Democrats and Republicans are both pointing fingers saying the shutdown is the other party s fault The government shutdown means that money has stopped flowing, and there is no continuing resolution to continue the funding for the government
See Government Shutdown, p 6
Obama fills the leadership void in a fading Democratic Party
By Stacy M Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
Former President Barack Obama has stepped back into the political arena delivering some of his sharpest critiques yet of President Donald Trump as the Democratic Party struggles through one of its weakest moments in modern history With the party’s leadership approval at historic lows and its ties to Black-owned media nearly nonexistent, Obama s renewed visibility has exposed both the vacuum and the disillusionment threatening to fracture the Democratic coalition
See Obama, p 6
Minority-Owned Businesses shut out as loan denials soar
By Stacy M Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
The doors of opportunity remain locked for too many A new LendingTree analysis reveals that Black-owned businesses faced the highest rejection rate for financing in 2024, with 39% denied loans, lines of credit, or merchant cash advances Hispanic-owned businesses followed at 29% By contrast just 18% of white-owned businesses were turned away
See Loan Denials Soar, p 6
Jane Goodall, iconic wildlife conservationist, has died at age 91
By N’dea Yancey Bragg and Kieth Matheny, USA Today
Legendary chimpanzee researcher Jane Goodall has died the conservation organization she founded announced on Oct 1
Goodall 91 died due to natural causes while she was in California on a crosscountry speaking tour, according to The Jane Goodall Institute "Dr Goodall s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world " the institute said in a statement on social media
See Jane Goodall, p 6
Lt. Col. George Hardy, Tuskegee Airman and Patriot, dies at 100
By Stacy M Brown
Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy Tuskegee Airman Photo taken at the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh Wisconsin July 24, 2019 (WikimeLLieutenant Colonel George E Hardy, one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen to fly combat missions during World War II, has died in Sarasota, Florida He was 100 years old
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
Hardy was born in Philadelphia on June 8, 1925 He entered the U S Army Air Corps at 18 and graduated as a pilot at 19, becoming the youngest Red Tail fighter pilot of the 332nd Fighter Group Stationed at Ramitelli Air Base in Italy he flew 21 missions across Europe
See Tuskegee Airman, p 6
State Audit char ges Sherif f Joe Benison with $4.96 million in expenses with inadequate or no suppor ting documentation, mostl y fr om Bingo Fund
The Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, the state’s auditors did a review of the financial records of Sheriff Joe Benison for the 5 year and seven month period of October 1, 2018 to April 30 2024 which found numerous problems in record keeping and inadequate or no supporting documentation to back up disbursements mostly from the Bingo Fund of close to 5 million dollars
Rachel Laurie Riddle, Chief Examiner for the State of Alabama held a hearing on the 12th of September to review the report and relieved the Office of the Sheriff of Greene County of $370 383 08 of expenses for which he provided documentation, out of $5 3 million, he was charged with, in the original report This left $4,966,427 69 which the Sheriff has failed to show just cause why the remaining charges should not be paid therefore relief from these charges are denied, a quote from the Chief Examiners Order
The Chief Examiner referred her report to the local district attorney, Rachel England of the 17th Judicial District (Greene Sumter and Marengo counties) and to The State Attorney General for any legal charges to be filed
ANSC schedules Fall Member ship Convention
The Alabama New South Coalition s 41st Fall Membership Convention will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
at Wallace Community College, 3000 Earl Goodwin Pkwy Selma AL in the Hank Sanders Technology Center The convention is open to the public, registration fee is $50 which includes lunch For more information contact ANSC State Coordinator, Ms Shelley Fearson at 334-262-0932 or email: alabamanewsouth@aol com
against Sheriff Joe Benison for his actions
This 2024 audit report also references prior audits in 2014 and 2018 of the sheriff s Office, which had some of the same general findings which have not been corrected but the largest problems are with the Bingo Fund, which the Sheriff used to receive payments from licensed bingo parlor charities and disburse them to community agencies, for the benefit of people in Greene County The 2024 audit examined a dozen funds administered by the Sheriff ’s office, including General Office Account Municipal Inmate Feeding Account Sheriff s Law Enforcement Fund, Sheriff ’s Jail Store Fund Prisoners’ Money on Deposit Fund Sheriff ’s Jail Law Enforcement Fund, Junior Deputies Fund, Equitable Sharing Fund,
Car avan Notice
The Save Ourselves Movement for Justice and Democracy (SOS) has postponed the “We Care Caravan” from Selma to Marion to Eutaw from this Friday October 10, 2025, to Saturday November 8, 2025, to gather more support for the project The rally at the William M Branch Courthouse in Eutaw, set for Friday October 10 2024 has similarly been postponed
The SOS will still be co-sponsoring with many other groups a “No Kings Rally - Against Trump s Plans, Policies and Budget scheduled for Saturday, October 18 2025 in Selma Alabama at 2:00 PM at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge –Selma side, intersection of Broad Street (US Hwy 80) and Water Street This No Kings Rally is part of a national protest against Trump at more than 2000 locations across the country involving millions of people
On Monday Oct 6 at the request of the Forkland Police Department, Special Agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) launched a homicide investigation following a reported shooting at a local convenience store
The victim was identified as Boris Moody, 31, of Forkland Moody was found at a business located near the 13000 Block of US-43 in Forkland, within Greene County with multiple gunshot wounds Jamal Lee, 28, of Demopolis, was identified as the suspect Lee was officially charged with murder and
placed into the Greene County jail Additional charges are pending Nothing further is available as the investigation remains ongoing Once complete, the findings will be turned over to the Greene County District Attorney s Office
The Eutaw Police Department reported no arrests and the following incidents
10/3 - Mia Jordan reported theft of property 3rd degree
The Greene County Sheriff Department reported the following arrests 9/30 - Jeffery Moore 50 of Forkland, AL, was arrested for failure to appear on theft of property 4th degree
9/30 - Tony Cherry Jr 32, of Boligee, AL, was arrested on the charges of theft of property 2nd degree and criminal mischief 3rd degree He was released on $10,000 bond for theft of property 2nd degree and $500 bond for criminal mischief 3rd degree 9/30 - Wesley McNeil, 23, of Demopolis, AL, was arrested on the charge of assault 1st degree He
was released on a bond of $25,000
The Greene County Sheriff Department reported the following incidents 9/28 - Anitra Winn reported criminal mischief 3rd degree 10/2 - Carmelita Sanford reported an incident 10/6 - Christopher Alvis, of MSE Building Company reported theft of property 1st degree Items stolen are tools and equipment from the worksite storage unit valued over $14 000 10/6 - Haywood Linton reported assault 2nd degree
Former President Barack Obama
Jane Woodall with chimps
Dollar General Store on Hwy 43 in Forkland, AL
Tribute to Felecia Lucky
First CEO/President of the Black Belt Community Foundation Serving for 21 Years
I Don’t Want Her To Go
She knows I taught her much And now she can teach me more I was the guide that lifted her And now she’s the leader for sure She ruffles my feathers sometimes But I don’t want her to go
She raised lots of funds And paid the staff well But I pushed her for resources
To build the communities’ till She ruffles my feathers sometimes But I don’t want her to go
When she knows she’s out of favor
And I can’t let her plan be
She tilts her head and reminds me
You know I’m still your FeFe She ruffles my feathers sometimes But I don’t want her to go
Her commitment is deep Her love for the Black Belt is true
She will always work hard
Giving her best for me and you She ruffles my feathers sometimes But I don’t want her to go
FeFe is loving and giving She has a beauty inside and out She is at home in the kitchen And fits wherever people are about She rattles my feathers sometimes But I don’t want her to go
She has left her mark on a strong institution Inspiring people and assets and visions to grow Our Foundation is strong and will surely endure For we are the builders and caregivers for all to know She may always rattle my feathers But we will never let her go
Carol Prejean Zippert
The Greene County Board Of Education will meet in a SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on Monday, October 13, 2025 @ 4:30 p.m. in the Central Office Auditorium Agenda Items: Superintendent search and other matters relating to the superintendency of Greene County Schools
ANNOUNCEMENT
MACEDOINA CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF BOLIGEE, AL WILL BE HAVING IT’S ANNUAL LAY DAY PROGRAM ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2025 AT 2:00P.M. SISTER ISOLA LARK FROM MILES CHAPEL C M E CHURCH, REFORM, AL, IS THE GUEST SPEAKER MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH OF BOLIGEE, AL IS THE GUEST CHOIR THE PUBLIC IS INVITED AND DINNER WILL BE SERVED REV JAMES WILSON IS THE PASTOR
October 12- The Greene County Usher s Alliance will host their Annual Usher ’s Day Program at 2:00 p m at Second Baptist Church Rev Kelvin Cockrell of Morning Star Baptist Church Selma,AL is the guest speaker Rev Eugene Foster is church pastor
October 12- Oak Hill C P Church in America coridally invites you to worship with us in our An-
Croom is the guest speaker Rev Kenneth Gilmore is church pastor
Death of a Fat Man A novel by Senator Hank Sanders
Available at The Greene County Democrat $26 plus $4 shipping and handling Contact: The Greene County Democrat
GIANT KILLERS: MORE THAN TWO (2) BILLION DOLLARS FOR CLIENTS
We, Chestnut, Sanders & Sanders, have won more than two (2) Billion – that’s billions not millions - of dollars for our clients We take on the giants – giant insurance companies, giant corporations, giant governments, etc We are the Giant Killers You need the Giant Killers to fight the giants when you have an injury from an auto accident or other harm
Specifically, if you have any of these injuries, call the Giant Killers
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Don’t
Poetry
The Alabama Children’s Policy Council held its annual conference in Montgomery, Alabama September 22-23, 2025 The conference was held at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa in Montgomery,
Alabama Children’s Policy Council advocates and council members from across the State of Alabama were in attendance Attendees received information about programs and resources available
for children and families in Alabama Ten individuals from Greene County attended the conference to learn about ways to improve the lives of children and families Individuals from
Greene Count attending the conference were Judge Lillie Jones-Osborne, Cortnei Hood, Jeremy Rancher, Katie JonesPowell, Mildred Morgan, Mollie Rowe, Mollie Gaines, Jennifer Watkins,
Debra Waiters, and Dotha Williams The Greene County Children’s Policy received a state grant that paid for six individuals to attend the conference with all expenses paid. As we return from the conference, we are more armed with additional information and resources that we can import to our families and the entire Greene County Community
GCHS Football team enjoys meal pr ovided by St. Matthew Watson Chur ch famil y
On Friday, October 4 2025, the Greene County High School Football team and staff were treated to a delicious meal prior to their home game The meal was compliments of St Matthew Watson Missionary Baptist Church, where Rev Chris Spencer is Pastor Church members delivered and served the food which consisted of roast beef, fried chicken, potatoes, rice, green beans, rolls, desserts and more.
“Deacon Calvin Knott noted that the church is just trying to show support for our students Maybe if we continue to provide one meal, other parents and community people will begin to do their part We have got to show our young people we care about them,” he said
Distribution 3x10
Fax:
Gover nment Shutdown could end today with a commitment to pr otect Americans’ access to health car e
By Marc Morial, Presi-
dent and CEO, National Urban League
(TriceEdneyWire com) -
“What is at the center of this fight? 20 million
Americans are going to see their health care costs skyrocket Fifteen million people are going to be jettisoned from Medicaid
They're going to decimate Medicaid This is historic
This has not happened in U S history In addition, your hospitals were shut down Nursing homes shut down, clinics – U S Rep Rosa DeLauro
If the Affordable Care Act s enhanced premium tax credits are allowed to expire premium payments for the more than 20 million Marketplace enrollees will more than double in 2026 At least 4 million Americans could lose health care coverage altogether
If the healthcare cuts in the “Big Ugly Bill” are allowed to stand 700 rural hospitals – one in three –could shut down, and another 15 million Americans could become uninsured Legislation pending in Congress could prevent this catastrophe and end the government shutdown that is devastating families and communities across the country
It’s no wonder the Trump administration and its allies in Congress would rather fear-monger with lies about undocumented immigrants than confront the facts
The fact is as long as the shutdown continues, local communities are losing access to over $60 billion in federal funding, jeopardizing essential services and infrastructure
The fact is that veterans are being denied transition assistance career counseling, and outreach Families
Not your or dinar y Shutdown - Lives at risk
By Julianne Malveaux
(TriceEdneyWire com)
-
The federal government shut down on October 1 and the impasse between Congressional Democrats and Republicans suggest that this may be a long one Already, Speaker Mike Johnson has sent Congress home to do district work”
This may have something to do with the fact that newly elected Democratic Congresswoman Adelita Grijava puts another vote in the Democratic column, but can t vote until she is sworn in Having sent Congress home Grijava is in limbo Johnson says she will only be sworn in when Congress is back in session, and they won’t be back until Democrats vote to reopen government with a clean continuing resolution changing nothing from the current budget
aren’t even able to place headstones at their loved ones’ graves in veterans cemeteries Active-duty military families, many of whom already struggle to make ends meet, are working without pay, making it harder to cover basic living expenses
The extremists in the White House and Congress are willing to deny nutrition assistance to mothers and children who rely on the WIC program to withhold surgeries and treatment from patients at military treatment facilities to delay progress on life-saving research and public health initiatives at the NIH and CDC to disrupt Social Security and Medicare services for seniors and vulnerable populations to jeopardize the health and safety of our workforce while Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspections are ceased And all of this is happening in defense of an crusade to strip health insurance from millions of working-class Americans and leave vast swaths of the country without access to critical care
To be clear: unauthorized immigrants are ineligible to purchase health insurance on government exchanges established by the Affordable Care Act They are ineligible for Medicaid Medicare and the Children’s Health Insurance Program The legislation that could prevent the health care catastrophe and end the government shutdown does not make them eligible for these programs Anyone who claims that it does is not telling the truth
The government shutdown is not simply a conflict between conflicting political ideologies It’s a conflict between fact and falsehood It s a conflict between responsible stewardship of public resources and a reckless grasp of those resources for billionaires We can continue to fuel bitter partisan division while working Americans continue to lose ground to the wealthiest among us, or we can work together toward and equitable stable and healthy future
percent but possibly more in some areas How are people to make rational decision when they do not know how much they can pay Premium tax credits embedded in the Affordable care Act help millions afford health insurance though the Marketplace But these credits are set to expire by the end of 2025 Democrats want to extend the tax credits, and Republicans say they will discuss the issue once government opens Republicans have a record of broken promises Senate Minority Leader Chuck Shumer (NY) supported a Republican move in the spring, and it cost him both progressive support and leverage to manage the health care imbroglio
are more likely than others to be at the bottom of the income distribution, we are most likely to be hard hit And given current economic instability, many families will be imperiled by the hit This is a matter of urgency and one of the reasons Democrats have united around the necessary extension of subsidies for health care Republicans want to waste time and avoid Democrats at the negotiating table They are following the lead of the dystopian orange cult leader holding government operations hostage because they don’t want to fund policies that can saves lives
umented immigrants ” Nothing could be further from the truth Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for ACA subsidies or most federal health coverage except emergency care Meanwhile emergency rooms are closing Where does this leave citizens and legal immigrants, not to mention those undocumented who need emergency care?
Here’s the problem –people will get notices about the cost of their health care sometime between October and early December, during the open enrollment period They will have to make choices about their health plan and affordability – estimates are that costs can rise by as much between 20 and 50
If Congress fails to act before open enrollment begins on November 1, many Americans could suddenly face steeper, perhaps unaffordable premiums or choose to drop coverage entirely worsening health access and market stability And if premiums rise some people won’t be able to pay them There are consequences to denying health care to all According to a Harvard University study, more than 45,000 people lost their lives in 2009 because they did not have health care While that study is dated it provides us with a baseline Health care is a matter of life and death, but Mike Johnson and his Republican cronies don t seem to care
Most low-income households will be hit hard by premium increases and because African Americans
The consequences of this showdown are real and immediate Hospitals particularly in rural and underserved areas already squeezed financially warn of funding shortfalls Some Medicaid programs and payments to providers hang in limbo Even if core functions like Medicare and Medicaid continue (they are mandatory spending” and technically shielded) agencies that administer the ACA marketplaces or support outreach may face disruptions Meanwhile, uncertainty will rattle insurers and consumers, potentially causing premium surges fewer plan options or coverage losses especially in areas where costs were already high Republicans own this shutdown They control both houses of Congress and the executive branch
But they are attempting to shift the narrative by lying that Democrats want to “give health care to undoc-
By Ben Jealous
(TriceEdneyWire com) -
In my house two legacies face each other
On one wall hangs a reproduction of The Spirit of ’76, painted by my cousin
Archibald M Willard for the nation s hundredth
birthday The central drummer in that painting the older man leading the trio was modeled after Archibald’s father my cousin too
The Spirit of ’76 is America’s most famous Revolutionary painting the definitive image of independence, instantly recognizable wherever it appears First displayed at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia it captured the mood of a nation celebrating its hundredth year and looking back on its birth in revolution
For my family, it is not just symbolic
My father descends from six officers in the Massachusetts Line of the Continental Army and from a seventh a 13year-old fifer who fought
at Lexington and Concord
He was the youngest combatant on that battlefield carrying both a fife and a musket into the first fight of the Revolution He lived into his 90s, long enough to be photographed the only person from that battlefield whose face we can still see
That painting is the definitive picture of 1776: a battered but unbroken march for freedom and equality My family is literally in the frame and in the fight
Across the room sits another inheritance: the desk of my mother s greatgreat-grandfather Peter G Morgan born enslaved in Nottoway County Virginia, in 1817
Beside it rests the courting set he bought so his three daughters, once freed, could welcome suitors in dignity
My family isn’t just in the picture of 1776 We live the unfinished fight of 1876
A wager for freedom and equality
In 1864, while Petersburg was under Confederate siege, Morgan walked into a Confederate court and freed his wife and daughters
Virginia law was brutal: any Black person gaining freedom and their family had 12 months to leave the state Fail to leave, and you could be
seized and enslaved again
So Morgan wagered exile or even re-enslavement if Confederate authorities got to them before the Union did Still, he took the risk He bet everything on freedom and equality
He was right on the first count And for a time right on the second
Reconstruction’s promise
After the war, Morgan served in Virginia’s House of Delegates from 1869 to 1871 He sat on Petersburg s city council and school board
He helped build schools relief associations and even a bank He believed that Reconstruction America’s “second founding” could finally make freedom and equality real
But he also lived to see those hopes collapse
The collapse came just after the hopeful celebration of 1876 with the Compromise of 1877 a backroom deal to resolve the contested race between Democrat Samuel Tilden and Republican Rutherford Hayes Republicans kept the White House by giving in to Democratic demands to pull federal troops from the South
With the old Union soldiers gone, white supremacists unleashed murderous violence to retake power
Reconstruction ended not with a bang but a betrayal
Is affordable health care a right and moral obligation or is it an afterthought? Should health care be a political football or a foundation in a humane society? The partisanship around these issues ignores those who need health care but are not in the same party as the oligarchs Shouldn t affordable health care be nonnegotiable? Democrats have drawn a line in the sand, and Republicans have, too They are playing “chicken” with tens of thousands lives This is more than your ordinary shutdown; it s a matter of life and death The longest shutdown ever happened during this President’s first term It lasted thirty-eight days from December 22, 2018, through January 25, 2019, and ever though federal workers got back pay at the end of the shutdown many were forced to work without pay Will their pleas influence Republicans to relent? Or are they content to keep imperiling lives?
Dr Julianne Malveaux is an economist and author based in Washington DC Juliannemalveaux com
and lynch mobs burning human flesh Twin revolutions both unfinished
That is America in a nutshell: twin spirits, twin moments, both unfinished 1776 was for freedom 1876 was for equality Yet neither dream dies The fire passes from Harriet Tubman to Ella Baker From Frederick Douglass to Martin Luther King Jr From Chicago’s Jacqueline Jackson to Chicago’s Michelle Obama And it burns on in young organizers today
The warning is clear: freedom and equality are fragile and gains can be rolled back Today both are under attack again with democracy itself on the line, racial equality undermined, and immigrants targeted with open hostility
The charge is clearer still: if my great-greatgreat-grandfather could bet on freedom and equality in 1864 while Petersburg burned and my father ’s young ancestor could join his father and brothers in arms at Lexington surely we can fight for freedom and equality in our own time
Ben Jealous is a former national president of the NAACP and a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania
Don’t let ‘Phar macy Deser ts’ swallow our communities
By Former Congressman Ed Towns
(TriceEdneyWire com) -
We certainly live in challenging times
Shortly before RFK, Jr ’s hand-picked CDC panel met last week to abandon its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, Senator Adam Schiff publicly asked insurers to cover routine vaccines for illnesses, no matter what the group recommended I applaud Sen Schiff for continually fighting the good fight
Throughout my time in Congress, I was also a lifelong advocate for health equity I spent decades fighting to make healthcare more accessible in underserved communities like the one I represented in Brooklyn It was both an opportunity and a challenge to fight these inequalities
But lately some of our health equity challenges are quietly morphing into crises right before our eyes I’m talking about pharmacy deserts which continue to expand as pharmacies close in our cities and surrounding neighborhoods
Take Sen Schiff s efforts, for instance If pharmacists aren’t around to administer vaccinations insurance coverage of these COVID-19 shots won t matter for the millions of Americans stuck in pharmacy deserts
Pharmacies are closing at an alarming pace Across America: CVS closed 900 stores between 2022 and 2024 and they will close 270 more stores in 2025; Walgreens is shuttering 1,200 stores; and Rite-Aid, which recently filed for bankruptcy closed more than 310 I cannot sit on the sidelines and watch as pharmacies the lifelines of community healthcare vanish before our eyes
These pharmacies are essential institutions that serve as trusted accessible points of care for millions of families with nowhere else to turn Nationwide local drugstores are shutting their doors These aren t just a loss for businesses big and small; they are a loss for entire communities For many, especially in underresourced areas, these pharmacies are where people fill prescriptions get vaccinated manage chronic conditions, and ask health questions they can’t afford to take to a doctor
They’re a pillar of public health
So why is this happening?
One major reason is a coordinated attack by the pharmaceutical industry on the very companies, the socalled middlemen that help keep drug costs down
These are the organizations that negotiate discounts, enable mail delivery, and manage the logistics that make medicine more affordable and accessible
Despite their role in lowering prices, they’re being blamed in ads in the press and in legislation But without them, drug prices will rise and the pharmacies serving vulnerable neighborhoods will keep disappearing
When lawmakers pass bills that strip away these providers' ability to negotiate or operate pharmacies the effects are swift and severe Just look at Arkansas, where a new law is shutting down pharmacies and cutting off health care access in communities already struggling to meet basic needs Other states are considering similar legislation, and minority communities will be hit first and worst
This expanding patchwork of pharmacy deserts is not just inconvenient It is a looming public health emergency that puts our communities at risk Already, one-third of neighborhoods in major U S cities lack a local pharmacy and those hardest hit are Black and Hispanic communities If this trend continues, millions more will lose access to medications they need to stay healthy, manage diabetes or heart disease, or treat depression and anxiety The list goes on We can t afford to let that happen Yes, our medicines must be cheaper I am a lifelong Democrat And when Republicans and President Trump are wrong, I hold them accountable As such, the President deserves some acknowledgement with his recent executive order that aims to stop big drug companies from charging Americans the highest prices in the world As did President Biden, who fought to allow Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices But the real problem is that big drug companies are responsible for high drug prices not the companies working to deliver medications affordably and efficiently Tearing down the system that negotiates lower drug costs is like smashing a fire alarm because it s too loud It doesn’t stop the fire It creates chaos and puts more people in danger
Let s stop attacking the parts of the system that are helping people Parts that our everyday communities rely on Let s protect the pharmacies, services, and tools that keep our most vulnerable neighbors connected to care Because once a pharmacy leaves a neighborhood, it rarely comes back, and the consequences can last a lifetime
Senate Sketches #1998.....by Hank Sander s Hush, Hush. Somebody’s Calling My Name.
“Hush, Hush Somebody’s Calling My Name ” This old African American Spiritual captures this present moment in these terrible times I want to share with you the entire first stanza Hush, Hush Somebody’s calling my name Hush, Hush Somebody’s calling my name Hush, Hush Somebody’s calling my name O my Lord, O my Lord, What shall I do? What shall I do? Hush, Hush Somebody s Calling My Name Hush, Hush, Somebody’s Calling My Name” is a coded message During slavery this song often served as a warning to seek silence to listen for the sounds of freedom It was a time to escape slavery by the Underground Railroad
One had to be quiet and attentive to hear the voice of freedom The “O My Lord What Shall I Do? asks each of us to search ourselves and our God for the courage to take the great risk of seeking freedom Hush Hush Somebody’s Calling My Name
Somebody s Calling
My Name is the spirit of the times The spirit is calling each of our names It is the spirit of righteousness It is the spirit of justice It is the spirit of democracy It is the spirit of freedom It is the spirit of liberty It is the spirit of life Hush, Hush Somebody’s Calling My Name
There has been a 250year struggle to make the spirit of the Declaration of Independence a presentday reality Let’s recall 33 words from the Preamble of that Declaration: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness The Declaration of Independence Preamble also states that governments must derive their just powers from the consent of the governed (democracy) and when such governments become destructive to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness and the consent of the governed the people have a right to alter or abolish it Hush, Hush Somebody s Calling My Name
The U S Supreme Court is issuing a lot of orders without written opinions It is called the shadow docket The Supreme Court has issued more such opinions in eight months than any Supreme Court in history Previously the Court issued a written opinion that said the President has broad criminal immunity from prosecution All these things lay the foundation for a dictatorship Hush Hush Somebody s Calling My Name President Trump and his Administration have declared certain people as “enemies” instead of uniting all the people in the country The enemies are Black people undocumented immigrants, other people of color, gay and trans people, Democrats, etc He says that these people are “vermin ” When a government declares a substantial portion of its people as enemies within , that is evidence of dictatorship Hush, Hush Somebody’s Calling My Name President Trump and his Administration seem to believe that people must not criticize him and his administration In fact, the President has said that the criticism of him and his administration is illegal He
has moved aggressively against criticism He has sued The New York Times and others He has put pressure on selected mass communication entities to fire certain comedians and other cable news personalities He has sued several news entities using the power of the federal government as a backdrop He has used the FCC and other governmental agencies to pressure businesses to limit freedom of speech All these are elements of dictatorship Hush, Hush Somebody s Calling My Name President Trump has openly announced an “enemies list ” Some of those on the list include the following: his former Vice President who would not act to overturn the 2020 election; a former National Security Advisor whom he appointed to his previous government; a former FBI Director; a U S Senator; the Attorney General of the State of New York; two State District Attorneys one in Louisiana and one in New York; a United States Congressman; a former CIA Director; a former member of his first administration who said there was no mass election fraud in the 2020 election; a former Republican congressional leader; a Retired Director of the National Institute of Health; and various others He has his Justice Department investigating them individually and not based on evidence of crimes This is a common approach of dictators Hush, Hush Somebody’s Calling My Name
President Trump and his Administration have attacked law firms who helped sue the government He forced some of them to pay millions of dollars for causes that he will approve in the future He has attacked bastions of free speech such as nationally known universities and so on He has created great fear These are more elements of dictatorship Hush Hush Somebody s Calling My Name
President Trump has sent troops to the states of California, Oregon, Illinois and others as well as the District of Columbia He has announced his intentions to other states on the bogus theory of stopping crime He has transformed immigration agents into a kind of street army with a presence throughout the country This is what dictators do Hush, Hush Somebody’s Calling My Name
The Trump Administration has attacked the election system on so many fronts declaring that it is filled with fraud when there is no evidence to back up such allegations Elections were deliberately left to the states under the U S Constitution However, he has directed every state to provide voter lists and other documents to the U S Justice Department
This follows common tactics used by dictatorships If a dictatorship controls elections, it and its cohorts never leave office There is so much more that is being done but I must cease on this part Hush Hush Somebody s Calling My Name
There is another part of the old African American Spiritual which says O my Lord O my Lord what shall I do? Oh my Lord what shall I do? The creators of the Declaration of Independence and the U S Constitution reserved the ultimate power of government to the people Some
of us are critical of Democratic leaders because they have not done enough to combat the emerging dictatorship in the country However, all three branches of the federal government Executive Legislative and Judicial are controlled by President Trump and his cohorts Leaders in these positions operate by authority of the body Therefore, the system of checks and balances does not work That only leaves the people O My Lord, O My Lord, What Shall I Do? What Shall I Do?
If we believe that we are in the midst of a dictatorship or that one appears to be emerging in concrete ways, then we have a moral duty to do something if we share the powerful vision set forth in the Declaration of Independence The old spiritual does not ask, What shall others do? It asks, What shall I do? O My Lord, O My Lord, What Shall I Do? What Shall I Do?
Every one of us can do something if we are part of the people I can do something! You can do something! It seems to me that we are all that we have in this moment Some of us can speak to our families friends and neighbors Some of us can speak out publicly on radio, television and other media outlets for Life Liberty the pursuit of Happiness and democracy Some of us can utilize personal mediums such as Facebook, Tik Tok, You Tube, Instagram, etc to “hue and cry ” Some of us can make donations to organizations that are fighting for Life, Liberty, the pursuit of Happiness and democracy We all can pray as part of our preparations for action Some of us can sing for Life Liberty the pursuit of Happiness and democracy Some of us can write for Life, Liberty, the pursuit of Happiness and democracy Some of us can teach each one teach one Some of us can organize protests Each of us can protest in unique and creative ways Every one of us can do something O my Lord O my Lord What Shall I Do?
Now on to the Daily Diary
SATURDAY, September 27, 2025 – I arose early and traveled more than 200 miles to Atlanta, Georgia for the funeral of Gwendolyn Gladys Curtis, a blood relative of Faya Rose Toure We handled additional matters and returned the more than two hundred miles to Selma Among others, I communicated with the following: Faya Rose Toure of the Bridge Crossing Jubilee; Law Professor Kindaka Sanders; Lonnetta Gaines of Florida; various members of Faya’s family; and Charlene Williams and Junior Oliver of Selma
SUNDAY – I hosted the Sunday School Lesson with Dr Margaret Hardy on Facebook Live and Z105 3 FM Radio Station and worked into the night Among others I communicated with the following; Sharon Wheeler of Montgomery; Law Professor Emerita Martha Morgan; Alabama State University Professor Dr Robert White; Josephine Curtis and Asha Fortier of Selma; Former Alabama State Senator Malika Sanders Fortier; Josiah Jackson of Morehouse College; and Ayyanna Perkins of Geor-
gia State University
MONDAY – I walked, handled many matters and worked into the night Among others I communicated with the following; Alabama State Senator Vivian Davis Figures; Dallas County School Superintendent Dr Corey Jones; Greene County Interim School Superintendent Darryl Aikerson; Azali Fortier of Spelman College; Greene County Chief School Finance Officer Marquita Lennon; Marilyn Cosby and Karen Jackson of Selma; Sheryl Threadgill Matthews of Wilcox County on her birthday; and Youlanda Curtis of Mobile concerning the transition of Jeanetta Mitchell
TUESDAY – I handled many matters, tried to contact former Alabama State Representative Joe Mitchell concerning the death of his wife Jeanetta Whitt Mitchell and worked into the night Among others, I communicated with the following: Retired Circuit Judge John England Jr ; Alabama New South State Coordinator Shelley Fearson; Greene County School Board members Leo Branch and Veronica Richardson; and Wallace Community College President Dr Donitha Griffin
WEDNESDAY – I walked, handled many matters, attended meetings, participated in a National Conference call and worked into the night Among others, I communicated with the following: Selma Businessman Bob Frazer; John Solomon and Geraldine Wofford of Selma; Marilyn Hatcher of Birmingham on her birthday; and Black Belt Community Foundation President Rev Chris Spencer;
THURSDAY – I handled various matters, traveled to Lowndes County, handled other matters, returned to Selma, worked into the night and participated in a night conference call Among others, I communicated with the following: Lowndes County School Superintendent Samita Jeter; Lowndes County School Principals Archie Curtis and Keith Scissom; and New South leaders Everette Wess, Sylvia Fitts, Robert Turner, Sr , Dr Carol Zippert and Norma Jackson
FRIDAY – I handled many matters and worked into the night I communicated with too many to begin naming them
EPILOGUE – There are few things more powerful than a people with a made up mind to ensure Life Liberty the pursuit of Happiness and democracy The spirit of the times
EarthTalk® From the Editors of EThe Environmental Magazine
Dear EarthTalk: How are we growing food in labs to lessen the agricultural impact on the planet?
-- Bill Jehsen, via email
The U S has nearly two million farms with over half of its land used for agriculture Climate change affects agricultural productivity sometimes enhancing or reducing yields while air pollution from ground-level ozone weakens plant growth and increases disease
Growing some foods in the lab is one way to reduce our agricultural impact in the face of growing human populations & limited land Credit: Pexels com
susceptibility Also rising populations and demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel have intensified competition for land a phenomenon known as the global land squeeze The New World Resources Institute projects that by 2050 agricultural expansion will need land nearly twice the size of India; demand for wood will require an area the size of the U S Agriculture is the largest
Loan Denials Soar
driver of land-use change causing significant carbon loss and biodiversity loss It has cleared 70 percent of grasslands 50 percent of savannas, 45 percent of deciduous forests, 27 percent of tropical forests, and 50 percent of wetlands worldwide Scientists argue that halting ecosystem conversion and degradation is crucial for meeting climate and biodiversity goals as projected agricultural expansion
The figures draw a map of inequality where capital flows freely to some and is dammed up for others The report shows that one in five businesses overall 21% were denied financing last year, a number nearly unchanged from 2023 But beneath that flat surface lies a story of disparity: while white-owned companies hit roadblocks less often, Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs carried the brunt of rejection Size and age also stacked the deck Firms with just one to four employees were denied 26% of the time five times the rate of larger firms Startups fared poorly but even businesses with three to five years under their belts faced the highest denial rate, at 29% By loan type, SBA loans and lines of credit proved the hardest to secure, with nearly half 45% rejected
The reasons mirror a harsh economy High interest rates inflation and an unsteady job market have made banks wary Community development financial institutions often praised as a lifeline for underserved communities, turned down applicants 34% of the time Large banks followed at 31% Matt Schulz, LendingTree s chief consumer finance analyst, said the trend is part of a larger retreat by lenders
“Inflation tariffs high interest rates and a slow job market are making things tough on small businesses and the customers they re trying to attract he said [With] this uncertainty, banks pull back as they tend to do in risky, unpredictable times Standards for lending to consumers and businesses have generally been tight for some time, and that’s unlikely to change soon ”
Obama
In recent weeks Obama has spoken out against Trump s authoritarian-style intimidation of universities and the administration s crackdown on the press, declaring that America must “resist being intimidated” and warning that protecting democratic values may require “sacrifice ” At Hamilton College he admonished Trump’s White House for suspending security clearances and canceling contracts with law firms and schools tied to perceived political rivals
That kind of behavior is contrary to the basic compact we have as Americans, Obama said “Imagine if I had done any of this ” Days later, he took to social media to denounce media companies for capitulating to Trump’s threats “After years of complaining about cancel culture the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level Obama wrote, urging journalists and networks to get a spine and stand up for free speech Late in September at London’s O2 Arena, Obama expanded his message beyond immediate politics telling a packed crowd that true leadership means constant vigilance and the courage to show up and speak out even when it s uncomfortable He cautioned against complacency, arguing that progressives had grown smug and unprepared for the rise of authoritarianism
“True democracy is a project much bigger than any one of us ” he said “It’s a job for all of us Obama s renewed activism comes at a time when his party s base has grown increasingly restless A Pew Research survey found that 59 percent of Democrats disapprove of their party’s leadership the highest level of dissatisfaction since the question was first asked more than a decade ago
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer s approval among Democrats has collapsed to 35 percent, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries remains little known to nearly four in ten Democratic voters
That lack of visibility and engagement has been felt most acutely within the Black community At the Black Press of America s annual Leadership Awards, where Jeffries and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke were to be honored, anticipation filled a packed ballroom But neither showed up
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump had just pledged $50,000 to support the struggling Black Press, urging others to follow suit “Typical of Democrats,” one attendee said afterward “They don’t spend money with us They don’t show up And then they expect us to deliver their message for free ” The snub just 18 months before the Black Press’s bicentennial struck a nerve among publishers who have covered every chapter of America s freedom struggle from emancipation to civil rights without the financial support they deserve “Our ancestors built this press through every trial in this country,” said one Black publisher after the event “The least Hakeem Jeffries could do was show up ” Obama s reemergence has not gone unnoticed by voters or by Trump During a recent Navy celebration in Virginia, Trump attempted to incite the crowd to boo Obama, but the attempt backfired As he invoked “Barack Hussein Obama,” the crowd met him with dead silence Meanwhile polls show that Obama remains the most admired living president A Marquette Law School survey found Obama with a +17 net favorability, compared with Trump’s -15 and Joe Biden’s -24 Even so, Obama’s return to the spotlight underscores a sobering truth: the Democratic Party battered by infighting and a failure to connect with its own base still lacks a clear trusted voice Obama’s critiques of Trump’s policies whether over healthcare rollbacks or media suppression stand in contrast to the muted response from current Democratic leaders, who have failed to mobilize voters around issues that once defined their moral compass
Trump s efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act have revived Obama s signature policy as the centerpiece of a national political showdown Democrats, scrambling to extend ACA subsidies that prevent premiums from skyrocketing, have tried to make healthcare their rallying cry again but without strong, unified leadership, the message has struggled to resonate For all his measured tone Obama s message has sharpened into something closer to alarm He warns that complacency, even within his own party, has opened the door to authoritarianism “Progressives assumed our trajectory would bend inevitably toward progress ” he told the audience at the O2 “That complacency left us unprepared ”
As Trump wields federal power to punish dissent the former president’s words carry the weight of both warning and legacy But even as Obama reasserts his influence, the party he once led remains uncertain and divided still ignoring the independent Black media that carried it through generations and still searching for leadership that matches the gravity of this moment Obama may have left office eight years ago but in 2025 he appears to be the last Democrat still leading
could use up to 40 percent of the remaining carbon budget needed to limit warming
One industry particularly affected by this issue is coffee Brazil, a major coffee producer, may lose 50 percent of arable land by 2050
A potential solution comes from Atomo Coffee, a company that has developed a ‘beanless brew’ using superfoods and ingredients like date seeds, lemon, sunflower seeds and caffeine from decaffeinated green tea Andy Kleistch the CEO says they started this company to actually make a difference in the world,” and this movement is spreading to larger coffee chains Atomo has attracted nearly $52 million in investment, and in 2023 New York’s Gumption Coffee introduced it to the market The company aims to scale up production to 40 million pounds annually Meat is another major
threat Pet food accounts for 20 percent of global meat consumption Lab-grown pet food has recently become available in Europe with UK consumers now able to but cultivated chicken-based pet food from London startup Meatly made by culturing animal cells in bioreactors with water and nutrients, offering a more sustainable alternative with 50-60 percent less land use, 30-40 percent less water use, and 40 percent lower carbon emissions Meatly also aims to bring cultivated meat to human consumers--though it will still produce emissions Similar innovation is happening in the dairy industry Boston-based Brown Foods has developed UnReal Milk, the first lab-grown whole cow’s milk made without cows Independent testing confirms it contains all essential dairy proteins, fats and carbohydrates
Tuske gee Air man
Lab-grown food options could become mainstream, but consumer acceptance is crucial CONTACTS: How to Manage the Global Land Squeeze? Produce, Protect, Reduce, Restore, HYPERL I N K "
/
nsights/manage-global-landsqueeze-produce-protect-re d u c erestore"https://www wri org / i n s i g
land-squeeze-produce-protect-reduce-restore
EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk See more
" https://emagazine com To donate, visit HYPERLINK "https://earthtalk org/"https: //earthtalk org Send questions to: HYPERLINK m
talk org
We had our own club in Naples so you didn’t go to the White club That’s the way life was,” Hardy said in an interview with the Veterans History Project When the war in Europe ended in 1945 Hardy returned to the Tuskegee Army Airfield as a supervising pilot until it closed in 1946 His career continued across two more conflicts He flew 45 combat missions in the Korean War and 70 more in the Vietnam War His decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, a Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster and an Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters
Education remained central to his life He earned a bachelor s degree in electrical engineering and a master s degree in systems engineering reliability from the U S Air Force Institute of Technology He also received an honorary Doctor of Public Service from Tuskegee University “We went into the Air Force with racial segregation When we came out we changed When I look back on my service I m so proud of the Air Force And I just think I was able to participate in that and survive that, Hardy said The Tuskegee Airmen, Inc called Hardy’s legacy one of “courage, resilience, tremendous skill and dogged perseverance against racism, prejudice and other evils ” “Colonel Hardy was an amazing man He was a patriot He loved his family He loved his community He loved our organization Leon Butler Jr national president of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc , said He worked very hard He worked tirelessly to preserve the legacy, not for himself, but for those that he served with, and he cared about the families of other original Tuskegee Airmen ” The National WWII Museum honored him as a “true American hero ” while the Tuskegee Airmen National Organization honored him by noting that His legacy of courage and dedication will never be forgotten
Jane Goodall
The British ethologist – a scientist who studies animal behavior within their habitat –had no formal training when she embarked on a study of chimpanzees in what would become Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, Africa, in the early 1960s She skyrocketed to fame thanks in part to a National Geographic documentary about her fieldwork and used her science celebrity status to advance conservation efforts for chimpanzees and other endangered species through her eponymous foundation
"I passionately care about the natural world of which we are a part and which we depend I love it " Goodall told USA Today in 2021 "I passionately care about animals I want to fight the fact that many are becoming extinct and I want to fight the cruelty "
Who was Jane Goodall?
Born in London England in 1934 Goodall had a fascination with animals from a young age In 1957, she traveled to Kenya where she met Louis Leakey, a Kenyan and British paleontologist and archaeologist whose fossil digs ultimately helped establish that humans evolved in Africa
Goodall became his secretary and eventually joined him on a field expedition studying chimpanzees on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in what is now Gombe National Park in Tanzania, East Africa
There she observed chimpanzees using grass stems to pull termites out of their mounds for food which shattered the mainstream scientific belief that only humans made and used tools and is "considered one of the greatest achievements of twentieth-century scholarship " according to the Jane Goodall Institute
The National Geographic Society funded more of Goodall's chimpanzee research and sent along cameraman, Hugo van Lawick, to document her efforts Goodall and van Lawick later married in March 1964, and the documentary, "Miss Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees, released in 1965, attracted an estimated 25 million viewers in North America upon its first broadcast on CBS
The couple had one son Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick known as "Grub " and divorced in 1974 In 1975 she married Derek Bryceson who died in 1980
Goodall a United Nations Messenger of Peace was appointed a Dame of the British Empire in 2003 and awarded the U S Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025
Goodall "worked tirelessly for our planet and all its inhabitants, leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and nature," the United Nations said in a post on social media mourning her death
Republicans are in charge of the House Senate and White House and do not want to open borders or focus on healthcare to expand the Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare Firings are expected after an Office of Management and Budget memo during this shutdown with no end in sight House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries went on social media after midnight, saying, “Democrats are on duty, ready to sit down with anyone, any time, and at any place to reopen the federal government and pass a spending agreement that meets the needs of the American people ”
However, Jeffries chastises Republicans, saying they are not a credible partner right now He goes on to say, We will not support a partisan republican spending bill that guts the healthcare of the American people Not now! Not ever! In a statement, the Congressional Black Caucus emphasized Today our country is facing a crisis entirely of the Republican Party’s making and unfortunately Black communities will be forced to bear the brunt of their political games ”
During the 2018-2019 shutdown the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history, the Postal Service, Medicare, and Social Security payments continued Still, according to reports, some SSA services could be impacted during this shutdown Federal courts, border security, disaster aid, banks, air traffic control, federal law-enforcement agencies, prison staff, the Secret Service, and the Coast Guard remain open
Due to the shutdown, the National Museum of African American History and Culture posted on Instagram that it will remain open until October 6th using existing funding to stay open until Monday
When it comes to airports TSA agents are working without pay However once the government reopens and funding is flowing TSA workers will receive their pay retroactively Airports around the nation have had to delay planes because of the lack of air traffic controllers on certain days and times Also, the nation’s veterans will receive health insurance during the shutdown from Veterans Affairs
Gover nment Shutdown
A D V E R T I S E M E N T FOR BIDS
GREENE COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
111 MAIN STREET P O BOX 70 EUTAW, ALABAMA 35462
Separate sealed BIDS for the RED GATE LANE RESURFACING AND GCIDA SIGNAGE PROJECT will be received by THE GREENE COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (GCIDA) in the GCIDA BOARD ROOM until 10:00 o'clock a m (local time) Monday October 13 2025 and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud
The project will consist of the following approximate quantities of work: 500 Tons Superpave Bituminous Concrete Wearing Surface Layer ½” Maximum Aggregate Size ESAL Range A/B, 250 Tons Superpave Bituminous Concrete Lower Binder Layer, Patching, a Decorative Entrance Sign with related lighting and landscaping Related Appurtenances Aggregate Surfacing construction signs and all other labor, material, equipment and work required or implied by the Contract Documents (Plans and Specifications)
The CONTRACT DOCUMENTS may be examined and obtained at the office of Porter-Higginbotham Engineering, Inc , after September 26, 2025, located at 2009 Paul W Bryant Drive, Suite C, Tuscaloosa AL 35401 Contract Documents may be obtained upon deposit of $75 00 Deposit will be refunded, less the cost of printing, distribution and reproduction, assuming documents are returned in reusable condition within 10 days of bid opening Electronic copies may be obtained at no cost to the bidder
Prequalification of Bidders is not required However, Bidders must meet the minimum requirements
William Douglas Hall was born on August 12 1929 in Mantua Alabama He moved to Cleveland, Ohio, as a young man, following other family members in search of work and better opportunities Before joining the military in 1951, he was able to buy a truck and began light hauling as he had learned in Alabama hauling pulpwood
He met and married his wife of 74 years Virginia Bush Hall, before leaving to serve in the Korean War To that union, three children Daphne Brian and Drew were born He was a long-time member and Trustee at Lee Seville Baptist Church
included in the Contract Documents Attention of Bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors”, as set forth in AL Code 34-8-1, et seq (1975), and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto
The GCIDA will not enter into a contract with a non-resident corporation or entity which is not qualified under State law to do business in the State of Alabama
All Bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law rule or regulation of the performance of the work
Upon submission of the proposal, Bidders must submit their Contractor s license number and a copy of said license Any bid not containing a current license number shall be rejected
Each Bidder must submit with its bid a cashier ’s check drawn on an Alabama bank or a fully executed bid bond on the form that is contained in the Contract Documents executed by a surety company duly authorized and qualified to make bond in the State of Alabama All bonds, sureties and/or cashier checks shall be made payable to the Greene County IDA for an amount not less than 5 percent of the Engineer s estimated cost of the project or of the total bid in the proposal In no event shall the amount be more than $10,000 00
3tcg 9/24, 10/1 8
Legal Notice In Accordance with Chapter 1 Title 39 Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Capstone Contractors, LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction of 2022 Water System Restoration and Resiliency Project ADEM DWSRF Project No FS010444-02 Contract E – 16-Inch Water Main Replacement along County Road 20 from Brush Creek to I-20/59, for
He expanded trucking in the 1960s first as a truck stop owner with his brother-in-law then as a broker Later always with an eye for entrepreneurship, William and his older brother Horace founded Industrial Transport in 1977 As a minority-owned business, they handled overthe-road transportation of steel, refrigerated foods, and various commodities for large companies They also negotiated contracts with Ford Motor Company and Chrysler to manage trailer switching in the receiving yards He was a leader in the Cleveland Business League in the 1960s and 1970s
He also founded the National Minority Trucking Association which worked with Congressman Parren Mitchell and Senator John Glenn to help deregulate trucking
William was always aware of the importance of land and homeownership As early as the late 1950s and early 1960s he and the Ranaldson brothers defied the odds to purchase land
---Le gal Notices---
the City of Eutaw, Alabama Owner and has made request for final settlement of said Contract All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify The Cassady Company, Inc , Attn: Collins Espy PE 4700 HWY 69 North Northport AL 35473 Capstone Contractors LLC 1905 Murphy Avenue, Aliceville, AL 35442
3tcg 9/24, 10/1,8
Legal Notice In the Probate Court of Greene County Alabama In Re The Petition Of: Willie James Davis Deceased Come Now, LaDora Davis, Peitioner, and gives Notices by Publication to Janice Ward and Anthony Worthington as well as any other unknown heir (s) of Wille James Davis deceased that the Petitioner has filed a Petition for Final Settlement and for Discharge of Personal Representative The heirs, Janice Ward and Antony Worthington, and any other unknow heir (s) are hereby put on notice of this Petition and the hearing set for November 5 2025 at 10:00 am regarding the Petition for Final Settlement and for Discharge of Personal Representative Rolonda M Wedgeworth Judge of Probate Greene County Alabama
Michael J Cartee
Attorney for Petitioner Cartee & Lloyd, Attorneys at Law 2210 8th Street Suite B Tuscaloosa Alabama 35401 Phone (205) 759-1554 Fax 205-758-9477
mcartee@carteelloydlaw com 4tcg 10/1,8,15, 22
STATE OF ALABAMA
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE COLLECTION SERVICES DIVISION
INVITATION FOR BIDS FOR THE SALE OF PROPERTY
on what became Kollin Avenue where they built affordable homes for Black residents William continued to pursue business ventures into the 2000s building homes in Twinsburg Township and developing properties in Alabama Mr Hall's home was in Twinsburg Township, where he was a resident for 45 years
Although William had many tangible accomplishments, what he enjoyed most was sharing his knowledge and encouraging others in the family and the community Because of this, he inspired countless people to start businesses, seek training complete their education and become involved in improving the lives of others Family was very important to him and he stayed connected with relatives near and far through phone calls and visits until he was no longer able to do so
He will be remembered by his loving wife, Virginia; his daughter Daphne Booker (Dennis); son Brian Hall (Jackie); daughter-in-law Brenda Bishop;
LOCATED IN GREENE COUNTY ALABAMA
Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 40-2923(b), Code of Alabama 1975, that the Alabama Department of Revenue is accepting sealed bids for the sale of the following real properties described below acquired as a result of a Levy Sale Sealed bids shall be submitted online a t : w w w e b u y a l a b a m a g o v, until the closing date and time of 11:59 p m , Friday, October 31, 2025, at which time all bids will be opened and read in the Collection Services Division Bids will not be accepted after the above stated date and time
Brief Description of property offered:
#1-A TRACT OF LAND LYING SOUTH AND EAST OF I-59&20 IN THE SW ¼ OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 23 NORTH, RANGE 2 EAST IN GREENE COUNTY, ALABAMA, SAID PARCEL CONTAINS 21 ACRES, MORE OR LESS SOURCE OF TITLE: DEED BOOK 101 PAGE 322 THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED AT OR NEAR LAMB ROAD AND I-20/I-59, EUTAW, ALABAMA 35462; PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 11-07-35-0000-011 000#0
#2-A TRACT OF LAND LYING IN THE NW ¼ OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 22 NORTH, RANGE 2 EAST IN GREENE COUNTY, ALABAMA, AND CONTAINING 38 5 ACRES MORE OR LESS SOURCE OF TITLE: DEED BOOK 101 PAGE 322 THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED AT OR NEAR THE CORNER OF COUNTY ROAD 208 AND I-20/I-59, EUTAW, ALABAMA 35462; PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 18-01-02-0000-003 000#0
#3-THE E ½ OF THE NW ¼ OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 22 NORTH, RANGE 2 EAST IN
and grandchildren: Devony Wilmot (Bjorn) Dori Jackson, Dawn Jackson, Crystal Hall, Carmen Hall, Christian Hall (Kristina) Tristen Hall and Monika Mena (Sebastian)
He is also survived by his sisters: Arlillian Morrow Ruby Harris Candis McKinney, Cleosene Johnson, and Mary (May) Davis; as well as greatgrandchildren: Loren Dallas Davis Kendall Kassidy, Khloe, Mila, Zoe, and great-great-greatgrandchild Acen
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Estella Hall; his brothers Holly Horace and Thornton; his sister Ozella; his son, Drew Hall; and his grandsons Jordan Hall and Calvin Hall
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations may be made to The Cleveland Foundation 6601 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44103, Jordan T Hall Society, William Hall Entrepreneurship Fund ”
GREENE COUNTY, ALABAMA CONTAINING EIGHTY (80) ACRES MORE OR LESS SOURCE OF TITLE: DEED BOOK 136 PAGE 400 THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED AT OR NEAR LAMB ROAD, EUTAW, ALABAMA 35462; PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 18-01-02-0000-002 000#0; AS DESCRIBED IN INST NUM: 54116- DEED BOOK 208, PAGE 434
The parcels are being offered as is and where is without recourse against the State of Alabama Department of Revenue It is the responsibility of the bidder to inspect the property conditions before submitting a bid by driveby only, without trespassing on the property in any manner Bidders must agree to all terms listed online before submitting a bid If you wish to bid on this property please complete the Sealed Bid Form online
The minimum bid for this parcel is $150,000 EACH bid submitted online must be accompanied by an EFT bid deposit payment of ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid Any bid submitted without payment of the bid deposit will not be considered The deposits of unsuccessful bidders will be returned following the bid closing date
NO BID SHALL BE RECEIVED FOR ANY REASON ANY TIME AFTER THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE IT SHALL BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BIDDER TO ENSURE ACTUAL RECEIPT OF THE BID BY THE COLLECTION SERVICES DIVISION PRIOR TO THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE
The Alabama Department of Revenue reserves the right to withdraw the property from sale at any time and the right to reject any or all bids
For more information about the sale contact: Alabama Department of Revenue Collection Services Division-Sealed Bid Sale P O Box 327820 Montgomery, AL 361327820 Telephone: (334) 2421229
Legal Notice In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that BOOTH Contractors, LLC (Contractor) has completed the Contract for The Housing Authority of Greene County Modernization of Public Housing Sites Al 190/AL-1 1 A (owner) at 429 Branch Heights Drive, Eutaw, AL 35462 and having made request for final settlement of said Contract All person having any claim for labor materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify:
Booth Contractors, LLC P O Box 537 Northport, AL 35476 4tch 8,15,23, 30
Legal Notice
Notice of Public Auction of Abandoned Vehicle
Please take Notice that Econmy Auto & Diesel will offer for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the following abandoned motor vehicle 2013 Chev Impala V i n : 2G1WF5E37D1215497
The public auction will be held at Econmy Auto & Diesel located at 607 Greensboro Street Eutaw, AL at 9:00 a m on 11/13/2025
The Seller shall have a right to reject any bid that is unreasonably low and may postpone the public auction until another specified time and place In addition, the Seller expressly reserves the right to bid and purchase at the public auction 2tcg 8 15
Incentive payments were made to employees directly from the Bingo Fund without adequate documentation to substantiate why the payments were made These payments were in addition to the salaries paid to the employees by the County Commission
The finding says the Sheriff ’s Office cashbooks were not properly maintained for each fund and receipts and disbursements were not properly categorized The same finding was made in the audits of 2014 and 2018 Audit Finding 003: in the handling of funds the Sheriff s Office did not have procedures in place to handle receipt and deposit funds on a timely basis The auditors could not determine that cash receipts were adequately accounted for and deposited in a timely manner Receipts were not written for Sex Offender Fees Deposits were not made on a timely basis and
Pistol permit cash collections were not properly reconciled to deposits This made it difficult for auditors to determine all money collected was deposited The same findings were reported in 2014 and 2018 Audit Finding 004: says the code of Alabama is clear that the Sheriff must maintain records of all disbursements with supporting evidence and specify when he uses funds for purposes not specifically allowed by law This finding specifies that:
• $16 226 97 in expenses from various funds with no supporting documentation
• $3 159 031 48 in payments made to employees
of the Sheriff ’s Department, in addition to payments made to employees for their salaries paid by the Greene County Commission These payments were placed on Form 1099 to each employee A list of the employees who received these payments is reflected in a chart from the auditor s report on page 8 of this newspaper The auditors allege no supporting documentation or legal justification for these payments
• $2,161,552 32 in payments of which $1 179 252 61 was paid to consultants and attorneys for professional services
The rest of the money was paid to merchants individ-
uals, hotels, restaurants and other businesses Again the auditors assert that inadequate or no supporting documentation is made for these expenses As a result these expenses were charged back to the Sheriff Benison to explain, document or reimburse Audit Finding 005: says that The Sheriff violated the Constitution of Alabama for the disbursement of bingo funds for purposes not specified in the Constitution
The examiners report contains pages of accounting information which they developed to reach and substantiate their findings
The Democrat made many efforts to reach Sher-
iff Benison for his response to the State Examiners report and request for justification, documentation or reimbursement of almost $5 million in public funds
Just before press time, the Sheriff issued this statement in response to the audit
“It is regrettable that, in the face of documentation justifying the millions of dollars of expenditures made to improve the lives of the citizens of Greene County the vendetta of the forces in Montgomery continues Less than a year ago, the litigation waged by the Attorney General for seven
years ended with the reaffirmation of my role under the Constitution as the sole regulator of bingo in Greene County Now here we go again: The Examiners of Public Accounts have now issued a report questioning the expenditure of money for among other things the scholarships paid to every Greene County high school senior and the payments made to the deputies who protect and serve our county They should be ashamed I didn't back down when they sued me and I won t back down now ”
Bite of Wisdom
You may be only one person in the world but you may also be the world to one person
Carolyn’s Tid Bits...by Carolyn Young
Do not cry because it is over; smile because it happened
Everything should be made as simple as possible but no simpler A happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour
Happiness sometimes comes through doors you did not even know you left open
Once over the hill you pick up speed Meditate on these things
“Regardless of your past, your future is a clean slate
Happy Birthday to Atty Willie Williams, Donald White, Tabitha Smith, DeAnthony C Johnson, CurVonte’ Williams Aaron
Marilyn Gibson Diamond White, Deborah Bradley, Samuel Smith, Carl Smith, Aleah La’Nae Lockett
Bernice Smith TaRhonda Ryans, Joyce Armstrong, Calvin Knott, Nasana
Atkins, Kayleigh Smith, Maxwell B Cole JaNyra Holman Theodorsha Rhone, Elizabeth Ann
Snoddy Pierre Crawford Althea Young, Wendell Crockett
Happy Anniversary to Mr and Mrs Keith McKendall Mr and Mrs Arthur Jr & Sharenne Jeames and Mr and Mrs Daniel & Crystal Edwards
My grandaughter Candance and great-granddaugther Celeste Stanley from Union City, New Jesery spent the week with me I really enjoyed them
People with goals succeed because they know were they are going
Phone
Free
Computer
&
tutoringFridays:
10/10 & 10/17 10/24
You will be tutored individually by a UA student. Come by for question that need to be answered, fun challenges, games, prizes & fellowshipTo reserve your tutor, notify Mollie Gaines at 205-372-3926 office
The Greene County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments is hosting its Tenth (10th)
on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 7:00 p m at the Boligee Community Center (formerly Paramount High School) located at 17404 County Road 20, Boligee, AL For additional information, please contact Hodges Smith, President, at 205-657-1294 Geraldine S Walton, Banquet Chairperson at 205-799-1394 or your local fire department located in Greene County The seating is limited, and there will be no admission collected at the door
Hodges Smith President Greene County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments
Walking in Faith Outreach Ministries 18th Annual Community Revivial
Host: Minister Ernestine Kimbrough Date: October 12th-16th, 2025
“And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true; and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done ” Revelations 22:6
Theme: “The reward of those who chose to walk the path of God will be blessed according to his work for He is the Alpha and Omega, the beggining and the end, the first and the last ”
Location: Boligee Community Center 17404 County Road 20 Boligee, AL 35443 6:30 p m nightly
Culverhouse School of Accountancy Lift
The Democrat
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
$25 Greene County Residents
$30 Alabama Residents
$35 Out-of-State Residents
Ala-SCAN week of 10/5/25– Central SERVICES
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Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day For a limited time waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply Subject to change and vary by dealer (Offer ends 12/31/25 ) Call 1877-205-0836
BOLIGEE ELECTRICAL
OVER 16 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
“CALL US FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS” Store Hours
8 a m - 3 p m Monday - Friday
RESIDENTIAL * COMMERCIAL * INDUSTRIAL 215 Boligee Street Eutaw, AL 35462 CELL: 205-496-6019
Email : BoligeeElectric@bellsouth net
JOSHUA J SWORDS
Attorney at Law
Tuscaloosa County Office
600 Lurleen B Wallace Blvd , S
Courthouse Plaza, Suite 120
Tuscaloosa AL 35401 Eutaw Al
JSwords@Swordslaw com
Phone: 205-409-0673
Facsimile: 205-409-0672 Tuscaloosa, Al 35401
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