The Little Rock Sun

Headlines

L.C. - Daisy Bates

IN THIS ISSUE

NEWS-3A

OUR BLACK CHILDREN OF THE ASHES: “Charles White was

the

tragedy

was

Arkansas’ Original Power Couple

my very best friend”, stated

“inexcusable”. Who was re-

Frankie Lee Gaines.

“We

sponsible? The state employ-

By Janis F. Kearney, Writing our World Publishing, LLC. [Reedited for the Little Rock Sun Newspaper]

grew up together in Granite

ees in charge of the training

Mountain

which

school; the legislature; the

were formerly Booker Homes,

governor and “the people of

located on Pasadena Drive.

Arkansas of

projects,

We played together every day.

Charlie was a good kid - full

NAACP Scorecard

Arkansas who

did nothing” about con-

of energy and mischievous

ditions at the decrepit

just like me.

facility were responsible,

Charlie would

skip school occasionally.

EDITORIALS-4A

Managing Editor

IDA B. Wells Home-5A

Proposed New Urban Outreach Center Success-6A

From Pregnant Teen To Supermom

Incinerated in Wrightsville and Forgotten in Little Rock

Daisy and L.C. Bates

It is because of their

The Bates were pro-

were icons in their small state

courageous acts that Black

pelled by other strong forces

of Arkansas. They were com-

newspapers were so invalu-

as well. They were both na-

munity leaders who used their

able for Blacks during the pre-

tives of the Deep South, and

passion for right, and the

civil rights era.

like other Black southerners

power of the pen to help

L.C. and Daisy Bates

their past would remain a con-

change the racial and social

were certainly not the only

stant reminder of what all was

stratosphere of Arkansas, and

people to play a role in help-

wrong with their worlds. They

to a great extent, the country.

ing reshape Arkansas’ racial

would bring into their strug-

As members of an invaluable

structure. However, their con-

gles all the experiences of

regime – the Black press -

tributions were critical to this

racial oppression that was so

their sole mission was to edu-

state’s move forward…using

rampant in L.C.’s childhood

cate the masses about the in-

their newspaper as a mirror in

home in the Mississippi Delta,

justices and horrors of racism.

which

both

and in Daisy’s home - the

Like other Black newspaper

Blacks and whites - were

timber capitol of southwest

publishers – almost all men –

forced to look at themselves at

Arkansas, They brought with

the co-publishers of the Ar-

a time when most Arkansans

them the memories of their

kansas State Press were coura-

saw

parents’ struggles, thanks to

geous and committed to print-

evaluation.

Arkansans

no

need

–

for

self-

white southerners’ persistent

ing the truth. And, in doing so,

It was L.C. and Daisy

post-slavery resentments; and

they understood and accepted

Bates’ courage and unbending

the segregationist institutions

the risks to their lives, and

passion for justice and equal-

that disallowed dreams or

livelihood. It is hard to imag-

ity that propelled them to fight

expectations by young Blacks

ine today, but in 1941, when

against the status quo that

– most particularly, young

these

people

ruled throughout America’s

colored girls like Daisy. re-

opened their small, weekly

southern states. It was also

fused to wait for the next

newspaper in Little Rock, they

their natural instincts that

leader – likely, a male leader;

were doing something that for

made them anticipate that the

with whom Blacks and whites

many decades after slavery

timing was right for change.

might feel more comfortable.

was

life-threatening—daring

With this knowledge, they led

Daisy believed she had a re-

to speak out against the white

the way in that change – car-

sponsibility to try to make a

establishments, the status quo

rying others along, reluctantly

difference.

and the accepted institutions

and warily, with them.

two

young

of segregation and racial bias.

See Daisy Bates on 3A

So, his mom, a sin-

according to an Arkansas

gle parent, decided to have

Times article, citing a Pulaski

him “scared straight” by

County grand jury finding. A

sending him to the Arkansas

request was made to The

Negro

Boys

Industrial

School in Wrightsville, Ar-

Little Rock Sun by fami-

kansas for two weeks. Char-

lies of the victims who

lie’s last words to me were:

received the death pen-

“Frankie Lee, do not forget

alty at the hands of the

about me!” He was 15 years

State of Arkansas, to (a)

old then. “I never saw him alive again”

investigate; (b) exhume

Today, Charles White and

the remains; (c) identify

thirteen other Black boys lay

the boys using DNA and/

side-by-side in an unmarked

or Forensic Dentistry; (d)

mass grave in Haven of Rest

have a proper memorial

Cemetery in Little Rock on 12th Street after they were

service; (e) inter each

burned to death in a pad-

boy in Haven of Rest

locked dormitory room on

Cemetery with a proper

March 5, 1959, due to the

headstone and the

gross negligence of Arkan-

Bronze Memorial

sas State officials charged with overseeing the Negro

plaques the State alleg-

Boys Industrial School at

edly purchased for each

Wrightsville. The building

of the fourteen boys. No

burned to the ground - with

Bronze Memorial

no caretakers around.

plaques were ever found

cording

to

Orval Faubus,

Ac-

then-Governor

bearing the names Black Boys on 2A

See

JUNE 19, 2013

2A

Continued from 1A

From The Publishers’ Desk

GREETINGS ….. From Our Family to Your Family It has been a long time since

The Hip-Hop Generation will

the Black Community in Little

love “littlerockhard.com” our

Rock and surrounding areas

online magazine dedicated to

had a Black

their interests. We will pub-

owned

independently-

weekly

community

lish weekly with a Friday

newspaper. Today, we rekin-

dateline such that the newspa-

dle the Flame lit by Lucious

per will be available every

and Daisy Bates in 1941 when

weekend

they founded the Arkansas

week of July 4, 2013. Copies

State Press, which was for-

of The Little Rock Sun will be

merly the Twin City Press.

available at your local church,

We dedicate this Inaugural

if your Pastor agrees to allow

Edition of The Little Rock Sun

distribution after services.

to the memories of Lucious

Our goal is to Empower the

Christopher Bates and Daisy

community by focusing on the

Lee Gatson Bates.

positive aspects of our com-

Like the Arkansas State Press,

munity as opposed to negativ-

we will focus on advocacy

ity, scandals, gossip and gen-

journalism primarily centered

eral criminal behavior.

on Racial Justice, Public Ser-

mantra is simple:

vice and the New Black

True?” and “Is it Newswor-

Agenda. Our stories will spot-

thy?”

light

Integrity, Racial Justice and

the

achievements

of

commencing

the

Our “Is it

We stand on Truth,

Black Arkansans as well as

Public Service.

social,

economic,

Rock Sun is not a gossip tab-

religious and sporting news of

loid. We do not intend to pub-

interest to our community.

lish arrest records.

business,

The Little

“We Stand on Truth, Integrity, Racial Justice and Public Service” Website: www.thelittlerocksun.com Published Weekly By The Little Rock Sun Times, LLC 2615 West 12th Street- Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 (501) 916-2891 Fax number: 1-866-875-0191 Email: littlerocksun1@gmail.com Periodicals Postage Paid at Little Rock, Arkansas All Rights Reserved on Material and Features POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes To: The Little Rock Sun th 2615 W. 12 Street- Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 Single Copy - $ .50 One Year Subscription - $30.00 Two Year Subscription - $50.00 Founded By: Dr. Julius J. Larry III, DDS;JD;MPH;DD Publisher and CEO – Dr. Julius J. Larry III Publisher – Jasmine Nicole Larry Managing Editor – Dana Bradley Wimbley Graphic Design and Layout Editor – Charles Andrews Copy Desk Editor – Chris James Lifestyles Editor – Jasmine Kelsey Sports Editor – Colin Cottingham Advertising Manager – Kevin Wimbley Accounts Representative – Demarcus Pettus Corporate Marketing Manager – Rena Bookman Online Publisher – Charles Andrews Webmaster – Julian White Investigative Reporter – LaTosha Pulley Photographer – Frankie L.Gaines Distributors – Texarkana – Stan Shavers Arkadelphia – Kevin Brewer Hot Springs – Andre Bey Pine Bluff – Eddie Lever Forrest City – Leodis Randle West Memphis – Leodis Randle Jonesboro – Frederick Starks Conway – Bryan Jones Fort Smith – James E. Tyson Little Rock – William Brown Jacksonville – Trevor Bailey College Station – Saul Palmer SECURITY Colonel Theodis L. Bey, Jr. Delta Force Security, LLC

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our

in

Texarkana;

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Hot

Pine

Little

to

reflect

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Articles pub-

Re-

Springs;

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Rock;

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Forrest City; West Memphis;

tain our opinions, although we

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Smith.

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www.thelittlerocksun.com.

Roy

Chester

Powell,

where near the unmarked

Forrest City; Cecil Preston,

mass grave when a search was

17,

made recently. Buried in the

Thornton, 15, North Little

mass grave at Haven of Rest

Rock; The other dead boys are

Cemetery are: Charles L. Tho-

Henry

mas, 15, Little Rock; Frank

Rock; John Alfred George,

Barnes, 15, Lake Village;

15, North Little Rock; Roy

R.D. Brown, 16, Emerson;

Hegwood, 15, El Dorado;

Jessie Carpenter, Jr., 16,

Willie Lee Williams, 15, He-

Forrest City; Joe Charles Crit-

lena; Amos Guice, 16. Two

tenden, 16, Blytheville; John

of the boys were only 13 years

Daniel, 16, El Dorado; Willie

old: O.T. Meadows, El Do-

C. Horner, 16, North Little

rado and William Loyd Pig-

Rock;

gee of DeWitt.

Blytheville;

Daniels,

16,

Carl

15,

E.

Little

tive action.

weekly publication is deliv-

or

of the incinerated boys any-

the New Black South.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jermaine Andre Dale Charles Sandra Easter-Carter Halim Flowers Dr. Sharifa Glass, MD Michael Harris Giesele Hudson Janis Kearney Dr. Jeff Marshall T. White Renarda Williams Candice Young

“We Stand on Truth, Integrity, Racial Justice and Public Service” Website: www.thelittlerocksun.com

Subscriptions No other newspaper showcases the Accomplishments of the Black Community the way The Little Rock Sun does – through news reporting, editorials, religion, entertainment, sports, business and Lifestyles.

Summer Interns Jessica James – Junior English Major – Philander Smith College – Little Rock, AR. Jasmine Larry – Senior English Major – Vanderbilt University – Nashville, TN. AD DEADLINES DISPLAY ADS – 12 NOON – FRIDAY CLASSIFIED ADS – 12 NOON – FRIDAY PROOFS – 12 NOON – MONDAY Preceding Date of Publication THE LITTLE ROCK SUN – 100% Black-Owned 1 Year - $30.00

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JUNE 19, 2013

3A

ARKANSAS NAACP CIVIL RIGHTS FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD 112th Congress 2011– 2012 The votes reflected on

The NAACP recently released

House

NAACP priorities which came

NAACP members, and other

the report card cover

before the House and Senate

Americans, on civil rights

all five of our “game

in the 112th Congress,” said

votes of critical importance to

changers”:

criminal

Hilary O. Shelton, the Direc-

the African American commu-

justice, economic de-

tor of the NAACP Washing-

nity and other friends of civil

velopment, education,

ton Bureau and the Senior

rights.

health care and voting

Vice President for Policy and

rights. There were 26

Advocacy. Since 1914, the

votes on the floor of

NAACP Legislative Report

Dale Charles, President

the U.S. Senate over

Card has presented a summa-

Arkansas State NAACP

the two-year time pe-

tion of key civil rights votes

(501) 376-2227

riod and 31 votes be-

taken in the U.S. Senate and

fore the entire U.S.

House of Representatives. It is

of

Representatives

designed to provide NAACP

Founded in 1909, the NAACP

its Civil Rights Federal Legis-

which were shown. Only re-

members with insight into the

is the nation's oldest and larg-

lative Report Card showing

corded votes which occur in

general voting patterns of

est civil rights organization.

how all 435 members of the

the full House or Senate are

their congressional representa-

Its members throughout the

U.S. House of Representatives

reflected in the report card;

tives over the course of the

United States and the world

and 100 members of the U.S.

committee votes, votes that

legislative session, and is in-

are the premier advocates for

Senate voted on issues impor-

were determined by unani-

tended to be used as a non-

civil rights in their communi-

tant to the NAACP in the

mous consent, and voice votes

partisan educational tool. In-

ties, conducting voter mobili-

112th Congress. Specifically,

are not shown.

formation contained within

zation and monitoring equal

the report card lets our mem-

“This report card demon-

the Report Card is intended to

opportunity in the public and

bers know how their federally

strates how Members of the

be useful in efforts to educate

private sectors. The NAACP is

elected

offi-

U.S. House and Senate voted

a 501c3 non-partisan organi-

cials represented them in 2011

on the bread-and-butter civil

zation.

and 2012.

rights

Congressional

THE LITTLE ROCK SUN – 100% Black-Owned 1 Year - $30.00 2 Years - $50.00

Continued form 1A

Integration Crisis, they were

Daisy Gatson Bates has been

already noted civil rights ad-

described as an unlikely and

vocates. Like the women she

unexpected civil rights leader.

admired, such as Rosa Parks,

While nothing in this beautiful

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt,

and petite young woman’s

and fellow publisher-crusader

past

future

Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Daisy

marked by leadership –In fact,

was a courageous trailblazer.

her past would have pointed to

Few historians include in her

just the opposite—the truth is,

biography, the fact that her

it was her past that marked her

first test in the civil rights

for leadership.

It was her

arena was her instrumental

deep passion for justice and

role in the desegregation of

equality that would instruct

the Little Rock city bus sys-

the rest of her life. Daisy Gat-

tem in 1956. It was after that

son Bates was a history maker

courageous effort that she was

before the term was coined; a

recognized as a force in Ar-

leader during the worst of

kansas’ civil rights struggle;

times for Blacks or women.

eventually taking the helm of

Even before she and L.C.

the historical 1957 integration

played such pivotal roles in

Crisis of Little Rock Central

the 1957 Central High School

High.

Juneteenth, celebrated on June

the celebration included a

19th, is the name given to

prayer service, speakers with

emancipation day by African-

inspirational messages, read-

Americans in Texas. On that

ing of the emancipation proc-

day in 1865 Union Major-

lamation, stories from former

General Gordon Granger read

slaves, food, red soda water,

General Orders, No.3 to the

games, rodeos and dances.

people of Galveston. It stated

The celebration of June 19 as

"The people of Texas are in-

emancipation day spread from

formed that, in accordance

Texas

with a proclamation from the

states of Louisiana, Arkansas

Executive

and Oklahoma.

pointed

of

to

a

the

United

to

the

neighboring It has also

States, all slaves are free. This

appeared in Alabama, Florida,

involves an absolute equality

and California as African-

of personal rights and rights of

American Texans migrated. In

property between former mas-

many parts of Texas, ex-

ters and slaves, and the con-

slaves

nection

existing

"emancipation grounds," for

between them becomes that

the Juneteenth gathering. Ex-

between employer and hired

amples include: Emancipation

labor. The freedmen are ad-

Park in Houston, purchased in

vised to remain quietly at their

1872; what is now Booker T.

present homes and work for

Washington Park in Mexia;

wages. They are informed that

and Emancipation park in East

they will not be allowed to

Austin.Celebration

collect at military posts and

Juneteenth

that they will not be supported

World War II but revived in

in idleness either there or else-

1950 at the Texas State Fair

where." Large celebrations on

Grounds in Dallas. Interest

June 19 began in 1866 and

and participation fell away

continued regularly into the

during the late 1950's and

early 20th century. The Afri-

1960's as attention focused on

can-Americans

this

expansion of freedom for Af-

day like the Fourth of July and

rican-Americans. In the 1970's

the

Juneteenth

heretofore

treated

celebrations

contained

similar events. In the early days ,

vived.

purchased

land,

declined

or

of

during

celebrations

re-

JUNE 19, 2013

4A

The Importance of an African American Newspaper

Letter From The Editor We are blessed to be

if you have questions or con-

able to provide an op-

cerns to share with us. We are

portunity for so many

here to serve you, the commu-

people to voice their

nity, and our readers. I have

Extra! Extra! Read all about

The Nation of Islam preaches

But you will hear about the

opinion and share their

been a member of Arkansas

it! Black news is fresh off the

d i sc ip li n e .

African American male who

talents by writing and

media since 2004 when I took

press and it is well overdue.

preaches

contributing to The Sun.

my first professional job as a

Don’t you agree? The Black

monotheism

It is very important to

reporter at the Pine Bluff

have a place for minori-

By Chris James, Copy Editor C hr i s ti a n ity and

shot his girlfriend the day of

one

her graduation. You’ll hear

perspective has been muted

God. Buddhism teaches to

about the increase of Black

Commercial Newspaper. Soon

long enough. The voices of

think for self and the power of

Death in Chicago from Black

ties to voice their opin-

after, I began producing news

the people have been shackled

meditation. All these religions

on Black violence. You will

ion and read about news

at KATV Channel 7 in Little

but we have found the keys

have important perspectives

hear about the African Ameri-

that is positive and up-

Rock. As my career continued

and

rhythmic

that you can mold your life

can male who was caught traf-

lifting.

to excel, I became a radio

words of truth. This is beauti-

around but which one best fits

ficking drugs. Enough de-

news anchor for Cumulus

ful. This is good news. The

your lifestyle is the question?

pressing news coverage about

Media in Little Rock. I have a

question arises, what is the

Honestly, your answer should

us is already circulating. The

degree in Mass Communica-

importance

African

not be just one. It’s best to be

African American Newspaper

tion from the University of

American Newspaper? Is it

well rounded. The world of

can’t stop that but it can give

Arkansas-Pine Bluff and a

important? These are ques-

media and literature has many

the people a different option,

Master of Arts in Media Com-

tions definitely worth thinking

perspectives but the least ex-

an option to be uplifted and

munication

about.

posed is the one that suits the

educated and not depressed. A

The existence of an African

African

publication of this sort also

American Newspaper creates

Yes, it is great to read the

serves

a platform for another per-

USA Today or The Wall Street

knowledge and the necessary

spective in the world of litera-

Journal but at some point it is

perspective of the people. The

ture and media. Every publi-

very important to read infor-

Little Rock Sun is Arkansas’

cation that exists does so upon

mation that directly relates to

latest news source and this

the foundation of some per-

you, and your family, and

publication will proudly shine

spective. The same rules apply

your community. The Times

light on those very things that

to life and religion. Every

won’t inform you that Urban

directly relate to the African

religion is someone’s perspec-

Prep, an all-black school in

American community for the

tive that has become someone

Chicago, has graduated 100%

purpose of keeping our people

else’s perspective. There are

of its’ students three consecu-

informed and inspired. Extra!

many religions and we as free

tive years. Nor will they in-

Extra! Make sure you read

community.

people have chosen the one

form you that Arkansas Bap-

ALL about it!

Happy Reading! Dana Bradley Wimbley—Managing Editor The Little Rock Sun Community Newspaper

that best suits us. Some people

tist College just graduated 125

choose not one but instead

students. They won’t inform

endeavor in many religions to

you that grant money is avail-

have a more broad under-

able for the issues in your

standing.

underserved,

Dear Reader,

That is what we are all about;

Welcome to our first edition

positivity, spreading the good

of the Little Rock Sun! We

news, and uplifting others.

are honored to be able to bring

Our weekly paper will have

you a voice from the minority

special feature sections such

community on a weekly basis.

as “Church of the Week”,

Our paper strives to focus on

“Business of the Week”, a

the positive things happening

photo contest that will feature

in the local communities of

a “Cute Baby of the Week”

The Little Rock Sun is a com-

Arkansas.

and more. Our paper plans to

munity

cover events and stories that

means we want to hear from

the mainstream media may

you. If you would like to see

not cover. Our goal is to shine

your

a positive light on our com-

thoughts please send an email

munity. We want to hear from

Dana@thelittlerocksun.com .

you. We encourage our read-

I have always believed, “If

ers

feedback.

your job is doing something

Please feel free to write a let-

you love to do, you will never

ter to the editor

have to work a day in your

News is my passion. I love being in the mix of what is happening in the community, and as the Managing Editor of The Little Rock Sun, I pledge to cover topics that are positive, educational, informative, entertaining, and truthful; topics that are important to our

to

provide

from

Webster

University in Little Rock.

newspaper

articles,

which

ideas,

and

life?”

Reading is Important to the Success of Black Children

freed

their

of an

forgiveness meaning

American

people.

to

expose

truths,

economically

deprived neighborhood.

By Renarda Williams “Without the ability to

"Reading is, and will always

Reynolds stated.

Campaign for

read well, no future

be, a fundamental catalyst to

America can’t wait for nor

Reading A Call to Action,

as a unifying goal; promote

exists for Black chil-

success, regardless of career

expect the federal government

which in 2011 revealed that

quality teaching for every

dren in America,” ac-

choice, college or entrepre-

to do something about illiter-

39 percent of Black students

child in every setting every

cording to an article

neurship,”

acy among our children, he

in Arkansas did not read on

day; support community solu-

that appeared in The

adding that not nearly enough

emphasized.

grade level by the end of the

tions to address lack of school

Black

Project

reading programs exist in

“I encourage everyone to take

third grade. “Comparatively,

readiness,

(blackstarproject.org).

schools, churches, community

small steps, such as getting

only 18 percent of white chil-

and summer learning loss; and

“If Black children can-

centers and other resource

kids tested and following up

dren did not read on grade-

help parents succeed in their

not read today, they

centers. In this country, he

with reading resources such as

level,” she pointed out. “If left

critical roles as first teachers

cannot

the

continued, "we ignore, over-

TestOurKids.com,” he said.

unchecked, this problem will

and best advocates.”

Black doctors, nurses,

shadow and minimize the fact

West, president and chief ex-

undermine efforts to end inter-

lawyers,

engineers,

that our children can’t read;

ecutive officer of the Win-

generational poverty, close the

bankers,

accountants,

therefore, we don’t invest in

throp Rockefeller Foundation,

achievement gap, and reduce

Despite the gains in technol-

technologists, business

teaching children to read. The

is working to eradicate the

high school dropout rates ….”

ogy that has made knowledge

people or educators of tomor-

educational systems in this

rates

The goal of AR-GLR: that all

more accessible, all too many

row.”

country

Black children in Arkansas.

Arkansas children will read at

Black children continue to

Fortunately, such noted ex-

graduate children, send them

The foundation and Arkansas

grade level by the end of third

suffer from a lingering funda-

perts as Dr. Angelo Reynolds

out into the world and expect

Advocates for Children and

grade. “Research shows that

mental problem: the inability

and Dr. Sherece West are

them to become productive

Families collaborate with an

third grade marks a critical

to read.

working to ensure a better

and successful citizens ….”

advisory committee on the

benchmark

According to the national

future

"We are dedicated and pas-

Arkansas Campaign for Grade

achievement, when students

Campaign for

through literacy.

sionate about helping young

-Level Reading (AR-GLR) to

shift from ‘learning to read’ to

Reading, an alarming number

Without reading skills it’s

people not only learn to read,

ensure that more low-income

‘reading to learn,’” West said.

of children – about 67 percent

impossible to do well in other

but discover the joys, wonders

children succeed in school and

“Specifically statewide, [the

nationwide and more than 80

subject areas, such as math

and excitement of reading ...

graduate prepared for college,

campaign] is a call to action to

percent low-income families –

and science, according to Rey-

[and] be a beacon of light to

careers, and active citizenship.

continue to improve the early-

are not proficient readers by

nolds, an educational advisor

parents who want to help their

West cited the Arkansas :

care and early-grade education

the end of third grade.

for TestOurKids.com.

child succeed,"

Grade-Level

for

Star

become

these

children

Reynolds

…

promote

said,

and

of

illiteracy

among

Grade-Level

for

by using grade-level

student

proficiency

chronic

absence

JUNE 19, 2013

5A

SUPPORT THE IDA B. WELLS HOME FOR PREGNANT GIRLS Old Jobs Corps Building Conversion to New Urban Outreach Center

By Dr. Julius J. Larry III, DDS;JD;MPH “Arkansas highest in teenage birthrates,” read the headlines in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette’s May 27, 2013 edition. Accord-

Rockefeller Early Childhood Magnet and Elementary School, located

at

700

East

17

t h

Street.

The CRP will provide a two-bedroom condominium until the child reaches age 18. The mother will have the option to purchase the

ing to a report released by the National Center for Health Statis-

condominium.

The Paradise Group is purchasing the vacant

tics, Arkansas ranked highest in the nation in teenage birthrates in

Joshua building on Roosevelt and State Streets. A daycare center

2011. “I’m a little surprised at us having the highest ranking” said

will be placed in the building so that the children will not have to

Bradley Planey of the Arkansas Department of Health. “The last

leave the building during inclement weather. The Joshua building

time I saw a national ranking, we had the third highest.” What

will be re-named Paradise Heights Condominiums and owned by

are we going to do about this serious problem in Arkansas?

the non-profits. The old VA building will be purchased to house

Paradise-Victory Cathedral World Ministries and Houston Sweet

senior-assisted living; housing for single parents; a Black commu-

Hour of Prayer Ministries (Houston SHOP, Inc) are sponsoring the

nity bank and other businesses.

Ida B. Wells Home for Pregnant Girls in Little Rock. The old Job Corps building located at 21st and Vance Streets has been purchased by The Paradise Group, LLC, as an Urban Outreach Center that will house the Non-clinical Residential Group Home for pregnant girls in Arkansas; a restaurant; a beauty salon; a nondenominational chapel; law offices; corporate offices of the Little Rock Sun Community Newspaper; and other businesses open to the community. Our comprehensive, evidence-based pregnancy prevention and intervention program will positively affect the teenage pregnancy problem in Arkansas.

Although the old Job Corps building in its present state is a community eye-sore and potential health hazard, the new Urban Outreach Center will enhance community property values; create jobs for local residents; restore community pride and effectuate the vision of the original Founders and builders of the Red Carpet Inn.

The Faith-Based Initiative mission of the Ida B. Wells Home will

“Participants at the 3/2/2013 Rockefeller Meeting”

be accomplished through the Daisy Bates “Bridge to the Future”

At the first meeting, the vision for renovating the old Job Corps

Program. This specialized proprietary program encompasses an

building was discussed, although no definitive business plan was

evidence-based curriculum with out-come proven, results-oriented

available at that time.

interventions that will comprise the gold standard for non-clinical

By the April 18, 2013 Pettaway Neighborhood Association meetst

residential group homes nationwide. The comprehensive Program

ing, held at the ALERT Center on 21 Street, a detailed plan of

includes: (a) Pre-natal Care; (b) Obstetrics-Gynecology Services;

action was ready for discussion, presentation to the community,

(c) General Medical; (d) Counseling; (e) Dental; (f) GED Prepara-

and filing with the City’s Planning Commission. The detailed

tion; (g) Parenting 101; (h) Life Skills; (i) Personal Responsibility;

plan with all of the accompanying documents was given to Ms.

(j) Finance, Banking and Credit; (k) Preventing HIV, STDs and

Carol Tabron, President and Director Hendrix at that meeting,

Pregnancy; (l) Independent Living; (m) Family Formation and Re-

prior to filing with the City’s Planning Commission. The plan,

integration; (n) Spirituality; (o) Workfare Internships; (p) Cooking

along with a re-zoning application was subsequently filed with the

101; (q) Voting Rights and Citizenship; (r) Nurse-Family Partner-

Planning Commission and notices were sent by certified mail to

ship; (s) Community Service; (t) Substance Abuse Prevention; (u)

all property owners of record within a 200 -foot radius of the old

Driver Education.

Job Corps building. We passed out flyers to residents who were

Officials at DHS were excited about the potential of the Ida B.

not property owners and who did not receive a certified letter.

Wells program and provided valuable insights, recommendations

It was the expectation of The Paradise Group that the leadership of

and suggestions. All of the DHS recommendations were incorpo-

the Pettaway Neighborhood Association would disseminate the

rated in our operations plan.

detailed plan to the community via its website; social media and the website of Director Hendrix’ church, St. John. We discovered that many members of the community did not receive any information at all or received mis-information or dys-information. So, we decided to reach the entire community through The Little Rock Sun Community Newspaper, the only Black community newspaper of its kind in Arkansas.

“Old Job Corps Building at 2020 Vance Street”

The Paradise Group does not believe abortion should be utilized as birth control. Therefore, we applaud the young women who chose not to have abortions but protect, nourish and love the children God so graciously gave them. It is our Christian and Humanitar-

“Initial Meeting with DHS Officials”

ian duty to provide a Safe Harbor, Guidance, Spirituality and Love for our young girls in crisis. Today, there are thousands of successful single mothers – many of whom were pregnant teenagers.

We are reaching out to single moms who went through crisis without a support system like Ida B. Wells Home and struggled to get where they are in life today. We need your support.

Our Program The Mission of the Ida B. Wells House is to carry out God’s Work to provide Love; a Safe Harbor; Room and Board, and Upward Mobility and Empower Pregnant Teens who will become single

“The Proposed New Urban Outreach Center” The “Red” roof commemorates the original Red Carpet Inn. It represents the Blood, Sweat and Investments of the original Founders, such as Dr. Roosevelt Brown, DDS, and others under the vision and leadership of Dr. Jerry Jewell, DDS. Director Erma Hendrix told me that she was an original investor and that she still has her original stock certificate. The “Black” represents the Race of the Founders, including members of our beloved Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha. “Black” also represents the character of the original neighborhood before the diversity we see today.

The Paradise Group owes a special thanks to our Ward 1 Director, Honorable Erma Hendrix, who facilitated our first meeting with The Pettaway Neighborhood Association.

Ms. Carol Tabron,

President of the Pettaway Neighborhood Association convened a special call meeting that was held on March 2, 2013 at Winthrop

mothers. As a private Non-Clinical Residential Group Home, it is our goal to put in place evidence-based interventions that will have positive outcomes such as increasing self-esteem and selfworth; building hope for the future; parenting skills; positive relationships with other young mothers; increase self-efficacy to setting sexual limits; graduation from high school; college enrollment; retaining custody of their children; establishing and maintaining the child’s father’s involvement and being good citizens.

The program will serve young women less than twenty-one (21) years old until the birth of their child. After the birth of their child, these young women may be placed in the Community Reintegration Program (CRP), which is unique in the U.S.

If you believe teenage pregnancy is a problem in Arkansas and that the community should do something about it by adopting the Ida B. Wells program, please call Ms. Carol Tabrun, President of the Pettaway Neighborhood Association, at 501-682-8284 to express your support or contact Director Erma Hendrix, at 501-3714510.

JUNE 19, 2013

6A

A Teenager And Pregnant! Now What?

A Parent’s Summer Safety Guide

By Elaine Womack

Bobbie Jhene Brown Parkview Arts/ Science Magnet High School

By: Dr. Sharifa Glass M.D.

I, like so many

Shorts, tank tops, sunglasses, fam-

other young girls

ily vacations at the lake, playing

grew up in a bro-

kickball, swimming in the back-

ken home.

My

yard pool…summer is here! Al-

mother, who was

though there are many fun summer

raised by her fa-

recreational activities, they can

ther, was a single

also place children at risk for sun-

parent with three

burn, heat exhaustion, and drown-

children. She had

ing. Listed below are tips to help keep your children safe as they

no formal educa-

enjoy the sun and water this season.

tion, money or job

Water Safety

skills and married

ALWAYS provide close supervision–Assign a responsible

We moved to a one-

adult (even if a lifeguard is present) to stay within arm’s reach

bedroom duplex where my two siblings and I slept on a pull-out

and keep eyes on young children at ALL times. The desig-

sofa in the living room.

nated adult should not drink alcohol or be involved in any

the meanest man in our neighborhood.

SCHOLAR OF THE WEEK

distracting activity (i.e. texting on a phone, talking to others,

The Little Rock Sun Scholar of the Week is the lovely and talented, Ms. Bobbie Jhene Brown, daughter of William and Kimberly Brown of Little Rock. On May 21, 2013, she graduated from Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School in the top ten of her class of almost 240 students. In the Fall, Bobbie will be attending Washington University in St. Louis, in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Sun: “Bobbie, First of all – Congratulations! As an Honor student, you have made all of us in the community very proud. Now that you have graduated high school, what do you

Life was horrible. My drunken stepfather verbally and physically

mowing the lawn, cooking on the grill, or reading).

abused my mother. With him, she bore four more children. When

Keep a phone nearby, but only use it for emergency calls.

I was in high school, my mother was institutionalized in a mental

Wear life jackets instead of noodles, arm floaties, and inner

hospital. While she was there, my stepfather starved, verbally

tubes which are not approved to prevent drowning.

well. Parkview High School was where I was able to nurture

Create a barrier - Install a 4-feet high fence with self-closing,

the science craving side of me with Organic Chemistry, AP

self-latching gates that completely encloses and separates the

Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Environmental Sci-

pool from the house and yard.

ence, Anatomy & Physiology, and Geology & Space. I have

Remove temptations - Clear the pool area of toys immediately

also taken other interests in subjects like AP U.S History and

after using the pool so children are not tempted to enter the

AP Psychology. Throughout high school, I participated in the

pool area unsupervised.

Track & Field team, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Fu-

Learn CPR at http://www.heart.org/

ture Business Leaders of America, Chemistry Club, Environ-

Teach kids to swim - Use your local YMCA or community

mental Club, and my favorite, SECME or “The Robotics

pool.

Team”. I founded this club at my school after similar clubs

abused and tried to sexually assault my sister and me. By the grace of God, I fought him off until my mother returned home.

I dreamed of the day of being free of my dysfunctional household.

However, before my seventeenth birthday, I became pregnant and the baby’s daddy disappeared. My saving grace was God’s mercy and the love of my mother, who made me volunteer at UAMS Hospital as a Candy Striper. Little did I know that by exposing me to a medical career she was shaping my life. I gave birth to my little girl, Yolonda. I had no money, so I had to drop out of my senior year of high school; go to work cleaning tables; and finish my education at night.

Eventually, I earned a degree as a Nurse Practitioner. I later married and we have been married for eighteen years. My first born is now a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, stationed at the Pentagon. She is the first Black Hawk Medical Evacuation Pilot in the Army and is a 2012 inductee into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate degree at the Howard University School of Divinity.

My second daughter became an independent business

owner and a homeowner while single, and my third daughter is a Registered Nurse. I had some detours in life, and some hard lessons to learn as a teenage mother. If I can inspire just one teenage mother to continue reaching for higher goals and to love self and now baby, then my prayers would be answered. In spite of my decisions in life, God blessed me with positive people and an abundance of grace. I am here to testify, that with God and a higher education, you too can defy the odds of heredity and environment and break any cycle of abuse and poverty that plagues so many young girls. You can overcome your situation. The same road that let me out (God and education) is still open today and can be a way of escape for you, as well.

Take care of yourself and have a healthy baby. Help your children achieve their highest potential. Utilize the resources that are available to you to improve your life and your children will be the beneficiaries. Decide to commit to reaching your goals and know that just around the corner and beyond these obstacles there are exceptional rewards ahead for you.

Yes, I wholeheartedly support the Ida B. Wells Home for Pregnant Girls.

Sun Safety

attribute to your success?

“As a graduate looking back on all of the things I did, I see it was only because of my faith, will, and determination to do

had been inactive for more than three years. I became the

Avoid sun exposure if possible. Stay in the shade and limit

President of the club and had the pleasure of leading my ro-

sun exposure during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm).

botics team to a second place win at state competition and to

Cover, cover, cover! – Use lightweight pants, long-sleeved

the highest regional level of competition to win first place in a

shirts, and brimmed hats as a primary sun barrier for infants

category of robot judging.

less than 6 months. All other children should wear cotton

The Sun: “That is outstanding!” What type of awards

clothing, sunglasses with 99% UVA & UVB protection, and

did you receive in high school?

brimmed hats as a primary barrier to the sun.

“During high school, I earned several awards and honors. I

On sunny and cloudy days, cover all exposed skin of infants

placed first in the genetics category of the Science Olympiad. I

with small amounts of sunscreen. It is okay to apply sun-

got second place in the Animal Sciences at regional science

screen to an infant's face, but be careful to avoid the eyes. If

fair, and got honorable mention in Animal Sciences at state

older than 6 months, apply sunscreen to all areas of the body.

science fair. I received Little Rock School District achieve-

Use sunscreen with at least 15 SPF. Reapply sunscreen every

ment awards for Organic Chemistry and Anatomy & Physiol-

2 hours. Also reapply after swimming and sweating.

ogy. I have received two Superintendent’s Citations and have

Be aware! - Water, sand, and snow can reflect UV rays caus-

been honored at my school for my accomplishments. On the

ing faster sunburns

track team, I made it to state where I placed 5 th in discus. I

Hydrate with water or sports drinks before participating in

am also proud of my AP scores I received my junior year. I

physical activity. Children should have frequent hydration

got a five, the highest score, in AP Biology, and four’s in AP

breaks every 20 minutes while exercising in the heat.

Language & Composition, AP U.S History, and AP Chemistry,

Dr. Sharifa N. Glass is a pediatrician and lecturer in Houston, Texas.

She received her undergraduate degree in

mathematics from the University of Houston and her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. She re-

for which I was named an AP Scholar with Honors. One of the achievements I am most proud of is my admittance to Washington University in St. Louis with full scholarship.”

The Sun: Bobbie, I must say that you are the most level-

ceived pediatric and subspecialty training in child abuse and

headed 17 –year old I have ever met.

What is in your future?

neglect at the University of Texas Health Science Center at

“I look forward to the academic challenges I will face there, with support from my friends and family. God has blessed me with the skills and knowledge I needed to make it this far and I know He will continue to bless me in the future. I am proud of all my life experiences that led me to be the person I am today.

I hope and pray that I continue on this path on my way through college, medical school, and ultimately to a job in medical research. My goal is to research in the field of pathology, to study diseases and how they affect the human body. I have faith that God has led me in all the right ways to accomplish this goal.”

The Sun: May Almighty God forever Bless and Keep you in His Favor. Thank you very much

JUNE 19, 2013

7A

Spirit of the Arkansas Travelers By: Michal D. Harris The Arkansas Travelers baseball team represents one of the great treasures the state of Arkansas has to offer. What many may not know is the Arkansas Travelers have been around since 1957 and the first African American player for the team was Richard Anthony “Dick” Allen. Allen played for one season in 1963 before he was sent to the pros. During his stint in Arkansas, he

Arkansas and the Negro Leagues

dealt with racism in the harshest fashion, by racist picketers, signs

Many baseball fans may not know about the African-American history that surrounds Arkansas baseball.

being placed in the side the games and even a note left on his car.

The Negro Leagues in Arkansas was called the Arkansas Negro League, which operated early in the century, around

The timing of his arrival also was not helpful as he arrived a few

1915. The league included teams from Hot Springs, Hope, Arkadelphia, McGee and El Dorado. The Hot Springs team

years after the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School

was known as the Vapor City Tigers.

by the Little Rock Nine.

One player who played in the Arkansas Negro League was Saul Davis, who pitched for the Vapor City Tigers in 1917.

Now, in 2013, the atmosphere has changed and the setting is a warm Friday night in May with a summer feel to it. The Arkansas Travelers are facing off in a series against the Springfield Cardinals at Dickey-Stephens park located in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The crowd is made up of people of all ages, races, and cultural backgrounds. A group of baseball fans travelling from France attended the game. When African-American player Travis Witherspoon comes up to bat the crowd cheers! A stark contrast to how things were over 50 years ago when Allen was playing for the Travelers.

The Arkansas Travelers give back to the community of Little Rock and North Little Rock by offering the Shelly’s Kids Club. Shelly the Horse is the official club mascot for the team and has The Arkansas Travelers baseball team represents one of the great treasures the state of Arkansas has to offer. What many may not know is the Arkansas Travelers have been around since 1957 and the first African American player for the team was Richard Anthony “Dick” Allen. Allen played for one season in 1963 before he was sent to the pros. During his stint in Arkansas, he dealt with racism in the harshest fashion, by racist picketers, signs being placed in the side the games and even a note left on his car. The timing of his arrival also was not helpful as he arrived a few years after the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School by the Little Rock Nine.

Now, in 2013, the atmosphere has changed and the setting is a warm Friday night in May with a summer feel to it. The Arkansas Travelers are facing off in a series against the Springfield Cardinals at Dickey-Stephens park located in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The crowd is made up of people of all ages, races, and cultural backgrounds. A group of baseball fans travelling from France attended the game. When African-American player Travis Witherspoon comes up to bat the crowd cheers! A stark contrast to

Davis later went on to play in much higher ranks of Negro baseball.

Throughout the 20th century, there were several Negro teams in Arkansas that joined the Negro Southern League which was considered the “minor” league to the Negro National League.

Probably the biggest and most well-known Negro team in Arkansas were the Claybrook Tigers, who played during the 1930’s. Sometime in their existence, they played in the Negro Southern League, winning the championship in 1935 and 1936. They were called the “Black Champions of the South”. They played many of their games in Memphis, TN, but their home field was in Claybrook, AR, a city that is no longer in existence.

Another Negro team in Arkansas were the Little Rock Black Travelers, who operated in 1945 in the Negro Southern League. They played in Travelers Field, later Ray Winder Field, which was the home field of the Arkansas Travelers.

The Little Rock Grays, another Negro Southern League team in 1932 and possibly other years, also played at Travelers Field.

The following are some of the better known African-American players from Arkansas that played in some form of a Negro league: Ollie Brantly (Lexon, AR) John W. Brown (Crossett, AR) Floyd Gardner, (Russellville, AR) Napoleon Gulley (Huttig, AR) Neale Henderson (Fort Smith, AR) Byron Johnson (Little Rock, AR) Robert Jones (Forrest City, AR) Charlie Henderson (Pine Bluff, AR) Frank McAllister (Forrest City, AR) Clyde Spearman (Arkadelphia, AR) Henry Spearman (Arkadelphia, AR) By the early 1930s, Claybrook had built a stadium on the farm and formed the baseball team, costing him about $4,000. Some of the players worked on the farm, while others were professional players who played for any team willing to pay for their services. Claybrook and his son signed a number of athletes who went on to become successful Negro League players, including native Arkansan Theolic “Fireball” Smith , Dan Wilson, Walter Calhoun, John “The Brute” Lyles, Logan “Eggie” Hensley, Alfred “Greyhound” Saylor, Roosevelt “Bill” Tate, and W. H. “Big Train” Summerall. The most famous Tiger was Ted “Double Duty” Radcliffe, who managed and played for the team in 1936. Radcliffe was well known for moving around the country playing for anyone willing to give him the best deal. He was dubbed “Double Duty” because he often pitched the first game of a double-header and played catcher in the second game. He often did this while managing his team, too. Radcliffe died on August 11, 2005 at the age of 103. He had been the oldest living Negro League player and certainly one of the most colorful people to ever play the game.

Have

By Colin Cottingham Sports Editor you

There are several resources to help you find lists of camps

ever heard the old

and programs for the summer. One popular program is the Sum-

The Arkansas Travelers give back to the community of

adage, it is better to

mer Playground Program (www.littlerock.org). Families can also

Little Rock and North Little Rock by offering the Shelly’s Kids

give than to receive?

check out the April, May, and June 2013 issues of the Little Rock

Club. Shelly the Horse is the official club mascot for the team and

If so, for the inaugu-

Kids Directory (www.LRKidsDirectory.com), Savvy Kids maga-

been around since 1996. The club offers kids a

ral edition of the Lit-

zine (www.savvykidsofarkansas.com), and the Little Rock Family

tle Rock Sun, I’d like

magazine (www.inarkansas.com) for over 100 unique and fun

to give you a gift to start your summer off right! During the

things for your kids to do. These issues are available in print and

months of August through May it is a no-brainer that children will

online and give program information, pricing, and hours of opera-

game catch and the end of season bash. The team also

be in school, but what do families do for the summer months?

tion.

sponsors different themed nights targeted at different

How do you keep kids entertained, stay within your budget, and

FREE Activities

age groups, races, cultures, and work backgrounds. The

make sure they are safe? I propose you do that with the three F’s –

how things were over 50 years ago when Allen was playing for the Travelers.

has

chance to meet the players, get a souvenir membership card, t-shirt, and baseball as well as attend on-field pre-

Arkansas Travelers and Arkansas have truly endured the test of time and made changes for the better of mankind.

Now that you have resources to keep your kids fit and

stay FIT, have FUN, and find activities that are FREE!

make sure they have fun – here is the best of the three F’s…FREE!

Staying FIT

The Central Arkansas Library System offers Summer Reading

It is easier to convince children to give up the TV and

Clubs to keep your children’s minds in tip top shape and weekly

enjoy the outdoors when the weather is warmer. Take advantage

programs at the Main Library that include stories, crafts, and mov-

of the nice weather during the summer and encourage your chil-

ies for all ages. Check out www.cals.org for more information.

dren to have fun outside. Being outside is a good way to build

Parents are the foundation of families, and families are the corner-

bonds with other families in the neighborhood, activate your

stones of society. Here’s to a FIT, FUN, FREE and FABULOUS

child’s creative mind, and remain physically fit!

summer!

Have FUN You don’t have to go to Disneyworld to have a good summer. You can have fun right here in your own backyard.

By: T. White

8A

JUNE 19, 2013