| From the Villa ge of Brook ly n |
OUR TIME PRESS THE L OCAL PAPER WITH THE G LOBAL VIEW
| VOL. 21 NO. 43
Since 1996
October 26 – November 1, 2017 |
As Always, It’s the Boots on the Ground that Will Save Us
“Ultimately, in order to survive as Black people in America, we have to unify not just against the Republican agenda and the white supremacist nature of institutions, but around self-empowerment and action. And this work is best done, as it has always been, by the unnamed many who organized, marched, blocked entrances, sat in, picketed, boycotted and disrupted meetings, that by their actions changed the “facts on the ground” and caused policy to change. The aphorism, “All politics is local”, is true. And it is the squeaking wheel of the local activists in town halls, board meetings and on legislative trips to Albany or Washington that effect changes in agendas.” View From Here, Page 2
Trump Focused on Destroying Obama’s Legacy Page 4
Million Women March, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: On October 25, 1997, nearly a million women gathered together to march on the Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia to address the pressing issues of interest to them. Some of these issues included the economic deterioration of African American communities, nurturing young children in a positive environment, finding a collective voice in politics and the civil rights movement, and strengthening black families. The march was designed to inspire African American women across the nation to build their communities. And counteract negative images of African American women as portrayed in popular culture and media. Twenty years later, women are still battling for their rights. Earlier this week, an article by Sheryl Estrada for Diversityinc.com reports on the current national concern, “The Trump Administration Continues to Disrespect Black Women.” Photo: Barry L. Mason Page 3
Architects of a Story Community Urged to “Preserve, Protect” Our Seniors
W
aldiman Thompson, 91, was laid to rest last weekend at The Hanson Place Seventh Day Adventist Church in Brooklyn a week after he died from a push-in robbery at his Decatur Street home. As his children and wife Ethlin, 100, mourn, it is reported that the NYPD has made a break in the case. At least two people have been arrested in the heinous crime. With two apprehended, a third individual is very actively being sought in this ongoing investigation according to the NYPD. According to police sources, Troutman is not a home health aide
as previously reported. She met the Thompson’s through a relationship with another member of the family. She had visited the home many times, doing chores and shopping and had gained the Thompson’s trust. Rev. Taharka Robinson, Founder of the Brooklyn Anti-Violence Coalition said “Our senior citizens must be respected, preserved and protected. We cannot allow our most precious resources to be attacked and victimized in our community. The individuals who engaged in this deplorable act against our elders must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Rev. David P. Butts, center, with The Building Committee of St. Mark United Church in Christ of Norfolk, Va. See Griot Eyes, pages 6-7.