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Vol. 37, No. 40: Section 01

Tallahassee, Florida

Oct. 6 - Oct 12, 2011

Judge throws out prison privatization plan Coronation

By Jim Saunders

Fulford, in a six-page order, said the constitution required lawmakers to change state law or use an already-existing department review process before privatizing the prisons. Instead, legislative leaders put the privatization plan in budget fine print, known as proviso language. initiate privatization of Florida prisons, as opposed to DOC (initiating it), the Legislature must do so by general law, rather than ‘using the hidden recesses of the General Appropriations Act,’ ” Fulford wrote, partially quoting

a decades-old Supreme Court ruling. Fulford’s order was a victory for the Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA), which along with three correctional officers, challenged the plan this summer.

The PBA has long fought prison privatization efforts, which eliminate state jobs. “You’ve got 4,000 officers today (who) just breathed a sigh of relief,’’ PBA Executive Director Matt Puckett said shortly after See PRIVATIZATION, Page 2

Taggart sets Judge takes drug test injunction new heights under advisement Person of the Week

Marshall J. Taggart Jr.

U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven By Michael Peltier

By Terrika Mitchell Outlook Staff Writer

The News Service of Florida Special to the Outlook

Local families turned out for Tallahassee Regional Airport’s (TLH) first Airport Funfest and BBQ Challenge. This is the beginning of many initiatives to reconnect the facility with the community, according to the man with a plan. “We realized that people have been linking with other networks,” said City of Tallahassee’s new Assistant Director of Aviation Marshall Taggart Jr. “This event coincides with the airport’s 2020 Vision to bring consumer allegiance to the airport.” Taggart joined the TLH team on Feb. 1, focused and motivated to take on a challenge. “Tallahassee has a unique See POW, Page 2

A federal judge in Orlando on Sept. 26 gave Florida officials 14 days to respond to a lawsuit challenging the state’s ability to drug test applicants for temporary cash assistance. Following testimony Sept. 26, U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven refused to immediately issue an injunction barring the Department of Children and Families from conducting the drug screens for new applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). A lawsuit filed by a University of Central Florida student, backed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), is asking the federal court to strike

down the law passed by Florida lawmakers earlier this year. Attorneys for Luis Lebron contend the blanket screenings are unconstitutional because they amount to suspicionless searches. Scriven took the motion for an immediate injunction under advisement. She can rule on it before the 14-day extension she granted the state to counter Lebron’s motion for class action status on behalf of other TANF recipients who must now pay for and pass drug tests before receiving cash benefits. Lebron’s attorneys argued that the state had no reason to suspect that he abused drugs. Lacking any concern over public safety, the state is barred from making such a presumption, they said. “The governor and the Legislature sent their lawyers into court

today to advance a very startling proposition. They argue that some Floridians, namely poor families with children who qualify for temporary public assistance, are not protected by the Constitution of the United States,” said ACLU of Florida Executive Director Howard Simon. The state countered that Lebron was allowed to seek benefits or not and he chose to forgo the federal assistance by not taking a test. “No one forces an applicant to take the test. The plaintiff was notified of his right to refuse and has exercised that right,” the state wrote in its initial response. “Because any invasion of the plaintiff‘s privacy rights is purely consensual, no search within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment‘s prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures has occurred.” A U.S. Navy veteran, Lebron is a single, custodial father who is scheduled to graduate in December. He was denied benefits when he refused to take the test, which costs between $25 and $45. Backers of the measure, including Gov. Rick Scott, say private businesses have been requiring such tests for years and government should be no different. A survey released Sept. 28 by the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association, a trade group for testing companies, found 57 perSee TEST, Page 2

Florida sets January 31 primary, defying national GOP By Brandon Larrabee The News Service Of Florida Special to the Outlook

A state commission officially set Jan. 31 as the date for Florida’s presidential primary, casting aside rules agreed on by both national parties and sparking a stampede to January by a handful of traditionally early states. On a 7-2 vote, with former Democratic Sen. Al Lawson of Tallahassee joining with the panel’s six Republicans, the committee chose to essentially leave Florida’s date where it was when the dustup over the calendar began. The commission itself was created by the Legislature as part of an effort to avoid a showdown with the Republican National Committee (RNC) while ensuring Florida kept a prominent place in the GOP primary process. The move means Florida will likely lose half of its delegates to the Republican convention next year in Tampa, the only one of the two major conventions that will

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A Leon County circuit judge Sept. 30 blocked a plan to privatize 29 prison facilities, ruling that lawmakers violated the Florida Constitution by approving the changes in the fine print of the state budget. Judge Jackie Fulford’s ruling had an immediate effect: The Department of Corrections (DOC) suspended Sept. 27 scheduled opening of bid proposals from companies that want to run the prisons. Fulford, in a six-page order, said the constitution required lawmakers to change state law or use an already-existing department review process before privatizing the prisons. Instead, legislative leaders put the privatization plan in budget fine print, known as proviso language. “Based on the record before it, this court concludes that if it is the will of the Legislature to itself

3 1363 E. Tennessee St, Tallahassee, Fla. 32310

The News Service of Florida Special to the Outlook

Former Sen. Al Lawson (left) of Tallahassee supported the January primary date in a 7-2 vote. Rep. Cynthia Stafford (right) voted against the move, saying, “We’re going to play a major role regardless...” officially decide a contested nomination. President Barack Obama currently has no challenger in the Democratic primary, and one is not expected to emerge. But supporters of the Jan. 31 date said brokered conventions were a thing of the past, and the momentum and fundraising boost

from winning a megastate like Florida would overwhelm the loss of delegates in a heated primary. They largely dismissed the threats of retaliation by the RNC. “If the party wants to pay for the election, we’ll pick whatever date they want,” said House Majority Leader Carlos Lopez-Can-

tera, R-Miami. “But as long as the voters of the state of Florida are paying for this election, I believe it is my constitutional duty to make their impact as great as possible and their voice heard as loudly as possible.” And former Gov. Bob Martinez said Florida would still have sway on the delegate counts. “Even if we’ve got half, our half is greater than most of the states that went before us,” he said. Most of Florida’s delegates will be allocated according to which candidate wins each congressional district, though a handful will be given to the overall winner of the state. In a move supporters said proved their point, the Republican Party of Florida and CNN announced hours after the decision that they would host a debate in Jacksonville sometime between Jan. 22 and the primary. Opponents said the state was See PRIMARY, Page 2

Inside LOCAL / 3

OPINION / 4 EDUCATION / 5 RELIGION / 6 COMMUNITY NEWS/ 7

Briefs Gift card reseller not delivering deals If you think getting a $100 Walmart gift card for $50 sounds like a deal too good to be true – you may be right. Online consumer groups and Florida regulators have been fielding complaints about cardilly.com, an Internet outfit that offers to sell deeply discounted gift cards from multiple retailers. Consumers say Cardilly has taken their money but not provided the promised gift cards. 1-800-New-Rules? For-profit lawyer referral services have operated in Florida since the mid-1980s, but the businesses didn’t get much notice until a few years ago when some of the larger ones, such as 1-800-ASK-GARY and 1-800-411-PAIN, began aggressively advertising. In radio and television commercials, the companies urge motorists to call a referral service as soon as possible after a crash and get linked to a lawyer and doctor. As the industry has grown, the marketing has become more sophisticated: 1-800-ASKGARY is paying an estimated $375,000 a year for three years to put its name on a major concert venue in Tampa; 1-800-411PAIN introduced a 411-PAIN iPhone app this year that allows accident victims to “catalog and report an accident to 411-PAIN, including pictures of the vehicles involved, photos of drivers’ licenses, insurance cards and license plates, and record any bodily pain you have.” The advertising has attracted attention from more than potential clients. The Florida Bar created a special committee this year to investigate the services and determine if it needs to regulate them.

This Week’s Word “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8 (KJV)

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Capital Outlook

Oct. 6 - Oct 12, 2011

The state of the African-American consumer Special to the Outlook As businesses look for opportunities to grow their companies and gain market share, it is critical that they understand new and emerging demands from consumers, especially within growing segments, wherever they do business. As the population of the United States evolves to become more ethnically diverse, the complexity of such an effort has grown. To help close the gap and give insight as to how to address the needs of the growing diverse base, Nielsen – along with the

National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) – developed The State of the African-American Consumer Report to better illustrate the qualities of the African-American community, the business opportunities that exist and the best methods for a productive connection between businesses and this community. The African-American population is, today, the largest racial minority group in America, with a population of close to 43 million. This market segment’s growth rate continues to exceed the overall population’s growth and

is making continued gains in the area of education and income. The collective buying power of the African-American population is projected to be at $1.1 trillion by 2015. Collectively the group overindexes in several key categories (television viewing, mobile phone usage and trips to grocery channels) and exerts a large influence on popular culture and trends, indicative of the high growth industries of the future. The three areas of focus for this report include a review of demographic characteristics, a survey of the programs and

Privatization from Page 1 Fulford released the opinion Sept. 30. An appeal is widely expected, though Department of Corrections spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said officials were studying the ruling and “determining our options.” The department is the defendant in the lawsuit, though the Legislature approved the privatization plan. House and Senate leaders also indicated they were reviewing the ruling. But Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, and House Appropriations Chairwoman Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, disputed arguments that legislative leaders put the prisons plan in the proviso language with little scrutiny. “The bottom line is that the language was approved through a public and transparent process,’’ Grimsley said. “Any accounts that the language was placed into proviso at the last minute are incorrect.’’ Haridopolos said, in part, that the Senate’s budget proposal included proviso language about privatizing prisons before negotiations with the House began. “Later, that proviso language was amended during the normal conference (negotiating) process – completely in the sunshine,’’ Haridopolos said in a statement released by his office. “It was not, as some reports have indicated, added in at the 11th hour of the legislative session.’’ Puckett said the PBA had heard rumblings earPOW from Page 1 niche that needs to be addressed,” he said. “I saw (coming to TLH) as a tremendous opportunity to transform the airport into a viable commercial region.” Before moving to Tallahassee, Taggart was the senior concession manager responsible for new business development and marketing, in his hometown airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “He brings a great deal of experience,” said Sunil Harmon, aviation director for City of Tallahassee. “He has been instrumental in attracting local business and accomplishing nearterm goals such as developing a cohesive marketing plan and making physical improvements (to the airport).” Taggart had not planned to work in a director capacity with an airport but was approached with the opportunity in 2000 while working at the City of Chicago’s Midway International Airport. As director of concessions, Taggart managed and developed more than 55,000 square feet of new retail, news and gift, food and beverage, and business services space. Thanks to

Rep. Darryl Rouson lier about privatization but didn’t expect the plan to be so far-reaching. He described Fulford’s ruling as a “pretty strong condemnation on how they did this.’’ Similarly, St. Petersburg Rep. Darryl Rouson, the ranking Democrat on the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee, said a “full and fair debate is necessary” on privatization issues. “Today’s ruling reaffirms that it is entirely inappropriate for legislative leaders to avoid a thorough debate about a controversial issue like prison privatization by tucking it in the fine print of the state budget,’’ Rouson said in a prepared statement. The proviso language offered a roadmap to privatize prisons, work camps and other types of correctional facilities in 18 counties across the southern part of the state. Jonathan Glogau, chief of complex litigation in the Attorney General’s Office, argued during a Sept. 29 hearing that the proviso language did not ensure that privatization would occur.

his efforts, in 2005 Airport Revenue News magazine named Chicago Midway Airport Best Mid-Airport in the concessions program category. The Clark Atlanta University (CAU) graduate received a bachelor’s in accounting in 1992 and a master’s in public administration, with concentrations in urban administration and public finance management in 1997. Taggart said that taking college tours and visiting classes as a part of Georgia State University’s Upward Bound influenced his decision to attend college. “To see African Americans in those positions put the fire in the belly for me to realize ‘Hey, I can go to college too,’ ” Taggart explained. As the oldest of three children and a first generation college student, Taggart influenced his siblings to pursue college. He also inspired his mother to attend and graduate from Morris Brown College. However, his inspiration also expands into the community as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., which he said helped him understand how to deal with people, their likes and

The language called for the Department of Corrections to solicit proposals from private companies and then submit a plan to the Legislative Budget Commission by Dec. 1. If approved by the commission, the proviso said the department “may” award a contract to a private company. But Fulford did not appear to buy that argument, writing that the proviso language “mandates that DOC privatize numerous facilities in a single procurement.’’ Also, she said lawmakers did not follow a privatization process that already is in state law. That process gives the Department of Corrections a major role in doing analyses and deciding whether to move forward with privatization. “(The) court reiterates that DOC could have privatized the prisons under existing law, so long as DOC acted consistent with existing law, or the Legislature could have passed a new law permitting privatization,’’ she wrote. “This court merely reaches the simple conclusion that the Legislature may not change existing substantive law by a proviso in an appropriations act.’’

dislikes. Taggart noted that his proudest honor is the District Award of Merit for his work with his son’s Boy Scout pack, 3310, “teaching character and how to have respect for yourself and others.” Taggart also spends time with his 14-year-old son playing the trombone – an instrument the former CAU band member has played since he was 12. “I really enjoy music, especially college bands,” he said. “I think it makes you a well-rounded person.” Thirteen years ago, Taggart married his former accounting tutor, Sherri. The couple also has a 12-year-old daughter. Jay Townsend, assistant city manager in charge of development and transportation, considers Taggart a “good catch” as well. “One of (Taggart’s) first tasks was to mold a leadership team,” Townsend said. “It’s a different role for his position than in the past but he has exceeded expectations.” Terrika Mitchell can be reached at tmitchell@ capitaloutlook.com.

Cloves Campbell, NNPA chairman (right), joined Susan Whiting, vice chair of Nielsen (left) in releasing the report during a press conference at the National Press Club. mediums favored by the group, and a look at overall consumer packaged goods buying behavior. Primary from Page 1 unnecessarily antagonizing the parties and upending an agreement between the RNC and national Democrats aimed at ending a crush of states voting early and short-circuiting party primaries. “We’re going to be prominent regardless,” said Rep. Cynthia Stafford, DMiami. “We’re going to play a major role, regardless. So, again, why don’t we just do it the right way and, again, comply with the rules that have already been established?” For its part, the RNC said the actions of Florida and a pair of other states who broke the rules, Michigan and Arizona, did not make the plan a failure, even though Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina will now all jump ahead of Florida to preserve their premiere status in the nominating contest. “While the primaries will now start earlier than planned, the overarching goal of the current rules was to allow more states and voters to have a role in choosing the next Republican nominee for president,” RNC spokeswoman Kirsten Kukowski said. “This goal will be met.”

The report is also available at nielsen.com and nielsen.com/africanamerican – Nielsen’s microsite which highlights

tailored information to the African-American community.

Test from Page 1 In a conference call with reporters after the Florida vote, senior RNC officials said the state would still face penalties for breaking the rules. “There’s not some kind of waiver,” one official said. “There’s nothing that’s going to happen (to restore delegates).” Even so, the move caused an uproar among officials in the earlier states, who vowed to respond to Florida’s move – even though, with the exception of Iowa, that would also cause them to lose half their delegations. Chad Connelly, chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party quickly blasted Florida’s decision. “Rogue states have once again dictated the Presidential nominating calendar. ... States who have worked so hard to maintain the nominating calendar should not be penalized and the offenders, including Florida, should lose their entire allocations of delegates at the National Convention,” he said.

cent of employers conduct drug tests on all job candidates. Critics argue that recipients are being singled out based on a myth that poor people are more likely to use illegal drugs. They point out that other government programs such as student loans, food stamps and business grants do not require recipients to be screened for drug use. So far, the state says only 2 percent of recipients have tested positive for illegal drugs, a failure rate that is below that of the general population. A 2009 study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that 8.7 percent of Americans age 12 and older reported using illicit drugs.

Luis Lebron

www.capitaloutlook.com 3 Local Keller Williams Realty is committed on all fronts

Oct. 6 - Oct 12, 2011

By Paul Delva Outlook Staff Writer

When it comes to purchasing a quality home, it’s imperative for a prospective homeowner to deal with a quality realty company to guide them through the process. Being the second largest residential real estate company in the U.S., Keller Williams Realty has proven itself as a viable option for any potential homeowner. The Texas-based company was founded in 1983 in Austin and has opened nearly 700 offices across the U.S. and Canada. Its local office was established in 1995 and now employs about 200 associates. One associate, Cecil Higgs, has been with the company since 2005. His specialty is helping people find residential homes and

“The company has a philosophy that is consistent with my own Christian foundation. Emphasis is placed on God first, family second and then the business,” said Cecil Higgs. housing. He said he is proud to work for the company because of its reputation. “The company has a philosophy that is consistent with my own Christian

foundation,” Higgs said. “Emphasis is placed on God first, family second and then the business.” Higgs also acknowledges the company’s commitment to its associates.

This is expressed in the Keller Williams Realty mission, “to build careers worth having, businesses worth owning and lives worth living.” “It’s a family-oriented company,” Higgs said. Keller Williams Realty is dedicated to providing a better future for its clients. Higgs has demonstrated this commitment. One client, Rahni Spencer Wright, purchased her home in 2007 with Higgs’ assistance. “He always seemed very reliable, well informed and very proactive,” Wright said. “That’s the kind of person that I felt would be best for handling a decision that involved a large amount of money.” Keller Williams Realty is also committed to giving back to the community. Higgs said the com-

pany has organized doorto-door food drives and hosted golf tournaments to raise money for research and other worthy causes. Keller Williams Realty also has an initiative called KW Cares. KW Cares was initiated to support associates and their immediate families in times of intense adversity due to abrupt emergencies. “Associates came from all over the country to the aid and support of associates impacted by Hurricane Katrina and the recent devastation in Missouri,” Higgs said. Company associates also say that its success comes from the fact that they have a say in how the company is run. Debra York is the director of career development. “(Keller Williams Re-

alty) places the focus on the associates over the company,” York said. “With Keller Williams Realty it’s all about the agent.” The agents, in turn, are all about their clients. “(We) go beyond the call of duty to help individuals attain homeownership,” Higgs said. Cecil Higgs can be reached at Keller Williams Realty Town & Country (850) 201-4663. Paul Delva can be contacted at pdelva@capitaloutlook.com.

“This Is How FAMU jump starts Homecoming Mincey puts learning second to none By Alicia McKnight woman with powerful word nity to travel anywhere in festivities with coronation We Do It” Outlook Contributor usage,” Mincey mentioned. the world, Mincey would Saturday’s activities “She has a horrendous choose Italy. Homecoming Special to the Outlook include the Homecoming Infiniti Mincey, a se- past that, to most, would “I love the method Oct. 2, Florida Parade. FAMU’s HomeParade route A&MOnUniversity nior at Amos P. Godby be unbearable and hard to of transportation – taking (FAMU) coming Game will be held Special to the Outlook The Homecoming Parade will begin at Brevard and Monroe Streets and proceed south until it reaches Gaines and Monroe Streets where it will turn east and end. This year’s parade will give three awards for overall conformity to the theme; Originality, Creativity, Color Eye Appeal, General Eye Appeal, and Craftsmanship based on the Homecoming Theme – “This Is How We Do It: The Ultimate Homecoming Experience.” Only those participants that pay the required entry fee are eligible to compete for the monetary awards. The judging committee will determine the final placement of entries, and their decision is final. Each of the following are considered one entry for the parade:

celebrated its 105th Coronation. This year, representing the university as Miss FAMU is Nakena R. Cromartie and Mr. FAMU Fredrick Johnson. Cromartie is pictured with Mauriona Nikki King minutes before the coronation activities began.

at Bragg memorial Stadium at 3 p.m. on Oct. 8. To view a complete list of FAMU’s 2011 Homecoming schedule, visit famu. edu.

Cromartie is pictured with Mauriona Nikki King minutes before the coronation activities began.

High School, is an active teen that loves to learn. Mincey values learning so much that, she said in her spare time, she likes to flip through a dictionary to learn random words. The 17-year-old Vidalia, Ga. native is currently taking Advanced Placement and Dual enrollment classes. “I don’t have a favorite subject in school because I’ve always been intrigued by all of my classes,” said Mincey. Mincey is involved in the National Honors Society at Godby High School and Professional Opportunity Program for Students (POPS). Maya Angelou is Mincey’s role model and she hopes to become like Angelou. “She is an inspirational

• Marching Band (Free) • Float primary towing vehicle ($100) • Walking elements - maximum of 25 people ($100) • Car/Van/Motorcycle elements - maximum of four vehicles $150 FAMU student clubs/ organizations are required to pay a registration fee of $25 per group. However, if the club/organization wishes to compete for the monetary awards, they are required to pay appropriate fee listed.

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Monetary Awards 1st Place $500 2nd Place $300 3rd Place $200 Floats, cars and trucks must be appropriately decorated. At a minimum, entries will have a sign located on the front and sides of the vehicle identifying its activity. Vehicles that are not appropriately decorated WILL NOT be allowed to participate in the parade. For more information regarding an entry in the parade, contact FAMU’s Army ROTC at (850) 5993515 or 599-3516.

overcome. But instead she boats from one place to the did not let where she came next,” said Mincey. Mincey is currently from or what she’d been through hold her down reading 1408 by Stephen King. from achieving her goal.” “I had always wanted The University of Miami has been one of Minc- to read the chiller after seeey’s top college choices ing the movie,” said Mincsince beginning high ey. Besides the clubs and school – though she is still other activities Mincey is undecided. “It is a very wonder- involved in, school is her ful school with an excellent first priority. pre-profession program in the arts and sciences section,” said Mincey. Mincey aspires to become a medical doctor in a hospital or with a private practice. If given the opportu- Infiniti Mincey

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Congressional Black Caucus gathering shows complexity of Black America By Julianne Malveaux

NNPA Columnist

I don’t know how many African-American people came to Washington for the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference (CBC ALC), but there were more than 5,000 gathered at the dinner that featured President Barack Obama as a speaker. Though the halls of the Washington Convention Center were full, and it did my eyes good to see people lined up to buy books, some say that the economy may have dampened attendance. To be sure, the corporate presence did not seem as strong as it has been in the past, yet it is always gratifying to see Ingrid Sanders Jones and the Coca-Cola Co. sponsoring the prayer breakfast, which sizzled this year when the Rev. Freddy Haynes totally threw down. The high point of the conference may have been President Obama’s strident and almost angry speech, challenging Congress to pass the jobs bill, and explaining why it must pass. Watching the president, he appeared to be undaunted, but certainly frustrated, by the legislative gridlock and the total lack of cooperation he has been experiencing from Congress. If those assembled reach out to their legislative representatives, not all of whom are CBC members; perhaps it will make some difference. Another high point of the

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dinner was the range of wonderful honorees present. They included EPA administrator Lisa Jackson, and also the indomitable Rev. Joe Lowery, who at nearly 90 has as much fire in his belly as he did 50 years ago. He lifted his fist, roused the crowd and exhorted us to keep fighting injustice. He is an amazing example of a civil rights warrior, and he deserves every honor that is bestowed on him. That may have been the highest point but, from my perspective, the legislative conference contained many highs. There were more than one hundred brain trusts, panels or other gatherings both at the convention center and in nearby places, as several organizations also use the legislative conference week as a time to organize their own meetings. The White House Historically Black College and University initiative, for example, held its conference on Sept. 19-20, before the CBC legislative conference. With everything that is going on, the ALC is a cross between a policy conference, a family reunion, with a few evening parties thrown in for good measure. Somehow the majority press gets away with focusing only on the party aspect of the gathering. The Washington Post printed a piece that talked about the ingredients for a successful CBC party. Ho, hum. Why not a piece about the ingredients for a successful brain trust? Why not some reporting on the range of issues addressed. There were panels on the environment, the foster care system, education, wealth, business

development, criminal justice, global affairs and more. A highlight for me was visiting with students from four elementary and high schools that were organized by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas. Our panel’s task was to encourage them to consider careers in math and science. With a NASA astronaut, a math educator, an engineer, and this economist on the panel, the students got lots of reinforcement to consider untraditional careers. It was great to see young people gathered and open to learning. Too, Congressman Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, always puts together a panel on youth, which is attended by young people from his congressional district in Baltimore. This year, Cora Masters Barry moderated the panel and brought her young people from D.C.’s Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. Four Bennett students, and hundreds of college students from other campuses, were in attendance. While the cynical may say that the CBC conference is the “same old, same old,” it is interesting to view the ALC through the fresh eyes of our young people who are so eager to learn and to make a difference. Women’s issues were well represented. Melanie Campbell convened the Black Women’s Roundtable with an overflow crowd. Congresswoman Karen Bass, D-California, convened the International Black Women’s Policy Forum to explore the issue of health disparities.

Tony Brown once said that if the ALC were canceled for just one year, that money could be used to fund significant initiatives in Black America. He may be right. At the same time, I’d like to challenge the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to document some of the outcomes of the ALC, which might include legislation inspired, business deals closed, scholarships funded, students exposed. If the accomplishments were clearly documented, perhaps, the mainstream press would talk purpose, not party, when they reference next year’s ALC. Julianne Malveaux is president of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson organized a visit with students from four elementary and high schools during the conference.

A long shadow of doubt: The execution of Troy Davis By Marc Morial

Education Editor

Oct. 6 - Oct 12, 2011

“When ... the Supreme Court gave its seal of approval to capital punishment, this endorsement was premised on the promise that capital punishment would be administered with fairness and justice. Instead, the promise has become a cruel and empty mockery. If not remedied, the scandalous state of our present system of capital punishment will cast a pall of shame over our society for years to come. We cannot let it continue.” - Former United States Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall September 21 was a sad day for American justice. On that date at 11:08 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, the State of Georgia administered a lethal injection into the body of 42-year-old Troy Davis and put him to death. With his dying breath, Troy Davis maintained his innocence in the 1989 shooting death of off-duty Savannah police officer Mark Allen MacPhail. For 20 years, the shadow of doubt that hung over Davis’ conviction grew so large that it galvanized anti-death pen-

alty advocates around the world, including hundreds of citizens wearing “I am Troy Davis” Tshirts who kept a solemn vigil outside the Jackson, Ga. prison until the final hour. Over the last 20 years, the National Urban League and dozens of other prominent organizations and leaders argued that Davis’ conviction was in serious doubt. Seven of the nine witnesses who originally identified Troy Davis as the murderer, later recanted their testimony. And no murder weapon or other physical evidence was ever found linking Davis to the crime. That is why we joined the NAACP, the Congressional Black Caucus, Amnesty International, former president Jimmy Carter, Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu, Al Sharpton, former FBI Director William Sessions, Pope Benedict, former Georgia Congressman, Bob Barr and others in calling for Davis’ exoneration or at least further investigation. The racial subtext of this case cannot be ignored. Davis, a black man, was convicted of killing MacPhail, a white police officer. While African Americans make up only 13 percent of the population, more than 42 percent of death row inmates are black. Over

75 percent of the murder victims in cases resulting in an execution were white, even though nationally, only 50 percent of murder victims were white. Since 1973, a total of 138 men and women have been exonerated or had their death sentences commuted based on post-conviction findings that proved their innocence – five of them in the state of Georgia. And, according to the Innocence Project, “Seventeen people have been proven innocent and exonerated by DNA testing in the United States after serving time on death row. They were convicted in 11 states and served a combined 209 years in prison– including 187 years on death row – for crimes they didn’t commit.” These disparities and problems cast a long shadow of doubt over our criminal justice system. People of conscience can disagree on the death penalty, but it is unconscionable by every standard to execute someone who very well might be innocent. Our hearts go out not only to Mr. Davis’ family, but also to the family of Mark MacPhail who will never know for sure that his killer was brought to justice. Legendary Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall was

unequivocally against the death penalty and would have been a dissenter in the 11th-hour Supreme Court decision allowing the execution of Troy Davis. Marshall felt, as we do, that as long as questions of equity, fairness and fallibility persist, we must stop executions and give death row inmates every chance to prove their innocence. Marc H. Morial is the president and CEO of the National Urban League.

Troy Davis was executed by the State of Georgia in September. Prominent organizations and leaders argued that Davis’ conviction was in serious doubt.

How will consumer confidence affect year-end spending? By Charlene Crowell NNPA nist

Colum-

The holiday season will soon be upon us. It is the traditional time when consumer spending surges make the annual difference between retailers reaching profits or red ink. But according to a recent consumer study conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates on behalf of BankRate.com, many consumers have already begun tightening household budgets. “Forty percent of Americans say they have cut back on spending over the past 60 days due to the roller-coaster stock market or concerns about the economy,” said Greg McBride, Bankrate’s senior financial analyst. “This

type of widespread cutback in consumer spending, if sustained for any length of time, is how recessions are born.” Beyond consumer spending, the study also compared consumer comfort levels today against those of 12 months ago in four other measures: debt, savings, job security and net worth. If you’re feeling as if your total assets are fewer than you’d prefer, there are many others holding that same opinion. Across all education levels, consumers said their net worth is lower today than a year ago. Older Americans, ages 5064, are feeling the most financial stress. Half on this age group are less comfortable today with their savings than last year. They are also the most likely to have already cut back on spending. Although consumers earning $75,000 or more were found

more comfortable with their savings levels, they too are spending less. When consumers considered their personal debts, over half surveyed – 51 cent – found they were about the same as last year. This finding suggests that while consumer may manage debts, becoming debt-free for half of Americans is long-term goal, not a short one. Job security was perhaps the worst measure. More than half – 60 percent – job security is as elusive now as it was last year. Conversely, only 16 percent felt their jobs were safer today. David Denslow Jr., a distinguished service professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Florida and a research economist for the Bureau of Economic and Business Research offered his interpretation on lingering job insecurity.

“This increased concern ranges from dropouts to college graduates, from the less-skilled to higher earners, from the young to those approaching retirement. And it is remarkable for the beginning of the third year after the official end of a recession. The third years of the previous two recoveries saw rapid job gains. This time may be different.” In the face of questionable job security, lingering debts, meager savings and lower net worth – the usual merry tone of the holidays may offer less cheer. The economy has taken the form of Ebenezer Scrooge. Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: Charlene. crowell@responsiblelending.org.

Oct. 6 - Oct 12, 2011

Education

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What career path can lead to captain of the Tallahassee Police Department? Ronald W. Holmes, Ph.D.

Education Editor/Vice President

Students attend college with the hope of earning a good job. Some major in business administration to become a corporate executive. Others may major in education to become a teacher. Whatever the major, those that follow the appropriate career path, combined with their personal interest and commitment to the profession, lead to the ultimate objective: employment. With the alarming unemployment, high school and college dropout rates, the questions to be asked are: What career path can lead to captain of the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD)? What education is essential for this position? What advice does the captain give to students who desire to pursue a career in law enforcement? On Oct. 3, Audrey R. Smith, a native of Cordele, Ga. was officially sworn in and promoted to Captain of the Tallahassee Police Department. As the mother of two children, Larrynnee

and Justus, she becomes the highest-ranking AfricanAmerican female in the department and the second female of color to hold such title in the agency’s 170year history. Argatha R. Gilmore, current Chief of Police for Lake City, Fla., was the first. Captain Smith joins the TPD Command Staff as leader of the Special Operations Division. She will be responsible for overseeing the planning of special events city-wide and working closely with university officials and city entities and community organizations to create safe venues where citizens of Tallahassee can enjoy structured events. Units under her command will also handle traffic enforcement and airport security. According to Capt. Smith, a combination of education and work experience was instrumental in preparing her for the new assignment with TPD. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in applied social sciences with an emphasis in public administration from Florida A &

Ronald W. Holmes, Ph.D. M University. She is a certified public manager and has several hundred hours of specialized training in topics ranging from community policing to incident command to leadership strategies. Over the past 23 years, Smith has served the TPD in a variety of assignments. In addition to being a patrol officer, she is certified as a crime prevention practitioner and burglary/auto theft investigator. Promoted to Sergeant in 1996, Smith worked in patrol, served as the agency’s accreditation manager and led the Crime Prevention Unit as the state of Florida’s Crime Prevention Unit of the Year in 2006. Smith was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant

in 2010 where she was one of six watch commanders in the Patrol Districts prior to becoming the assistant division commander in Criminal Investigations Division Property Section. She is also an assessor and team leader for the Commission on Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation and a member of the Black Law Enforcement Executives. With all these positions, Smith is considered a leader amongst her peers for employing innovative approaches to problemsolving. Glen Sapp, assistant chief of police in Quincy, Fla. and college classmate of Capt. Smith says that “she has always been a bright, positive and ‘get it done’ type of person.” Captain Smith says that she knew at an early age that she wanted to be a police officer. Although the profession does not always require a college degree, she opted to pursue her calling by first obtaining a degree in criminal justice. Smith promised her mother that she would acquire a college degree prior to entering into a law enforcement career. Capt.

Smith says that “continuing her education and obtaining a master’s degree was a personal goal and accomplishment.” Although it was not a prerequisite to her positions at TPD, Smith says she is a firm believer that knowledge is power and that “staying abreast of current trends and issues in the community and law enforcement leads to sound decision making.” As an advice to students, Capt. Smith says that Law enforcement agencies should be representative of the community that it serves. Minorities are needed at most law enforcement agencies to balance agency demographics. Smith feels that African-American students who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement should remember that obtaining rank is not an automatic accomplishment. As with most careers, one typically begins in an entry level position such as patrol prior to moving into more specialized areas such as investigations. Smith says that perseverance, dedication and hard work are characteristics necessary for move-

ment into specialized areas and for upward mobility. Applicants must be motivated to perform but realize that upward mobility does not occur overnight. Movement at any level involves rigorous training and preparation. Congratulations Capt. Audrey Smith on your new appointment and untiring commitment to the Tallahassee Police Department and the community!

Dr. Ronald W. Holmes is the National Superintendent of Education for the National Save the Family Now Movement, Inc. He is a former teacher, school administrator, and district superintendent and can be reached at rwholmes@capitaloutlook.com.

Universities pressured to boost science, math degrees By Lilly Rockwell The News Service Of Florida Special to the Outlook

Florida’s colleges and universities are facing mounting pressure to graduate more students with science and math degrees as part of a statewide effort to more closely align workforce demands with college degrees and keep Florida competitive with other states. The business community, in particular, has clamored for a de-emphasis on liberal arts degrees, such as philosophy and history, toward more practical degrees, like engineering and computer science, to keep pace with demand. Businesses recruiting for these high-paid, high-skilled jobs say they have to look out of state to fill positions, and Florida is ranked “average” compared to other states in student preparation for science and math careers. One study by a probusiness public policy advocacy group issued this year said the state needs 100,000 more science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) graduates by 2015 – an extraordinarily ambitious goal that one university official said

had “zero” chance of being achieved. Florida’s colleges and universities say K-12 schools are partially to blame for the STEM deficit. Schools need to do a better job making science and math interesting to middle school and high school students, they said. “It starts with students losing interest in science and math as early as middle school,” said Florida State University (FSU) professor of biological sciences Joe Travis, who is also the former dean of FSU’s College of Arts and Sciences. Florida isn’t alone in its STEM mania. It is part of a broad national effort to produce more science and math graduates to meet global demand and stay competitive compared to other nations, such as China. Even President Barack Obama weighed in during his State of the Union speech this year, vowing to recruit 100,000 more science and math teachers to help interest more students in those careers. Florida university and college officials, who are largely on board with the shift toward STEM degrees, say there are myriad

obstacles that prevent them from quickly churning out more graduates. For one, universities have a long history of offering a large variety of degrees that are in demand by students, and what is popular with students may not match up with workforce demands. “It doesn’t work like the draft, where you can tap a kid on the shoulder, and say ‘You are a physics major,’ ” Travis said. “You can’t make students major in something in which they are not interested.” State University System Chancellor Frank Brogan said universities have to be responsive to student demand. “Often times we offer more of what is in demand and if psychology degrees are in greater demand (with students), or if Fine Arts are in greater demand than STEM education, we offer more of them,” Brogan said. But he acknowledged that Florida is “woefully undersubscribed” in STEM fields. Another barrier universities face is the expense of offering STEM degrees. It is more expensive for a university or college to of-

fer a bachelor’s degree in biology than one in history. That’s because biology involves smaller classes, held in laboratories with expensive equipment, while a history class just needs textbooks. Students pay the same for each degree, so essentially liberal arts degrees help subsidize STEM degrees. To shift toward more production of STEM degrees would require a big investment that cashstrapped universities don’t have. For instance, Paul Cottle, an FSU physics professor, said the university is anxiously awaiting legislative approval of funds for a new physics classroom building that would help accommodate more students. And there is the trouble of getting students interested in science and math at a young age. That’s why Obama and others are promoting the idea of training more K-12 teachers in math and science. Some universities have started programs to help steer science and math majors toward teaching, but it is not an easy sell, Travis said. At Florida State, the school is in its fourth year offering FSU-Teach, a pro-

gram that helps students get science or math degrees simultaneously with an education degree. Students who choose this program are essentially giving up a higher salary they could make in the private sector, Travis said, and many don’t stay in teaching very long. Cottle joked that he tells his students that FSUTeach is a “little like joining the Peace Corps.” Some groups have started floating other solutions, such as offering incentives to bring students into STEM careers. TaxWatch released a report last week that floated the idea of STEM tracks in high school, similar to Advanced Placement courses, and using Bright Futures or another scholarship program as a vehicle to incentivize students. Cottle is a big supporter of incentives, arguing that the state should use Bright Futures as a vehicle for STEM incentive by making eligibility contingent upon taking a calculus or physics class. “Students coming out of college now need to be prepared differently for the economy,” Cottle said. “If we really are going to make that change in a reasonable

period of time, five years or so, we need to put incentives in the system.” Others are not convinced incentives will work. “You could offer people incentives, but what incentive would you offer them that is better than what is already out there in the private sector, which is the potential for a really good job?” Travis said. For example, Travis said the starting salary for a geologist is $60,000 to $70,000, in part because there are not enough geology majors to fill demand. “The geology departments around the nation have to work really hard to get students to walk into class,” he said. He said this lack of interest stems from how geology is taught in K-12 schools. When earth sciences are taught, he said, it’s done in a boring way, such as memorizing types of rocks. “If we don’t get them interested in science and math when they get here, you can’t increase the numbers beyond what you start with,” he said.

Benjamin Davis is the CBS Harold Dow Visiting Professor Study shows only 15 percent of

Benjamin Davis Special to the Outlook Benjamin Davis, an award-winning broadcast journalist and digital journalism professor, has been hired as the CBS Harold Dow Visiting Professor at Florida A&M University (FAMU). Davis, a two-time Columbia-Alfred du Pont award winner, has 30 years of experience working for major broadcast companies such as ABC, CBS, Fox, MSNBC.COM and Nation-

al Public Radio. He also was an adjunct professor at Rutgers University School of Journalism in New Jersey, where he gained nine years of experience teaching courses in broadcast and digital journalism. Davis is an entrepreneur who developed the Digital Media Pyramid writing style and founded Mediafriendly.com, a company that helps major media companies locate diversity experts. He also worked with students at Rutgers to create itsonbad. com, a website geared to 16 - 25-year-olds. “I hope to live up to the expectations that Harold Dow would have wanted, which are pretty high,” said Davis. Dow was a long-time CBS News correspondent who came to FAMU and spoke to students as part of the Division of Journalism’s 35th anniversary in 2009. Dow died in August 2010. CBS officials

announced last year that they would donate funds to support hiring a visiting professor as part of its diversity initiative and as a tribute to Dow. Crystal Johns, CBS news director of development and diversity, said, “We are very happy to support a program that will be such a wonderful recognition of all that Harold Dow embodied.” Davis will be teaching broadcast news writing and broadcast announcing classes. He also plans to “teach students about the digital media pyramid, which is a model I created to replace the more than century-old inverted pyramid...” A luncheon reception to honor Davis is scheduled for Oct. 14 with the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC) Board of Visitors (BOV) and faculty. The CBS Harold Dow Visiting Professor position

will be funded for three years by CBS, according to SJGC Dean James Hawkins, Ph.D. “This professorship will strengthen the quality of our broadcast journalism program, to another level,” Hawkins said. “Our students will be even more competitive when they are ready to enter the world of work.” Hawkins also thanked Kim Godwin - who is a senior producer for the CBS Evening News, an SJGC alumna and BOV member for lobbying CBS for this professorship.

African-American SAT test takers are well prepared for college Special to the Outlook The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education (JBHE) reported on the large and growing racial gap in scores on the SAT college entrance examination. This year, for the first time, The College Board calculated the percentage of students who took their test that were ready for college-level instruction. The American College Testing Program, the group that administers the rival ACT college entrance examination, has been issuing a college readiness analysis for several years. The College Board set the benchmark score at 1550 on the combined reading, mathematics and writing SAT. According to The College Board, this benchmark score “indicates a 65 percent likelihood of a stu-

dent achieving a B- average or higher during the first year of college, which in turn is indicative of a high likelihood of college success and completion.” “Students who meet the College Board’s College Readiness benchmark are more likely to enroll in, succeed and graduate from college,” said College Board President Gaston Caperton. The College Board data shows that only 15 percent of African-American SAT test takers achieved the benchmark score indicating readiness for college-level instruction. This is less than one third the level for white students

Oct. 6 - Oct 12, 2011 Religion Women’s Devotional –– “Abundance from Above”

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The Capital Outlook continues its weekly women’s devotionals. This week’s devotion is prayerfully presented by Brenda Gittens. John 10:10

“God’s Promotion” By Brenda Gittens

The way that God promotes someone is a lot different than the way we would. Our way to get promoted would be to work very hard, learn the way the system goes and then use that same system to get further ahead. Our way may rely on contacts, favors and even “who you know.” Our way may be based on rubbing elbows with someone, or could even be credited to

something called “luck.” We would also promote someone else based on these same factors. Either way, we will work very hard for promotion, and after we get it or give it, we like to take the credit for all that has been done! Let’s look at God’s way of promoting. He delights in exalting the humble person. “For whoever exalts himself will

be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11). Someone who is humble is not proud, and they don’t mind “going down to get up.” They know that someday, for reasons that are only known to God, they are going to be invited to move on up a little higher! When it’s all said and done, with an act of our will, we need to step down

from our own agendas for our lives. Then as we pray and spend more time with the Lord, we begin to pick up small everyday insights into God’s great big plans of success for our lives. As we continue to walk in obedience and faith, and stick to His agenda, our promotions to success that God has for us will happen! PRAYER: Lord God,

if you find any trace of pride or self-promotion in our hearts, we ask that you take it away, and then give us the attitude and heart of a humble servant. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. Scripture Of the Day: “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” - Luke 14:11 (NKJV)

Men’s Devotional –– “Lord, set us free” This week, the Capital Outlook continues a nine-week series of Men’s Devotionals

“Lord, Set Us Free” By Rev. Dr. Matthew M. Carter II, J.D. Isaiah proclaimed in chapter 61, verses 1-2, “The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because

he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Yet, today, many still suffer from these same things. If you were to read any newspaper, listen to the news on radio, watch the news on television or the internet, you would read or hear that many of us are still poor, brokenhearted, captive or blind to

one thing or another, and bruised. We are enslaved by one another, by our own emotions and by our sins. This enslavement is like an emotional bruise on humanity. An emotional bruise is much like a bruise on an apple. It may not show immediately, but there is a dark spot in the person’s personality that will show up. One may think that an emotional bruise will simply go away in time, but instead, it gets worse and worse and can affect the whole of one’s personality. Furthermore, a person who has been bruised of-

ten becomes rotten in their personality and influences those people around them also to become rotten in their personalities. Bruised people bruise other people. Underlying it all is Satan, as foretold by God in Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Satan creates a downward spiral of emotional bruises leading to sins leading to bruises and so on. This cycle can ensnare us and hold us fast (Proverbs

5:22, Psalms 9:16). Satan seeks to destroy us through slavery to sin. But Jesus came to save us from all of this – to set us free. In the temple at Nazareth, He read the words of Isaiah 61:1-2 and said, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing (Luke 4:21).” He came to free us from Satan and to address our poverty, broken-heartedness, captivity, blindness and bruises. He also came, as proclaimed by Isaiah in verse 61:3, “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them

beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” In other words, He will replace all of this suffering with beauty and joy, with everything we need to live in victory (2 Peter 1:2-4). All we have to do is have faith (Philippians 4:13). Believers can minister to the bruised by sharing the theme Scriptures (Luke 4:18-19, Isaiah 61:1-3) in their lives. They will bring freedom to all!

Lyceum Series to present gospel music group The Clark Sisters Special to the Outlook The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Lyceum Series is proud to present award-winning gospel singers, The Clark Sisters, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium. Tickets are now available through ticketmaster. com and the FAMU box office for $45, $30 and $20, depending on the location of the seats. This is the fourth time this year that all sisters will perform together. Furthermore, this is only the second time the Clark Sisters have performed on a college campus since their last performance at FAMU in the 90s. With a compelling, commanding fusion of styles as diverse as blues, jazz, R&B and classical, the Clark Sisters, which consists of sisters Jacky, Twinkie, Karen and Dorinda, created a sound that was new, fresh and entirely their own. On Live – One Last Time, their newest release and first album together in more than 12 years, is truly landmark work. The project is an epic undertaking of unprecedented scope.

With virtually unlimited range, dazzling dynamics and multi-textured runs, riffs, and scats that have long been hallmarks of their singular vocal style, the Clark Sisters sound has given inspiration to countless singers of today. With millions of album sales to their collective credit, that select circle includes gospel, mainstream R&B and pop stars. The sisters, born between 1951 and 1960, all showed prodigious musical talent from early childhood, and were raised under the careful musical and moral

tutelage of their pastor father and mother. The seeds for what would become Live – One Last Time were first planted

by Karen’s husband when he suggested the foursome reunite to give posterity and the flocks of still-faithful Clark Sisters fans a taste of

some new “sisters” material, as well as new, live renditions of a large number of Clark standards. Live – One Last Time was recorded in July 2006, before a sell-out crowd of 6,000 in Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center.

For more information, contact the Office of Communications at (850) 5993413.

The Clark Sisters will perform at FAMU for the first time since the 90s on Oct. 7.

Reverend Dr. R. B. Holmes , Jr.

“The Christ Centered Church With a Program of Prayer and Progress ”

Oct. 6 - Oct 12, 2011

Community News

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FAMU and Lincoln classes of 1956 reunite FAMU Homecoming Football Game FAMU vs Howard University When: Oct. 8 @ 3 p.m. Where: Bragg Memorial Stadium 2011 Retail Beverage Council “Educational Seminar & Trade Show” When: Oct. 9-11 Where: Omni Orlando Resort @ ChampionsGate Sherry Whitney @ 888-3573824 FAMU The School of Journalism & Graphic Communication Career Fair When: Oct. 18 from 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Contact: Yanela Gordon @ 850-412-5395 Email: yanela.gordon@ famu.edu Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated CHI UPSILON OMEGA “A Social Justice & Human Rights Community Education Forum” When: Oct. 22 Time: 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Where: Smith-Williams Center Annex 2295 Pasco St. Contact: Teion Harrison @ 850-459-8387

Special to the Outlook The Florida A&M University Developmental Research School (FAMU High) and Lincoln High School classes of 1956 celebrated their 55th reunion with several activities which were held in August. Activities began with registration and a reception at Staybridge Suites and ended with worship service at Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church. Other activities included: a picnic that featured senior games such as basketball, horseshoe, table tennis, badminton, swimming and fishing; a White Party, which featured casino games, wine tasting and line dances; a visit to FAMU High and Old Lincoln High campuses and a reunion banquet and dance. Tommy Mitchell Sr. was the master of ceremony for the banquet, which was held at the Tallahassee-

Leon County Civic Center. There was no speaker, but former teachers in attendance were introduced. Those at the banquet were Lucille Brown and Anita Abrams of Lincoln, Edwina Martin of Griffin and Jerry Crawford of FAMU High. Robert “Chucky” Crawford played the saxo-

phone as members lighted candles as a memorial tribute to the 14 classmates that had passed since the last reunion. Other program participants included Marcellus Long, Jennie Collett, Mary Avent, Eveline Duhart, Dourest Robinson, Mary Balcom, Ollie Lucas, Willie McGhee, Hazel Owens, Lee Etta Proctor, Jessie Simmons, Bennie Walker, Cressie Wilson, Mary Wylie, Obadiah Sims, Frances Logan, Jerome Colson and Geneva Colson. Former Teachers: Jerry Crawford and Lucille Brown (seated), and Edwina Martin and Anita Abrams.(standing).

Planning Committee: (seated) Eveline Duhart, Lee Etta Proctor, Bennie Walker, Obadian Sims, Ollie Lucas and Hazel Owens. (standing) Cressie Wilson, Jennie Collet, Dourest Robinson, Frances Logan, Geneva Colson, Thomas Mitchell, Mary Avent, Marcellas Long, Jerome Colson and Mary Wylie. (Below) Class of 1956

The Brogan Museum brings the Titantic to town By: Alicia McKnight Outlook Contributor

The Mary Brogan Museum welcomed the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit on Sept. 2. Over the past 15 years, more than 22 million people from Paris to Los Angeles have viewed the exhibition, which will be docked at the Brogan Museum until Jan. 2, 2012. “The Brogan Museum was approached with an opportunity to host this wonderful exhibition,” said Trish A. Hanson, chief operating officer. Guest have the option to travel back in time to that fateful night in 1912. Memories of that catastrophe resonate throughout the exhibition. “This exhibition brings a very human element to this story,” Hanson said. More than 100 legendary artifacts conserved from the ship’s debris field are showcased, offering

guests a poignant look at this iconic ship and its passengers. “The museum thought it was fitting to host this exhibit at this time, as April 15, 2012 will mark the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the ship,” said Hanson. Hanson mentioned bringing an exhibition to a museum is not an easy task. “The Titanic exhibition arrived in two semitrucks and required temporary staff in addition to our regular employees and representatives from Premiere Exhibitions to install it,” said Chucha Barber, chief executive officer of the Brogan Museum. The Brogan hopes to attract current and new audiences to the museum. “It was an important engineering achievement and promoting engineering, science and technology is core to the Brogan Museum’s mission along with visual arts and humanities,”

said Barber. To highlight the opening of the Titanic, The Brogan Museum hosted a black tie gala on Sept. 22. “We hope to inspire people of all ages to understand the relevance of the amazing advances in shipbuilding that took place

with the Titanic’s creation and promote science-rich careers among young people today,” said Barber. For more information about the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, visit thebrogan.org. Photos by ALICIA MCKNIGHT

Centennial Bank believes in the importance of getting out in the community. Where our customers are. So if you need us, we’ll be there for you. Even after hours. That’s why you can find us on the basketball court. Or wherever you happen to be.

Artifacts recovered from the wreckage and stories from passengers are displayed throughout the exhibit. (top right) Third-class cabin and place settings are shown.

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Classifieds

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Oct. 6 - Oct 12, 2011

CLASSIFIEDS

Employment

tor

interested persons are invited to attend.

THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS ARE “Open Until Filled” GIS Database Analyst

Application Development Analyst (Applications & Database)

THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS HAVE A CLOSING DATE OF: October 7, 2011

THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS ARE “OPEN CONTINUOUSLY”

Information Professional (Full-time position @ N.E. Branch)

Paramedic (PRN) EMT (PRN)

Information Professional (Part-time, 20 hours per week position @ B.L. Perry Branch) Information Professional (Part-time, 10 hours per week OPS position @ Main Library) THE FOLLOWING POSITION HAS A CLOSING DATE OF: October 21, 2011

TIME: October 11, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.

PURPOSE: Business Meeting

LEON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS JOB OPENINGS

THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS HAVE A CLOSING DATE OF: October 14, 2011

REVEREND DR. R. B. HOLMES, JR., PASTOR

PLACE: Howell Center, 3955 W. Pensacola Street

GIS Technician (Two positions available)

Facilities Support Technician II

BETHEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

For additional information on these positions and other job openings: • Go to www.leoncountyfl. gov/HR/jobs/joblist.asp • Call our Job Line at (850) 606-2403 • Watch Comcast Channel 16 (Tuesdays 9am-12am) • Visit Human Resources, 315 South Calhoun Street, 5th Floor, Suite #502 An Equal Opportunity Employer

Announcement

An Agenda Review Workshop for School Board Members who wish to attend is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Monday, October 10, 2011 in Portable #2, 2757 W. Pensacola Street. All interested persons are invited to attend. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Superintendent’s office not later than five working days prior to the proceeding. For further information please contact: Superintendent’s Office Leon County Schools 2821 W. Pensacola Street Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (850) 487-7247 Signed: Jackie Pons, Superintendent

Preaching, Praise & Prayer!

“THE JOY OF JESUS!” Philippians 4:4, John 15:11, Psalm 30:5

141ST Church Anniversary & Pastor’s 25th Anniversary

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF LEON COUNTY announces a regular meeting to which all

Wonderful Wednesdays!!

Wonderful Wednesdays – Noon!!

Wonderful Wednesdays - 7:00 PM!!

The Capital Outlook would like to share your events with out readers

October 5, 2011

Reverend Dr. Joseph Wright, Pastor Jerusalem Baptist Church Tallahassee, FL

Reverend O. Jermaine Simmons Pastor Jacob Chapel Baptist Church Tallahassee, Florida

October 12, 2011

Reverend Perry Robinson, Pastor New Mt. Canaan Baptist Church Jacksonville, FL

October 19, 2011

Reverend Torin T. Dailey, Pastor First Baptist Church of Oakland Jacksonville, FL

Reverend Jeremiah Robinson, Pastor Royal Tabernacle Baptist Church Jacksonville, FL Reverend Dr. James Bouyer, Pastor New Jerusalem Baptist Church Thomasville, GA

October 26, 2011

Reverend Kirby Freeman, Pastor New Trenton Baptist Church Emerson, OH

Reverend Michael Jackson, Pastor Springhill Baptist Church Jacksonville, Florida

Health & Wellness Coordina-

Call (850) 877-0105 for more information

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