Afro Baltimore Washington 2-9-2017

February 11, 2017 - February 11, 2017, The Afro-American

Volume Volume 125 123 No. No.28 20–22

www.afro.com

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FEBRUARY 11, 2017 - FEBRUARY 17, 2017

Inside

Baltimore • Spotlight on

Black Educators: Baltimore County Superintendent S. Dallas Dance

Pat Cleveland Recounts Her Supermodel Life

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Washington

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Commentary

Update from the Md. Legislative Black Caucus

By Andy Pierre

No Thanks, Trump AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

New England Patriots’ Dont’a Hightower became the third Patriot to refuse to go the White House for the traditional meeting of the Super Bowl winners and the president. He told ESPN, “Been there, done that,” a reference to his previous visit to the Obama White House with the championship winning Alabama team. Tight end Martellus Bennett and Pro Bowl safety Devin McCourty have also said they will not attend the meeting.

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• Spotlight on Black

Educators: D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson

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AFRO Living History

AFRO’s Moses Newson Remembers the Emmett Till Trial

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As part of Black History month the AFRO is celebrating the life of Moses Newson, the former executive editor of the paper, who turned 90-years-old this month.

In the Fall of 1955 Newson covered the trial of J.W. Milam and Roy Bryant in Sumner, Mississippi, two men who were charged with brutally killing Emmett Louis Till who was visiting relatives in Money, Mississippi, and throwing his body into the Tallahatchie River. Till was fourteen and his crime, such as it was, was that he had whistled at a White woman, Carolyn Bryant. A new book on the case discloses that Bryant made up the

Chicago Sun-Times via AP

Mamie Till Mobley, mother of Emmett Till, weeps at the viewing of her son’s badly dismembered body in Chicago in 1955.

By Maj.Gen. (Ret.) George A. Alexander Special to the AFRO After a lifetime of service to his country, Maj. Gen. John R. Hawkins, III passed away suddenly on Feb. 3 at his home in Silver Spring, Md. The cause of death was undisclosed.

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Join Host Sean Yoes Monday-Friday 5-7 p.m. on 88.9 WEAA FM, the Voice of the Community.

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“Most of what I did was pre-trial. I was there for the first day of the trial and not so much after that. One of us had to be in Memphis to get copy off to Chicago.

The AFRO Salutes the Life of Maj. Gen. John R. Hawkins

Listen to Afro’s “First Edition”

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charges against Till. Milam and Bryant, who are both dead, were acquitted by an all White jury.

In 1956 they confessed to Look Magazine.

Below Newson recounts how he and his editor L. Alex Wilson covered the trial for the Tri-State Defender, a Chicago based publication.

As told to Kamau High, AFRO Managing Editor

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The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People held a kickoff for its annual convention at the Reginald F. Lewis

Carolyn Bryant, the woman who’s accusation against Emmett Till lead to his brutal lynching, recently recanted her allegations. The following article from 1955 details the beginning of the trial against J.W. Milam and Roy Bryant for Till’s murder. Milam and Bryant were ultimately found not guilty although they confessed their crimes several years later.

AFRO Archived History

Lynch Trial Begins

Courtesy photo

Maj. Gen. John R. Hawkins, III was an accomplished military man in addition to being a columnist for the AFRO.

NAACP Outlines July Baltimore Convention Plans

By J. K. Schmid Special to the AFRO

First Impressions Sumner was a tiny little place back then. We had to walk through some silence from people going up to the courthouse. When we first heard about this case, someone whistling at a White woman in Mississippi, I got down to Money Continued on A3

Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture on Feb 3. Attendees at the news conference included NAACP Baltimore President Tessa Ashton-Hill, Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh and

Mother arrives with her pastor •Sheriff bars reporters from using courtroom press table

•‘Whistle-stop’ town smarting under the nation’s criticism September 24 1955

By James L. Hicks SUMNER, Miss.--The eyes of the nation were focused on this tiny little Mississippi town of 700 people, Monday, as it took up the task of trying to prove

to the world that justice in Mississippi is color blind and that the better people of the state frown on murder, even when the victim is a colored person.

Mrs. Mamie Bradley of Chicago, mother of the

Continued on A6

Copyright © 2017 by the Afro-American Company

victim in this case, arrived here Monday accompanied by her pastor, Bishop Isiah Roberts of Roberts Temple Church, Chicago.

The better people of the town, as I talked with them Friday, insisted that justice Continued on A5

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The Afro-American, February 11, 2017 - February 17, 2017

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NATION & WORLD

Trayvon Martin’s Parents Write Book on 5-Year Anniversary

By The Associated Press

It wasn’t supposed to take Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin five years to write a book about the death of their son, Trayvon Martin. But their grief has made finding the words unbearable until now.

Martin’s parents collaborated to write “Rest In Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin,” published Jan. 31 by Spiegel & Grau. The book recounts the journey of two grieving parents, thrust into the spotlight by tragedy and on some days, still as close to their loss as the day he died.

“The calendar says five (Book cover via Amazon.) years, but it seems like just a few months,” Sybrina Fulton said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I know that we’re still healing.”

Writing the book wasn’t a healing experience, but it was therapeutic to know that writing it might help others, Tracy Martin said.

“It was hard because we relived this every time we had to go back and write something about it. … It stayed fresh,” he said.

Trayvon Martin, shot to death by neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman in a gated community in the central Florida suburb of Sanford weeks after his 17th birthday on Feb. 26, 2012, became a rallying cry for millions of black Americans seeking justice for the fatal shooting of an unarmed black teen. Trayvon Martin would have been 22 on Feb. 5.

His case — propelled by national news reports and social media — was the predecessor to the Black Lives Matter movement that came in response to similar killings, mostly by white police officers in cities nationwide. Trayvon Martin’s killer, who was not initially arrested, was later acquitted of murder by a jury, further inflaming racial tensions.

Having a black president who identified with their son from a podium in the White House also “went a long way,” Tracy Martin said.

“It meant a great deal for the most influential and most admired president that this country has ever seen mention our son,” he said.

“This new administration … you would hope they would have compassion for families who are losing children to gun violence.”

The family, which has a foundation in Trayvon’s name, has not reached out to President Donald Trump, but is open to working with the administration in their efforts, Tracy Martin said.

Sybrina Fulton campaigned frequently for Hillary Clinton last year, along with other black mothers who had lost their children to gun violence. She said that the experience reinforced what she and Tracy Martin believed they should be doing, and that both are now exploring public office, though they have not decided what they would run for.

“We’ve been researching it, talking about it, trying to see what’s available,” she said, adding that they would likely start at the local level in their community in Miami. “We know that if we want change, we have to be a part of that change.”

The Trayvon Martin Foundation, based at Florida Memorial University, is marking his birthday with a peace walk on Feb. 11.

Sybrina Fulton said she doesn’t observe her son’s death, but chooses to celebrate his life.

“It speaks to what he was doing: Walking home, in peace,” she said. “He wasn’t allowed the opportunity to do that. The message we have is that we want our young people to know that they have the right to walk in peace … without being murdered.”

QB Michael Vick Announces His Retirement

By The Associated Press

Michael Vick, who rose to stardom with the Atlanta Falcons before he was sent to prison for running a dogfighting operation, tells ESPN he is retiring from playing in the NFL. The 36-year-old Vick, a dynamic dual threat with his speedy legs and powerful left arm, passed for 22,464 yards and 133 touchdowns during his 13 seasons with the Falcons, Eagles, Jets and Steelers. His 6,109 career yards rushing are an NFL record by a quarterback.

He did not play this season.

Vick says he is “ready to move on to different things in my life and different facets of my life.”

(AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick announced he was retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons.

Vick was selected by Atlanta with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 draft. He made three Pro Bowl appearances with the Falcons and became the first quarterback in league history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, going for 1,039 in 2006 with Atlanta.

After serving nearly two years in prison for his role in the dogfighting case, Vick never played for Atlanta again. He spent five years with Philadelphia, where he won NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2010, and had backup stints with New York (2014) and Pittsburgh (2015).

NBC Accused of “Whitewashing” After Tamron Hall’s Departure, Megyn Kelly’s Arrival

By Zenitha Prince Senior AFRO Correspondent zprince@afro.com

NBC News is being accused of “whitewashing” following the departure of “Today” cohost Tamron Hall earlier this week and the expected addition of former FOX News host Megyn Kelly to its morning lineup.

Hall reportedly walked away from a multi-milliondollar deal with NBC Universal after it was announced that the “Today” show’s 9 a.m. slot—a highly popular segment which Hall co-hosted with (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) weatherman Al Roker—was being axed to make way for a Former NBC “Today” host program hosted by Kelly.

Tamron Hall (pictured) is “Tamron is an exceptional being replaced by former journalist, we valued and FOX News host Megyn enjoyed her work at ‘Today’ Kelly. and MSNBC and hoped that she would decide to stay,” NBC said in a statement cited by CNN. “We are disappointed that she has chosen to leave, but we wish her all the best.”

The news of Hall’s departure prompted swift backlash from online supporters and critics who already question the level of diversity in mainstream media. Hall broke ground when she became the “Today” show’s first Black female co-host.

“This news is more than disappointing, since the two most prominent Black faces on the show are losing out to accommodate a White conservative with a history of questionable rhetoric with regard to race relations in America,” Paula Rogo wrote on Essence. com. “Moreover, this sudden shift also comes as we are already seeing less brown faces at sister network MSNBC.” The National Association of Black Journalists also decried the decision that led to Hall’s exit and is demanding a meeting with the network to discuss the matter.

“NBC has been a leader for diversity in broadcasting, but recent reports that Hall and Roker will be replaced by former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly are being seen by industry professionals as whitewashing,” the advocacy group said in a statement.

Hall and Roker should have been rewarded, not punished, for their segment’s high ratings, added NABJ, which also questioned NBC’s choice in Megyn Kelly.

“Kelly has a well-documented history of offensive remarks regarding people of color,” NABJ stated, citing Kelly’s assessment of then-First Lady Michelle Obama’s commencement address at Tuskegee University as pandering to a “culture of victimization.”

“NABJ requests a meeting with NBC leadership on the top-rated show’s dismantling,” the group concluded. “We look forward to dialogue and resolve regarding Black journalists and their continuing roles at NBC both in front and behind the camera.”

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The Afro-American, February 11, 2017 - February 11, 2017

February 11, 2017 - February 17, 2017, The Afro-American

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Sen. Cardin Emphasizes Concerns about Trump’s Sup. Ct. Nominee Civil Rights and Faith Leaders Voice Reservations at Cardin’s U of B Law School Press Conference

By Briahnna Brown Special to the AFRO Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) said at a press conference he held at the University of Baltimore School of Law on Feb. 3 that he plans to be “strict” in determining if President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Neil Gorsuch, will “satisfy the standard.”

“I am not confident that the Republican leadership in the Senate will have the right process for us to adequately evaluate this nominee, based upon what they did last year,” Cardin said, referring to Republicans’ “disrespectful” decision to not consider a nominee forwarded by President Barack Obama. “I’m going to be very careful about process as we go through this nominee.”

Cardin also expressed concerns in Gorsuch’s decision making, particularly his controversial Hobby Lobby health insurance decision in 2013, in which he ruled that businesses were protected under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Cardin said that

Gorsuch’s decision prioritized “We need a judiciary who the business’ constitutional will stand up to President rights and religious protections Trump when he goes outside over the rights and religious the limits of the power of the protections of the individual. president,” Cardin said. “I He also said that he took want to make sure that this “particular offence” to an nominee will represent the article Gorsuch wrote in the protection of the American National Review in 2005 in people and not narrow which Gorsuch wrote that interests—and that’s a major “American liberals have concern.” become addicted to the At the press conference, courtroom, relying on judges other representatives from and lawyers rather than elected the law, religious and civil leaders and the ballot box, as rights community spoke-up the primary means of effecting to publicly urge the senator Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md. their social agenda.” to carefully and thoroughly vowed to be ‘strict’ while Cardin expressed additional vet the nominee, including evaluating President concerns that Trump’s recent constitutional lawyer Donald Trump’s Supreme executive orders—particularly Dwight Pettit; University of Court nominee, Judge Neil the banning of immigration Baltimore School of Law Gorsuch. from certain predominatelyprofessor Jane Murphy; the Muslim countries—have already challenged Rev. Todd Yeary, senior pastor of Douglas the Constitution, and because of that, the Memorial Community Church; Ivan Bates judiciary needs to be independent. of the Monumental City Bar Association;

Newson Continued from A1 right away. I got into town and shot pictures around town. They called it town but it was a little jump off place.

It didn’t take long to set a trial date once the body was found.

Sheriff Strider Helps the Killers When I got back down there we found out Sheriff Clarence Strider [Sheriff of Tallahatchie County], hadn’t done much as far as coming up with witnesses. He sided with the guys who committed the crime. He testified for them. [Strider testified for the defense and laid out his theory that Till was still alive.]

They didn’t have much space for the Black press to operate in the courtroom. About four seats had been designated and it was in a bad location. It was the biggest turnout

Hawkins Continued from A1 A service for Hawkins is scheduled on Feb. 9 at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Silver Spring, Md. from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

His most recent position was as president and CEO of Hawkins Solutions International—a consulting agency—and a columnist on military affairs for the AFROAmerican Newspaper.

Following retirement from the U.S. Army in 2009, after more than 30 years of commissioned service with more than 17 years active duty, Hawkins served as a senior associate legislative counsel for the PMA Group, a government relations and legislative council firm in Washington, D.C. and with the executive vice president of Cohn and Wolfe, an international public relations firm.

In 2008 through 2009 Hawkins served as director of Human Resources Policy Directorate, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff where he was responsible for the development of all soldiers, civilians, and family wellbeing policies.

From 2004 to 2008,

of Black reporters I had ever seen at such an event.

Search for Witnesses There were rumors that there were people who had known something that they could provide at a court hearing. That’s when the question came up about searching for witnesses who could testify.

It was decided that I and some NAACP people would go out and see if we could turn up some people who would testify.

Ruby Hurly then regional NAACP director in Alabama, Amzie Moore [then with the NAACP Cleveland Miss. branch] and Medgar Evers then NAACP state field director went on the first search.

It was decided we should all

the general was assistant deputy chief of staff personnel for the U.S. Army and was responsible for the management and leadership of human capital.

He performed leadership responsibilities for more than 1.5 million soldiers, civilians, and contractors, and was senior advisor to the Army Diversity Office.

Hawkins served as the deputy chief of public affairs for the Army from 2000 to 2004 with deployment under “Operation Enduring Freedom” in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He was responsible for all public affairs and media relations for the Army under direction of the chief of public affairs, leading and managing over 800 individuals and a budget of over $10 million.

Hawkins military assignments also included commander, 407th Personnel Service Company; assistant professor of Military Science, Command and Staff in Counter Intelligence; director of personnel and public and congressional affairs.

His military decorations and awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with three

Identification Statements

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change clothes so that we could wear clothes that people on plantations wear. So we put on overalls and plaid shirts, etc.

Finally we located Willie Reed.

He was the guy who had seen stuff happen on the plantation. He had heard the boy [Till] being beat up and seen Milam going in with a gun. He had seen White people in a truck that took Till away and seen a couple of Black guys in the back with Till. That resulted in a bigger trip by officials and newsmen.

This whole thing was happening about a year after the Supreme Court outlawed school segregation. And it was tense throughout the South.

All the politicians were making statements and stirring up things.

Missing Witnesses Strider and some others apparently stashed the Black guys witnesses claim were on the truck with Till, [Levi

oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Service Medal, Reserve Commendation Medal, Desert Storm Joint Service Unit Commendation Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

The D.C. native, born at the then Freedmen’s Hospital of Howard University in 1949, graduated from Tularosa High School in Tularosa, N.M. in 1967. He then graduated from the Howard University College of Liberal Arts in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Marketing. Hawkins went on to earn a Masters of Public Administration in American Public Policy and Government Management from The American University in 1976 and a Juris Doctor degree from The American University Law School. He studied International Law at the University of London Law faculty in England in 1979.

He was also a graduate of the National Security Fellowship Program at the JFK School of Government at Harvard University, the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College National Security Fellowship Program.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Michelle R. Hawkins, who resides in Silver Spring, Md. and two children, Dr. John L. Hawkins IV and his spouse, Cindylynn; and Mercedes Nicole Hawkins and her spouse, Doug. He is also survived by five grandchildren— Amandalynn, Arianna, Amari, Christian, and John R. Hawkins V.

and president-elect of the Alliance of Black Women Attorneys Nancy Tinch.

“Do not allow this process to be hijacked by intimidation,” Yeary said to Cardin.

“Scrutinize this candidate and ensure that should he win confirmation, that all the rights of every citizen of the United States, regardless of their degree or pedigree, is going to be protected.”

“This is the type of nomination that could turn back some of the laws that we saw Thurgood Marshall fight for,” Bates said.

“This is the type of nomination that could make sure that the privileged have more privilege, the poor are placed in a box and almost placed to the side and forgotten.”

“The decisions that are being made definitely have an effect on women, African American women, all women, children and families,” Tinch told the AFRO. “As an organization, we will continue doing the things we can do on our end, and will continue encouraging and supporting our friends, families and our communities to be actively engaged in this democratic process.”

“Too Tight” Collins and Henry Lee] and some others in jail in a nearby town. Although their names came up, they were never seen around the trial.

Carolyn Bryant Changes Her Story 62 Years Later Everything she said most people knew already. Bryant and Milam were out of town when this happened. Bryant’s wife was staying around her. As far as I know, neither of those women told their husbands what had happened. When they got back in town, apparently one of the young guys who was there with Till at the store said something that brought that to the attention of those two guys.

It started off being a whistle and him apparently saying something to her. When she got in court she went on and on about the things he said to her and indicated to her. The judge didn’t allow that testimony to be

heard by jury but I’m pretty sure in that little place word got around. Her story just kept growing. So now she has written this book.

Nothing was said or done that should have resulted in him being killed she says.

Revisiting History The only place where I went back to was Little Rock where four of us Black newsmen got chased around by a mob at Central High School. [Newson covered the integration of Central High School in 1957, when nine Black students were denied entry to the school.]

About 30 years later I went back to Little Rock to do a story on them.

No one in the world could understand someone killing a kid because he was supposed to have whistled at a White woman. But in Mississippi and other places, that was how the South was.”

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The Afro-American, February 11, 2017 - February 17, 2017

COMMENTARY

Update from the Md. Legislative Black Caucus

On Feb. 4, members of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland welcomed hundreds of middle school and high school students, from all around the state, to the capitol for Senator Nathaniel Exum’s Youth Day in Annapolis. Senator Exum, one of the early members of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, served the citizens of Prince George’s County in the General Assembly from 1975 to 2011, first as Delegate and then as Senator.

The day was filled with a battery of activities designed to engage the students by putting them in the driver’s seat for the day. Students learned about the legacy of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, covering everything from influential leaders to major accomplishments, from Delegate Nathaniel Oaks and Senator Nathaniel McFadden.

Then the high-school students held an election to vote on who would fill the leadership positions in their mock general assembly, they then split up into committees where they vetted real bills with the help of members such as Senator Will Smith, Delegate Tawanna Gaines, Delegate Keith Haynes, Delegate Susie Proctor, and others.

Meanwhile, the middle school students went on a tour of the state grounds with Delegate Antonio Hayes and Delegate Charles Sydnor. Students visited the House offices, Senate offices, and the State House chambers.

After lunch, the Black Caucus brought subject matter experts from various industries to speak to the students about career opportunities in critical industries such as law enforcement and education and cutting edge industries such as cybersecurity and health engineering. The overall goal of Youth Day is for the Black Caucus to engage the next generation of leaders and inspire them to think big.

Andy Pierre

Upcoming events

HBCUs Night in Annapolis On March 21 from 6 p.m. -8 p.m., the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland will be hosting the HBCUs Night in Annapolis, a night of unity in Annapolis in support of the HBCUs, where community leaders, HBCU Presidents and students will address the future of HBCUs with the members of the General Assembly and Executive Branch.

Black Caucus Meetings The Black Caucus Legislative Review Committee meets Mondays from 4:00pm to 5:00pm

in room 142 of the House Office Building.

The Black Caucus meets Thursday mornings from 8:30am to 9:30am in room 145 of the House Office Building.

Black Caucus meetings are open to the public.

Andy Pierre is the Executive Director of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.

A Pastoral Response to the Travel Ban The deplorable executive orders issued by the president over the past week, in particular the ban on Muslims from traveling into the United States, do not exemplify Christian principles and values. As members of the Christian community, we cannot sit idly by and allow the president to defraud the moralities of our faith or use them to wear down the principles of a democratic society.

The United States is a multi-cultural nation that was and still is being built by the hands of immigrants.

The reality is unless we are of Native American descent, we are all immigrants in this country. Some, like our ancestors, were driven from their homeland and forced into slavery, while others came of their own free will; many seeking religious freedom.

When one looks at the birth of Jesus we are clearly reminded that Jesus himself was a refugee. Jesus, a Jew born in Bethlehem under the colonial oppression of Rome, along with his family fled to Egypt because of King Herod’s “executive order” to have all male children killed. One of the greatest sermons that Jesus ever

Daryl K. Kearney

preached, the Good Samaritan, should inform our views on immigration. In this short story Jesus challenges us to minister beyond the boundaries of our own selfexistence. The “neighbor” in Luke’s parable serves as a metaphorical bridge between identity and difference.

A hermeneutic of hospitality commands community where care is offered to this “certain man” who is not characterized by race, religion, or region.

I want to lift the same question found in the Luke’s gospel; “Who is our neighbor?” The current governmental leadership will say to us that the undocumented immigrant, the Muslim refugee, and the Latino/a immigrant are not our neighbors. Nevertheless, the love of God has no bounds. Jesus explains “neighbor” as any person irrespective of race or religion with whom we may come in contact. This parable shatters the stereotypes of social boundaries and class division and destroys any system that hinders one from being hospitable to any sojourner realizing that we too were once immigrants.

What should be the church’s response to immigration and/or reaching out to our multi-cultural communities?

It is impossible to respond lovingly and prophetically to communities where persons have come seeking refuge and justices without seeing the value and the worth that is within them.

They too were created by the hands of God and the death of Jesus was an act of love not just for America, but for the entire world. The love of God looks beyond race, stereotypes, and prejudices. In no other arena is the possibility for inclusive community more pregnant than among the churches that make up the body of Christ.

The church, to be true to Christ and to our faith, must be a visible sign of the “beloved community.” We must recognize that our immigrant brothers and sisters are in search of meaning, care, and love in the same ways that we are.

Rev. Daryl K. Kearney has over 20 years in pastoral ministry. He serves as pastor of Turner Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hyattsville, Md. and is a doctoral candidate at Payne Theological Seminary.

Anti-Trump Demonstrations Are Only the Beginning Donald Trump isn’t Superman. He isn’t going to bring his alternative facts, revenge, and ultra-nationalist way door-to-door. If he’s serious about Brezhnev-esque parades of missiles and men, there will be opportunities for direct resistance before the president. But generally, the President’s policies are going to be enacted by agents of his administration.

Somewhere, down the line, someone has to put the work in. Donald Trump isn’t going to be knocking down homes and clogging up rivers when the wall starts to go up. That work will go to contractors and other cronies.

Some goon in a suit does the groundbreaking, but someone local gets their hands dirty.

Where the policy meets the polity is where action can and should be taken. The resistance at Standing Rock and the D.C. inauguration checkpoints represent good practices. Undermining Trump’s supporters and agents is essential, practical and practicable. Frustrating the diggers and the triggermen of the new administration

J. K. Schmid

should be the focus.

This might mean bringing back police watches, or it might mean something more COINTELPRO-proof. The very idea that a city or county or state could declare itself a sanctuary from Trump’s anti-immigrant policies reveals the limits of his executive authority. That some cities have openly declared their willingness to forego federal funds lays out what a local resistance could and probably should look like. It’s talk right now. But like the earlier demonstrations, it’s a start.

The 2017 Women’s March on Jan. 21was not timed to take advantage of Trump’s brief absence from the Oval Office but to let it be known where he stood with a large swath of United States citizens. The protest centered on one common theme: opposition to Trump. This opposition covered his platform, his character and other qualities. Any struggle can start with that, but there’s real work to be done elsewhere.

Trump has already signed his first drone death warrant, but he won’t be unleashing the Hellfire himself.

The Dow Jones industrial average hit 20,000 points on

Jan. 25 2017, was this a victory for Trump? Or was this the inevitable outcome given the last decade’s inertia?

Similarly, the citizens of the United States have little to gain by protesting Trump in his new home in Washington, D.C. Demonstrations have their use in firing up the masses. It’s an essential piece of radicalizing, organizing and creating a sense of accountability. But for realizing gains and spoils, it’s barely a means and not an end unto itself. It’s right there in the name: Demonstrations are proofs of concept. But they are neither a fully developed program nor a product. Trump represents an idea in one man. After all, 43 million plus people voted for him and his policies.

People don’t wait agonizing seconds at stop lights hoping Trump and his armored Beast just keeps rolling by. These people are watching for cop cars and listening for the aircraft unblinkingly taking down their every coming and going.

J.K. Schmid is an intern in the Baltimore office of the AFRO-American Newspaper. He is a student at Towson University in Baltimore.

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The Afro-American • 2519 N. Charles St. • Baltimore, MD 21218 or fax to 1-877-570-9297 or e-mail to editor@afro.com

February February 11, 11, 2017 2017 -- February February 11, 17, 2017, 2017, The The Afro-American

Trial Begins Continued from A1 is color blind in Mississippi and that the outcome of the trial of two white men for the murder of 14-year-old Emmett L. Till, will prove that what they say is right.

But as the trial opened, the nation was looking at the many cases of injustice which Mississippi has already perpetrated against colored people--and the nation was Reporters segregated

SUMNER, Miss.--Sheriff H. C. Strider ruled Friday that colored reporters would not be permitted to sit at the press table during the Emmett Till trial.

The Sheriff’s office told this reporter, who was the first colored reporter to arrive at the trial scene, that colored newsmen would have to sit in the section reserved for colored spectators.

It is understood that this section contains less than 10 seats and this writer knows of at least 7 colored reporters en route here. The white press table will seat 20 reporters.-HICKS. laying the odds on the belief that Sumner couldn’t prove what it was saying.

I FOUND THE PEOPLE of this town very much aware of this Friday as I drove in here at high noon.

I went straight to the offices of the Sumner Sentinel when I hit town and when I told Editor W. M. Simpson, Jr. that I represented the National Newspapers Publishers Association, which includes an Atlanta daily newspaper, he said: “Good! You are from the South and you can do this county a lot of good by explaining in your articles

just how things are.

Mr. Simpson then proceeded to call my attention to the fact that the city of Sumner and Tallahatchie County are only involved in the Till murder case because the body was found in Tallahatchie County and Sumner is the county seat. *** POINTING OUT that the incident involved the white woman, over which Till was murdered, happened in the adjoining Leflore County, Mr. Simpson deplored the fact that the nation’s press has seen fit to condemn Tallahatchie County.

“This county had nothing to do with it,” he said. “The body was found in this county, we have arrested the suspects, indicted them and brought them to trial. What more can we do until the trial is held?”

He said he did not think the newspapers had been fair to the people of his county.

He then proceeded to tell me that the race relations in the county were good, but that outside pressures had brought about quite a bit of tension in the town. *** MR. SIMPSON SAID some of the letters received by Sheriff H. C. Strider had been particularly mean and insulting, and that he feels the Sheriff, whom he said has been trying to do a good job, has had “above all he can stand.”

After talking with Mr. Simpson I took a walk around the town of

Sumner.

Sumner is a one-horse, whistlestop town built around a town square. The center of the square is occupied entirely by the two-story courthouse in which the trial is being held.

The courthouse is of White Tapestry brick, with two mammoth oak trees in its yard and a huge belfry crowning its top.

Built in 1902, the most conspicuous thing about it is a huge marble statue of a confederate soldier on its lawn which was erected in 1913 by the Daughters of the Confederacy. ***

THE TRIAL is being held on the second floor of this building. The room will not seat 200 person and 125 veniremen were seated in it on the first day, from which an all-white jury was selected.

In addition, a regular jury panel of 48 persons will be on hand, so it appears there will be little room in the courthouse for anyone else.

A press table, seating 20 reporters, has been set up in the trial room, but no one here feels this will be adequate and Editor Simpson is worried particularly about the colored press.

Stressing to me that the Sheriff is in charge of press arrangements, Mr. Simpson said that it might be that colored reporters and, indeed, daily papers might have to select one reporter as a “pool” correspondent to sit in on the trial and brief other reporters from day to day. *** I FOUND an atmosphere among colored people of Sumner which I was not able “to read.” I cannot call it fear because the way they walk around town gives no indication that they are afraid.

But when you mention the trial to them they speak of it in hushed and whispered tones and cast furtive glances about them as they speak.

It’s cotton picking time down here and most of the colored people here are picking cotton. But many were in town Friday and many of them I talked with did not even

know when the trial was to begin.

Colored people outnumber white two to one in the county, but no one was able to give me a figure on the number living in Sumner.

From the colored homes I saw and the people I saw on the streets, I would guess that the town is about 60 per cent white and 40 per cent colored. There are no doctors or lawyers among the colored residents.

While the whites here seem to feel tthat justice will be done, their opinion was not shared by experienced colored leaders outside the community.

Most vocal critic of the trial was Dr. T. Howard, husky NAACP leader of Mound Bayou, about 34 miles distant. *** DR HOWARD told the AFRO Friday “This trial will demonstrate to the nation just what Mississippi justice means to the colored man.

“I think men who will sit on the jury basically think the same as the men who committed the crime, and I’m willing to bet that no matter what the jury finds, neither man will get over ten years if he gets that much” (Note; the law under which the two men are being tried calls for a penalty of death or life imprisonment if found guilty.)

Dr. Howard said he feels the punishment will be just about what it always has been for white people who kill colored people.

He said, in a recent survey which he caused to be made, he had found that white people in Mississippi get longer terms in jail for killing deer out of season than for killing a colored man in the 18 Delta Counties.

But so long as the Federal Government stands by Mississippi will continued to kill colored people, Dr. Howard said.

Transcribed by J. K. Schmid

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The Afro-American, Afro-American, February February 11, 11, 2017 2017 -- February February17, 11, 2017 2017

NAACP Continued from A1 former NAACP National President Benjamin Jealous.

Joan M. Pratt, Baltimore

City Comptroller and Bernard C. “Jack” Young, President of the City Council and the

INVITES YOU AND A GUEST TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF

Rev. Kevin A. Slayton, Sr., of New Waverly UMC were in attendance. Slayton opened the proceeding with an invocation.

The NAACP has so far announced 12 speakers including Chairman of the NAACP Board of Directors Roslyn M. Brock, NAACP President and CEO Cornell WIlliam Brooks and General Counsel Bradford Berry. Topics will cover the NAACP’s Continuing Legal Education program (CLE) and the NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural Technology and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) and Youth and College outreach.

The NAACP, founded and still headquartered in Baltimore, will hold its annual convention at the Baltimore Convention Center from July 22 through July 26. The convention ratifies annual policy and plan actions for the coming year. This year’s convention will be the 108th since the NAACP’s founding in 1909.

The NAACP has not released a complete schedule of events and speakers as of yet, but the slate runs from July 19 through to July 26.

Jealous described the

Courtesy photo

Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh was one of several guest speakers during the NAACP announcement of its plans to hold its convention in Baltimore in July. evolution of the NAACP as a history inseparable from Baltimore.

“You literally cannot explain the power of the NAACP without talking about Baltimore,” Jealous told the AFRO. “Baltimore is the home of our greatest lobbyist in the history of the NAACP: Clarence Mitchell. It’s the home to the greatest lawyer in the history of the NAACP: Thurgood Marshall. It’s also home to one of a very small

EMAIL: CUSTOMERSERVICE@AFRO.COM TO REGISTER TO WIN TICKETS! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Supplies are limited. One pass per winner. Each pass admits two. Seating is not guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Employees of all promotional partners and The Afro American are not eligible. All decisions are final.

IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 17

number of Black newspapers that really helped build the NAACP. Of course, the AFRO and the Murphy Family.”

As the NAACP prepares to determine its future, Jealous pointed out how it directly

decree signed by our new mayor to undo patterns of mistreatment that developed under past mayors. Whether it’s the spirit of the protests at BWI these past weekends, people have said many times

“You literally cannot explain the power of the NAACP without talking about Baltimore.”

–Benjamin Jealous determines the future of Baltimore, a city that saw an uprising following the death of Freddie Gray in police custody in 2015 and in 2016 experienced a record number of homicides.

“The current issues facing Baltimore also speak to the present importance of the NAACP,” Jealous said.

“Whether it’s the consent

in history that we’ve never needed the NAACP more than we’ve needed it right now. Whether it’s issues in our schools or in our streets or continued discrimination in corporate suites throughout Baltimore, we’ve never needed the NAACP more than we need it right now. And President Trump reminds us of that every day.”

Celebrate Black History Month with a visit to Johns Hopkins University’s Evergreen Museum & Library, 4545 N. Charles St., where Seventeen Men: Portraits of Black Civil War Soldiers is on display through June 4. A Union Army captain preserved the names and faces of 17 African-American soldiers in a miniature photo album. The images have been enlarged into life-sized, colored-pencil drawings by Shayne Davidson for display alongside the soldiers’ bios and Civil War–era memorabilia. An artist’s talk takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22. To RSVP, 410–516–0341 or evergreenmuseum@jhu.edu. For more information, visit http://museums.jhu.edu/evergreen.php.

Johns Hopkins University. Investing in our community.

1st Sgt. Stephen Johnson, large portrait.

Pvt. John Walls, top. Pvt. James Tall, bottom.

Courtesy of Shayne Davidson.

Send your news tips to tips@afro.com.

February 11, 2017 - February 17, 2017, The Afro-American

B1

BALTIMORE-AREA AFRO’s 125th Anniversary

Race and Politics

Spotlight on Black Educators: Baltimore Trump Reaching County Superintendent S. Dallas Dance Out to HBCUs?

On the first day of Black History Month, Donald Trump assembled Sean Yoes a group of, “the Senior AFRO Blacks,” Contributor (Trump’s enduring description of Black people), for a BHM breakfast get together. The gathering of Trump sycophants and supporters included, HUD Secretary (!) Dr. Ben Carson (who Trump once likened to a pedophile), right-wing pundit Armstrong “I’m honored to have a seat at the table,” Williams, Pastor Darrell “gang thugs” Scott, and of course, Trump’s ride or die, Omarosa Manigaualt, whose official title in the Trump White House is director of communications for the Office of Public Liason.

Those assembled around Trump in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on that first day of Black History Month, perhaps gave new meaning to the phrase, “House Negroes.” It was just Trump and his Blacks; not one academician, or Black history scholar, or president of a Historically Black College or University present to give the meeting, allegedly to honor the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans to this country, the slightest bit of gravitas or authenticity.

But, this has typically been

Continued on B2

New Police Program Aims to Keep LowLevel Offenders Out of Jail

By Michelle Richardson Special to the AFRO

Courtesy photo

S. Dallas Dance, Baltimore County Superintendent, says he is racing to better prepare public school students for the challenges of the future.

By Briahnna Brown Special to the AFRO Baltimore County Schools Superintendent S. Dallas Dance didn’t plan on being an educator.

He went to college planning to study law, but once he discovered his talent tutoring other students, he shifted to studying education.

Dance earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Union University and went on to earn a master’s and doctorate in educational administration and leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.

His educational career path led to him working as an administrator in the Henrico County Public Schools district of Richmond, Va., as well as Chesterfield and Louisa County Public Schools in Virginia. It was while he was serving as chief officer of the Houston Independent School District in 2012 that he was named as the new Baltimore County Schools superintendent at only 30 years old.

Dance recently faced opposition over his reported income as an adjunct professor at the University of Richmond, and that he set up a limited liability corporation. An ethics panel called for Dance to adjust his financial disclosure forms, which he agreed to do, noting that there was not a clear place on his financial disclosure forms for him to previously do so. The school board ultimately voted to continue his contract.

When he first joined the Baltimore County school system, he succeeded Joe Hairston, under whom Baltimore County Schools saw significant growth with 50 percent of the county’s high schools ranking in the top seventh percentile nationwide at the time.

Dance came in with a plan to build upon that foundation by increasing student’s skills in science, technology and math as well as showing students how to apply the lessons their learning to the real world. He took on the challenge of engaging kids to take ownership for their education.

“When we start thinking about the role we play as educators, we have to make sure that we engage them to the point they understand that here and now matters so much if you’re really going to impact what the future looks like,” Dance told the AFRO earlier this year.

This line of thinking led Dance – S. Dallas Dance to spearhead the development of “Blueprint 2.0,” a five-year strategic plan aiming to improve academics, safety, communication, and organizational effectiveness. This plan made high school graduation a system-wide priority, and as a result, the graduation rate rose to 87.8 percent for the 2015 graduating class, an increase of four percentage points since he began his tenure. He additionally introduced a Passport Schools program to implement world language instruction for elementary students.

Continued on B2

“…here and now matters so much if you’re really going to impact what the future looks like.”

On Feb. 6 Behavioral Health System Baltimore and Baltimore City Police announced the launch of a new collaboration program called L.E.A.D that aims to help low-level drug offenders.

L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) is a pre-booking diversion program according to a press release. Baltimore police officers can refer individuals suspected of lowlevel drug or prostitution crimes to case managers, who will help them access an array of services including drug treatment, mental health services, and housing aid.

Individuals facing arrest can choose not to participate in L.E.A.D., and will go through the normal criminal justice process.

“The L.E.A.D. program represents an important paradigm shift in the way we approach helping people with substance use disorders,” BHSB President and CEO Kathleen Westcoat said at a press conference. “Rather than responding with handcuffs, the LEAD program offers individuals a path to treatment and support services, which evidence shows is the most cost-effective approach to addressing substance abuse.”

Baltimore Crisis Response will help operate the program with oversight by BHSB. “LEAD provides our officers with an alternative

Continued on B2

Teen In Police Involved Shooting Dies, Released from Prison One Day Before

W. Baltimore Gang Members Indicted on Murder, ETC.

By Michelle Richardson Special to the AFRO

Baltimore City

By Michelle Richardson Special to the AFRO

Screenshot via YouTube

Sean Miller, chief of Operational Investigations Division, announces the indictment of nine members of the Brick City Organization.

Baltimore Police Department announced nine Indictments for members of a West Baltimore gang operating in the area of Edmondson Avenue on Feb. 7.

Eight out of nine members are currently in police custody and have been indicted in connection with the “Brick City Organization,” which includes members of the Bloods gang and BGF (Black Guerrilla Family). Authorities hope to have the ninth member in custody soon.

Each member is charged with various counts of murder, assault, and witness intimidation.

According to police, since 2014, there have been 19 murders in the Brick City territory along with 30 nonfatal shootings, more than 40 aggravated assaults, and 44 armed robberies.

In court documents, authorities say some of

the “shops” were making more than $20,000 a day in heroin sales.

Police say undercover officers were sold drugs more than 30 times from the group.

Chief Sean Miller, head of the police department’s operations and investigations division, said during a press conference Feb. 7 that “witness intimidation, murder, shootings, and violent crime” have been the trademark of the group in controlling their territory along the Edmondson Avenue corridor for years.”

The term “non-violent drug offenders ... does not exist when it comes to this organization,” Miller said.

Brandon Pride, 36, who is considered to be a West Baltimore drug boss and the Brick City leader, has been indicted on several charges Continued on B2

During a police involved shooting on Feb. 7 a suspect died after being shot.

The incident took place at the intersection of Monroe Street and Frederick Avenue around 3:00p.m.

The suspect was transported to Shock Trauma where he died from his injuries.

Baltimore City Police spokesman, TJ Smith, stated the suspected, 18, was released from prison on Feb. 6 on felony drug and gun charges.

Smith also says the suspect has been arrested twice in the past month with a handgun.

“It’s really despicable because it’s putting our officers’ lives at risk and our citizens in harm’s way,” said Smith at a newsconference.

A handgun was found at the scene.

No other injuries have been reported at this time and the suspect has not been ID’d pending family notification.

Baltimore Police Department

Police canvas the scene after an unnamed suspect was shot by an officer.

9

Past Seven Days

41 2017 Total

Data as of Feb. 8

B2

The Afro-American, February 11, 2017 - February 17, 2017

Race and Politics Continued from B1

Trump’s modus operandi his entire public life; “the Blacks” serving as a shadowy backdrop for whatever venture or social event on his narcissistic agenda on any given day, from Don King to Ray Lewis and Jim Brown.

So, the recent report that Trump wants to have a “major meeting” with presidents of HBCU’s towards the end of Black History Month seems dubious at best, but more likely just another stunt or BHM photo op with zero substance.

Still, TheGrio.com, is reporting a group of Republican leaders plan to meet with the heads of HBCU’s on Feb. 28, in an effort to “advance” HBCU’s. Allegedly, the meeting will be led by South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and North Carolina Rep. Mark Walker, whose wife Kelly Walker (who happens to be White) graduated from Winston Salem State University, an HBCU in North Carolina.

Rep. Walker recently talked about the impact of his wife’s education during an interview published by the Charlotte Observer.

“My wife of 24 years, she’s run a level one trauma center... she’s very proud of her degree,” said Walker. “You have some who come out with a degree, think about that, a nurse practitioner working at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, right there at the triad in Winston Salem, North Carolina. She

does a great job and a lot of this is contributed to getting such a solid education.”

Walker went further, “She was very thankful to get even in the program at Winston Salem State University. I have to look at this, I guess from a perspective of how it’s impacted our family and to make sure people know that HBCU’s are doing

“…the recent report that Trump wants to have a “major meeting” with presidents of HBCU’s … seems dubious at best, but more likely just another stunt …” great work,” Walker added.

Additionally, Buzzfeed is reporting Trump’s White House (allegedly spearheaded by Manigault) is crafting an executive order regarding HBCU’s, although the substance of that executive order is unknown at the moment.

Dallas Dance

However, if Trump does sit down with HBCU presidents in an official capacity, he would accomplish something (in about two months) President Obama didn’t achieve in eight years. To use one of Trump’s favorite words...sad.

One of most glaring critiques of President Obama by the Black community was his seemingly hands off approach to our treasured HBCU’s. During the Obama years several upper tier HBCU’s, such as Howard and Spellman teetered precariously because of fiscal hardships, while other schools, like Sojourner Douglass in Baltimore, closed all together.

The irony of Trump making inroads with the nation’s HBCU’s within the first 100 days of his administration, when the man whose presidency he fought to delegitimize seemed to be mostly missing in action when it came to Black colleges and universities is sickening.

Then again, is it really just a brutal twist of irony or a jarring, slap at the Obama legacy crafted perfectly by Trump and his minions?

Sean Yoes is a senior contributor for the AFRO and host and executive producer of AFRO First Edition, which airs Monday through Friday, 5-7 p.m. on WEAA 88.9.

Police Program

Continued from B1

Because of his successes, Dance has been nominated for the LifeChanger of the Year award, and has been honored by the Center for Digital Education with the Top 30 Technologists, Transformers, and Trailblazers Award, as well as the Community Builder Award from the National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training. He was appointed to former President Barack Obama’s Commission for Educational Excellence for African Americans, and was also named a Connected Educator Champion of Change. His list of awards and accolades goes on and on.

Dance has also been moving education forward with the Students and Teachers Accessing Tomorrow (S.T.A.T.) initiative, which aims to create an accessible digital learning environment for all students while emphasizing personalized instruction and critical thinking skills.

–Ryan Imbriale “We were not a district in crisis by any measure,” Ryan Imbriale, executive director of the district’s Department of Innovative Learning, told The Journal in an interview. “But we had reached a point where we felt we had to step back and ask, ‘What do our students, our community and our partners need from this school district? What do we need to do to create learner centered environments and make sure that our students have access to the tools and resources?’ In real terms that meant ensuring that every student, eventually, would have access to a device in their hands in the classroom.”

Through S.T.A.T., Microsoft designated BCPS as its first “Showcase” school system for innovative digital teaching and learning. In December, the school district unveiled a Mobile Innovation Lab, a mobile classroom converted from a school bus.

The lab emphasizes bringing “Makerspaces” and a hands-on learning experience while teaching children about coding, robotics, programming and circuitry.

“While technology alone won’t improve learning outcomes, I know from experience that it has the power – when implemented and used effectively – to create more vibrant, interactive learning environments; achieve improvements throughout the education system; and prepare students for a lifetime of success,” Dance said in a blog post. “It’s my hope that the success of S.T.A.T. inspires schools around the country to embrace technology and transform education.”

“We were not a district in crisis by any measure.”

imagine

what tomorrow will bring.

BGE celebrates the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans who have not only helped to shape our American heritage, but inspire others to pursue and achieve their dreams.

Continued from B1

to arresting the same person over and over when we know that person needs help,” said BCP Commissioner Kevin Davis at the news conference.

“Baltimore has an entrenched opioid addiction epidemic and we think it’s time to invest in a public-health approach instead of a criminal approach. We’re also hopeful that this will be another step in restoring more positive relationships between law enforcement and the community,” said Davis.

Starting as a three year pilot in the west side of downtown Baltimore in an area that connects Martin Luther King Blvd, St. Paul Street, Courtesy photo Franklin Baltimore Councilman Brandon Scott Street, and (District 2) was one of the speakers at the Pratt Street, announcement of the Baltimore Police the program Department’s new L.E.A.D. program. referrals will originate in this area, clients do not have to live in this specific area.

At least 60 individuals are anticipated to be served by the program at any one time.

In Baltimore City, 24,887 individuals have an opioid use disorder, and one out of every three Maryland residents incarcerated in state prison comes from Baltimore, many for low-level drug crimes. From January 2016 to September 2016, 342 people died of a heroin overdose in the city.

L.E.A.D. has shown promising results in a handful of cities where it’s already being tested. In Seattle, a 2015 study credited the LEAD program with having a significant impact; participants were 58 percent less likely to be arrested again compared to non-participants and were more likely to obtain housing and employment which included legitimate income at any given time after their LEAD referral.

“Criminalizing individuals with the disease of addiction is unscientific, inhumane, and unjust,” said Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore City’s Health Commissioner.

Baltimore is the sixth U.S. city to implement the LEAD program and is relying on a mix of public and private grant to support the pilot.

Gang Members Continued from B1

including two counts of first-degree murder, multiple counts of solicitation to commit murder, and witness intimidation, and one count of the state’s drug kingpin statue.

According to police, Pride also faces charges for killing or trying to kill those he felt were cooperating with law enforcement. Pride allegedly had four people killed over that last two years for working with police, including members of his own gang.

In August 2015, according to police, a “street lieutenant” Advertiser: BGE for Brandon Pride’s west side drug operation got caught with 52 bags of heroin. The lieutenant, 43-year-old Jason Summers, Publication: Afro American offered to cooperate with police, and later that night helped officers arrest another member of Pride’s operation with 230 Insertion Date: 2/11, 2/18, & 2/25/2017 bags of heroin.

Pride suspected Summers of telling on members of the Ad Size: 7.28” x 10” group and arranged for Summers to meet him to receive more packages of heroin; telling him to come alone.

Title: BHM - Imagine When Summers arrived, he was fatally shot in the street by Pride, police said.

If you have received this publication material Pride, along with the other eight members of Brick City are in error, or have any questions about it please being held without bond. contact the traffic dept. at Weber Shandwick Lawyers were not listed for the individuals in court records. at 212-445-8438.

February 11, 2017 - February 17, 2017, The Afro-American “My job is to play quarterback, and I’m going to do that the best way I know how, because I owe that to my teammates regardless of who is out there on the field with me.”-Tom Brady Super Bowl 51 is history but not without one of the greatest comebacks of all times. The Queen said all she wants is a little R-e-s-p-e-c-t and that’s just what Tom Brady received, as I finally acknowledge that he is the best quarterback. Bringing the New England Patriots from a twenty-five point deficit to a super bowl win. To my die-hard Patriot fans, especially Rita Horsley-Johnson, who takes a lot of ribbing throughout the year from friends, family and colleagues we have to admit Tom Brady is “simply the best.”

“In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” -Khalil Gibran Join the Ladies of Colin’s Restaurant on Feb. 13 for happy hour as we celebrate Happy Galantine’s Day. A day for “ladies celebrating ladies”. A perfect time to show your girlfriends how much they mean to you. Galentine Day is all about friendship so bring your girlfriends. The girlfriend who brings the most girlfriends will receive a Galentine gift.

“Sweet bitter love” as friends, coworkers and colleagues reluctantly say so long to Alex Dixon, vice president of Baltimore’s Horseshoe Casino, as he accepts

a new position as the General Manager of MGM’s newest casino in Springfield, Mass. Alex and his wife Yindra instantly became a part of Baltimore with their warm personalities and generous charitable heart.

“My father used to have an expression. He’d say, ‘Joey, a job is about a lot more than a paycheck. It’s about your dignity. It’s about respect. It’s about your place in your community.’-former Vice-president Joe Biden The Johns Hopkins Summer Jobs Program is accepting youth intern applications for their 2017 program year. The program is open to ages 15-21.

Applicants are required to be at least 15 years of age by June 19 by the start date of the program and a resident of Baltimore City or attending school in Baltimore City. For more information or 443-997-4585 or email lwilso58@jhmi.edu.

Sharon Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. A.C.D. Vaughn, is hosting their 51st benefit featuring The Howard University Gospel Choir sponsored by the Constance Moore Memorial Scholarship committee on Feb. 26 at 5 p.m.

Grandmother Eunice Jenifer-Robinson surprised

her granddaughter Aliya’s Jenifer’s on her 16th birthday when she hosted an open house for family and friends at her home along with Aliya’s mom Tracy. Family and friends kept the door swinging as they came throughout the afternoon to celebrate with Aliyah, a student at the SEED School. The smile on her face was priceless when she saw her brother Salim Council, who flew in from Orlando Florida to celebrate his sister’s milestone birthday.

Sending thoughts and prayers to Chef Benny Gordon as he continues to recover from a fall while roller skating and wishing him continued success at his newest restaurant, GEB’s BBQ Restaurant 7205 Rutherford Rd. GEB’s is a partnership with Edrich Premier Foods and Chef Benny to bring farm fresh food into a BBQ Restaurant. The farm located less than five miles from the restaurant and is in partnership with NCIA’s Youth in Transition, cofounded by Herb Hoelter. This unique partnership gives students with special educational needs an opportunity to gain culinary and horticultural skills jobs in the community.

Sending bunches of flowers for Bobby Chambliss as he recuperates at Sinai Hospital and thinking of you to

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NOW thru MAR 5

Bernice McDaniels.

Singing happy birthday to Sarita Oaks Murray; Alex Dixon Jr; Gwendolyn Miller; Sam Redd; Dionjra Hall; Aaron Jolivet; Gwendolyn Pinder; Virginia Vauls; Hari Close; Harold Peterson; Art Peterson; everyone’s favorite Delta Edna Smith; Monica BlountHall and Rebecca McCoy-Lee. Two vibrant women celebrated their 90th birthday recently: my longtime friend Dr. Ruth Sheffey and Camay Murphy. Happy birthday.

We wish a happy 50th anniversary to Steve and Carolyn Wainwright.

“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” Khalil Gibran Our condolences to Shirley Hargrove and family on the death of her son Steven Hargrove; Ora Washington, Beverly and Tommy Rideout on the death of their son and grandson William Rideout; to the family of Marsha Robinson on her death; to Deborah Courtney-Peterson on the death of her husband McKinley “Mac” Peterson; to Herman and Vivian Jones on the death of his sister and to the family of Annette Hall- Somerville on her death.

“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.”-A. A. Milne

“A RIVETING CUTTING AND SHAPING THAT IS NEVER DULL FOR A MOMENT.” —Chicago Tribune

February is Heart Month!

If you smoke, consider quitting.

We can help.

Call or email the Department of Health: 410-887-3828 tobacco@baltimorecountymd.gov Healthy people, living, working, and playing in Baltimore County Gregory Wm. Branch, M.D., MBA, CPE, FACP - Director, Health and Human Services Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and the Baltimore County Council

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The Afro-American, February 11, 2017 - February 17, 2017

Delores Hargrave, Leon Britain, Jillian Barrick and Kenny J

The Union Crew Line Dance Organization hosted its’ 10th annual UC Star Awards event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Baltimore on Jan. 27 and Jan. 28. The event honored and recognized individuals and groups who have contributed to the line dance culture across the United States. More than 750 attendees registered, ranging in age from the 20’s to the 80’s.

Ejaya Johnson and Sean Dennis, All Snap Dance Group

A member of Black Girls Rock

2016 Steologist Award Winners, Michelle Pye and Robert Sykes

Group Gold Gentlemen of Line Dancing

Trish and Michael Womack

Style and Rhythm Dance Group

Photos by James Fields Sr.

Hundreds of readers came out to support the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s 29th annual Booklovers’ Breakfast on Feb. 4 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. Jacqueline Woodson, a bestselling author of more than two dozen award- winning books for adults and children, had conversation with Deborah Taylor, coordinator, school and student services for Enoch Pratt Free Library and read excerpts of her books, including her latest, Another Brooklyn.

Deborah Taylor, Enoch Pratt Free Library interviewed the author Jade Williams and Ashlyn Hocker

Jacqueline Woodson

Dr. Mychelle Farmer Library Board of Directors

Joyce and Chloe Short enjoying the moment

Ladies enjoying the event

Gordon Krabbe Interim Chief Executive Officer,Enoch Pratt Free Library Photos by James Fields Sr.

To purchase this digital photo page contact Takiea Hinton: thinton@afro.com or 410.554.8277.

February 11, 2017 - February 17, 2017, The Afro-American

Memoirs

C1

ARTS & CULTURE

Pat Cleveland Recounts Her Supermodel Life

By Nadine Matthews Special to the AFRO Couture may not have been a completely foreign word to the upper and middle class Black community of the late fifties but access to it certainly was. That is until Eunice Johnson, doyenne of black publishing, beauty, and fashion at the time, launched the Ebony Fashion Fair. It was a traveling show that brought high fashion to Black communities across the U.S, the U.K., and the Caribbean for fifty years. It also brought Black models, of all hues, to the attention of top designers and the broader public consciousness for the first time. One of the first and arguably most successful models featured in the Ebony Fashion Fair tour was fourteen year-old New Yorker Pat Cleveland.

Even at that tender age Cleveland had been honing her eye for fashion and her skills at clothing design with her mother in their modest Harlem apartment for years.

Her father, a Swedish jazz musician, was never a part of her life. She says, “My journey started with my mother. She gave me fashion because she dressed so beautifully.

Made her own clothes. She never stopped playing with the fantasy of

who you could be. I just took the torch of everything she gave me and I had a great moment where I was just wearing my own clothes in the subway and someone noticed me from Vogue.”

That chance meeting in the subway was with the legendary fashion editor Carrie Donovan.

Donovan ended up doing a story on Cleveland’s clothing designs for Vogue a few months later.

Encouraged by this flirtation with serendipity, her mother decided she would send her pictures to Ebony magazine. Eunice Johnson, its cofounder and editor, was impressed enough that she had Pat in for a photoshoot and subsequently invited her to be a model on the fashion tour which ended up changing her life.

Cleveland, who predated Naomi Sims, Beverly Johnson, and Iman, ultimately became what former Vogue magazine Editor-at-Large Andre Leon Talley describes in his memoir as, “The first black supermodel.” The Ebony Fashion Fair tour brought her to the attention of designer Oleg Cassini.

Most famous for designing numerous ensembles for Jackie Onassis, he urged Ford Models to sign Cleveland which they did. Ford was the foremost modeling agency at the time. Racism in the U.S.

Photo courtesy of Charles Tracy

Pat Cleveland, an early Black supermodel, recounts her life and loves in her new book, ‘Walking with the Muses.’ proved to be stronger than Cassini’s enthusiasm. Lacking bookings,

Cleveland eventually signed with another agency, Wilhelmina, which was then up and coming and open to a more diverse slate of models.

The head of that agency sent her to Europe where she found huge success walking the runways for the likes of Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, and Karl Lagerfeld.

Cleveland recently completed her own memoir, Walking With the Muses. The book reads like a paean primarily to her mother, Lady Bird Cleveland, her greatest champion and inspiration. It was her mother’s illness that was indirectly responsible for her finally writing the book that she had been promising friends for some time that she would write.

Cleveland told the AFRO, “My mom was not well. I was living in Italy so I brought my whole family back to America to work with her and all my diaries were sitting there that I had kept since I was sixteen. I went through boxes and said let me try to do something with this.”

Secondarily, Walking pays homage to the innumerable influential cultural figures she has encountered during her extraordinary life. It is a veritable who’s who of fashion, entertainment and art from the 1950’s on.

Cleveland has met everyone

including being wooed as a teen by pioneering New York City DJ Frankie Crocker and boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Her first great romance was with the son of jazz great Billy Eckstine.

Later, she had a long, torrid affair with silver screen heartthrob Warren Beatty. As a child she met Paul Robeson, Eubie Blake, Eartha Kitt and many others who knew her mother. Opera legend Marian Anderson once sang her a lullaby.

“These are people who were all friends of my mother. My mother was an artist and knew a great many artists and people who loved art,” she said.

Cleveland, who is currently on a quest to get her beloved mother’s paintings into the Smithsonian Museum, also learned from these assorted creative luminaries what it took to be a success. “They have a focus, a creative focus. They don’t listen to anyone’s opinions about what they believe in. They know that they can do something with what they have,” she said.

Cleveland described the book as, “A love letter to the people you love, your antagonists, anybody who came into your life that you learned a lesson from and that’s why I’m walking with the muses all the time.”

Independent Film

A Fly in the Ointment Special to the AFRO I consider myself very fortunate to have experienced challenges in my family. I had a million of those situations with my pop growing up, and when I came to put my name on this page, it was through such a challenge.

It seems the generation gap had driven a difference of opinion wedge between Sam Lacy and yours truly. I know he was the pro, but I was convinced that some of his views were antiquated. During one such discussion (argument) he instructed me to put my views in print and shut my mouth. As fate would have it, he suffered a bout of illness and I was called upon to fill some space on his page to give him some relief. My efforts became popular, and “Another Viewpoint” was born.

I was convinced to continue my efforts and he changed his column head to “Viewpoint” and our battle continued in this periodical.

I grew up in a family full of jocks, and Sam was the big dog. Although I was 15 years younger than my nearest cousin, I was still allowed to hang out with the big boys as long as I pulled my weight. I was never one to whine, and I would fight at the drop of a hat.

For this reason I was never considered a painin-the-butt tag along.

Around 1943 I remember hearing of a local boy who had lit up the sports world a few years back. The remarkable thing aside from the talent of this local boy was the fact that this guy was an Indian from India. I can’t remember any Indian athletes in any sport so I paid attention. This guy was named Wilmeth Sidat-Singh. He was born in D.C., and had moved to New York. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School and lit up the landscape as a football and basketball star. He attended Syracuse University in 1935 on a scholarship and excelled in both sports.

The local interest went through the roof when the University of Maryland was set to face Syracuse in football when Wilmeth Sidat-Singh, popularly referred to as the “Walking Dream”, was on the team. The local excitement level generated by this University of Maryland home game was initially high—

but it went crashing to the ground when somebody dropped a fly into the ointment.

Sam Lacy was the fly when he stepped up and said, “Hold the phone!” The Syracuse “Walking Dream” was none other than a local kid initially named Wilmeth Webb. Sam felt an obligation to set the record straight, so he printed the story that this young man was born to Elias and Pauline Webb. When Elias died, Pauline married a med student from India, Samuel Sidat-Singh. Samuel adopted Wilmeth and gave him his name.

When this news broke, the powers that be at the University of Maryland announced that, “Ain’t no colored boys playing here.” The” Walking Dream” was therefore not allowed to play with the White boys and Maryland won the 1937 Maryland contest between the schools, 13-0. The following year, 1938, Syracuse was scheduled to play University of Maryland in Syracuse. This time the University of Maryland team was forced to play by the Syracuse home team rules and was thus compelled to finally deal with the Syracuse “Walking Dream” secret weapon.

It turns out that the Wilmeth Sidat-Singh weapon was no secret and Syracuse stomped Maryland, 53-0.

Faced with no pro opportunities following graduation from Syracuse, Wilmeth played a little barnstorming basketball. Tiring of this he returned to D.C. and joined the police force.

As fate would have it, WWII stepped in his path and he went to Tuskegee to join the all Colored Airmen. On a training mission in May, 1943, Lt. Wilmeth Sidat-Singh drowned in Saginaw Bay when his engine sputtered out and his plane crashed.

On November 9, 2013, the University of Maryland finally apologized for their treatment of him.

My spouse is another antagonist when it comes to sports, and we have plenty differences of opinion. One of her go-to weapons is to remind me that she went to Maryland and I went to Morgan State. My retort is always to remind her of the 53-0 beatdown. I can’t win them all, but the competition is welcome.

‘Chapter & Verse’ Touches on Violence and Survival in New York’s Harlem under his belt, he ends up working at a food pantry for supervisor Yolanda Reyson (Selenis Leyva of “Orange is the New In many Black communities, there is a Black”). constant road to redemption. In Harlem, “Part of why we do that in the film is a historic neighborhood in the borough of because one of the biggest challenges of mass Manhattan, former Black Panther 21 member incarceration is how hard it is to get a job turned film director Jamal Joseph tells his after you get out,” said Beaty. “It’s really a hometown’s beautiful and disturbing past and set up because if you can’t find some way to present in relation to gang violence, family support yourself like Lance is able to do, then bonding, and survival. you go back to what you know which often Joseph’s new film is titled “Chapter & causes people to go back into the system.”

Verse” in reference to bible scriptures and Lance develops a family bond with an also street slang, meaning knowing the “ins East Harlem grandmother named Miss and outs” of a community.

Maddy James, played by Loretta Devine.

Activist and They meet during one playwright Daniel of his routes delivering Beaty stars in the food to senior citizens. independent film, Miss Maddy’s and helped Joseph grandson Ty (Khadim create it. Beaty plays Diop) gets involved in S. Lance Ingram, a a gang, and Lance sees former gang leader Ty as a reflection of of “118th” who used himself since he was Courtesy photo to go by the name once in a gang, and G-Rod (right), Justin Martin B-Rock “Crazy L.” After begins to look out for (middle), and Mark John Jefferies serving eight years Ty’s best interests. in Green Haven Despite Harlem’s Correctional Facility in Duchess County, role as a cultural landscape for AfricanNew York he is released, but still has to battle Americans, parts of the neighborhood such as to stay out of harm’s way in order to secure a Central Harlem and East Harlem have seen better future.

Caucasians claim territory as their new home.

Joseph said he wanted to capture the The resulting gentrification has forced Blacks image of the “third man,” based on statistics to migrate elsewhere or adapt to a place that regarding the incarceration of Black men is barely recognizable. which show that one in three will go to jail at “Chapter & Verse” captures that moment some point in their lives. as Lance has to adjust to new standards of a “I wanted to do a real human portrait of place he once called home. the third man,” he told the AFRO. “I’m the “Now what’s happening, is the third man in my family because I’ve been in contradiction is right here with prison. Beaty’s father and his older brother gentrification,” said Joseph. “It just makes were the third, both of them have been to you feel more trapped living in your own prison. Those are our sons, grandfathers, community.” uncles. Harlem is like the unofficial Black Initially expected to be released in capital of America. Wherever there’s a Black September 2015, screenings of “Chapter community you see the same things in terms & Verse” will be held Feb. 10 in Harlem, of incarceration and trying to figure out how Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta in select to keep our families together.” theaters.

Lance begins the film on probation, living “I’m now very glad that the film is coming in a half-way house under the supervision of out at this time,” said Joseph. “People his parole officer. can really get to feel the humanity of our Without much chance of securing a job characters and hopefully be motivated for despite having two computer certificates some kind of discussion and action.”

By Charise Wallace Special to the AFRO

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Low Taxes! Close to Beaches, Gated, Olympic pool.

FOUR New Homes from $90’s. No HOA Fees.

Brochures Available 1-866-629-0770 or www.coolbranch.com.

SERVS./MISC. Want a larger footprint in the marketplace consider advertising in the MDDC Small Display 2x2 or 2x4 Advertising

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D1

WASHINGTON-AREA

Alarm Over GOP Meddling in D.C.’s Gun Laws

Rodent, Bed Bug Infestations Worry Savoy Elementary Parents

By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com

Spotlight on Black Educators: D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson

By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com

The Republicans in the 115th U.S. Congress, with a sympathetic White House, are actively seeking to control the District of Columbia’s gun laws without the consent of Photos by LaTrina Antoine

D.C. Schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson started on Feb. 1. “I have spent the past few months hearing ideas

The cancellation of classes at Savoy Elementary School in Southeast D.C. was extended due to persistent rodent and bed bug infestation.

By Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO ssherman@afro.com

Courtesy Photo

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton is against Sen. Rubio’s bill that would remove D.C. gun control laws. the city.

Congress has the authority to preside over the District according to Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.

However, in 1973, Congress granted the District selfgoverning powers and the right to elect a mayor and a city council to manage the local government.

Nevertheless, Congress has to approve all legislation passed by the D.C. Council and can pass a law without the consent

“We intend to keep Sen. Rubio from walking over the principle of local control over local affairs…”

– Eleanor Holmes Norton

of District leaders.

Since the new Congress took office on Jan. 3, Republicans have sponsored legislation and made statements regarding the District. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) have introduced a bill, the “Second Amendment Enforcement Act of 2015” that would remove the D.C. Council from enacting the city’s gun control measures; conform District law to federal law governing firearm sales; enable residents Continued on D2

Some parents at Savoy Elementary School in Southeast D.C. are outraged over a bed bug and rodent problem at their children’s school. The school closed on Feb. 6 and 7, with students being relocated indefinitely. With the infestation considered “persistent” by District of Columbia Public Schools, parents worry the temporary move may become permanent.

The first notification of rodent infestation in the Anacostia school came as students returned from holiday break on Jan. 16. Savoy administrators released a statement that read in part: “Currently Savoy is on an action plan with D. C. Department of General Services’ (DGS) pest control division and pest control technicians have been providing services and monitoring three days a week. A mass trapping was conducted over the winter holiday. The pest control company has performed an extensive assessment of the school and identified

areas of concentration that need to be cleaned up as well as entry points in the building structure that need to be plugged.

DGS is also working with DOH Rodent Control at Savoy this week.”

But for Dorothea Gipson, whose serves as primary caregiver to three grandchildren attending Savoy, the notice raised concerns, rather than offering clarity. “When you send a notice saying that a ‘mass trapping’ has taken place, it says that the problem is already out of control. Rats carry diseases and if the school needs services on hand three times a week, there needs to be a different protocol for keeping our kids from being – Quanshee Vance exposed to vermin,” Gipson told the AFRO. “I am terrified of rats and I don’t feel the environment is safe, so I am working to get the children homeschooled.”

Gipson is concerned that the original notice said unequivocally that bed bugs were not an issue on the campus, aside from two separate incidents where a student and an adult brought them in. The notice Gipson showed the AFRO stated the bed bug “concerns had been immediately addressed,” yet by Continued on D2

“No one should be subjected to those types of conditions in a learning or work environment.”

Courtesy photo

Antwan Wilson said he wants to incorporate several changes in the D.C. Public Schools System to prepare students for the world. from students, families, and community members and now I am excited to get the work started. I know, and for years D.C. schools have Continued on D2

D.C. School Suspensions Inauguration Protestors Drastically Down, But Indicted on Vandalism Charges Concerns Remain

By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com On Jan. 6, the District’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) released a report, “State of Discipline: 2015-2016 School Year” that documented the falling number of suspensions in D.C. schools. The report also outlined procedures designed to make sure the practice is executed in the best interest of the city’s school children and families.

D.C. Council member David Grosso (I-At-Large) convened a roundtable with the title of the report as the hearing topic and said while the numbers of suspensions are decreasing, more work needs to be done. “We are seeking ways to reduce Courtesy Photo out-of-school suspensions,” D.C. Council member David Grosso Grosso said. said that even though suspensions are “Studies have decreasing in D.C. schools, more work Continued on D2 needs to be done.

By Briana Thomas Special to the AFRO

The Metropolitan Police Department released surveillance video on Feb. 6 of two protestors suspected to be involved in vandalizing and torching a parked limousine in Northwest, D.C. on Inauguration Day. The limousine parked out front of the Washington Post headquarters in the 1300 block of K Street, NW was lit on fire amid anti-Trump protests on Jan. 20 after a person thew a lit flare through the limo’s broken window, police reported.

D.C. police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division are now searching for the two suspects, who can be seen in the video wearing black masks and clothing, involved in setting the flame to the limo and damaging another nearby vehicles, police said.

The protests grew violent around 10:30 a.m. after an organized group of marchers armed “with crowbars, hammers, and asps (batons)” smashed vehicle and storefront windows, set fires and spray painted property throughout the area of 12th and L Streets, NW, police said.

D.C. police said there were several instances of destruction of property, including the damaging of two police vehicles. Authorities in riot gear used pepper spray and other devices to control and disperse the violent protests.

There were six officers injured during the inauguration chaos and 230 adults arrested and charged with felony rioting, Aquita Brown, a spokesperson for the department, told the AFRO Feb. 6.

“More than 3,000 law enforcement officers participated in the inauguration,” Brown added.

She said an additional five juveniles were arrested and charged during the disturbance.

The anti-Trump demonstrations were reportedly pre-organized by anarchist groups.

Businesses located throughout the area of the protests like McDonald’s, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Starbucks were all subject to vandalism caused by demonstrators.

Continued on D3

Two hundred and thirty cases have been dismissed and 63 defendants have been indicted by a grand jury.

– Bill Miller

D2

The Afro-American, February 11, 2017 - February 17, 2017

Savoy

Continued from D1 Feb. 3, both the rodent and bed bug problems required immediate action.

- such as rugs, cots, blankets, and pillows. Some students were taken by bus to nearby Ferebee Aaron Doughty, another Savoy Elementary parent, said his 9-and 10-year-old daughters, Elementary School, with meal programs being administered at Barry Farms Recreation Center both had bite marks on them when the bed bug problem through Feb. 7. originally broke out in December, he said. “They won’t “Weeks went by and I figured with construction be back because they have several bites on them and I’m everywhere in the city, there may be an occasional problem very concerned about the situation,� he said. “I will not be with mice in a school, but nothing like this,� Quanshee sending them to school,� Doughty told Fox5 News. “I made an Anacostia resident who lives near Savoy, told – Aaron Doughty, Savoy Elementary parent Vance, a few calls and once I hear something back about them the AFRO. “When you get to a point where the kids and properly taking care of the situation, then I will consider the employees are subject to rats and bed bugs, it suggests sending them back, but I have to protect them.� there is a lack of sanitation. No one should be subjected to Authorities estimate a period of several weeks to clean the school and replace all soft items those types of conditions in a learning or work environment.�

“I will not be sending them to school.�

Suspensions Continued from D1

shown that out-of-school suspensions negatively impact the community.�

Roundtables are information gathering sessions for D.C. Council members with no legislative business.

The report said the number of suspensions went from 11,000 in total in school year 2013-2014 to 6,695 in 20152016. It also noted that the number of students suspended decreased from 5,758 in school year 2013-2014 to 4,097 in 2015-2016.

Of those suspended, the report said, Black males were 5.8 times more likely to endure that type of punishment than other males.

Overall, the report showed that all students expelled

during the 2015-2016 school year were either Black or Latino and while Blacks make up less than 70 percent of the school population, they were 97 percent of those expelled.

health and wellness. And we are particularly proud of the work DCPS has accomplished over several years to strengthen school climate, increase school

“Suspension is part of the school to prison pipeline.� – D.C. Council member Trayon White Arthur Fields, the interim special advisor for Student Services for the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), said suspensions are headed down. “I oversee the District’s work surrounding behavior, attendance, and

attendance, and ensure that students have the services and supports they need to thrive in our schools,� Fields said. “All of this has contributed to a noticeable decrease in DCPS’ suspensions and it has directly impacted our overall

attendance, and is most likely affecting student, teacher, and parent satisfaction.�

One parent that hasn’t been satisfied with the school systems disciplinary process is Eleasah Banks. Banks, a resident of Southeast Washington, told Grosso that her daughter was “suspended for three days for bringing a weapon to school.�

Grosso was surprised when he found that the “weapon� was a sharply pointed yet dull, key chain. “Many parents have to work to take care of their families and they can’t come to the school to resolve discipline issues,� Patricia Wedderburn, a staff attorney with Advocates for Justice

& Education, said. “That’s where we come in and we try to resolve these issues at the school level before a suspension takes place.� “I know this subject well because I served as the Ward 8 member of the D.C. State Board of Education,� D.C. Council member Trayon White (D-Ward 8) said. “When boys miss school they tend to drop out. Suspension is part of the school to prison pipeline.�

Retired D.C. Superior Court Judge Arthur L. Burnett Sr., chairman and president of the Youth Court of the District of Columbia, told Grosso that many students who are repeatedly suspended come from homes where domestic violence, drugs, and

prostitution take place and teachers and administrators need to be more sensitive to that. “When a sleeping student pushes a teacher away, that is not a cause for a suspension but understanding,� he said.

Fields said that to address misbehaving students, the school system has instituted programs such as the School Climate Initiative, designed to make schools a wholly positive environment for students; Restoring Justice, that works with social service agencies to create a positive school culture and developing relationships with students; and ninth grade academies that focus on preparing students for higher academic demands.

Educators Continued from D1

been proving, that children from every background can succeed when they are given access to a high-quality education and when they are surrounded by adults who support and care for them,� Wilson said at a press conference at Alice Deal Middle School with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and D.C. Deputy Mayor for Education Jennifer Niles.

Wilson was announced as the next chancellor for the public school system by Bowser on Nov. 22, 2016, at Eastern High School. He is the former superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District and worked as an assistant superintendent in Denver as well as a principal and classroom teacher.

Wilson will preside over a school system that consists of 61 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, 15 high schools, 10 education campuses that combine grades in middle and high schools, two adult education schools, and one special education school. The District’s public school consists of approximately 48,000 students according to statistics compiled for the 20152016 school year that are 64 percent Black, 18 Latino, 13 percent White and 4 percent Asian and other races. School system statistics from school year 2014-2015 indicate that 76 percent of students are on free or reduced meals.

As of 2015-2016, 60 percent of District high school students attend college, according to statistics from the District of Columbia College Access Program. This is close to the national average of 69 percent.

Nevertheless, the academic achievement gap between Black and White students is wide. On the 2015 National Assessment

of Educational Progress tests administered to fourth and eighth graders only 14 percent of Blacks were registered as “proficient� in reading and 13 percent in math, whereas Whites were 79 percent “proficient� in reading and math.

Bowser said that Wilson has the leadership tools to help close the academic gap and could be an inspirational figure. “Not only is Chancellor Wilson an experienced leader, he is

“Wilson is the next chapter for our D.C. public schools.� – Jennifer Niles a role model for our students,� the mayor said. “His success shows that with hard work, they too can achieve whatever they set out to do.�

Niles agreed with the mayor, saying, “Wilson is the next chapter for our D.C. public schools.�

Bowser said it was appropriate that Wilson was at Deal that day to congratulate DCPS “Teacher of the Year� Jan Schuettpelz, a science teacher and advisor for the “Girls STEM� and Mighty Girls Book Club.� “I am glad that we could kick-off Chancellor Wilson’s first day by celebrating one of D.C.’s best teachers,� the mayor said.

During his remarks, Wilson didn’t introduce any programs or initiatives but articulated his philosophy on education and how that will impact DCPS. “I am joining an amazing team of educators and together we are going to build on DCPS’s successes while moving our schools and communities forward,� the chancellor said. “Students love to come to school and to be met and greeted by people who care about them. We expect them to graduate, be successful and be involved.�

He said he visited the Ron Brown College Preparatory High School, the District’s public all-boys institution; Ballou High School and Wilson High School’s robotics team. “At Ballou, there is a program known as the brilliant brotherhood of young men committed to academics and at Wilson, there is an effort to have the robotics team to reflect what the rest of the school looks like,� the chancellor said.

Wilson said he got into education “to transform it and I want to see every child get a great public education.� “We want to prepare students for the world they are going into,� he said. “We want to emphasize STEM and engage the students in their studies because the more students come to school, the less likely they are going to get in trouble.�

One of Wilson’s duties will be to negotiate a new contract for the school system’s teachers and he said he is looking forward to working with the Washington Teachers’ Union. “I started out as a teacher,� he said. “We want to build on the compensation that they are getting. I have met with Elizabeth Davis, the president of the teachers’ union a few times.�

Gun Laws Continued from D1

to obtain firearms from licensed dealers in Maryland and Virginia; repeal the gun registration requirement system; allow a more permissive system for residents to possess guns and watered down background checks, largely make firearm training optional, and allow private entities and public buildings to determine their firearm policies.

The bill would, as Rubio said in a statement, allow citizens to have guns for sporting and lawful defense and Jordan, in a statement, said the legislation “would make Washington, D.C. a safer place for law abiding citizens.� However, D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) has taken issue with Rubio and Jordan’s bill. “We intend to keep Sen. Rubio from walking over the principle of local control over local affairs while he uses federal authority to overturn the District’s duly-enacted local laws,�

Norton said in a statement on Jan. 18. “As the nation’s capital, we have enacted gun safety laws that match the needs of our unique local jurisdiction, which hosts high-profile events, such as the presidential inauguration and houses high-profile federal officials and foreign dignitaries. Senator Rubio should stop trampling on D.C. home rule and focus on the needs of his own constituents.�

Until 2008, the District had one of the strongest gun regulations laws in the country. Essentially, a resident wasn’t allowed to own a handgun unless they were active or retired in the military and owned a firearm before the advent of Home Rule in 1973.

The Supreme Court overturned that law in 2008 in the case of District of Columbia vs. Heller, stating in its opinion that the District’s law was in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s

Second Amendment which allows the right to bear arms.

Since that time, the D.C. Council has enacted legislation that doesn’t prohibit its residents from owning a gun, but imposes requirements such as a thorough background check and firearms training.

The National Rifle Association, one of the most powerful lobbying groups on Capitol Hill, supports Rubio’s bill.

An example of the lobbyist’s power is the U.S. House of Representatives passing a resolution on Feb. 2 that would lift most Obama administration imposed restrictions on people who have been diagnosed as mentally ill from buying and possessing firearms.

The Trump administration hasn’t made a comment on Rubio’s bill but the president was endorsed by the NRA on May 20, 2016. Throughout the 2016 campaign, Trump made it clear that he supports strong pro-gun legislation and that Americans should have the right to bear arms in the manner the NRA supports.

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) told the AFRO on Feb. 6 at his monthly legislative press conference that “there is no question that congressional intervention has stepped up.� “There is no question that they can do that but whether they ought to do that,� Mendelson said. The chairman said Congress has to look at managing the city wholly and not in bits and pieces as Rubio’s legislation does.

D.C. resident William Marrow has first-hand experience with the damage unfettered gun availability could do. His mother, Vivian Marrow, was killed Jan. 16, by a gunman, and her killer hasn’t been caught yet. “There are too many guns already,� Marrow said. “I am from the streets. People want to get guns to kill somebody like they killed my mom. His bill won’t stop this stuff. Guns will get in people’s hands no matter what he wants to do.�

February 11, 2017 - February 17, 2017 The Afro-American

D.C. Resident Louise King Turns 103

By Lindi Vilakazi Special to the AFRO Louise King sat comfortably in the basement of her daughter’s three-story home adorned with photographs of her family. It was a very special week for King, who is commonly addressed as Queen Louise by loved ones, because she celebrated her 103rd birthday on Jan. 31.

Born and raised in Bladen County, N.C., King -- one of six children with three brothers and two sisters -- said she is one of a few people from her hometown to have completed and earned a high school diploma.

As she grew older, King said

she left North Carolina to pursue better career and life opportunities. She moved to Washington, D.C. when she was 26 in 1940. In the District, King married George King, became a seamstress and started a family. She also had six children, including two sons and four daughters.

“She made a lot of pretty dresses for us. I remember her making my gown for my high school graduation. I still have that dress she made for me,” her daughter, Lovenia Murray, 70, told the AFRO. King lived in Southeast D.C. until 2006 when she moved with her daughter, Audrey, 76, to Upper Marlboro, Md. in Prince George’s County.

King mentored neighborhood children and would volunteer at camps provided by her church (the former New Emmanuel).

She also taught Bible study.

King worked for the church and

volunteered until her mobility became restricted in 2004 when she was 90 years-old.

“I would say take advantage of all that’s going on and all of your opportunities,” King told the AFRO. “Put God first, make your family the priority in your life, take care of your responsibilities, and take time with your children.”

In honor of her 103rd birthday, Smucker’s, the Louise King fruit spreads, ice celebrated her 103rd cream toppings, birthday on Jan. 31. syrups and peanut Courtesy photo butter manufacturer, featured King as the mother as an applicant. centennial face of Smucker’s, “She’s such a good mom,” which was also featured on Moore said. “I always tease I NBC News Channel 4. Her ain’t been such a good daughter, daughter, Vera Moore, 74, but Mom’s always been an said she decided to submit her amazing Mom.”

WASHINGTON AREA

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Vandalism Continued from D1

The damages were reported by court filings to be more than $100,000, although a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office Bill Miller told the AFRO Feb. 7 that no person has been charged with destruction of property, yet.

Miller said nine of the 230 cases have been dismissed and 63 defendants have been indicted by a grand jury.

The U.S. attorney’s office would not say why the charges were dropped, “We typically do not comment on charging decisions and have no comment on these dismissals,” Miller wrote in a statement.

Miller said his office his working with D.C. police to continue investigating the cases and reviewing evidence.

Judge Lynn Leibovitz is judging the hearings of those arrested every morning at 11 a.m. at the D.C. Superior Court.

The charge of felony rioting holds a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

A Florida man was arrested and charged with assault on a police officer while armed on Jan. 21, according to police.

Dane Powell, 30, Largo, Fl., who is White, was seen throwing a rock at police officers in the area of 12th Street and K Street, NW on Jan. 20 during the inauguration protests.

Police said Powell was able to escape officials on Jan. 20, but was identified and arrested the following day.

Police said the rock hit the helmet of the officer and knocked him unconscious.

Officers said they found Powell in front of the fifth district headquarters and arrested him.

The AFRO could not confirm the races of the 63 indicted, but observed that a small number of Blacks attended the inauguration whether in support or protest of Trump.

and influencers in those fields. A free student career fair will be provide on Feb. 10 and 11 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information or to register, visit tinyurl.com/z536frd.

Washington, D.C.

BEYA STEM Global Competitiveness Conference Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Rd, NW

Recognizing the vital importance of developing our nation’s next generation of engineers, scientists and technical professionals, the U.S. Army has renewed its support of the 31st Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) annual conference from Feb. 9-11 at the Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Rd, NW. The conference attracts the top-performing high school and HBCU students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and recognizes the top Black professionals

Homicide Count

Me First Yoga and Beyond Fundraiser Thurgood Marshall Center, 1816 12th Street, NW

Me First Yoga and Beyond is scheduled to hold a Meet and Greet fundraiser on Feb. 11 at the Thurgood Marshall Center, 1816 12th Street, NW, from 2 p.m.- 6 p.m. The fundraiser will include yoga sessions, a care demo, sample snacks and a raffle. Participation is free, but donations are encouraged. For more information, call 240-343-2584 or email andrea@mefirstyoga@gmail.com.

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Past Seven Days

3

2017 Total

11

Data as of Feb. 8

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The Afro-American, February 11, 2017 - February 17, 2017

The United States Postal Service honored activist Dorothy Height posthumously with the 40th Black Heritage Series stamp at the Cramton Auditorium at Howard University on Feb. 1. Height is considered to be one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the 20th century. She joins Black historical figures such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Carter G. Woodson and Harriet Tubman among others.

Gospel recording artist, Carter S. Anderson II sings the national anthem.

Civil rights icon and U.S. Rep., John Lewis (D-Ga.)

Wayne A.I. Frederick, president of Howard University

20th Deputy Postmaster General, Ronald A. Stroman

Crystal Iwuoha, New Ventures York Post and Saone Jones, retail manager, Capital District

CEO of New Ventures, LLC and Mistress of Ceremonies, Alexis M. Herman

Great niece of civil rights icon Dorothy Height, Naima Randolph.

Lead singer of “The Platters,� Joe Coleman, sings a song he wrote in honor of Dorothy Height.

22nd National President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd; National President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Paulette C. Walker; and 16th National President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Thelma Thomas Daley

Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Joyce Henderson; National President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Paulette C. Walker; International Parliamentarian, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Martha Perine Beard; and North Atlantic Regional Director, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Meredith Henderson

Photos by Mark Mahoney