Baltimore AFRO-American Newspaper January 26 2013

January 26, 2013 - January 26, 2013, www.afro.com

Volume 121 No. 25

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The Afro-American

B1 JANUARY 26, 2013 - FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Obama Returns to Base to Open Second Term INSIDE A4

America’s Inaugurations The AFRO Coverage

Roosevelt, 1941— The ‘Jim Crow’ Debate Continues

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57th Presidential Inauguration Coverage INSERT • Walmart

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By George E. Curry NNPA Editor-in-Chief WASHINGTON (NNPA) — Rejecting calls for him to move closer toward his Republican critics, a confident President Barack H. Obama kicked off his second term on Monday by making an impassioned plea for a more inclusive America.

“Our journey is not complete until no citizen is forced to wait for hours to exercise the right to vote,” he said. “Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity – until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country. Our journey is not complete until all our children, from the streets

of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia, to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for and cherished and always safe from harm.”

Obama’s speech represented a clear shift from four years ago when the newly-elected president optimistically thought that he could inject civility and common sense into Washington’s contentious politics. After being rebuffed by opponents, President Obama boldly shifted gears Monday by sketching a progressive vision and signaling a willingness to fight for it.

Obama, the nation’s first African-American president, was sworn in on the day the nation observed the annual federal holiday to honor the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was sworn in on a black leather traveling Bible

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BORN A SLAVE. DIED A HERO.

used by King that was topped by a smaller one owned by President Abraham Lincoln.

And he referenced both men as he declared Americans “are made for this moment.”

The direct link between the nation’s first Black president and the observance of King’s birthday underscores how far this country has progressed since the assassination of the Southern Christian Leadership

Conference (SCLC) president and Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1968.

Although King did not live to see the election of an African-American to the nation’s highest office, he predicted in 1964 that a Black person would be elected president of the United States.

In an interview with the BBC, King was asked to comment on a statement by then-New

York Senator-elect Robert F. Kennedy that it might be possible to elect a Black president in 40 years.

“I’ve seen levels of compliance with the civil rights bill and changes that have been most surprising,” King said. “So, on the basis of this, I think we may be able to get a Negro president in less Continued on A3

57th Presidential Inauguration

Thousands Witness Obama’s Second Swearing In

By Gregory Dale AFRO News Editor Barack Obama, the son of a Kenyan government economist and a White anthropologist, was sworn in to his second term as president of the United States on Jan. 21, taking his oath with his hand touching Bibles owned by Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. Under a cloudy sky that later turned a perfect blue, Obama, the nation’s first African-American president, began his second term as 800,000-900,000 men, women and children gathered at the Capitol and on the National Mall in Washington D.C. Spectators lucky enough to gain access to an area near the Capitol pushed and maneuvered their way into the perfect spot.

As the ceremony commenced, a sea of smart phones was raised in the air to capture each

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moment.

The event fittingly fell on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Obama’s message of equality and freedom harkened back to the immortal words of the late civil rights hero.

“It is now our generation’s task to carry on what those pioneers began. For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers and daughters can earn an equal living to their efforts,” Obama said. “Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law— for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.”

Before Obama took the stage, Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, delivered a stirring invocation. The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir performed a moving rendition of Continued on A3

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The Afro-American, January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013

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NATION & WORLD Yellow Ticket Holders at a Glance

By Christina Sturdivant Special to the AFRO The biggest ticketed event of the year took place in Washington, D.C. last Monday. Nearly 1 million people traversed the national mall to witness the second and final swearing-in of President Barack Obama. Among these men, women and children were those who obtained coveted tickets, guaranteeing them a secured viewing location between the Washington monument and capitol.

First timers and repeat Obama supporters came armed with patriotic blankets, folding lawn chairs and layers of clothing, draped in Presidential paraphernalia to navigate their way using color coded maps to patiently wait at gates that opened four hours before the ceremony began.

The yellow ticket holders were found north of D St. NW, just thousands of feet from the capitol where the ceremony took place.

Awaiting commencement on the lawn, they danced, laughed and reflected on the situations that moved them to witness the momentous occasion.

Sheree Hawkins, 25, from Upper Marlboro, Md. braved the extreme Courtesy Photo cold during the inauguration of 2009 to view President Obama’s first swearing-in from the inside of Washington’s Newseum. While being relieved from the below -freezing temperatures, this experience was not good enough for her.

“I felt like I needed to be closer to Obama this time. I Courtesy Photo wanted to make sure I could scream and raise my voice and be among the crowd,” she said.

So this year, Sheree wrote her Congressman, Steny Hoyer, who granted her a yellow ticket and a closer view of the action.

Just behind Sheree were best friends, Frances Carter and Tiffany Riley. The 35-year-olds, who met at their Mississippi high school, have relocated to Virginia and Texas, respectively.

They used the presidential occasion as a time to reunite and create new memories with Tiffany’s two sons, 4 and 7.

“I’m just happy to share this experience with my best friend and my god sons,” said Frances.

Standing next to Tiffany was another Texan, Doris Dogill. The 62-year-old has been volunteering for the Obama campaign for the past four years and flew, unaccompanied, from Pearland to support her elected candidate.

“I’m thrilled to be here. This is history and there was no way I was going to miss it,” said Doris, as she proudly stood alone in her red, white and blue scarf.

Just feet away from Doris was Indianapolis couple, Charles and Tavonna Askew. As his wife rested on their bright red blanket, Charles remained standing to take in the view of his surrounding yellow ticket holders, often acting as cameraman for those wanting group shots of their attendance.

On another blanket not too far from the Askews was 24-year-old Hakim Walker. Recently relocating to DC from Brooklyn, N.Y. to attend George Washington University, the mathematics scholar found himself as a tour guide for the weekend.

Hakim took his Las Vegas house guests to neighborhoods like the U Street corridor to experience Washington’s rich history of cuisine, music and culture. However, Hakim’s most promising tour destination was in front of the capitol on a blanket, to witness history in the making, among his fellow yellow-ticket holders.

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On March 2, 1996, 23-year-old Jody LeCornu (while in her white Honda) was shot in the back from the rear of her car in the Drumcastle Shopping Center (previously Caldor parking lot) on York Road in Precinct 6/Towson. She drove across York Road to the Giant York Road Plaza where she died. A black male driving a white BMW followed LeCornu into the York Road Plaza, took unknown items from her car, returned to his vehicle and left the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call Baltimore County Police at 410-307-2020 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-756-2587

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The Afro-American, January 26, 2013 - January 26, 2013

January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013, The Afro-American

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Michelle Obama Dazzles Inauguration

By Zenitha Prince Special to the AFRO

They may not want to admit it openly, but many Americans who tuned in to the second inauguration of President Obama on Jan. 21 were just as excited about seeing what Michelle Obama would wear as they were about hearing the president’s speech.

The first lady wowed again in her inimitable style. For the swearing-in ceremony, she chose a navy silk jacquard dress and collarless coat by designer Thom Browne, known for designing for men. She added a $265 rhinestone-embellished belt from J. Crew, the retailer that also produced first daughter Malia’s coat. She kicked up a storm in the sport-utility vehicle sought in

By Alan King fashionStaff worldWriter when she donned knee-high connectioncustomwith the murder of AFRO made Reed Krakoff boots for the Hudson’s swearing mother in and and brother.

The white, 1994 Chevrolet Jennifer Hudson and other parade.

Suburban with Illinois license relatives positively identified “I thought she looked beautiful, absolutely beautiful,” said Stephanie Halverston, 49, an accountant from Indianapolis, who watched the first lady on the Jumbotrons on the National Mall with her husband Lewis. “She’s always so elegant. She looks amazing, but she dressed in a way that was not too flashy. It was perfect and very fitting for a first lady. She’s really classy.”

Michelle Obama shocked the designer and the fashion industry later that day when she stepped out for the official balls in a volcano-red sleeveless dress

by Jason Wu, who designed the white one-shoulder gown she chose in 2009. Wu, who was rocketed to superstardom as a result, tweeted a single word to express his joy at having a second inaugural ball Courtesy Photos gown selected by the first lady: “Shocked.”

Jennifer Hudson and her mom, Darnell Donerson who first lady started buzz around the wasThe killed, as well as the herfashion brother, Jason. inauguration with a new hairstyle. She showed off new bangs on Jan. birthday. The hairstyle, fashion experts said,on plate X584859 was found the body17, of her her 7-year-old could signal a new direction style evolution.

Chicago’s West Side after nephew Monday, just hours in her policetimeless receivedelegance a 7 a.m.over call the after“She’s his body was found in athis classic, really established last four years,” said Fiona Dieffenbacher, assistant professor of fashion at Parsons the New School for Design in New York City.

But the flattering new hairstyle is a “new chapter,” in which “was so bright and people said it was cheerful and optimistic.”

Mrs. Obama may “push the envelope a little farther and wear This year’s navy ensemble, Givhan said, “seemed much some edgier designs and not just stick with her tried-and-true, more reserved, which was fitting for a second inauguration.” she said.

Blue seemed to be the color of choice for the inaugural “She’s got the support of the fashion industry, so, knowing weekend. At the Constitutionally-required Jan. 20 oath of that, she may step out and take some more risks,” Diffenbacher office ceremony in the Blue Room of the White House, the added. first lady wore a royal blue dress in an abstract print and her On Inauguration Day, however, Mrs. Obama stuck with the signature cardigan. The ensemble was also created by Krakoff, November 7, 2008,and Thepresident Washington Afro-American style elements she’s become known for—clean lines, no fuss1, 2008an- November American designer and executive creative A3 with a touch of glamour. director of Coach, Inc. “[Michelle Obama] has always stepped outside the box and supported emerging talent,” as she did when she wore Wu in 2009, Dieffenbacher said. from a neighbor about a suspiposted fliers bearing his photoThe established trendsetter further cious vehicle. The man noticed graphhas around the influenced city. On the fashion industry asSunday, she’s “brought the asked the vehicle while walking his Jennifer to Hudson dog. According to the Chicago for the public’s help in finding fore and raised the profile of American design Tribune, the boy had been shot her nephew.

In her MySpace internationally.” multiple times in the back seat blog, she thanked fans and supBrowne, who launched hisfor women’s wear and line in of the vehicle. The SUV, regisporters their prayers 2011 after years of designing men, said the dress tered to Hudson’s murdered offered afor $100,000 reward to brother, was towed with the anyone whoherself. returned the boy was inspired by Michelle Obama boy’s body inside and is being alive. sensibility and style “She has a really strong processed by evidence techniSince the investigation, of her own,” he told The Los Angeles Timesstardom in a cians and workers. The body Hudson – who gained phone interview from after Paris,appearing where heonshowed his was later removed and taken to “American the Cook County Medical Idol,” and then“And won an menswear collection Sunday night. she likes Examiner’s office.

Academy Award for herdoing role in well-tailored clothes, so the inspiration was Hudson and other family the movie Dreamgirls – has something that lookedstayed tailored and structured and members arrived at the Medical out of the public eye. fitted through the body and A-line for the Examiner’s office mid-afterThesomewhat Chicago Tribune reportJulian King, Jennnifer Hudson’s nephew. skirt and the dress ... something that’s of as cars strong as noon to identify the body. ed that a parade moved Given the choice between lookpast her family’s home she is as a person and slowly as an individual.”

A spokesman for the office the murders but is being held in Monday morning, past the ing directly at the body or At the public in the first daughters also told the newspaper that Hudson jail for parole violation after swearing viewing it on a wall-mounted news vans, reporters and curiwore ensembles in shades of blue—Malia in a violet ous onlookers.

J. Crew coat with the hemline of an Neighbors electric-blue stood “She held hands family. wasfabric, obviously very out emotional quietly The fit-and-flare coat,with whichher was based on a It necktie dressapeeking and Sasha inmoment.” a delphinium blue coatand from reflected on the was paired with a necklace by Cathy Waterman, a cardigan Kate Spade.

Theofgirls’ tailored coats, a mix of high and low “remained strong for her famibeing convicted attempted video screen, the family chose violence.

by Krakoff, blue J. Crew pumps the matching fashionand andvehicular daring colors, mother’s fashion sense ly” and wasand clearly its leader. murder hijack-reflected their the latter. According to thelow-heeled In front of the Hudson’s “She also held J. hands with her famiing.

County records bejeweled belt. Her Crew. and Cook provided glimpses ofshow how their styles will as they Tribune, Hudson said,plum “Yes,gloves were home, men in evolve heavy jackets the spokesman “It that he pleaded guilty tosaid. both that’s and hooded sweatshirts came to “Ithim.” was a much more subdued ly,” ensemble than foursaid. years mature, Dieffenbacher was obviously a very emotional charges in 1999. He was also kisslittle the twin whiteofcrosses ago,” fashion writer Robin Givhan told the “Today” show on “They in looked elegant…like versions their barmoment.” convicted 1998 very for possesing the names of Donerson and Jan. 21. The lemongrass yellow dress suitboy she– wore in of 2009 mom,” Parsons fashion expertJason. said.

The the son Julia sion of athe stolen motor vehicle.

Jennifer Hudson and Relatives Identify Body of Her Slain Nephew

ACORN Fights Back

Hudson, Jennifer’s sister – had been missing since Friday, when a relative found Julian’s grandmother, Darnell No wonder Obama’s campaign is Donerson, 57, and his uncle, trying to distance him from the Jason Hudson, 29, shot to death group, saying, “Barack Obama in his grandmother’s home in Never Organized with ACORN.” the event four years ago, she wasthe determined 7000 blocktoofreturn.

South Yale But Obama’s to ACORN run Luckily, sheties won tickets to attendAvenue. this year’s ceremony in a long and deep. He taught classes An Amber Alert – a desiglottery. for ACORN. They even endorsed nation for high-risk missing so exciting,” she said. “Ichildren am just –inwas tears rightFriday now. him“It’s for President. issued But ACORN in trouble.

Thisnow is the best is day ever….Obama hit all the right marks after Julian was discoveredand Reporter: Therethings.” are at least missing after the murders. said all the right 11 investigations across the Police arrested William Carlton’s friend, Charnna Copelland, 40, also of Baltimore, country involving thousands of Balfour, the missing boy’s stepechoed her sentiments. potentially fraudulent ACORN father and estranged husband forms.

“He hit everything as far as immigration, rights, all of Julia, at hisequal girlfriend’s Massive Southside apartment several of Announcer: that,” she said.

“It voter was awesome.” fraud. And the Obama campaign hours after the District murders.from Haseltine, to the paidMariesa more than $800,000 31, to anwho traveled Balfour’s mother, Michele, has ACORN front for get out the vote told reporters that her son had efforts. nothing to do with the slayings.

Pressuring banks to issue risky Balfour remains a suspect in loans. Nationwide voter fraud.

Barack Obama. Bad judgment.

Blind ambition. Too risky for America.

Leader Calls Voter Registration Fraud Charges ‘Bogus’ Thousands Witness

By Alan King

and Dallas Cowboys players Tony Romo and Terrell Owens, among the names submitted to election officials.

Presidential John “Battle Hymncandidate of the Republic.”

Hurd said those workers, who McCain’s attack Idol” on ACORN – “American songstress Kelly Clarkson performed were doing those things without Associated Community “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and veteran soft rocker ACORN’s knowledgeJames or permisOrganization for Reform Now – Taylor crooned “America the Beautiful.” was later sion, were It fired. confirms the success of the “Thesinger evidence that has surorganization, theGrammy head of the disclosed that award-winning Beyonce’s faced so far shows they faked group says.take on the “National Anthem” touching was lip-synced.

“This is testimony to the work forms to get paid for work they While reports speculated that this year’s inauguration didn’t do, not to stuff ballot we’ve done and success we’ve wouldn’t compare to the previous event,ACORN, it was apparent boxes.” she said, is the had,” Maude Hurd, president of of fraud, not the perpetraACORN, in an interview that manysaid returned to the Districtvictim this year to experience the tor of it. with the AFRO.occasion once again. unforgettable Hurd said the only things “When this attack started, we Katrina Carlton, 35, of Baltimore, thatcharges after attending bogussaid are the themhad just announced that we had selves. And factcheck. org registered 1.3 million new votagrees. ers,” she said. “That’s just to say It concluded, “Neither that someone’s running scared ACORN nor its employees have because of ACORN’s success.” been found guilty of, or even McCain, who is running for Continued A1 charged with, casting fraudulent president onfrom the Republican tickvotes.” et, lashed out at ACORN in the The problem came about final debate against Barack than 40 years.

I would think percent of Americans are primarily because of the way Obama, theingroup that thiscontending could come 25 “is “dependent on government” ACORN operates. Rather than on the verge of maybe perpetratyears orofless.” and would “vote for the peorely on volunteers, it pays ing one the greatest frauds in came 44 president nothem matter what.” ple, many of poor or unemvoterObama’s history inelection this country, ployed, to sign up newreceived voters. maybeafter destroying fabric of years King’sthe statement Ironically, Romney The idea was to help both those democracy.” and four years longer than 47 percent of the popular vote being registered and those doing Factcheck.org, a non-partisan what Robert Kennedy had in his losing effort against the registration.

Web site, found those claims to envisioned.

Standing in the Obama.

Maud explained, “We have a be “exaggerated,” with “no evizeroThe tolerance policy for deliberdence of any shadows of asuch U.S.democracyCapitol president indicated ate plans falsification of registration.” destroying fraud.” built by slave labor, Barack he to move the U.S. Most news account neglect to Hurd believes the McCain Obama expressed much more away from point out that“perpetual ACORN iswar” charges were politically motivatself-assurance Monday than and will take ontotough required by law turn inissues all reged. istration forms. And they also fail She said, he had four “Because years ago.it’s lowsuch as immigration reform to note that itchange. was the organizaand “We moderate-income people, do not believe that and climate Obama tion, in many instances, that first and people of color, I believe the in this country freedom became the first president to brought the phony registrations McCain campaign thinks those is reserved for the lucky, link the 1848 Seneca Falls to the attention of authorities. voters are going to vote The McCain apparently Democratic, is not necesor happinesswhich for the few,” Convention for camp women’s isn’t interested in Selmathose fine sarily true.” said. “We the president rights, the 1965 points, preferring to air misleadACORN is no stranger to recognize Montgomery, Ala. voting ing ads that seek to link Obama controversy.that no matter howFor responsibly we live our rights march and the 1969 to ACORN, thereby undercutting 38 years, the non-partisan his politicalriots support. organization hasoffought lives, any one us at for anysocial Stonewall that put gay McCain: John McCain and economic lowtime may facejustice a job for loss, or rights centerI’m stage. and I approve this message. and moderate-income aAmericans. sudden illness, or a home He said, “We, people, Announcer: Whothe is Barack With 400,000 memswept away in a terrible declare today that the Obama? A man with “a most political ber families organized into more baptism performed at that warpall than 1,200 chapstorm.

Theneighborhood commitments we evident of truths –speed.” ambition.

After ters in to 110 cities nationwide, make each other through of us areVast created equal – iscollege, he moved to Chicago.

ACORN has over the years seen Medicare Medicaid the star athat guides us still; Became community organizer. its share ofand criticism while and advoSocial Security, these things just as it guided our forebears There, Obama met Madeleine cating for affordable housing, Talbot, part of theFalls, Chicago living healthcare forthey the do notwages, sap our initiative, through Seneca and branch of ACORN. He was soas underserved— while organstrengthen us. and They do not Selma, and Stonewall; just impressive that he was asked to izing voter registration drives. make us a nation of takers; it guided all those men and train the ACORN staff.

But none has been as withering they free us to take the risks women, sung and unsung, What did ACORN in Chicago and baseless as this one. engage Bullying banks. thethis presidential thatWith make country election great.” who leftin?footprints along Intimidation tactics.

Disruption less The than reference two weeksto away, a nation this great Mall, to hear a of business. ACORN forced ACORN’s detractors allege the of takers was a direct rebuttal preacher say that we cannot organization has engaged in mas- banks to issue risky home loans. to Mitt Romney’s telling walk alone; to of hear a King The same types loans that sive voter registration fraud after caused thethat financial crisis we’re reported discovery bogus athe group of donors thatof47 proclaim our individual in today. names, such as Mickey Mouse

Continued A1 AFRO Stafffrom Writer

Obama Returns to Base

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Since McCain’s comments, ACORN’s 87 offices have been bombarded with threats and racist mail.

The day after the presidential debate, vandals broke into the organization’s Boston and Seattle offices and stole computers.

After a Cleveland representative appeared on TV, an e-mail was sent to the local office saying she “is going to have her life ended.”

A worker in Providence, R.I., received a threatening call saying, “We know you get off work at 9” and uttered racial epithets.

A caller to one office left a message on the answering machine, saying: “Hi, I was just calling to let you know that Barack Obama needs to get hung. He’s a (expletive deleted) nigger, and he’s a piece of (expletive deleted). You guys are fraudulent, and you need to go to hell. All the niggers on oak trees.

They’re gonna get all hung honeys, they’re going to get assassinated, they’re gonna get killed.”

Another message said, “You liberal idiots. Dumb (expletive deleted). Welfare bums. You guys just (expletive deleted) come to our country, consume every natural resource there is, and make a lot of babies. That’s all you guys do. And then suck up the welfare and expect everyone else to pay for your hospital bills for your kids. I jus’ say let your kids die. That’s the best move. Just let your children die.

Forget about paying for hospital bills for them. I’m not gonna do it. You guys are lowlifes. And I hope you all die.”

Hurd thinks the hate calls will cease soon.

“In two weeks, I think these attacks will be over. But I think it will be harder for us to get our name back on good graces because they really trashed us in the last few weeks.”

But ACORN will not be freedom is inextricably bound deterred. to the freedom of everyfor soul “We’ve been fighting a on Earth.” long time, for over 30 years, for the rights of lowand moderatePresident Obama used income people all across the “we the people” — the country,” Hurd said. “We’re opening words of going to continue to the fightU.S. for Constitution — in five economic justice ourtimes communities.”

He was released from prison in 2006 after serving seven years for the attempted murder and car hijacking charges.

The boy remained missing through a long weekend in which police and volunteers

“Everybody is sick of going through stuff like this,” Artisha West, a former resident of the area told the Tribune. “We all have to stick together. All these young children are dying, and for what?”

Memphis, Tenn. explained that the event was a special birthday gift to herself.

“I was here four years ago, so it was a part of my birthday celebration to come back,” she said. “Last time I was at the Washington Monument, but this year I was [closer], so it was excellent to be in visual contact with the president.”

Haseltine said that she started to tear up as Obama touched on topics that hit home for her.

“It tugged at the heart strings—equality for everyone was the focus of the message and I think that it was something that was super-positive that we need,” she said.

Jason Hudson

approximately 1.6 miles Wu, the same designer she Pennsylvania AvenueHIGH used for the first inauguration. to the White House. The On Monday, Obama president and the first lady became the second and exited their limousine near probably last president to be 9th Street, N.W. and walked sworn in four times. In 2009, for three blocks, returning the Supreme Court Chief Justice ON THE BREAD waves and cheers of excited NOTJohn G. LIST Roberts flubbed his onlookers, before returning to lines at the official swearing the motorcade. in and do-over was completed President Obama, Vice the next day. This time, President Joe Biden and Roberts administered the oath LEFT RIGHT their families watched the of office in a flawless private remainder of the parade from ceremony Sunday because the glass-encased official the Constitution requires the president to be sworn in on review stand in front of the Jan. 20; he repeated it in the White House. public ceremony on Monday.

Later, the Obamas Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Bidens danced at two who was elected four times private balls in the Walter before presidents were limited E. Washington Convention to serving two terms, was the Center, down from the 10 1 BANANA held in their honor four years only other president to utter the presidential oath four ago. times.

As usual, all eyes were on As he prepared to leave First Lady Michele Obama the U.S. Capitol, President as onlookers waited to see Obama stopped and turned what fashion designer she would elevate to international around. “I want to take a look one more time,” he said. “I’ll attention. She surprised never see this again.” everyone by selecting Jason SQUARE down

Before age five, every room is a classroom.

“Although King did not live to Fun learning opportunities are everywhere. Simple things like and identifying shapes activate a child’s learning ability, see the election of an African-counting and help them enter school more prepared. That’s why PNC founded Grow Up Great and its Spanish-language equivalent Crezca American to the nation’s highest con Éxito, a 10-year, 100 million program to help prepare young children for school and life. Pick up a free bilingual Sesame Street™ office, he predicted in 1964 that aHealthy, Ready for School” kit at a PNC branch. It’s filled “Happy, with all kinds of simple, everyday things you can do to help a child Black [person] would be elected learn. Together, we can work with our communities so an entire generation won’t just grow up... but grow up great. president of the United States.” $

To find out more, go to pncgrowupgreat.com or call 1-877-PNC-GROW.

during his 18 1/2 minute speech.

After the inauguration, the Obamas led a parade procession that included 59 groups with 8,800 people from the Capitol

TM /©2008 Sesame Workshop. All rights reserved. ©2008 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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The Afro-American, January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013

America’s Inaugurations – The AFRO Coverage

Franklin D. Roosevelt –1941 — Third Term

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Discrimination or Courtesy, The ‘Jim Crow’ Debate Continues

hen Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected for a third term, the presidential mold was broken since no other president had exceeded two terms in office. There have been many reasons why Roosevelt was able to accomplish his third term feat, but his promises to keep America out of World War II that was ravaging Europe appeared to have been most effective. In spite of his neutrality approach, Roosevelt nevertheless in his 2nd term initiated a military build-up that in turn generated an industrial expansion and badly needed jobs, which grew the American economy still emerging from the devastations of the Great Depression.

The Black community appears to have anticipated the inevitability of war and the articles in the AFRO reflect recognition that the build-up would be an important vehicle to increase job opportunities for the colored community. Such opportunities, however, would only have limited benefits if the ‘Jim Crow’ environment were allowed to continue unabated.

Five months following his January 20th inauguration, and apparently precipitated by pressures from NAACP’s civil right’s activist Walter White, and union activist A. Phillip Randolph, Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802 forbidding discrimination because of “race, creed, color or national origin” in hiring of workers in the defense industry. This order was one of the most important civil rights achievements of the first half of the 20th century.

With respect to Roosevelt’s third term inauguration, the AFRO celebrated the increasing instances of Blacks being included in various previously restricted inaugural events, like tea at the White House with the first lady as reported in band leader Lionel Hampton’s AFRO column. But considerable attention was also given to ferreting out and objecting to those inaugural events, which appeared to separate and restrict Blacks from equal participation.

A February 1st AFRO editorial outlines the many 1941 inaugural events in which it was not clear whether or not the so-called “special” treatment of the Negro was discrimination or a courtesy. The debates surrounding some of the listed January inaugural events continued into the following year.

With the job improvements forecast, and the greater level of social inclusion, the over-all outlook for the Black community in 1941 appeared to be improving—in spite of the continued existence of “Jim Crow.” Many groups and organizations were clearly responsible for these improvements; however, there is one person who repeatedly stands out and above most of the others.

The frequency of references to Eleanor Roosevelt in the AFRO news articles clearly highlights the extreme respect and appreciation the Black community had for the special efforts this first lady made to highlight and eliminate the discrimination in the culture of Washington D. C. and the country at large. Her resignation from the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) because of their refusal to permit Marian Anderson to sing at their Constitution Hall in 1939, and

her insistence in the inclusion of the Golden Gate Quartet, a Black singing group, at an important inauguration concert in violation of the DAR “Jim Crow” rule, were but a few examples of why in 1941, the Black community considered Eleanor Roosevelt an indispensable ally and the best first lady—ever. In March 1941, shortly after the inauguration, she would add to her already heightened esteem when she inspected the new flight program at Tuskegee Institute and, in an unprecedented move, flew with an African-American civilian instructor C. Alfred “Chief” Anderson, thus demonstrating the capability of Blacks to successfully fly modern air planes.

AFRO Cartoon - February 8, 1941

January 25, 1941 Swing

Excerpted from a column by Lionel Hampton My wife has been invited to one of those White House teas during Inauguration Week. She likes white rum in her tea, so I hope she won’t be disappointed! But maybe her friend, Mrs. Roosevelt, may snitch a little from their private stock for her, I wouldn’t know.

January 25, 1941 Golden Gate Quartet at Inaugural The Golden Gate Quartet sang on the Inaugural program held at Constitution Hall here Monday, at the invitation of Mrs. Roosevelt. It was this same hall that the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to permit Marian Anderson to use for a recital in 1939. Little comment was forthcoming on the matter. Officials in charge of the concert, which was the opening event of President Roosevelt’s inauguration, said that they had included the quartet on the program at the suggestion of Mrs. Roosevelt.

The manager’s office at Constitution Hall said that it had not been notified of the action, but that they would not interfere with any arrangement of the President’s party.

It was in February, 1939, that Mrs. Roosevelt led a nation-wide protest against the Daughters of the American Revolution when the DAR refused to allow Marian Anderson, great contralto, to give a concert in the hall, which the DAR owns.

Resigned

Mrs. Roosevelt resigned from the DAR after the Anderson episode. It was only a few weeks ago that Mrs. Roosevelt went to Café Society uptown on East Fifty-eighth Street, New York, with her son, Franklin Jr., where she heard the Golden Gate Quartet, night club, radio and phonograph record stars.

The quartet has been appearing, when its schedule permits on the “Flow Gently Sweet Rhythm” program of Maxine Sullivan and John Kirby on Sunday afternoons.

A day or two after visiting Café Society, Mrs. Roosevelt praised the quartet in her syndicated column, “My Day.”

Members

Then it was announced that the quartet would sing at the inaugural program. The members of the group were: Willie Johnson, lead and narrator; Clyde Riddick and Henry Owens, tenors and Orlandus Wilson, bass; Herman Mitchell, guitarist.

Others appearing on the program were; Nelson Eddy, Eddie Cantor, Irving Berlin, Charlie Chaplin, Rise Stephens and the National Symphony Orchestra.

February 1, 1941 The Inauguration: An Editorial The third-term inauguration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt is now a historic fact. Much discussion attended this auspicious occasion as to whether there was segregation and jim crow, or not.

Prof. Doxey Wilkerson, chairman of the committee on civil liberties of the National Negro Congress, carried on an energetic campaign against all forms of discrimination in connection with the inauguration. This was admirable on the theory that, so far as our government and its agencies are concerned, we cannot be too careful in killing off the serpents of intolerance wherever and whenever they raise their heads. We need men like Professor Wilkerson ever on the alert to warn us of the dangers which beset us.

Looking at the whole picture, we are ready to admit that we cannot say irrevocably whether malicious discrimination was the official policy of the sponsoring committee or not. We will, therefore, cite the facts as they come to our attention and let the public draw its own conclusions, believing that there is sufficient evidence on both sides to satisfy the most rabid accusers and defenders.

There was a “special committee” on colored entertainment appointed to look after the interests of visiting dignitaries of color from the various States. There was also “special committees” appointed to look after the welfare of visiting governors, a special committee to look after visiting Presidential electors, and special committees on this and that. The question raised is, was a “special committee” for colored discriminatory or merely a courtesy?

In picking firemen to participate in the parade, Engine Company No. 4, the colored unit, was overlooked. Was this deliberate or just an oversight?

In distributing tickets to government workers, the colored messengers in the Department of State were the only employees in that branch who were refused tickets. Were they ignored because they were messengers or because they were colored?

By some peculiar quirk, a unit of 57 tickets to the inaugural platform, issued to Recorder of Deeds Dr. William J. Thompkins for his colored friends, were all in a group, conveniently in the rear of whites. Was this intentional or just a coincidence that Dr. Thompkins’ friends were colored?

A special concert of colored artists for colored people was held in the Departmental auditorium and a concert of white artists was held in Constitution Hall for white visitors. All these things were on the darker side.

On the lighter side we discover that, in defiance of a controversial rule, the Golden Gate quartet did sing at Constitution Hall (from which Marian Anderson was barred) along with the whites, and there were as many whites as colored at the concert supposedly for colored.

Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune was invited to a White House reception for the President and Mrs. Roosevelt but because of illness failed to attend.

A group of New York State Democratic women, headed by Mrs. Bessie Bearden, were invited and did attend an informal tea at the White House on Monday afternoon and also attended social functions at the Mayflower Hotel.

Dr. Silas F. Taylor of Boston, a Presidential elector, not only accompanied the Massachusetts delegation to Washington, but stayed with the other members at the Ambassador Hotel and attended the electors’ banquet at the Mayflower Hotel and the President’s reception, carrying his sister and a friend along.

Congressman Arthur W. Mitchell was invited to all functions which members of Congress were expected to attend. The choice to go or remain away was his own.

That, briefly, is the inaugural picture, and we are eager to record more evidence on either side so that our readers may get a clear picture and draw their own conclusions.

January 3, 1942 Inaugural Parties Brought Chief Controversy of 1941

By Mable Alston While the nation’s capital had a lot of exciting socialities during the year just going out, the most controversy was brought about by the inaugural parties that centered around the famed third-term induction of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Ushering out 1939, Judge and Mrs. Armond Scott had just made what was probably their last social call to the White House, when the President and Mrs. Roosevelt entertained the judiciary and their wives, at a reception which has since been abandoned because of the emergency. Mrs. Scott had scored an entrance in a gown of imported black chiffon crepe trimmed with silver bangles and a matching bolero. The governmental set was priming itself for the January doings which would bring to the city outstanding political and social leaders from all parts of the country for the inauguration.

Parties Criticized

Came the inaugural parties including a musical at the departmental auditorium which was attended by Mrs. Roosevelt, and, a bit later, the President’s birthday ball.

Came too, considerable criticism of the sponsoring committee, headed by Emory Smith, by persons who labeled the musical a Jimcrow affair, and later equally as much criticism of the ball because it was held on Friday instead of Thursday as the other balls were held, and therefore not attended by stars who served the whites.

January January 26, 26, 2013 2013 -- January February26, 1, 2013, The TheAfro-American Afro-American

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Washington View

Obama: A Transformative Figure or Merely a Black Figurine?

WASHINGTON--Great are the expectations of President Barack Obama, the historic first AfricanAmerican president who was inaugurated for his second term on Jan. 21.

The momentous hopes and aspirations are especially strong for the African American supporters whose votes made a critical difference in his victorious bid for reelection in 2012.

But what will be the legacy of this first AfricanAmerican president with regard to addressing a

Adrienne Washington AFRO Columnist

“Black agenda?”

Will he be remembered as a transformative Black figure or nothing more than a Black figurine?

Now is “the time to act,” President Obama said during his second inaugural address, which was peppered with an ambitious litany of liberal initiatives that progressives expected to be passed during his first term in office. Indeed, he’s got to act now or never.

As President Obama steps into his second term, those high expectations have rightfully grown to include rewards and demands, as some African-American leaders, such as Marc Morial of the National Urban League, have presented the administration with a wish list, a so-called “Black agenda.”

Others, like scholar Cornel West have harshly expressed their disillusionment with the Obama administration’s track record on issues pertinent to Blacks like high unemployment, incarceration and foreclosure. West even bristled at the

president using Martin Luther King Jr.’s Bible during the public swearing in ceremony on Jan. 21, the national holiday honoring the slain civil rights leader.

Recently Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) went as far as to call President Obama’s overwhelmingly White male inner circle “an embarrassment.” MSNBC anchor Soledad O’Brien made an on-air wager of $100 with a White House aide insisting that statistics would confirm her assertion that the Obama cabinet does not reflect the proportion of minorities and women in the American population. The Congressional Black Caucus sent the president names of two of its members for consideration for cabinet nominations—Rep. Mel Watts (D-N.C.) for secretary of commerce and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) for secretary of labor—to broaden the pool of candidates.

African Americans also will be watching to see who

Why then, do so many Blacks feel “dissed” by him?

Among the president’s defenders is Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) who told a television interviewer that “He’s off to a strong start.” She was referring to President Obama’s seemingly tougher stance in negotiating a better “fiscal cliff deal” with recalcitrant Republicans. She acknowledged, though, that many of the cuts that led to a compromise, reductions in so-called “entitlements,” like Social Security and Medicare, are likely to be made on the backs of the poor, the elderly and Blacks.

Michael Fauntroy, George Mason University political science professor and noted political commentator, said that while he’s happy President Obama was reelected, he’s “frustrated” by his failure to address Black issues like the high incarceration rate of Black men, “which is decimating black communities across the country.”

And, “I’d like to see him talk more about poverty,” he said.

Fauntroy’s frustration also extends to the president’s diehard supporters, such as Rev. Al Sharpton, who do not allow anyone, especially other African Americans, to voice even valid and constructive criticism of his policies.

Some “Black people are just happy to have a black president,” he said.

Fauntroy suggested that although President Obama’s second term “will be about legacy building, I’m not expecting much as it relates to a Black agenda.”

He hopes he’s wrong.

“Great are the expectations of President Barack Obama, the historic first AfricanAmerican president who was inaugurated for his second term on Jan. 21.”

President Obama names to the U.S. Supreme Court, which will be taking up affirmative action and voting rights during his second term. Many are hoping he will tap a Black woman.

For his part, President Obama has said it is too early to judge his appointments and priorities. Although he has been mostly silent on the issue of race, save the case of slain Florida teenager Trayvon Martin, his spokesmen defend the president’s emphasis on job creation, education spending and working to save the middle class from further erosion as imperatives that cross racial lines. He is the president of everyone, they state, not only of African Americans.

This is the inaugural Washington View column by veteran journalist and political commentator Adrienne Washington.

She will write weekly for the AFRO about relevant issues in the District, Maryland and Northern Virginia. Send concerns and other correspondence to her via email at editor@AFRO. com.

Obama II Inauguration Kindles Special Emotions for Older Blacks

By Taryn Finley Special to the AFRO WASHINGTON, D.C. --Tears rolled down the cheeks

this day,” said Gloria Tyson, 61, of Birmingham, Ala. As Tyson reminisced on the historic events that led to change in the United States,

come see this,” said Thomas Patterson, 75. Patterson is the grandson of a former slave and longest serving AfricanAmerican councilman of

Christine Kennard, 79, (left) of Columbia, Md. and her daughter Karren Pope-Onwukwe, 60, of Hyattsville, Md.

Alice Bynum of the District voted for Obama for the second time in November.

of a 60-year-old woman shortly after President Obama took the oath of office for his second term. She calmly let them drop without letting her hand interfere.

The woman, Karren PopeOnwukwe of Hyattsville, Md., was accompanied

by Christine Kennard, her 79-year-old mother, who resides in Columbia, Md. The two women, along with hundreds of thousands of others, showed up bright and early for the 57th Presidential Inauguration.

The crowd included many African Americans who grew up in a time when even the idea of a Black president was an unrealistic daydream.

“I’m really very proud of the fact that my family and my generation lived to witness

she admitted she never thought she’d see an African American elected as president.

This day not only marked the start of Obama’s second term, but also the second time the inauguration has occurred on Martin Luther King Jr.

Lubbock, Texas.

Obama urged those who believe the task of achieving

equality in the society to think again. “Our journey is not yet complete,” he said as he outlined his agenda over the next four years. He touched on defending the country, living in an environment-friendly world and becoming a country that is more accepting of homosexuality. He referred to them as “our gay brothers and sisters,” emphasizing that

their issue is also an issue of inequality.

For many in the 2013 crowd on the mall, Jan. 21 marked the second time they have witnessed an Obama inauguration. Pope-Onwukwe, who was part of the crowd of 1.8 million people who attended the first Obama inauguration in 2009, linked Obama’s achievement with a Martin Luther King vision King, she said, “had a vision and his vision came from God that this could

happen,” Pope-Onwukwe said. ”I believe President Obama is a visionary leader and he has a vision for where this country can go within the African-American community and even with same sexmarriage. What he’s saying is we have to love one another despite our differences.”

After comparing these two historical figures, PopeOnwukwe exclaimed of King, “He set me free.” She then let out a chuckle as a teardrop fell from her cheek.

“I’m really very proud of the fact that my family and my generation lived to witness this day.”

Day. Moments like these are meaningful and historic to many Americans. However, ceremonies like these hold a special place in the hearts of older African Americans who may have witnessed the color barrier being broken.

“I’d be remiss not to

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The Afro-American, January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013

COMMENTARY

President Obama Stands on the Shoulders of 50 Years of History

“You can kill a man, but you can’t kill an idea.” - Slain Civil Rights leader Medgar Evers When President Obama took the oath of office on Monday, he was surrounded by an extraordinary legacy of 50-year civil rights milestones that helped make possible his first and second inauguration. It was fitting that the inaugural invocation was delivered on the steps of the U.S. Capitol by Myrlie EversWilliams, the widow of civil rights hero, Medgar Evers. After years of risking his life to end discrimination against Black Mississippians, Evers was felled by an assassin’s bullet in the driveway of his home 50 years ago on June 12, 1963.

Whether serving his country as a soldier in World War II, or leading the fight to desegregate the University of Mississippi, or working to end Jim Crow as the state’s first NAACP field Marc H. Morial director, Medgar Evers was a fearless, peaceful warrior who paved the way for President Obama and countless others who have been inspired by his example. An assassin cut short his life in 1963, but Myrlie EversWilliams went on to devote her life, as an NAACP leader and civil rights activist, to the ideas he fought and died for. Medgar Evers, ironically was killed on June 12, just hours after President John F. Kennedy delivered a nationally televised speech in support of civil rights. President Kennedy, himself, was assassinated only five months later, 50 years ago, on Nov. 22, 1963.

President Obama took the oath of office holding a Bible belonging to another champion of civil rights and American democracy – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fifty years ago, on August 28, 1963, Dr. King inspired America and the entire world with his “I Have a Dream Speech” delivered at the Lincoln Memorial in front of more than 250,000 people during the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

The March was organized by Dr. King with help from the National Urban League’s Whitney M. Young, along with A. Philip Randolph of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, James Farmer of the Congress of Racial Equality, John Lewis of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee and Roy Wilkins of the NAACP. The March on Washington was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Finally, President Obama was sworn in 50 years after one of the most horrific events of the civil rights era, the 1963 bombing of Birmingham, Alabama’s 16th Street Baptist Church, which resulted in the deaths of four little Black girls – Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley, all 14 years old, and 11-year-old Denise McNair. The Birmingham church bombing galvanized the conscience of the nation and led many Whites to denounce racism and its brutal consequences. Those four young Black girls did not die in vain. As Dr. King said in his eulogy, their deaths, “…say to each of us, Black and White alike, that we must substitute

courage for caution. They say to us that we must be concerned not merely about who murdered them, but about the system, the way of life, the philosophy which produced the murderers. Their death says to us that we must work passionately and unrelentingly for the realization of the American dream.”

Fifty years later, America’s first Black president has completed his second inauguration.

Marc H. Morial, former mayor of New Orleans, is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

Dreams....Upon Reflection Rev. Dr. Bertha Borum

President Obama declared today, “My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment, and we will seize it — so

long as we seize it together.”

In reflecting on “this moment,” I could not help noticing what a powerful confluence of events today marks. Even as we celebrate the memorial holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who so publicly and passionately shared his dream for America with the world, we witnessed the inaugural swearingin for the second time of Barack Obama - one who embodies so much of the Dreamer’s dream in his very person. He is biracial and brilliant; educated and eloquent, at home with Kings, Emperors, and Shahs - yet continuously mindful of the struggles of everyday Americans who just want an equal shot at living the dream. He recognizes his own imperfections and flaws enough to be gracious to others when theirs are laid bare for all to see - even when those flaws include the mean-spirited and hateful rhetoric and obstructive deeds which have been leveled at him from his opposition for the entire first term.

As I recall, Mr. Obama entered office in his first term with a dream of his own about governing. He hoped to usher in a new era of political practice in which “the back-room deal” and the “good ole boy” network would be replaced by representatives who would put people’s needs over politics and do that which is best for the nation, even if it was not politically expedient for them in every individual instance. Day by day, he was

awakened from that dream by harsh reality imposed by the members of the GIANT OBSTRUCTIONIST PARTY- some of whom opposed him on honest differences in the philosophy of governance, but most of whom seem motivated by a hatred one can only believe to be deeply rooted in racism.

However, as ugly as much of his first-term experience has been, I was delighted today to hear that this man still has a dream. He has awakened perhaps from the 2009 version of the dream, but he still has a dream.

All of us know that dreams are ephemeral things - fleeting at best and often hard to recall in our conscious daytime hours.

But dreams and dreamers are important to our lives, our communities, our society and our world. For without dreams we will stagnate and settle for the status quo - good or bad as that may be in our individual situations. Without dreamers who are willing to give voice to their vision and share it with others who have been gifted by God and positioned in “this moment” to make the dream a reality, we can never reach the fullness of the future that exists at first, only in our dreams.

Dreamers risk being ridiculed and rebuffed and even dismissed as crazy, but it is essential that they continue to dream and to share their dreams. How else can we become foot soldiers in the movement that will flesh out the dream and breathe life into it and fight to incorporate it into our life experiences without their willingness to share?

Thank God for those whose dreams made “this moment” possible and real for us. We know Mary McLeod Bethune and

Fannie Lou Hamer and Medgar Evers and George Washington Carver on whose shoulders we stand today. But we also must be mindful of and grateful for the unknown and unnamed dreamers who persisted or served as foot soldiers for change those who engaged in sit-ins or boycotts or endured lynchings, hosings and dog attacks because they would not abandon the dream of a better world and an equal opportunity for our people and all people.

We who have benefitted so richly from their dreams made real and available, as we witness the second inaugural of a new manifestation of the dreams of our people, have an obligation to our posterity. That is, we must teach our children and grandchildren to dream a better world and the importance of being willing to serve to bring it to reality. Too many of them have been so consumed by the negative realties of poverty, violence, abandonment and denial of opportunity that they have given up not only on the dreams of our ancestors, but on any dream.

So, today as we witness the swearing in of President Barak Obama - quite literally an African American - for his second term, let’s be vigilant and intentional and tireless in our efforts to keep the dreams of our forefathers and foremothers alive for generations yet unborn and to teach a new generation how to dream those dreams that will create for them a glorious “this moment” in their own lives and experiences.

Rev. Dr. Bertha Borum is pastor of St. John’s Transformation Baptist Church in Baltimore.

King’s Greatest Legacy: Seeing Polarization as Progress I’ve always disliked the way Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday is often celebrated.

The reasons why became even clearer to me these past few days, as the importance of considering King’s life and work was juxtaposed against three other developments: the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation; the celebration of Barack Obama’s second inaugural as president of the United States; and the splenetic, knee-jerk resistance of the National Rifle Association and other conservatives to the president’s efforts to devise sensible gun-regulation proposals.

Those events tell me I’m right in thinking too many King ceremonies indulge too much in the simplistic, feel-good rhetoric of “Can we all just get along?” and ponder too little why he was so widely criticized in the last years of his life – not just by the overt racists but by White liberals and more than a few Black politicians and colleagues in the civil rights leadership as well.

The reason is that King refused to temper his increasingly sharp criticism of America’s flaws. Instead, he became more provocative in identifying those flaws’ existence in the North and West as well as the South. Those were the years that the Apostle of Nonviolence fully took on the mantle of, as Rev. Hosea Williams, one of his trusted aides, described him, “the militant of the century.”

So, I’m sure that, while many in pulpits and auditoriums these past few days bemoaned the “racial divide” and the “partisan gridlock” that are roiling American society, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have been pleased.

Not pleased as in “happy” or “delighted,” but because he’d understand that the polarization itself is a sign that the nation’s “outsider groups” are making progress in gaining a

By Lee Daniels

full measure of their American citizenship.

For example, recall the furious response to and the ratcheting up of polarization over the Massachusetts Supreme Court’s 2003 ruling legalizing gay marriage. Who would have predicted that by 2013, albeit still-heated opposition from conservatives, public acceptance of gay marriage would have come so far so fast?

So it was for the 13 brief years Martin Luther King Jr. flashed across the American landscape. Even a cursory reading of media headlines from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s illuminates how widespread the racial polarization was. Yet, it’s now clear the opposition to the Movement was so fierce precisely because overt, legalized racism was about to fall. The polarization was one of the “rainbow signs” that a change was going to come far more quickly than most White Americans expected.

Indeed, the Civil Rights Movement underscored that there are two different kinds of polarization. One results from the oppression that confines its targets to second-class status.

Before the mid-1960s Black Americans (and other Americans of color) had been locked in that physical and psychological ghetto for, literally, centuries. The other kind of polarization, however, comes into being when the targets of oppression start challenging the status quo in significant ways.

King and the Movement’s other leaders and rank-andfile activists understood that securing equal rights for Blacks required relentlessly, nonviolently upsetting the White majority’s comfort with the country’s racist laws and customs. Their actions compelled the nation, and the world, to juxtapose America’s soaring ideals and rhetorical commitment to freedom for all with its tawdry reality. The ensuing polarization led straight to the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Today’s political chatter is saturated with gloomy descriptions of and predictions about the fierce polarization in the political arena.

Yes, it’s evident that in the wake of Obama’s re-election, conservatives have re-committed themselves to flooding the state legislatures with reactionary measures and fomenting chaos in the Congress. Yes, it’s critically important to not lose sight of the magnitude of the challenge: the callous proposals to restrict women’s right to determine what reproductive choices are best for them that conservatives are yet again trying to push through state legislatures; their resistance to pursuing reasonable solutions to the crisis of undocumented immigration; their continuing to try to find ways to undermine Blacks’ right to vote, to mention just a few.

But we should also realize that the president’s re-election not only cemented in history his individual importance. It also underscored the rise of multicultural America as a powerful, progressive voting force which enabled Obama to overcome the most dangerous reactionary threat to democracy the country has faced since the Civil War. In that regard, America’s current polarization is a stark, and welcome, reminder that we’re still fighting for the full measure of our rights as Americans – and that at this moment we’re winning.

So, if you happened to be at a celebration marking Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, or an event marking the second inauguration of President Barack Obama, and some of the 1960s civil rights freedom songs were sung, you should realize that wasn’t an indulgence in nostalgia but an acknowledgment of our present reality – and responsibility.

Lee A. Daniels is a longtime journalist based in New York City. His latest book is Last Chance: The Political Threat to Black America.

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The Afro-American, January 26, 2013 - January 26, 2013

Memorabilia Hot Ticket for Inauguration

the National Mall. “The pictures tell the story and [show] the history.”

Jesse Meyerson traveled to Washington as a representative of the Harlem, N.Y.-based company he works for called Say it with a Condom. His Obama condoms got mixed reviews.

“People kept surrounding me to take pictures. At one point I couldn’t sell any condoms for 10 minutes,” Meyerson said. The company started selling Obama condoms during the first inauguration in 2009.

Vendors said they traveled from all over the nation for the opportunity to participate, as well as to make money.

“Being able to talk to all of these people is making this experience for me,” says Ian James, 32, a graphic designer who traveled from Jacksonville, Fla., to sell his hoodies.

Rachel Bennett and Emily Dirienzo sold Rashida Brown, 37, from Bowie, Md. has been purchasing and handmade knitted scarves reselling presidential buttons since Obama was elected. and hats with the image of the American flag.

By Odessa Mohabeer historical event. There were They traveled from the Special to the AFRO calendars and T-shirts with Williamsburg community pictures of President Obama in Brooklyn, N.Y. early on They came from all and late civil rights activist Jan. 21 to be present at the around the world to witness Martin Luther King Jr. The inaugural celebration. the spectacle of the 57th inauguration coincided with The vendors said they Presidential Inauguration and the annual celebration of came up with the idea for the they all wanted something King’s birthday. flag hats and scarves from a to take home with them, a Justin Anderson, 13, crafts festival they attended reminder of the time they of Silver Spring, bought back home. Bennett also sells spent witnessing the swearing souvenirs to remember his her knitted items online. The in of President Obama and day viewing the parade with scarves take about six hours the activities surrounding the his father. “My favorite items to knit while the hats take event. were the T-shirts with the about an hour and a half, they Those who could Obama family on it,” he said. said. provide them a slice of the Bernice Stafford-Turner Though there were many inauguration came too, plying traveled all the way from vendors selling products, their wares on Washington Richmond, Va., to sell her the hot ticket appeared to be city street corners and on the souvenirs. She set up her T-shirts. As the festivities National Mall. stand on the National Mall began to wind down, many “Pictures and memories not far from the Martin people who had converged are great, but the memorabilia Luther King Jr. Memorial on the mall were desperately are tangible keepsakes and laid out her buttons searching for Obama T-shirts. that show proof of the depicting individual images experience,” said vendor of President Obama and the Jerrod Keith, 26, of Brooklyn, first lady, family portraits N.Y., who sold “I Was Here” of the Obamas and images buttons and collectible dimes from the swearing in. Back in with Obama’s image on the Richmond, Stafford-Turner face. practices law. She is currently There was a multitude establishing the first issue of of vendors and stacks and a law magazine which will be stacks of products to help called Attorney At Law. proud American citizens “I sell history on a button,” and visitors to the nation’s Stafford-Turner shouted capital to remember the proudly from her place on

January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013, The Afro-American

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Inauguration 2013

Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah/Trice Edney News Wire

The President and first lady dance to Jennifer Hudson’s rendition of “Let’s Stay Together.”

the dream

We salute all who carry on

of Martin Luther King, Jr. to empower our community today.

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The Afro-American, January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013

Fashionably Capitalizing on the 2013 Presidential Inauguration

By Massimo A. Delogu Jr. Special to the AFRO

T:20”

When Gerald Matthews created GeraldMatthewsCollections and G of NY Clothing in 2003, he couldn’t have imagined the big break that would change the direction of that business. Designing and selling custom clothing on the streets of New York and later, D.C., Matthews was commissioned, in 2008, to design the Presidential Inaugural Seal for the 2009 and 2013 inaugurations.

In November of 2008, when he was selling Obama tee-shirts from the back of his car at an Alvin Ailey Convention, Matthews was presented with the opportunity that he has capitalized on. The commission he received did not come easily, considering that he competed against the likes of designers such as Beyonce and Donna Karan; however, it opened many doors for Matthews.

Since 2008 he has also been commissioned to work for BET Television and the NAACP. He also does volunteer work within his community and abroad.

Although he does not have a shop, Matthews’ clothing can be purchased in inaugural shops, online, or from Matthews himself in the heart of D.C. He continues to market his clothing regionally throughout the D.C. metropolitan area as well as in New York City with his line of products including custom made hats, jackets, fleeces, tee-shirts, and crystal embedded designs all for under $30.

Courtesy Photo

Gerald Matthews With acute attention to creative detail GeraldMatthewsCollections captures the dynamism and essence of the emerging political culture of today in a fashionable manner.

Matthews believes in his ability to expand and is sure he can cover any demographic in hopes of reaching a broader

audience.

When asked about his thoughts on President Obama being inaugurated for a second term he replied, “I’m thankful for Barack...and it is very important that this event is happening on the anniversary of Martin Luther King. It’s very special and heartfelt.”

President Calls on Americans to Rally Together to Resolve Nation’s Woes

By Zenitha Prince Special to the AFRO

Join us as we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with great stories of the African-American experience at xfinity.com/celebrateblacktv

© 2013 Comcast. All rights reserved.

In a less high-flown, more pragmatic speech than he delivered four years ago, President Obama urged Americans during his second inaugural speech on Jan. 21 to take collective action to solve the nation’s myriad problems.

Under a clear blue sky, with temperatures hovering in the mid-40s, hundreds of thousands of men and women gathered on the west side of the U.S. Capitol to see their president sworn in for a second term. The picture of poise and confidence, Obama took the opportunity to encourage Americans to unite in a mission to improve their nation.

Though the debate over gun control rages on Capitol Hill and the nation barely avoided the dire consequences that would have resulted from a failure to compromise on tax hikes and spending cuts, on the occasion of the 57th Inauguration, the commanderin-chief sought to rally the nation to work together. “Now, more than ever, we must do these things together, as one nation, and one people,” he said.

A generation of Americans had, together, been “tested” by various crises, he said. And, it was only as one people that the nation could overcome and thrive. “A decade of war is now ending. An economic recovery has begun. America’s possibilities are limitless, for we possess all the qualities that this world without boundaries demands: youth and drive; diversity and openness; an endless capacity for risk and a gift for reinvention.

“My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment, and we will seize it – so long as we seize it together,” the president said.

In the relatively short, 18-minute speech, made just minutes after he took the oath of office for the second time, the president

focused on the themes of meeting the requirements of democracy and citizenship.

But, he also referenced some of the issues to be taken up in his second term and his guiding principles in addressing those concerns.

The economy continues to be a principal focus and the nation must make “hard choices” to reduce the debilitating cost of health care and the crippling federal deficit, the president said. “But we reject the belief that America must choose between caring for the generation that built this country and investing in the generation that will build its future.”

The president also directly addressed climate change—an issue that saw little to no legislative progress during Obama’s first four years in the White House. “We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations,” he said.

The president also referenced immigration and gun control and his continuing commitment to ending the wars in the Middle East and to advancing the use of diplomacy in U.S. foreign policy.

Americans “still believe that enduring security and lasting peace do not require perpetual war,” he said, adding that his administration would “show the courage to try and resolve our differences with other nations peacefully – not because we are naïve about the dangers we face, but because engagement can more durably lift suspicion and fear.”

The teeming crowd, which stretched out along the National Mall, cheered loudest, however, when Obama said the nation’s journey remained incomplete “until our wives, our mothers, and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts,” and “until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law.”

3 01 r2 te in W

SENIOR

GUIDE

a guide to senior living for the active african american

Senior Guide Profile 75 s Watson, st in g g u A z Ine brea • Two-time

rvivor cancer su • Medical tor, administra retired fitness • Physical rrently trainer, cu to her • Married childhood rt, Earl C. sweethea Watson Sr. n, 13 t • 4 childre ren, 3 grea grandchild ren grandchild

that you can then focus on the physical training.

What excites you about life?

Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior who has been absolutely wonderful. He’s laid his hands on me and told me that as long as I keep my mind focused on him my path is straight. And that gives me the greatest joy.

Being able to put life into its proper perspective.

Knowing where to place

your priorities.

What keeps you young?

My thought process.

My physical activities keep me young. The theme for training is focusing first spiritually, then mentally then physically.

Because I feel you have to have the right spiritual attitude, knowing your body is God’s temple. That will manifest into your mind so

How did your passion for physical fitness start?

At 6 years old I became a swimmer. That was the beginning of my physical activity career. After swimming, I became a

gymnast, a majorette and a cheerleader. In spite

of pursuing a different profession, I’ve always managed to stay physically active and to teach others.

And I was determined that when I retired my life wouldn’t

be sedentary and I would use my God-given skills to teach others to be healthy through exercise.

I teach yoga stretch, low impact

aerobics, chair and mat pilates and weight training.

And I still teach swimming every summer

to at least 80 children and give private lessons.

What makes you sad?

When people disrespect me.

Who do you love?

First, God. Then myself.

Husband and children, grandchildren and great grands are next.

What book are you reading?

I read the Bible every day. I read Self magazine and

my fitness training book.

And I’m reading a book of poems by Helen Steiner Rice. I’m always reading a couple of books at the same time.

What’s your next big thing?

I’m a fashion show coordinator for Studio A Modeling Etiquette and Dance Academy, and this year we’ll celebrate 15 years. It’s owned and operated by my daughter Adrienne (Watson Carver).

That’s a family affair. But the biggest event this year is the Studio A Scholarship Foundation Cotillion Ball which will be in March.

This raises funds for scholarships for junior and senior high school students in the Baltimore metropolitan area.

What’s your church?

I’ve been a member of Calvary Baptist Church, 3900 Garrison Blvd, for 12 years and my pastor is Dr. Stephen J. Russell Jr.

Protecting Your Investments

by Exercising Planning for retirement is a topic more and more seniors are having these days. With the uncertainty of the financial market, pitted against the increase in medical bills, finding ways to stretch hard-earned money saved from retirement funds, can seem daunting. But despite the current state of the economy, individuals, even those 65 years and older, can increase their savings just by adding physical activity into their lifestyle.

For decades, studies have proven that a proper diet and exercise program will significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and osteoporosis. What many don’t realize is that the financial savings a Courtesy photos preventative program can Synette Carty is 65 years make to a retirement fund, old and retired.

She is can out-earn capital interest earned from even the most performing a Squat to Bicep curl on the wall aggressive stock.

According to the Centers with a Stability ball to strengthen her legs for Disease Control and arms and help with her Prevention (ACDCP), balance. falls are the leading cause of non fatal injury and hospitalizations for trauma. In 2010, 2.3 million non fatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments costing close to $30 billion in medical costs. That’s one in every three seniors. Fifty percent of falls can be prevented through strength training and balance exercises.

Findings from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found an increase in prescription drug usage among seniors and found a rise in the cost

“What many don’t realize is that the financial savings a preventative program can make to a retirement fund, can out-earn capital interest earned from even the most aggressive stock.”

of prescription by 66 percent in the past 10 years, from $105 to $174.

Contributing factors stem from an increase in chronic illnesses among seniors.

These unexpected medical costs can quickly wipe out retirement savings leaving vulnerability and financial dependence towards seniors in their golden years.

A lifestyle portfolio can Synette on the treadmill prevent that.

The National Institute of Aging (NIA) recommends 150 minutes of moderateintensity aerobic activity every week and strength training activities that work all muscle groups two or more days a week. Brisk walking, dancing, active yard work, tennis and swimming are all effective ways of increasing your heart rate and cardiovascular health.

Continued on B3

Newlyweds Launch National Effort to Find Bone Marrow Match Palo Alto, CA (BlackNews.com) -- A San Francisco Bay Area newlywed couple, Kevin Weston and Lateefah Simon, has started a national effort to register 1,000 African Americans as possible bone marrow donors and find a match for Kevin, who needs to undergo a transplant in less than two months for an extremely rare form of leukemia.

“My story is just one of many,” said Kevin. “There are thousands of African Americans and people of color around the country who desperately need a bone marrow transplant but can’t find a match. My wife and I started this campaign to do what we can to raise awareness about this urgent issue and to register as many people as possible.”

Continued on B3

B2 SENIORGUIDE

The Afro-American, Winter 2013

Four Wax Figures of Whitney Houston Join the Madame Tussauds Collection New York, NY – In celebration of Whitney Houston’s life and unparalleled career, Madame Tussauds has chosen to immortalize the beloved artist in wax – not once, but four times at four separate and distinct points of her life, which will be showcased at each Madame Tussauds attraction in the U.S. This will represent the first time in the more than 200year history of Madame Tussauds that this has been done.

The four new wax figures, which honor the performer at memorable points of her career, will be unveiled at a special ceremony in early February at Madame Tussauds New York in Times Square. The figures will then be individually installed in each of the four U.S.based Madame Tussauds attractions in New York City, Washington, D.C., Hollywood and Las Vegas accompanied within immersive and commemorative settings.

“Mention Whitney Houston’s name and you can almost hear her performance of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ at Super Bowl XXV, her incredibly powerful take on ‘I Will Always Love You,’ the soulful ‘I Look to You’ or the catchy hit ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ immediately playing in your head,” said Rosemary Preta, director of marketing, Midway USA, Merlin Entertainments Group. “She was a true and rare talent and we are exceedingly proud to be adding her wax likeness to our attractions in the United States.”

Each of the wax figures will be featured in a unique pose and costume, recreating a significant moment of Houston’s incredible career.

• Madame Tussauds New York In 2009 Whitney Houston released “I Look to You,”

• Madame Tussauds Hollywood Houston took on her first major acting role when she starred as singer Rachel Marron in 1992’s “The Bodyguard.” The film was a box office success, becoming the second highest grossing release of the year, and the soundtrack, which features Houston’s cover of “I Will Always Love You,” sold 45 million copies worldwide and has gone on to become the best-selling soundtrack of all time. At Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Houston will be depicted as Rachel Marron wearing a replica of the chromed-silver “Queen of the Night” costume she famously wore in the film.

Warner Bros kindly lent the original outfit to Madame Tussauds studio artists to ensure an exact recreation.

which was her first studio album in six years, and quickly reminded listeners why she was one of the greatest artists of all time. The album debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 -- becoming her fourth number one album -- and has gone on to sell more than 2.5 million copies worldwide. At Madame Tussauds New York, Houston will be dressed in an elegant gold sequined floor-length gown evocative of the one she wore in the “I Look to You” album photo shoot.

• Madame Tussauds Las Vegas The first single from Houston’s second studio album was titled “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and earned the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 30th Grammy Awards in 1988. The song’s accompanying video became one of Houston’s best recognized music videos and ran in heavy rotation on MTV, VH1, and BET. At Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, Houston’s wax figure will be styled in the same way she appeared in the video, wearing a tight purple-pink tank dress and blonde curly hair.

• Madam Tussauds Washington, D.C. On Jan. 27, 1991, Houston delivered one of the most stirring renditions of the “Star Spangled Banner” ever recorded at the start of Super Bowl XXV. It was a moment that held national significance due to the fact the U.S. was at war in the Persian Gulf and one that became a defining moment of her career. At Madame Tussauds Washington, D.C., Houston will be portrayed as she appeared on that day and dressed in a recreation of the white track suit with red, white and blue detailing that she wore with a white headband.

Speaking on behalf of the family and the Whitney Houston estate, Pat Houston said: “We were extremely honored when Madame Tussauds approached us about doing not one, but four figures of Whitney from different points in her 30-year career. This is something we are excited to do for the fans.”

Each of the wax figures was created by a team of specially trained artists at Madame Tussauds’ studio in London, England. The figures were first perfectly sculpted in clay then molded in wax before artists accurately recreated skin tone, including every freckle, mole and dimple. Hair is then inserted one strand at a time and hairdressers, make-up artists and stylists then finish off the look. The painstaking process takes four months to complete at an approximate cost of $1.2 million for the four figures.

A Not-for-Profit Life Care Community

Winter 2013, The Afro-American

How Education Apps Have Become a Priority for AT&T Want some heavy support for your app? It may pay to invest in the education area.

By Roger Cheng Special to the NNPA from CNet News Developers with education app ideas will find a sympathetic ear at AT&T. The company plans to spur the development of apps that will help improve the state of education, and is planning an educationcentric “hackathon” contest in June to find the smartest apps. The idea is to bring the Internet, video, social media and the concept of “gamification” to the learning process.

It’s part of a broader push by AT&T to improve the quality of education, and is a big personal cause for CEO Randall Stephenson. The company said today it plans to invest $250 million over the next five years to improving education. Part of that money will go to its AT&T Foundry, which will look into tapping new ways to teach students.

That’s badly needed, as one in four students in the U.S.–or 1 million in total–drop out each year,

according to a report by the Civic Enterprises, the Everyone Graduates Center, America’s Promise Alliance, and the Alliance for Excellent Education (AT&T is the lead sponsor of the report).

While there has been a ton of focus on games, photo filters, and other different kinds of apps, there isn’t as much energy put into education. AT&T is hoping to change that with its investment. The company plans to use its Foundry facilities to foster the development of education-centric apps. In addition, the company has used hackathons to promote app development in specific areas, and could see a lot of interest in education with its contest in June.

AT&T would be following several players that have made similar pushes. Blackboard, for instance, has long worked on educational tools on the mobile platform. Its BlackBoard Mobile Learn application allows students and faculties to access their course, content, and organizations.

Tech luminaries Bill Gates and Eric Schmidt, meanwhile, have put their resources behind Sal Khan and his Khan Academy, a free online tutoring site that includes a mobile app.

For AT&T, this represents an additional level of investment in the area. The company has invested more than $100 million in education under its AT&T Aspire program since 2008.

“AT&T Aspire works toward an America where every student graduates high school equipped with the knowledge and skills to strengthen the nation’s workforce,” Stephenson said in a statement.

America’s schools could certainly use the help.

Roger Cheng is an executive editor in charge of east coast operations for CNET News. Prior to this, he was on the telecommunications beat and wrote for Dow Jones Newswires and ‘The Wall Street Journal’ for nearly a decade. He’s a hardcore Trojan alum and Los Angeles Lakers fan.

Protecting Your Investments

SENIORGUIDE B3

Newlyweds Continued from B1

Kevin, a 44-year-old award-winning new media journalist, is father to Lelah, 1, stepfather to Aminah, 16, and husband to Lateefah, a civil rights leader and MacArthur Genius grant award recipient.

In August 2012, Kevin was diagnosed with T-cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia (T-PLL), which primarily affects adults over the age of 30. The cancer is very rare and aggressive, with only 10 cases per year in the United States. Since being

in the U.S. are diagnosed with lifethreatening diseases for which a marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant from an unrelated donor may be their best or only hope of a cure. About 70 percent of patients in need of a transplant do not have a matching donor in their family and depend on an international registry to find a match. Patients are more likely to match someone from their own ancestry. Only about 7 percent of the nation’s 10 million registered potential bone-marrow donors are African American.

“Everyday, I ask for forever with Kevin,” Kevin and Lateefah are working with said Lateefah. “I know local organizations and volunteers to there is a match out there, and I want to organize a series of drives in the San do everything in my power to find that Francisco Bay Area. Among the drives person who will save the love of my life and currently scheduled include: Lelah’s daddy.”

The couple urges • January 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., African Americans at the African American Museum and to find and attend a Library, Oakland local drive in their communities and to join the Be the Match • January 27, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the bone marrow registry.

Third Baptist Church, San Francisco Registering takes just a few minutes, • February 11, from 1 to 5 p.m., at San and involves a preFrancisco City Hall, San Francisco screening and swab sample of the inside of the cheek. People can • February 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at also go online to www. the The Quad, 525 4th Street, Oakland marrow.org to order a kit to be sent to their homes.

diagnosed, Kevin has endured a monthlong stay in the ICU, five emergency surgeries and multiple hospitalizations.

Every year, more than 10,000 patients

For more information on Kevin and Lateefah’s story and their important effort, please visit: www.KevinandLateefah.com.

Continued from B1

sound strength training program that will strengthen your muscles and fight against osteoporosis. Tai Chi and yoga are great vehicles to develop flexibility, improve mood and prevent falls, a growing concern in the baby boomer community.

Healthy eating is also very important.

Andrea McDaniel, a registered dietician and owner of True Health agrees. “Eating healthy is important because it provides the body with the appropriate nutrients for optimal health. Nutrients from healthy foods regulate which genes are expressed or not,” she says. These genes influence chronic illnesses or obesity.

“There is no drug that can regulate genetic expression more powerfully than your diet can,” she says. McDaniel recommends increasing protein to aid in osteoporosis and incorporating healthy

fats to control inflammation and absorb important minerals. Foods most likely to contribute to inflammation include refined and processed foods, so are best left alone.

Adding vegetables and fruit will improve metabolism, the immune system and provide antioxidants to your body.

Walking instead of driving, taking the stairs instead of the elevator and dancing will do wonders for your waistline and protect your financial investment for decades to come. Though the risks of moderate exercise are low, it is always best to consult with your doctor to discuss what is right for you.

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Marcia Ra-Akbar, NASM-CPT, is a certified personal trainer and fitness writer and can be reached at mraakbar2@gmail. com.

– June Gee

Broadmead resident

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

June has a passion for healthy living, that’s why she chose Broadmead.

With a wealth of exercise amenities, rich social life and beautiful surroundings, Broadmead nurtures her body, mind and soul. Energizing, engaging, enlightening... these are the traits that describe the Broadmead community and its residents... people like June, people like you.

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B4 SENIORGUIDE

The Afro-American, Winter 2013

AUTOMOTIVE CENTRAL General Motors Captures Four Urban Wheel Awards General Motors earned top honors in four award categories at the 17th Annual Urban Wheel Awards, the official multicultural event of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on Jan. 13.

The event honored the contributions of women in the automotive industry. General Motors’ awards included: • Designer of the Year – Crystal Windham, director of Design for the Chevrolet Passenger Car and Small Crossover Interior Studio • Executive of the Year – Alicia Boler-Davis, vice president of Global Quality and U.S. Customer Experience • Company of the Year for Progress in Community Service Initiatives to Women –

accepted by Vivian Pickard, president General Motors Foundation and director of Corporate Relations and Ken Barrett, Chief Diversity Officer • Urban Car of the Year – 2013 Cadillac ATS – accepted by Don Butler, vice president of Marketing, Cadillac This premier event attracts media, automotive executives, businesses, politicians, celebrities, and community and trade organizations, who come together to promote multicultural consumer awareness of auto manufacturers, vehicles, technology, suppliers, dealers, and community service. Emmy and Golden Globe Award winning actor, producer, director and Latino activist, Edward James Olmos, and Daytime Emmy awardwinning actress Niecy Nash hosted.

What You Need To Know When Buying A Used Car (NAPSI)—Buying a used car is becoming an increasingly common practice. In fact, it’s estimated that just over three used cars are now purchased for every new one sold.

However, just because many people do it, doesn’t mean it’s easy to find the used car that’s right for you. Fortunately, doing a little homework before buying can keep a driver on the road to safety, savings and satisfaction.

To help, here are a few tips from the experts at AutoTrader. com and OnStar: • Consider purchasing a certified pre owned vehicle: Certified pre owned vehicles usually come with extended warranties and have been thoroughly inspected before being sold.

• Make sure the vehicle you’re considering is functional for everyone who will be traveling in it: If searching for a used family vehicle, bring the whole family on an extended test drive to make sure everyone is comfortable with the vehicle.

If you have small children, make sure child safety seats fit and can easily be installed in the vehicle.

• Purchase a vehicle history report and have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic: By taking both of these actions, you will reduce the chance of unexpected issues later on down the road.

• Ask about promotional programs: Many manufacturers offer specific incentives to purchase their used vehicles. For instance, buyers of used GM vehicles equipped with OnStar are eligible to receive a three-month free trial of its Directions & Connections package, which includes turn-by-turn navigation, automatic crash response, remote door unlock, hands-free calling and more.

• Secure your financing in advance: Because used vehicle loans can vary when it comes to interest rates, visit a bank or credit union before making a final decision so you can be sure you’re receiving the best interest rate.

• Don’t negotiate price based on what you want your monthly payment to be: Monthly payments can always be lowered to fit your budget by extending the length of the loan.

Negotiations should be made based on the price of the car, rather than the monthly payment.

• The sale process continues past the acceptance of an offer: After both parties agree upon an appropriate price, dealers usually will offer extra accessories and services you might not be interested in. Be sure to stand firm and make it clear that you are not interested in paying more than the previously agreed upon price.

For more information visit www.OnStar.com or www.

AutoTrader.com

January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013, The Afro-American

Photos by Rob Roberts, Alexis Taylor, David Roberts, J.D. Howard, The White House, Christina Sturdivant, Taryn Finley and Roy Lewis

President and First Lady helping to build a bookshelf

Martin Luther King III giving remarks on the National Day of Service

YolandaAdams

Linda Nixon Haughter

Star Jones

Fannie Thigpen

C1

C2

The Afro-American, January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, elegant in a dark ball gown with ruffles on the skirt, chatted up constituents. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) took to the dance floor with his wife, Maya Rockeymoore. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) kept a watchful eye on the Ravens-Patriots game on a television in the lobby. Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett posed for pictures with friends.

The state’s Democrats, who were pivotal in President Obama’s reelection in November, converged

on National Harbor’s Gaylord Hotel on Jan. 20 to celebrate his second inauguration and the role they played in it at the Maryland Inaugural Ball.

To cheers from a crowded ballroom, Gov. Martin O’Malley praised the state’s Democratic leadership, volunteers and voters for supporting Obama and helping to legalize marriage equality.

Anthony Brown and his wife, Carmen Walker Brown

Rep. Elijah Cummings and his wife, Maya Rockeymore

Lt. Gov. Brown and Rep. Donna Edwards

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and his wife, Catherine

Rep. Steny Hoyer and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Maryland Democrats

Dressed in their finest threads, the likes of 2 Chainz, Swizz Beats, Lil’ Mama, Meek Mills, and many others celebrated the re-election of President Obama and the hip hop culture's influence on politics, at the second Hip Hop Inaugural Ball, Jan. 20 at the Harman Center in Washington, D.C.

Swizz Beats poses before his appearance at the Hip Hop Ball.

Photos by Rob Roberts

Acrtress and activist Sonja Sohn poses for the AFRO at the Hip Hop Inaugural Ball.

Nearly 5,000 young people, and some parents, converged on the Walter E. Washington Convention Center Jan. 19 for the show, which honors military families and their sacrifice.

Among the featured performers were Usher, Far East Movement, Katy Perry and cast members from the Fox hit television series “Glee.”

Photos by Alexis Taylor

Past presidents race around the crowd at the Kids' Inaugural Ball.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden address military families.

Doug E Fresh works the carpet.

Mindless Behavior takes the stage Tyson Beckford and guest appeared at the Hip Hop Ball.

MC Lyte with Lil Mama Photos by Alexis Taylor

The Soul Children of Chicago perform with Kev Marcus and Wil-B of Black Violin, a Florida duo with a specialty of infusing hip hop with classical music.

January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013, The Afro-American

ARTS & CULTURE Going After Gold, With Faith

Grace, Gold & Glory: My Leap of Faith

by Gabrielle Douglas with Michelle Burford Zondervan Hardcover, $24.99 162 pages, Illustrated and includes a full-color poster ISBN: 978-0-310-74061-2 ©Lou Jones/rottentomatoes.com

Mumia Abu-Jamal in a rare contact visit at the super max prison SCI Greene, Waynesburg, PA, as seen in Mumia: Long Distance Revolutionary.

Biopic Takes Sympathetic View of AntiEstablishment Convict Mumia: Long Distance Revolutionary Film Review by Kam Williams

Wesley Cook, aka Mumia Abu-Jamal, was born on April 24, 1954 in the City of Brotherly Love. There, he founded a branch of the Black Panthers at the age of 15 after being kicked by a cop at a rally for segregationist presidential candidate George Wallace.

After attending college in Vermont, he returned to Philly to pursue a career in journalism. He proceeded to provide a voice for the voiceless as a politicallyprogressive reporter while simultaneously moonlighting as a cab driver, until the fateful night in 1981 when he and his brother William crossed paths with a police officer named Daniel Faulkner.

The cop was killed during the traffic stop, when the bullets from a gun registered to Mumia were emptied into him at close range. Faulkner managed to get off a few shots, wounding Mumia.

At trial, the jury deliberated only a few hours in what seemed like an open-and-shut case, and the defendant was

convicted and sentenced to death. However, because of Mumia’s previously clean record and his having served as such an articulate mouthpiece for the poor and disenfranchised, he soon became something of an international cause célèbre.

Was he indeed a murderer or had he been railroaded to prison because of his radical views? The left and the right would disagree strongly on the issue. Eventually his sentence was commuted to life with no parole, and the fundamental question of guilt or innocence was essentially left unanswered.

The same can be said after viewing Mumia: Long Distance Revolutionary, a documentary which doesn’t seek so much to clear the controversial figure’s name as to showcase his intellect and longstanding defiance of The Establishment. To director Stephen Vittoria’s credit, he hauls out a long line of luminaries like Dr. Cornel West, Ruby Dee, Hurricane Carter, Alice Walker, Angela Davis, Dick Gregory and Amy Goodman to take turns heaping praise on his sympathetic subject.

While their heartfelt testimonials leave no doubt about Mumia’s commitment to the struggle and considerable talents as

Book Review by Kam Williams “Gymnastics is not my passion anymore. I want to get famous off of running track, or I want to try dancing, or become a singer. I can get a job at Chick-Fil-A in Virginia Beach… I just want to be a normal teenage kid. I am so homesick. I just want to come home.”

– A text sent by Gabby Douglas to her mom on Jan. , 2012, a mere seven months before the Olympics (page 7) Gabrielle Douglas became a household name during the Olympic Games in London last summer after she won a couple of gold medals in gymnastics. Regrettably, much of the media coverage accompanying Gabby’s historic feat came in the form of superficial sound bites which focused on her bad hair day and on her mother’s having recently declared

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complete remission, it appears that the affliction might have stunted Gabby’s growth. After all, the diminutive dynamo stands only 4’11” tall and weighs a mere 94 pounds soaking wet.

In the revealing autobiography, Gabby regales the reader with intimate tales about her challenging childhood: from her parents’ divorce when she was four, to being homeless and living in a car, to being bullied, to experiencing the sting of racism, to feeling isolated and homesick when she moved away from her mom and three siblings to Des Moines, Iowa in order to train for the chance to represent the U.S. She goes on to relate how she scaled all those hurdles with a combination of faith and help from her mom whom she expressly thanks with the acknowledgment that, “I couldn’t have accomplished my dream, without your constant support, sacrifice, and belief in me.”

A truly inspirational memoir, by a humble, high-flying, hard-working role model with a very bright future who put her trust in God when the chips were down.

INVITES YOU AND A GUEST TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING

“I couldn’t have accomplished my dream, without your constant support, sacrifice, and belief in me.”

— Gabrielle Douglas bankruptcy.

But lost in the media circus surrounding the poised, pretty 16 year-old was the story of the host of challenges she had overcome en route to being crowned the best in the world. The trials began in infancy when she contracted a life-threatening illness called branched-chain ketoaciduria.

Although that rare blood disorder eventually went into

a writer, none of them were eyewitnesses to the murder.

Thus, this is not a biopic which seeks to poke holes in the prosecution’s case or to indict the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a rush to judgment.

Rather, it merely endeavors to highlight the squandered potential of a gifted, if fatally-flawed individual. Love him or hate him, no one watching this inconclusive piece can deny that Mumia has a way with words.

A film that wisely leaves

the damning evidence on the back burner in favor of focusing on everything about Mumia Abu-Jamal except for what exactly transpired at the corner of 13th and Locust in the wee hours of Dec. 9, 1981.

Excellent (HHHH) Unrated In English and Spanish with subtitles Running time: 120 minutes Distributor: First Run Features

JANUARY 28 - 7:00 P.M. PLEASE VISIT WWW.GOFOBO.COM/RSVP AND ENTER THE CODE AAW166U TO DOWNLOAD YOUR COMPLIMENTARY PASSES THIS FILM IS RATED R. RESTRICTED. For strong violence, bloody images, language, some nudity and brief drug use.

Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent Or Adult Guardian.

Please note: Passes are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. No phone calls, please. Limit one pass per person. Each pass admits two. Seating is not guaranteed. Arrive early. Theater is not responsible for overbooking. This screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any audio or video recording device into the theater (audio recording devices for credentialed press excepted) and consent to a physical search of your belongings and person. Any attempted use of recording devices will result in immediate removal from the theater, forfeiture, and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. Please allow additional time for heightened security. You can assist us by leaving all nonessential bags at home or in your vehicle.

IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 1, 2013 WWW.BULLETTOTHEHEADMOVIE.COM

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The Afro-American, January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013

Did or didn’t she? Beyonce questioned on lip sync

By Brett Zongker Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — There’s no question Beyonce’s rendition of the national anthem was a roaring success. The mystery: was it live or lip synced?

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Marine Band told news outlets, Jan. 22, that Beyonce had lip synced at President Barack Obama’s inauguration.

Master Sgt. Kristin duBois said the band was notified at the last minute that Beyonce would use a pre-recorded

voice track.

But by late afternoon, the Marine Corps backed off that statement.

Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Gregory Wolf said that because there was no opportunity for Beyonce to rehearse with the Marine Band, it was determined that a live performance by the band was ill advised. Instead they used a pre-recorded track for the band’s portion of the song.

“Regarding Ms. KnowlesCarter’s vocal performance,” Wolf’s statement continued, “no one in the Marine Band is

in a position to assess whether it was live or pre-recorded.”

A representative for

further questions. Earlier in the day, she told the New York Times that the rest of the

“Regarding Ms. Knowles-Carter’s vocal performance, no one in the Marine Band is in a position to assess whether it was live or prerecorded.”

— Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Gregory Wolf Beyonce did not respond to requests for comment.

DuBois declined to answer

inaugural performance was live and they did not know why a recorded track was

used for the national anthem.

“It’s not because Beyonce can’t sing. We all know Beyonce can sing. We all know the Marine Band can play,” she said.

Kelly Clarkson’s representative said she sang live to perform “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.”

Inaugural organizers did not respond to requests for comment.

All inaugural music is pre-recorded in case weather conditions or other circumstances could interrupt the program.

The use of a recording is typical in big events. In 2009, cellist Yo-Yo Ma was questioned about “handsyncing” for Obama’s first inauguration. Ma said instruments weren’t functioning properly in 19-degree weather.

Even in good conditions, producing good sound can be a challenge in a large open space.

Some artists choose to lip-sync. Whitney Houston’s memorable performance of the national anthem in 1991 at the Super Bowl was sung to a track.

MC Lyte, Legend, Honored at Second Hip Hop Inaugural Ball

By Alexis Taylor Special to the AFRO Celebrating the re-election of President Barack H. Obama and the influence of hip hop culture on politics, stars lined the green carpet, in place of the classic red one, leading into the Harman Center in Washington, D.C. for the second Hip Hop Inaugural Ball Sunday night.

Dressed in their finest threads, the likes of 2 Chainz, Swizz Beats, Lil’ Mama, Meek Mills, and many others could be seen working the cameras as they came together to honor the best in the music industry and celebrate on the eve of the 57th Presidential Inauguration.

Though the night was a who’s who of major players in the entertainment business, the celebrities were not to be outdone by the many human rights activists that showed up in high fashion to support the continued growth of hip hop and its influence on politics.

“Hip hop is about social change and culture change,” said Dr. Benjamin Chavis, longtime human rights activist and president of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), which helped sponsor the event. “I think a lot of young people went to the polls in record numbers to vote for the president.”

Chavis was recognized at the event for the work he has done with HSAN and said that in the next four years African Americans will have to do much more when it comes to taking an active role in the politics that make

“106 and Park.”

“I’m floating and happy to be here to witness everything. Moments like this you never forget for the rest of your life,” said LaLa Anthony when asked about hosting the event and seeing Obama take a second term.

“When someone asks ‘where were you on that day?’ you know exactly where you were and what you were doing,” she told AFRO in a stunning Lily Rubin gown.

Lifetime achievement awards were handed to legendary rapper MC Lyte and the “Human Beat Box,” Doug E. Fresh who made an appearance on stage. John Legend also snagged the Humanitarian Award.

Author, activist, and professor Dr. Michael Eric Dyson told the AFRO that hip hop has been a guiding force for him for decades.

“Hip hop has been a part of my life since it became an above ground phenomenon,”

Chair of VOTO LATINO, Rosario Dawson, speaks with reporters lined up outside of the Hip Hop Inaugural Ball before accepting an award on behalf of the organization responsible for engaging Latino Americans in the political process.

Photos by Alexis Taylor

Eric Lewis, known by his stage name ELEW, shows off the hands that have helped him become the wildly popular jazz pianist known for fuzing the genre with rock.

change.

“It’s about more than winning the election- it’s about winning the recovery of our communities, winning the economic development of our communities, and saving historical black colleges and universities,” Chavis told the AFRO. The festivities were hosted by long-time television personality LaLa Anthony, wife of Carmelo Anthony, and Terrance J, of BET’s

said Dyson, who has written books on hip hop culture, and rap artists Nas and Tupac. “I knew what it was in 1979 and we’ve been riding together ever since then. It has been incredibly important to my own development and my expression intellectually of ideals and values society should embrace.”

Dyson said in the next four years he hopes to see education disparities between “people in the suburbs and people in the ‘hood” diminished. He also said he hopes to see the” over incarceration of Black and Brown people stopped and we want to see poverty diminished.”

The nonpartisan organization Voto Latino was recognized with an award for their work engaging the Latino community in the political process and raising awareness of issues affecting their demographic.

Actress Rosario Dawson, chairwoman of Voto Latino, said there are many issues facing Americans in the next term, including the draw down of troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“The top ones for the Latino community are immigration reform, health, and education reform,” she told the AFRO. “We should not be fighting for low-skill jobs; we should be competing for high-skilled jobs that are less open to ordinary Americans.”

She said there are a lot of things that need to be addressed, “and from everything I’m hearing they are hitting the ground running and taking on all of it.”

Lupe Fiasco performing in Melbourne, Australia

Rapper Lupe Fiasco Invited to Leave Inaugural Stage Event Following Alleged “Bizarre & “Jarring” Performance

By AFRO Staff (January 21, 2013) Grammy award nominee Lupe Fiasco was asked to leave the stage of an inauguration event Jan. 20 interrupting an anti-war song by the 31-year-old rapper in a performance that was characterized as “bizarre” and “jarring.”

The incident occurred at a pre-inauguration concert in Washington, D.C. at which Fiasco, hired as a headliner for the StartUp RockOn inauguration event at the Hamilton Live Theater, staged a 30-minute rant in which he labeled conservative commentators Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck racists and sang about how he didn’t vote for Obama.

In a segment of a video posted Jan. 21 by WGN-TV, Fiasco is seen leaving the stage under the stern visage of what looks like a concert staff member.

“Gaza Strip was getting bombed, Obama didn’t say ---.... That’s why I ain’t vote for him, next one either,” he said according

to the Los Angeles Times. Amid jeering from the crowd, he was approached by a staff member of the concert organizers and walked off stage, although he was not forcibly removed.

Organizers of the event said in a statement, “…he left the stage earlier than we had planned. But Lupe Fiasco was not ‘kicked off stage’ for an ‘anti-Obama rant.’”

The statement, posted on HyperVocal. com, said, “We are staunch supporters of free speech, and free political speech. This was not about his opinions. Instead, after a bizarrely repetitive, jarring performance that left the crowd vocally dissatisfied, organizers decided to move on to the next act. Lupe Fiasco repeated the one song for more than 40 minutes.”

StartUp was created by three media firms, including HyperVocal, which describes itself as “Internet Sherpas, groundskeepers of rationality, arbiters of reality and pseudo-nonsense.”

January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013, The Afro-American

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COMMUNITY CONNECTION Jan. 26

United As One Tour 2013 Mountain Pleasant Church Ministries, 6000 Radecke Ave., Baltimore.

7 p.m. Witness this mustsee Gospel extravaganza starring James Fortune, Leandria Johnson and Vashawn Mitchell. For more information: 410325-3080.

Jan. 31

The Living Word Open Mic Night!

Mt. Vernon 10 E. Preston St., Baltimore.

7-9 p.m. The Living Word Open Mic Night will feature artists from all walks of wisdom, music and more. $5. For more information: cholliday56@ yahoo.com.

Feb. 1

2013 Washington Auto Show Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, Washington D.C. 12-10 p.m. The Washington Auto Show not only symbolizes the brightest and boldest dreams of the auto industry but marks the show’s transformation over the years. $12.

For more information: Washingtonautoshow.com.

- Dr. martin luther king, jr.

Feb. 2

Smithsonian Black History Month Family Day Celebration 2013 National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard, 800 F St., N.W. D.C. 2:30 p.m. Celebrate the start of Black History Month with a day of craft activities and live music for the whole family. For more information: 202633-8300.

macy’s is proud to salute the legacy of

dr. martin luther king, jr.

we honor the man who taught the world that faith in each other is our greatest strength.

Feb. 7

Motor Trend International Auto Show Baltimore 2013 Baltimore Convention Center, One West Pratt St., Baltimore. 12-10 p.m.

Hundreds of the hottest cars, trucks, crossovers and more will cruise into the Baltimore Convention Center for the 2013 Motor Trends Auto Show. $10.

For more information: Motortrendautoshow.com.

N2120064A.indd 1

1/7/13 10:42 AM

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The Afro-American, January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013

SPORTS

Sports Perspective ─ Opinion

More Pride Than Shame in Being Labeled a Great ‘Black Quarterback’

By Perry Green AFRO Sports Editor By now, most sports fans are aware that longtime sports columnist Rob Parker was recently fired by ESPN after his racial comments about Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III. Parker, a Black sports reporter long known for his over-the-edge comments, questioned whether or not Griffin was a “cornball brother” during a segment on ESPN’s “First Take” show nearly a month ago, suggesting that he is Black, but may be uncomfortable in his skin.

He brought up the fact that the rookie signal caller is married to a White woman and even wondered if Griffin is a Republican party member during the ESPN sports debate segment. As soon as Parker made his controversial comments, he was immediately criticized by hundreds of thousands of viewers via Twitter, and was soon suspended

by ESPN and later terminated by the network.

Parker admitted during the show that his comments weren’t exactly fit for national television and was part of a conversation that usually takes place in African-American barbershops. Obviously, he chose the wrong forum and, even more, the wrong set of words to convey his point. His comments amounted to an attack and was an embarrassment to African Americans.

But to be fair, the reasoning and meaning of Parker’s outrageous comments should be examined.

Parker’s comments had stemmed from a discussion over Griffin’s insistence on not

being viewed as a great “Black quarterback.”

Instead of being labeled as the best “Black quarterback” in football or being compared to other African-American passers of the past or present, RGIII told reporters he’d rather be viewed as a great quarterback, regardless of race. He had been asked about being a great “Black quarterback” multiple times during the past season, and each time he gave a similar reply.

But as a veteran Black sports columnist who is keenly aware of the history of Black quarterbacks in the National Football League, has witnessed much of the racial plight of the African-American quarterback throughout the long history of the NFL, Parker perhaps viewed Griffin’s comments as a dismissal of his own race and a disregard of the league’s history of discrimination.

He may have had the same questions I’ve often had when hearing RGIII respond to questions about his ethnicity: Is the young quarterback proud of being perhaps the best “Black quarterback” to ever play the game, or does he not care much about such a title?

Maybe the phrase coined by the late soul singer, James Brown, “I’m Black and I’m proud” doesn’t come to mind when Griffin takes the football field. Maybe he just wants to go out and be the best at the sport, with no thought of race in mind. Certainly, there’s nothing wrong with that attitude.

But Parker’s irritation with Griffin’s lack of passion for being viewed as “the best Black quarterback.” is understandable, after all, there aren’t many African-American quarterbacks in the NFL to begin with, less alone great

ones with the talent and abilities that Griffin possesses.

As of now, you can count on one hand the number of Black quarterbacks in the league who are starters, Griffin included. That’s a disturbing fact considering there are 32 teams in the NFL and a majority of the players (67%) in the league are African American. There’s Griffin, fellow rookie sensation Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks, Josh Freeman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers and Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles.

With so few Black quarterbacks in starring roles, it’s a rarity to see an African-American playing the position as well as Griffin. In a sense, seeing a great “Black quarterback” is as rare as hearing a great White hip-hop rapper. Black NFL quarterbacks are so few and far between that when one surfaces, it rubs you the wrong way when they tell you not to call them a “Black quarterback.” American professional football has been around for nearly a century, and Black quarterbacks are one of the rarest beings of its existence. In about 50 Super Bowls, only one Black man has won one as a quarterback. That one winner is, of course, former Washington Redskins quarterback Doug Williams.

Williams told me during an interview earlier this season that RGIII may end up becoming the best to ever play the position, Black or White. That made me think of who may have held that title before Griffin came along, and all signs led to Hall of Fame passer Warren Moon, now 56. Most people think of legends like Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Dan

total playoff wins during his first five seasons from 2000-2004.

Most of Flacco’s passes were caught by veteran receiver Anquan Boldin, who had five receptions for 60 yards and two touchdowns.

Tight end Dennis Pitta caught the third touchdown pass from Flacco, finishing with five passes for 55 yards.

inside linebacker Dannelle Ellerbe had three tackles and intercepted a tipped pass from Brady with seven minutes left in the game.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh’s 8-4 playoff record is tied for first place for the most playoff wins during the first five seasons coaching in NFL history. He will face his younger brother, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, in the Super Bowl. Already nicknamed the “Harb-Bowl,” it will be the first time in league history that two biological brothers coached against each other in a Super Bowl.

Robert Griffin III Courtesy Photo

Marino or this generation’s greats like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, when arguing the greatest passer of all time.

I, on the other hand, think of Moon, who managed to throw for 50,000 yards and 300 touchdowns, despite being blocked from the NFL for six of his prime years because of his skin color. Had Moon not come out of college during the racially discriminating era of the late 1970’s, he would have played his first six seasons in the NFL. Instead, he was forced to play some of his best years in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

He didn’t complain or quit on the sport; he simply went on to win an unprecedented five CFL Grey Cup championships while breaking several passing records, forcing the NFL to take notice and sign him into their league. He went on to put up Hall of Fame numbers in the NFL but who knows how much more his NFL productivity would have been had he spent those first six pro years in the NFL instead of the CFL? Without his sacrifice, the five current starting Black quarterbacks in the NFL wouldn’t be in the place they’re in now. To me, that epitomizes greatness. That’s the kind of greatness that every quarterback, of any race, should want to be compared to, even for the new generation’s best, RGIII.

Ravens Stun Patriots with Dominating Win to Advance to Super Bowl

By Perry Green AFRO Sports Editor

FOXBORO, Mass.--The script to one of the greatest careers in NFL history couldn’t have been written any better. All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis, after 17 amazing seasons in Baltimore, will end his career in the Super Bowl as the Ravens shocked odds-makers by beating the New England Patriots, 28-13, in the AFC Championship game on Jan. 20 in Foxboro, Mass.

Baltimore now advances to face the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII on Feb. 3 at the Superdome in New Orleans, La. The Ravens came into this game as eightpoint underdogs, but just as they did Jan. 6 against the No. 1 seed Denver Broncos, they pulled off the upset, reaching the world championship for the first time since the 200001 season.

Unlike their 38-35 double-overtime victory over the Broncos, though, the Ravens dominated the Patriots throughout most of the second half, scoring 21 unanswered points in the third and fourth quarters combined.

New England couldn’t get near the end zone in the second half and the Ravens cruised through the final period to secure their place in the title game.

Most Outstanding Player(s) of the Game: Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco once again outplayed New England quarterback Tom Brady, completing 21-of-36 passes for 240 yards, three touchdowns and a 106.3 passer rating.

He outgunned the Patriot’s future Hall of Famer in last season’s AFC Championship game, but it was overshadowed by a missed field goal by former Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff in the final seconds that resulted in a 23-20 escape win for the Patriots. This time around, Flacco and the Ravens were too good as they gained sweet revenge in Foxboro.

Flacco now owns the NFL record for most road playoff wins with six, breaking a tie with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

His career in playoffs is now 8-4, good for the second most playoff wins by a quarterback in his first five seasons. Brady is No. 1 with nine

Unsung Hero of the Game: As mentioned before, Brady was outplayed

by Flacco, completing 29-of-52 passes for 320 yards and a touchdown, but also tossed two untimely interceptions. One of the Ravens’ players who picked Brady off was cornerback Cary Williams, who wrapped up his receiver for most of the game. His interception of Brady came during the final minute of the fourth quarter and was the nail in the coffin for the Ravens’ victory.

Cary has been considered by many pundits as the weakest link of the Ravens secondary, but you couldn’t say that about him on championship Sunday in Foxboro.

The one touchdown scored by Brady was on the opposite side of the field of Cary and only came because of miscommunication between Ravens’ cornerbacks Corey Graham and Chykie Brown. Brady tried to attack Cary but he deflected a couple of passes and made three solid tackles when he did give up completions.

More Game Notes: Ravens star running back Ray Rice ran the ball 19 times for 48 yards and a two-yard touchdown. Rookie running back Bernard Pierce added 52 yards on nine carries. Secondyear receiver Torrey Smith caught four passes for 69 yards for the Ravens.

Patriots’ receiver Wes Welker had a productive game, catching eight passes for 117 yards in the slot. But he also dropped a key pass on third down that ended a Patriots’ drive when the score was still tight early in the third quarter. Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez did a decent job replacing star tight end Rob Gronkowski, catching nine passes for 83 yards.

Linebacking legend Ray Lewis led Baltimore in tackles with eight. Fellow Ravens

Analysis: “No weapon formed against us shall prosper!” That’s what Ray Lewis has been shouting to anyone who will listen throughout the entire season. His statement sums up how this season has turned out for the Ravens.

They’ve been through it all this year. They started out red hot and was every pundit’s

favorites to win the Super Bowl, and then the team was hit with the injury bug midway through the season that forced the same pundits to doubt they could still get it done. But while outsiders doubted, everyone on the team still believed what Ray had been telling them: “No weapon formed against us shall prosper!” This team believes their destiny is to win a Super Bowl.

Not only will their appearance there put a great cap to Lewis’ brilliant career, but it may end up doing the same thing for future Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed. Reed hasn’t told the media whether he has decided to retire at the end of the season, but I have a feeling that after 10 great years in Baltimore, the Louisiana native will also call it quits after the postseason.

And what better way to send off perhaps the greatest coverage safety in football than to win a Super Bowl hosted in your home state. What a magical year for the Ravens and their fans.

You have no choice but to love it!

AFRO Sports Faceoff

Will Girlfriend Hoax Affect Manti Te’o’s Draft Stock?

By Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley It didn’t take long for Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o to go from living legend to laughing stock. After Deadspin. com broke the story Jan. 16 that Te’o’s presumed deceased girlfriend (who reportedly passed away in September from cancer) isn’t in fact dead and was never was in fact anything but a well developed, strangely crafted concoction of a fiction that never existed from the time she was introduced to the world by Te’o. It’s been a stressful week for the once assured first round pick Te’o. A 6-foot-2, 255-pound middle linebacker, Te’o was already a high school star before he hit the Irish campus but he became a Heisman finalist this season after numerous big stops and timely big plays. But his mystical girlfriend has fans and critics looking at him like he’s nuts. Will Te’o’s girlfriend hoax affect his draft stock?

Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley of the AFRO Sports Desk debate the question.

Riley: Of course it will. Whether he was a victim of an elaborate prank or the puppeteer pulling the media’s strings, the whole ordeal solely falls back on the judgment skills of Te’o. Either he was too gullible to get sucked in to an online prank or he’s in serious need of attention if he played a role in all of this. Middle linebackers are supposed to be the brains of the defense. I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting Te’o go to the vending machine by himself at this point if I was an NFL general manager. You can’t trust him.

Green: If a guy can play then he can play. Who cares if he made up a girlfriend?

Why would a franchise go crazy over not being able to trust him? Trust him to do what? Tell the media the truth about his love life? That shouldn’t matter to NFL GM’s. I know one thing you can trust him to do: run down running backs and make big plays.

That’s the only trust that needs to be there.

See more on afro.com

January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013, The Afro-American

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FAITH

Film “The House I Live In”, Draws Large Inauguration, Celebrity Crowd Washington’s Shiloh Baptist Church

By Jacqueline James AFRO Staff Writer A showing of a film at Shiloh Baptist Church about America’s failed drug war proved to be a huge inaugural weekend attraction on Jan. 19, with hundreds of people lining up more than 90 minutes before doors opened at the Northwest Washington house of worship.

By 11 a.m., a long line snaked around Shiloh, located at 9th and O streets NW, for the viewing of “The House I Live In,” winner of a 2012 Sundance Award. Those waiting to see the film included local dignitaries, students and visitors to the nation’s capital for the inauguration. More than 200 members of the media also attempted to gain access, witnesses said.

“It’s crazy!” said Jonah Smith, 37, of Dallas, as he stood in the long line. He said he went to the event because he wanted to mix the patriotic events on the Mall with some “flava.” He said he whiled away the time in line chatting “with some of the

Courtesy Photo

Wikimedia Commons

Danny Glover

Harvard.edu Photo

beautiful women of D.C.” Charles Ogletree “When I found out the lineup for the event, I took a cab over,” he said. “I hope I get in the door. If not, I hope I find somebody who has some ball tickets and needs a date. Seriously, this is an important film with an important message about a subject that has been tragic for Black folks.”

The critically acclaimed film, which was released last fall, depicts the nation’s effort to curtail drug sales. “Fearless!”

Manohla Dargis wrote in the New York Times. “A model of the ambitious, vitalizing activist work that exists to stir the sleeping to wake.” Forbes called it the “Best Documentary of 2012.”

The film was executive produced by actors Danny Glover and Brad Pitt, businessman Russell Simmons and R&B crooner John Legend.

Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness, an ANC commissioner in Northwest, said she wanted to see the film because she pastors a church located in a drug-plagued community.

“I consider myself an urban pastor,” she said. “I believe in community and that it takes a community to raise up a people that have been down so long that getting’ up ain’t on their

0

%

minds. I honor progress for our community.”

After a truncated version of the film was viewed, guests were treated to a panel discussion featuring Glover, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) and Prof. Charles Ogletree, director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice at Harvard Law School.

Audience members included CNN commentator Official House Photo Roland Martin, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) and the John Lewis recently widowed Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), who drew a standing ovation. The applause grew more thunderous when he walked to the front of the church and acknowledged the audience.

Tuere Marshall, 61, of Northwest Washington, a professor at Montgomery College, said she attended the event as part of her National Day of Service recognition. She signed up online to volunteer at a local school one day per month.

“I came because I wanted to get in touch with the legacy of Dr. King,” she said. “Sometimes we get caught up in getting off work and the commercialism of going to the mall for sales, but the day is supposed to be about events that speak to his legacy of love, excellence and service. I feel that this film, which talks about the plight of our young people right now, speaks to that and what is happening right now with the gun issue. I know that is an issue that Dr. King would have been involved in.”

Waters urged those in attendance to encourage others to see the film.

“This program, other than the swearing in on Monday, is the most significant event of the inaugural weekend,” she told the audience at the conclusion of the program.

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†

EveryNewToyotaComesWith

buyatoyota.com *ALL APR OFFERS: 0% APR FINANCING TERMS VARY BY MODEL. NOT ALL BUYERS WILL QUALIFY. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS. **CAMRY LEASE OFFER: CUSTOMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EXCESSIVE WEAR AND EXCESS MILEAGE CHARGES OF $.15 PER MILE IN EXCESS OF 24,000 MILES. YOUR PAYMENT MAY VARY BASED ON DEALER PARTICIPATION AND FINAL NEGOTIATED PRICE. OFFER AVAILABLE ON APPROVED CREDIT TO QUALIFIED CUSTOMERS FROM TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES. TAX, REGISTRATION, INSURANCE, AND DEALER FEES ARE EXTRA. CAMRY DUE AT SIGNING INCLUDES $2300 DOWN (AFTER APPLICATION OF $500 TOYOTA LEASE CASH INCENTIVE FROM TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES), FIRST $199 PAYMENT, AND NO SECURITY DEPOSIT. 2012 CAMRY LE 4 CYLINDER AUTOMATIC MODEL 2532, MSRP $23,700. **RAV4 AND COROLLA LEASE OFFERS: CUSTOMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EXCESSIVE WEAR AND EXCESS MILEAGE CHARGES OF $.15 PER MILE IN EXCESS OF 36,000 MILES. YOUR PAYMENT MAY VARY BASED ON DEALER PARTICIPATION AND FINAL NEGOTIATED PRICE. NOT ALL CUSTOMERS WILL QUALIFY. TAX, REGISTRATION, INSURANCE, AND DEALER FEES ARE EXTRA. RAV4 DUE AT SIGNING INCLUDES $2,710 DOWN (AFTER APPLICATION OF $1000 TOYOTA LEASE CASH INCENTIVE FROM TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES), FIRST $189 PAYMENT, AND NO SECURITY DEPOSIT. 2012 RAV4 4WD 4 CYLINDER AUTOMATIC MODEL 4432, MSRP $25,010. COROLLA DUE AT SIGNING INCLUDES $1840 DOWN (AFTER APPLICATION OF $500 TOYOTA LEASE CASH INCENTIVE FROM TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES), FIRST $159 PAYMENT, AND NO SECURITY DEPOSIT. 2013 COROLLA LE 4 CYLINDER AUTOMATIC MODEL 1838, MSRP $18,975. †INCENTIVE FROM TOYOTA IN ADDITION TO 0% APR FINANCING WHEN VEHICLE IS PURCHASED AND FINANCED THROUGH TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES. ON FINANCE CONTRACTS, INCENTIVE WILL FIRST BE APPLIED TO THE DOWN PAYMENT. ONE INCENTIVE PER FINANCE TRANSACTION. FINANCE INCENTIVE IS AVAILABLE ON APPROVED CREDIT TO QUALIFIED CUSTOMERS THROUGH TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS. ***COVERS NORMAL FACTORY SCHEDULED SERVICE FOR 2 YEARS OR 25K MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. THE NEW TOYOTA VEHICLE CANNOT BE PART OF A RENTAL OR COMMERCIAL FLEET OR A LIVERY OR TAXI VEHICLE. SEE PARTICIPATING DEALER FOR COMPLETE PLAN DETAILS. VALID ONLY IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES AND ALASKA. OFFERS END 2/4/13.

C8

The Afro-American, January 26, 2013 - January 26, 2013

800-756-0119 VISIT www.mdhousing.org CALL

Investing in Maryland Working with partners to finance housing opportunities and revitalize great places for Maryland citizens to live, work and prosper.

Mortgage Loans for First-time Homebuyers Loan Programs for Affordable Rental Housing Community Revitalization & Assistance Programs Small Business Loan Programs Foreclosure Prevention Assistance Energy Efficiency Assistance

Martin O’Malley, Governor Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor

Raymond Skinner, Secretary Clarence Snuggs, Deputy Secretary

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

MDHOUSING

MARYLAND HOUSING

HOUSING IN MARYLAND PLAYLIST

January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013, The Afro-American

Scholarship recipient T’Nay Williams and Nathan Saunders, Washington Teachers Union

Ron Magnus, Scholarship winner Ndri Sligh-N Cho, Nathan Saunders and Beverly Griggs

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sing the theme, “In the Spirit of Unity & Service; Remember! Celebrate! Act!,” The Martin Luther King Jr. Support Group presented its 41st Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show on Jan. 13 at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Md. The program was highlighted by the reading of a “Litany of Commemoration of Dr. King,” the presentation of a Humanitarian Award to Alexis M. Herman, former Secretary of Labor and the awarding of scholarships to three local students. After finishing a delicious buffet meal, the afternoon concluded with a fabulous, high energy, up-tempo fashion show produced by Lovely Lady Boutique of Washington, D.C. The Support Group is to be commended for their steadfast and unwavering commitment to social justice and equality in the image of Dr. King.

Scholarship winner Nicky Andy Leveille For this, we salute and Ron Magnus, Chairman of the you!

Board

I went to the BET Inaugural Ball.

Yes, I stepped out to an Inaugural Ball.

Photos by Rob Roberts

Three of the models who strutted the runway.

Gwend Johnson, Ron L. Magnus, Joan Douglas Jordan, Beverly Griggs, Dr. Helen Tate, Founder and emcee Micheline Bowman, Fox 5 News

First row: Joan Douglas Jordan, Recording Secretary; Beverly Griggs, President and CEO; and Dr. Helen V. Tate, Past President and Founder; 2nd row: Ron L. Magnus, Esq.; Chairman of the Board; T’Nay Williams; Gwend Johnson; Rev. Lewis Anthony; 3rd row; Nicky Andy Leveille; Ndri Sligh-N-Cho; Eula Lee Clark; Yvonne Howerton; Yvonne Harris; Yvonne Brown; Shirley Lambert; and Micheline Bowman, Fox 5 News, Emcee

Tuere Anne Marshall (center) Miss American Classic Women with the Oxendine Music Academy Tape Dancers.

Mitzy (left) the commentator with one of the male models, taking her bow.

Scholarship recipients with parents and grandparents.

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Edmondson-Westside High School Band

altimore turned out, as usual, for the Jan. 19 celebration for the life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the best of its marching clubs, associations for causes and fellowship and local community and political leaders.

The parade was held early to clear the official holiday for the second inauguration of President Obama.

Baltimore Privateers Fife and Drum Corps

Carver Vocational Technical High School Junior ROTC Larry Young, WOLB Radio

Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Councilman Nick Mosby, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

Randy Dennis and Konan, Magic 95.9 Former Council Woman Agnes Welch and Councilman Wm. Pete Welch

Westsiders Marching Band Mary Ella Jones from Albany, Ga., enjoying the parade

Shriners 213 Marching Club Vets for Peace Photos by Anderson Ward

L-R Zyariah Banks, Kilyiah Goodwyn, Tytira Washington and Tamiah Goodwyn

Prince Hall Masons

Former Original Harlem Globetrotter Charles Choo Smith

Stomping Out Hunger

D2 The Afro-American, January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013

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 prepaid

AUCTION 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 DONATION DONATE YOUR CAR RECEIVE $1000 GROCERY COUPONS FAST FREE TOWING 24hr Response UNITED BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION Free Mammograms & Breast Cancer Info www.ubcf. info 888-332-9533

BUSINESS SERVICES

AD NETWORK

*Criminal Justice, *Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV authorized. Call 877-2064290 www.CenturaOnline.com

HELP WANTEDDRIVERS CRST offers the Best Lease Purchase Program! SIGN ON BONUS. No Down Payment or Credit Check.

Great Pay. Class-A CDL required. Owner Operators Welcome! Call: 866-590--5014 Foremost Transport $2000 Bonus Program for 3/4-ton and larger pickup owner operators.

Great rates, flexible schedule, variety of runs. Check it out today!

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Competitive Pay, Great hometime. CDL-A with 1 year OTR and hazmat endorsement. Willingness to attain tanker endorsement within 30 days. 888-705-3217, or apply online at www. nctrans.com

HELP WANTED: SALES

EARN $500 A DAY. Insurance Agents Needed! Leads, No Cold Need to reach a large Calls, Commissions demographic in Maryland, Delaware and DC! Paid Daily, Lifetime Advertise your business, Renewals; Complete Training; Health & your products and serDental Insurance; Life vices in 82 newspapers License Required. in Maryland, Delaware and DC. Reach 4 Million 1-888-713-6020 readers with a businesssize ad with just one call.

Call 1-855-721-6332x6 MISC. or email wsmith@ mddcpress.com or visit AIRLINE MEour website: www.mdCHANIC – Train for dcpress.com. high paying Aviation Maintenance Career.

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BUSINESS Financial aid if qualified OPPORTUNITY - Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Advertise your product Institute of Maintenance five (5) days per week (866) 823-6729. in our Daily Classified Connection in 13 daily AIRLINE CAREERS newspapers in Maryland, begin here - Become Delaware and DC. Buy an Aviation Main4 Weeks/Get 2 Weeks tenance Tech. FAA Free of Charge. For just approved training. $199 per day reach 2.8 Financial aid if qualified Million readers with just - Housing available. Job one phone call. Call placement assistance.

1-855-721-6332 x 6 or CALL Aviation Institute email us at wsmith@mdof Maintenance 800dcpress.com. The Daily 481-8974 Classified Connection will give you ad placement in The Washington WATERFRONT Post and The Baltimore PROPERTIES Sun newspapers 5 days per week for just $995.00 for one week of Waterfront Lots Captains Cove Virginia ad placement. on Chincoteague Bay Marina, Clubhouse, NEED TO ADVERTISE NOW Before the Golf, Tennis, Pools; New Home/Lot Package End of Year! Advertise from $127K Lots from your product in 105 newspapers in Maryland, $14,500; www.gatewayDelaware and DC. Reach tothecove.com 4.1 Million Readers with (443) just one ad! Call 1-855721-6332 x 6 or email wsmith@mddcpress. com. Place your ad TODAY!

EDUCATION SERVICES ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business,

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

TYPESET: Wed Jan 23 11:27:06 EST 2013

LEGAL NOTICES

CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORATION PUBLIC NOTICE The Baltimore City Department of Transportation is applying for Federal Transit Administration and Maryland Transit Administration financial assistance to support the continuation of the Ridesharing/Commuter Assistance Program for Baltimore City. The Rideshare Program Coordinator in Baltimore City will work with local and regional agencies to provide ride matching, vanpool assistance, and regional transportation to employees commuting to Baltimore City. The primary local target market includes Baltimore City and five surrounding counties: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard. Written comments concerning this application will be considered in the preparation of a final application. Comments should be submitted by Friday, January 26, 2013 to the Baltimore City Rideshare Program to the attention of Tierra Brown at 417 E. Fayette Street, 5th Floor, Room 559, and Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Upon receiving a sufficient number of requests, a public hearing will be conducted on Friday, February 15th, 2013.

FRANK MURPHY ACTING DIRECTOR TYPESET: Wed Jan 23 11:27:45 EST 2013 2ND REVISED AD/LAST PUBLICATION DATE WAS 1/19/13 CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 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 TR10004 REPAIRS TO VARIOUS BRIDGES & SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS ALONG I-83 FROM GAY STREET TO 41ST STREET will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204 City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. FEBRUARY 27, 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 JANUARY 11, 2013 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable $100.00.

TYPESET: Wed Jan 23 11:29:15cost ESTof2013 BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND INVITATION FOR BIDS CONTRACT NO. 13001 SX0 BENGIES PUMPING STATION IMPROVEMENTS CONSENT DECREE 11425 EASTERN AVENUE, MIDDLE RIVER, MARYLAND 21220 MIDDLE RIVER - DISTRICT 15 c 6 CONTRACT COST GROUP “F ($5,000,000 to $10,000,000)” WORK CLASSIFICATION: G-2 with Pre-Qualified G-3 Sub-Contractor

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NAME: ________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________ PHONE NO.:____________________________________________ CLASSIFICATION: ______________________________________ (Room, Apt., House, etc.)

INSERTION DATE:_________________

BALTIMORE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER Legal Advertising Rates Effective October 1, 2008 PROBATE DIVISION (Estates) 410-554-8200

BID DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013 AT 10:30 A.M. LOCAL TIME On or after MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2013, the above contract documents (See Note *) 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 $20.00 (TWENTY 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.

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: BALTIMORE AFRO-AMERICAN CO. 2519 N. Cahrles Street Batimore, Maryland 21218-4602 Attn: Clsf. Adv. Dept.

SAMPLE

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.

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

$180.00 per 3 weeks $180.00 per 3 weeks $180.00 per 3 weeks $360.00 per 6 weeks $125.00

CIVIL NOTICES

The proposed work consists of: Upgrade existing station. Renovate station to increase reliability.

a. Name Changes 202-879-1133 b. Real Property

$ 80.00 $ 200.00

A pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. local time at the station. A second site visit will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 9.00 a.m. at the station. A third site visit will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. at the station. This will be the last chance to visit the station. No questions will be answered at this time.

a. Absent Defendant b. Absolute Divorce c. Custody Divorce

$ 150.00 $ 150.00 $150.00

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 TYPESET: Wed&Jan 23 11:28:09 EST 2013 CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC NOTICE COMMUNITY MEETING GREENMOUNT AVENUE/ YORK ROAD STREET PROJECT In an effort to educate the community about the upcoming project, a community meeting will be held: FEBRUARY 6, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Waverly Library 400 East 33rd Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218 If you have any questions, comments or need special accommodations, please contact: Mr. Jeffrey Fleming Northeast Community Liaison 443-984-4095 email: Jeffrey.Fleming@baltimorecity.gov or email: Stacey.Harrison@baltimorecity.gov Receive regular updates via Facebook At Baltimore City, Department of Transportation Or on Twitter at Baltimore City, Department of Transportation FRANK MURPHY, ACTING DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

To advertise in the AFRO call 410-554-8200

To place your ad, call 1-800-237-6692, ext. 262 Public Notices $50.00 & up depending on size Baltimore Legal Notices are $24.87 per inch.—1-800 (AFRO) 892 For Proof of Publication, please call 1-800-237-8892, ext. 244

TYPESET: Wed Jan 23 11:29:39 EST 2013

LEGAL NOTICES

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BALTIMORE CITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROCUREMENT AUTOMATION SYSTEM RFP NUMBER: B-1714-13

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (”HABC”) requests proposals from qualified firms to provide a best-of breed Procurement Automation System on an applications service provider (ASP) basis. The system will be a full-featured automatic procurement system which will handle all purchasing functions, including, but not limited to, e-commerce functionality, electronic requisitioning, the solicitation and award process, contract administration and all other related procurement activities. It is the intent of HABC to purchase an off-the shelf system with a proven track record in public sector procurement.

PROPOSALS WILL BE DUE no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 27, 2013.

A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in 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 non-minority 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.

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 RFP and all supporting documents may be examined and obtained on or after Monday, January 28, 2013, at the following location: Housing Authority of Baltimore City Division of Fiscal Operations, Procurement 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 RFP should be directed in writing to the address and individual indicated above, and must include the reference: HABC RFP Number B-1714-13.

TYPESET: Wed Jan 23 11:25:52 EST 2013

LEGAL NOTICES

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BALTIMORE CITY INVITATION FOR BIDS MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF MAJOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IFB NUMBER: B-1715-13 The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC”) will issue an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) for qualified and interested vendors to submit sealed bids for maintenance and repair of major air conditioning systems at various HABC housing developments.

BIDS WILL BE DUE no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 27, 2013.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., at the Charles L. Benton Building, 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 401, 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 non-minority 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 Tuesday, February 5, 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 IFB No. B-1715-13.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

January 26, 2013 - February 1, 2013, The Afro-American

TYPESET: Wed Jan 23 11:28:52 EST 2013

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LEGAL NOTICES

JANUARY 30, 2013 POLICE DEPARTMENT CONSULTING SERVICES B50002753 FEBRUARY 6, 2013 OEM PARTS FOR PL CUSTOM FIRE APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT B50002796 FEBRUARY 13, 2013 QUALIFIED DEALERS FOR CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS B50002786 SINGLE SPACE ELECTRONIC PARKING METERS B50002745 SAFETY SHOES & BOOTS B50002659

afro.com

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:

• Your History • Your Community • Your News

City of Baltimore Department of Finance Bureau of Purchases

THE ENTIRE SOLICITATION DOCUMENT CAN BE VIEWED AND DOWN LOADED BY VISITING THE CITYS WEB SITE: www.baltimorecitibuy.org

CAREER CORNER

TYPESET: Wed Jan 23 15:25:12 EST 2013

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Assistant Correctional Facility Administrator Chief, Client Support Maintenance Worker II Recreation Specialist 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. Deadlines to apply on-line.

AEO/DF/SFE

Hello everyone. How are you doing? I have to ask because everyone I have talked to has this cold/flu thing that is going around. It is a terrible situation. I had it for four weeks and it is not completely gone. This airborne thing has put people in the hospital. It is no joke. So if you have it, be very careful and take care of yourself and go to the doctor, if necessary. If you didn’t get it, you are the lucky one. Wear a mask and have a cocktail a day to keep the germs away.

Many of you might be interested in this event, which is kind of unique. The Baltimore Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society, with Agnes Kane Callum, will present the Genealogy Expo, where you can learn about the many aspects of researching your family’s roots. The Expo includes genealogy workshops, genealogy displays, DVD presentations and a question and answer session. The event will be held at the Northwood Pratt Library, 4420 Loch Raven Blvd, in Baltimore on DATE from noon until 4 p.m. and it is free.

Have I mentioned to you before that I have been working on my second book?

I’ve been working for three years. I have collected original pictures from some folks who lived in Baltimore between the years of 1940 and 1980. Right now, I am editing it to make sure all the “T’s” are crossed and all the “I’s” are dotted. My lands of mercy!

I truly miss my mentor and friend, “Biddy Wood” who edited my first book. I am also undecided what I want to name this one. It is almost a part two to my first book, “African American Entertainment in Baltimore.” But this book is going to be much bigger and more informative. This book will also show photos and information on the African-American life in Baltimore—people sitting on their front porches and in their living rooms, folks sitting in nightclubs having cocktails, local musicians performing, etc. I have photos on how your neighbor looked back in the day, people you know who lived in your community, preachers, churches, undertakers, hustlers, bail bondsmen, gangsters, businesses, organizations, beaches, bowling alleys, skating rinks, parks and movie theaters. I will also have television, radio and newspapers personalities who did their thing in the old days. There will be photos and information on national entertainers who performed and lived in Baltimore, barmaids and nightclub owners, who served us at the clubs and bars that no longer stand. It will have pictures of your families, buddies, friends you used to hang out with and the neighborhood you once lived in. l am kind of excited about this. My book tells a story about everyday people who lived, worked, partied and hustled in west, east, south and north Baltimore. I included hope you all be in line to purchase this one at my book signing this year.

By the way, I am still looking for anyone who has photos of Leroy O. Dyett Sr., and Joe Brown, both popular funeral home directors back in the day. If you or know someone who has photos, please contact me at 410-833-9474 or email me rosapryor@aol. com<mailto:rosapryor@aol. com> the photos with your permission to print them in my book.

Dr. Donna T. Hollie and the Baltimore’s Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society will host their 5th Annual Genealogy Expo on Feb. 2, at the Northwood Pratt Library noon to 4 p.m.

Elder Candace Willis and the Female Clergy Support Group of Maryland is hosting this special event to follow up “roycrosse” Quintet is kicking it off at Liam to their clergy fashion show for Flynn’s Ale, 22 W. North Avenue in Baltimore women in ministry to include on Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. The “roycrosse Quintet pastors, deacons, evangelists, includes roycrosse on steel drums, Yawn missionaries, first ladies, armor Jones on guitar, Jeron White on upright bass, bearers, adjutants, and any Bruce Jacobs on drums and Mel Valentine on women serving in ministry. It congas and percussion. will take place on Jan. 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Set the Captives Free Outreach Center, 7111 Windsor Blvd., in Baltimore.

Earl Wilson, guitarist and vocalist, is celebrating his birthday at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I Street, S.W. in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 25, 6-9 p.m. and Caton Castle Lounge, 20 S. Caton Avenue in Baltimore on Jan. 26, 6-9 p.m.

Well, my dear friends, I have to take my cough syrup. If you need me,call me at 410-833-9474. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.

Free Service Obituaries are printed for free by the AFRO-American Newspapers.

Send funeral program and picture to: Obituaries Baltimore AFRO-American Newspaper 2519 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21218

To advertise in the AFRO call 410-554-8200

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The Afro-American, January 26, 2013 - January 26, 2013