Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper May 17 2014

May 17, 2014 - May 17, 2014, The Afro-American

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Volume 122 No. 41

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Texas ID Law ‘Most Restrictive in the Country’

By Zenitha Prince Senior AFRO Correspondent

In Texas, everything seems to be bigger—oversized hats and belt-buckles, oversized houses and landmarks, oversized personalities and now an oversized voter identification law that activists say is one of the worst cases of voter suppression in the United States.

“Texas’ voter ID law in many ways is the most restrictive in the country,” said Vishal Agraharkar, counsel, Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice. “At the end of the day, it will prevent hundreds of thousands of Texans from being able to cast their votes…. It is disheartening to say the least.”

Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed the voter ID bill, SB 14, into law on May 27, 2011.

With the cliché of voter fraud as its impetus, the bill banned all non-photographic IDs as acceptable for voting.

Unlike other states, student IDs, expired IDs, governmentissued mail and other previously accepted identifiers were no longer acceptable, only: a driver’s license or personal ID Archive pages of card issued by the Texas AFRO coverage of the Department of Public Brown v Board Decision Safety; a license to carry a concealed handgun; a of May 17, 1954 U.S. military ID card; a U.S. citizenship certificate INSERTS with photograph; or a U.S. passport.

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‘Safe Streets’ Programs Aimed at Curbing Violence in Park Heights Area Jonathan Hunter Special to the AFRO Baltimore City, a town notorious for crime and high homicide rates, has initiated a unique program geared toward mediating conflicts.

The Park Heights Safe Streets program is the newest of the

four Safe Streets program in Baltimore City. Since February 2013, the Park Heights location has been carrying out the program’s motto “Stop Shooting. Start Living.”

Based off Chicago’s Ceasefire, a program founded by epidemiologist Dr. Gary

Slutkin, Safe Streets has followed a similar model of promoting community coalition and outreach mitigation. Dr. Slutkin viewed crime as an epidemic that needed to be treated.

Park Heights Site Director James Timpson is a believer Continued on A6

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Baltimore County’s Kelley Battles to Hold Senate Seat

By Sean Yoes Special to the AFRO Veteran Baltimore County Sen. Delores Kelley, a member of the State Senate since 1995, is in a rough and tumble contest with two other

candidates for her 10th District seat.

The 10th District, which encompasses a large swath of western Baltimore County, includes Randallstown, parts of Woodlawn, Owings Mills, and Reistertstown. The last year the district was subject to

significant boundary shifts, an issue Sen. Kelley says has been politically problematic.

“The fact Baltimore County is located where it is, you’ve got one senator in Carroll County (Republican Joseph Getty who represents the 5th

District), another in Howard County (Democrat Edward Kasemeyer, 12th District) and another in Harford County (Republican J.B. Jennings 7th District) … Baltimore County is ‘red’ enough. It’s hard to move

Continued on A4

Former Homeless, Troubled Youth Kurt L. Schmoke to Head Realizes Dream of Morgan Degree University of Baltimore

By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO By the time Shanna Green was 15 she had lived in more than 15 group homes, seven foster homes, been confined by legal and state health facilities three times, and molested by three different men.

Now, as she prepares to graduate from Morgan State University with a degree in sociology, Green wants to use her experience to improve the lives Shanna Green

of foster children who, like her, were failed by the foster care system.

Green entered that system at age two, taken from her drug-addicted parents and placed in a home where she would suffer her first molestation, she said, telling her story to the AFRO. Between the ages of five and eight, she said, Green lived with an aunt, serving as kinship care to her and was routinely molested by a cousin, a friend of an uncle, and her aunt’s boyfriend.

Green said she bounced around Courtesy Photo

By Zenitha Prince Senior AFRO Correspondent

Courtesy photo

Kurt L. Schmoke, new UB president, with Guy Valerie Bosworth, student of the Continued on A4 Yale Gordon College of Arts and Science.

Former Baltimore mayor Kurt L. Schmoke will assume the helm of the University of Baltimore in July, Maryland education officials announced May 14.

Schmoke, 64, a native of Baltimore and product of its public schools, become Charm City’s first Black mayor in 1987. In his first inaugural address, Schmoke announced his intention to make Baltimore “The City That Reads” and he created a cabinet-level agency to direct adult literacy programs across the city.

During his three-term tenure, he also successfully secured Continued on A3

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The Afro-American, May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014

NATION & WORLD

New Biography Looks at Michael Jordan, NBA’s only Black Team Owner

It is old news that Michael Jordan once considered himself

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a racist, but the revelation has taken on new life in light of a new biography of the basketball legend amid the public pillorying of Clippers owner Donald Sterling.

In the just-published Michael Jordan: The Life, author Roland Lazenby presented what he calls “the first truly definitive study of Jordan: the player, the icon, and the man.”

As part of that study, Lazenby offers a look inside Jordan’s upbringing in The author calls his book Wilmington, N.C., during a “the first truly definitive time when Jim Crow was king study of Jordan: the player, and the Ku Klux Klan its chief the icon, and the man.” henchman.

Lazenby said his research revealed just how powerful the Klan’s hold once was in that state. “North Carolina was a state that had more Klan members than the rest of the Southern states combined,” the American sportswriter told Sports Illustrated in a May 7 article.

“It was hundreds of years of pain that they put us through, and for the first time, I saw it from watching ‘Roots,’” Jordan said in a May 1992 interview with Playboy magazine. “I was very ignorant about it initially, but I really opened my eyes about my ancestors and the things that they had to deal with.”

Jordan was 15 at the time and also had his first personal brush with racism. “I threw a soda at a girl for calling me a nigger,” he said. “It was a very tough year. I was really rebelling. I considered myself a racist at that time. Basically, I was against all White people.”

It took a year for Jordan to surmount his bitter outlook, and it was his parents who helped him overcome it, his biographer said.

While Jordan historically takes a back seat on issues of race, the Charlotte Bobcats owner recently waded into the public debate over the racist remarks made by his fellow franchise owner, Donald Sterling.

He later lauded NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s decision to ban Sterling for life.

Fans Still Confused Following Leaked Jay Z, Solange Fight Video

Following the leak of the security video that appears to show Beyonce’s sister, Solange attacking Jay Z, many fans are still wondering what exactly initiated the brawl.

The footage, which was released by TMZ on May 12, reportedly shows Jay Z, Beyonce and Solange inside an elevator at the Standard Hotel in New York City. Reports say that the incident occurred at an after party for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala.

In the video, as soon as the trio enters the elevator, Solange appears to confront Jay Z and then starts hauling off kicks and punches in his direction. A security guard eventually intervenes, but the singer manages to hit the rapper at least three times.

Meanwhile, Beyonce stays in the corner and doesn’t get involved.

After the video was leaked, social media exploded with thousands of parody memes. Users also speculated what spurred Solange’s fury with the hash tag #WhatdidJayzsaytoSolange?

Despite the tremendous uproar, Solange and The Carters remained tightlipped on the incident and hadn’t released a statement by press time.

However, Fox News reported that sources said tension between the trio is nothing new.

Additionally, on May 13, RadarOnline reported that Solange had since deleted all of her Instagram pictures with her famous sister, except for a vintage photo that was posted last year.

Beyonce also posted an inspirational quote on her Instagram People are wondering why a few days after the Solange attacked Jay Z. Met Ball that read: “Lord, I lift up every one of my relationships to you and ask you to bless them.”

93-Year-Old Woman Not the Only Black Killed by Texas Cop

A Hearne, Texas police officer who shot and killed a 93-year-old woman in a Black enclave in central Texas on May 6 has a history of administrative scrutiny for the use of deadly force, according to news reports.

Officer Stephen Stem is on paid administrative leave after slaying Pearlie Golden, a longtime resident of Hearne who was affectionately known to her neighbors as Ms. Sully.

Stem was responding to a 911 call about a disturbance involving a woman with a gun, when he encountered Golden, who “brandished a firearm,” the Hearne Police Department said in a written statement. That’s when Stem shot her multiple times.

A revolver believed to be the weapon Golden had at the time of the shooting was found at the scene by officers, the statement said. She was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in nearby Bryan where she died from the injuries.

The investigation is being handled by the Texas Rangers.

City attorney Bryan Russ Jr. said the officer seemed to have followed protocol. “What we believe is that she was instructed to drop the weapon, that is my understanding,” Russ said.

But Stem has been in this position before. In January 2013 he was placed on administrative leave while the Rangers investigated his use of deadly force in December 2012 against 28-year-old Hearne resident Tederalle Satchell, who relatives said had a history of mental illness, according to The Eagle newspaper.

Stem was cleared by a grand jury in May 2013 and returned to active duty, according to the Robertson County News.

Hearne is a town of about 4,500 people located roughly 140 miles south of Dallas.

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The Afro-American, May 17, 2014 - May 17, 2014

May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014, The Afro-American

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Think-Tank to Train Black Youth to Challenge Structural Racism

By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS), a think-tank run by five Baltimore natives under the age of 30, advocates for policy changes that challenge structural racism. The organization works to empower young Black people by providing the tools needed to address public policy from a race-conscious perspective.

Originally founded as a student organization at Towson University, LBS was established in 2010 as a for-profit policy think-tank and political action committee. Its five founding members found national success on the college debate circuit and wanted to use the skills sharpened by their debate training to effect change in the lives of marginalized people in Baltimore and elsewhere.

LBS is currently engaged in policy advocacy in Maryland.

The organization also runs the Eddie Conway Liberation Institute (ECLI), an annual summer institute that trains young African-Americans in the art of debate and the broader historical context of institutional racism in which public policy in the United States plays out.

For Adam Jackson, CEO, LBS’s approach to policy advocacy is a response to the lack of meaningful engagement with racism in the public sphere. “The way we have conversations about race in the United States means theater,” Jackson said. “Politics in this country is theater. We have real surface-level discussions about race that do not address the

Texs ID Law

Continued from A1

The bill also narrowed the range of documents residents could use to obtain a voter ID. Advocates argued the law disproportionately targeted minorities, women—who are more likely to undergo a name change—and other groups.

“In Texas you can use a gun registration to vote but not a student ID. So you can see the discrepancy in the type of person this law targets,” said Diallo Brooks, director of Outreach and Public Engagement, People for the American Way. “There were clear partisan, political motivations for [passing this law] because the way African Americans, students, the poor and the elderly have voted has not always favored a certain party.”

The Department of Justice agreed and challenged SB 14 under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, saying it abridged minorities’ voting rights since a disproportionate number of Hispanic voters lacked the required IDs. And, in August 2012, a federal court in Washington, D.C., upheld that challenge, calling Texas’ voter ID law “the most stringent in the country.”

“That law will almost certainly have retrogressive effect:

“At the end of the day, it will prevent hundreds of thousands of Texans from being able to cast their votes….”

— Vishal Agraharkar it imposes strict, unforgiving burdens on the poor, and racial minorities in Texas are disproportionately likely to live in poverty,” the court opinion read.

Almost one year later, the voting rights landscape violently shifted when the Supreme Court dropped a bomb—the Shelby v. Holder decision that hamstringed the VRA’s Section 5 provision, which required states like Texas with a history of discrimination against minority voters to obtain federal preclearance before making election changes.

Within a few hours of the ruling, Texas announced it was reinstating its disputed voter ID law and redistricting plan.

The Shelby decision gave “free rein” to states that were previously covered under Section 5, Brooks said, and “opened up the floodgates in Texas and all over the country for discriminatory practices to take place.”

Brooks said he would not be surprised if more statewide voter suppression initiative such as contracted early voting periods are passed in Texas.

“I think there are some legislators who are poised and ready to push such legislation,” he said. “As long as there are folks who think there’s a political advantage for their party, they are willing to do that.”

In the meantime, since Shelby, “more subtle forms of blocking access to the ballot box—changing polling places, limiting polling places—are happening at the administrative level,” Brooks said.

Agraharkar agreed, saying, “There are a lot of ways in which minor changes in methods of election can dilute minority voting rights.”

In Beaumont, Texas, for example, White conservatives succeeded in gaining control of a previously Black-majority school board. Before Shelby, the Justice Department had blocked attempts to replace two single-member districts of the school district with at-large districts, from which it was highly

material realities of suffering that people go through every day because of racism.”

According to Dayvon Love, director of Research and Public Policy for LBS, it is important to fight the tendency

to merge class and race issues. “A lot of White folk will talk about class first,” said Love, “and that class-first analysis allows them to disavow the implications of their White skin privilege and then allows them to speak on behalf of folks who are materially configured in the world differently.”

The organization’s for-profit status is similarly geared

toward preserving control of the organization’s message and initiatives. By not relying on grant-funding, LBS is able to remain autonomous. “We’re not beholden to any interest except the interests of the people whom we’re trying to advocate for and with,” Love said.

Recently, LBS achieved a legislative victory with the passage of Christopher’s Law by the Maryland General Assembly. Christopher’s Law requires police officers receive cultural sensitivity and basic life-saving training. It is named after Christopher Brown, who was strangled to death by police officers who did not have the training to resuscitate him.

LBS is now focusing on the ECLI program. For Lawrence Grandpre, assistant vice president for research, the ECLI is a corrective to the educational Euro-centrism that often does not address the life-experiences of African Americans or train them to apply their learning to real world issues. “I didn’t have the words to articulate exactly what my frustration was,” said Grandpre of his experience at Whitman College, a liberal arts school in Washington State, “but it was very clear that, despite being one of the most talented students at the school, I wasn’t getting any sort of guidance in terms of how to use the knowledge I was given to affect the people I’d seen suffer the most in the world I lived in.”

The goal of the ECLI is to create scholars and advocates, according to Jackson. “For us it’s really about just training students to understand how the world operates so that they can be effective change agents when they get older.”

unlikely that African Americans could successfully elect their candidates of choice; and to shorten without notice, the terms of the three incumbent minority candidates and block them from re-election.

A similarly successful change was implemented in Pasadena, Texas, where Hispanics comprise one-third of its estimated 150,000 residents. In November 2013, an extremely slim majority of voters—87—passed an amendment that changed how city council districts are allocated. The rule eliminated two predominantly Hispanic single-member districts, while creating two at-large districts that could then be decided by the town’s White majority.

Pasadena Mayor Johnny Isbell crowed after the change was made, “The Justice Department can no longer tell us what to do,” according to an MSNBC video recording.

“It’s these type of changes at the local level that go unnoticed but that’s harder to litigate without Section 5,” Agraharkar said.

“The nice thing about Section 5 was it did a lot of work for attorneys,” he added. “We will have to be a lot more vigilant

and will have to spend resources combatting these laws….

Lawyers [now] have to fight back with case-by-case litigation that’s harder to win, costly and takes more time.”

Still, advocacy groups are forging ahead. The Brennan Center is one of several groups that has filed lawsuits to undo SB 14. And others are working at the legislative level.

“The good news is that there are efforts underway—groups like ours, the NAACP, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights—have been working hard to come up with a legislative solution,” Brooks said.

Legislation has been introduced in Congress to come up with a new formula—Section 4—to determine which jurisdictions qualify for oversight under the VRA. Agraharkar and others say they are hopeful of bipartisan support.

“One thing that gives us hope is the history of the Voting Rights Act in recent decades—in 2006, both parties came together and voted almost unanimously to renew the Voting Rights Act for 25 years,” he said. “We think the parties can come together now. If not now, then in the near future or next year.”

“A lot of White folk will talk about class first, and that class-first analysis allows them to disavow the implications of their White skin privilege and then allows them to speak on behalf of folks who are materially configured in the world differently.”

– Dayvon Love

Schmoke

Continued from A1

increased state funding for the city’s public schools and supported programs that assisted the growth of higher education institutions in the city. He also initiated several programs in the areas of housing, public health, community revitalization and economic development.

“Kurt Schmoke has a wealth of higher education, legal, public policy, and community service experience that will serve the University of Baltimore and the University System of Maryland extremely well in the years ahead,” said James L. Shea, chairman of the University System Maryland (USM) Board of Regents, in a statement.

“With his knowledge of the City of Baltimore and the surrounding region, he will be able to have an immediate impact on enhancing opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and the city. The Board of Regents is confident

that he will be an effective and successful leader.”

After deciding not to run for reelection in 1999, Schmoke—a Rhodes Scholar who holds degrees from Yale University and Harvard Law School—returned to private law practice. He also served in several capacities at Howard University over the past 11 years: He served as dean of the Howard University School of Law from 2003-2012 and currently is interim provost and general counsel at the famed historically Black university.

“I am thrilled and honored to be selected as the next president of the University of Baltimore, an outstanding higher education institution located in a great city and a great state,” Schmoke said in a statement. “Offering a high quality education at an affordable cost has been a hallmark of the university, and I am committed to continuing that tradition.

I look forward to working with faculty, students, staff, alumni, and friends to make a

great university even greater.”

Howard Interim President Wayne A. I. Frederick, in a letter to the school’s community, thanked Schmoke for his many contrbutions and said his appointment “fulfill[s] Howard’s desire to disperse our talents around the nation and the world.”

“The Howard family thanks him for his extraordinary service to our University and true commitment to our students, faculty, staff and alumni. We wish him tremendous success,” the letter read.

Schmoke’s appointment follows an extensive sixmonth search, after UB’s current president Robert Bogomolny announced he would retire this summer.

In his 12-year tenure as president, Bogomolny oversaw the revival of the school’s four-year undergraduate program and redevelopment of the school’s infrastructure and that of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Officials say they believe Schmoke is the right person to

carry that torch.

“Kurt Schmoke has an outstanding record of accomplishments and he understands that the University of Baltimore’s mission is closely aligned with the advancement of the city,” said William E. Kirwan, chancellor of the University System of Maryland. “He is interested in pursuing even more UB collaborations with the city and the region.

Furthermore, he wants to build on the university’s momentum made possible by the academic, infrastructure, and fundraising enhancements of the last several years.”

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The Afro-American, May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014

May 17, 2014 - May 17, 2014, The Afro-American

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Empty Pockets Impede New Start for Ex Offenders

By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO Fifty dollars. That is the principal assistance the formerly incarcerated receive when they are released from prison.

It is the seed money they rely upon to reestablish housing, transportation, and employment, and an amount that has mostly disappeared by the end of one’s first day out.

In Maryland, the rate of recidivism, defined as reimprisonment within three years of release, is 40.5 percent, down from 48 percent in 2007, according to Mark Vernarelli, spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. While the state continues its efforts to decrease that rate, the formerly incarcerated face a number of mundane challenges that are rarely appreciated but can seriously impact their ability to successfully reintegrate into civil society.

Russell Green-Bey and Antonio Alford are mentors and advocates with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker non-profit organization committed to peacemaking activities, according to their website. They are also former prisoners who say that had it not been for their association with AFSC, the need to meet the basic requirements of life would have likely pushed them back into criminal activity. The line between being a criminal and being an active citizen, it seems, is as thin as a $50 bill. “The $50 is going to disappear the same day,” Green-Bey said.

For both Green-Bey and Alford, the cab ride from prison to home and a fast food meal wiped out most of that $50, leaving

them with few resources to address a number of daily needs many people do not have to even think about.

For example, former prisoners often lack valid state identification. Lacking proof of residence – mail with your name and address – and out of money, these prisoners face a serious obstacle to obtaining state identification, a basic form of documentation often needed to establish housing or employment.

meals, only enough to keep you alive and working they said.

The last meal of the day takes place at 4 p.m., forcing prisoners to use their meager wages on additional food, as well as necessities like soap and deodorant.

For those who save their wages, it takes two months to receive them upon release, said Alford. Additionally, many prisoners have nowhere to stay once released which impacts their ability to find work. “Not having an address or a phone number that an employer can mail information to or call you to even offer an opportunity is definitely problematic,” said Dr. Natasha PrattHarris, a professor of sociology at Morgan State University. “Persons – Antonio Alford are released, and if they are going into shelters, they may move around from shelter to shelter so that the phone number or address isn’t consistent which can lend itself to difficulty with employment.”

Ex-offenders whose relatives live in public housing cannot look to them for a place to stay, as doing so would put those relatives at risk of losing their housing, said Pratt-Harris.

People with criminal records are excluded from public housing by law.

Ninety percent of all prisoners will eventually be released, according to Pratt-Harris. However, as Alford’s and GreenBey’s experience with AFSC shows, “It’s really the non-profits, the faith-based organizations, who are actually stepping in where the state is short to offer some of those services for persons at the point of release,” said Pratt-Harris.

“They expect you to save up your 95 cents until you come home … then you can’t survive inside.

A lot of people rely on that $20 a month.”

There are other elementary needs that prisoners lack.

“People already expect you to have clothes,” said Green-Bey. “You have no clothes coming out of jail because there’s no clothes in prison anymore.”

What is in prison, however, are industrial workshops where mass-produced, flat-pack office furniture is produced. Prisoners work in these shops full-time, but only receive 95 cents per day.

“They expect you to save up your 95 cents until you come home … then you can’t survive inside,” said Alford. “A lot of people rely on that $20 a month.”

While prisoners receive three free meals a day, both GreenBey and Alford commented on the small portions of those

Kelley Battles

Continued from A1

in a progressive direction … it’s not nearly as diverse in representation as it should be,” Kelley explained.

“They took away the only majorityminority district in Baltimore County and cut it in half and that wasn’t helpful,” Kelley added.

Still, Sen. Kelley argues she has been a

needs of her constituents.

“There are a lot of things going on and there is a disconnect with the current senator,” Boston said. “She’s 78,” which Boston says is not inherently a problem. “But, she’s not available, she’s not visible, [and] that’s an issue,” Boston added.

“They took away the only majority-minority district in Baltimore County and cut it in half and that wasn’t helpful.”

– Delores Kelley prolific lawmaker in Annapolis. “I do a lot of legislative work to help a lot of vulnerable populations,” Kelley said. “I have 147 laws on the books, I’m not sure people understand what the job is.”

One challenger Stephanie Boston, a veteran educator who taught for 23 years, suggests Sen. Kelley is the one “disconnected” from the

Boston, who taught math and reading in Baltimore City and Baltimore County says education is one of the main challenges confronting the district. “The ugly truth is my district is crumbling around us, our schools are poor performing. The buildings are great the equipment is good, but our children are still performing below national standards,” Boston

said. “As a teacher you can’t bull---- me to what the problem is.”

Pat Kelly, who was elected to the Maryland Democratic State Central Committee for Baltimore County’s 10th Legislative District in 2006, formerly ran for Kelley’s senate seat.

“I decided to give it another shot because … I still have a passion for representing the people in my district,” Kelly said. “I want to be a part of the decision making process that effects the people in my district.” Kelly is president of the Maryland State Courts Employees Local/ AFSCME Union.

She lists crime – which she characterizes as “rampant” in the district – at the top of her priorities if she were to un-seat Kelley. But, she also takes issue with the current senator’s position on the minimum wage increase in Maryland. “Sen. Kelley did not support the minimum wage increase. We’ve got people [in the district] who can’t make it off the minimum wage,” said Pat Kelly. “My concern is that she would fully support a $430 million

estate tax cut for the 2 percent of the richest people in the state of Maryland … yet, she would not support the minimum wage bill and the people who need it most. How many of those rich people live in the district that she represents?”

Stephanie Boston describes herself as “between the baby boomers and generation X,” and has been focused on the plight of seniors in the 10th District led by the 78-yearold Kelley.

“I’m living it. I’m experiencing lack of resources for senior citizens,” Boston said.

“I have to take care of my mother and I just buried my grandmother and having to take care of her estate … all these different aspects that go along with seniors. Our seniors are really hurting and the lack of action and response is a concern.”

Despite the criticisms of her opponents Sen. Kelley seems undeterred. “I’m busy doing policy,” she said. “We’re working hard and I believe were going to prevail.”

who were assigned to me as a mentor and from a mentor relationship I asked her—because I felt like she had a mother spirit -- could she be my mother.”

At age 22, Green had finally found a stable family relationship. But a new mother was not the only gift Victorious Ministries provided for Green.

Edwin Johnson, a former minister at the church who also worked in the admissions office of Morgan State University (MSU), helped Green attain her GED and steered her toward admission to the university.

At Morgan, however, the late Army Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph Bozeman, at that time the director of the school’s Enrollment Outreach and Veteran Services, voiced skepticism, noting Green’s criminal record and her only having completed the seventh grade of formal education.

Bozeman insisted on interviewing Green prior to sending out a letter of acceptance, and tasked her with providing five letters of recommendation, as well as a letter detailing how she would pay for Morgan. Green obtained all the necessary references and returned with Howze, and another Victorious Ministries pastor, whose impassioned speeches on her behalf helped win Green a letter of acceptance.

“My words to him were, ‘Mark this date down, because I’m telling you that Morgan State University, should they accept Shanna Green, will be proud to say that she’s a Morgan State University graduate,’” Howze, who is now the AFRO advertising director, told the AFRO. Howze’s words have proved prophetic.

Morgan State officials have embraced the Green success story and are promoting it heavily in advance of the May 17 commencement exercises, a ceremony in which Green’s story will be featured.

“Once she realized who she was and the potential that she had, that we helped to show

her when she came to my church, she was unstoppable,” said Howze.

Green, who said she could have easily ended up an unidentified fatality or just another foster care statistic, credits her faith in God for her transformation, and is now preparing for graduation and for a wedding planned for October, she said.

While at Morgan, Green started Project

Homeless Youth Continued from A1

between foster and group homes—and was confined by the state three times after five suicide attempts—until, at the age of 15, she ran away, becoming homeless, spending the next three years keeping herself afloat through prostitution and drug dealing.

“The whole time I was gone . . . nobody came to look for me,” said Green. “No one cared, like, ‘Is she okay?’ No missing person’s report. Nothing.”

At 18, Green moved to Virginia where she became involved with her brother’s gang, posing as a prostitute and robbing unsuspecting johns at gunpoint. The last attempted robbery ended prematurely when the car was pulled over for a broken indicator

light. Green spent a month in jail after pleading guilty to a concealed weapons charge.

“When I was locked up I told God that I would go to church,” said Green of a promise that would change the course of her life.

Having returned to Baltimore after her stint in jail, Green said, she was on her way to a bar to purchase a few drinks and some marijuana when she came across a sign for Victorious Ministries International on York Road and felt something tug her toward the fulfillment of the promise she had made while incarcerated.

“I visited the church for that first time at 18, and I never left,” she said. “And while I was there I got associated with mentors and Pastor Lenora [Howze]. . . she was one of the people

“Morgan State officials have embraced the Green success story and are promoting it heavily in advance of the May 17 commencement exercises, a ceremony in which Green’s story will be featured.”

D.R.E.A.M. Foster Care United to provide mentors and aid to Morgan students who emerge from the foster care system.

Green raised funds to help provide books, school supplies, and groceries for those students, helping provide a financial bulwark for students with no reliable family to turn to for assistance.

Green is most passionate about her work as a motivational speaker, using her story to impart on persons in similar situations the lesson that the difficulty of their current circumstances need not limit their future horizons.

Green plans to turn Project D.R.E.A.M. into an IRS Sec. 501(c)3 nonprofit organization upon graduating. She said she would also like to see her story made into a book, or perhaps even a movie, noting that she only recounted about one percent of her journey to the AFRO. Green can be contacted for motivational speaking engagements by email, shannagreen1@yahoo.com, or by phone at 443-608-1544.

May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014, The Afro-American

COMMENTARY

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Tired of Predatory Student Loans? – Speak Up by May 27

Are you tired of complaining to family and friends about things you feel powerless to change? Or, as college costs continue to climb and student loan debts increase, do you or someone you know feel helpless that your opinion could make a positive change?

If you answered yes, know that the federal government is giving you a chance – now through May 27 – to speak Charlene Crowell up during an important public comment period. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) wants to learn more about the quality of career education programs. These programs, offered by a variety of for-profit colleges, have raised concerns about greater student debt and poor employment outcomes. These schools are also large beneficiaries of federal student loan dollars.

If enough collective voices – organizations, educators, consumers and others – speak in support of consumer protections, for-profit colleges’ “rules of the road” can and will change for the better.

Commonly known as the “gainful employment” rule, DOE proposes to cut off federal funds to career education programs where former students earn incomes too low in comparison to their debt. When incomes are too low or loan defaults too high, then students have not been prepared for “gainful employment.”

By the May 27 comment deadline, DOE wants to learn the answer to one basic question: Are students really gaining the skills and training that lead to career tracks with incomes large enough to offset the heavy debts incurred?

For Black and Latino students, the gainful employment rule is particularly important. A new research brief by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) finds that students of color enroll more frequently in for-profit colleges than other students. The disproportionate enrollment is caused in part by high-pressure sales tactics. Some schools have been accused of deliberately

targeting students of color for enrollment in their predatory programs.

Further, for-profit colleges often have high tuition and fees that cost more than twice as much for a four-year public institution and four times as much for a two-year public school, often with sub-par graduation rates.

The brief states, “A postsecondary education can serve as an asset that enables graduates to secure good jobs with steady incomes, enabling further accumulation of other assets in the future such as a home, business and secure retirement. … Unfortunately, for-profits often fail to provide a quality education for students, leaving many with a dangerous level of debt and little improvement in earning potential.”

The proposed rule would also require: • Institutions to certify that their programs meet applicable accreditation requirements and state or federal licensure standard; and • Institutions to publicly disclose information about the program costs, debt, and performance of their gainful employment programs so that students can make betterinformed decisions.

An earlier 2012 report by the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee found that a majority of students at for-profit schools were unable to complete their programs. It also found that schools often misled students about their ability to secure a job in their field after graduation or to transfer to another institution to continue their studies.

The low graduation rate of for-profit colleges imposes financial burdens that will linger long after enrollment. As these former students enter the job market, they are hindered by the

A Shout Out to Teen Fathers Becoming a father takes work. Before you became a father you were first, now you must learn that it is a father’s place to be last. You must learn to put others needs before your own. If you truly love your child make sure you give them the best you can give. Speak the right way, act the right way, treat your family and children the right way, be the right person. As a father you must be the best that you can be. Remember Franklyn Malone that every success in life is built upon failure. Every successful company and person made good decisions based on what they learned from the bad decisions they made in life.

You must put away childish things and learn to be a responsible father and man. Make a plan to get educated, trained, and developed into a responsible father by following the footsteps of men who are positive, spiritually equipped, responsible, and leading by example.

Only imitate the best to be the best. Have high expectations for your children. A Father must spend quality time, give gifts of love, and know that what you honor or believe in shows what you are about.

There are seven basic love languages of fatherhood. Speak affirmations to your children and be as positive as possible.

Every time you curse you start a violent event in your child’s life. Violence begins with negative words and people. Always give your children gifts. They do not have to be bought from a store but can be created or harvested by you, such as the gift of a flower, or a book, a picture, or some food. Serve your child, do something for them. If Jesus washed the feet of his disciples what will you do for your child? Spend quality time with your children. Quality time is love and love is an action. Finally hold your child, hug your child, let them feel your spirit through your meaningful touch. The strongest man is the one who will kneel down low to touch a child. Also tell jokes to make them laugh and be a fun person to be around. Don’t be so serious all the time.

Make a plan to provide and protect your children by finding a vocational skill, technical skill, or increasing your education.

Expose yourself to good thinkers – you must constantly grow and learn. A man without a plan is simply not a man. Put the right people in the right place in your life with the right plan, because the wrong person creates problems instead of potential.

The wrong place creates frustration instead of fulfillment. The wrong plan creates grief instead of growth.

Choose to think good thoughts – the right thought plus the right people in the right environment at the right time for the right reason equal the right result.

If you want to improve your life then focus on helping others. When you give you will receive.

Know the family bill of rights: • Every child has the right to have two homes where he or she is cherished and given the opportunity to develop normally!

• Every child has the right to a meaningful, nurturing

lack of a marketable credential and simultaneously burdened with loan repayment. The low-level of graduates, CRL finds, may also explain why for-profit college borrowers are also more likely to default on their student loans.

In a recent letter to the editor of the Washington Post, Maura Dundon, a CRL senior policy counsel wrote, “Since students of color disproportionately enroll in for-profit colleges, they have been disproportionately harmed.”

In 2011, for-profit advocates spoke up when a similar proposal was made. Their strident voices derailed attempts to bring fairness to this area of consumer lending. In 2014, we cannot afford a second mistake. If you or someone you know has been affected by this dilemma or felt powerless to change it, now is your chance to make a meaningful contribution to this important public debate. This time, the consumers harmed by these institutions should share their real-life experiences at http://rspnsb.li/1kY3ai0.

Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org

relationship with each parent.

• Every parent and child has the right to call themselves a family regardless of how the children’s time is divided.

• Every parent has the responsibility and right to contribute to the raising of his or her child.

• Every child has the right to have competent parents and to be free from hearing, observing, or being part of their arguments or problems with one another.

Remember, you are not a man because you can make a baby.

Any idiot who can achieve an erection can impregnate a willing female participant. You are a man because you are willing to raise a baby with love, nurturing, quality time, and unselfish service while always respecting the child’s mother.

Fatherhood is emotional, psychological, social, economic, physical, and most importantly spiritual. It is about building positive relationships that open opportunities for success.

There is really no book that you can read to become that special father. Fatherhood has to be seen, experienced, and modeled from those who have done it successfully. Find other men in your life who are worthy of being followed, listened to, and questioned. You will find them serving others in your community. You will know them by their works.

You must stand up, reach up, and step up to be that courageous and loving father that brings his irreplaceable gift through a relationship with his children and the baby’s mother and family.

Franklyn M. Malone is the CEO of 100 Fathers Inc. and a national father

Almost 60 Years Later and Losing Ground in the Battle to Integrate May 17 is 60 years after 1954 Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas case was decided noting “separate but equal” as an oxymoron. A recent Farm Bill passed by Congress established that Ohio’s Central State University along with the 80 Hispanic Colleges were Land Grant Colleges.

Have we forgotten that the 1890 Black Land Grant Act was passed for Black colleges? Six years later the U.S. Supreme Court Dr. Ada M. Fisher declared in the Plessy v.

Ferguson case that separate but equal was the law of the land. How did that work out for the nation?

By giving Hispanics their Land Grants in 2020, Congress has declared and the courts are following a prescription for “equal and separate” as the law of the land. This is further evidenced by their April 22 ruling that state votes banning the consideration of race in education is allowed. This death knell for affirmative action will continue as has now happened in Michigan, California, Arizona, Nebraska, Oklahoma,

and Washington, and by state officials in Florida and New Hampshire.

The hypocrisy of Justice Anthony M. Kennedy’s opinion that “ This case is not about how the debate about racial preferences should be resolved … It is about who may resolve it. There is no authority in the Constitution of the United States or in this court’s precedents for the judiciary to set aside Michigan laws that commit this policy determination to the voters.” Why is this same logic not applicable to court rulings on same sex marriage, abortion, educational choice or other rulings where the states have their laws ruled against and must bear the resultant cost for the effect of these adverse court rulings?

In North Carolina, the University of North Carolina Board of Governors has added to this burden by raising admissions standards beyond that required to graduate, i.e. a 2.5 GPA to get in but only a 2.0 to get out. The discrimination here allows taxpayer dollars from all of its 100 counties to be expended for a narrower pool of students without a comparable look at whether exceptions to this rule are made for athletes. It has also allowed the UNC System to skirt the 1977 Adams v. Califano case regarding its need for compliance and development of an adequate desegregation plan.

Arthur Fletcher, Deputy Secretary of Labor during the Nixon Administration, established the Equal Opportunity Act in 1974 which should be held as valid today as then. This act did not become as bastardized as the affirmative action regulations which established quotas to get votes, set asides or

other programs which would be shell companies or fronts for union activities, and behind the scenes groups misusing the regulations for financial gain.

The takeaways from these lessons not learned: * For minorities and women, achievement matters and your admissions will be based on your academic rankings and works, not just your belief that you are entitled to societal privileges just because you are a citizen. * For states and local governments, a concentration on inequalities must be undertaken less we see riots in the street, more disgust with government, and a resurgence of state’s rights in a manner which may prove ugly. * For Congress and national leaders, it is imperative that we put citizens first. If we are going to take people’s money in taxes then their access must be equal. * For my alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, look closely at your history under late Chancellor James S. Ferguson, whose ground work of fairness established policies which have allowed you to yearly admit and graduate more Black students proportionately than any other college or university within six years, and whose numbers reflect our percentage of the state’s population at approximately 23 percent Black.

Now that’s what I’m talking about.

Dr. Ada M. Fisher is a physician, licensed teacher, and previously elected school board member, and the North Carolina Republican National Committee chairwoman.

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The Afro-American, May 17, 2014 - May 23, 17, 2014

Dreams Thrive at The Living Well in Charles Village

By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO On North Charles Street, a studio space is helping aspiring artists and entrepreneurs turn their ideas into actions. By working with community partners and employing alternative economic models, The Living Well is serving as an incubator of dreams, and quietly helping promote the economic and social development of Baltimore City.

The Living Well, situated at the southeast corner of N. Charles and 25th streets intersection, is owned and operated by Maurissa Stone, a former management consultant specializing in non-profits. Stone runs The Living Well as a for-profit business entity, but one oriented toward community development.

By utilizing alternative economic models like bartering, Stone is able

to assist individuals and groups who may not have the financial resources to fund their endeavors to start-up their enterprise.

Stephanie Safiyatou had her first ever art exhibit at The Living Well. A hairdresser for 24 years, a bout with kidney disease cost Safiyatou her home and business about five years ago. While she had managed to overcome her illness and rebuild her business, she was not in a financial position to finance an art exhibit she had conceived and which details the strength, beauty, and struggle of Black women in the Baltimore area.

The show, titled ‘Baltimore Girls,’ was part photographic exhibit and part performance piece. “I put up an indy-go-go to try to raise funds for it and I made like eight percent of my goal, and I was like, ‘uh-oh, what’s next?’” said Safiyatou.

When Stone heard of Safiyatou’s

project, Stone encouraged her to use The Living Well to put together her vision. The space would serve for rehearsals and an initial exhibit.

In lieu of payment, Safiyatou would

“The Living Well is serving as an incubator of dreams, and quietly helping promote the economic and social development of Baltimore City.” use her hairdressing talents, as well as the connections in the world of photography, fashion, and makeup to shoot promotional photos for Stone and The Living Well.

Were it not for the ability to barter in exchange for Living Well’s space, Safiyatou’s vision would not have materialized. “I wouldn’t have been able to do this because having a space is so important,”

‘Safe Streets’ Continued from A1

in Dr. Slutkin’s ideology about preventing homicides and shootings. Timpson said, “You [have] to identify and detect the problem, interrupt the transmission, and you have to change the norms.”

He sees this strategy as being an effective way to prevent altercations. His co-workers go into the community and identify high-risk individuals and communicate with them in hopes of getting them on the right track and preventing them from future criminal activity.

He says a major factor in reaching individuals who are in the streets is having the right staff. “These outreach workers are credible messenger’s because these are the guys who used to run these streets, used to get into trouble in these streets, and guys who used to have a lot of control in the neighborhood,” Timpson said. “They can go and be credible messengers and let’s say make a better way for people in the community.”

The Park Heights staff is driven by outreach workers and a supervisor, each responsible for 17 individual’s between the ages of 14 to 25. Participants must meet

ASSOCIATED BLACK CHARITIES

honorees ````` `````

CONGRATULATES OUR 2014 GALA

Icons

Calvin Butler, Esq.

Community Investor Award

CEO Baltimore Gas & Electric Company

Michael E. Cryor President The Cryor Group, LLC

Willard Hackerman Legacy Award

Thomas LaVeist, Ph.D. Director, Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions Johns Hopkins University

Angela Celestin

Emerging Leader John Bugg

Managing Director of Human Resources OneMain Financial, a Division of Citi

said Safiyatou. “If your overhead is sky high, I’ll never be able to create what I need to create.”

Any initiative with which The Living Well partners must fall

State Farm Agent State Farm Insurance Company

under one of three rubrics: soulful expression, conscious expansion, or optimal wellness. The first, soulful expression, encompasses “Anything that has to do with expression,” said Stone, “whether it be photography, art exhibits, dance movement, yoga, drumming, and music, anything that falls under that line of business.”

The second rubric, conscious expansion, encompasses anything

educative, especially on a topic related to business, personal, or cultural development. The third, optimal wellness, emphasizes any aspect of personal wellness.

By ensuring that any initiatives with whom The Living Well partners falls under one of these rubrics, and through the use of economic alternatives like bartering, Stone is better able to fulfill her vision for The Living Well as an incubator of social and economic development opportunities.

“Because of structural racism,” said Stone, “people who look like me don’t always have access and opportunity to facilitate their dreams, passions, and goals economically, because they’re not a part of the club membership. So when you change the rules you provide people with access and opportunity.”

jobs,” Brown said. “If you put a gun down we believe we can give you something.”

Stanley Dennis, another outreach worker, believes people being out of work plays a big role in why people are in the streets. Dennis said, “Since I’ve been working this job I found out that the job plays a big part of what’s going on out there. If there [were] more jobs a lot of guys wouldn’t be out there.”

Timpson said his co-workers invested in these young adults. They are not there to chastise, but to help participants see the bigger picture and the consequences for every action they take.

Safe Streets has united the community with many community activities.

Since Safe Streets came to Park Heights over 158 mediations have taken place, preventing shootings, and 10 community events. Dennis said “Anytime you have 300 people come to a cookout and there [are] no fights or violence that’s a good event right there.”

Imhotep Fatiu, an outreach supervisor at Park Heights, previously served time in jail and knows how valuable Safe Streets is for the community. He would like for the current model to expand into schools and hospitals.

“I would like for it to go to the point where there is no shooting or violence and if there are altercations people will rely on Safe Streets to come in and work these situations, Fatiu said.

certain criteria, including being in a gang, being shot before, or previously serving a jail sentence. The participants meet with their outreach worker counselor in person at least four times a month. The outreach workers have the tough task of mediating conflicts and documenting every step.

Timpson said there is a lot of data analyzing and strategic planning that the public is not aware of. “One of the biggest misconceptions about the job is that these guys wake up, and just put on orange shirts that say Safe Streets on the back and hang on the corner,” said Timpson. “What people don’t understand is the leg work that goes on. It’s a method to our madness.”

The outreach workers collect data and see what areas of the neighborhoods are the trouble areas and plan accordingly to amend the hot spots. Additionally, the outreach workers go beyond their job description to look out for their individuals.

Albert Brown, an outreach worker, said that even with limited resources they have helped people in need. “This program right here is really unique because it touches the community. Our job isn’t to get people jobs, but since we’ve been here we have gotten about 30 people Imhotep Fatiu, outreach supervisor, motivates the crowd.

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JUNE 14, 2014 • 7pm MARTIN’S WEST

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Photos by Rashad Singletary

May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014, The Afro-American

AFRO Archives Photo

NAACP LAWYERS STUDY FINDINGS – Piled upon the table are the results of the research of more than 60 lawyers, historians, and social scientists who have collaborated with the NAACP legal staff to answer questions asked by the United States Supreme Court for re-argument of the public school segregation cases in December. Studying these findings are , left to right: Oliver W. Hill and Spottswood W. Robinson III, Robert L. Carter, Thurgood Marshall, Jack Greenberg. Standing behind Marshall, George E.C. Hayes and James Nabrit. October 31, 1953

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You can read this historic coverage and more at http://www.afro.com/ afroblackhistoryarchives/

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The Afro-American, May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014

May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014, The Afro-American

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The Afro-American, May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014

May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014, The Afro-American

“Blazing New Pathways: Moving Forward with a Purpose” was the underlying theme for Baltimore City Club’s 73rd Annual Founders Day Observance and Awards Luncheon, April 26, at the Forum Caterers.

The Rev. Dr. Tamara D. England’s message to her audience was “Keep it Moving.” She said, “It is critical for us women to commit ourselves to helping women. Believe in women The Rev. Dr. Tamara England, coming together—use Nu Season Nu Day Ministry, that coming together guest speaker in building up each other, thus building a community at large.”

Rev. England concluded,

Dr. Odessa Dorkins gives a special tribute to former Baltimore City Club officers

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“Women can change the entire world; let your candlelight shine for others to see.”

Awards in various categories: Sojourner Truth, Man Honorees Dr. Tyrone Powers, Rochelle Purnell, Renee Murrell, Marilyn of Distinction, Professional Achievement, Innovative Mosley, Sejeana McDonald, Dr. Jayfus Doswell, Rev. Dr. Tamara Business, Distinguished Service and Scholarship were England, Darleen Thomas, president presented to outstanding professional and business community leaders.

Darleen Thomas is the current president of the Baltimore City Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs that was founded February 9, 1941.

The Man of Distinction Award was presented to Dr. Tyrone Powers

Darleen Thomas, president, presents the Sojourner Truth Award to Rochell Purnell

Karla McGoins, Lisa Allen and Clarence Allen; The Rev. Shirl Stanton, Delores Mooney and Verna Council are standing

Dr. Jayfus Doswell, recipient of the Innovative Business Award

Beulah Wallace, chaplain

Jasmine Cosby, Joan Sims, Anjae Cosby and Keisha Webster

Sejeana McDonald, graduating senior at Pikesville High School, receives the Scholarship Award

Joella Malone, Robin Wright, Vernelle Robinson Jobria McDonald with her grandmother, Dr. Edmonia Yates

Renee G. Murrell, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award Members Elsie Carter and Linda Fassett

PHOTOS BY DR. A. LOIS DE LAINE

Mary Collins, Arlene Hall and Beulah Wallace; Anita Parker and Pauline McKesson are standing

The Harbor City Chapter of The Links invited their friends to the races—Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes—the three legs of the Triple Crown.

A simulated version of the Triple Crown was evident as you entered the Turf Valley Country Club in Ellicott City, April 27.

You observed quickly that the event was not all about racing, but also about Candace Sims, president, Harbor fashion.

Chapter Links, presents signature The ladies did roses to Annette March Grier not hold back with their wide-brimmed “Southern Belle” inspired hats decorated with flowers, feathers, bows, and ribbons of any color to express creativity and individuality. The men sported Derby Alice Pinderhughes presents the Arts-Services hats inspired by to Youth Award to Dr. C. Sylvia Brown, the style from the 1920s. Patterns and philanthropist and community activist; Terri prints were bright, sporty, classy and Parker congratulates the honoree fashionable.

Along with music and dancing, hors d’oeuvres, light fare and horse racing,

Irma Deas, Joan Murphy, Dr. Odessa Dorkins

the Cognac, cigar and candy bar were the talk of the afternoon.

Dr. C. Sylvia Brown, philanthropist, community activist and leader and the Rev. Canon Dr. Sandye A. Wilson, rector of the Episcopal Church of St. Andrews and Holy Communion in South Orange, N.J., were presented Spirit Awards. Candace Sims is president of the Harbor City Chapter.

Osbourne Dixon and Brandon Croxton

Carlyn Holland Cole, center, shows a photo of her father, Skeets Raymond Holland, the first Black jockey in Md. who raced during the 40-60s. With her are Helen Holton and Kim Mumby Green

Paula Holt, Kelly Mason, Christel Curtis

Newton and Pamela Gentry, chair, National Nominating Committee

National recording secretary, Kimberly Jeffries Leonard with Kimberleigh N. De Laine, president, Patapsco River Chapter, The Links

Mother-daughter Links Charlene Proctor, president, Prince Georges Chapter and Alice Bey, immediate past president, Columbia Chapter

Myshala E. Middleton, Alicia Wilson, Savanna Ferguson

Honoree the Rev. Canon Dr. Sandye A. Wilson is congratulated by Dr. A. Lois De Laine and Marietta A. English, president, Balto. Teachers Union

Sharon McCullough, Alternate State Central Committee, Wilhelma Brown

Marilyn Harris Davis, Victoria Proctor

Columbia Links Rhonda Ricks, Doris Brown, Carolyn Brown-Jackson

Ruth Muldrow, Sylvia Law, Harold Young

Steward Beckham, Pamela Beckham, Blanche and Paul Beckham PHOTOS BY DR. A. LOIS DE LAINE

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The Afro-American, May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014

“ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS, MUSIC & BOOKS” I just want to say hello and hope my ladies had a fantastic Mother’s Day weekend.

The Tri-County Maryland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is determined to bring awareness of the arts to the Southern Maryland area. They are hosting their first ever “Literary Café” from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. May 18 at the Victorian Candle Bed & Breakfast, 25065 Peregrine Way, Hollywood, Md. They are planning a program that features African-American authors who will share book recitations, poetry, and spoken word. I think this will be such a fun event. There will be many authors tables including, yours truly Rambling Rose.

Yes, I will be at this wonderful event selling and autographing my new book, African American Community, History & Entertainment in Maryland, and I also will have my first book on hand about Pennsylvania Avenue, African American Entertainment in Baltimore. Your ticket will also include a taste of Southern Maryland’s finest cooking from the lavish brunch buffet. For more information, call 443-532-5099 and tell them Rambling Rose told you.

My! My! My! Jazz at The Grand, is back again with Bonneau Caprice as your hostess. She calls it “A Vocal Summit,” on May 18, celebrating the legacy of Baltimore’s Jazz tradition, featuring the jazz vocalists, Sheila Ford, Marianne Matheny-Katz, Eartha Lamkin, and Earl Wilson. The band is “The John Lamkin ‘Favorites’ Jazz Quintet with Grant Langford, saxophones; Mark Meadows, piano; Romier Mendez; and John Lamkin III, drums from 4-7 p.m. on May 18 at The Grand Historic Venue, 225 N. Charles St., Baltimore. For ticket information, call 410-205-5414 or 410-484-6519.

“My Sister’s Keeper Women’s Ministry” of Open Bible Baptist Church is hosting a MADD HATTERS Luncheon, 1 p.m., May 17, in the Bowleys Gardens Villa Community Center. Sounds like fun! For ticket information, call Thelma Harvey at 443-740-4938.

The Forum Caterers is celebrating Preakness Week with style and food with a “Fashion Showcase Breakfast” from 9 a.m. until noon May 17. This event includes your food and models showing nationally branded clothing from Nordstrom at Annapolis Mall; African American, regional and local designers, featuring hats and accessories. Vendors will also be available. Event proceeds benefit the Pierian Annette C. Johnson Endowment Fund and the Baltimore Links GRASP Scholarship at Coppin State University. For more information, call 410-358-1101.

Before I go any further, I want to give a shout out to my partner in journalistic crime and what’s happening in Baltimore, Valerie Fraling, wishing her a speedy recovery from her knee surgery. Girl, I miss your face in the place!

John Carrington, with his sidekick, will be entertaining you at the Bambou Entertainment Complex located 229 N. Franklintown Rd. from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. May 19 for “The Royal Theatre Amateur Night.”

Ms. Maybelle, Baltimore’s own comedian and fashion show producer for Big Women, will be your host at the Royal Theatre Amateur Night, held at The Bambou Entertainment Complex every Monday 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. starting May 19. For more information, call James H. H. Jones 443531-7138.

Well, my dear friends, it is time for the fat lady to sing. I am out of space and out of time.

If you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@ aol.com. Check out my website: www.ramblingrose.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.

“MarvaD” of MarvaD Events and Marva’s Grand Hands of Love Inc. will sponsor “A Line Dance for Lupus Party.” It is BYOB with a delicious buffet, 3 to 7 p.m., May 18. For more information, call 410-5995159.

Randy Dennis will host the event sponsored by Marva’s Grand Hands of Love Inc., called “A Line Dance for Lupus Party” 3 -7 p.m. May 18 at Diamondz Events Hall, 9980 Liberty Rd. in Randallstown.

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or visit olneytheatre.org WE’RE CLOSE BY! Just 30 mins. from DC, 15 mins. from Columbia and Rockville, and 40 mins. from Baltimore!

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May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014, The Afro-American

ARTS & CULTURE

Half of a Yellow Sun

Post-Colonial Nigeria Provides Backdrop for Sweeping Romance Saga secedes from the union. All of the above elements add fuel to the fires of Half of a Yellow Sun, the highly-anticipated screen version of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie‘s best-selling novel of the same name.

The film marks the impressive directorial debut of Biyi Bandele, who also adapted the 543-page opus into a 113-minute saga that walks a fine line between romance drama and sprawling epic. That being said, the picture’s examination of the country’s explosive Christian-Muslim tribal tensions proves to be both timely and compelling, given how they’ve recently resurfaced during the radical group Boko Haram’s current reign of terror.

A steamy soap opera unfolding against the backdrop of a cautionary history lesson reminding us that in Nigeria, the more things change, the more they stay insane.

Film Review by Kam Williams Twins Kainene (Anika Noni Rose) and Olanna (Thandie Newton) hail from a well-to-do Nigerian family well-enough connected to send them overseas to college where they majored in business and sociology, respectively. Ironically, while the sisters were acquiring a first-rate Western education in England, the independence movement back home was seeking to sever its ties with Great Britain.

After graduating in the early Sixties, they returned to Lagos to launch their careers, only to land in distracting love affairs.

Attractive Olanna became the mistress of Odenigbo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), an outspoken college professor who’d caught the anti-colonial fever, whereas willful Kainene entertained the advances of Richard (Joseph Mawle), a white expatriate writing a book about African art.

Sibling rivalry moves Kainene to tease her twin about the philanderer disdainfully referred to as “The Revolutionary.”

Nevertheless, Olanna relocates to the bush to be with Odenigbo and his loyal manservant, Ugwu (John Boyega). However, upon subsequently learning that Odenigbo has been unfaithful, she readily rationalizes seducing her sister’s suitor for a one-

Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandie Newton in "Half of a Yellow Sun" night stand.

The resulting strain on the siblings’ relationship leads to their drifting apart, a development dwarfed by the bloody, three-year civil war which erupts all around them when Biafra

Very Good (3 stars) Rated R for violence and sexuality Running time: 113 minutes Distributor: Monterey Media To see a trailer for Half of a Yellow Sun, visit: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=pc83786XR8I

Half of a Yellow Sun

A Rose Is a Rose Is a Rose

By Kam Williams Special to the Afro

Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose currently stars alongside Denzel Washington in the Broadway revival of “A Raisin in the Sun.” Her outstanding performance has not only earned her critical acclaim but also a Tony award nomination.

She recently starred as Whoopi Goldberg’s daughter in the made-for-TV movie, A Day Late and a Dollar Short. On the big screen, Anika starred as ‘Lorell Robinson’ in Dreamgirls which went on to receive an AFI ensemble award, as well as SAG award nomination for outstanding cast.

In addition, she voiced ‘Princess Tiana’ in the animated feature The Princess and The Frog, as Disney’s first Anika Noni Rose African-American ‘Princess.’ The film received three Oscar nominations and Anika became the youngest inductee ever to be honored as a Disney Legend.

Anika’s many film credits include: Imperial Dreams, For Colored Girls, Just Add Water, As Cool as I Am and Khumba.

Born in Bloomfield, Connecticut on September 6, 1972, Anika received her MFA from American Conservatory Theater and holds an honorary Doctorate from Florida A&M University.

Here, she discusses her new film, Half of a Yellow Sun, co-starring Thandie Newton and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Kam Williams: Hi Anika, thanks for the interview. I’m honored to have this opportunity.

Anika Noni Rose: Thanks so much, Kam. KW: What interested you in making this movie?

ANR: I read the book when it came out, and I loved it! That book really excited me and moved me. And I read a lot! I remember thinking back then that it would make an amazing film.

So, I was beyond thrilled when the call came asking whether I might be interested.

KW: I have a lot of questions for you from my readers. Editor/Legist Patricia Turnier asks: Is your character Kainene very close to the character in the novel or were a lot of liberties were taken in the script?

ANR: She’s very close to the character in the novel. I tried to keep her as tight to what Chimamanda [author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie] described as possible. The only differences, I think, are the physical differences between our bodies, and there’s nothing I could do about that.

[Laughs]

doing this show?

ANR: Audiences seem to think of it as a black play, which it is. But it is also universal.

What’s been phenomenal is having the lights come up at the end and seeing that the people moved by the play are from all different backgrounds. That proves the relevance of this piece today for everyone.

KW: Environmental activist Grace Sinden asks: You’ve had an extraordinary career in acting and singing. What has been your favorite performance to date?

ANR: Oh, I don’t know. That’s hard to say. It would be easier for me to say which I didn’t like, because there are so fewer to pick from. I loved Caroline, or Change, and Cat on a Hot tin Roof and doing Dreamgirls, but I haven’t gotten to a place where I can say “This is my all-time favorite!” because I’m not done yet. [LOL] To see a trailer for Half of a Yellow Sun, visit: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=pc83786XR8I See more on afro.com

“

THE COMEDY OF THE SUMMER!

”

AIN’T IT COOL NEWS

“The

Funniest Thing I’ve Seen This Year!”

GAMERFITNATION

“One of the highest compliments I can pay to any film is to say

I Can’t Wait To See It Again and that is absolutely true of ‘Neighbors’.”

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BLACKFILM

KW: Was that the first time you visited Africa?

ANR: No, I’ve been to Africa many times. I spent six months in Botswana shooting The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. I’ve also been to Morocco and a bunch of other places. But it was my first time in Nigeria. It was intense and I loved it, but it was a lot of hard work, because we were bringing a style of shooting that country wasn’t familiar with. So it was really a learning set, and a learning environment, because the City of Calabar certainly wasn’t ready for what we were bringing. But everybody was welcoming and stepped up to the plate, and it was a great time.

KW: How was your shoot different from the ordinary Nollywood [Nigerian film industry] set?

ANR: I’m not very familiar with Nollywood. What I do know is that they’ll finish a film in two weeks. So, it’s a very different way of shooting a feature film. It’s a bit more labor intensive, and it’s a different film language.

KW: Professor/author/filmmaker Hisani Dubose says: I’d like to know how long your journey has been to get where you are and how hard was the transition for you from Broadway to film?

ANR: I have been acting professionally since 1997. I didn’t feel that the transition was extraordinarily difficult, style-wise. The first film I did was not a great film, but I had a great time, and I learned a lot about things that were important to me, primarily, “Where is the camera right now?” and “What is the angle?” the big film I did was Dreamgirls, where I was lucky to be able to bring Broadway to the screen. But I did not feel like there was a huge difference between how I do what I do onstage and onscreen KW: Editor Helen Silvis asks: How did you survive in New York without a job? What tip can you share for ambitious, aspiring actors?

ANR: I was sort of lucky because I was only unemployed for three months when I first moved to New York. What actors do, when they’re not working, is file for unemployment, because you’re sort of still working when you’re auditioning all the time. Once a play ends, you file for unemployment which will assist you while you’re pounding the pavement looking for your next gig. Hopefully, that next job will come through, before your unemployment runs out. And that’s the trick used by most actors. [Chuckles]

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS A POINT GREY/GOOD UNIVERSE PRODUCTION A MUSIC NICHOLAS STOLLER FILM SETHCOSTUME ROGEN ZAC EFRON “NEIGHBORS” ROSEPRODUCTION BYRNE CHRISTOPHER MIDIRECTOR NTZ-PLASSE DAVE FRANCOEXECUTIVEBY MICHAEL ANDREWS DESIGNER LEESA EVANS OF EDITOR ZENE BAKER DESIGNER JULI E BERGHOFF PHOTOGRAPHY BRANDON TROST PRODUCERS NATHAN KAHANE JOE DRAKE BRI A N BELL ANDREWJAY COHEN BRENDAN O’BRIEN PRODUCEDBY SETH ROGEN EVANDIRECTEDGOLDBERG JAMES WEAVER WRITTENBY ANDREWJAY COHEN & BRENDAN O’BRIEN A UNIVERSAL RELEASE

BY NICHOLAS STOLLER

KW: Troy Johnson says: I had the opportunity to see you recently, during a presentation you and several other actors from the new Broadway production of A Raisin in the Sun which was hosted by WYNC in New York City. What was the most interesting experience you’ve had so far

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

SOUNDTRACK ON ATLANTIC RECORDS

© 2013 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

C4

The Afro-American, May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014

HBCU NEWS

32 Howard Students to Travel the World United Way’s Stacey Stewart Challenges Lincoln Graduates to Give Back for STEM-Related Research Projects Thirty-two Howard University undergraduate students from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields will travel to eight countries this summer to conduct research projects as participants in National Science Foundationfunded Global Education, Awareness and Research Undergraduate Program (GEAR-UP).

The program aims to increase global engagement Howard University GEAR-UP students harness wind of graduates in engineering energy in Senegal at the University Cheikh Anta Diop de and other sciences through Dakar. study and research abroad.

It is spearheaded by the College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences (CEACS) and supported through to a multi-year $5 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. This year, students will conduct research in Romania, Turkey, Mexico, Chile, Ethiopia, Thailand, South Africa and Tanzania.

“National statistics suggest that very few African Americans have the opportunity to travel abroad to study or do research,” said Lorraine Fleming, Ph.D., the GEAR-UP director and a professor of civil engineering. “Our mission at Howard is to produce leaders for America and the global community. GEAR-UP is doing just that by allowing students a first-hand opportunity to practice as engineers and scientists in a global setting.”

In Romania, Howard student researchers will study sheet-metal forming technologies, cyber security and cloud computing. In Turkey, they will investigate the impact of earthquakes on building foundations and low-cost ways to reinforce concrete.

GEAR-UP students will also study earthquake engineering in Mexico. Other research projects for Howard students in Mexico will focus on saltwater and wastewater contamination of aquifers and earthquake engineering. Student researchers in Chile will study cyber security.

In Ethiopia, researchers will investigate ways to use kitchen waste to produce biogas and the engineering properties of soils. In Thailand, they will study potential gene-based treatments to counter human hair loss.

The participating international universities are: Lucian Blaga University, Sibiu, Romania; Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey; Universidad Popular Autonoma del Estado de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico; Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile; Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; the University of Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; and Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Dr. Stacey Davis Stewart, the first black woman to serve as President of United Way Worldwide, challenged the more than 350 undergraduates and 150 graduates at Lincoln University’s 155th Commencement to protect their personal brands, maintain pride and commitment as well as be grateful for what they have been given and subsequently Dr. Stacey Davis Stewart give back to help others achieve their dreams.

Dr. Stewart, who along with Rev. Dr. Alyn Waller of Enon Tabernacle Baptist – the largest African American church in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – were also awarded honorary doctorate degrees during the Commencement ceremonies in the university’s stadium.

“Why is it so important for Coca Cola to spend a $100 million to promote its brand?” she asked, explaining that the company had been in business for about 127 years. “They should be able to coast, right? Coke knows that the moment you stop defining your brand the world starts defining your brand for you.”

Dr. Stewart, who works to protect and enhance the United Way Worldwide’s brand and reputation, emphasized that graduates must protect their brands by understanding their own core values and core skills as well as recognizing how important their brands are to employers and as graduates of The Lincoln University.

She explained that they must maintain a certain pride and commitment to protect their brands and to achieve their goals.

“Sadly, today there are too many people who would love to see our community fail, but nothing gives those same people greater pause than by seeing us sharp and committed,” Dr. Stewart said.

She referenced the pride and commitment it took for alums, Lillian Fishburne, who became the first African American female U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, Thurgood Marshall, who became the first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice, and lastly Fritz Pollard, while not an alum, but the former head coach of Lincoln’s football team during the 1918-20 seasons, who became the NFL’s first African American head coach.

“This is the most competitive world today,” Dr. Stewart said. “You are going to need every drop of pride and commitment you can muster. Nobody is going to give you anything you have not earned.”

She encouraged graduates to thank those who sacrificed, cried and prayed to get them to graduation and that it was that same gratitude that will be demonstrated in how they live the rest of their lives.

“I’ve committed myself to a career where I give back to millions of people across the country,” Dr. Stewart said regarding her position with the United Way, where she drives the strategic direction for.

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The Afro-American, May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014

May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014, The Afro-American

SPORTS

AFRO Sports Desk Faceoff

C5

Why Did the St. Louis Rams Draft Michael Sam—Skill-Set or Publicity?

By Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley AFRO Sports Desk It was the kiss seen around the globe. With the seventh round of this weekend’s National Football League (NFL) Draft ebbing away, the St. Louis Rams selected openly gay defensive end Michael Sam at pick 249 before ESPN cameras aired Sam emotionally kissing his boyfriend in front of millions.

The former Missouri Tiger and Southeastern Conference

Wikimedia Commons

Michael Sam at a Mizzou game.

(SEC) Defensive Player of the Year announced his sexuality to the world in February, shortly before the NFL combine, where he underwhelmed observers with pedestrian numbers and showing a lack of explosion for a 6-foot-2, 260-pound defensive end who will need to convert to rush linebacker if he’s to succeed in the NFL. After February’s combine, NFL critics deemed Sam too small and too slow for the professional ranks. A night and day comparison for the player who notched 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for losses this past season. But despite the admirable campaign, Sam’s combine performance and lack of size scared a lot of teams off before his announcement even came to fruition. But while

NFL scouts turned their heads, the cameras did not as the title of being the first openly gay player in the NFL caused a media circus. So what made the Rams really select Gay? Was it his work on the collegiate gridiron or his personal life? Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley of the AFRO Sports Desk debate the question.

Riley: It’s hard not to look at the Rams’ decision as a publicity stunt. They’re already loaded along the defensive line with Chris Long, Kendall Langford, Robert Quinn, William Hayes and Eugene Sims, so finding a place for Sam is going to be next to impossible unless a few injuries occur during the summer.

It’s almost as if St. Louis wanted to make a quick PR move by highlighting the team for their effort although there is little to no chance that Sam would even make the roster. His accolades at Missouri notwithstanding, the Rams don’t even play a 3-4 defense, an alignment in which a player of Sam’s dimensions would most likely thrive. Asking a player of Sam’s size to put his hand in the ground and rush against the behemoth-sized offensive tackles of the NFL is a recipe for disaster. This pick has press move written all over it.

Big 12 and the ridiculously tough SEC. Take his sexuality out of the picture and this is a player who perhaps should’ve been drafted higher.

Riley: Let’s not act like he dominated for consecutive years as a college player like Clowney did. He had one great season out of four years of football and won an award primarily due to the success of a team that went 12-2 on the year and finished in the AP’s top five. Awards will come any athlete’s way with a good record and a solid season. When you watch Sam on tape, nothing jumps out to you. He isn’t a savvy pass rusher with a bevy of moves nor does he have exceptional size, quickness or ability. I wouldn’t dare say that he should not have been drafted at all; but considering the team that did draft him and the depth they already have in place at Sam’s current position, it’s easy to see why some critics could and should be calling this strictly a PR stunt. We all certainly wish any player the best of luck but I think it’ll be a surprise if Sam is still on the Rams on opening day in September.

Green: Let’s not overlook what Sam did last year for the Tigers. He was a disruptive terror off the edge in one of the toughest conferences in college football. He had the stats and the accolades to obviously get drafted higher. We’re talking about if his personal life helped him get drafted but his announcement probably hurt his draft stock, if anything. He piled up three sacks against Florida and even had a stretch in the season where he notched 10 sacks in just five games. But he’s obviously not the athlete that South Carolina’s Jadeveon Clowney was. He nevertheless played in both the now extinct

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C6

The Afro-American, May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014

T:11”

Before.

After.

T:20”

For 40 years, the Cove Point LNG Terminal has worked to protect the health and natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay—and we won’t stop now.

As Dominion moves forward with its Cove Point LNG export project—which

work closely with government agencies, as well as local landowners, to ensure

will provide a significant economic boost to Calvert County—our top priority

that, as we build, the impacts on our community and your day-to-day routines

continues to be making sure that a 40-year commitment to the Chesapeake Bay

are minimal.

ecosystem remains intact.

We’re proud that Calvert County has come to expect this spirit of stewardship

Dominion has an extensive environmental conservation plan in place at Cove

from us. After all, we’ve provided $2.3 million in charitable grants and donations

Point. Even after adding export capabilities to our 1,000-acre site, nearly 80

in Maryland over the past decade, been commended for our efforts to restore

percent of the land will remain a pristine nature preserve.

the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population, and led an initiative to save the largest

The nearby freshwater marshlands will still provide homes for several species

freshwater marsh on the bay’s western shore.

of insects, amphibians and plants. We’ll keep using indigenous plants in

In short, Dominion understands the importance of respecting the environment

our landscaping. We’ll collaborate further with environmentalists to protect

and preserving Southern Maryland’s quality of life. At Cove Point, we’re about to

endangered vegetation and animals in and around our property. And we’ll

prove it to you once again.

To learn more visit dom.com/covepoint.

@Dom_CovePoint

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The Afro-American, May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014 LEGAL NOTICES

afro.com TYPESET: Wed May 14 15:06:28 EDT 2014 CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS BUREAU OF WATER AND WASTEWATER NOTICE OF LETTING Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for Water Contract 1266-MT. Vernon & Seton Hill Area-Water Main Replacements will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. 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.

•Your History • Your Community • Your News

The Contract Documents may be examined, without charge, at the Department of Public Works Service Center located on the first floor of the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, 200 N. Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 as of Friday, May 16, 2014 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $50.00.

Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package.

All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call 410-396-6883 or contact the Committee at 3000 Druid Park Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21215. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (”JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is B02551Water Mains Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $5,000,000.01 to $10,000,000.00 A ”Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted at 3rd Floor Conference Room of the Bureau of Water & Wastewater, Abel Wolman Municipal Building on May 23, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. Principal Item of work for this project are: Replacement/Installation of 6-inch through 12-inch Ductile Iron pipe, various fittings, valves and appurtenances.

The MBE goal is 11% The WBE goal is 2% WATER CONTRACT 1266 APPROVED: Bernice H. Taylor Clerk, Board of Estimates APPROVED: Rudolph S. Chow, P.E. Director of Public Works

TYPESET: Wed May 14 15:06:46 EDT 2014 CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES NOTICE OF LETTING Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for GS 13805RRenovations to Engine House 45 will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 18, 2014. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon.The Contract Documents may be examined, without charge, at the Department of Public Works Service Center located on the first floor of the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, 200 N. Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 as of Friday, May 16, 2014 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $50.00.

Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package.

All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call 410-396-6883 or contact the Committee at 3000 Druid Park Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21215.

If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (”JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is E16000-Electrical Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $100,000.01 to $500,000.00 A ”Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted at The Site, 2700 Glen Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215 on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. Principal Items of work for this project are: 1. Electrical Demolition 2. Electrical The MBE goal is 27% The WBE goal is 9% CONTRACT NO. GS 13805R APPROVED: Bernice H. Taylor Clerk, Board of Estimates APPROVED: Steve Sharkey Director, Department of General Services

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May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014 The Afro-American LEGAL NOTICES

CAREER CORNER

BOARD OF LIQUORLICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR BALTIMORE CITY NOTICE

TYPESET: Wed May 14 15:09:11 EDT 2014

Petitions have been filed by the following applicants for licenses to sell alcoholic beverages at the premises set opposite their respective names. The real property for these applications will be posted on Monday, May 12, 2014. Written protests concerning any application will be accepted until and including the time of the hearing. Public hearings will be held after May 29, 2014. Interested parties should contact the office of the Board, 231 E. Baltimore Street, 6th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 or by calling (410) 396-4380 to determine the exact time and date that a particular application will be considered by the Board. Written protests will be acknowledged by the Board and such protestants will be notified as to the date, time and place of the hearing.

1.

CLASS “A” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE H&H 8793, Inc Transfer of ownership Hyun Joo Kim, Chong Sam Kim & Seung Ok Baik

Beep, Inc. Rajinder Singh & Amanullah Niazi

Redhills Holdings, Transfer of ownership LLC Kathleen Willabus

2.

CLASS “B” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE HSN, LLC Transfer of ownership from secured Homa Ravanbakhsh creditor, request for outdoor table service & Farshid Shahparast

Transfer of ownership & location from 2060 Mondawmin Mall

212-14 N. Highland Avenue

4340 Reisterstown Road

2300 Orem Avenue

Donna’s Charles Request to modify restriction-“No liquor 3101 St. Paul Street

Village, LLC service after 10 pm on weekdays (Sunday Rosemary Crivello Thursday) and midnight on weekends” to

& Joseph Crivello “No liquor service after midnight on weekdays

(Sunday-Thursday) and 1 am on weekends”

3.

CLASS “B” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR ARENA LICENSE

Management, Inc. New arena license with off-premises 3301 Annapolis Road

Joseph Brzuchalski catering & live entertainment

4.

CLASS “BD7” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE

Pig & Rooster Transfer of ownership, outdoor table 3242 Foster Avenue

Smokehouse, LLC service

Natalie diFrancesco

Exile on Broadway, Request to add live entertainment LLC Stephanie Kuzma & Andrea Burkert

702 S. Broadway

Pizza Ole, Inc. Request to add outdoor table service Jacqueline McCusker

2907-11 O’Donnell Street

5.

CLASS “D” BEER & WINE LICENSE Omerta, LLC Transfer of ownership, request for live Robert Cockey & entertainment, outdoor table service & Decoursey Wilson off-premises catering

Sergio Colon

Transfer of ownership & location from 717 S. Broadway

32 N. Chester Street

4707 Eastern Avenue

6.

CLASS “D” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE

Fat Larry’s, LLC Transfer of ownership & location from 1026 S. Charles Street

Lawrence Davidov 1400 Light Street, requests for off-premise

catering & outdoor table service

EDUCATION MANAGER, ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS

MAC, LLC Transfer of ownership, request for outdoor 801 E. Fort Avenue Jefferey Cahill & table service Matthew Cahill

CARROLL COMMUNITY COLLEGE has a full-time, 12-month position as a Manager, Adult Education Programs. Additional information may be obtained at www.carrollcc.edu.

EOE/M/F

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE INSIDE SALES ADVERTISING ACCOUNT Advertising Sales Professional needed for the AFRO-AmericanEXECUTIVE Newspapers, Washington, D.C. or Baltimore office.

Entry-Level Advertising Sales Rep Position needed provides: for the AFRO-American • Newspapers, Competitive compensation package Baltimore, M.D. • Salary and commission plan • Full benefits after trial period provides: • Position Opportunity for fast track advancement •

1000-04 Eastern Avenue

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TYPESET: Wed May 14 15:08:52 EDT 2014

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Competitive compensation package

• Salary and commission plan Candidates should be: • • Self starters Full benefits after trial period • • Money motivated Opportunity for fast track • Goal-oriented advancement • Experienced in online/digital sales • Confident in ability to build strong territory possess: • Candidates Previous salesshould experience preferred • Good typing/data entry skills • Excellent customer service skills Please email your resume to: dhocker@afro.

• or Previous telephone sales experience com mail to: • Excellent written and verbal Afro-American Newspapers Diane W. Hocker,

communication skills Director of Human Resources 2519 N. Charles Street to: Please email your resume Baltimore, MD 21218 lhowze@afro.com or mail to

CARROLL COMMUNITY COLLEGE has a full-time, 12-month position as a Director of Human Resources. Additional information may be obtained at www.carrollcc.edu.

EOE/M/F

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

TYPESET: Tue May 13 14:39:02 EDT 2014 AFRO-American Newspapers, Diane W. Hocker, Director of Human Resources, 2519 N. Charles Street, AIRPORT FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE Maryland Baltimore, Aviation Administration (MAA) is currently recruiting for the Career Service posiMD 21218

tions of Airport Firefighter Trainee. The position is the entry level of work in airport firefighting and fire rescue work. Employees in this class do not have supervisory responsibilities.

Employees in this class receive close supervision from an Airport Fire Lieutenant or other Fire-Rescue Service personnel. Employees are required to work a rotating 24-hour shift.

Work is performed at an airport fire station, which is continually exposed to high noise levels from aircraft and at fire and rescue scenes. Employees are required to work outdoors in all types of weather, and may be exposed to extreme heat, fumes, smoke and hazardous materials. On some assignments, employees wear protective clothing and safety equipment, and are expected to lift and carry persons or objects weighing over 100 pounds. Candidates must have a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license in the State of Maryland, preferred qualifications of CPAT certification. As a condition of employment candidates will be required to pass a written examination, complete a 12-16 week Fire Academy, obtain and maintain Emergency Technician B (EMT-B). Salary range $42,039 - $63,321. View complete announcement and apply online via www.mdot.maryland.gov/employment, online applications only, paper applications will not be accepted. MAA is an EEO - All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986.

For additional information please contact MAA, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, Recruitment 410-859-7618.

TYPESET: Wed May 14 15:08:34 EDT 2014

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Administrative Specialist III Customer Inves t m en t F u nd ( C I F) O p e ra t i on s Coordinator Recruitment#: 14-002043-012 Filing Deadline: May 27, 2014, 11:59 pm Salary: $33,715 - $53,123 Work that matters. DHCD is a national leader in the financing and development of affordable housing and community development lending. The individual in this position will be responsible for collecting, analyzing and preparing reports regarding program inquiries. The CIF Operations Coordinator is the primary contact responsible for analysis and determination of program eligibility and service requests.

Please visit www.jobaps.com/md to read more about this position and to apply online. Minimum qualifications are REQUIRED. EOE

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To advertise in the AFRO Call 410-554-8200 ms stops people from movinG

We eXist to mAKe sUre it Doesn’t multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and stops people from moving.

With the help of people like you, the national ms society addresses the challenges of each person whose life is affected by ms and helps them stay connected to the great big moving world.

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The Afro-American, May 17, 2014 - May 23, 2014

COMMUNITY CONNECTION Eagle Rising in Columbia

he began the final stage in Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle.

For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Pierce designed and constructed a 10x5x8 wood kiosk at the Centennial Park boat loading dock. Pierce led a team of fellow scouts and adult leaders in completing the project in June 2013. The kiosk, built with quality, survived the brutal winter and is in great shape for the current boating season.

The 17-year-old is currently a student at Wilde Lake High School and intends to major in business administration at Wesley College after graduation. He and his family attend Mt. Pisgah AME in Columbia.

Foster Parents Gather for Social Services’ Mother’s Day Breakfast

Pierce Brooks became an Eagle Scout, May 4, with all the pomp and ceremony befitting a young person who has accomplished so much and done so well. He began his scouting journey in 2004 when he became a Cub Scout in Pack 618 at Clemens Crossing Elementary School in Columbia, Md. While in the Cub Scouts, he enjoyed numerous camping trips and Pinewood Derbies. In the spring of 2007, Lester Bain welcomed Pierce into the Troop.

Pierce held positions from scribe to assistant senior troop leader and taught classes for younger scouts. From whitewater rafting to skiing, he experienced every aspect of scouting.

Through many of these opportunities, Pierce was able to earn merit badges. Once he achieved the 21 merit badge requirement

In recognition of Mother’s Day and National Foster Care Month, Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown greeted foster parents at the annual Baltimore City Department of Social Services’ (BCDSS) Mother’s Day Breakfast. Now in its fourth year, the event honors the dedication and commitment of foster mothers who have opened their hearts and homes to thousands of children in foster care, many of whom have been abandoned, abused and neglected. Other special guests included Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR) Secretary Ted Dallas and WBAL-TV 11 Lead Investigative Reporter Jayne Miller, who spoke about her personal experience as a mentor to youth in foster care.

“Every child deserves a safe, loving, and permanent home, along with a supportive family who will help them succeed,” Lt. Gov. Brown said. “These Baltimore City families have made the decision to open their hearts and their homes to children in need and it’s in their stories that I’m reminded of the true warmth, love, and compassion that make us Marylanders.”

Under DHR, BCDSS oversees resources including adoption, foster care, protective services to children, adults and families; public assistance and services to families with children.

“This Mother’s Day

Breakfast is among our favorite events of the year,” said BCDSS Interim Director David Thompson. “The special relationship that is developed between foster families and children in our system is inspiring. It takes very special people to step into the role of mother to a child who simply needs support, stability and a sense of safety. The Mother’s Day Breakfast allows us to pause on one of the most important holidays of the year to give back to mothers who give so much to others.”

Every May, during National Foster Care Month, leaders and child welfare organizations across the United States come together to raise the visibility of foster care issues and encourage more people to get involved and support the over 400,000 children and youth living in out-of-home care.

Maryland has over 2,000 foster parents that help care for the more than 5,500 children who cannot safely live with their parents. The BCDSS Mother’s Day Breakfast is one of several dozen events occurring all over Maryland this month to honor foster parents.

Adoption and foster care is a very personal issue to Lt. Governor Brown, an adoptive parent himself. Throughout the year, the Lt. Governor visits churches across the state to encourage Marylanders to consider expanding their families through adoption or opening their homes to a foster child.

Rep. Elijah Cummings to Speak for ReMixEducation Scholarship Luncheon

The First Annual Young Leaders Scholarship Luncheon sponsored by RemixEducation will be held, 2 p.m., May 25, at the Amherst House in Columbia, Md. Keynote speaker will be Rep. Elijah Cummings, who will receive the 2014 Champion of Affordable Education Award. The luncheon will honor recipients of the Gloria Washington Wallace Young Leaders Scholarship Program awarded annually to first-generation Howard County high school graduates. Student recipients of the scholarship will be awarded funds based on their scholarly achievement and a written essay. Local educator Dr. Gloria Washington Wallace inspired the establishment of the Black Student Achievement Program in Howard County and emphasized the importance of all students achieving high academic excellence. Dr. Washington Wallace died in 2006 due to breast cancer, and the award was created in her honor.

RemixEducation, founded by Shayla Adams, a graduate of Oakland Mills HS, is a 501c3 non-profit educational organization operating in North Carolina, Maryland and Washington DC. The organization’s mission is to empower millennials to identify problems in their communities and empower them with the tools to solve them. It seeks to connect students with the power within them by improving self-image, self-esteem and by connecting them to resources in their community. This scholarship seeks to provide young people with college aspirations the tools necessary for success. Past recipients have used the award to pay for tuition, purchase books and other supplies.

Ticket sales are available through the website and also by contacting amber@remixeducation.org Donations can be made to RemixEducation by visiting their website: www.remixeducation.org.

I Am O’Kah! To Hold Gala

I Am O’Kah!’s Be AMAZING! Awards Gala will take place, May 17, at the Maryland Historical Society. This Creative Black-Tie preferred celebration will feature live interactive art, music, cocktails, restaurant tastings, a silent auction, guided tours of museum exhibits, and an awards presentation honoring local champions who serve the community. Proceeds will benefit I AM O’Kah’!’s Financial Rockstar Academy <http://www.iamokah.org/program> and scholarship program. For tickets, visit iamokah.eventbrite.com <http://www.iamokah.eventbrite.com/> .

MyTake

A Look Back on Brown

By Barbara Marshburn On May 17, 1954, in the case of Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, the U.S. Supreme Court ended federally sanctioned racial segregation in the public schools by ruling unanimously that “separate educational facilities were inherently unequal.” At the time of this decision, I was in the third grade at a segregated school and was not aware that the educational facilities were unequal because we had very good instructors that taught us to always excel in whatever we did. Although we may have had inferior books and schools, learning was fun because of the way our teachers interacted with us.

The Brown v. Board of Education decision initiated educational and social reform throughout the United States and was a catalyst in launching the modern Civil Rights Movement. Bringing about change in the years since the Brown case continues to be difficult. But the Brown v. Board of Education victory brought this country one step closer to living up to its democratic ideas. I remember my parents saying to me that when they went to school, there was only one high school for Blacks -- if you lived closer to a white school you could not go there, you had to bypass that one to get to a black school.

As we celebrate on May 17th let us be thankful that our children are able to attend the schools of their choice and receive quality education.

My Take is a social commentary feature that allows AFRO readers to share their insight on topics of their choosing. Please submit your 250-400 word entries, with My Take typed into the subject field, to editor@afro.com <mailto:editor@afro.com> . Include your name, age, occupation and daytime phone number. The AFRO reserves the right to edit or reject any entry.