www.afro.com
Volume 121 No. 45
June 8, 2013 - June 8, 2013, The Afro-American A1 $1.00
JUNE 15, 2013 - JUNE 21, 2013
A Royal Tribute for Rev. Harold Carter
Mayor Rawlings-Blake Won’t Sign Local Hiring Bill Bill to Go into Effect in Two Weeks By Krishana Davis AFRO Staff Writer A city council bill to mandate the hiring of Baltimore residents appears poised to take effect June 24. The measure, sponsored by City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young, will require contractors with $300,000 in city contracts or $5 million in city subsidies to hire Baltimore residents for 51 percent of all new jobs. Facing a city government legal department ruling that the measure would violate the U.S. Constitition, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has been silent about enacting
INSIDE A4
Morgan’s Veteran Engineering School Dean Celebrated
B3
June Marks Black Music Month
INSERT • Walmart
Listen to “First Edition”
afro.com
Your History • Your Community • Your News
Join Host Sean Yoes Sunday @ 8 p.m. on 88.9 WEAA FM, the Voice of the Community.
Courtesy Photo
Mayor Stephanie RawlingsBlake the measure. According to Young spokesman Lester Davis, the mayor will neither sign nor veto the bill, which cleared the council June 3. As a result, the bill takes effect, said Young, “three city
council meetings after it is approved, even without the mayor’s signature.” After the city council approved the local hiring bill on June 3, Young released a statement that he is pleased that his colleagues decided to put the needs of the Baltimore’s “unemployed” and “underemployed” residents first. “Tonight’s passage of this landmark bill represents a renewed sense of hope for the countless families who continue to struggle to pay for basic necessities,” said Young in a statement. “I look forward to working with Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake on the law’s implementation.” The bill sparked
By Joseph Green-Bishop and Larry A. McMillian Special to the AFRO
Continued on A4
Every moment of the 48 years that Pastor Harold A. Carter Sr. spent preaching to, and adoring, the people of the New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore was engagingly returned to him in abundance by thousands of mourners who came out in a torrential rain storm on June
State Center Project Stuck in Court By Zenitha Prince Special to the AFRO Development of the $1.5 billion State Center in midtown Baltimore has been stymied by litigation since a group of downtown landlords and business owners, led by Orioles owner Peter G. Angelos, filed a lawsuit in December 2010 claiming the project would create unfair competition and impair downtown’s already hobbling economy. “The lawsuit has been disappointing and surprising,” said Caroline Moore, president and CEO of Ekistics, State Center’s lead developer. The project underwent five Board of Public Works approvals and more than 200 public meetings with stakeholders since the public-private partnership deal was first conceived
under the administration of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. in 2004. “There were certainly plenty of opportunities for people to raise their hands and voice any objections,”
and business owners, said he could not comment on matters pending before the court. Since the suit was filed, however, things have been going the plaintiffs’ way. In the past two years, Circuit Court Judge Althea Handy denied the state’s motion to dismiss the case and threw out a $100 million countersuit by the state, which argued that the delay caused by the lawsuit had Andrew Scott increased the costs of said Moore. “[But] this group came construction, financing and building up after we had invested millions of maintenance. And, in January, Handy dollars and lots of time.” sided with the plaintiffs and voided Attorney Alan Rifkin, who is the project’s development contracts, representing the disgruntled landlords saying they did not adhere to state law.
“With developments of this magnitude, it is like riding a rollercoaster with a lot of ups and downs. But a good project will overcome them and push on through.” –
Founding Member of Baltimore’s ‘Goon Squad’ Passes By Alexis Taylor Special to the AFRO Baltimoreans and members of the Civil Rights Movement nationwide are mourning the death of original “Goon Squad” member, Dr. Homer Eli Favor. The economist, professor, and civil rights legend succumbed to heart disease at age 88 on June 8, but local and state leaders say his legacy is sure to be timeless. “There’s a saying that goes ‘There once were giants that walked the Earth.’ He was one of those giants,” said Carl Snowden, who now works in Annapolis as chairman of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee.
Snowden first met Favor as a teenager many years ago with an introduction by the late Congressman Parren J. Mitchell, also a founding member of the Baltimore civil rights group that came to be known as “The Goon Squad.” Their friendship would span two decades. “The kind of leadership that he and others of that era represented was a leadership that talked about needing change ‘now,’” said Snowden. “They were not willing to wait or postpone the civil rights that they were entitled to. They fought very hard and made it a front-page issue.” Snowden said he had a tremendous Continued on A6
Photo by Alexis Taylor
Join the AFRO on Twitter and Facebook
9 to say goodbye and “we love you” to a man who was considered by many one of the greatest preachers in America. Nearly every type of person, including the politically powerful and the potently poor filled the sanctuary of the church as tributes were given by people whose lives had been Photos by J.D. Howard touched by Pastor Carter. Among them was Kweisi Mfume, a former member of the United States Congress who was influenced by Pastor Carter to join the church and later become a member of a 200-voice choir that sang during Pastor Carter’s final service. “Pastor Carter helped to change my life,” said Mfume, who before becoming the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus,
Lalit H. Gadhia, Dr. Homer Favor and O. Patrick Scott, discuss the Goon Squad at a February event at the University of Baltimore.
Continued on A4
Despite the obstacles—if Handy’s decision is upheld, the plan will have to be reconfigured—state officials remain hopeful that the project will come to fruition. “With developments of this magnitude, it is like riding a rollercoaster with a lot of ups and downs. But a good project will overcome them and push on through,” said Andrew Scott, director of the Office of Real Estate with the Maryland Department of Transportation, which is overseeing the midtown overhaul. The design for the mixed-use, 28acre development received an award for excellence in urban, sustainable design, for its inclusivity and transitoriented, “green” design. Under the plan, the state would Continued on A6
Fathers and Sons Opine About Dads’ Day By Zachary Lester AFRO Staff Writer
dynamic relationships, each one dependent on the other for purpose and strength,” said Dr. Alvin Thornton, associate provost for Academic Affairs at Howard University, nationally known for
NAACP President and CEO Benjamin T. Jealous has two little children. Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III has a son and two daughters. Rev. Derren A. Thompson, a Chesapeake Bay-area clergyman, has two sons. Each has achieved a high level of success and each said that being a father has been the icing on the cake. As Father’s Day approaches on June Dr. Alvin Thornton and his daughters 16, men, women and children across the nation his education reform work in Prince are contemplating the meaning Geoge’s County and Maryland. of fatherhood. Though Father’s “Fatherhood must be grounded in Day doesn’t create the same giftrespect and love for the extended giving frenzy of Mother’s Day, the family unit and the mother of the celebration does, none the less, offer children.” families a formal opportunity to Thornton, who has worked for thank the men whose traditional role more than 25 years to improve the is to protect and guide us. plight of children and young adults, “Fatherhood is a series of Continued on A6
Copyright © 2013 by the Afro-American Company
A2
The Afro-American, June 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013
NATION & WORLD
Black Republican Beauty Queen Seeks House Seat
A former Miss America now wants a seat in Congress. Erika Harold, Miss America 2003, announced June 4 she’s running for an Illinois House seat and is challenging freshman Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) in next year’s GOP primary. The 33-year-old said her candidacy challenges many stereotypes about what it means to be a Republican. “A lot of people share conservative principles but don’t vote for Republican candidates because they have a certain idea of who those people are,” Harold told
Your History • Your Community • Your News
The Afro-American Newspapers
Baltimore Office • Corporate Headquarters 2519 N. Charles Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218-4602 410-554-8200 • Fax: 1-877-570-9297 www.afro.com Founded by John Henry Murphy Sr., August 13, 1892 Washington Publisher Emerita - Frances L. Murphy II Chairman of the Board/Publisher - John J. Oliver, Jr. Executive Assistant - Takiea Hinton - 410-554-8222 Receptionist - Wanda Pearson - 410-554-8200 Director of Development & Sponsorships Susan Gould - 410-554-8289- sgould@afro.com Director of Advertising Lenora Howze - 410-554-8271 - lhowze@afro.com Baltimore Advertising Manager Robert Blount - 410-554-8246 - rblount@afro.com Advertising Account Executive - Marquise Goodwin - 410-554-8274 Director of Finance - Jack Leister - 410-554-8242 Archivist - Ja-Zette Marshburn - 410-554-8265 Director, Community & Public Relations Diane W. Hocker - 410-554-8243 Editorial Executive Editor - Avis Thomas-Lester Editor - Dorothy Boulware News Editor - Gregory Dale Production Department - 410-554-8288 Global Markets Director - Benjamin M. Phillips IV - 410-554-8220 - bphillips@afro.com Baltimore Circulation/Distribution Manager Sammy Graham - 410-554-8266
Washington Office 1917 Benning Road, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002-4723 202-332-0080 • Fax: 1-877-570-9297 General Manager Washington Circulation/Distribution Manager Edgar Brookins - 202-332-0080, ext. 116 Director of Advertising Lenora Howze - ext. 119 - lhowze@afro.com Office Administrator - Mia Hayes-Hawkins - ext. 112
Customer Service, Home Delivery and Subscriptions: 410-554-8234 • Customer Service@afro.com Billing Inquiries: 410-554-8226 Nights and Weekends: 410-554-8282
CBSNews.com after her announcement. “I’m AfricanAmerican, I’m relatively young and I’m a woman. I’m the kind of person who can defy those stereotypes and share what our party is really about.” Since Republican senator and presidential candidate Barry Goldwater voted against the 1964 Civil Rights Act—which his opponent, Democratic incumbent Lyndon Johnson supported—the GOP has lost its traditional support from African Americans. And the GOP’s recent takeover by tea party activists and other conservatives have led some to label the party as racist and bigoted. With the party’s recent trouncing in the 2012 presidential elections, in which Hispanics and Blacks overwhelmingly voted for Twitter.com Democrat Erika Harold Barack Obama, Republicans officials are seeking to redefine the party as being more inclusive. Candidates such as Harold are part of that new image. A Harvard Law School graduate, Harold is an attorney in Champaign, Ill., where she moved after working at a law firm in Chicago, according to CBSNews. And while the former beauty queen hasn’t held public office, she is no stranger to politics—she was a 2004 convention delegate for President George W. Bush and was the youth director for Patrick O’Malley, a Republican gubernatorial candidate in 2002.
in just ahead of Baltimore schoolboy star Carmelo Anthony. The New York Knick came in at number 25 with $19.5 million in salary and $8.5 million in endorsements. Lakers center Dwight Howard is number 29 with $19.5 million in salary and $7 million in endorsements. Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice ranked 34 as the highest paid African American on a Baltimore team with $24.2 million in salary and $1.6 million in endorsements. Serena Williams was number 68 with $8.5 million in winnings and $12 million in endorsements.
Black Athletes Score Big Among Forbes’ List of 100 Top Earners in Sports
Tiger Woods
African American athletes, including several from Baltimore, are among the top 34 earners on the Forbes list of the world’s 100 highest paid athletes. The magazine’s annual list compiles the athletes’ earnings from salary or winnings and endorsements since last June. The list does not include agent fees, taxes or investment gains or losses. At the top of the list is golf’s Tiger Woods who earned just over $78 million from $13.1 million in tournament prizes and $65 million in endorsements. Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is the highest earner among pro basketball players at number three with $61.9 million from $27.9 million in salary and $34 million in endorsements. National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar LeBron James is number four with $59.8 million in earnings from $17 million in salary and $42 million in endorsements. Although he spent the just-concluding 2012-13 season recovering from a knee injury, Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose, ranked number 12, made $16.1 million in salary and $21 million from endorsements. Boxer Floyd Mayweather slid to number 15 from the number one spot in 2012 with no endorsement earnings, according to the magazine, and $34 million from a single bout in the last year. His next fight is scheduled for Sept. 14. NBA forward Kevin Durant is number 17 with $16.9 million in salary and $14 in endorsements. Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade came in at number 23 with $17.4 million in salary and $11.5 million in endorsements With a $3 million edge in endorsements, Wade came
Wikimedia Commons
NPR: Most Blacks Are Satisfied with Their Lives Overall
National Public Radio and social researchers say that while most Blacks have obvious concerns about the future, they are satisfied with their lives overall. The study, released on June 4, was created from a poll by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Harvard School of Public Health surveying more than 1,000 African Americans. Over half of Blacks say their lives have gotten better in recent years, according to the study and 86 percent reported to be satisfied Wikimedia Commons with their overall lives. Even though the unemployment rate in America for Blacks rose to 13.5 percent in May 2013, according to the federal Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the poll shows nearly 60 percent believe they will achieve the “American Dream” of financial security and home ownership. Unlike many other reports in recent years stating that Black women feel there is a lack of Black men looking for romantic partners, the NPR study shows 43 percent of Black men were looking for long-term relationships as opposed to only 25 percent of Black women. The report goes on to critique Blacks perception of their children’s school system, their living conditions, religion, financial status, personal healthcare and a variety of other issues. In a article published by NPR, Robert Blendon, professor of public health at Harvard, said the report is contradictory to other studies of life perception during a tough economic climate. He said traditionally, people are less optimistic about their lives during financial strife. Findings from the study give way to a new series on NPR “The View From Black America,” detailing the plight of Blacks and their perceptions of themselves in the everchanging America.
June 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013, The Afro-American
Baltimorean Receives Arc’s ‘Foster Parent of the Year’ Award
Baltimore resident Jane Lawson was recently honored by The Arc Baltimore as “Foster Parent of the Year.” The award is presented annually by The Arc to a foster family that demonstrates an outstanding ability to provide an environment that meets the physical, emotional and developmental needs of a child. Jane has been a licensed foster parent since 1996. According to Arc, she has welcomed Jane Lawson numerous children in her home since that time and has provided them with love and care.
Joe Madison Elected to American Red Cross’ Board of Governors Sirius XM Radio personality Joe Madison was recently elected to the American Red Cross’ Board of Governors. Additional honorees also elected to the board include Afsaneh M. Beschloss, Jon M. Huntsman Sr. and Tina M. Schiel. “We welcome these extraordinary individuals to the board of governors,” Red Cross chairman Bonnie McElveen-Hunter said in a statement. “They are talented and respected community and business leaders who are committed to helping others. Together, we will ensure the American Red Cross can carry out its great humanitarian mission and is there for families and individuals across
Joe Madison the country and around the world in their hour of greatest need.” The Red Cross’ Board of Governors is responsible for overseeing the business and affairs of the organization. The new board members were elected for three-year terms by delegates from local Red Cross chapters and blood regions across the country at the annual meeting of the Red Cross held on May 22. The board now has 20 governors.
Prince George’s County Resident Named AT&T’s Mid Atlantic Director of External Affairs Prince George’s County resident LaTara Harris was named AT&T’s new regional director of external affairs for
PEOPLE AT&T in the Mid Atlantic. She will focus on local legislative and regulatory affairs in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. She joins AT&T after more than ten years with the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education, where she held a variety of senior roles including director of partnerships and outreach. Earlier in her career, she was finance manager for a major managementLaTara Harris consulting firm and an accountant for a local nonprofit organization. Harris also is active in her community. She serves on the board of The Living Legacy Foundation and is a member of the Prince George’s Public Schools Business Advisory Council. She also serves on the board of visitors of Coppin State University. She is an alumna of the Greater Baltimore Committee’s prestigious Leadership program. In 2010, Harris was honored for her contributions to her community and for her professional success. She received the Maryland Daily Record’s “2010 VIP Successful by 40” award, the Toastmasters International Communications Achievement Award, and the National Association of Health Services Executive Community Engagement Award.
A3
“LaTara has the perfect background for her new role – a strong grasp of public policy issues, a history of service to her community, and a great record of building partnerships across the region,” J. Michael Schweder, president, AT&T Mid Atlantic said in a statement. “We are thrilled to have LaTara on our team.” “AT&T is a great corporate citizen that has kept our sport-utility vehicle sought By Alan King communities connected for more than 100 years,” Harris saidinin connection with the murder of AFRO Staff Writer a statement. “I’m looking forwardHudson’s to the new challenges on the mother and brother. horizon andHudson to helping its white, goals for itsChevrolet customers The 1994 Jennifer andAT&T other achieve Suburban with Illinois license relatives positively identified and employees in the region.” Harris earned her undergraduate degree from Bowie State University and her MBA from the University of Maryland, University College.
Jennifer Hudson and Rel
Courtesy Photos
Jennifer Hudson and her mom, Darnell Donerson who was killed, as well as her brother, Jason. the body of her 7-year-old nephew Monday, just hours after his body was found in a
plate X584859 was found on Chicago’s West Side after police received a 7 a.m. call
from a cious v the ve dog. A Tribun multip of the tered t brothe boy’s proces cians a was la the Co Exami Hu memb Exami noon t Given ing dir viewin
“She
video the lat Tribun that’s
ACORN Fights Back
Leader Calls Voter Registration Fraud Charge By Alan King AFRO Staff Writer Presidential candidate John McCain’s attack on ACORN – Associated Community Organization for Reform Now – confirms the success of the organization, the head of the group says. “This is testimony to the work we’ve done and success we’ve had,” Maude Hurd, president of ACORN, said in an interview with the AFRO. “When this attack started, we had just announced that we had registered 1.3 million new voters,” she said. “That’s just to say that someone’s running scared because of ACORN’s success.” McCain, who is running for president on the Republican ticket, lashed out at ACORN in the final debate against Barack Obama, contending the group “is on the verge of maybe perpetrating one of the greatest frauds in voter history in this country, maybe destroying the fabric of democracy.” Factcheck.org, a non-partisan Web site, found those claims to be “exaggerated,” with “no evidence of any such democracydestroying fraud.” Hurd believes the McCain charges were politically motivated. She said, “Because it’s lowand moderate-income people, and people of color, I believe the McCain campaign thinks those voters are going to vote Democratic, which is not necessarily true.” ACORN is no stranger to controversy. For 38 years, the non-partisan organization has fought for social and economic justice for lowand moderate-income Americans. With 400,000 member families organized into more than 1,200 neighborhood chapters in 110 cities nationwide, ACORN has over the years seen its share of criticism while advocating for affordable housing, living wages, healthcare for the underserved— and while organizing voter registration drives. But none has been as withering and baseless as this one. With the presidential election less than two weeks away, ACORN’s detractors allege the organization has engaged in massive voter registration fraud after the reported discovery of bogus names, such as Mickey Mouse
and Dallas Cowboys players Tony Romo and Terrell Owens, among the names submitted to election officials. Hurd said those workers, who were doing those things without ACORN’s knowledge or permission, were fired. “The evidence that has surfaced so far shows they faked forms to get paid for work they didn’t do, not to stuff ballot boxes.” ACORN, she said, is the victim of fraud, not the perpetrator of it. Hurd said the only things bogus are the charges themselves. And factcheck. org agrees. It concluded, “Neither ACORN nor its employees have been found guilty of, or even charged with, casting fraudulent votes.” The problem came about primarily because of the way ACORN operates. Rather than rely on volunteers, it pays people, many of them poor or unemployed, to sign up new voters. The idea was to help both those being registered and those doing the registration. Maud explained, “We have a zero tolerance policy for deliberate falsification of registration.” Most news account neglect to point out that ACORN is required by law to turn in all registration forms. And they also fail to note that it was the organization, in many instances, that first brought the phony registrations to the attention of authorities. The McCain camp apparently isn’t interested in those fine points, preferring to air misleading ads that seek to link Obama to ACORN, thereby undercutting his political support. McCain: I’m John McCain and I approve this message. Announcer: Who is Barack Obama? A man with “a political baptism performed at warp speed.” Vast ambition. After college, he moved to Chicago. Became a community organizer. There, Obama met Madeleine Talbot, part of the Chicago branch of ACORN. He was so impressive that he was asked to train the ACORN staff. What did ACORN in Chicago engage in? Bullying banks. Intimidation tactics. Disruption of business. ACORN forced banks to issue risky home loans. The same types of loans that caused the financial crisis we’re in today.
Identification Statements Baltimore Afro-American — (USPS 040-800) is published weekly by The Afro-American Newspapers, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602. Subscription Rate: Baltimore - 1 Year - $40.00 (Price includes tax.) Checks for subscriptions should be made payable to: The Afro-American Newspaper Company, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602. Periodicals postage paid at Baltimore, MD. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to: The Afro-American Newspaper Company, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602. The Washington Afro-American & Washington Tribune — (0276-6523) is published weekly by the Afro-American Newspapers at 1917 Benning Road, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002-4723. Subscription Rate: Washington - 1 Year - $40.00. Periodical Postage paid at Washington, D.C. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to: The Washington Afro-American & Washington Tribune, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602.
No wo trying group, Never But Ob long a for AC him fo But no Rep 11 inve countr potenti forms. Ann fraud. paid m ACOR efforts. Pressu loans. Barack Blind a Americ
Sin ACOR bomba racist m The debate organiz offices After a appear sent to “is goi A work receive ing, “W at 9” a Ac messag machin calling Barack hung. H nigger, (explet fraudu hell. A They’r eys, th nated, Ano liberal deleted guys ju come t every n and ma all you up the one els bills fo your k move. Forget bills fo it. You hope y Hur cease s “In attacks will be name b becaus the las But deterre “W long ti the rig income countr going econom nities.”
A2 A4
The Afro-American, June 15, 8, 2013 2013- -June June8,21, 2013 2013
UM Law Dean Phoebe Haddon Steps Down By Alex Likowski University of Maryland Special to the AFRO Dean Phoebe A. Haddon, JD, LLM, announced to faculty at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law June 7 that she has informed University of Maryland, Baltimore President Jay A. Perman, MD, that she will not seek a renewal of her current contract. She plans to step down as dean at the end of the 2013 - 2014 academic year. After a sabbatical to focus on a research project on contemporary challenges in
legal education, she will return to the Maryland law faculty and to teaching. In making her announcement, Haddon expressed appreciation for the support of the law school’s faculty, staff, students and alumni, as well as her optimism for the future. “I truly believe that many opportunities lie ahead of us and that this institution is full of talented, committed people to take advantage of them,” she says. Haddon is most widely recognized for her leadership in securing a gift of $30 million to the law school from the W. P. Carey
Foundation. The Carey gift is the largest in the School’s history, one of the top 10 gifts to any law school, public or private, and one of the largest in the history of the University System of Maryland (USM). The gift was made by the late William Polk Carey and his brother Frank in honor of their grandfather, a Baltimore civic leader and 1880 alumnus. The school was renamed the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law in his honor. The first $15 million of the Carey gift was a capstone to the law school’s successful Making an Impact campaign, which Dean
Haddon brought to completion in 2011, exceeding its $50 million goal with more than $69 million raised. In sharing the news with the campus community, President Perman said, “Dean Haddon’s leadership in securing this transformative naming gift will leave a mark on the legal profession and this university for generations to come. Dean Haddon is a deeply thoughtful leader and a staunch advocate for legal education. She has taught me much on these issues and I have deeply valued her counsel.” The Carey gift and Making an
Impact campaign greatly increased support for faculty research and scholarship, providing critical new resources to recruit and retain an outstanding law faculty. “Dean Haddon is deeply committed to the scholarly enterprise and the faculty’s important role in analyzing and improving law and public policy,” said Michael Van Alstine, JD, MJurComp, DrJur, professor of law, who chaired the search committee that had recruited Dean Haddon. During her tenure, Haddon increased scholarships for students and worked to limit tuition increases.
Morgan’s Veteran Engineering School Dean Celebrated By Blair Adams Special to the AFRO On June 1, Morgan State University engineering school dean was the object of affection at the Baltimore Hyatt recently. To a casual observer, it looked the eating, drinking and speechmaking was for Eugene DeLoatch’s retirement party. But it wasn’t that at all. He was being cited by the Career Communications Group for staying at the job of producing engineers. “I hope I still have life in me, when my
retirement becomes official,” DeLoatch told the AFRO. He said, “I was humbled and felt very good about the honor.” CCG produces Black Engineer Magazine, Hispanic Engineer Magazine and the Black Engineer of the Year Awards, and founded by Tyrone Taborn. DeLoatch, 77, began his career at MSU twenty-nine years ago when he founded the Clarence M. Mitchell Jr., School of Engineering in 1984. Since then, he has spent his time producing the people who shape infrastructure. “I’m a part of a larger team that makes up
the school of engineering,” he said. Prior to joining MSU, he spent twentyfour years of his career at Howard University, in Washington, D.C. While at Howard, for nine years, he served as the chairman of the Department of Electrical Engineering. DeLoatch simultaneously held several other key positions, including the American Society of Engineering Education, where he was the first African American at the helm. He is a member and secretary of the board of directors of the Technology and Economic Development Corporation of Maryland, a member of the Board of the Journal of Engineering Education, Chairman of the Council of Dean’s of Engineering of the Historically Black College and Universities and co-founder of the Annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards
program. DeLoatch earned his undergraduate degrees in mathematics and electrical engineering, which he earned dual degrees from Tougaloo College in Mississippi and Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. He also holds a M.S.E.E and a doctorate in bioengineering from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute in New York. “When I got out of school, there were only a few African Americans in engineering,” said DeLoatch. He said, “I was motivated to get into the university aspect of engineering to get the word out there to aspiring engineers.” He encourages people to do what they love to do. “I tell people to do what you like and things will fall in place.” As of now, DeLoatch is “not retiring” and plans to continue to the ranks of engineers.
Staying Alive Health Festival
Courtesy Photo
Dr. Eugene DeLoatch, Dr. David Wilson and Dr. Tyrone Taborn, Career Communications Group.
Rev. Harold Carter Continued from A1
was a member of street life in Baltimore. “He helped me to see things from a spiritual perspective. I fell heir to his life and his legacy.” Rep. Elijah Cummings, a close friend of Pastor Carter’s for more than 25 years, greeted Pastor Carter’s family prior to the service that began at 11 a.m. and concluded just moments before 4 p.m. “He was a remarkable individual whose work touched so many people,” said Cummings. “He devoted his life to serving God, and to those who God loved. It was a blessing to have known him.” Gov. Martin O’Malley said he admired Pastor Carter for his commitment to his faith and his abundant works. “He built not only a church, but a home for senior citizens,”
O’Malley said. “He was a man who believed in the cross. He sought the deeper things of God. He gave his life to changing Baltimore,” he said as Sen. Ben Cardin, former Sen. Paul Sarbanes and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown nodded their heads in agreement. Some of the country’s must influential faith leaders such as the Reverends Charles Booth, H. Beecher Hicks, John Bryant, Walter S. Thomas, Charles Adams and Alfred Vaughn paid tribute to Pastor Carter. One by one they stood in the pulpit where he had stood and revealed how he had impacted their lives. “I loved him as a father,” said Rev. Booth. “A royal prince has fallen.” Bishop Thomas said
The Pi Omega Chapter Charm City Ques are hosting the Staying Alive Health Festival, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 15, at the Omega Center, 2003 Presbury Street. The Omega’s encourage all men in the Baltimore area to take advantage of the FREE PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING being held in conjunction with the Staying Alive Health Festival. Thinking about prostate cancer is not pleasant, but not thinking about it has cost thousands of men their lives. This year alone, more than 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 30,000 men will die needlessly from this disease. The earlier prostate cancer is caught, the more likely it can be cured, and the more likely you will be around longer for your loved ones and friends—and to enjoy a healthy life. Women can take advantage of Komen Breast Health Seminars also taking place at the Staying Alive Health Festival. The first 100 men screened for prostate cancer receive a free bag of groceries. “Pastor Carter caused me to fall in love with Jesus.” Rev. Vaughn added that his friend of 55 years lived a “life graced by God with the gift of giving.” Sherry Hunt, perhaps one of the finest singers Baltimore has ever produced, having studied under Pastor Carter’s late brother, Nathan, at Morgan State University, sang “May the work I’ve done speak for me,” in tribute to her pastor as the church erupted in joyous praise, with only those unable to stand not on their feet. Howard Lyles, who was chosen by Pastor Carter to head New Shiloh’s daily 6 a.m. prayer service in 1990, said he felt as if he had lost a brother. “He gave us
everything that he had,” said Lyles. “We will never be the same.” Lyles’ sentiments were echoed by Deacon Calvin Phillips, perhaps one of Pastor Carter’s closest and longest friends in the New Shiloh congregation. “His passing has not hit me yet,” said Phillips. “I am still waiting for him to walk through the doors of the church.” The eulogy was preached by the Rev. Harold Carter Jr., who spoke of his father’s last days and final breaths. “ ‘It’s okay,’ I said to my father while witnessing him in pain. Daddy, we will all join you in heaven one day,” he said as the church roared its approval.
See photos on B4.
Local Hiring Bill Continued from A1
controversy in January when the Baltimore City Law Department issued a statement questioning the constitutionality of the bill, stating it violated the Privileges and Immunities Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The clause bars government policy that directs or encourages preferences based on residency in a city and states that discrimination against workers based on residence would only survive scrutiny if the court found that non-residents were the cause of the local unemployment rate. Baltimore City Solicitor George Nilson said there are other mandates the city could propose that would be effective in promoting citywide employment within the scope of the constitution. He said he proposed a preference in favor of lower income employees or people at or below the poverty line. Minority contractors associations also raised questions on how subcontractors would be affected by the legislation since small businesses often bid for subcontracts often based on their ability to ramp up their workforce. If they are also subject to the local hiring bill, they may not be able to compete for those contracts. According to a provision in the bill, which was insisted upon by the Rawlings-Blake, the measure will not go into effect until six months after it is initiated. Brian Freeman, communications director for the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED), said the sixmonth provision gives the city time to create the forms needed to implement the bill.
June 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013, The Afro-American
A5
HEALTH
Howard, TNIBioTech Partner to Test Drugs in Africa By AFRO Staff Howard University and TNI BioTech, a leading immunotherapy medication maker, are working jointly to develop new drugs in Africa. Under a multi-year agreement between the HBCU and the Bethesda, Md.-based biotechnology company, the effort is designed to develop immunotherapy medications to treat patients with chronic diseases including HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s Disease as well as provide affordable health care in Africa, the university said in a statement. “We are very excited about the opportunity to collaborate with TNI BioTech to develop medications that may be effective in the treatment of HIV/ AIDS, cancer and other disorders,” College of Pharmacy Dean and Professor Anthony Wutoh said. “We look forward
to partnering further to provide our expertise in drug manufacturing, conduct of clinical trials and regulatory training for pharmaceutical development. “We are especially pleased to provide support to assist nations in Africa and underscore our ongoing commitment to the development of people in Africa and throughout the African Diaspora.” According to Joseph Fortunak, associate professor of chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences in the Howard University Department of Chemistry and the College of Pharmacy and leader of the project, the chief target of the research is the development of new and commercial delivery forms of low dose Naltrexone in the form of oral capsules and tablets and topical creams, along with developing commercial forms of Met-Enkephalin (MENK). Naltrexone is a drug used to help people who have stopped
Autism Often Goes Undetected in Black Kids
Where does all this salt come from? How can I learn to control my blood pressure and sodium intake?
By Freddie Allen NNPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Areva Martin watched her youngest child play with growing concern. Marty was almost 18 months old and he didn’t play like other kids his age. Instead of racing toy cars on a track or across the floor, Marty would organize them in lines. He did the same thing with crayons. Instead of scribbling on paper or trying to color, he would just line them up. Marty played obsessively with random objects that he would find around the house: a house shoe, a cup, or a spoon would consume hours of playtime. But Martin, a lawyer living in Los Angeles, was most concerned about his speech. “The first thing that came to my mind was, ‘This kid isn’t speaking, so let’s get him to a speech therapist,’” she said. After several months with a speech therapist, and no signs of improvement, Martin took her son to a developmental pediatrician. That’s when she learned that Marty was autistic. “I knew very little about autism. I wasn’t even thinking about autism,” said Martin. “It wasn’t even a word in my vocabulary.” Martin was devastated when she got the news, but then the lawyer in her kicked in. Martin needed to fix the problem, to get her a cure as soon as possible, but the mother of three quickly learned that there is no cure for autism and researchers are still working on what causes the developmental disorder. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines autism spectral disorders (ASD) as “a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.” Children with autism spectral disorders can progress normally, then start losing skills or stop learning new ones. Other signs of ASD include delayed speech and language skills, flapping hands, or spinning in circles. Some toddlers won’t point at things or respond when their names are called. The CDC reported that 1 in 88 children were diagnosed with autism in 2008. According to a CDC study, 1 in 98 Black children
drinking alcohol and using opiates like heroin to continue to avoid drinking or using drugs, the university’s May 22 said. According to TNI BioTech officials, a low-dose version of Naltrexone applied in combination with MENK could help in treating various diseases, while Naltrexone could be effective in treating HIV/AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease and other autoimmune diseases. The college will help conduct clinical trials for the drugs in multiple African nations, too. The college is already engaged in pharmaceutical research in Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Rwanda. If the trials prove effective, the drugs will be manufactured by College of Pharmacy’s Center for Drug Research and Development after clearing regulatory hurdles. TNI BioTech will also help the college find money to upgrade its Center for Drug Research. With a new stream of funding, the College of Pharmacy would be able to expand its operations to students worldwide, the university said.
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is increasing awareness of sodium and the “Salty Six” – common foods that may be loaded with excess sodium that can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. The “Salty-Six” are breads, cured meats and cold cuts, pizza, poultry, soups and sandwiches. It is also important to note that some over the counter and prescription medications have salt in them too. So make sure you make wise choices.
GettyImages
The CDC reported that 1 in 88 children were diagnosed with autism in 2008. were diagnosed with ASD compared to 1 in 83 White children. Between 2002 and 2008, Black children experienced a 91 percent increase in ASD diagnoses, compared to a 70 percent increase in ASD diagnoses for White children. Researchers have found that minority children are often diagnosed much later. Marty was diagnosed at 2 years-old, but most Black children lag behind their peers when it comes to early intervention for ASDs. Cultural differences can also have an impact on when and if minorities get the right treatment. “There’s a hesitation in our community to talk openly about mental health issues and developmental disabilities and autism was no different,” said Martin. Landa co-authored a 2012 paper, titled “Differences in Autism Symptoms Between Minority and Non-Minority Toddlers,” based on her research. The paper reported that: “When minority children eventually diagnosed with ASD see health-care professionals, they are more likely to receive a diagnosis other than autism.” Black children who presented with signs of ASD, “were usually diagnosed with ADHD, conduct disorder, or adjustment disorder on their first specialty health-care visit.” Alycia Halladay, senior director of environmental and
clinical sciences for Autism Speaks, an autism science and advocacy group, said that children with autism from minority communities aren’t being recognized quickly enough. Autism Speaks recently launched an advertising campaign, in an effort to increase awareness of autism in minority communities. Working with the Ad Council, Autism Speaks distributed advertising program kits and PSAs to more than 30,000 media outlets. According to the group, a similar campaign geared towards a general audience was successful with increasing awareness about autism. Martin said that she’s glad to see that Autism Speaks launched the campaign for minorities, but she wonders if the ads will hit their target. Shortly after her son’s diagnosis, Martin discovered a lack of access to resources and education for children and parents living with autism tailored to fit the needs of low-income and minority communities. In 2005, she founded the Special Needs Network to fill that void. “What we need to do now is empower parents to be their child’s advocate to let them know where to go for information and how to find the navigators in their community,” said Landa. As one of those navigators, Martin knows that autism awareness often competes with myriad issues
affecting poor and minority families. “Autism is only one issue. When you’re serving lowincome and underserved communities they’re dealing with transportation, housing, employment so, many other issues,” said Martin. “Autism just becomes one of a lot of issues that a family is dealing with. It has to be a very coordinated strategy to reach that family and get to that child.” Martin continued: “For many parents, when they get the diagnosis they feel that in some ways it’s a death sentence. It’s not, there’s hope.”
“We encourage everyone to join our free Get to Goal program today. Knowledge is power and you can work with our health coaches to get your blood pressure in check. Know your risk factors, talk to your doctor, and take charge of your heart health!” – Dr. Zayd A. Eldadah, Close the Gap Champion.
To enroll in Get to Goal, please visit www.heart360.org/gettogoal-baltimore The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association High Blood Pressure Program is supported in part by Boston Scientific through their Close the Gap initiative and locally supported by Johns Hopkins Medicine
A6
The Afro-American, June 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013
June 8, 2013 - June 8, 2013, The Afro-American
A3
Fathers and Sons Opine About Dads’ Day
Continued from A1
said fathers should take the role seriously. “Fatherhood must be child-centered and a source of personal discipline that allows the investment of time and resources in the children,” he said. “Fatherhood must also be a source of awareness among the children of their cultural mandates: their past, current obligations and role in the future.” Frank Malone, founder of 100 Fathers, Inc., a District of Columbia-based privately-funded non-profit whose mission is to help fathers be effective in parenting their children, said the importance of the role of fathers is often undervalued. He said that is especially true among African American families, where the father is often absent. “There is a difference between a mother and a father and though the mother has a certain role to play, a mother cannot be a father,” he said. “They will try to be a father, but they can’t. Men bring a strength that women don’t. Men discipline in a way that is final… Risk-taking behavior and Frank Malone and family some of the other problems that children face can be controlled when a father is involved.” He said girls benefit from a positive relationship with a father when they seek to establish their own relationships. “Girls who don’t have a positive relationship with a father will love the first man who pays her any attention,” he said. “She needed a male presence to understand what it is to be loved by a man.” While women raise children alone frequently who grow up to be happy and productive citizens, studies suggest that boys and girls who grow up with a positive father figure may have an advantage. According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, positive father relationships can influence everything from academic success to health. “According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 24 million children in America—one out of three—live in biological father-absent homes,” the organization’s website, www.fatherhood.org, said. “Consequently, there is a ‘father factor’ in nearly all of the social issues facing America today.” Children raised in homes without fathers, according to fatherhood.org, are more likely to be poor, show aggression, engage in delinquent behavior, face incarceration, become teen parents, suffer abuse and neglect, abuse drugs and alcohol or become obese. Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, has a portrait of his late father, Rushern Baker, Jr., hanging in his office. It was painted by his son, Rushern IV, a professional artist. It serves as a reminder of the gifts his father, a retired soldier, gave to him and inspires him to be a good father to his son and daughters, Baker said. “I’m Cory McCray and his daughters
State Center Project
Continued from A1
lease the land to the developer, who would, over 15 years, enliven the area. The planning process brought the surrounding communities together in an unprecedented way, officials said. “I’ve never seen nine neighborhoods come together as they did and embrace a shared vision for change. The level of involvement was unbelievable,” Moore, the developer, said. Local support was buoyed by the plan’s purported benefits which include more than 5,000 new jobs and almost 5,000 indirect jobs; millions in new tax revenue for the city; easy access to retail stores, including a supermarket, and other services; and the boost to minority businesses—the developer has committed to 35 percent MBE participation. But community enthusiasm is flagging, said the Rev. Alvin Hathaway Sr., pastor of Union Baptist Church. He championed State Center. “The energy in the community is being dissipated by this long drawn-out process,” he told the AFRO. “…. It is tough to hold on when you have no sense of how long you will have to wait.”
doubly blessed to be able to look at a picture of my dad that my son painted,” he said. “I get to be reminded of someone who was a hero to me and believed in me, even during times when he had the right not to…Father’s Day gives me a chance to tell my children stories about the wonderful influence he was on my life…from his work ethic to the way he treated people.” Fathers speak out about what the role means to them: “When my little girls, Kennedy and Reagan, entered this world, the true meaning of life was defined for me. My decision-making became centered around protecting and ensuring a better future for my children and all children of Baltimore City. “ Cory V. McCray, Baltimore Activist, board chair of the Young Trade Unionists * “The best thing about being a father is knowing that when the world kicks my tail, and situations are not kind, I can come
walking down the stairs behind one of my daughters—I have three, and one son, ages 8 to 16. I was tired, and she was goofing around, you know, like kids do, doing all this stupid stuff on the stairs. And I was thinking, ‘Please just go down the stairs and let’s get you to bed. It’s after your bedtime. I’ve had enough for one day.’ And then I sort of caught myself. I snapped out of it. I was like, ‘Dude, you should be dancing down the stairs behind her!’” Forest Whitaker, actor/director ‘Esquire’ in 1997 * “The way young people think, you want to think like them so they teach you a lot. Having a child teaches you so much,” Russell Simmons, entertainment mogul In his book “Super Rich: A Guide to Having It All” * “Fatherhood means a great deal to me. I love it. To me, there ain’t nothing better, because your kids keep it real with you. When you think things are bad, you look at them and they show you how things could be all right, and it’s all worth it.” Martin Lawrence, actor/comedian On Searchquotes.com * “As fathers, we need to be involved in our children’s lives not just when it’s convenient or easy, and not just when they’re doing well— but when it’s difficult and thankless, and they’re struggling. That is when they need us most.” President Obama On The Obama family Goodmenproject.com
Derren Thompson and sons Derren Jr. and Darius
* “Fatherhood is listening, laughing and learning together.” Ben Jealous, NAACP president and CEO * “When you have a good mother and no father, God kind of sits in. It’s not enough, but it helps.” Dick Gregory, activist On Brainyquote.com
home to my two sons and I am the king in their eyes. I am their hero, just being Dad. Knowing that makes going through what I need to go through all worth it. I love these two guys, Derren Jr., and Darius.” Ben Jealous and his Rev. Derren A. Thompson, Edgewood, Md. daughter Pastor of More Than Conquerors Worship Center * “My father wasn’t around when I was a kid, and I used to always say, ‘Why me? Why don’t I have a father? Continued from A1 Why isn’t he around? Why respect for Favor and the men of that native and CEO of Leaders of a Beautiful did he leave my mother?’ But generation, people who, he said, put their Struggle, a local community organization the as I got older I looked deeper words into action. advocates education and job opportunities for and thought, ‘I don’t know “They could have done what many people youth of color. what my father was going of their economic plight did, which was “He said we needed to mentor the younger through, but if he was around nothing. Instead, they were cut from a different leaders and put them in positions of power.” all the time, would I be who I cloth and felt the need to bring about sure Jackson told the AFRO he believed that am today?’” change in America.” “one of the tragedies of Baltimore’s leadership LeBron James, NBA Dr. Ray Winbush, director of the Institute is that we don’t know about people like Dr. player for Urban Research at Morgan State Favor until they have passed.” On Brainyquote.com University, described Favor as a perfected “They are the ones that laid the groundwork * blend of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm for us and he helped form my perspective of “Every day I’m proud to X. leadership,” he said. “Nothing that we are be a dad. When you have kids, Favor founded the institute in 1978 and was doing is new and there are no new models- just there’s no such thing as quality known for executing what he talked about in resources to use and add to the work that they time. There’s just time. There’s his writings and on his radio show on WOLB did.” no, ‘Ooh, his graduation’s and in television appearances. President of the Maryland State Conference better than going to the mall.’ “He saw no barriers between himself as a NAACP Gerald Stansbury became familiar It’s all kind of equal. Changing scholar and the community that he advocated with Favor’s work in the late 1960s and when her diaper and her winning a for,” said Winbush. he was a student at Morgan State College. contest—it’s all good.” “He merged the tactics of King with those “He definitely had a major impact on Chris Rock, comedian of Malcolm X. It seems that people see that as Baltimore,” said Stansbury. “He was such an ‘Good Housekeeping’ a dichotomy, but Dr. Favor didn’t. interview He put together the ideas of self* pride and self-defense with those “The other night, I was of building coalitions like Dr. King. Too many of our movements are either one or the other and Dr. Favor and the Goon Squad did both,” Winbush told the AFRO. “His tactics should be used not One of those MBE contractors is Kevin only in America but across the Johnson, president and CEO of Commercial world.” Group. Winbush hosted a February “This project marked arguably one of the event at the University of largest legacy wealth-building opportunities Baltimore to honor Favor along in the country for minorities in the state of with the now two surviving Maryland,” Johnson said. And, he added, members of the Goon Squad, Lalit that’s why the delay is such a “tragic H. Gadhia and O. Patrick Scott. outcome.” During the event all three men “It has tied up millions of dollars for talked about the founding of the many years; as first-generation entrepreneurs Goon Squad in the early 1960s and this type of delay really hurts [us and] our even went into detail about how community,” he said. the name that stuck after a local Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler’s journalist used the term to describe office has mounted an appeal of Handy’s the group of African American Photo by J.D. Howard January ruling and is currently preparing its men becoming notorious for their Dr. Homer Favor, the Rev. Dr. William Calhoun and the brief for the appeal hearing which is slated work in the community and latelate Rev. Harold Carter Sr. embrace at the funeral of for Oct. 3. The office has also asked the night strategizing. Rev. Vernon Dobson. Maryland Court of Appeals to hear the appeal The day gave many new leaders case, bypassing the Court of Special Appeals a chance to encounter the city’s living legends outspoken man and it seemed like he had no and speeding up the process, said Gansler’s who were the architects of desegregation in fear.” spokesman David Paulson. Gwynn Falls and other places in the area. “He said what he believed in and during In her summary judgment, Handy said the “I asked him how he saw young leaders this time it hard because the Civil Rights Act state’s lease agreements with the State Center connecting with those of older generations,” hadn’t even been passed. developers are not legitimate. said 25-year-old Adam Jackson, a Baltimore “He was definitely in the forefront.”
Founding Member
June 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013, The Afro-American
OPINION
A7
Obama Must See Africa in a New Light When President Obama and the first lady travel to Africa at the end of this month, they will receive a rapturous greeting. The president’s deep roots in Kenya, the land of his father, resonate throughout the continent. His success in the United States evokes pride and joy in Africa. I write this from Nigeria, a country that has just celebrated its 14th year of democracy. President Obama’s election enabled Africans to see America in a new light. I hope his visit will enable Americans to see Africa with new eyes. We know the problems of Africa: its poverty, corruption and conflict. After 246 years of the slave trade, 100 years of colonialism, African suffering and struggle are known. But perhaps the president’s visit will enable us to see the possibilities. Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, larger than China, the United States and Europe combined in land Jesse L. Jackson area. Its peoples number about one-eighth of the world’s Sr. population. It is a richly endowed continent, providing some 22 percent of the world’s gold, 55 percent of its diamonds, and 12.5 percent of its oil. Seven of the 10 fastest-growing economies in the world are in subSaharan Africa. It is still marked by poverty, but extreme poverty has been declining at about 1 percent a year. Nigeria has twice the population of any other African country. It is growing at 7 percent a year, and will be Africa’s largest economy within the decade. It is a major supplier of oil to the U.S., and potentially a major trading partner. Nigeria’s GDP is three times that of any other West African country. It is the largest destination for foreign direct investment on the continent. It sends 7,100 students to the U.S. for university programs. Its democracy is taking root. The sun is rising in this land of potential. Nigeria still has deep challenges to overcome. Its infrastructure is outmoded; its health care and education systems inadequate; corruption remains a curse, and 60 percent of the population remains below the poverty line. Like many African countries, it struggles with an exodus of professionals. The president will visit Senegal, Tanzania and South Africa with a large delegation of
business leaders and investors. Tanzania and Senegal are among the fastestgrowing economies on the continent. The U.S. is not the only country interested in these new possibilities. The president will arrive in Tanzania three months after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit. Americans will get a new understanding of how aggressively China has reached out to Africa, providing aid, investments and securing supplies of oil and other raw materials. For economic, national security and humanitarian concerns, America has every reason to open up closer ties with the nations on that continent. Independent Africa is still young. It was only 57 years ago when Kwame Nkrumah founded Ghana, its first independent nation. Now there are young, growing democracies, moving from the struggle for independence to the struggle for legitimate governance and economic development. Think of the United States 50 years after its historic revolution. Our institutions were still being formed; we were still trading in slaves, denying women equal rights, headed toward a violent civil war. Democracy and development are roads with twists and turns. In Africa, as the president’s visit will expose, the turns are now positive. We would be well advised to contribute to the progress, to invest in the promise, and to bolster the push for human rights, development and democracy. Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. is founder and president of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition. You can keep up with his work at www.rainbowpush.org.
Supreme Court Must Keep Affirmative Action Alive “The enduring hope is that race should not matter; the reality is that too often it does.” - Anthony Kennedy, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
Marc H. Morial
Soon, in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, the U.S. Supreme Court may issue a ruling that could seriously limit or altogether eliminate the use of affirmative action in university admissions. While much of the current debate about the continued need for affirmative action has been distorted by the use of coded buzz-words like “preferences,” “entitlements,” and “quotas,” we should remember that the original intent of the policy when it was first introduced in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, was to foster non-discrimination and fairness. That remains its central goal today. We hope a majority of the justices uphold those core American values in deciding whether race – like legacy, athletic ability and veteran status – can be used to ensure that all students receive the educational
benefits of diversity. In Fisher v. University of Texas, Abigail Fisher, a White student denied admission to the University of Texas in 2008, has resurrected a specious claim of “reverse discrimination.” This argument has been discredited in similar cases, most recently in the landmark 2003 University of Michigan Gutter v. Bollinger case. There the Supreme Court ruled “student body diversity is a compelling state interest that can justify using race in university admissions.”
It is fairness, not preference, that demands the continued use of affirmative action to level an educational playing field that for centuries excluded Blacks and other minorities from the nation’s mainstream and elite universities. It is equal opportunity, not reverse discrimination, that seeks to offer a way up and out for millions of students relegated to segregated and substandard high schools. It is inclusion, not entitlement, that calls us to recognize that a diverse college experience is good for students of all races, ethnicities and genders, and that diversity is essential to America’s ability to compete and win in the global economy. The National Urban League is among 70 organizations and individuals to file Supreme Court amicus briefs in support of fairness in the University of Texas case. It should be remembered that until 1950, African Americans were barred from attending the University of Texas Law School. In its 1950 Supreme Court victory, Sweatt v. Painter, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF) made it possible for Heman Sweatt to be the Law School’s first Black student. Despite claims to the contrary, race-neutral solutions are not an adequate answer. In its Fisher v. University of Texas amicus brief, the LDF states, “From 1997 through 2004, UT did not consider race in admissions. The impact was devastating.” Despite the fact that 13% of Texas high school graduates were African American, “at no point between 1997 and 2004 did African American students comprise more than 4.5% of the entering year class, Nearly four out of every five UT undergraduate classes had zero or one African American students.” A similar “race-neutral” admissions policy at the University of California has also resulted in reducing the number of incoming minority freshmen. Clearly, affirmative action based on the principle of fairness and the undeniable benefits of diversity must be kept alive. Marc H. Morial, former mayor of New Orleans, is president and CEO of the National Urban League.
USM Report on Coppin State: More Unkept Promises? The recently released University System of Maryland report on Coppin State University has generated mixed reaction among Coppin supporters and other observers of Historically Black Colleges across the country. The most generous of individuals reacting to the report give the University System of Maryland and the state of Maryland the benefit of the doubt as to their purpose in issuing the document. They simply say “It’s about time,” obviously referring to many years of benign neglect of the North Avenue campus by the state and the University System of Maryland. Critics who have watched more closely the politics surrounding the Coppin campus are less forgiving and more skeptical. They question not only the necessity for the report, but also its objectivity, content and timing, They are particularly sensitive to attempts to blame the Coppin administration, faculty and students for the failures of policymakers and others responsible for the A. Dwight Pettit academic program approval, the awarding of operating funds, and the funding of facilities. The USM report on Coppin is, for these critics, a self-serving “report of convenience” designed more to change the narrative on the failures of the University System of Maryland and the state than to demonstrate a genuine interest in Coppin. There appears to be a good reason for skepticism. Of Coppin’s many needs, it has never suffered from a shortage of reports and studies. Several have been issued over the last three decades with the best examples being a 1981 study on the status of Maryland’s HBCUs; the 2001 Toll Report on the revitalization of Coppin State College; and the 2008 HBI study issued in conjunction with a special state higher education funding commission report. Each of these documents speaks objectively to the critical needs of Coppin and, by implication, to the lack of state investment in the campus. None blamed the administration, the faculty or even the students for any underperformance. Apparently, the authors of these reports realized that even the most skillful president would find it difficult, if not impossible, to effectively and efficiently manage an institution without the required resources. Note that the earlier reports were done under the watchful eye of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights and were developed by independent groups.
SPEAK OUT!
In the last five or six years, Coppin has received three or four new buildings, a few new programs and minimal increases in operating funds; but it will require several more years of investments before the campus overcomes decades of underfunding. Only then, will the North Avenue campus be able to compete successfully with other higher education institutions in attracting a better mix of both first-time and transfer students; and in recruiting and retaining increasing numbers of quality faculty and staff, including a new president. Reactions to the timing of the USM report on Coppin are also interesting for at least two reasons. Various national publications are focusing increasingly on the institutions like Coppin whose retention and graduation rates are among the lowest of the country. That is a direct reflection on the University System of Maryland since Coppin is one of the 11 campuses for which the system is responsible. It so happens that the Maryland system and the state of Maryland are greatly concerned about the possible outcome of the HBCU lawsuit now pending before the federal court. Attorneys for the HBCUs have presented loads of data to support the claim that the current status of the Black colleges is due to the action and/or inaction of the State. The University System Board of Regents and the governor are also under tremendous pressure from the Coppin community. Several months ago a faculty group acting out of desperation distributed a scathing letter addressed to Gov. Martin O’Malley criticizing USM Chancellor William Kirwan and the board of regents for neglect of the campus. To the extent that they felt past presidents or the current one may be partly at fault, the group emphasized that the board and the chancellor bear responsibility because they selected those individuals, sometimes over the objections of the faculty. Finally, the recommendations in the report are not new or novel, except for the ones indicting the campus for its misfortunes. The ideas are no different from those advocated by Coppin, Morgan, UMES and Bowie for many decades, only to have their presidents either coopted or compromised. For the sake of the faculty, students, staff, alumni and other supporters of Coppin University, we want to believe that this time it will be different; but we have our doubts. A. Dwight Pettit is a Baltimore attorney whose practice has included successful litigation in criminal, personal injury and constitutional law cases.
Send letters to The Afro-American 2519 N. Charles St. • Baltimore, MD 21218 or fax to 1-877-570-9297 or e-mail to editor@afro.com
SPEAK OUT!
A8
The Afro-American, June 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Research Reveals Voice-Activated In-Car Technologies Undermine Driver Attention Hands-free technologies might make it easier for motorists to text, talk on the phone, or even use Facebook while they drive, but new findings from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety show dangerous mental distractions exist even when drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. The research found that as mental workload and distractions increase, reaction time slows, brain function is compromised, drivers scan the road less and miss visual cues, potentially resulting in drivers not seeing items right in front of them including stop signs and pedestrians. Measuring Cognitive Distraction in the Automobile is the most comprehensive study of its kind to look at the mental distraction of drivers and arms AAA with evidence to appeal to the public to not use these voice-to-text features while their vehicle is in motion. With a predicted five-fold increase in infotainment systems in new vehicles by 2018, AAA is calling for action as a result of this landmark research. Cognitive distraction expert Dr. David Strayer and his research team at the University of Utah measured brainwaves, eye movement and other metrics to assess what happens to drivers’ mental workload when they attempt to do multiple things at once, building upon decades of research in the aerospace and automotive industries. “This landmark study is eye-opening. Taking your mind off the road while driving can be just as dangerous as taking your eyes off the road. These findings reinforce previous research that hands-free is not risk-free, and talking on a cell phone while driving is dangerous, no matter whether it’s hand-held or hands-free,” said Ragina C. Averella, manager of Public and Government Affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Motorists need to focus on the road when driving and use potentially distracting technologies only while safely parked.” Using established research protocols borrowed from aviation psychology and a variety of performance metrics, drivers engaged in common tasks, such as listening to an audio book, talking on the phone, or listening and responding to voice-activated emails while behind the wheel. Researchers used the results to rate the levels of mental distraction drivers experienced while performing each of the tasks. Similar to the Saffir-Simpson scale used for hurricanes, the levels
of mental distraction are represented on a scale: Tasks such as listening to the radio ranked as a category “1” level of distraction or a minimal risk. Talking on a cell-phone, both handheld and hands-free, resulted in a “2” or a moderate risk. Listening and responding to in-vehicle, voice-activated email features increased mental workload and distraction levels of the drivers to a “3” rating or one of extensive risk. The research included: Cameras mounted inside an instrumented car to track eye and head movement of drivers. A Detection-Response-Task device known as the “DRT” was used to record driver reaction time in response to triggers
“…hands-free is not risk-free.” of red and green lights added to their field of vision. A special electroencephalographic (EEG)-configured skull cap was used to chart participants’ brain activity so that researchers could determine mental workload. “Increased mental workload and cognitive distractions can lead to a type of tunnel vision or inattention blindness where motorists don’t see potential hazards right in front of them,” added Averella. Based on this research, AAA urges the automotive and electronics industries to join the auto club in exploring: Limiting use of voice-activated technology to core drivingrelated activities such as climate control, windshield wipers and cruise control, and to ensure these applications do not lead to increased safety risk due to mental distraction while the car is moving. Disabling certain functionalities of voice-to-text technologies such as using social media or interacting with e-mail and text messages so that they are inoperable while the vehicle is in motion. Educating vehicle owners and mobile device users about the responsible use and safety risks for in-vehicle technologies. To view the full Cognitive Distraction in the Vehicle report, the AAA Foundation’s Research Compendium on Cognitive Distraction or AAA’s Distracted Driving Fact Sheet, visit NewsRoom.AAA.com.
New Technology Helps College Grads Get Jobs
100% SMART METERS BY THE NUMBERS.
That’s how much control you have over your energy usage. Your smart meter only reports the energy used in your
household—it does not control how or when you use it. Learn a number of other interesting smart meter facts at BGE.COM/SMARTGRID
ENERGY WORKS SMARTER
together
(BlackNews.com) -- Employers are doing it. Daters are doing it. Even the government is doing it. So what is the “it” we’re referring to here? Background checks. With nearly 75 percent of all employers now choosing to conduct background checks on all employees, the popularity of and the technology involved Kenneth Coats in conducting such searches continues to grow. And with many college graduates preparing to transition from campus to cubicle, it’s important they understand these requirements and prepare for a litany of checks during their job hunt. In response, eKnowID has been created; a proactive tool to conduct a comprehensive and thorough HR self-background check prior to the scrutiny of a prospective employer. With errors plaguing the public record system coupled with the rapidlygrowing crime of criminal identity theft, candidates often lose job opportunities unknowingly during the background check due to misconstrued information retrieved during the hiring process. Kenneth Coats, the founder of eknowID, explained what happened to a young law school grad in San Diego: “She showed up for her first day of work, was handcuffed and taken to jail. The background check done by her new employer, the San Diego County District Attorney’s office, revealed a warrant for her arrest possession of marijuana, by the person who stole her wallet and assumed her identity.” “Therefore it is imperative for job seekers to know what they don’t know when it comes to their background check, even if they’ve never had a brush with the law.” With eKnowID new proactive technology, candidates can confidently and conveniently perform all necessary checks prior to speaking with an employer. This will allow applicants to take back control over their personal information and give them the ability to challenge any inaccuracies that may exist. “Traditionally, people understand the need to check their credit before making important purchases such as a car or home,” says Coats. “A background check is just as crucial before landing a job.” eKnowID provides fully Advertiser: BGEcustomizable reports that ranges from past employment, education and criminal checks to driving records and even drug tests. To help job seekers get Publication: Afro American started, eknowID offers a free automated resume check of the 5 common mistakes found on resumes according to HR Insertion Date: 6/15/2013 professionals. Users simply upload their resume or confidentially connect AdLinkedIn. Size: Users can 7.28” using electxto10” bundle other checks that start affordably as low as $12.95. A toll free support number is Title:for customers BTN/100% provided to speak withcontrol experienced investigators. “With over two decades of experience working for major If you have received this publication material background checking companies and my own, and nearly half million searches later, any we decided to put this information in error, or have questions about it please into one contact easy to use convenient for Shandwick consumers to arm theand traffic dept. atportal Weber themselves with access to this information to get ahead,” says at (410) 558 2100. Coats.
June 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013, The Afro-American
B1
Class of 1968 Artrice Baker, Rose Marie Thompson, Linda Boyd, Patricia Richardson
Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine
Class of 1943 classmates, Nancy Carper Kent, Bernice McDaniels, Lillian Riley Barbour, right, is congratulated by Bobbie Swann, center
The Hon. Kweisi Mfume,’76 is awarded Alumnus of the Year
Jacqueline Lawson, president, National Alumni Association presents crystal vase to Honorary Alumnus, the Hon. Rudolph “Rudy” C. Cane Sr.
The Calvin and Tina Tyler Ballroom in the Morgan State University Student Center was lively and packed with alumni who gathered for the 73rd Alumni Awards and Class Reunion Luncheon celebration. Competition was stiff as each class representative came to the podium to announce their fundraising efforts for the University. The 50th anniversary class of 1963 made a major presentation of $85,000 to the Foundation, while other classes Beulah Wallace ‘53 presents a ending in 3’s and 8’s followed suit with their contributions. check for her class to President Three awards were presented to: 3rd place Class of 1960 David Wilson and Cheryl Hitchcock, (Dean’s Award); 2nd place, Class of 1957 (President’s Award); Institutional Advancement 1st place, Class of 1952 (Chairman’s Award). In his University address, Dr. David Wilson boasted of Morgan’s ranking as #1 in the United States in awarding electrical engineering bachelor’s degrees to African Americans. Morgan ranked #3 in awarding doctorates to African Americans. Dara Aquila Govan’88, assistant U.S. Howard County Alumni Life members attorney in the district of New Jersey are Walter Carr, Karen Wright, Glenda served as emcee. Johnson
Ellen Howard and Joy Owens
E. Francine Stokes McElveen, Faith Thomas, LaVerne Turner
Barbara Blount Armstrong, F. Aileen Taylor, Carolyn Cole, Robin Howard
Class of 1968 Carolyn Samuels, Rose Wiggins, Jacqueline Wilson, Paulette Pittman
Laura Phillips Byrd, Cheryl Hitchcock, Billie Ann Davis
Class of 1957 representatives were Sarah Montgomery and Anne S. Davis
Richard Coward, Brenda Bobo, Louis Jones, Russell Costley
Lily Isabella Howell with Mom, Dr. Angela McMillan Howell, class of 2000, granddaughter and great granddaughter of Enolia McMillan, former Board of Regent member
Ruth Mayden and Sen. Nathaniel McFadden were class agents for their class of 1968
As part of their ongoing leadership luncheons for women, the Baltimore Links featured a conversation with Baltimore’s own, April Ryan, White House Correspondent which was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Towson, Md. Lisa Robinson, WBAL-TV, served as emcee. Ms. Ryan is a 27-year journalism veteran who has spent more than a decade serving as a White House correspondent for American Urban Radio Networks (AURN).
She hosts the daily feature, The White House Report, which is broadcasted to nearly 475 of AURN’s affiliated stations. Over the past 15 years, Ms. Ryan has conducted one-onone interviews with President Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The Baltimore Links continue to sponsor 4-8 students on scholarships at colleges throughout the nation from proceeds of this program and other special events.
Kimberly Mumby Green, Wilhelma Garner Brown, Erica Fry Cryor
Diane Bell McCoy and Hon. Verna Jones-Rodwell
Lynn Reed, Dana Petersen Moore, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Patricia Jessamy, chapter president Darlene Wade Moss and Roslyn Smith
Vintage Kappas Walt Carr, Oran C. Page, John W. Patterson, Dr. Guy Bragg, Robert Ridley
Howard County Alumni members are Robert Sturtevant, Dr. Joan Sturtevant, Patricia Waddy, Keisha Shepherd
Rochelle Stevens,’88, two-time Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist and Joyce A. Brown,’86, ‘01, director of Alumni Relations
Minnie Smoot and Barbara Owings
Julie Gray Manley, Miriam Hutchins, vice president, Baltimore chapter, Kimberleigh De Laine, president, Patapsco River chapter
Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine
Jean Tucker Mann and Carolyn Chissell
The Hon. Yvonne Holt Stone, Patricia Wilson, Angela Green
Crystal Watkins Johansson, Jacqueline Hrabowski, Esther Avery
Jenene Williams and Alice Pinderhughes
Charlene Cooper Boston, Dr. Lillian Lowery, state superintendent, Mary Sue Welcome
Lynn Melony Reed, co-chair, April Ryan, White House correspondent, Erica Fry Cryor, chair
Rosetta Kerr Wilson, Eileen Carpenter, Madelym Clark Robinson, Hon. Helen Holton
Mildred Long Harper and Barbara Banks
B8 B2
The Afro-American, June 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013
A Celebration for the Daddies; Happy Father’s Day Hello everyone! Well guys, this is your day. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! Now ladies, you know what you have to do. The guys have been waiting for this a whole year. They want to be pampered, massaged, catered to and be treated like a king. Unlike women, men are not too hard to please in my opinion. Just give them a Lady Penny Moses, gospel lot of attention from sunrise soloist, singing her hit, to sundown, if you know “Just Being Blessed.,” will what I mean. Because this perform at Dunbar High is a family-read newspaper, School on June 16. I can’t spell out how you should do that. But I can help you with the wining and dining aspect of where you can take him to enjoy his weekend depending on his tastes in entertainment. From the churches to the clubs, yes, I can help you with that! There is a big Father’s Day celebration honoring all fathers—with a gift to the first 50 men at the door and $100.00 to the best dressed man—in a program featuring Bishop Darrell McFadden & Minister Robert Wilson The Disciples; plus will emcee, along with the Bishop Neal Roberson Diva Doretha Harvey from & Singers; Kenny Davis Heaven 600 and Ernestine & The Melodyaires; Jones, at the big Father’s The Wings of Praise; Day celebration honoring soloist and guitarist all fathers at the Dunbar Lloyd Moor and soloist High School auditorium on Lady Penny Moses, will be held at Dunbar High June 16. School Auditorium, 1400 Orleans St. , June 16. The program starts at 4 p.m. For more information & tickets, call 410-358-9661 or 443-610-7583. Just in case you want to dress casual and be comfortable, you can meet me at the Personality Club, 2014 Harford Rd. where Richard Calloway will throw his Annual Father’s Day Crab Feast on June 16 from 5p.m. to 9 p.m. It is cabaret style, with free set-ups and yours truly, Rambling Rose, for a book signing of her new book, African American Community, History & Entertainment in Maryland (Remembering the Yesterdays, 1940-1980). For ticket information, call 410-366-3342 or 410-662-6106. I’ll see you there. Now, if you want to get an early start with that special man in your life, come and have breakfast with me at a Happy Father’s Day breakfast at Roots Unltd.
Lounge, 2148 Vine St. (near Smallwood Street) on June 16 at 9 a.m. While I am licking my fingers from the eggs, bacon, scrapple, ham, home-fries, fried apples and, grits that will be served, I will be signing books there, too. John Shaft will provide with some dynamite music. For more information, email Veronica Jackson, the owner at veronicajackson@ comcast.net. Honey child, I will fill your calendar for this weekend; just follow me! At Caton Castle Lounge, Bishop Darrell McFadden plus Bishop Neal Roberson & The Disciples will head up the 20 S. Caton Ave., Eleanor big Father’s Day Celebration at Dunbar High School, 1400 Orleans Street on June 16 at 4 Janey is hosting a special pre p.m. Father’s Day show featuring Dr. Phil’s 15-Piece Big Band on June 15, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. In addition to the concert, I will be signing books there. You can have dinner while watching the show and pick up a copy of my book as a gift. I believe you call that a “one-stop shop”. For ticket information, call 410-5667086. Here’s the rest of the Father’s Day weekend calendar: Pre-Father’s Day jazz concert featuring Jumpstreet, with Vic Jumpstreet will have a pre- jazz concert on June 15 2-5 p.m. at the Church of St. Mary Frierson doing vocals, June the Virgin, 3121 Walbrook Ave. For ticket information, call Rebecca Johnson at 410-36315 from 1 p.m. to -5 p.m. 2633. at the Church of St. Mary yahoo.com. the Virgin, 3121 Walbrook A pre-summit expo event, hosted by Louis Fields will Avenue. For tickets, call Rebecca Johnson at 410-363-2633. be held at the Best Western Hotel Banquet Room on June GH Productions presents a Father’s Day show on June 14 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and June 15 from 10 a.m. until 3 16 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Arch Social Club, 2426 p.m. honoring such folks as James Hamlin and family of Pennsylvania Ave. featuring R&B groups Style, Triple the Avenue Bakery, Kevin Johnson, Marty Glaze, Jodi Threat, Ms. B and Jenifer and hosted by Mr. G. There will Davis, Wayne and Patricia Frazier, Mert Pugh, Dr. be free food and a cash bar. For more information, call 410Elaine Simon and Lee Session. For ticket information call 905-0169. 443-983-7974. The Five Mile House, 5302 Reisterstown Road, The Maryland Traditional Folklife Festival is June hosted by Magic 95.9 is holding a show featuring smooth 15, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., free of charge, hosted by Creative jazz, Neo Soul and the Gary Kelly Project. For more Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., featuring information, call 443-854-4889. jazz artist Lafayette Gilchrist and The New Volcanoes; Truth Chapter No. 19 of the Order of the Eastern Irish dynamos, Old Bay Ceili Band, Doo-Wop with Star presents a pre- charity picnic for Families in Need The Swallows; Jay Hendrickson, a master bladesmith, on June 15 starting at 11 a.m., at the Village Green and and exhibits of Globe Poster and Letterpress. For more Pavilion, 100 Walter Thomas Road, Indian Head, Md. information, call 410-767-6555. For more information, call 301-536-5559. Well, my dear friends it is about that time. My Boo-Boo is A Father’s Day jazz dinner show, cabaret-style hosted waiting for me. I am on my way to a book signing. If you want by Darrell “Mr. Disco” Randall at the Forest Park Senior to talk, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@ Center, 4801 Liberty Heights Ave., on June 16 from 5 p.m. aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY to 9 p.m. For ticket information, email discomachine110@ YOURS.
Lawrence Fishburne Plays Perry White in Latest Superman Reboot
spaceship headed to Earth. This development doesn’t sit well with genetic engineer General Zod (Michael Shannon), a megalomaniac in charge of To my generation, Superman deciding which of Krypton’s was just “a strange visitor bloodlines are allowed to from another planet” who continue, and this renegade’s was “faster than a speeding definitely isn’t one of them. bullet, more powerful than a The rocket crash lands in locomotive and able to leap tall the cornfields of Jonathan buildings in a single bound“ in (Kevin Costner) and Martha “a never-ending battle for truth, Kent (Diane Lane), a kindly justice, and the American way.” rottentomatoes.com couple who proceed to raise the But in this age of information, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White baby as their own. Of course, audiences want to know a in Man of Steel Clark isn’t like other boys, lot more about a superhero’s and he does his best to harness backstory. and hide his superpowers, although they occasionally Furthermore, what passed for special f/x on the original TV show were cheesy flying sequences in which come in handy like when he rescues a school bus full of support wires were plainly visible to the naked eye. And students that’s sinking in a river. The plot thickens when aliens arrive from Krypton the underwhelming fight scenes generally ended when with annihilation in mind. Not surprisingly, they’re the bumbling villain with little imagination ran out of bullets and threw his pistol at the Man of Steel’s chest in led by none other than the diabolical Zod, who commandeers the mass media, spouting typical invasion sheer frustration. Over the intervening years, Superman has been revived malarkey warning the “People of Earth” that resistance twice on television (“Lois & Clark” and “Smallville”) and is futile. Not if Superman has something to say about it. At this juncture, the action the kids have been waiting five times on the big screen. This sixth film version stars Henry Cavill in the title role opposite Amy Adams as Lois for finally kicks into high gear, with a spectacular battle royal replete with dizzying technical wizardry and Lane, Russell Crowe as Jor-El, Laurence Fishburne as a acrobatic dexterity mercifully replacing the pretentious black Perry White, and Rebecca Buller as a gender-bent dialogue laced with lots of pseudo-scientific babble. Jenny, not Jimmy, Olsen. Ultimately, good triumphs over evil, ala the American Director Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead) has way, and Superman survives to defend truth and justice ostensibly envisioned Man of Steel as a reboot of the in upcoming sequels and spinoffs. storied franchise, given that plans are already in the A righteous, riveting relaunch leaving no doubt that, works for the character to reappear in an adaptation even after 80 years, you still don’t tug on Superman’s of DC Comics’ Justice League slated for 2015. Thus, cape! like a lot of other origins tales, this episode devotes considerable attention to an explanation of Superman’s Very Good (HHH) roots. Rated PG-13 for profanity, sci-fi violence and intense The picture’s point of departure is Krypton where we find the parents (Crowe and Ayelet Zurer) of the planet’s action sequences Running time: 143 minutes first naturally-conceived child in centuries secretly Distributor: Warner Brothers sending their newborn on an otherwise unmanned Man of Steel Film Review By Kam Williams
Jackie Robinson and Alex Rodriguez Comic Books Released By AFRO Staff Following the release of the film, 42, baseball legend Jackie Robinson’s story comes to life once more, this time in comic book form. Fame: Jackie Robinson was released earlier this month through Bluewater Productions. The book is a reissue of Personality Comic’s famed ‘90s comic-biography of the Courtesy Photos baseball legend. “We are very excited to work with Bluewater on this new venture and looking forward to great things with them,” Personality Comics, publisher Adam Post said in a statement. “The early 90’s were a golden age of biographical comic books. As a rabid fan of both baseball and comics, I couldn’t have asked for a better assignment than to write the life story of Jackie Robinson. It’s great to see this classy illustrated biography of the Dodger legend introduced to a new generation of readers,” writer Robert Schnakenberg said in a statement. Bluewater also released a comic on baseball great Alex Rodriguez. Fame: Alex Rodriguez takes a look at the athlete’s early days and his rise to fame. For more information, visit www.bluewaterprod. com
T:5.42”
June 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013, The Afro-American
B3
ARTS & CULTURE June Marks Black Music Month By Zachary Lester AFRO Staff Writer Get ready to hit the Internet or the local box for show tickets. June is Black Music Month and venues across the nation are presenting shows ranging from blues to gospel to hip hop to jazz to R&B to give aficionados—or those who are just interested in getting their dance on—a place to celebrate. Formally called AfricanAmerican Music Appreciation Month, June has existed for more than 30 years as the official time to celebrate Black music. The idea for a month to honor Black music Doug E. Fresh was originally inspired by a Cincinnati radio broadcaster, Ed Wright, and Kenny Gamble, co-founder of the Philadelphia International Records record label. The two conceived the commemoration in 1978, according to historical accounts. One year later, on June 7, 1979, their vision was realized when President Jimmy Carter declared that June would be the month to honor African-American music and Black Music Month was born. In the years since, several presidential administrations have acknowledged the month by holding formal events at the White House. On June 2, 2009, President Barack Obama decreed that the name
be changed to AfricanAmerican Music Appreciation Month, though many still refer to the commemoration by the shorter name. “The legacy of African-American composers, singers, songwriters, and musicians is an indelible piece of our Nation’s culture,” Obama wrote. “Generations of African Americans have carried forward the musical traditions of their forebears, blending old styles with innovative
rhythms and sounds. They have enriched American music and captured the diversity of our Nation. During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we honor this rich heritage.” For this year’s commemoration, Obama issued another proclamation: “African-Americans have always had a hand in shaping the American sound. From gospel and Motown to bebop and blues, their story is bound up in the music they made—songs of hurt and hardship, yearning and hope, and struggle for a better day,” the President wrote. “Those feelings speak to something common in all of us. With passion and creativity, African-American performers have done more than reinvent the musical styles they helped define; they have channeled their music into making change and advancing justice, from radio booths to the stage to our city streets.” Several celebrations are held in cities across America in observance of African-American Music Appreciation Month, including the Capital Jazz Festival held June 7-9 at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia and the D.C. Jazz Festival June 5-16. The D.C. event will include shows at the wharf, the Hamilton hotel and the Kennedy Center. The Hamilton shows include the Ron Carter Golden Striker Trio on June 13, the Brubeck Brothers Quintet: Tribute to Dave Brubeck June 14 and the Brass-APhoto by Demetrius Robinson Holics Go Go Brass Funk Band on June 15.
Photo by Bernard Flagg
Jazz in Pink
T:20”
Bilal
Photo by Demetrius Robinson
Whether it’s behind the scenes, in the scenes or never before seen, the stories of the African-American experience have enriched all of our lives. Enjoy hit movies, TV shows, videos, interviews and more all highlighting the African-American experience. And it’s all in one spot – visit xfinity.com/celebrateblacktv
Photo by Bernard Flagg
Lalah Hathaway
Photo by Demetrius Robinson
Eric Benet
© 2013 Comcast. All rights reserved.
B4
The Afro-American, June 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013
Preachers and leaders from around the country joined the New Shiloh Baptist Church community, June 7, to give thanks for the life of the Rev. Dr. Harold A. Carter Sr.
Michael Mitchell, Marty Resnick and Dr. Elijah Saunders Deacon Donald Lee New Shiloh Baptist Church Choir
The Happy Preacher from Atlanta
Bishop John Bryant, Bishop Walter Thomas and Dr. A.C.D. Vaughn
Rev. Dr. John Scott Bishop Walter Scott Thomas
Rev. Dr. Charles Adams Dr. Eric Conway, director Morgan State University Choir
Deacon Vanessa Pyatt
Blanche Carter Thrash, sister of Rev. Harold Carter Sr.
Rev. Steve Jones and Deacon Lewis Butler
Deacon Patricia Welch
Rosa Porter and congregation
Rev. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks and Dr. Charles Booth Gov. Martin O'Malley
Dr. Karen Bethea
Rev. Dr. Frank Reid gives closing words of comfort to the family
Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore Sr.
Minister Brenda Greene
Rev. Dr. Vincent Thompson The family of Rev. Dr. Harold A. Carter Sr.
Pastor Carter delivering the Eulogy
Rev. Daniel Carter praying at his grandfather’s gravesite
Photos by J.D. Howard
And the church said, Amen
June 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013, The Baltimore Afro-American
B5
OBITUARIES Ruth P. Morton, 96
Gwendolyn F.H. McRae, 91
Typist
Social Security Administration Employee
position of a cashier Ruth P. Morton, 96 clerk. She was the first Typist Black person to hold Ruth Pendleton that position. In January Morton was the of 1978, Ruth received youngest daughter of an award for thirty the late Jackson and years of outstanding Esther Pendleton. She service. She retired in was born on Feb. 19, 1983. 1917 in Long Island, In the 1950’s, Ruth N.Y. On April 19, was serving in the 2013, Ruth departed Senior Missionary this life after a lengthy Ministry. In 1954, she illness at Elesy Manor taught the Junior Class Assisted Living in Sunday school for Facility. Ruth was two years. In 1958, she preceded in death by was appointed as the her husband, Thomas church clerk. In 1964, (Tom) Morton; two Ruth was given the job brothers, Harry and of church secretary. Her Jackson Pendleton; expertise was displayed and two sisters, in her work. She served Elizabeth Pendleton and RUTH P. MORTON 12 years as secretary Clara Willis. and over 40 years as the church clerk and “Mommy” or “Aunt Ruth,” as she held that position until 2007. She also served was affectionately known, was brought to on the senior missionary ministry. Ruth was Baltimore at a very early age by her parents. a member of the senior choir where she once She received her education in the Baltimore served as president for 10 years. Through the City Public School System and later years, she has sung on the gospel chorus and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1935. Ruth continued her education the combined choir. In the early 1980’s, Ruth was stricken in the clerical field at Cortez Peters Business with cancer. She was a real trooper trusting College where she graduated with honors in in her God. She was content in the situation 1941. that she found herself. In 1997, Ruth along Ruth was introduced to Ebenezer Baptist with several other Ebenezer members, were Church by her parents at the age of 4. In honored for serving 50 years or more. 1928, she was baptized by the late Rev. Ruth Morton was a lovable person; she John W. Jones who was the founder of this radiated God’s love wherever she went. She organization, and became an active member. has let her little light shine throughout her In the early 1930’s, she sang on the Junior life. Your biological, extended, and Ebenezer Choir, served with the Junior Missionaries families celebrate your life this day for the and attended Sunday school. love and inspiration that you have given to On July 20, 1940, Ruth married Thomas Morton. They were a loving couple and cared use for many years. Her memory will be cherished by: one so much for one another. They had one son, son, Alvin Morton; three nephews, Carey Alvin Morton. In September of 1990, Ruth (Sonny) Willis, Donald Pendleton of Long and Tom celebrated 50 years of marriage. Island, NY, and William (Chico) Pendleton They renewed their vows and had a fabulous (Linda); two nieces, Joan Miller of Long reception. They were married for 52 years. Island, NY, and Martha Pendleton; a faithful Tom went home to be with the Lord in April and devoted great niece, Denise Johnson; a of 1993. host of great great-great nieces, nephews, In 1943, Ruth was employed by the cousins, and other relatives and friends. YWCA as the first Information Desk Clerk. There was a special loving bond with her In 1947, she was employed by the Housing great-great-great niece Ciarra Lewis; and also Authority of Baltimore City, serving as a typist cashier. Ruth was later promoted to the a special friendship with the late Mary Pryor.
Floyd L. Gaston, 60
Construction Worker/Master Carpenter
later years he met Anita White who he spent his Floyd Louis life with. Gaston, loving son of He leaves to the late Jesse Gaston mourn: his children, and Edna Gaston Ravon Wilson (Paul) Washington, was born and Floyd Gaston Jr. on July 29, 1952 in (Rosita); grandchildren, Baltimore, Md. He departed his life on TyYone Kitchen, Daja Kitchen, Amri Gaston June 7, 2013 after a and Aeriyonera Gaston; lengthy illness. devoted companion, Floyd received Anita White; stepfather, his education in Elijah Washington; the Baltimore City three brothers, Reginald Public School System Washington, Stanley and graduated from Job Corps. He also Gaston, Walter Brawner; two sisters, attended the school of Kathy Douglas and culinary arts. Floyd Sharon Washington; did construction work late brothers, Jerome and was a master and Jewerl Gaston. carpenter. FLOYD L. GASTON He also leaves a host Floyd married Sandra of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, five step Gaston; out of this union two children were born, Ravon Wilson and Floyd Gaston Jr. In children and nine step grandchildren.
Elaine C. Davis Services for Elaine C. Davis, who passed in the presence of the Lord on June 8, began with a viewing, June 13, at Joseph H. Brown Funeral Home, 2140 N. Fulton Ave. in Baltimore. The wake and funeral were held June 14 at Manor Bible Baptist Church, 3043 W. Belvedere Ave. Interment was at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery.
Gwendolyn There she exhibited Florence Hunt McRae the same work ethics made her peaceful as she did on her job transition from and reported to work earth to heaven after as scheduled and or residing at Keswick requested to fill in for Multi-Care Center others as if she were for just a few months getting paid for it. following a sudden Gwen was a great illness. The younger cook but a dessert chief. Whether it was baking of two daughters born holiday cookies with to the union of James her girls beginning right and Helen Hunt, after Thanksgiving up Gwen was educated to Christmas or baking in the public schools German chocolate of Scottsdale, Penn. cake, lemon meringue Shortly after her high pie, banana pudding or school graduation, her famous rum cake Gwen left, headed her family members, to the big city of neighbors, friends Baltimore to work and coworkers mouths at the Social Security GWENDOLYN F.H. MCRAE watered just thinking Administration in order to about the numerous delicacies she so often help financially support the care of her ailing prepared to share with them. mother who was being cared for by and in A lover of outdoors, Gwen also had a the family home of her sister, Scressia. Gwen passion for plants and flowers and had a shared a very special bond with her sister special talent for growing them beautifully and for as long as anyone can remember the both inside and out. She loved spending two of them talked daily via telephone until time outside in her yard planting flowers and Secressia’s death in Nov. 2010. assisting her husband in maintaining their In 1949, Gwen married the love of her life, the late Emanuel McRae, with whom she impeccably manicured lawn. A God-fearing woman, Gwen was a shared 46 years of marriage until his death member of the New Antioch Baptist Church in 1995. Four daughters were born to this where she attended regularly until she began union, Elaine Patrice, Michele Lynn, Lynette to face the challenges of aging and could no Monique and Karen Stacy; and each held a longer drive. Her close friend Doris Williams very special place in their mother’s heart. began picking Gwen up weekly to attend the Gwen’s family was the center of her life and midweek Bible Study at the New Psalmist her love and devotion to it was evident in Baptist Church until she too was unable to everything she did. drive. Gwen was a dedicated employee of the Social Security Administration from Gwendolyn leaves a legacy of love to which she retired in 1982 after 42 years of be cherished in the memories of her four uninterrupted service. It was then that her devoted daughters, seven grandchildren, coworkers hosted a retirement celebration Terese Winegan, Tyrone M. and Ryan for her at Martin’s West and recognized her McNeil, Gabrielle Smith, Whitney and not only for her many years of outstanding Austin Ajie and Chelsey McRae; three greatservice but for her outstanding work ethics. Other than time away from work for the birth grandchildren, N’dea and Carlton Smith and Chloe Owens; a son-in-law, Vallen L. of her four girls, she never missed a day of Emery Jr.; a devoted nephew, Byron Hunt work. of Augusta, Georgia; a loving niece, Janice Following her retirement, Gwen joined Evans Of Penn., sister-in-law; Ernestine the Auxiliary of Bon Secours Hospital and Smith; and a host of relatives and friends. became an avid volunteer in the gift shop.
Richard E. Adair Sr., 86
Mason, Machinist Union Member settled in Baltimore Richard Edwin and became employed Adair Sr., son of the as a licensed stationary late Hudge Meilin and engineer in charge Dore Lee (Stanley) of maintenance and Adair was born mechanical services March 4, 1926 in Old in the Baltimore Newtown of Ragland, City public school Ala. where he system and also received his primary assistant manager and education. maintenance supervisor After high school, he attended Alabama of Harlem Park and A&M College, now Edmondson Garden University, studying Apartments for 35 years until his retirement in mechanical arts. While 1988. there, he became Richard met and a charter member married Miss Regina B. of Lodge #07. The Kelly. He was a loving local chapter of the and caring husband and National Association father. The marriage of Mechanical was later dissolved in Machinists. He then a friendly relationship. became a member of St. RICHARD E. ADAIR SR. Both agreed to be Clair Co. Grand Lodge responsible for the loving care and well-being AF&AM Masons of Alabama USA. of our children: Richard E. Adair II, Reginald He was baptized at an early age at Kites E. Adair, Lachelle A. Rice, Levi and Renata Chapel CME in Alabama. He loved the A. Kelly. Lord Jesus Christ and sincerely believed in He will be missed by all who knew and God’s word. St. Luke UMC was his place of loved him. He leaves to cherish and celebrate worship. his memory, his children (mentioned above) He was a drafted U.S. Army veteran of World War II, and an army reserve specialists and grandchildren; Reginald E. Adair Jr., Raimond E. Adair, Rashad E. Adair, Tamira first class in the Korean war. He served L. Adair, Brooke R. Adair, and other grand with the U.S. Military; Special Operations and great grandchildren. Daughter-in-law, Command. He served in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and various army posts Stacie Adair (Richard Jr.), sister in-law Christine Adair; nieces, nephews, cousins and throughout the U.S. other relatives and friends. Shortly after being discharged, Richard
Free Service
ELAINE DAVIS
Obituaries are printed for free by the AFRO-American Newspapers. Send funeral program and picture to: Obituaries The Baltimore Afro-American , 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, Md. 21218
CLASSIFIED
BECOME A FOSTER PARENT
Become a Foster Parent! Treatment Foster Parents work from home, receive a tax-free stipend and professional 24 hour on-call support for providing shelter for a young person who has suffered abuse or neglect. For more information, call the CHOSEN Treatment Foster Care Program at 1-800-621-8834.
TYPESET: Wed May 01 11:55:50 EDT 2013
REAL ESTATE
We Buy Houses Noland Henson 410-320-6360 David Holland 443-510-3027 freedom4realestate@yahoo.com P.O. Box 20646 Baltimore, MD. 21223 TYPESET: Wed May 22 10:11:43 EDT 2013
RECORDS
CASH PAID FOR OLD RECORDS (albums & singles) 45/ 33/ 12”/ 78 R&B, DISCO, REGGAE, LATIN, JAZZ, ROCK, BLUES, ETC. BALTIMORE / WASHINGTON DC *Will travel for collections* call (410) 336-3544
AD NETWORK Ad Network Classifieds are published in 65 newspapers. 25 words $175 (For more than 25 words there is an additional charge of $7 per word.) Call (410) 554-8200 All ads must be
ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
Wanted To Purchase Antiques & Fine Art, 1 item Or Entire Estate Or Collection, Gold, Silver, Coins, Jewelry, Toys, Oriental Glass, China, Lamps, Books, Textiles, Paintings, Prints almost anything old Evergreen Auctions 973-818-1100. Email evergreenauction@ hotmail.com
AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, RV’S, LUTHERAN MISSION SOCIETY. Your donation helps local families with food, clothing, shelter. Tax deductible. MVA licensed. Lutheran Mission Society, org. 410-636-0123 or tollfree 1-877-737-8567.
BUSINESS SERVICES Need to reach a large demographic in Maryland, Delaware and DC! Advertise your business, your products and services in 82 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and DC. Reach 4 Million readers with a business-size ad with just one call. Call 1-855721-6332x6 or email wsmith@mddcpress. com or visit our website: www.mddcpress.com.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Advertise your product five (5) days per week in our Daily Classified Connection in 13 daily newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and DC. Buy 4 Weeks/Get 2 Weeks Free of Charge. For just $199 per day reach 2.8 Million readers with just one phone call. Call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or email us at wsmith@ mddcpress.com. The Daily Classified Connection will give you ad placement in The Washington Post
AD NETWORK and The Baltimore Sun newspapers 5 days per week for just $995.00 for one week of ad placement.
CAMPGROUNDS Camping Lovers! Avid Lovers of Camping - Need a Place yearround for your RV. Call Lake Somerset Camp Grounds located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Receive water, electric & sewage for just $1700.00. Call 410-957-1866 or 410957-9897 to reserve your site NOW! Email lakesomerset@earthlink. net or visit our website www.lakesomerset.com. SPACE is limited, so CALL TODAY!!!!
HELP WANTED: DRIVERS YOUR NEW DRIVING JOB IS ONE PHONE CALL AWAY! Experienced CDL-A Drivers and Excellent Benefits. Weekly Hometime 888-3628608. 1 to 5 Weeks Paid Training. Recent Grads w/a CDL-A can apply online at AverittCareers. com Equal Opportunity Employer CDL-A Drivers: Hiring experienced comapny drivers and owner operators. Solo and teams. Competitive pay package. Signon incentives. Call 888-705-3217 or apply online at www. drivenctrans.com
HELP WANTED: SALES WANTED: LIFE AGENTS: Earn $500 a Day; Great Agent Benefits; Commissions Paid Daily; Liberal Underwriting; Leads, Leads, Leads LIFE INSURANCE, LICENSE REQUIRED. Call 1-888-713-6020
LOTS & ACREAGE
Waterfront LotsVirginia’s Eastern Shore. Was $300k Now From $55k Large Lots, Community Pool, Pier and Recreational Center Great for boating, fishing & kayaking www.oldemillpointe. com 757-824-0808 LAND BARGAIN! Near Town & River 4+ Acres just $68,444. Buy before 6/9, receive $1,000 towards closing costs! Park-like parcel, sunrise views, 100% usable. 90 minutes Beltway Ready to use/
build. Low financing. Call 1-800-888-1262
MISCELLANEOUS AIRLINE CAREERS begin here – Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician training. Financial aid for qualified studentsHousing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866) 8236729. www.FixJets.com
SERVS./ MISC. 2.8 Million Eyes will read your ad - 5 days per week - Monday thru Friday in the DAILY CLASSIFIED CONNECTION for just $199 per day Entire week of ads for just $995.00. Join the exclusive members of this network today! Place your ad in 14 MAJOR DAILY NEWSPAPERS in Maryland, Delaware and DC. Call 1-855721-6332x6 or visit our website: www. mddcpress.com Buy 4 Weeks/Get 2 Weeks Free of Charge
REAL ESTATE Discover Delaware’s Resort Living without Resort pricing! Low Taxes! Gated Community, amazing amenities, equestrian facility, Olympic Pool. New Homes mid $40’s. Brochures available 1-886-629-0770 or www.coolbranch.com
VACATION RENTALS OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com
TYPESET: Tue Jun 11 14:26:48 EDT 2013
LEGAL NOTICES
BOARD OF LIQUOR LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR BALTIMORE CITY NOTICE Petitions have been filed by the following applicants for licenses to sell alcoholic beverages at the premises set opposite their respective names. The real property for these applications will be posted on Monday, June 10, 2013. Written protests concerning any application will be accepted until and including the time of the conference or hearing. Conferences and public hearings will be held on and after June 27, 2013. Interested parties should contact the office of the Board, 231 E. Baltimore Street, 6th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 or by calling (410) 396-4385 to determine the exact time and date that a particular application will be considered by the Board. Written protests will be acknowledged by the Board and such protestants will be notified as to the date, time and place of the hearing and/or conference. 1. CLASS “A” BEER & WINE J Market, Inc. Transfer of ownership 712-14 W. Mosher Street Jung Hyoun Hwang, Jang Hak Jin 2. CLASS A BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE New Chesley Liquors, LLC. Transfer of ownership from secured 6902 Harford Road Jae In Lee creditor 3. CLASS “B” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR RESTAURANT LICENSE Senator Theator, LLC New license with request for live 5904 York Road James Cusack, Kathleen Lyon entertainment and outdoor table service Timber Run Capital, LLC Transfer of ownership 554 E. Fort Avenue Patrick Hudson Farmhouse Diner and Oyster Shed, LLC New license with requests for off-premises 510 E. Belvedere Avenue Corey Polyoka catering and outdoor table service Demari, Inc. Transfer of ownership from secured creditor, 1143-45 Hollins Street Julie Ernst, Cem Ari with requests forlive entertainment, outdoor table service and off-premises catering Forno, LLC New license with request for outdoor table 17 N. Eutaw Street Bryan Noto, Emina Dukic service and live entertainment 214 W. Mulberry, LLC New license with request for live 214 W. Mulberry Street Brooks Bennett entertainment 4. CLASS “BD7” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR Broadway Group, LLC Transfer of ownership 807 S. Broadway Minh Hoang Gough Street Liquor Transfer of ownership 1901 Gough Street Stefan Popscu, Daniel Murphy Mi Ranchito, LLC Transfer of ownership with requests for 1114-16 Hollins Street Edica Garcia, James Collins live entertainment, off-premises catering and outdoor table service Soldi Fussa, LLC Transfer of ownership, request for outdoor 3326-28 Foster Avenue Davis Tobash table service O & W Company, LLC Transfer of location from 5847 York Road 5800 York Road TYPESET:Robert Tue Jun 11 14:30:54 EDT 2013 Wehner, Ronald Pruett
City of Baltimore Department of Finance Bureau of Purchases Sealed proposals addressed to the Board of Estimates of Baltimore, will be received until, but not later than 11:00 a.m. local time on the following date(s) for the stated requirements: JUNE 26, 2013 BIKE RACKS B50003000 CRAWLER DOZER B50003016 ARTICULATED DUMP TRUCK B50003017 JULY 17, 2013 ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE SERVICES B5002985 THE ENTIRE SOLICITATION DOCUMENT CAN BE VIEWED AND DOWN LOADED BY VISITING THE CITYS WEB SITE: www.baltimorecitibuy.org TYPESET: Tue Jun 11 15:05:44 EDT 2013 HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BALTIMORE CITY INVITATION FOR BIDS JANITORIAL SERVICES AT VARIOUS HABC PROPERTIES IFB NUMBER: B-1727-13 The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC”) will issue an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) for qualified and interested vendors to submit sealed bids to provide janitorial services at various HABC properties. BIDS WILL BE DUE no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, July 24 2013. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., at the Charles L. Benton Building, 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 416, Baltimore, Maryland, 21202. HABC has established a minimum threshold of twenty percent (20%) of the total dollar amount of the proposed contract for Minority Business Enterprise (“MBE”) utilization, applicable to all minority and nonminority businesses proposing to provide the requested services as the prime contractor. No threshold has been established for participation of Women-owned businesses (“WBEs”), however, HABC strongly encourages and affirmatively promotes the use of WBEs in all HABC contracts. Bidders shall also comply with all applicable requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, 12 U.S.C. Section 1701u.The IFB and all supporting documents may be obtained on or after Monday, June 24, 2013 from the following location: Housing Authority of Baltimore City Office of the Comptroller, Procurement Section 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 414 Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Attention: John Airey, Chief of Contracting Services Tel: (410) 396-3261 Fax: (410) 962-1586 Questions regarding the IFB should be directed in writing to the address and individual indicated above, and must include the reference: HABC Bid No. B-1727-13.
l
Sma
s
410-554-8200
Buy it • Sell it Swap it • Lease it Rent it • Hire it
results
1 Col. Inch Up to 20 Words
AFRO Classified minimum ad rate is $26.54 per col. inch (an inch consists of up to 20 words). Mail in your ad on form below along with CHECK or MONEY ORDER to: WASHINGTON AFRO-AMERICAN CO. 1917 Benning Road, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002-4723 Attn: Clsf. Adv. Dept.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
NAME: ________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________ PHONE NO.:____________________________________________ CLASSIFICATION: ______________________________________ (Room, Apt., House, etc.) INSERTION DATE:_________________
WASHINGTON AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER Legal Advertising Rates Effective October 1, 2008 PROBATE DIVISION (Estates) 202-332-0080 PROBATE NOTICES a. Order Nisi $ 60 per insertion b. Small Estates (single publication $ 60 per insertion c. Notice to Creditors 1. Domestic $ 60 per insertion 2. Foreign $ 60 per insertion d. Escheated Estates $ 60 per insertion e. Standard Probates
CIVIL NOTICES a. Name Changes 202-879-1133 b. Real Property
$180.00 per 3 weeks $180.00 per 3 weeks $180.00 per 3 weeks $360.00 per 6 weeks $125.00
$ 80.00 $ 200.00
FAMILY COURT 202-879-1212 DOMESTIC RELATIONS 202-879-0157 a. Absent Defendant b. Absolute Divorce c. Custody Divorce
$ 150.00 $ 150.00 $150.00
To place your ad, call 1-800-237-6692, ext. 262, Public Notices $50.00 & up depending on size, Baltimore Legal Notices are $24.84 per inch. 1-800 (AFRO) 892 For Proof of Publication, please call 1-800-237-8892, ext. 244 LEGAL NOTICES TYPESET: Tue Jun 11 14:26:17 EDT 2013 BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND INVITATION FOR BIDS CONTRACT NO. 13095 WX0 DUNDALK CLEANING AND LINING VARIOUS SIZED WATER MAINS DUNDALK - DISTRICT 12 c 7 CONTRACT COST GROUP E ($2,500,000 to $5,000,000) WORK CLASSIFICATION: F-5 BID DATE: THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013 AT 10:45 A.M. EST On or after MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2013, the above contract documents may be inspected and purchased from the Division of Construction Contracts Administration, Department of Public Works, Room 300B, County Office Building (COB), 111 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21204, upon receipt of payment of $30.00 (THIRTY DOLLARS) per contract. All checks should be made payable to BALTIMORE COUNTY MD. NO REFUNDS will be made to anyone. Direct any questions to 410-887-3531. Bidders obtaining documents from another source other than Baltimore County WILL NOT be allowed to submit proposals to Baltimore County. The proposed work consists of: 11,505 (LF) Cleaning and Cement Lining - 12” 4,170 (LF) Cleaning and Cement Lining - 10” 67,505 (LF) Cleaning and Cement Lining - 8” 9,130 (LF) Cleaning and Cement Lining - 6” 154 (EA) Replace Existing 8” Valve and Vault 52 (EA) Remove and Replace Fire Hydrant, 6” Lead, 6” Valve and Vault A pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. EST in Room 210 of the County Office Building. Located at 111 West Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, Maryland 21204. THE PROJECT IS SUBJECT TO A MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE UTILIZATION GOAL AND FEMALE CONTRACTORS UTILIZATION GOALS. THESE GOAL REQUIREMENTS ARE MORE FULLY EXPLAINED IN THE SPECIFICATIONS. THE MBE/WBE FORMS IN THE PROPOSAL BOOKLET MUST BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF BID OPENING. Sealed proposals (the entire book) addressed to Baltimore County, Maryland for this contract will be received in the Baltimore County Purchasing Division, Room 148, Old Courthouse, 400 Washington Avenue, Towson, MD 21204, until the time specified on the contract at which time they will be publicly opened and read. ONLY CONTRACTORS WHO HAVE BEEN PREQUALIFIED BY BALTIMORE COUNTY AT LEAST TEN (10) DAYS PRIOR TO THE OPENING OF BIDS WILL BE ALLOWED TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS. All proposals must be accompanied by a Bid Bond, on the approved form provided, in the amount as set forth in the “Information for Bidders”. No other form of proposal guaranty is acceptable. The Purchasing Agent reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or bids or parts of bids and to waive technicalities as may be deemed best for the interest of the County. Keith Dorsey, Director Office of Budget & Finance
• Your History • Your Community • Your News
TYPESET: Wed Jun 05 10:35:57 EDT 2013
AD NETWORK
l ad
afro.com
Payment Policy for legal notice advertisements. Effective immediately, The Afro American Newspapers will require prepayment for publication of all legal notices. Payment will be accepted in the form of checks, credit card or money order. Any returned checks will be subject to a $25.00 processing fee and may result in the suspension of any future advertising at our discretion.
SAMPLE
A F R O
The Afro-American, June 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013
To advertise in the AFRO Call 410-554-8200
B6
LEGAL NOTICES
BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND INVITATION FOR BIDS CONTRACT NO. 13012 RX1, WX2 CAMPBELL BOULEVARD PHASE 1 ROAD, BRIDGE AND 16 WATER MAIN EXTENSION WHITE MARSH - DISTRICT 15 c 6 CONTRACT COST GROUP “F” ($5,000,000 to $10,000,000) WORK CLASSIFICATION: A-2 with Pre-Qualified D-1 Subcontractor, D-1 with Pre-Qualified A-2 Subcontractor Subcontracting: For purposes of this Contract only and notwithstanding Section GP-8.01(a) of the Baltimore County Department of Public Works Standard Specifications for Construction and Materials, as amended and supplemented, the Contractor shall EITHER be a County prequalified highway contractor (A-2) who shall contract with a County prequalified bridge subcontractor (D-1) for this Contract OR a County prequalified Bridge contractor (D-1) who shall contract with a County prequalified highway contractor (A-2) for this Contract. If in either case the Contractor elects to also subcontract the grading (B) and/or the utilities (F-1, F-2, F-3) work of this Contract, these subcontractors must be prequalified with and approved by the County. BID DATE: TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2013 AT 10:30 A.M. EST On or after MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2013, the above contract documents may be inspected and purchased from the Division of Construction Contracts Administration, Department of Public Works, Room 300B, County Office Building (COB), 111 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21204, upon receipt of payment of $30.00 (THIRTY DOLLARS) per contract. All checks should be made payable to BALTIMORE COUNTY MD. NO REFUNDS will be made to anyone. Direct any questions to 410-887-3531. Bidders obtaining documents from another source other than Baltimore County WILL NOT be allowed to submit proposals to Baltimore County. *Note: Contract Documents will consist of One (1) Paper Copy Proposal Book and One (1) Compact Disk (CD) with all of the required drawings. The CD will be in PDF format. Contractors and Subcontractors can purchase paper copies of the drawings from Baltimore County in Room 206 of the County Office Building, located on 2nd Floor for $4.50 a copy. The proposed work consists of: 1,271 (TON) 1.5” HMA Superpave, 9.5mm, PG 64-22, Level 2 235 (CY) Footing Concrete 8,673 (TON) 6” Base Course using Graded Aggregate (LS) Substructure Concrete for Bridge 983 (TON) 2.0” HMA Superpave, 12.5mm, PG 64-22, Level 2 (LS) Concrete Parapet 1,637 (TON) 2.5” HMA Superpave, 19.0mm, PG 64-22, Level 2 3,394 (LF) Steel HP 12 x 53 Bearing Pile (LS) Prestressed Concrete Beam (LS) Concrete Approach Slabs for Bridge (LS) Superstructure Concrete for Bridge (LS) Epoxy Coated Reinforcement Steel Bars in Superstructure 1,150 (LF) 16” Dia. Steel Pipe Pile 2,972 (LF) 16” Ductile Iron Pipe and Fittings, Class 54
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BALTIMORE CITY INVITATION FOR BIDS EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO THE HEATING SYSTEMS AT VARIOUS HABC DEVELOPMENTS IFB NUMBER: B-1726-13
Sealed proposals (the entire book) addressed to Baltimore County, Maryland for this contract will be received in the Baltimore County Purchasing Division, Room 148, Old Courthouse, 400 Washington Avenue, Towson, MD 21204, until the time specified on the contract at which time they will be publicly opened and read. ONLY CONTRACTORS WHO HAVE BEEN PREQUALIFIED BY BALTIMORE COUNTY AT LEAST TEN (10) DAYS PRIOR TO THE OPENING OF BIDS WILL BE ALLOWED TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS. All proposals must be accompanied by a Bid Bond, on the approved form provided, in the amount as set forth in the Information for Bidders. No other form of proposal guaranty is acceptable. The Purchasing Agent reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or bids or parts of bids and to waive technicalities as may be deemed best for the interest of the County. Keith Dorsey, Director TYPESET: Tue Jun 11 14:31:25 EDT 2013 Office of Budget & Finance
CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS BUREAU OF WATER AND WASTE WATER NOTICE OF LETTING Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for Water Contract 1265-Sidewalk Restoration will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 3, 2013. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon.The Contract Documents may be examined, without charge, at the Department of Public Works Service Center located on the first floor of the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, 200 N. Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 as of Friday, June 7, 2013 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $50.00. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call 410-396-6883 or contact the Committee at 751 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is D02620-Curb, Gutters, Sidewalks Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $500,000.01 to $1,000,000.00 A “Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted on the 3rd Floor Conference Room of the Bureau of Water & Wastewater, Abel Wolman Municipal Building on June 13, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. Principal Item of work for this project are: Principal items of work for this project consist of restoration of various size and types of concrete and masonry sidewalks, replacement of concrete curb, combination curb and gutter, and monolithic medians, at various locations in Baltimore City The MBE goal is 14% The WBE goal is 3% WATER CONTRACT 1265 APPROVED: Bernice H. Taylor Clerk, Board of Estimates APPROVED: Alfred H. Foxx TYPESET: Tue Jun 11 14:32:03 EDT 2013 Director of Public Works CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES NOTICE OF LETTING Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for GS 11805Renovations to Engine House 45 will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 17, 2013. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon.The Contract Documents may be examined, without charge, at the Department of Public Works Service Center located on the first floor of the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, 200 N. Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 as of Friday, June 7, 2013 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $50.00. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call 410-396-6883 or contact the Committee at 751 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is E13001-3 Story and Under Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $100,000.01 to $500,000.00 A “Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted at The Site, 2700 Glen Avenue on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 10:00 A.M.Principal Items of work for this project are: 1. Removal of Existing Electrical Panels and Wiring 2. Installation of New Electrical Panels and Wiring 3. Renovation of Existing Bathrooms The MBE goal is 27% The WBE goal is 9% CONTRACT NO. GS 11805 APPROVED: Bernice H. Taylor Clerk, Board of Estimates APPROVED: Steve Sharkey Acting Director, Department of General Services
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
CAREER CORNER
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC”) will issue an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) for qualified and interested vendors to submit sealed bids to provide emergency repairs to the heating systems located at various HABC developments on an asneeded basis. BIDS WILL BE DUE no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, July 19, 2013.
1ST MARINER BANK
A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., at the Charles L. Benton Building, 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 416, Baltimore, Maryland, 21202. HABC has established a minimum goal of twenty percent (20%) of the total dollar amount of the proposed contract for Minority Business Enterprise (“MBE”) utilization, applicable to all minority and non-minority businesses proposing to provide the requested services as the prime contractor. No goal has been established for participation of Women-owned businesses (“WBEs”), however, HABC strongly encourages and affirmatively promotes the use of WBEs in all HABC contracts. Responders shall also comply with all applicable requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, 12 U.S.C. Section 1701u. The IFB may be obtained on or after Monday, June 17, 2013, at the following location: Housing Authority of Baltimore City Division of Fiscal Operations, Purchasing Department 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 414 Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Attention: John Airey, Chief of Contracting Services Tel: (410) 396-3261 Fax: (410) 962-1586 Questions regarding the IFB should be directed in writing to the address and individual indicated above, and must include the reference: HABC IFB Number B-1726-13.
A pre-bid meeting will be held on Monday, July 1, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. EST in Room 219 of the County Office Building. Located at 111 West Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, Maryland 21204. THE PROJECT IS SUBJECT TO A MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE UTILIZATION GOAL AND FEMALE CONTRACTORS UTILIZATION GOALS. THESE GOAL REQUIREMENTS ARE MORE FULLY EXPLAINED IN THE SPECIFICATIONS. THE MBE/WBE FORMS IN THE PROPOSAL BOOKLET MUST BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF BID OPENING.
B7
INSIDE SALES ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Entry-Level Advertising Sales Rep needed for the AFRO-American Newspapers, Baltimore, M.D. Position provides: • • • •
Competitive compensation package Salary and commission plan Full benefits after trial period Opportunity for fast track advancement
Candidates should possess: • Good typing/data entry skills • • •
Excellent customer service skills Previous telephone sales experience Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Please email your resume to: lhowze@afro.com or mail to AFRO-American Newspapers, Diane W. Hocker, Director of Human Resources, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
TYPESET: Tue Jun 11 14:28:04 EDT 2013
To advertise in the AFRO Call 410-5548200
AFRO. COM • Your History • Your Community • Your News
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Position Title: Telecommunications Systems Technician Contractual Closing Date: June 21, 2013 www.mva.maryland.gov
MORTGAGE UNDERWRITER III (Canton, Baltimore City Headquarters) TO APPLY: Go to www.1stmarinerbank. com, click on Careers, submit your information Final candidates must have (7) years’ exp. as an Underwriter of government and conventional loan programs. HUD, DE, and VA LAPP Certifications required. Excellent benefits/competitive compensation. EOE. PURCHASING MANAGER CARROLL COMMUNITY COLLEGE has a full-time, 12-month position available as a Purchasing Manager. Additional information may be obtained at www.carrollcc.edu. TYPESET: Tue Jun 11 14:28:30 EDT 2013 EOE/M/F
MD Motor Vehicle Administration MVA Assistant Branch Manager II Join the MVA Management Team Location: Southern MD Closing Date: 6/13/13 Apply online at TYPESET: Tue Jun 11 14:27:37 EDT 2013 www.mva.maryland.gov
TYPESET: Wed Jun 12 11:48:02 EDT 2013
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Position Title: Telecommunications Network Specialist Contractual Closing Date: June 21, 2013 www.mva.maryland.gov
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Buyer III Central Services Officer Chief of Licensing Claims Adjustor Controller Detention Officer Director of Inspections & Permits Economic Development Director Engineer III Facilities Maintenance Supervisor Fire Chief Fuel Systems Technician Legislative Liaison Officer Office Support Assistant II Park Ranger Permit Specialist Public Information Officer Visit our website at www.aacounty.org for additional information and to apply on-line. You may use the Internet at any Anne Arundel County library, or visit our office at 2660 Riva Road in Annapolis. AEO/DF/SFE
TYPESET: Tue Jun 11 14:27:14 EDT 2013
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Program Manager II Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Manager http://jobaps.com/md Recruitment#: 13-005477-013 Filing Deadline: June 19-2013, 11:59 pm Salary: $54,009.00 - $78,907.00/year Work that matters. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is a national leader in affordable housing and community development. The purpose of the position is overall management responsibility for the administration and operation of the Federal U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and other leveraged funds associated with it. The administration of the program requires supervising a staff of nine and making decisions and recommendations that change, interpret or lead to the development of public policies and programs. Energy program management experience required. Visit the link above to apply online or send resumes to employment@mdhousing.org. EOE
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
TYPESET: Tue Jun 11 14:25:37 EDT 2013
June 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013, The Afro-American
TYPESET: Tue Jun 11 14:30:25 EDT 2013
B8
The Afro-American, June 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013
Twenty Feet From Stardom By Dwight Brown NNPA Film Critic They can sing a joyful noise. In pitch-perfect harmony. Never missing a beat. Yet they rarely take center stage. Why? Background singers, are the unsung heroes of music. Without them, lead singers sound hollow. Now their voices are heard, in an enlightening documentary that is as illuminating as it is thoroughly entertaining. Back in the day, backup singers just sang the notes on the page. In the ‘60s, a new breed of singer evolved, and these divas sang from the heart. Hard to say who was the first, but certainly, Darlene Love is one of the godmothers of the genre. Says Love, “God gave me this talent and I intended to use it.” Love led the background group the Blossoms, who were introduced to the world on the ‘60s musical TV show Shindig. Darlene Love in the ‘60s. Love was the one in the center, with the puffy red hair who wailed like a gospel singer but sang rock, pop and soul music. You may not recognize her face, but you know her voice. She sang lead on the Crystals record “He’s a Rebel.” She never received credit for what she did, but everyone in the music industry knew who she was. Love’s story is one of many backup singers who hid in shadows, recorded in dark studios but nonetheless left indelible impressions in pop culture. Arguably the best background/duet vocal ever recorded (debate among yourselves) is Merry Clayton on The Rolling Stones’ classic, Gimme Shelter: “Rape. Murder. It’s just a kiss away…” Clayton screamed the lyrics out as if she were warning a town that a rapist/killer was on the loose and they’d better hide. As iconic as that vocal is, Clayton’s career as a solo artist was miniscule. And that is a theme that seems to resonate with nearly all the vocalists on view. Stellar solo careers seemed ironically evasive, considering the unadulterated talent. Background singers have the chops. The ear. The voice. The skill. Yet quite often they’re missing that killer instinct, relentless drive or the inate ability to walk in a room and take it over. That desire to steal the spotlight is an intangible element that can make solo artists with crappy voices (e.g. Madonna) superstars, and skilled musicians with golden throats, enigmas. Hearing their stories, their successes and failures, is astonishing. Whether you’re a music
My Take
By Edmund Simms We’re Black and AfricanAmericans. We’re Negroes. We are not, and have never been the “n” word. We are not better than
buff or a casual listener of AM radio, their lives are fascinating: Claudia Lennear, background singer for Ike and Tina Turner and girlfriend of Mick Jagger was a Playboy centerfold in her heyday. She is now a conservative, Spanish language schoolteacher. Lisa Fischer, a monster musician who hears notes only dogs can hear, started out as a background singer, and won a Grammy in 1991 for her single “How Can I Ease the Pain.” She never recorded a solo effort again; but is content singing background, “I’m in love with sound vibration and what it does to people.” Each singer has a unique tale. Two years in the making, this thorough, well-paced, decently shot mélange of archival footage, photos, live heartfelt interviews and singing sessions is pure joy for the eyes, ears and mind. An obvious exception to the rule about background Darlene Love today./ singers never becoming viable solo artists, was Luther Facebook Vandross, who was most noted for singing backup on David Bowie’s Young Americans, before winning Grammys for his solo career. He left a trail that few can follow. Judith Hill was one of the top 10 competitors on this season’s The Voice TV show. She’s most noted for singing with Michael Jackson on the documentary This Is It, and at his funeral. She is the poster child for skilled background singers finding it difficult to make the transition. She was voted off the program long before other singers with far less talent. This doc is revealing, ironic, historic and transcendent. As you find out who sang back up on Whitney Houston’s Greatest Love of All (The Waters Family), who became a housekeeper scrubbing other people’s floors when her career collapsed (Darlene Love) and who sang lead on an Oscar-nominated song from the movie The Color Purple (Tata Vega), you will be inspired by their courage, resilience and determination. As a teenager, Merry Clayton learned to sing back up as one of Ray Charles Raelettes. Now, at age 64, she sings her signature song in small club venues (check her out on YouTube). She will never forget the day she walked into the studio to cut the background vocals for Gimme Shelter. She had one main goal; “I’m going to blow them out of the room!” And she did! They weren’t superstars, but they were divas!
The ‘N’ Word
any other race, nor is there any race better than us. It was that kind of deluded thinking that gave birth to the “n” word. One race created the belief that they were superior to black people because of our color. There came a point when the fact that we were being sold into slavery was considered not demeaning enough. It was decided that a special name be given to us to further solidify the belief that we were inferior. We began then to be called the “n” word. To this day, not only do people
who hate anyone who is Black or but it’s okay then because you’re dark skinned use the “n” word, black. so do some African-Americans. WHAT?! Baffling. Baffling. The reasoning for The “n” word was designed to some to use the word is to take break us down further. Many away the negative power it once wonder why some of us continue had by making it mean friend, to use it. If you teach a toddler brother. This is illogical because what we know to be a square some black people use the word is a circle, that child will grow in anger at other black people. to believe a square is a circle. Apparently, when you’re black, The child knows no better. Our the:”n” word becomes some kind ancestors were called that word of warped homonym. It means by their owners and took it with something positive if you’re them into the fields, into their black, but bad if you’re not. But quarters and into their psyche. can be bad if you’re black and Many began to believe they were mad at someone who is black T:11” that word. To this day, hundreds
of years later, that word remains in our psyche. If you’re black and use the “n” word, you lose the right to be offended by it. If you’re black and use the “n” word, look down at your wrists and ankles because the chains are still there. Every time a black person uses the “n” word, a racist get their coned hood. We need to abolish that word from usage. Black people especially. We diminish our accomplishments and struggles by continuing to use that word even if we redefine it. If I
S:10.5”
redefine a chocolate chip cookie as an apple, does that make it good for me? I may not be as great as those who came before me, but I know very well that I am not an “n” word. My Take is a social commentary feature that allows AFRO readers to share their insight into a range of topics. Please submit your 250-450 word entries, with My Take typed into the subject field, to editor@ afro.com. Include your name, age, occupation and daytime phone number. The AFRO reserves the right to edit or reject any entry.
TA K E A BRE A K FROM T R A FFIC JA M S A ND TAIL LIGH T S. ONE-WAY FA RE S FROM WA SHINGT ON, DC A S L O W A S :
49
NORFOLK
$
38
TRENTON
$
49
NEWARK
$
49
PHILADELPHIA
$
35
METROPARK
$
49
WILMINGTON
$
33
RICHMOND
$
23
The best way to beat the hassles of driving is to avoid them altogether. Plus, you can save 25% or more when booking 14 days in advance. Our prices are final with no added taxes or fees, too. Visit Amtrak.com.
AMTRAK.COM
This offer is valid for travel on the Northeast Regional train service only. Advance reservations are required a minimum of fourteen (14) days prior to travel. Once purchased, tickets are nonrefundable. Blackouts apply on the following dates: 11/26/13–11/27/13, 11/30/13, 12/1/13, and 12/20/13–12/22/13. Seating is limited; seats may not be available on all trains at all times. Up to 2 children ages 2–15 may accompany each adult at half the regular (full) adult rail fare. This offer is valid for coach seats only; no upgrades permitted. This offer is not combinable with any other discount offer. In addition to the discount restrictions, this offer is also subject to any restrictions, blackouts, and refund rules that apply to the type of fare purchased. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Once travel has begun, no changes to the itinerary are permitted. Other restrictions may apply. Amtrak and Northeast Regional are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
S:10”
$
T:10.5”
NEW YORK