos Bible Software for Free! you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5)? What’s new on GotQuestions.org? Published by The Village Press, Inc.
50
11/20/2020
Elbernita (Twinkle) Clark’s musical ability is evident in the delivery of her heartfelt lyrics blended and based upon scripture. She has cultivated and developed a broad vocal range from soprano, low contralto, to bass. Her improvisational skills and signature lead vocals appear to have set unique vocal standards for others. In addition to being the chief songwriter and producer on several albums with the Clark Sisters, she also produced solo albums for her mother, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Elbernita (Twinkie) Clark credits her mother Dr. Clark was her greatest inspiration and for the start of her musical journey. Twinkie has written and arranged over 200 songs. She has also produced albums for several choirs, traveled the world as an evangelist, workshop facilitator, music educator, and singer. Her compositions have been recorded and sampled by some of gospel greats and even secular artists. Some of these artists include Rev. James Cleveland. Jennifer Holiday, Al Green, James Moore, Donald Lawrence and the Tri City Singers, Esther Smith, James Moss, Shirley Murdock, Kelly Price, Coco, Dave Hollister, Out of Eden, Xscape, Aaliyah, and Mary J. Blige.
FEDIE REDD
COLUMNIST
FEDIE R. REDD
Elbernita Clark (Twinkie) was born in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan on November 15, 1954. She is one of five daughters born to Elder Elbert Clark, and Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Both were members of the Church of God in Christ Inc. Elbernita (Twinkie) Clark is an American gospel singer, songwriter, composer, record producer, musician, and evangelist. She is best known as a member of the renowned gospel group the “Clark Sisters.” What many people do not know about Elbernita (Twinkie) Clark is that she is also known as the Queen of the B3 Hammond Organ, and the Mother of Contemporary Gospel Music. Twinkie Clark was introduced to the piano as an infant by her mother Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. At age four she was playing full songs on the piano, and by age nine, she had switched to playing the organ. From the age of thirteen, Clark had begun touring nationally with her mother, ministering and training choirs in three-part vocal harmony. In 1967, she made her recording debut as a featured vocalist alongside her mother Mattie Moss Clark, sister Denise Clark, and Dolores Jones on the Southwest Michigan COGIC State Choir single "He Will Supply Your Need"; from the album “A Closer Walk with Thee”. She later received formal training in Classical music at Howard University Washington D.C. Clark has also been recognized by contemporaries and peers alike; as the maestro, musical genius, gifted musician, anointed vocalist, and true worshipper. She has long been credited and considered the heart and soul of “The Clark Sisters hallmark sound. In 2012, Clark was honored by Dr. Judith Christie McAllister and the International Music Department of the Church of God in Christ Inc, as a living legend, and influencer during the 105th International Holy Convocation. Clark also received an honorary Doctor of Sacred Music from Dr. Tony Lewis, and the Christian Bible Institute and Seminary.
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
Clark has recorded several solo albums. Her debut studio album, “Praise Belongs to God” (1979), was ranked No. 28 by Billboard on the 1981 year-end Spiritual Albums chart. She followed up with “Ye Shall Receive Power” (1981). She released “Comin’ Home”, (1992) and “The Masterpiece” (1996).” Also, in 1996, she made a live solo debut in a collaborative album “Twinkie Clark-Terrell Presents the Florida A&M University Gospel Choir”, which was a top 10 hit on the Billboard Gospel Album chart. Billboard also ranked the album as the 34th Top Gospel Album of 1996. In 2002, she released “Twinkie Clark & Friends… Live in Charlotte” which received a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album. She released” Home Once Again: Live in Detroit”, produced by Asaph Ward in 2004. It became her
51
(Continued on page 52)
11/20/2020
Denise Clark Bradford left the group in 1986). The group achieved their biggest success with the mainstream, crossover hit "You Brought the Sunshine (Into My Life)" in 1983, which peaked within the top 20 of Billboard’s Gospel and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart. It also hit a top 30 peak on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. “The Clark Sisters” were inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
highest charting album on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart and also appeared on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. In 2011 she released “With Humility”, and in 2013 she released “Live & Unplugged” under the Larry Clark Gospel Label. She collaborated with nephew Larry Clark (the son of her sister Denise Clark Bradford), on her 2020 album “Generations”
In 2016, the group was honored at the Essence festival. It was announced in 2020 that the Clark Sisters would be honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award at the 35th Annual Stellar Awards. Also, in 2020, a Lifetime original biographical film, “The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel” was released. The original movie released by Lifetime, was produced by Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, and Missy Elliott; it became the highest rated movie on Lifetime in four years.
Although the Lifetime movie left the audience wondering, did Twinkie Clark ever get her expansive music catalog back that she sold for a car. It was revealed by her niece “Kierra Sheard” during an interview with “Madamenoire” in May 2020, that Elbernita (Twinkie) Clark did in fact get her “music catalog back.”
Elbernita Twinkie Clark is still playing the organ, singing, and recording great Gospel music.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twinkie_Clark, https:// globintel.com/usa/twinkie-clark-bio-age-husband/ https:// Since their formation in 1973, Elbernita (Twinkie) Clark has been www.allmusic.com/artist/twinkie-clark-mn0000200670/ biography, http://theclarksisters.net/twinkie-clark/, https:// the leader, principal songwriter, and producer of the gospel madamenoire.com/1164455/twinkie-clark-catalog-denise-clarkgroup the Clark Sisters, which includes sisters Jacky Clark bradford/, https://www.last.fm/music/ Chisholm, Dorinda Clark Cole, and Karen Clark Sheard, (sister
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
52
11/20/2020
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
53
11/20/2020
TO ORDER A COPY Pastor Arthur L. Mackey Jr. Senior Pastor Mount Sinai Baptist Church Cathedral 243 Rev. Dr. A. L. Mackey Sr. Avenue, Roosevelt, New York, 11575 artbren12@aol.com
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
54
11/20/2020
FREE THANKSGIVING PICK UP & GO AT FEEDING PROGRAM ON MONDAY, NOV 23, 2020 @ 9A.M.: Pastor Arthur L. Mackey Jr. and Elder Brenda Mackey invite you to the Free Thanksgiving Pick Up & Go at the weekly feeding program on Monday, NOVEMBER 23, 2020, at 9:00am at Mount Sinai Baptist Church Cathedral, 243 Rev. Dr. A. L. Mackey Sr. Avenue, Roosevelt, New York, 11575.
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
Call or text (516) 242-9783. Please volunteer, DONATE pick up & go turkeys, food, sides, and drink. EVERYONE MUST WEAR A MASK DUE TO COVID-19 & STAY SIX FEET APART SOCIALLY DISTANCED. DROP OFF @ 8A.M. & PICK UP FOR THE PUBLIC @ 9A.M. PLEASE COME ON TIME.
55
11/20/2020
Published by The Village Press, Inc.
56
11/20/2020
https://www.thevillagepress.online/contact-us Published by The Village Press, Inc.
57
11/20/2020