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Volume 122 No. 50

JULY 19, 2014 -JULY 25, 2014

Register by Groups Announce Oct. 14 Plan to Boost Spending to vote Among Blacks in the Nov. 4 General Election

Baltimore Men Stand Against Violence

By Jazelle Hunt NNPA Washington Correspondent

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WASHINGTON (NNPA) – The U.S. Black Chambers (USBC) and the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators, and Developers (NABHOOD) are formally partnering to make sure that a significant portion of the $40 billion African Americans spend each year on travel and tourism remains in Black hands.

The partnership was launched last week at the start of USBC’s professional development conference, held at the Marriott Marquis in the District of Columbia. The newly-opened, four-star hotel, next to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, was jointly financed by Capstone Development, a private, Black-owned development firm.

“Today is about more investment in the hotel and travel industry,” Ron Busby Jr., USBC president, said at a press conference. “As African Americans, we have conferences, events, weddings, and vacations, always with White-owned establishments. I think we can bring some that money back to

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Courtesy photo

By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO Taking yet another opportunity to send the message that Baltimore men are committed to stopping the violence in this city, they gathered, 300 strong at the west end of North Avenue, July 11, supported by neighbors and friends.

The annual event, a 10 mile march, was organized by the 300 Men March Movement, an outreach initiative created by community activist Munir Bahar and Baltimore City Councilman Brandon Scott, according to the organization’s website. In addition to holding the annual march, the group trains men for direct engagement in communities plagued by Continued on A3

Program Helps Boys Come to Age Candidates Agree: Community Despite HIV Challenge Connections a Priority

By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO

By Lisa Snowden-McCray Special to the AFRO

At 16, Andre Turner’s young world was turned upside down by a thyroid cancer diagnosis. Now a 26-year cancer survivor, Turner developed a program for teenage boys facing a different chronic illness, HIV. The goal: to help them take responsibility for their health and their lives.

The program, Boys Coming of Age, works with African-American males age 13 to 17 who were perinatally infected with HIV – infected by their mothers during pregnancy, birth, or early infancy – and uses a Rites of Passage process, which includes a variety of activities and rituals to help men Andre Turner, founder Boys of all ages develop a healthy Coming of Age, wants to help a masculine identity. unique group of young males Turner will be working find their way to a healthy

Former prosecutor Marilyn Mosby says her recent win over incumbent Gregg Bernstein in the race for Baltimore City State’s Attorney won’t change her presence on the streets of Baltimore City.

There are still about four months until the general election on Nov. 4 (fewer if you consider early voting, which runs October 23-30). Mosby (D), will likely take on Baltimore City defense attorney Russell Neverdon (I), for the job.

Mosby says she’ll be using that time to continue reaching out to the

masculine identity.

Photo courtesy of Andre Turner

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people of Baltimore. “I [was] involved in the community . . . before I ran for elected office,” she said. Mosby said she, her husband, and members of the community hit the streets at 7 p.m.

“I really need people to realize that your vote has value. You need to be a part of the process so that people understand that you mean business.”

– Russell Neverdon

every Friday night for a prayer vigil.

“We have to have that consistency,” she said. “Educating voters, attending Continued on A4

Rev. Era Ferrell: She Stood Where Others Couldn’t Wrongful Incarceration did. So much so that when the Rev. Wilbur Waters died Baltimore church goers in 1956, Rev. Ferrell served of the 50’s and before as interim pastor until the remember a time when appointment of the late Rev. women weren’t so welcome Sidney Daniels, well known into many pulpits of the for his leadership in and city. So what to do when beyond the church.

Women’s Days rolled As the AFRO archive around? Pastors from all article shows, Emmanuel denominations called for worshipers had to rush to the Rev. Era Shirley Ferrell church on Sundays to get a from Emmanuel Christian seat during her temporary AFRO Archive Photo Community Church in tenure. The week after this The Rev. Era Shirley Ferrell West Baltimore to bring article ran, Louella Green, the word to the women on their special day. in a letter to the editor, expressing her hope And she’d show up, clothed as an angel in that Rev. Ferrell’s “sex will not interfere white from head to toe. One wonders how with her getting the credit that she deserves she built such a trusting relationship, but she Continued on A4

By AFRO Staff

Michael Austin Still Reeling

By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO By the time he walked out of prison on Dec. 28, 2001, Michael Austin had lost over 26 years of his life. Now a musician and entrepreneur, Austin has found a measure of peace and success, but his recovery from the psychological scars of imprisonment remains a work in progress.

On April 29, 1974, security guard Roy Kellam was murdered during a robbery Continued on A4

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Michael Austin spent 26 years in the now defunct Maryland State Penitentiary for a crime he did not commit.

Photo courtesy of Michael Austin

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The Afro-American, July 19, 2014 - July 25, 2014

NATION & WORLD

Restaurant Chain’s Dress Code “the new Jim Crow Law…”

A restaurant chain’s new weekend dress code has sparked claims of racism by those who believe it discriminates against African-American customers.

On Thursday through Saturday from 9 p.m. to close, Bar Louie in uptown Minneapolis bans apparel such as excessively baggy clothing, large chains worn outside

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the shirt, sleeveless undershirts, flat bill hats, long plain t- shirts, athletic apparel and un-collared sport jerseys are prohibited.

The restaurant’s manager told Minneapolis Fox affiliate KMSP that the dress code was a directive from

A restaurant chain’s new weekend dress code has sparked claims of racism.

the chain’s corporate office. Some Bar Louie locations have followed suit, while others have not, among them a Bar Louie location in Minnetonka, Minn.

However, according to Milwaukee NBC Affiliate WTMJ, other locations in Memphis and Nashville abide by the dress code. The manager of a Milwaukee location declined to offer a comment to the station.

Michelle Horovitz, a former patron of the bar, said she is utterly disgusted at the law and sees it as indirectly racist.

“It’s the new Jim Crow law being enforced in a colorblind way,” she told KMSP. “You might as well say, ‘No Black folks allowed.’ It’s ridiculous.”

Others have no problem with dress code. Matt Freter, a patron at the Water Street location in Milwaukee told WTMJ that “it’s a private business and they have every right to make their own decisions as long as they are not extremely discriminatory.”

N.C. Man Uses Social Media to Dramatize Hot Car Deaths

One Greensboro, N.C. man was so fed up with a recent spate of hot car deaths that he decided to send a message to everyone in hopes of combating the problem.

According to Greensboro CBS affiliate WFMY, Terry Williams used his cell phone to tape a video of himself sitting in a hot car with the windows rolled up.

In the video, he presents a plea to adults to experience sitting in a car, so they know how dangerous and unpleasant it is when kids are left alone.

“It’s 86 to 90 degrees and I’m sitting in the car with the windows rolled up cause I want you to know how it feels to be Terry Williams used his left in a car sitting in the cell phone to tape a backseat, strapped to a video of himself sitting car seat, with the widows in a hot car with the up and doors probably windows rolled up. locked,” Williams said in the clip.

In the video, Williams visibly sweats, and later says he is struggling to breathe despite having a stronger body than most children. According to the television station, a child’s thermoregulatory system is not as efficient as an adult, and their body temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult’s. A study

conducted by San Francisco State University found that the temperature in a car can go up 19 degrees in just 10 minutes, and that within an hour a car’s temperature can rise as much as 60 degrees.

This massive rise in temperature can cause cell damage, and eventually the body’s internal organs will shut down. According to the university study, at least 16 children have suffered heat stroke deaths, which motivated Williams to get his point across through his video.

His message quickly went viral and many people have followed in his footsteps by sitting in a car and spreading his message.

Williams said he is happy his message is getting out, and wants those that love their kids to not make a tragic mistake and understand the reality of the problem.

Clothing Line Draws Fire for Use of a Black Child’s Face over a Monkey Body

A children’s clothing line is facing controversy.

A children’s clothing line is facing controversy after it paired a clothes hanger depicting a Black child’s head over the shirt body of a cartoon monkey.

The Just Add a Kid clothing line uses images of princesses, bikers, soldiers and more on shirts that place the images just below the shirt’s neckline.

The photo of the monkey T-shirt was uploaded to various social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter and quickly went viral.

The clothing line is owned by San Diego firm Thanks a Million. The company’s co-creator Lowell Cohen told the New York Daily News, “We are looking in to all the situations that occurred around this little incident. We’re looking at the vendor, we’re speaking to our employees.” “The head shots on our hangers are intended [to] reflect the different cultures of our happy customers, and are distributed separately to our shirts,” the company said in a statement. “In this particular case, one of our retailers paired a particular hanger with a shirt without consideration for how it may appear to many consumers. We are taking steps to prevent this from happening again.”

The company posted a picture on Twitter of different faces used for their shirt hangers with the caption “Our designs feature multicultural skin tones and appropriately matching header cars 2 showcase children of the world.”

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Spending Continued from A1

us.”

A Nielsen study conducted in cooperation with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) found that African Americans spent 40 billion each year on the travel and tourism industries last year.

But Andy Ingraham, president and CEO of NABHOOD, few of those dollars turn over in the Black community.

“I’d rate [concerted Black patronization] as pretty nonexistent,” he said. “We have to create awareness, because most people who come in contact with this idea think it’s a damn good idea.”

Interestingly, Nielsen finds that Black Americans are 28 percent more likely than other groups to read financial magazines such as Forbes and Fortune, yet have low levels of participation with mainstream financial products such as purchasing stock or mutual funds.

Although Black Americans have yet to truly wield their power as consumers, prominent brands have taken notice, including. Marriott International.

“We see the power of the African American wallet, Gandhi, vice president of Multicultural Markets and Alliances for Marriott. “It’s really important to us that we are consistently authentic in how we employ – through recruitment and developing executive professionals – and also how we market to,

Capstone Development, the company that co-financed the Marriott Marquis in D.C., is also a former Marriott executive. Under his leadership, the brand boasted of at least 500 minority-owned or minority-franchised Marriotts around the world in just three years

and do business with this segment.”

The hotel brand has been named one of Black Enterprise’s top 40 companies for diversity for eight consecutive years. Marriott has also maintained decadeslong partnerships with major Black organizations such as the National Urban League, NAACP, the National Black MBA Association.

“One way we try to reach the African American segment is through our multicultural and diversity partners,” Gandhi says.

“One, because these are great organizations doing great things. But also, they are gateway groups to their The Marriott Marquis, the newly-opened, four-star hotel, demographic. We work to next to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in support their goals because, D.C., was jointly financed by Capstone Development, a frankly, they’re our goals private, Black-owned development firm. too.”

Marriott says it was under its Diversity Ownership Initiative. the first hospitality company to establish a Jenkins represents the other angle of Black diversity and inclusion program. Today, it economic power: gatekeeping and ownership. is also one of a handful of big-name hotels By owning a business, African Americans can working to cultivate Black executives and solve many of their own community problems. owners.

“Black businesses still struggle to find Interestingly, Norman Jenkins, funding, either through equity or debt, to let NABHOOD treasurer, and founder of

HIV Challenge Continued from A1

with clients of the Johns Hopkins University Pediatric & Adolescent HIV/AIDS Intensive Primary Care (IPC) Clinic, in Baltimore City.

Advances in HIV/AIDS treatment have resulted in a less than one percent likelihood that a mother infected with HIV will transmit the virus to her child if the infection is diagnosed before or during pregnancy, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), but racial disparities persist.

The CDC reports that nationally, as of the end of 2009, of the 9,522 people under the age of 13 who were perinatally infected with HIV, 63 percent of them were Black. At the Hopkins IPC clinic, 89 percent of their clients are AfricanAmerican, reflecting the demographic breakdown of HIV infected persons in Baltimore City, where 85 percent of those who are infected are African-American, according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Turner worked as an HIV/AIDS educator for the Baltimore

County Health Department from 2005-2013. More importantly, he knows from his own experience with cancer what it is like to wrestle with a diagnosis that sounds like a death sentence when one’s identity is still developing. He understands declaring normalcy by rebelling against one’s treatment regimen, and, most importantly, what it is to navigate a chronic illness that many people do not understand and yet allow to define you as a person. “[People] look at cancer – at least in my experience – the way people look at the people that have HIV,” said Turner.

“Like something’s wrong, he has something, he’s contagious, he has the cooties.”

This experience of managing a chronic illness and the stigma that can often accompany it placed Turner in a unique position to appreciate the challenges, both to their health and personal development, that young boys born with HIV face.

By engaging the young males in a Rites of Passage process, Turner seeks to instill the lesson that being an adult means taking responsibility for all aspects of your life and behavior, especially your health.

“Men are less likely to put themselves in front of a

Baltimore Men Continued from A1

violence.

Jahiti Brownfish – a community activist and cofounder of Hip Hop entourage Brown F.I.S.H. with the late Derrick OOH Jones, local teacher, rapper, and organizer of the Save A Dope Boy campaign – joined the 300 Men March Movement at last year’s demonstration, committing to the group and going out into neighborhoods as part of its outreach and anti-violence activities.

What struck Brownfish most about that first march was the number “dope boys,” young men who sell drugs on street corners, that joined the march as it traveled down North Avenue on its path from east to west Baltimore. “For that one moment they had an opportunity,” said Brownfish.

“They were presented an opportunity to say do you care about your community – outside of what you’re doing – do you care enough to walk? Because here’s the thing: you can’t front that walk . . . that (5 mile) walk is no joke and you’ve got to walk back and it’s a process of reflecting.”

The march involved

men of all ages and races.

Brownfish mentioned an 80-year-old White man who made all 10 miles of this year’s march.

The march was hardly

Aneesah Morine, a host of the women’s issues podcast Diva’s DISH and member of the multi-media art exhibit group Baltimore Girls, served as a registration floater and

“No matter what you want to do in your community, whatever change you think you need to make, the first step is that some people have to show up somewhere to make that change – whether they’re going to vote, whether it’s coming to a building, whether it’s getting information – and our community has yet to learn that skill.”

to a building, whether it’s getting information – and our community has yet to learn that skill,” said Brownfish. “So to me the march, even though it’s an anti-violence march, it’s also our opportunity to organize ourselves, to practice that in a non-reactionary way.”

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them grow to what they could be,” Busby says. “But we know Black business is the key to the unemployment that is wreaking havoc on our communities.”

As Ingraham explained, more business at Black-owned hotels results in more hires and more corporate promotions of other African Americans working within the establishment, who can eventually become executives or owners. More business also means that hotels have to buy more goods from suppliers, and can choose to patronize other Black-owned businesses in the process.

NABHOOD counts more than 500 Blackowned hotels and hospitality venues in the United States, and nine abroad, mostly in the Caribbean, with the exception of one in Ghana and another in Liberia. The organization has a listing of these Blackowned properties on its website, www. nabhood.net.

The two organizations will continue their partnership for the long run, with the next collaboration at the 18th Annual International Multicultural and Heritage Tourism Summit and Trade Show this weekend in Miami.

“We’re trying to sign as many agreements as possible for people to give us a chance to provide the level of service they are accustomed to,” Ingraham explains. “The opportunity exists for each of us to play a role in change the economic tapestry. If we could just revise our conscience level and agree to do business with each other, we can all benefit.”

healthcare professional, and health is the main thing that we suffer from – poor health,” explained Turner. “Rites of Passage [addresses] that by beginning to develop healthy masculine expression at an early age.”

Boys Coming of Age plans to achieve this healthy expression through a series of exercises and activities designed to teach life skills such as healthy emotional expression, teamwork, and responsibility to and for oneself as well as to the broader collectives in which they may operate – whether family, team, or society as a whole. Among the activities the boys will partake in are martial arts, group drilling, African drumming, camping, and service projects.

Turner, who at 30 went through a Rites of Passage program with the Egbe Akokunrin (Society of Brave Men), an offshoot of the Baltimore Harambee Kollective, one of the nation’s pioneer Rites of Passage programs for youth, credits the program for making him into the person he is today. Elder Ademola Ekulona, a founding member of the Harambee Kollective, explained that Rites of Passage, based on African traditions, stresses the importance of building character in young people. “Your character is what must be developed according to the African cultural framework,” said Ekulona.

Can you develop your character by the evidence of the things you do? How do you get along in the world? Are you the source of problems or are you the source of solutions?”

Ekulona sees Turner’s project as an important practical application of Rites of Passage and says the key to its success will lie in its ability to teach the boys to be responsible for the possible effects of HIV on theirs and the health of others.

Turner is raising funds to help with the costs of various trips and activities Boys Coming of Age will host. He will be running two half-marathons in order to collect donations and raise funds. Anyone interested in making a donation can do so via the following link: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/ webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=6EX2P76UN5ATU. The donations are processed by Fusion Partnerships Inc., and are tax-deductible charitable contributions.

BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF THE BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY FOR ADJUSTMENTS TO ITS ELECTRIC AND GAS BASE RATES CASE NO. 9355

– Jahiti Brownfish

NOTICE OF PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE

an all-male affair, however.

Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake spoke at the opening of the demonstration, and many women helped to serve as floating registrars, signing up men who would join the march as it progressed eastward and back, as well as providing water and moral support for the demonstrators.

described the event as power filled. “I was just proud to see the men walk against [violence], on behalf of awareness towards it, and our children seeing that there’s a future that – you can live longer than 25. There are men out here living longer than that and have vision other than a corner,” Morine said.

For Brownfish, more than just a chance to stand in unity with his fellow citizens against violence, the march was an opportunity to practice community level organization and activism.

“No matter what you want to do in your community, whatever change you think you need to make, the first step is that some people have to show up somewhere to make that change – whether they’re going to vote, whether it’s coming

A Pre-Hearing Conference in the above-titled matter is scheduled for: Wednesday, July 30, 2014, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

THE HEARING WILL TAKE PLACE AT: Maryland Public Service Commission 19th Floor Hearing Room, William Donald Schaefer Tower 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland The purpose of the hearing is to set a procedural schedule for this matter, consider any petitions to intervene that have been filed, and consider any other preliminary matters requested by the parties.

Any persons seeking to intervene in this proceeding should file an original and seventeen (17) paper copies, plus one electronic copy1, of a petition to intervene with David J. Collins, Executive Secretary, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 by 5:00 p.m., EDT, Monday, July 29, 2014.

The Commission encourages parties to use the Commission’s “e-file” system for filing the electronic copy. Details of the “e-file” system are available on the Commission’s web page, www.psc.state.md.us. Additionally, five of the paper copies of the petition shall be three-hole punched.

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Candidates Continued from A1

festivals, attending farmers’ markets – going across the city as much as we can.”

For his part, Neverdon must work double duty. He must continue collecting signatures to get on the November ballot, while working to connect with voters and get them to the polls.

Neverdon won’t say how many signatures he has, but says he’s confident he will have double the roughly 4,000 needed for a spot on the ballot.

Neverdon changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Independent to run for this position. He says that he did it to give city residents more of a choice.

“There are more than just Democrats in Baltimore,” he said, noting that the city is made up of many different kinds of people – people of different nationalities, genders and sexual orientations.

“This is not about me,” Neverdon said. “I really need people to realize that your vote has value. You need to be a part of the process so that people understand that you mean business.”

He says his campaign has teams of people working with citizens to get them register to vote. He also does expungement education workshops to help people clean up their criminal records.

Although the Mosby/Neverdon race is still heating up, both Antonio Hayes and Cory McCray took their districts by storm, earning seats as House of Delegates representatives of Baltimore’s 40th and 45th districts respectively. Both men credit their dogged determination to get face time with as many constituents as possible with their success.

“Social media is an outlet that can motivate enthusiasm around a campaign. But, people have to see you at their door beyond anything else. Meeting somebody on their turf, in their neighborhood – that beats anything.” Hayes said. “That’s why [our] campaigns were so successful.”

McCray made a name for himself while campaigning by

Rev. Ferrell Continued from A1

as a minister preaching the love of Christ.” Whether or not she received credit, she continued to minister with joy because, as she put it, “I simply love people and love working with them.”

On July 11, Rev. Ferrell, at the age of 99, went on “from labor to reward,” and the faith community will gather to celebrate her life and ministry and to give her some of that credit for the hard work she’s done.

Public viewing begins 8:30 a.m., July 18 at This article appeared in the Baltimore AFRO, March 9. 1957.

Marilyn Mosby

Cory McCray

Antonio Hayes

Russell Neverdon

March Funeral Home West, 4300 Wabash Avenue. The family will receive friends 10 a.m., July 19, with the service of celebration immediately following at 11 a.m. at Greater Hope Church of God in Christ, 800 N.

Courtesy photos

trying to find immediate help for people – from contacting the city to fix ongoing concerns to providing onthe-street consultations. It’s something he says he will continue to do. “In Baltimore City we want results immediately. I think it’s like building a relationship.

It’s not just about elected officials, it’s about neighbor helping neighbor,” he said.

Hayes said outreach is his greatest post-election priority.

“I haven’t been pleased with voter participation, not only in the 40th District, but citywide.”

He is combining his online presence (he has a website, a Facebook page, and a Twitter account) with knocking on doors to encourage people to get out and vote. If they can’t readily identify a reason why, he wants to help them identify a reason. “First I was selling who I was,” he says. “The second phase is less about voting for me, but encouraging people to participate in the process because it’s important to them.”

Carrollton Avenue in West Baltimore. The Rev. Stephen A. Jones is pastor of Greater Hope COGIC that now occupies the building that for many years was Emmanuel C.C. Church, as Baltimoreans called it.

Austin

Continued from A1 at the Crown Food Market in East Baltimore. The initial suspect description was that of a light-skinned AfricanAmerican man between the ages of 22 and 25, 5’8” to 5’10”, and weighing between 130-150 pounds.

Austin – dark skinned, a smidgen under 6’5”, and well over 200 pounds – would spend 26 years in the now defunct Maryland State Penitentiary, despite matching the suspect description only with respect to relative age.

Austin was 25.

In an interview with the AFRO, Austin described the sort of environment he had to navigate while in prison. “You don’t know what a guy might do, you don’t know what a guy is thinking because everybody is on a different trip,” Austin said about the ever-present tension in the maximum-security facility he called home for over a quarter century.

“You might have a guy who went up for parole and they denied him, you’ll be walking down the tier, you bump into him, that’s all he needs to explode. So your sense of thinking is you make an assessment of where you’re at and you just weave through the madness. Every day.”

Yvonne Rahman, a Maryland State Department of Education pre-release teacher in the Maryland prison system, said she met Austin while volunteering with a trauma group at the penitentiary. Austin had asked Rahman to look at his trial transcript, an offer she accepted out of curiosity, having never read one before.

After reading it, Rahman came away convinced of Austin’s innocence. “It was very apparent, it didn’t take a lot of thought,” said Rahman.

“I think it was the transcript that it was so apparent from the trial, and what came out in the trial. It just left too many questions.”

Rahman suggested Austin

contact Centurion Ministries (CM), a non-profit whose mission is to vindicate people sentenced to life or death with factual innocence, determined by CM after a thorough vetting process.

Jim McCloskey, founder and executive director of CM, said this process averages five years. .

Austin initially ignored her advice, confusing CM, which has secured the release of 53 persons, for your standard prison ministry. Austin would eventually write, and, after vetting him, CM agreed to take his case in 1995, spending the next six years working for his release.

On Dec. 28, 2001, Austin

communicate with people, and I’m able to interact with people without being paranoid, and without having that fear of being used or taken advantage of.”

This continuing process of overcoming the psychological trauma of prison may have proved even more difficult had Austin not had the opportunity to learn music while incarcerated from a cellmate with a bachelor’s degree in music. Music became Austin’s escape from the pressures of prison life, and he learned to sing, play the trumpet and keyboard, as well as read and write music.

“With music, I was able to do a lot of different things. We

“I’ve been home 14 years in December, now my reintegration back into the community has reached 85, 90 percent psychologically.

I’m able to communicate with people, and I’m able to interact with people without being paranoid, and without having that fear of being used or taken advantage of.”

– Michael Austin left the Maryland State Penitentiary. Accustomed to moving around in shackles, he walked as though still fettered until McCloskey pointed it out to him.

Austin says that among the adjustments he had to make were relearning mundane habits, like speaking without the need to yell over the din of a prison; or eating meals at a leisurely pace, no longer at risk of having his mealtime cut short by a guard who needed to get over 1,000 prisoners through the cafeteria in a set amount of time and had decided Austin’s was up.

The adjustments continue to this day. “I’ve been home 14 years in December, now my reintegration back into the community has reached 85, 90 percent psychologically,” said Austin. “I’m able to

would put on shows, we gotta practice, and I’m hanging out with my buddies, good atmosphere. So music was a vehicle that really enhanced all the things I was trying to get done.”

Austin currently has an album, available on iTunes, entitled I Just Want to Love You, which he says is doing well. He sings locally with his band and started his own food truck business this past January. Named Rena’s Corner Kitchen, the truck currently serves breakfast and lunch items, but Austin says he is still working with his chef to establish a signature menu.

Much like his nascent food truck endeavor, Austin’s path of reintegration remains a work in progress. He said, “It will always be ongoing.”

July 19, 2014 - July 25, 2014, The Afro-American

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COMMUNITY CONNECTION Mentored Male Teens Recently Toured Hampton University

Director Cameron Miles and the guys in his “Mentoring Male Teens in the Hood� group recently visited Hampton University, ate lunch in the cafeteria, and toured the entire campus. The group stayed at the Hampton Inn and ate at local restaurants. They visited the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and the Virginia Air and Space museum. Miles calls the 8 to18-yearolds kings, so they’ll know their true worth, and 40 of them, the majority of whom had never been out of Baltimore, had a wonderful trip. Miles said these trips build character, teach leadership, help the kings to see that by working hard, college and beyond are reachable.

Each summer they take a cultural enrichment trip; past ones have included Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Morehouse, Howard, and Delaware State universities.

His goal is that none of the kings end up in the penal system or the cemetery. Each king that goes to college gets a $500 donation from the program.Â

Courtesy photo

Mentoring Males group members tour Hampton University campus

Coppin State University Received $80,000 Stipend from CareFirst for Nurse-educator Program

Coppin State University accepted an $80,000 stipend from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, July 14, in Coppin’s Health and Human Services Building, 3rd floor atrium.

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, as well as state delegates Barbara Robinson and Shawn Tarrant were on hand for the presentation, one of 12 that CareFirst awarded in 2014 through their Project RN program. The ongoing contribution removes the traditional barriers to degree completion and enables qualified students to focus entirely on becoming nurse educators.

With a growing demand for qualified bedside nurses, CareFirst has invested $3.2 million since 2007 to increase the number of nursing faculty teachers at colleges and universities throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland and northern Virginia.

trip granted by Floridabased charity, Kids Wish Network.

Jalin’s medical dilemma started almost two years ago, when he started experiencing unexplainable high fevers, severe headaches and dizzy spells. Doctors noted that his blood pressure was extremely high and Jalin Hopkins with a friend ordered an MRI. The test results came back with a diagnosis of Moyamoya disease, an uncommon blood vessel disorder where the ring of blood vessels at the base of the brain increasingly narrow, blocking blood flow to the brain.

Because this life-threatening disease is progressive, Jalin got worse before he got better. Restricted blood flow to the brain caused Jalin to suffer mini-strokes, temporary paralysis, severe migraines and seizures before he had an 8-hour brain surgery to expand the narrowing passageway.

Thankfully, he was well-rested before he began his wish trip to Disney World, thanks to the charity. Jalin and his family set off on World Moyamoya Day and spent their all-expense paid wish trip relaxing at luxury accommodations, dining at Orlando’s best restaurants and discovering all Disney has to offer. “Jalin had the time of his life,� recalls Lynell Hopkins, his mother. “All he talks about is how much fun he had on the rides.

The experience was something none of us will ever forget; I can’t thank Kids Wish Network enough.�

Kids Wish Network would like to thank all the generous sponsors that help grant Jalin’s wish: Fairfield Inn & Suites, Orlando at SeaWorld, Compassion Partners Program, TGI Friday’s, Fuddruckers, Splash Bar & Grill, Flippers Pizzeria, and Wonder Works.

Kids Wish Network is a Florida-based charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experience lifealtering situations. Come experience the Kids Wish Network difference at www.kidswishnetwork.org.

MTA for A Fast Route to ARTSCAPE Festival

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) encourages everyone to ride MTA to the 33rd Annual Artscape Festival, spanning Baltimore’s Arts & Entertainment District neighborhoods of Mt. Royal Avenue and Cathedral Street, Charles Street, Bolton Hill and Station North. The free three-day event will be held 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., July 18 and 19; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., July 20.

Public transit is the best option to get to Artscape while avoiding area traffic modifications, street closures and parking hassles: Steps away from Artscape is the State Center Metro Station, open until midnight, seven days a week.

The Light Rail stop at University of Baltimore and Mount Royal Avenue is at the center of Artscape. Light Rail service runs from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11a.m. Sunday until one hour after the festival ends. Some stops may have earlier service so check the timetable at your boarding location for actual times.

New for 2014! MARC Train Weekend Service on the Penn Line will carry you directly to the center of Artscape.

The closest MTA Local Bus Lines to Artscape are Numbers 3, 11, 13, 19, 21, 27, 64 and 91.

Mobility service will operate on its regular schedule. Â

G.I.R.L. Presents: ‘Women’s Empowerment Brunch’

G.I.R.L. (Got the Intelligence to Rule My Life) is hosting their inaugural “Women’s Empowerment Brunch� on July 19. The event will have a dynamic group of women for food, fun, and fellowship. There will be opportunities to expand social circles and network with forward-thinking women committed to always being the best versions of themselves.

The event will have speakers (Lorra Brown – Lorra Brown Enterprises, the Rev. Bevelyn Gerald – Fort Washington Christian Church, Robin Lake – TechOpps) addressing topics including spirituality, balancing motherhood and relationships, financial basics, and women in business.

The event also features vendors with health, lifestyle, and beauty products and an exquisite ‘modern chic’ brunch fusing classic courses and new millennium favorites to ensure attendees are filled mentally and physically. “Our goal with this program is to aid women in our community with the tools to create a balanced and fruitful life,� stated Jovon Gerald, G.I.R.L. Inc.’s Founder.

The event is 1-4 p.m., at The Preserve at Piscataway Community Club Ballroom, 2800 Saint Mary’s View Road, Accokeek, Md. The cost is $30 in advance and $35 at the door; only the first 60 registrants will be allowed entry. Proceeds will go to enhance G.I.R.L. Inc.’s mentoring programs. Advance event attendees may register via EventBrite (https://www. eventbrite.com/e/empowerment-and-enrichment-womens-brunchtickets-10967683637).  “I am very fortunate to have this event supported by quality organizations and sponsors. We are hoping that this event is the first of many to come,� stated Gerald. For more information on obtaining press credentials, please contact Jovon Gerald at Jovon@girl-inc.org or 703-915-4705. All other inquiries, please contact G.I.R.L. Inc. at info@girl-inc.org.

Courtesy photo

Holding the CareFirst check are state Del. Barbara Robinson, Rep. Elijah Cummings, Maria Tildon, vice president of Public Policy and Community Affairs, CareFirst BlueCross Blue Shield and Coppin president, Dr. Mortimer Neufville.

Kids Wish Network Grants Disney Wish for Columbia Boy With Rare Blood Disorder

When you picture someone who has suffered a stroke, you probably think of an older person, not an 8-year-old boy.

Meeting Jalin Hopkins of Columbia, Md. might just change your perception. The young boy suffers from a rare and dangerous blood disorder but is still able to maintain a positive attitude, a trait that definitely came in handy during his recent wish

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The Afro-American, July 19, 2014 - July 25, 2014

WE’RE HARD AT WORK HERE EVERY DAY. Southern Maryland’s dedication to safety, security and pulling together is bringing even more jobs to the area.

Some of us pull nets from the Bay. Some pull food and feed from the ground. And some pull the promise of an entire community behind them.

But we all pull together to build our future—because we’re Marylanders.

Nearly 6 million strong, we’re the muscle and brainpower of a sturdy, hard-working region that’s proudly diverse and proudly united, with communities inspired by the past and excited for the future. And our dedication to hard work, safety and security is bringing even more jobs and economic opportunities to Southern Maryland. Like the ones at Dominion’s Cove Point LNG project.

In fact, during the three-year period when it will be built, Dominion’s Cove Point project will produce thousands of construction jobs. And once in operation, it will create 75 high-paying permanent positions, as well as provide a long-term revenue stream. Calvert County will receive, on average, an additional $40 million a year in the first fi ve years the project is in operation.

So take a look around. Because when you do, you’ll see people taking care of our environment, taking care of our country and taking care of each other. We call it Maryland pride.

@Dom_CovePoint

Photo from left: Joe Stuck and Steve Hickmann, A Journeymen Inside Wiremen, IBEW Local Union 26

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6/23/14 10:10 AM

July 19, 2014 - July 25, 2014 The Afro-American

COMMENTARY

Liberty, Justice and Opportunity for All

On July 2nd, our nation celebrated the 50th anniversary of a major achievement in the ongoing fight for social justice.

On that day in 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964, legislation that permanently changed the trajectory of millions of destinies for people of color, women, and Americans of different religious and national origins.

In those 50 years, we’ve made vast advancement toward becoming a nation that Elijah Cummings truly offers liberty, justice, and opportunity for all.

Yet, recently, we’ve also witnessed reactionary setbacks that must motivate a new generation to fight for equality and opportunity.

The Civil Rights act itself was a spark of hope for millions of Americans who had long been oppressed – and for whom the core values of our nation were beyond reach. For those Americans of my youth, the simple, yet basic, idea of voting for the representative of their choice had been unfathomable.

The idea of attending a school where the faces of children were not all the same – a school in which resources were shared fairly regardless of race – was unimaginable. The idea of employment where promotion was based purely on merit – and not restricted to some – was inconceivable. These were the burdens of the legally enforced segregation in my youth – the inequities that the 1964 Civil Rights Act of 1964 was enacted to vanquish from our society.

This assertion of truly American values ignited the spark of action for further reform aimed at righting years of systemic racial discrimination. President Johnson would issue an executive order banning government contractors from discriminating in employment decisions and requiring them to take “affirmative action” to be inclusive of all employees – and the Congress would enact further reforms through the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

In one of the most profound civil rights victories of that era, Congress would pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965, providing federal oversight of elections in those states that had purposefully excluded minorities through racially drawn district lines, poll taxes, and literacy tests.

These laws, and the movement that pushed for their enactment, have brought us closer to an America in which a person’s racial

heritage or gender are no longer disqualifiers – toward an America in which diversity is viewed by most of us as our nation’s promise, not our problem. Yet, for all our progress, reactionary forces remain. Without vigilance and courage, we risk stumbling backward – as we did one year ago with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Shelby County v. Holder.

On June 25th of last year, a slim majority of our nation’s highest court ruled unconstitutional Section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act, the coverage provision requiring jurisdictions with a history of discriminatory practice to obtain prior federal approval for voting and redistricting changes. Since then, mostly-southern state legislatures previously restrained by the law have been unleashed to pass wave-after-wave of legislation that limit access to voting – in most instances with disproportionate impact on communities of color. At times, in fact, these undemocratic measures have been passed with the expressly stated intention of reducing access to the ballot box for our communities.

North Carolina carries the dubious distinction of having passed the most repressive law in the nation, enacted just a few weeks after the Shelby ruling. Like it’s many counterparts, the North Carolina legislature claimed it was attempting to fight back against “voter fraud” by imposing arduous photo identification requirements, shortening the early voting period in the state by a full week, ending out-of-precinct voting in statewide races, and eliminating same-day registration and pre-registration of new voters under the age of 18.

Multiple studies have shown that voter fraud is virtually nonexistent in our nation. In an investigation by the Kansas Secretary of State, examining 84 million votes cast in 22 states seeking duplicate registrants, only 14 cases were referred for prosecution (0.00000017 percent of the votes cast).

These reactionary laws are clear acts of voter suppression targeted

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at progressive Americans. For example, 70 percent of African Americans who voted in 2012 used early voting. This is why it is so imperative that the Congress promptly take action to restore the full strength of the Voting Rights Act by updating the formula to meet the new requirements that the Supreme Court’s narrow majority has imposed.

Anniversaries are important points of reflection, and this historic moment should be no different. Our reflection upon our nation’s past – and our shared future – must motivate all of us to action.

The battle for the Civil Rights Act was hard fought in the 1960s.

Yet, the struggle for full equality and inclusion continues. We must honor the more just legacy that we received from that generation with more than ceremonies. We must restore the Voting Rights Act and inspire our emerging multi-racial majority to create its own legacy of liberty, justice, and opportunity for all.

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings represents Maryland’s7th Congressional District in the United States House of Representative.

The Black Press – The Voice of Black America (Part I)

During this year’s annual convention of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Annual Convention in Portland, Ore., I was reminded that Black Americans have a long, storied tradition of newspaper publishing. Since the first publication of Freedom’s Journal in 1827, Black American publishers have worked heroically to earn the title “Voice of Black America.”

From the east to the west Benjamin F. coast, in big cities and small Chavis Jr. towns, NNPA publishers NNPA Columnist continue have a sustainable economic development impact within the heart of the Black American community.

For more than 187 years, the Black Press in America has stood courageously to articulate and print the news interests of Black America. But please do not take this history lightly or for granted. We must never forget how the long struggle to attain the right to vote was “blood soaked” by the sacrifices and sufferings of civil rights leaders and activists.

Similarly, the historic struggle of Black Americans to engage in the enterprise of freedom of press has been also soaked with

sacrificial blood, facing down lynch mobs, and enormous economic inequality challenges. There is a long list of Black newspapers in the U.S. that have been dynamited, deliberately destroyed, and the target of successive arsons.

During the 1898 race massacre in Wilmington, N.C, the Daily Record was burned to the ground by 1,500 racist vigilantes angry at the audacity of Alexander Manly, the Black American publisher of the newspaper. Manly wrote a bold editorial opposing the brutal and wanton patterns of unjust lynching of Black men and women in the state, and the vigilantes thought he should pay.

Sixty-five years later the Wilmington Journal, published by Thomas C. Jervay Sr. and family, was bombed with sticks of dynamite by a paramilitary group known as the Rights of White People (ROWP). Still, the Wilmington Journal never missed a week publishing. The Jervay family of Black-owned newspapers in Raleigh and in Wilmington emerged over the years to epitomize the history of moral integrity and high value of NNPA member publishers.

Some ask why it is necessary to be reminded of the history of the Black Press. It is necessary because we cannot afford to be ignorant of our past if we intend to have a better future for generations to come. The Black Press is one of the most valuable assets that we have in our communities.

I wrote of series of columns recently on the “Civil Rights Movement and Hip-Hop.” We received positive responses from readers across generations. For the next few weeks, I will write a series of columns on “The Black Press: The Voice of Black America.”

Today, there are numerous vexing challenges facing Black America. At the same time, there are enormous opportunities to

advance the cause of freedom, justice and equality for Black America and for all people who yearn and struggle for a better quality of life.

One of the most crucial recognized international human rights is the universal right to “self-determination.” Self-expression is key to self-determination. The NNPA is the epitome of self-expression of Black America. We live in a global media age. The print media is the bedrock of multimedia and social media. Digital media augments – and does not supplant – the printed word. That is especially true among African Americans who over index on technology.

Thus, we intend to strengthen the #VoiceofBlackAmerica @ NNPABlackPress every second, hour, day, week, month, and year.

Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. I am excited and passionate about helping to enhance and advance the significant interests of the Black Press in the U.S., in the Caribbean, in Brazil, across Africa, and throughout the world. Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and the 75th Anniversary of NNPA: The Voice of Black America.

Our struggle for freedom, justice, and equality continues. I am optimistic about the future. We have been given the baton of history at a time when have some of best newspaper publishers, freedomfighting journalists, business leaders, teachers, preachers, lawyers and other professionals, along with the most talented and gifted generation of youth that we have ever been blessed to witness.

Nothing can hold us back from winning but ourselves.

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is the interim president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

Debt Settlement Programs are Misleading You’ve probably heard the advertisements on urban radio urging consumers with at least $10,000 in debt to call a number right away for a financial rescue. Promising to end debt troubles by getting creditors to somehow accept less money than what is owed can sound really appealing. In reality, however, consumers mired in debt may often find debt settlement programs to be costly, misleading, and far Charlene Crowell less helpful than the radio ad NNPA Columnist promises.

In the newest chapter in the research series titled {The State of Lending, the Center for Responsible Lending} (CRL) finds that debt settlement is a risky strategy that can leave consumers more financially vulnerable and still laden with debt years after they enroll in such programs. Regardless of how well consumers follow the instructions of their debt settlement firm, they may ultimately be unsuccessful because many creditors simply refuse to deal with debt settlement companies.

According to the report, “Debt settlement companies do not tell consumers whether creditors will work with their firms at the time of enrollment. However, even if debt-settlement companies were

required to disclose whether a particular creditor routinely works with their firm, this provides no real guarantee. In many cases, the party who owns a debt changes over time, since a debt may be sold successively to multiple parties.”

Available data suggests that at least two-thirds of debts must be settled in order to achieve a net positive outcome from debt settlement. Even more debts must be settled for the consumer to achieve real savings if they end up being liable for taxes on the debt reduction.

In the end, many consumers never realize that kind of experience.

Rather, they end up worse off financially. According to the American Fair Credit Council, an industry trade association, consumers must typically be enrolled in debt settlement plan for three to four years in order to complete the program. During this time, debt balances grow an average 20 percent while consumers wait for settlements to be reached. Additionally, their credit scores are negatively affected, financial instability increased, and the likelihood of creditor lawsuits loom near.

According to Leslie Parrish, co-author of the report and deputy research director at CRL, “When a consumer stops making payments on a debt, not only is she/he vulnerable to fees and an increased interest rate, the reporting of this delinquency to credit bureaus can impact credit scores for years.”

In general, the higher a consumer’s credit score is, the lower the cost of credit they will incur. Conversely, the lower one’s credit score, the higher the cost of credit and interest will be. Whether applying for a credit card, auto loan or a mortgage, bad credit histories make future

credit and borrowing more expensive.

In 2010, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued regulation that barred debt settlement companies from charging fees until they reached settlements with the client’s creditors. While this regulation has stopped some of the most egregious industry practices, CRL’s report finds that significant financial risks remain for debt settlement clients.

Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau shares regulatory oversight of debt settlement with the FTC. Thus far, CFPB has taken multiple enforcement actions against several debtsettlement companies and one payment processor.

CRL also sees a role for states to establish meaningful limits of debt settlement fees. One recommendation is to limit the fees that can be charged and to calculate such fees on the basis of the amount of savings achieved for the consumer.

State and federal regulators could also require better screening of prospective customers to lower the risk of a bad outcome.

Factors such as the amount of debt to be enrolled, creditors and the consumer’s financial circumstances would be taken into account.

Additional recommendations can be found in the report located at: http://rspnsb.li/1x5lPOe. Ellen Harnick, co-author of the report and senior policy counsel at CRL, said, “What’s clear is that more action is necessary to protect consumers.”

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

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The Afro-American, July 19, 2014 - July 25, 2014

April 10, 2010 - April 16, 2010, The Baltimore Afro-American

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ater than other colleges, but no less magnificent was the June 29 graduation of Sojourner Douglass College students at the Meyerhoff in Baltimore.

Photos by J.D. Howard

Karen Harper

Dr. Charles W. Simmons, SDC founder and president

Mark Diggins, master’s degree Isisha Haggins Robin Harris

Commencement speaker, Shirley Sherrod and SDC board chairman, O. Patrick Scott

Teshombae Harrell Sr., master’s degree

Ralph Moore, SDC board member

Lori Jackson Craig Dobson, master’s degree

Faculty members, Paulette Williams and Monica Poindexter

John Morris, dean of Urban Planning; Maija Anderson, dean of Nursing

Dr. Teresa Cooper, faculty member

Dr. Simmons greets Sherrod

Eldridge Branch

July 19, 2014 - July 25, 2014, The Afro-American

Jennifer Thompson, Shalea Thompson

Cousins Eugene Porter, Jordan King, Rosalind Gamble, Lena Leona Porter

Margaret speaks: Floyd and Margaret Ballard celebrate 65 wonderful years of “In 1946 Floyd used to deliver ice in the neighborhood where marriage Margaret lived. On Tuesday, June 7, 1949 Floyd got down on On Tuesday, June 21, 1949, Floyd married Margaret one knee and proposed. Floyd obtained permission from my Laurene Keene at Floyd’s oldest sister’s home with a father; and we were engaged for three weeks. Floyd gave me celebration of family and close friends. $29 to buy my wedding gown at Rosenthals’ and I paid $7.95 for my shoes from Lowenthals’ on Baltimore Street.”

Floyd speaks: “When I delivered ice at Margaret’s house, it was ten cents up to 20 pounds. Margaret was a beautiful girl. We would walk to Franklin Square and sometimes to Carroll Park. On October 4, 1948 I started working for A&P warehouse on Franklintown Siblings of Margaret and Floyd Ballard Sr. are Road, making $42 a week.

Margaret Powell, Linda Peete, Michelle Wiley. Back The marriage license was $3; row, Kim Ballard and twin brother, Keith Ballard, Floyd Ballard Jr., Lisa Hamm I paid $29 for my wedding

Colleen Wiley

Ballards grandchildren are Portia Davis, Bomani Ivy, Brittany Hamm, Takasha Ivy, Tynisha Ballard, Colleen Wiley, Monique Ballard, Cheryl Peete, Michael Ballard Jr. Lynete Peete, Breyona Ballard, seated

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Gwen Tubman, Shirrell Aiken.

band. A good friend, Standing, Charles Tubman, Monique Ballard William Sewell, loaned me one of his suits and a pair of shoes. My best man was Aaron Thomas and I gave Rev. James Green $5 for performing the ceremony. My sister, Charlestau, baked the cake for the reception; we also had soda.

We spent our honeymoon at Niagara Falls.”

What sustaining this long-lasting relationship? They each responded, “understanding--- the best thing in life! You can’t take life seriously!”

The family’s tradition has continued over the years; the first Sunday of each month, all family members meet at the Ballards to have dinner, sing songs, play games, and listen to music for a great day of bonding.

Great grands are Trevon Ivy, Saadiq Ivy, Zaakira Ivy, Marquise Bell, Stephen Bell, Zari Ivy standing between the Ballards

Margaret Ballard’s sister, Ruth Keene Faulcon

Robin Ballard, Pearl Ball

Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine

2014 Rays Of Hope Scholars reciting their pledge

Honoree Gersha Porter, president National Association of African Americans in Human Resources

Everyone gathered to congratulate the Man of the Year, Teddy Coates and other honorees of the Black Professional Men’s 21st Annual Rays of Hope Awards and Scholarship breakfast held June 14 at The Valley Mansion, in Cockeysville, Md. This is the event that helps Black Professional Men to award scholarships annually to deserving young men.

The group’s mission, since its establishment in 1991, has been the issues and needs of the African-American community, but especially those of the men.

This is accomplished through mentoring, community service, creative and effective alliances and the ongoing recognition of those who make a difference.

Rev. Dr. Hoffman Brown, Wayland Baptist Church; “Peaches” Camphor, Joyce Mack, Honoree James “Winky” Camphor and Christopher Mack

Honoree Kendrick Tilghman

Dr. Jayfus Doswell

Charles F. Robinson III, emcee

Will Holmes, BPM Rookie of the Year and his son

Edwin Avent, BPM President Ted Coates, Man of the Year and Scott Phillips

Honoree Emmanuel Cephas

James Stevens and scholarship awardee Aria Williams Photos by Anderson Ward

The Afro-American, July 19, 2014 - July 25, 2014

Charles “Chuck” Thomas stepped off the elevator at the Kappa Cultural Center on Eutaw Street and did a Fred Sanford when the guests yelled surprise. Family and friends came from North Carolina and Cleveland, and 40 relatives traveled from Pittsburgh to celebrate Chuck’s 90th birthday, hosted by Angela Gibson. Mitchell and Mitchell catered the party attended by Chuck’s sisters, Virginia Palmer and Marcella Duke; the Rev. George Winkfield; Judge Robert Bell; Sen. Nathaniel McFadden; Delegate Nathaniel Oaks; Delegate Sandy Rosenberg; Council President Bernard Young; Dan and Del Henson; Herb and Deanna Brown; Vernard and Yvonne Wynn; John and Freddie Ward; Ellen Howard; Dr. J. Laws Nickens; DeVera Redmond; Marvin and Lyn Irby; Roslyn Smith; Steve, Grace, Charlotte, and William Gibson; Michael May; Leon and Tina Brown; Doris Cole; Harry Peaker; and Robert Quarles.

Chuck, known for his sense of humor, willingness to help, and youthful demeanor, was hilarious when he jokingly chided the partygoers about the effects of a surprise party for a 90 year old. After the laughter and in an emotional speech he talked about his life and how he continues to respect his elders. We’re out of control laughing at that point, “What elders … who’s older than Chuck?” Not even Herb Brown his longtime friend…

“I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.”

Nancie Carmody The year I celebrated July 4 in Hong Kong at Disney World and witnessed the most breathtaking fireworks, I considered one of my greatest holidays. After spending July 4 in Ocean City at Freddie Vaughn’s well-appointed oceanfront condominium, I must admit it was another good

“now the tide is coming near I see the waves flowing out there on the ocean, I know my ship is coming in” K ‘Jon The home sits on a canal and the highpoint of the party was Lou arriving in his boat singing Frankie Beverly’s “happy people” to Claudia. It must be that Philadelphia sound; we thought it was Frankie dressed in white.

Later that evening we joined Washington Post journalist Cheryl and Donald Washington of Silver Spring at their beautiful Ocean Pine home for dessert including designer cupcakes, pies, cakes, and assorted foods. Back at the condominium, we finished the evening sipping mojitos and enjoying fireworks along the beach.

Saturday Mike and Myrna Cann hosted a dinner party at their stunning Ocean Pines home serving stuffed shrimp, crab balls, jambalaya, chicken, BBQ, homemade sangria and more with round robin partygoers and newcomers Victor Green, Royce Lokeman, Pam Jackson, Lauren Cevis, and Canadian football league player Kenny Tate.

“Moon River, wider than a mile, I’m crossing you in style someday” Henry Mancini Sitting on the veranda at the Cann’s home, overlooking the bay, is reminiscent of New Orleans. As we watched the sunset I expected to see a steamboat come around the bend to interrupt the tranquility of the view.

“You know very well what you are; you’re my sugar cane, my chocolate star. I’ve had a few, but not that many,

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but you’re the only one that gives me good and plenty… juicy fruit yeah”! Mfume Hometown author Nakia Robinson published her first novel “You Call That Love” in May 2013 and has written two additional books in the series, “Love Me Right” and “Love Will Never Do”. This talented wife and mother of three will release “All 4 Love” the fourth installment in August 2014 in time to complete your summer reading.

“Other friends have flown before; on the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before. Then the bird said, nevermore.” Edgar Allan Poe Prayers for Deborah Peaks Coleman on the death of her brother-in-law Tracy Weaver, Robert Blount on the death of his uncle Solomon Grant, Dr. Nathan Fletcher on the death of his wife Dr. Alison Fletcher, Marcy Crump on the death of her father Ralph Matthews, and Beverly Glover on the death of her husband James Glover.

“Oh, how we danced on the night we were wed we vowed our true love, though a word wasn’t said” Al Jolson It’s your 53rd wedding anniversary Gloria “Tuttie and James “Peck” Bogan and happy 50th anniversary Mildred and James “Dickey” Harris.

Happy 238th birthday America!

“Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.”

Kahlil Gibran It’s your birthday! AFRO CEO and Publisher Jake Oliver, Cereta Spencer, Jacoby Jones, Gregory Williams, Everene Turner-Johnson, Gregory Hill, Thurman Pinder, Ariel Pulley, Brianna Henson, Dr. Marian Davis-Foster, AFRO Editor Dorothy Boulware, and happy 97th birthday Marguerite Harris.

Sending flowers to Jean Powell, James “Dickey” Harris, and William Tonkins, continue to recuperate.

“I’ll be seeing you” Valerie & the Friday Night Bunch

SAT 7/19 3 COL. (5.42”) X 10” MR ALL.PUR.0719.DCAAEMAIL

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.” Proverbs 16:31

year.

The round robin parties started at the Ocean Pines home of Philadelphians Lou and Claudia Williams at Claudia’s all-white fish fry and BBQ birthday party. Guests arrived from Philadelphia, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia to attend this annual party. Guests Debbie Averette, Diane Steadman, Bishop Ronald Averette, Freddi Vaughn, Judge Joyce Mitchell, Benny and Audrey Gill, Mike and Myrna Cann, Gerald and Vonda Smith, Ernest and Brenda Wright, and Nelson and Etta Mayrant enjoyed the “summer breeze.” Nelson, a former drummer with the Stylistics set in with the band for an impromptu jam session.

AFRO-AMERICAN (DC)

“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good things, therefore, that I can do, any good kindness that I can show a fellow being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” Stephen Grellett

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B3

ARTS & CULTURE

Everything’s Coming Up Rosie!

and eating a good meal. Of course, it would turn into a party.

By Kam Williams Speical to the AFRO Rosie Maria Perez was born on Sept. 6, 1964 in Bushwick, Brooklyn where she was raised in a Catholic orphanage after being abandoned by her mom and taken from her aunt. She made a most memorable screen debut as Spike Lee’s girlfriend, Tina, in “Do the Right Thing,” and later landed an Oscar-nomination for a nonpareil performance in “Fearless.” Her many other credits include “White Men Can’t Jump”, “Won’t Back Down” and “The Counselor.”

Rosie serves as the Artistic Chair of Urban Arts Partnership and sits on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Here, she talks about her career and her autobiography, “Handbook for an Unpredictable Life.”

KW: What inspired you to write your autobiography?

RP: I didn’t really know at first. I kept asking myself, ‘Why am I doing this?’ because I’m such a private person. Then, one day, the head of programming at my charity, the Urban Arts Partnership, said she was excited I was writing it, and she hoped I’d be giving copies to the students. My first reaction was “No,” since the subject-matter was really heavy, and because of some of the language I was using.

But she then reminded me that I’d already shared my stories with them, and I almost burst into tears. I realized, “Oh my God! That’s why I’m writing it.” Those students had been the first people, outside of my inner circle, to hear my story. It happened when I participated in one of our programs called Life Stories, where we encourage the kids to open up and share so they can understand their lives. One day, I was challenged to share my story with them. That‘s where finding the inspiration and strength to write this book began.

KW: I found it very moving, especially since I had no idea about any of it. I just thought of you as that bubbly, talented, attractive actress I’d seen in movies and on talk shows.

RP: And I am that person, but I’m also this one. And the reason I decided to share with the students was because I saw them come into the Academy so burdened by life every day. When you are a low-income, poverty-stricken, Title I kid, you have so much to endure just waking up.

So, you may have a bad attitude or a chip on your shoulder before you even get to school. You may arrive so anxious, angry, hungry or apathetic that you may say to yourself, “Why should I pay attention in class?” You might be beaten up on the way to school, because you live in a bad neighborhood. Still, I had to inform them, especially the seniors, that they didn’t have the luxury of bringing all that baggage into the world which they would be stepping into as adults.

I’d say, “You need to come to terms with it, or let it go. One or the other. And if you can do both, then you’re golden.” If you are unable to get past that baggage, the opportunities that should be yours will not be yours.

KW: Well, I applaud you for overcoming so many obstacles. After all, the odds of making it in Hollywood are long enough for someone coming from a privileged background.

RP: I hear you, since the odds were supposedly great. But you know what? I knew I was going to be successful from day one. From day one. That’s why it throws me whenever someone says it was such a fluke that I was successful.

KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?

RP: I would say tenacity and perseverance. You have to be like a dog with a bone. You can’t just let it go. And number one is belief. You have to believe in yourself. You need to have the audacity to be great.

KW: The Kerry Washington question: If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

RP: A horse.

KW: The Anthony Mackie question: Is there anything that you promised yourself you’d do if you became famous, that you still haven’t done yet?

RP: Yes, to go back to school and get a degree.

KW: What was it like to skyrocket to fame?

RP: It was both difficult and wonderful. It was quite difficult for me because, being raised in a home, I’d come to hate being pointed at whenever we went out in public in a group. It’s still uncomfortable for me to be stared at, although I’ve learned to deal with it better. It makes me self-conscious.

KW: The Viola Davis question: What’s the biggest difference between who you are at home as opposed to the Rosie Marie Perez person we see on the red carpet?

RP: I’m more guarded and shy on the carpet. At home, I’m the silliest cornball who talks way too much and wants to be quiet and left alone at the same time. And I love to entertain, but in a small, intimate way. But I feel like I can be myself on Craig Ferguson’s show. I have so much fun on his couch, because he’s an idiot. That man cracks me up. I think there’s a kinship in our silliness. I dance like he does in my living room all the time.

KW: The Melissa Harris-Perry question: How did your first big heartbreak impact who you are as a person?

RP: You might think it was being abandoned by mother. But no, it was being taken away from my aunt at the age of 3, because I was self-aware by then and I knew what was going on.

That was my biggest heartbreak, and it informed a lot. I didn’t want it to be my whole story as an adult. So, I’ve learned to heal that heartbreak and move on.

KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?

RP: Yeah.

KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?

RP: About an hour ago during a meeting at my charity. I laugh a lot. It’s disgusting how much I laugh during the day.

KW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered?

RP: As someone that gave back, because the people I remember the most in my life are the ones that gave.

To order a copy of “Handbook for an Unpredictable Life,” visit: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0307952398/ref%3dnosim/thslfofire-20

KW: The Harriet Pakula-Teweles question: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you’d like to star in?

RP: Wow! No one’s ever asked me that question. I wouldn’t try it, but the only one that popped into my head is “A Woman Under the Influence,” the John Cassavetes film starring his wife Gena Rowlands. Her depiction of mental illness frightened me. Her performance shocked me because it was so simple.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

RP: Me! I see me, and the reality of me gets clearer as I get older, and I’m loving it.

KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?

RP: The crib, the peach bedspread, and the French doors at my aunt’s house when I was two.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

RP: Pollo guisado; it’s a Puerto Rican-style chicken stew.

INVITES YOU AND A GUEST TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING

KW: The Mike Pittman question: What was your best career decision?

RP: To go to college.

KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?

RP: “White Girls” by Hilton Als. Blown away!

KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What was the last song you listened to?

RP: To be honest, “Drunk in Love” by Beyonce’.

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be?

RP: That my husband [Erik Haze] and I will be in premium health until we take our last breaths, so that we could enjoy every single second of our lives together.

KW: The Jamie Foxx question: If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend the time?

RP: With my husband and my family. It wouldn’t matter what we were doing. We’d probably be telling each other how much we appreciate each other while watching boxing

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The Afro-American, July 19, 2014 - July 25, 2014

‘Gun Hill’ a Twisting, Slick Story of Salvation

By Andrea “Aunni” Young Special to the AFRO Director Reggie Rock Bythewood’s Gun Hill, a BET Network Premiere, is seat-riveting and slick.

The film features the sexy and iconic actor Larenz Tate in three roles: as the accidentally dead Trane; as Trane’s bad boy convict and identical twin brother Bird; and as Trane’s police undercover alter ego, the drug boss Giant. Tate unleashes Bird’s inner street demon, as he assumes his late brother’s identity and becomes the undercover drug boss he always wanted to be. Meanwhile, he pursues relationships with loved ones while unexpectedly having to battle demons he hoped he left behind in jail.

Tate’s character Bird, based upon the renowned “evolved” Black Panther Jamal Joseph, shows off the historic AfricanAmerican slave fighting style and martial art called “52 Blocks.” Joseph, a professor at Columbia University, and Bythewood believe “a man must find a way to live with honor or find a way to die.” Now airing on BET, Gun Hill points to an even brighter future for acclaimed writer and director Bythewood, whose writing credits include Notorious (2009), Biker Boyz (2003), “New York Undercover” (1994-1997) and Get on the Bus (1996). fter serving 12 years in prison, Bird dumps his twin brother Trane’s body in a river and takes over his undercover role while working to keep the world from finding out what

really happened that fateful night he and Trane were reunited.

Smooth explanations buy Bird time and a new life as he carefully covers his tracks each time he is challenged. Trane’s lover and protector District Attorney Andrea Logan (Tawny Cypress), his mentally-ill mother Marva Stevens (Phyllis Yvonne Stickney), and long-time partner Danny Raden (Michael Aronov) can see a more gritty, tough, street-smart guy seems to have stepped into Trane’s shoes, but his identical looks keep them from truly knowing.

Now pretending to be his twin brother, Bird works as a covert cop under the identity of drug boss Giant. He faces off with the fierce Arlene Carter, a Queens drug lord played by Aisha Hinds, as he takes over her meth territory and enters into a partnership with an underground militia, the Founding Patriots. Unbeknownst to police and Arlene, Bird, posing as the dead Trane, sees there is more than meth deals at stake in the Black community of New York, leading to a successful sting operation against the Founding Patriots who want to incite war against the federal government.

This twisted story of salvation gives Bird a chance to live a “good” life as Trane, the “golden child” their mother and father loved, a man his baby mama Janelle (Emayatzy Corinealdi) respects, and his own 11-year old son Dante, played by director Bythewood’s son Cassius Bythewood, admires.

Ayoung@afro.com @OfficialAunni

bet.com

“Gun Hill” premiered July 2

Author’s Corner Eleanor M. Richardson Title: Silent Cry Penn name: N.O. (None Other) Release date: April 10 Eleanor Richardson is a native Baltimorean who planted a seed to write her first book some time ago. It continued to grow until it developed into a manuscript.

The idea was not cultivated until 2012. She’s earned a master’s in psychology at Coppin State University and a doctorate in Nouthetic Counseling in May 2000.

What was the impetus for writing this book?

It was initiated when I expressed to a dear late cousin who was like a younger sister, and my sibling, Inez, that one day I would write a book about the fast balls and curves that life threw their way, but yet they stood fast and faced life on life’s terms.

The overall theme?

Romance, humor and sadness.

Which character most excites you?

All my characters excite me, but if I must choose,

it would be Raye. There is so much that can be shared about her. She is talented, inquisitive, sexual and adventurous. Her character will hold the reader’s interest and make them anticipate what she will do next.

Who is the book written for?

Silent Cry is written for everyone over 18.

What do you want your readers to learn?

I would hope they realize that life events are not always what one may hope for or expect. There will be good days and others not so good,

but there is usually sun shine after the rain. Positive thinking will carry you the distance.

What surprised you about the writing process?

My intension was to write a non-fiction novel, but I was surprised to find that during the development of Silent Cry, I ventured outside the box. This was interesting for me because it allowed me the opportunity to explore and have freedom to be creative.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Follow your first mind. If you feel that this is something you want to do, then do it. Stick to your belief, be consistent and never convince yourself you cannot see it through. There will be those who will not extend a helping hand, but do not let it get you down because when one door closes, another opens.

Continue to be dedicated to your project and remain determined. Remember, if you do not know where you are going, you will never arrive.

July 19, 2014 - July 25, 2014, The Afro-American

B5

SPORTS

AFRO Sports Desk Faceoff

How Far Will the Cavaliers Go Next Season with LeBron?

I know Dion Waiters is no comparison to King James skill-wise, but there may be a connection ego-wise. Waiters wanted the ball in his hands just as much as Irving did last season, which may have caused friction between the two top draft picks. Irving won that battle, because he got his $90 million deal with

By Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley AFRO Sports Writers The Cleveland Cavaliers might be enjoying the best offseason ever. The Cavs making the top pick in this month’s draft, and signing LeBron James, the biggest free agent in NBA history, capped a stellar three weeks.

The rumor mill still has Cleveland preparing to make a run at Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love, so the celebration may not be over.

However, LeBron James is safe and secure in the confines of Ohio and the Cavaliers are back on the map. Armed with James, three current No. 1 picks that the team has drafted over the last four seasons and a roster full of tradeable assets, Cleveland may be on the cusp of a return to the NBA’s elite. But even in a scattered and depleted East, how far can the Cavaliers go next year? Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley of the AFRO Sports Desk debate the question.

Riley: Who’s better than the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA’s Eastern Conference right now? Love rumors are swirling, but honestly they could keep their team as-is, start a slew of youngsters with James leading the pack, and still win 50-plus games.

James is that good and the younger talent on the roster is that good as well. Kyrie Irving has shown his mettle and players like Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters

ball in their hands to operate.

So who will it be?

Riley: But first, I want a definitive answer to my question: who’s better than Cleveland next season?

Green: It all depends on how the rest of free agency turns out. Carmelo is heading

“James’ departure for Cleveland shifts the control that the Heat held for the last four seasons.”

–Riley

LeBron James is safe and secure in the confines of Ohio and the Cavaliers are back on the map. have proved they can play.

Miami and Indiana held a stranglehold over the East for the last few years but the Pacers’ implosion at the end of the season was extremely disturbing and James’ departure for Cleveland shifts the control that the Heat held for the last four seasons.

Chicago may look to return to form if Derrick Rose nurses himself back to health, but the pieces are already in place for Cleveland to make a huge leap next season. They’ll be

in the Eastern Conference Finals next season and a trip to the NBA Finals is definitely within reach.

Green: Unless they get Love, I can’t pencil this Cavaliers team into any type of Finals with so much youth on the team. I’m not completely sold on Kyrie and LeBron meshing well together. How will Irving react to James’ arrival after he butted heads at times last season with Waiters?

the Cavs while Waiters has had to deal with trade rumors all offseason. Irving will now have to share the ball with the same man he was drafted two years ago to replace. Call me crazy, but I don’t think it’s a reach to believe he won’t be willing to take a backseat to the king. This is the same kid who told the great Kobe Bryant during a Team USA practice for the 2012 Summer Olympics that he would kick his a** in one-on-one. He even put his money where his mouth is and agreed to a $50,000 bet over the game.

In Kyrie’s mind, he is the best player in the NBA, not LeBron. They both need the

back to New York and Phil Jackson already has that roster looking better than last year with the additions of Jose Calderon at point guard and the drafting of swingman Cleanthony Early. Bosh resigned to Miami and they are now working on resigning Dwyane Wade. Chicago will still be a factor, especially if Rose can return to his MVP form, and there’s still Indiana, who challenged Miami in the Eastern Conference the last two seasons.

Riley: All these possibilities and potentials, but I really just want a straight answer to my question. The

intrigue with this club will be extreme and players are going to want to come to Cleveland for a change. James’ pair of titles justifies his greatness and the surrounding talent makes it a no-brainer for veterans trying to hang on for a season or two for a good run. I sincerely hope they keep last June’s top pick, Andrew Wiggins, because no one would run a scarier break than the trio of Irving, Wiggins and James.

It’s going to be Lob City in Cleveland next year on the way to a deep playoff run.

Green: I see it didn’t take long for you to buy into the hype, Riley. I’m not sold, though. I think the best place for LeBron to win was in Miami. The Heat would have undoubtedly returned to the Finals for a fifth straight time had LeBron honored his commitment to the Miami fan base and stayed. But the idea of LeBron changing his mind and quitting on goals is old news now. Instead, the focus is on whether he can actually win one for the franchise he rudely abandoned four years ago. I don’t know if he can get it done eventually, but I do know for sure that if he does, it won’t be next season.

her older sister by ten months.

John and Maddie were seriously building their skills on the basketball court. While Jordan was competitive in the sports arena, she was also busy shooting down allergies like Annie Oakley shooting clay targets.

As time passed, all three made their grade level basketball teams. Unfortunately for Mrs. L and me, the games were all on the same day and in different locations. My wife persevered, but I gave up. I made attempts to attend the important games and I was entertained. I witnessed John crashing the boards and sinking a few 15 footers. Jordan got to the point where in one game she made all the points for her team. And a team from Baltimore came to town and Maddie was assigned to guard a girl the size of the Great Wall. David (her Dad) was yelling, “Check her tight, check her tight!” I had to remind David that Maddie couldn’t see over her, couldn’t see around her, and if she got any closer, 911 may have to become involved.

At ages 10 and 11 there is a measure of maturity among the kids. Each is playing two sports. John has baseball as a second sport.

Maddie is swimming as a second sport. And, oh yeah, remember the kid who probably wouldn’t walk? Well, she is running track. I attended her last meet, and she participated in the shot put, 100-meter dash, 100-meter hurdles, 400-meter race and medaled in each.

Aside from the fact that I have this opportunity to poke out my chest over the accomplishments of the little girl I once called, “Mouse,” I think this is a good opportunity to remind us all that determination and prayer can help us overcome most difficulties.

‘This One’s for Me’ I am fortunate enough to have a reader I inherited from Sam Lacy as a fan. I listen to his critiques, and let them serve as a guideline for my subject matter. My recent question to him was, “Am I doing too much straying from ‘He made a Difference,’ and to my joy, he explained that as long as the content is entertaining, I can’t go wrong. That was good news, because I am about to stray again.

There is a 10-year-old little girl, Jordan Marie, who warrants a mention in this space.

Jordan was born premature along with her twin, John. Health problems beset both the infants, but John was able to overcome his health challenges enough to go home after a short stint in the hospital. However, the world greeted Jordan with connecting tubes and a daily routine of doctors and nurses hovering over her just to maintain a connection with life. After six months, Jordan was released from the hospital. Along with this good news came the bad news. Jordan would be forever challenged. If she ever walked, it would be with difficulty. The prospect of her running was out of the question. She would face challenges in speech and mobility and to top things off; she would be beset with allergies.

My fondest memories are the days she would come to me and hold up her arms and say, “Up!” Or, to hear her say, “I want to sit on your lap!” She was two years old at the time and what was most noticeable was the fact that there was no mobility problem.

On a daily basis I would watch Jordan playing with twin brother John and Maddie,

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TYPESET: Wed Jul 16 15:08:57 EDT 2014 INVITATION FOR BIDS TOWN OF NEW WINDSOR WASTE WATER PUMPING STATION REPLACEMENT NEW WINDSOR, MARYLAND Sealed bids to furnish all materials, labor, tools and equipment necessary for the construction of Coe Drive and Main Street Waste Water Pumping Station replacements will be received from qualified bidders on or before August 22, 2014 at 2:00 PM, Local Time, by the Town of New Windsor at the Town Hall, 211 High Street, New Windsor, Maryland 21776 at which time and place, each bid will be publicly opened and read aloud.

This project generally consists of the replacement of two (2) existing ejector lift stations with new suction lift pump stations. New pump station installations will include new pump and control equipment, equipment enclosures, paving, fencing, and other related site improvements.

The Contract Documents may be examined at the following location(s):New Windsor Town Hall at 211 High Street, New Windsor, MD or at the Engineer’s Office at ARRO Consulting, Inc., 1101 Opal Court, Suite 312, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Copies of the Contract Documents may be obtained at the Issuing Office, ARRO Consulting, Inc., 1101 Opal Court, Suite 312, Hagerstown, MD 21740 upon payment of $50.00 for each set.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at the New Windsor Community Room, 1100 Green Valley Road (Route 75), New Windsor, MD 21776 on July 29, 2014 at 10:00 AM. All contractor questions are due in writing by no later than August 6, 2014.

The Town of New Windsor reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities.

TOWN OF NEW WINDSOR FRANKLIN G. SCHAEFFER TOWN MANAGER

ORDER FOR NOTICE BY PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to officially change the name of the petitioner from Kevin D’Wayne Parker to Ka’Leef Shai’me Navvaro It is this 30th day of June, 2014 by the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, ORDERED, that publication be given one time in a newspaper of general circulation in Baltimore City on or before the 30th day of July, 2014, which shall warn all interested persons to file an affidavit in opposition to the relief requested on or before the 15 day of August, 2014.

Frank M. Conaway Clerk 07/18/14

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The Afro-American, July 19, 2014 - July 25, 2014

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July 19, 2014 - July 25, 2014 The Afro-American TYPESET: Wed Jul 16 15:06:53 EDT 2014

LEGAL NOTICES

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 14803Department of Finance, Treasury Management Interior Renovation will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 20, 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, July 18, 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 E13002Over Three Stories 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: Abel Wolman Municipal Building, 200 Holliday Street, 1st Floor, Room 7, Baltimore, MD 21202 on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. Principal Items of work for this project are: 1. Interior Demolition 2. Walls, Ceilings 3. Flooring 4. Doors and Windows 5. Plumbing 6. Electrical 7. Mechanical The MBE goal is 27% The WBE goal is 10% CONTRACT NO. GS 14803

CAREER CORNER

TYPESET: Wed Jul 16 15:18:52 EDT 2014

ADMINISTRATIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE CARROLL COMMUNITY COLLEGE has a full-time, 12-month position as an Administrative Associate - Public Safety and Security.

Additional information may be obtained at www.carrollcc.edu.

TYPESET: Wed Jul 16 15:18:20 EDT 2014 EOE/M/F

Philly Serves as Backdrop for Tale of Romance and Redemption

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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Development Officer II Energy Quality Assurance Officer (EQAO) Recruitment#: 14-004381-002 Filing Deadline: August 7 , 2014 11:59 pm Salary: $40,547-$64,536 annually Work that matters. DHCD is a national leader in community development and affordable housing. The EQAO will be responsible for providing technical support and assistance to the Housing and Building Energy Programs, conducting lead paint inspections as needed. Please visit www.jobaps.com/md to view the minimum qualifications, read a more detailed description and to submit an online application. EOE

APPROVED: Bernice H. Taylor Clerk, Board of Estimates APPROVED: Steve Sharkey Director, Department of TYPESET: Wed Jul 16 15:07:13 EDT 2014 General Services Water Contract 1173 - Guilford Finished Water Reservoir Improvements - City of Baltimore, Maryland Preload, Inc. is seeking quotations from MBE and WBE subcontractors and suppliers, certified by the City of Baltimore’ s Minority and Women’s Business Opportunity Office, as well as all qualified subcontractor’s and suppliers, on the City’s Water Contract 1173, Guilford Finished Water Reservoir Improvements. Preload, Inc. respectfully requests that quotations be submitted no later than 1:00 PM on July 22, 2014 by e-mailing to: jd@ preloadinc.com, or faxing to: (631) 231-8888.

The Contract Documents may be examined, without charge, at the Department of Public Works Service Center located on the first floor of the Able Wolman Municipal Building, 200 N. Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $150.00, or be viewed, without charge, by contacting Preload, Inc. by e-mailing to: jd@ preloadinc.com, or faxing to: (631) 231-8888.

Items for which quotations are being sought include the following: temporary facilities; stone work; demolition; excavation and backfill; soils stabilization; piping; vaults; pile foundations; paving; fencing; signage; landscaping; electrical and instrumentation; trucking; concrete material; concrete placement and finishing; reinforcement material; reinforcement installation; construction equipment; construction materials.

It is the policy of the City of Baltimore to promote equal business opportunity in the City’s contracting process by encouraging full and equitable participation by minority and women’s business enterprises in the provision of goods and services to the City on a contractual basis. It is the intent of Preload, Inc. to fully adhere to this policy of the City of Baltimore.

Preload, Inc. ensures that all employees are provided with equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, physical disability or protected veteran status.

Preload, is an TYPESET:Inc. Wed Jul Affirmative 16 15:08:06Action/EOE/Minorities/Females/Disabled/ EDT 2014 Veterans.

City of Baltimore Department of Finance Bureau of Purchases

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Sealed proposals addressed to the Board of Estimates of Baltimore, will be received until, but not later than 11:00 a.m. local time on the following date(s) for the stated requirements: JULY 30, 2014 *CITY OF BALTIMORE AUTOMATIC VEHICLE LOCATION SYSTEM B50003586 *HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES O.E.M. PARTS & SERVICE B50003606

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Film Review by Kam Williams

Chris (Spank Horton) is a man with serious anger management issues. After getting fired for losing his temper on the job yet again, he makes his way to Rittenhouse Square where things quickly go from bad to worse. First, he proceeds to harass passersby ranging from a homeless panhandler to a guy handing out flyers to a deejay party.

He even upsets a little girl who approaches him for an autograph because she remembers his face from his appearance as a defendant in court on Judge Joe Brown’s TV show. All these scenes in the public park transpire in front of his girlfriend Sharon (Xavia Omega) just before he gets down on one knee to propose to her with an engagement ring purchased on layaway.

She rejects the rock out of a sincere concern about her beau’s becoming enraged at the drop of a hat. Then, she breaks off the relationship entirely, saying she’s willing to reconsider marriage only after he proves his sanity by going a whole month straight without throwing a tantrum.

Chris grudgingly agrees, but refuses to see a shrink because “I’m not crazy.” But what he didn’t bank on was Sharon’s testing his composure by entertaining the overtures of Tyson (Tyrone Miller), a dude she used to date back in college.

Will Chris be able to contain himself for 30 days? That is the question at the heart of Sucka 4 Luv, the third feature-length offering from Patrick Pierre (The City Is Mine). The movie represents a bit of a departure for the Haitian-American writer/ director in terms of both setting (Philly as opposed to his adopted hometown of Trenton) and genre (lighthearted comedy as opposed to gritty urban drama).

Here, with the help of a talented cast and crew, he successfully made a compelling, character-driven tale of romance and redemption on a modest budget. Accolades are especially in order for Spank Horton and Xavia Omega for carrying the production playing a couple of colorful lead characters who manage to generate oodles of screen chemistry.

A rollicking romp providing proof positive that love, I mean luv, conquers all, even a hot head with a very short fuse!

Very Good (3 stars) Unrated Running time: 84 minutes Distributor: Pierre Films To see a trailer for Sucka 4 Luv, visit: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=Wq1Pxum3NB1.

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The Afro-American, July 19, 2014 - July 25, 2014

Hip Hop Corner A Challenge for the Hip Hop Generation

By Jineea Butler NNPA Columnist Lately, Hip Hop news has been fueled with beef and rants of all kinds. Meek Mill is beefing with Wale because Wale wasn’t supporting Mill’s current project enough on social media, Dame Dash is blaming Lyor Cohen for the downfall of Rocafella Records; Lil Wayne thanks the world for supporting his bull. Chris Brown and Drake are in the studio together and Lebron James shocked the world with a return to Cleveland.

Wow! Where is the substance? When are we going to demand something more from those that represent us on a grand stage?

Is their job just to entertain us through the struggle and our role is to watch them fight over our attention to keep them relevant and paid in full? Are we really living in the Matrix?

When I see people constantly plugged into some form of social media pretending to be whoever they want to be and finding happiness behind a desktop, laptop or handheld device, I realize fantasy sells more than truth. Is that by design? Or, are we attracted to our own BS? Are we in fear of being accountable for our actions or successful for our relentless pursuits? Sometimes it feels like that. In our society, it seems like everyone is trying to set each other up for failure.

With shows like “Big Brother,� “Survivor� and other reality programs that promote deception in the form of friendship how can we be getting better?

People of color are projected to become the majority in the U.S. by 2050, if not sooner. What will that world look like? If we can’t depend on the music and global messages to navigate

us to victory, how do we insure we are preparing our children to compete in this society in generations to come?

Other ethnic groups have entered America and based their ascension off what we have endured in this country and they are winning. Why is it that we can’t put a plan in place that ensures the preservation, economic development and success of our culture? Are selfish people with ruthless egos and agendas to blame? Look at the Mexican children running for the borders of America hoping they can get a glimpse at the opportunity to be an American citizen. Their parents and families are praying that once they get caught they will be granted citizenship into a country that can make their dreams come true. Are our children even dreaming? Do you think they would be willing to take a chance to escape the poverty stricken arrangements they are stuck in?

I look into the eyes of our children and many are copping out on us. They are purposely rebelling against the world that has been presented to them. They feel that they do not need to subscribe to a system of illusions when they can deal with the real hard core facts. A tattoo on their face, neck, and/or hand proves they are not considering going to work on Wall Street. The harsh reality is that it is not their fault that they are not prepared. I doubt they even know the millions of career options available for them to pursue. Why is that? Is it because we allow nonsense-driven content to monopolize our time and our children’s minds? Our civil rights fight included and needed the athletes, actors and musicians to use their voice to publicize the struggle. Why is it any different today?

By 2020, the Department of Energy’s goal is to have 1 million new STEM graduates and 100,000 new teachers in

STEM education. We need to immediately begin preparing our children by removing the barriers to success.

Our children have to upgrade their math and writing skills as well as stay out of the criminal justice system to reap the Jineea Butler benefits of these great paying jobs that will require as little as a two year degree to make over $50,000 a year.

For the sake of Hip Hop, I believe we have all continued to support the lifestyle in one form or another knowing the direction has been tainted. For those of us who have fought so hard for Hip Hop, it’s hard to turn around and fight against it.

But part of our responsibility is to admit when we are wrong.

Words have transcending power and we can not ignore the effects this has had on our children and our culture as a whole.

All we have to do is pledge to use our power to influence success in areas where it is needed. Why limit ourselves to negative images and tough talk, when we can expand our reach and be change agents?

Jineea Butler, founder of the Social Services of Hip Hop and the Hip Hop Union is a Hip Hop analyst who investigates the trends and behaviors of the community and delivers programming that solves the Hip Hop dilemma. She can be reached at jineea@gmail.com or Tweet her at @flygirlladyjay

HBCU NEWS Bill Cosby to Perform Benefit Concert for Lincoln U

Bill Cosby

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Comedian, actor and philanthropist Dr. William “Bill� Cosby, Jr. will be performing live in concert to benefit The Lincoln University’s first-ever $10 million The Students First Campaign for student scholarships on Saturday, July 19 at its International Cultural Center.

Over the past year, Cosby, who also serves as General Chair of The Students First Campaign, has encouraged financial support from corporations, foundations, churches and the general public, as well as The Lincoln University alumni, faculty and staff for the endowment campaign for merit and need-based scholarship support.

The event, which also features a performance

by The Ray Gaskins Band, begins at 6:30 p.m., immediately following The Lincoln University Annual Alumni Picnic.

Tickets are $10. However, additional contributions are encouraged, as all proceeds benefit The Students First Campaign.

For more information, call 484-365-7440.