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POINTVIEW
K AESNDOLYN S! E GW N I BA I WISH TO BE PRETTY LIKE OTHER GIRLS! Dear Gwendolyn: I am 16 and just beginning to date. My mother is a product of ‘not dating’ until the age of 16. Although, I had no desire to date until now. Therefore, waiting was not a problem. I have been to several parties with my girlfriends and they were all asked to dance by a boy, but I had no offers. That bothered me until I looked into my mirror and discovered I was not pretty like the other girls. Janice
Dear Janice: I seldom receive letters from teenagers. So, thank you for having the courage to write to me concerning your problem. Let me tell you this: Are you telling me that you have looked into your mirror all your life and just discovered you are not pretty? Either something is wrong with your mirror, or something is definitely wrong with you. There is a thing called ‘self-esteem.’ That is your problem and not your mirror. Boys 2 men do have a tendency to lurk after what they consider as beauty. I want you to focus on receiving the highest degrees you can – that is more important than to stop and waste precious time being concerned about your looks. As you move into adulthood, you will see those same girls who are popular with dates looking old, run down, beat out, and ugly. What they once had as beauty will be gone. But for yourself, you will always look elegant and continue to look elegant as you grow old gracefully. Janice, think about it. Another observation you will come to know is that when young girls your age are popular, believe me, it is not their beauty. These young girls are known to display body parts --- other than their face.
Ask Gwendolyn, News, Issues, Perspectives and Editorials
SPYING ON SHARPTON, OTHER BLACK LEADERS A recent report that New York City Police Department may have spied on Al Sharpton as he prepared to protest the acquittal of three police officers in the 2006 shooting death of Sean Bell brings back memories of a carefully-orchestrated national effort to discredit civil rights leaders, including Dr. George Curry Martin Luther King, Jr. In his NYPD Confidential column, posted on the Huffington Post under the headline, “Spying on the Rev.,” veteran police reporter Len Levitt wrote: “A NYPD informant spied on the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network [NAN] as the group was organizing large-scale protests of the Sean Bell case acquittals, a police document shows.” It continued, “The confidential informant infiltrated a NAN meeting on May 3, 2008, and reported back to the NYPD’s Intelligence Division, according to a document marked ‘secret,’ which was obtained by NYPD Confidential.” At the time, Sharpton was planning to create a city-wide traffic jam because three plainclothes and undercover officers had killed an unarmed Bell after he left his bachelor’s party at a club in Queens. According to authorities, Bell and two of his friends were shot 50 times. On April 25, three police officers indicted in the case were acquitted of all charges. “According to the police document, the informant, who was identified not by name but by a five-digit number given to him by the department, provided the NYPD with a detailed description of NAN’s protest plans, including the names of prominent African-Americans set to participate, the locations where protestors would gather and the number of demonstrators who would offer themselves up for arrest,” the story recounted. Sharpton and nearly 200 protesters were arrested after they brought the city to a halt by blocking major traffic arteries. Although he gets the headline, this is not about Al Sharpton. Rather, it is about the reprehensible practice by the FBI and local police departments to undermine legal
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and legitimate protests. From 1956 to 1971, the FBI operated a program called COINTELPRO, an acronym for Counter Intelligence Program. Initially established to spy on organizations suspected of communist ties, the program was expanded by J. Edgar Hoover to include the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Black Panther Party, the Nation of Islam, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), the National Lawyers Guild and other left-leaning groups. A congressional committee, chaired by Senator Frank Church, issued a report that concluded, “Many of the techniques used would be intolerable in a democratic society even if all of the targets had been involved in violent activity, but COINTELPRO went far beyond that… the Bureau conducted a sophisticated vigilante operation aimed squarely at preventing the exercise of First Amendment rights of speech and association, on the theory that preventing the growth of dangerous groups and the propagation of dangerous ideas protect the national security and deter violence.” The stated goal of COINTELPRO was to “expose, disrupt, misdirect, or otherwise neutralize” organizations that it deemed “subversive.” A book titled, The Lawless State: The Crimes of the U.S. Intelligence Agencies, states: “Officials of the nation’s number one law enforcement agency agreed to use ‘all available investigative techniques’ to develop information for the use ‘to discredit’ King. Proposals discussed included using ministers, ‘disgruntled’ acquaintances, ‘aggressive’ newsmen, ‘colored’ agents, Dr. King’s housekeeper, and even Dr. King’s wife, or ‘placing a goodlooking female plant in King’s office’ to develop discrediting information and to take action that would lead to his disgrace.” The FBI taped what it said were Dr. King’s extramarital
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Contributing Writers: Gwendolyn Baines Ruby Grant Ryan McCurdy Patricia McCurdy Erin McCurdy Kuumba (koo-ummm-bah) is a swahilli word that means: to be creative. African Americans in the past and, to a great extent, in the present has had to derive and improvise special recreative ways to strive for the right to exist. Therefore, Kuumba represents the blood, sweat, tears and joy we have shared as we grew to know and love our new found land.The Kuumba Heritage News is published by Phalconstar Communications, LCC and reserves all rights to accept or refuse any articles to be printed in any issue of the newspaper. Views and opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily those of the publisher or our advertisers. The Kuumba Heritage News is published bi-monthly (1st & 15th, each month). Letters to the Editor are welcome. Only signed letters will be accepted. The Kuumba Heritage News assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Any use or reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express written consent of the publisher. Used under license agreement IDN 13-6401495.
CITY STORIES
News, international, national, state and local spotlight
NAACP GARLAND BRANCH 2012 WINTER BALL SPOTLIGHTS PROFESSIONALS
(l-r) Former Garland Councilwoman Annie Dickson, tall guy, Mayor Ronald Jones and Garland First Lady Peggy Jones. PHOTO/GREGORY HAMILTON PIRANHAFONICS Diane Xavier
What does family Doctor Dr. Nataki Hollingsworth of Lakeview Family Medicine in Rowlett and pharmacist Bernard Clark have in common? Yes, they both work in the field of medicine. And, both are African American degreed professionals who have achieved
great success in their field. They were also among 13 others honored for their elite profession at the annual NAACP Garland Branch’s Winter Ball held last weekend at the Double Tree Hotel in Richardson. The theme this year was “Spotlighting Advance Degreed Professionals.” Among the professionals
honored were doctors, pharmacists, judges, dentists and professors with PhD’s who have overcome struggles to make it in their field according to NAACP Garland President B.J. Williams who said education is the greatest equalizer in the world and the individuals that were honored set examples of what hard work, discipline and education can do for an individual. “We wanted to recognize those who have struggled, have overcome the struggles to make it in their field,” Williams said. “Professional degrees show commitment, and now that we are a globally competitive nation, it is very important to achieve education to the maximum level. Education is the greatest equalizer which no one can take away from you. We are still dealing with many issues in our community that we still have to overcome, and in order to fight those barriers, we must be competitive and maximize educational opportunities, especially for our
young ones.” Dr. Nataki is board certified in Family Medicine who has a practice in Rowlett on Lakeview Parkway. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She said she has a special interest in women’s health, preventive medicine and health education. She has been in practice for 12 years after receiving her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University Of Cincinnati College Of Medicine and after completing her internship and residency in Family Medicine at East Tennessee State University. Dr. Nataki said being recognized by the Garland NAACP for her work was
an honor. “I love family medicine because I get to develop relationships with my patients that are ongoing and generational. It gives me the opportunity to impact and educate future generations about health. It was quite an honor to receive this award since I am not the one to look outside for affirmations. The challenges that I faced over the years makes receiving this award ultra special, especially not only helping minority populations, but also populations at large, and being able to help a variety of people. Her main advice to others to help them succeed is to create strong family ties. Family helps you and they
are your support. My parents were essential for me because they instilled in me a strong value of education, of reaching your goals and to maintain excellence. Pharmacist Bernard Clark, R.Ph. said receiving the award was a surprise. He works at Medical City in Dallas as a pharmacist. “I have been in all aspects of pharmacy, which includes working in both hospitals and in retail,” Clark said. “I have practiced in places such as Texas, Alabama, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland. Pharmacy is a profession where you can see the results of helping people. In Continued Page 7
IMANI KING AND QUEEN 2012 Theresa Jennings
The 2nd Annual Christian Imani Pageant finally got underway last October. As many of you know…” Imani” is the Swahili word for “Faith.” But for those who are not familiar with this program…the invitation was sent to the churches in the Greenville area requesting each church choose at least two faithful youth of the church (male or female - one
under the age of 12 and one over 12-20) to represent their church at the Annual Christian Imani Pageant. The quest was to honor youth for their work in their church and give them a chance to vie to be the overall King or Queen of this event. The overall winner for 2011 Queen was Ms. Melody Snipes of Royse City, Texas. Each contestant will receive numerous awards. The
only requirement are to be actively working in your Church. We hope your church will participate in our 2013 competition. The program is sponsored by Rivers of Love Church, under the guidance of Reverend Jerrold Snipes. For more information, or applications, please contact Co-Director, Theresa Jennngs, 903-259-6113.
The Kuumba Heritage News March 1-15, 2012
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FAITH Spiritual Encouragement
y b Ru ANT GR LAST DAY FORERUNNERS OF JESUS/JOHN THE BAPTIST Are you a Forerunner of Jesus? For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, Isaiah40:3 saying, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (Matthew 3:3-11) For God has accomplish something in us that should lie dormant, but He has brought within us a power, a revelation, a life that is so great, that I believe God wants to reveal the greatness of it. The possibilities of man or woman in the hands of God! There isn’t anything you can imagine greater than what the man or woman may accomplish. But everything on a natural basis is very limited to what God has for us on a spiritual basis. Notice the fact that John the Baptist was a forerunner of Jesus. Within his own short history, John the Baptist had the power of God revealed to him as no man in the old dispensation probably. He had a wonderful revelation, he had a mighty anointing. I want you to see how he moved Israel. I want you to see how the power of God rested upon him. I want you to see how he had the vision of Jesus, and went forth with power and turned the hearts of Israel to Him. And yet Jesus says about John: “…Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (Matthew 11:11”) Hear what Jesus said: And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, “What went you out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?” (Matthew 11:7) Meaning: Were you expecting to see; a weakling who was irresolute and unsteady, believing and speaking one thing one day and another thing the next day. Steadiness is noted in John the Baptist God wants to make men and women as flames of fire. (Hebrews 1:7) God wants to make men and women strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Therefore, beloved if you will hear the truth of the Gospel, you will see that God has made provision for you to be strong, to be on fire, to be as though you were quickened from the dead,(1Peter 3:18) as those who have seen the King, as those who have a resurrection touch. Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. You can write to Ruby Grant at c/o Garland Journal News, PO Box 24, Greenville, TX 75403 or email her at (armstrongfamily3@yahoo.com)
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News, local houses of worship
For as the body is one, and has many members. And all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: So also is Christ. 1Corin. 12:18
March 1-15, 2012
NAACP FAITH LEADERS TAKE ISSUE WITH REV. FRANKLIN GRAHAM
Open Letter from Leaders of Faith Regarding Statements by Franklin Graham As Christian denominational leaders, pastors, and, most importantly, followers of Jesus Christ; we are greatly troubled by recent attempts by some religious leaders to use faith as a political weapon. We were disturbed and disappointed by statements made by Rev. Franklin Graham during an interview on MSNBC that questioned whether President Obama is a Christian. Rev. Graham also seemed to imply that the President may be a Muslim, despite the fact that the President has repeatedly expressed his faith and belief in Jesus Christ. By his statements, Rev. Graham seems to be aligning himself with those who use faith as a weapon of political division. These
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kinds of comments could have enormous negative effects for America and are especially harmful to the Christian witness. Many of us are working around the world now to advance the cause of peace and religious tolerance, and we believe that statements like Rev. Graham’s have potentially dangerous consequences domestically and internationally. The world is looking to America’s faith leaders to help build bridges of understanding and mutual respect, not to further erect barriers of doubt and mistrust. It is unsettling and counter-productive to American values and interests to engage in this kind of misleading rhetoric cloaked in religion that divides our nation and international neighbors over matters of religion and faith. We can disagree about what it means to be a Christian engaged in politics, but Christians should not bear false witness. We are clear that the teachings of Jesus and the prophets call us in our imperfection to put the most vulnerable among us ahead of our self-interest. The gift of grace we received through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ should remind Christians to enter the arena of public service with a spirit of humility. As Christians we must respond to the forgiveness we received from Jesus by serving our neighbors and protecting the vulnerable and “the
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least” among us. This is how we as Christians strengthen our walk with Christ and use our faith to build unity. We are also concerned that Rev. Graham’s comments can be used to encourage racism. We urge him to be mindful of the unprecedented verbal attacks on President Obama based on his race and be careful not to allow his own voice to be used to help drive such hateful words. As committed Christian servants, we deeply believe
that Jesus defined what it means to be a Christian when he gave his disciples a new commandment that they must “love one another.” As Christian witnesses and leaders, Jesus calls us to follow his ethic of love. We call on Rev. Graham and all Christian leaders to exemplify this essential teaching of Jesus and refrain from using Christianity as a weapon of political division. Sincerely,
Dr. Carroll Baltimore, President, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. Dr. Dale Braxton, President, National Convocation of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop, AME Church Rev. Ronnie Miller-Yow, Chairperson, Black Methodist for Church Renewal Dr. Julius Scruggs, President, National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. Dr. Stephen Thurston, President, National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. Bishop George W. C. Walker, Senior Bishop, AME Zion Church Bishop Henry Williamson, Eighth Episcopal District CME Church Dr. Amos C. Brown, Chair, NAACP Religious Affairs Committee Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Member of NAACP Religious Affairs Committee and Pastor Friendship West Baptist Church, Dallas, TX Bishop Roy A. Holmes, Member of NAACP Religious Affairs Committee and Midwest Episcopal District, AME Zion Church Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention Rev. Julius C. Hope, Director, NAACP Religious Affairs Department Rev. Nelson B. Rivers, III, Vice President, NAACP Stakeholder Relations
News, local houses of worship For as the body is one, and has many members. And all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: So also is Christ. 1Corin. 12:18
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March 1-15, 2012
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SALUTING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB HOST BENEFIT GALA Staff Report
The Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Texas last month celebrated its “Blue Star Gala” to help raise funds for the organization honor a local citizen who has demonstrated a commitment to the club’s children by working to improve opportunities for children to develop morally, intellectually and physically in order to become productive members of the community. Kevin Heath, Boys and Girls club director was speaker and honoree of this year’s event.
Boys and Girls Club director Kevin Heath (r) stands with staff member.
Ila Gilstrap (r) was also recognized for her support to the Club.
Heath who grew up in Greenville and participated in Boys and Girls Club activities credited the Club for his success. Currently enrolled and attending school at Texas
turned my life around,” he told the audience. Ron Wensel, emcee, Boys & Girls Club board member and gala committee chair praised Heath’s work. Entertain-
A&M University-Commerce, he began working at the Club as a teenager and has worked in just about every position the Club has to offer. “The Boys and Girls Club
ment was provided by Dave Tanner known as “Farmer Dooley” from Barney the Dinosaur. As an entertainer, Tanner has performed for world leaders, U.S. Presidents,
Club members spoke about what the Club means to them.
European royalty and business and industry leaders.
A&M SYSTEM CHANCELLOR ADDRESSES ISSUES IN EDUCATION
John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System.
COMMERCE-John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, held a public forum last month at Texas A&M University-Commerce to discuss issues impacting higher education, and the
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March 1-15, 2012
The Kuumba Heritage News
collaborative efforts between the A&M System and A&M-Commerce. The event was open to the community, and served as a time for the public to ask questions, and learn more about Sharp’s vision for A&M-Commerce. “A&M-Commerce is a rising star within the A&M System, and is experiencing tremendous growth thanks to the leadership and vision of people like President Dan Jones,” Sharp said. “Going forward, I see it as the A&M System’s responsibility to help facilitate additional growth by making sure A&M-Commerce has the ability to provide students with the best facilities and
faculty possible.” The public forum capped off a day filled with campus tours, meetings with university administrators and a student leader forum that allowed Sharp to discuss issues directly impacting the lives of students. Sharp has served as chancellor of the A&M System since September 2011. As chancellor, Sharp leads the 19-member system, which has an annual budget of $3.3 billion. Enrollment at the A&M System’s 11 universities and health science center has grown to more than 120,000, and externally funded research expenditures are in excess of $780 million.
SALUTING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
NAACP Winter Ball
The theme this year was “Spotlighting Advance Degreed Professionals.” Among the professionals honored were doctors, pharmacists, judges, dentists and professors with PhD’s who have overcome struggles to make it in their field according to NAACP Garland President B.J. Williams. PHOTO/GREGORY HAMILTON PIRANHAFONICS
NAACP Garland President B.J. Williams (top center) and members of the Granland Branch executive officers. PHOTO/GREGORY HAMILTON PIRANHAFONICS From Page 3
the retail setting, when my customers come back and tell me that the medicine
they received helped them, it always brings a smile to my face. I always thought being a Pharmacist was a
cool job and so my advice to others is to do something you love.”
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March 1-15, 2012
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e n i g v Di ivin L y rd
IA
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THE MOUNT HOST BLACK HISTORY SYMPOSIUM
WHERE DID THE TIME GO? By Patricia R. McCurdy Where did the time go? It’s a question we all ask. Whether we’re caught in a pinch for time in our day to day activities or reminiscing about the past, we are somehow amazed about the rapid passing of time. When I was growing up it seemed as though time was almost standing still. The anticipation of birthdays and holidays, especially Christmas seemed like an eternity. Now time appears to be passing like an out of control roller coaster ride moving at “break neck speed.” However, if there is anything we know for sure, it is that time stands still for no one. We are all given 24 hours in a day, the same exact amount of time. For the most part, it is up to us to decide how we spend that time. Nevertheless, there are some who seem to accomplish more than others with their time. When I think about those of us who don’t accomplish as much as we possibly could, I am reminded of the young child’s report card marked “does not use time wisely”. As a teacher, I can recall that there were many students who could have been more successful if they had used their class time wisely. Consequently, these students received an unsatisfactory grade for their poor use of time. However, an important point to remember is that they were “still learning” how to “use their time wisely”. But, what is our excuse? How do you spend your time away from work or school? Do you over extend yourself with nonessential activities? Are you laid back with no certain schedule? Perhaps you are somewhere in between, but using your time as you please. It has been said that most people make time for things they care about. They generally prioritize those things that they consider to be important and beneficial to them. Scripture reminds us that time does pass quickly and we are here for only a little while. Psalms 39:4-5 states: “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath.” So, since we know that life is short, it is important that we be unlike those young school children but rather spend our time here wisely. As you prioritize the most important and beneficial things in your life, will you include time for serving, studying and proclaiming the word of God?
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March 1-15, 2012
Among the panelist were Sharon Leach, Sabra Richards and Dianne Randolph. GJN/PHOTO Staff Report
Mount Hebron Missionary
Baptist Church last month hosted a Black History Symposium on the Great Migra-
tion and Jim Crow Laws. The Great Migration is the era in African American History when African Americans, a generation removed from slavery began leaving the American South, en mass, for new and better lives in the northern and western states. Panelist and participates used the book, “The Warmth of The Other Suns” by Pulitzer Prize-winning Author, Isabel Wilkerson as the centerpiece of discussion. The book tells the true story of decades-long migration of six million African
Spying on Black Leaders From Page 2
sexual encounters. The book recalled, “Unknown to King…the FBI, at the height of the
public controversy, took its most distressing step. It mailed the tapes to the SCLC office in Atlanta with a covering letter urging King to commit suicide or face
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public revelation of the information on the tapes on the eve of the [Nobel Peace Prize] award ceremonies in Sweden.” The news story dis-
Americans from the South, to Northern and Western cities, in search of a better life. Rev. Lenard O. Leach, pastor of “The Mount” called the book one of the most thorough examinations of what life was like to these descendants of slaves. He challenged the audience to know the history of its people to know themselves. Here is a look at the origin of Jim Crow as explained in a book review unveiled at the Black History Symposium: Continued Page 10
closing that NYPD spied on Sharpton also stated, “Two undercover police officers who spied on black protest groups in the 1980s told this reporter in 1998 that the department was so intent on discrediting Sharpton that they were tasked by their superiors to spread rumors that he was homosexual.” As one who has covered the Civil Rights Movement for four decades, I’ve heard a lot of rumors that never made it into print. At no time, however, have I ever heard a faint suggestion that Sharpton might be gay. But that’s how these vicious rumors are designed to work. It doesn’t matter whether something is demonstrably false - the idea is to raise enough doubt in some people’s mind and the mission would have been accomplished. To paraphrase former President George W. Bush: Mission Not Accomplished.
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GROUP SAYS AG’S CONGRESSIONAL PLAN BETRAYS TEXAS MINORITY VOTERS News Release
The Lone Star Project, a federal political action committee said last week that the state’s congressional redistricting proposal continues Texas Republicans’ dishonest attack on voters. Even though minorities made up 80 percent of the new Texas population over the last decade and were solely responsible for Texas gaining four new congressional seats, the AG’s proposal likely will not result in any additional minority opportunity districts. The group said Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott is seeking cover for his cynical proposal by
citing the support of one plaintiff group and opportunistic elected officials like Congressman Henry Cuellar. Henry Cuellar, of course, has a long history of betraying Latino voters and his constituents to appease highlevel Republicans the group says. During the 2001 and 2003 Texas redistricting battles, Cuellar aligned himself with Tom DeLay. In response, prominent groups who oppose the AG’s plan filed a formal advisory with the San Antonio Federal Court earlier last week. Among others, they include, the National Office of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the NAACP, the
Gonzales Plaintiffs and the Quesda/Veasey Plaintiffs. The Mexican American Legislative Caucus also opposes the AG’s plan. Under the current congressional plan, minority voters have the opportunity to elect their candidate of choice in 11 of 32 districts, or 34.4 percent. Under the AG’s proposed interim plan, the number is likely reduced to only 11 of 36 districts, which is only 30.5 percent. Abbott’s proposal is another example of Texas Republican leaders choosing to attack and reduce the voting strength of Texas Hispanics and African Americans rather than treating the communities with respect and
simply working to earn their votes. From the beginning, the group says, “The AG has refused to negotiate with all parties and now is playing fast and loose with press statements purporting to have more support than actually exists. After spending what is likely millions of taxpayer dollars on expensive outside legal counsel, and after losing key rulings before two federal courts, the Attorney General still refuses to agree to discuss fair plans. The supposed compromise map is no more than a slightly tweaked version of the state’s illegal legislatively-enacted map.
The Lone Star Project-supported plaintiffs will continue to pursue action in the San Antonio and DC District courts to ensure that the voting rights of Texas voters are upheld.” The Group Says AG’s Plan Likely Gives Anglo Republicans Control of All Four Additional Texas Seats In the Districts below, Hispanic and/or African American voters reliably elected their candidate of choice in most elections in 2008 and 2010 and qualify as minority ability-to-elect districts. As is evident, the AG’s plan has a net increase of zero new minority opportunity districts.
Current Plan District 9 (Al Green) District 15 (Hinojosa) District 16 (Reyes) District 18 (Jackson Lee) District 20 (Gonzalez) District 23 (Canseco) District 25 (Doggett) District 27 (Farenthold) District 28 (Cuellar) District 29 (G Green) District 30 (EB Johnson) Total: 11 AG’s Proposed Plan District 9 (Al Green) District 15 (Hinojosa) District 16 (Reyes) District 18 (Jackson Lee) District 20 (Gonzalez) District 28 (Cuellar) District 29 (G Green) District 30 (EB Johnson) District 33 (new Dallas)
District 34 (new Cameron County)
District 35 (new Austin/SA) Total: 11
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Jim Crow
From Page 8
Jim Crow laws were named for an ante-bellum mistral show character. The minstrel show is one of the first forms of American entertainment. The tradition began in February 1843 when a group of four white men from Virginia, who called themselves, the “Virginia Min-
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strels,” smeared black cork on their faces and then put on a song-and-dance act in a small hall in New York City, Their performance was such a hit that the group was invited to tour to other cities. Before long, many other entertainers where imitating that style. They all gained success around the
March 1-15, 2012
country imitating how African-Americans sang and danced. One performer, who became the most famous, was called Daddy Rice. He was a white actor, who was inspired by an elderly African American man from Louisville, Kentucky, who sang and danced to a song that ended with the same chorus: “Wheel about and turn about and do just so, Ev’ry time I wheel about I jump Jim
Crow." Rice’s imitation of the African-American song and dance routine took him from Louisville to Cincinnati to Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and finally to New York City in 1832. Jim Crow law’s, named for the minstrel show character were passed in the late 1800s by the legislatures of the Southern states that discriminated against African Americans in the south. After the Civil War, many former slaves
The Kuumba Heritage News
left the rural areas to live in towns and cities. During Reconstruction, blacks and whites often rode together in the same railway cars, ate in the same restaurants and used the same public facilities but didn’t hang out with each other socially. However, some white southerners thought that the large urban black communities, which provided labor for factories, created a threat. The white southerners couldn’t control these new communities the same way
they had been able to control the blacks in a more rural setting, where they were dependent on the whites for work. In the city, blacks and whites competed for jobs, and some felt there was a danger of social mixing. The whites felt a need to gain more control over the blacks in the city. New laws, called Jim Crow, were passed restricting the freedoms of African Americans. In 1883, the U.S. Supreme Court declared the Civil Rights Act of 1875 unconstitutional. The Court also ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment kept state governments from discriminating against people because of race but did not keep private organizations or individuals from doing so. This allowed railroads, hotels, theaters, and other businesses to legally practice segregation. By 1914 every southern state had passed laws that created two separate societies: one black, the other white. Blacks and whites could not ride together in the same railroad cars, sit in the same waiting rooms, use the same washrooms, eat in the same restaurants, or sit in the same theaters. African Americans were denied access to parks, beaches, and picnic areas; they were barred from many hospitals. Shortly thereafter, in 1915 the Supreme Court began to intervene and Jim Crow laws were challenged. One of the most important court decisions occurred in 1954 when the Supreme Court ruled in a case called Brown v. Board 0f Education that segregated schools were unconstitutional. This began what is known as the “Civil Rights Movement “in the 1960s, which finally ended the Jim Crow laws. Among the panelist were Sharon Leach, Sabra Richards and Dianne Randolph. The Symposium was free and open to the public.
Community Calendar/Events, Career and Educational Opportunities, Buy & Sell Markets
CLASSIFIED
DARE TO DREAM COMING TO DALLAS, MARCH 28 - APRIL 1 CADNET CLASSIFIEDS skating spectacular. Experience Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled; as Rapunzel, her unlikely companion, Flynn, and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Boogie to the beat of the bayou with
Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in a magical, musical journey that all begins with a fateful kiss. And fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. All your favorite
princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime! Experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit when Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream comes to your hometown! The show will be held at American Airlines Center.
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Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.
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GEUS has the following position available. CASHIER SUPERVISOR Supervises the collection of GEUS payments while maintaining cashiering reports. Supervises cashiers that offer professional, courteous service to GEUS customers. Works closely with billing and customer service employees. May serve as a cashier when needed. Experience with billing systems a plus. Full time position. Salary DOQ plus benefits. Apply or send completed application form to City of Greenville Human Resources Office, P.O. Box 1049, 2821 Washington Street, Greenville, Texas 75403, or through E-Mail to jobapps@ci.greenville.tx.us, applications on website at: www.ci.greenville.tx.us (903)457-3118 or for TDD (903)457-3128. Closes February 17, 2012.
The Kuumba Heritage News March 1-15, 2012
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March 1-15, 2012
The Kuumba Heritage News