July 5, 2014 - July 5, 2014, The Afro-American A1 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EDITION
Volume 123 No. 8
SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 - OCTOBER 3, 2014
Gov. Martin O’Malley Honored by the Congressional Black Caucus
Legendary Activist Says Seniors Must Be Valued By Derek Braxton Special to the AFRO
Toni Killings, a living legend who worked closely with Malcolm X for racial justice, is now focusing on maintaining a sense of value as a senior. Killings, a Bowie resident, continues to inspire many with her willingness to remain active in the community. Throughout her life, Killings has been committed to several causes including community organization and the education of Black youth. Having designed the “Special Higher Education Program” as its director, she placed
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and financed more than three thousand Black students nationwide into colleges and universities. According to Killings, she can still serve her community as a senior. Killings recently celebrated her 80th birthday. “At eighty, I can teach in a different fashion,” says Killings, “I share my experiences with young people because a lot of them are unaware of the contributions many elders have made which benefit them.” Killings explained that she sees herself as a griot, an elder who can pass down knowledge to younger people.
people’s lives these days,” Killings, who says she feels a strong sense of purpose as a senior, said. “Seniors are not considered important, so it is hard for them to maintain a sense of value.” Currently retired, Killings has plans to start her own business ventures. “I want to provide clothing for children in rural areas of Maryland, I want to teach people about nutrition as well as help seniors become more active.” Killings, has lead an active life, working with several organizations, including one with Ella Collins, the sister of the late Malcolm X, and the Organization of Afro
“Seniors are not considered important, so it is hard for them to maintain a sense of value.” – Toni Killings “Many of our youth lack self direction because they are so focused on surviving; so many things are pulling at
American Unity (OAAU). She does not plan on slowing down. Retired educator and
By AFRO Staff
Photo courtesy of Toni Killings
Toni Killings was a prominent activist for social change in the 1970s. Laurel, Md. resident the Rev. Dr. Marie Phillips Braxton is a local “young” senior and minister inspired by Killings. “Toni Killings is inspiring to me because, similar to her, I feel that I have a lot to offer as a senior,” Braxton said. Arla Scott, director of Taratibu Youth Association, an organization involved in community outreach and performing arts for youth, describes Killings as “uplifting.” Scott, who has known her Continued on A3
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation honored Gov. Martin O’Malley Sept. 24 during their “Leaders of Democracy” luncheon. Hosted on the site of the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial in D.C., the event was part of the Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. During the event, the Foundation honored exceptional business, civic, and elected leaders for their work to positively impact public policy, commerce, and their community through service and activism. The Foundation honored O’Malley for his leadership and Continued on A3
The AFRO Announces Expanded Social Media News Service Coverage of Congressional Black Caucus Events One of the oldest and most prestigious minority newspapers companies in the nation, the AFRO American Newspapers Company, has made a move to further increase its social media influence within the African-American market. The AFRO American Newspapers Company announced that it has retained Global Social Media News Service to assist in providing “real time” social media coverage of the 44th Annual Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Legislative Conference, Sept. 24-27, in Washington, D.C.
Global Social Media News Service, a Washington, D.C. based company, will provide a cadre of dedicated social media news reporters to supplement and assist the AFRO’s news team in covering the extensive number of legislative and social CBC events that take place during the four-day CBC conference period. Such coverage will span the CBC conference’s opening press briefing Continued on A4
See a full schedule of CBC Conference events on A4.
One Year Later: Remembering the Victims of the Navy Yard Tragedy By Linda Poulson Special to the AFRO The community, government officials, business leaders, and sponsors paid homage to those who died at the Navy Yard compound Sept. 16, 2013 in Southeast D.C.’s Canal Park. “You shared what it means to be a community and we thank you,” Vice Adm. William Hilarides, commander of Naval Sea Systems Command. “Today is a day of remembrance.” After he read from a list of victims, he said, “Gatherings like this keep
“Today is a day of remembrance.” – William Hilarides their memories alive.” The event was held approximately one year after Aaron Alexis killed 12 people and injured three. “This is a tragic thing to happen; you want to remember like 9/11. This should happen year after year,” Detroit, Mich. native Seaman Jason Davis, a color guard at the ceremony, said. U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) named those the fifth district residents killed and said, “We gather in remembrance today of 12 lives taken from our communities, and from our country on Sept. 16, 2013 at 8:20 a.m. – 12 years and five days since 9/11.” “We remember them as we also recall the heroism of the first responders who answered the call that day to end the
Continued on A4
The health and fitness event included yoga and zumba activities.
Courtesy Photo
X Generation Inspired to Get Up and Move By Tiffany L. Johnson Special to the AFRO It is common to see people around you with some sort of electronic gadget at hand. In this high tech society smart phones, iPads, and video games have overshadowed physical exercise. According to first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move website, nearly 40 percent of African-Americans and Hispanics are considered obese or overweight. Issues like obesity or the lack of awareness about proper nutrition are impacting young AfricanAmerican girls between the ages of 11 and 17 according to Shantelle Dockett, founder of The Society for Girls. Dockett said the current generation will die before their parents because of the lack of exercise and proper nutrition. “We looked at some of statistics around young girls, and young children in
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general from 11 to 17, and realized that a lot of them were overweight and were unhealthy,” Dockett said. The Society for Girls, a non-profit organization designed to help young AfricanAmerican girls reach their full potential. The group is comprised of 25 volunteers who travel throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. to educate and empower young AfricanAmerican girls to make a positive impact in society and themselves. “The society was started five years ago. All of my friends were young professionals and we just wanted to do something to give back to minority women and girls,” Dockett said. She said she started by using a How to start a Nonprofit for Dummies book. “I went through every checklist on that, and it just so happens that it kept growing and growing.” The group hosted a health and fitness Continued on A3