Page 4
OPINION
Tri-State Defender
February 16 - 22, 2012
John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)
The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper
A Real Times Newspaper
• Bernal E. Smith II President / Publisher • Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Executive Editor
Is gambling an OK tool for making economic development ‘luck’
Whitney Houston: What can be learned from her tragic death?
The list of African-American Super Stars who make stupid decisions seems to be endless. The use and abuse of illicit drugs have ended the lives of Billy Holiday, David Ruffin, Michael Jackson and now that specter has come into the picture with our “beloved” Whitney Houston. One might say, “European American performers do the same thing.” Yes, I know about Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, but they have not been sources of inspiration for African-American youth. Even though European performers abuse drugs, that is no excuse for us to use and abuse drugs. The net results are the same. It saddens us to see these gifted masters of musical genius fail in their personal lives when we have been pointing to them as symbols of achievement. Our hearts break in their tragic demise and we start looking for other role models with a great degree of disappointment. We often think, “They had all the fame and fortune, gold and glory.” They lived the American Dream often without waking up to their African heritage and responsibility. European thinking is based on the individual while Afrocentric thinking is based on the village (community). Too many of our “super stars” live the selfish pursuits of material accumulation and high styling profiles to demonstrate they made it with few returns to the village. Then, tragically, they die with a needle in their veins on the dark side of bad decisions and the perpetual American nightmare of selfishness. How can we end this roller coaster ride that eventually dumps all riders without regards for their lives and future? Start “Table Seminars” in our homes and teach our children three lessons: LESSON ONE: Destiny is determined by choice and not chance. Tell them of the great achievements Africans have made to the world and the achievements of African-Americans in this country in spite of racism, class-ism, segregation and discrimination. Good decisions can change bad situations and overcome tremendous odds. Bad decisions can negate good talent and deplete gifts. Whitney Houston was raised in the Church but bad decisions allowed her to be ruined by the culture. LESSON TWO: Life is not measured by the abundance of things and stuff one accumulates for self, but by the service one renders to others. True, long-lasting happiness and joy will
never be found in material things but rather in the altruistic efforts to help the last, least and lost of the village. Dr. Martin L. King Jr. is our prime example of this principle and the legacy of Sojourner Truth, Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba Gray Mary McLeod Bethune, Frederick Douglas and Dr. George Washington Carver is punctuated by altruism (serving others without regards for self). LESSON THREE: The “Drug Culture” has a patented tragic end that is fail proof. It produces failure, frustration and destruction every time with no exceptions. The “Drug Culture” has claimed victory over medical doctors, politicians, ministers, lawyers, nurses, scholars, journalists and scientists as well as the entertainers. Caution our youth that slavery during the 18th and 19th centuries was involuntary and it makes no sense to be a voluntary slave in the 21st Century. Even when we try to remember the wonderful achievements of Whitney Houston, the pain and grief of her untimely demise overtakes us and we end up asking, “Why?” No one can forget her rendition of the Star Spangle Banner for the opening Superbowl XXV. Millions were moved to tears and the emotions of patriotism were elevated to an alltime high. No artist has been able to match that performance and many have concluded it is useless to try. We remember her on stage, elegantly dressed to receive her first Grammy and the many musical awards thereafter. We marvel at her record sell of 170 million albums and the unforgettable hit, “I’ll Always Love You.” It is unfortunate that she never seems to have loved herself. If Black History does nothing else for African Americans, it most certainly should teach us to love ourselves to the point that we stop killing ourselves and embrace the God-given missions for the village. Black History for America is “Me Too.” Black History for African Americans is “Yes We Can because We Have.” (The Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba Gray is pastor of New Sardis Baptist Church and president of the Memphis satellite of Operation Push.)
WEB POSTS
From our online readers at www.tristatedefender.com
Texting while driving a deadly specter for friends of Clifton B. Gibbs Edition: Feb. 9-15, 2012 (Former TSD iTeen Reporter Brittany Jackson, who earlier wrote about the danger of texting and driving, takes a vow never to text and drive and urges others to follow suit after the death of a longtime friend.) POST: This saddens me. Many of us drive distracted on a daily basis; distractions being more than just text messaging. It isn’t until the life of a loved one is taken that we will stop to think of the consequences these actions have. I hope this story captures the attention of many, particularly the younger generations. Wait to text guys. Wait to text, call, grab something from your person, whatever your distraction may be. It isn’t
worth it! POST: Brittany, great article. I am guilty of Texting while driving. Your article has convicted me, I will stop it! I’m sure this article will save a life somewhere down the road. Great job! No money at Mo Money? Edition: Feb. 9-15, 2012 (Acknowledging complaints, the operators of Mo Money Taxes say the problems are exaggerated and that the facts will bear out that “we are not the cause of it.”)
POST: Hopefully this problem gets solveD as soon as possible because I’m still waiting on my refund and hoping I get it soon. I’m trying to be very patient but it’s just only one thing that makes me real upset….I left my phone number (with) my tax preparer and I haven’t received a call to let me know something. I really worked hard for my money (and) for this to happen is ridiculous
FACEBOOK FAN OF THE WEEK Heron Edwards
Heron Edwards he is a 1962 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and a 1977 graduate of Memphis State University. He says that he has only two pursuits: LOVE and KNOWLEDGE. His favorite quote is “Believe in nothing, investigate everything. Those that believe will forever be slaves to those that know.” Heron “Skip” Edwards Jr. Thanks Heron for being a long time reader and supporter of the Tri-State Defender!
Beloved Whitney Houston
The entire world community will continue to be positively impacted by the unprecedented, creative and spirit-edifying eloquent contributions from the gifted-voice and artistic genius of Dr. Benjamin Whitney HousChavis ton. While we affectionately mourn her passing with the greatest of sorrow and condolence, we should take this moment forthrightly to affirm the living legacy of Whitney and not be tempted by those who only want to only focus on something negative. As a truly iconic singer, actress, model, philanthropist and committed servant for the empowerment of those who know what the struggles of life are all about, Whitney Houston touched the vortex of the soul with a voice that was blessed by God to uplift and inspire the masses of millions of people throughout the world. It is unfortunate that we live in a society that routinely under values the cultural and expressive significance of people who have given so much of themselves through their respective art forms to help others grapple with the vicissitudes of life. Arising up out of the historic African-American church tradition in Newark, New Jersey, Whitney was destined for greatness in the world of music as she labored and shared her talent across America and to the global community. New Hope Baptist Church in Newark was the place where she began her faith-journey and a career of outstanding success. Her mother, Cissy Houston, is the renowned gospel singer, choir director and spiritual leader. Her cousin is the renowned Dionne Warwick and her godmother is the renowned Aretha Franklin. Our prayers will continue to go out to the entire Houston family and especially to Whitney’s young eighteen year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina. Whitney Houston in her short 48 years became a living legend in both R&B and popular music. But she was more than star in the music and entertainment industry. Like so many others in R&B, soul, jazz, the blues and gospel, Whitney Houston also gave of herself repeatedly to help people become empowered. She gave to numerous charities in Newark and across the nation. In fact, Nelson Mandela and the Man-
Whitney Houston (Courtesy photo)
dela family considered Whitney as a member of their extended family because of her longstanding support of empowerment in South Africa and in other nations. In spite of the tragedy of her death, Houston’s star still shines and will always shine in the hearts and spirits of people everywhere who have a passion for freedom, justice, love and equality. One of my proudest moments was at the NAACP Image Awards in 1994 when Whitney Houston was awarded one of the NAACP’s highest honors for her trailblazing achievements and accomplishments. Literally a whole generation of younger artists today is still being inspired by tremendous voice of Whitney that transcended more than five octaves with the highest quality of tonality and vocal power. Jennifer Hudson sang a soaring tribute to Whitney at the Grammy Awards and LL Cool J rendered a heartfelt prayer at the beginning of the Grammy Awards ceremonies. Jennifer Holliday stated, “Whitney always showed that she cared about people. She was a very caring person.” When someone that we care about dies, it always appropriate to remember the good that was done through the life of the departed. We, therefore, recall and remember the good works and great accomplishments of Whitney Houston. Let us work now to also make a positive and a productive contribution to the uplift of all of humanity. For all who have been inspired by Whitney Houston, let’s pledge to keep her family in our prayers and to continue to push forward to make our world a better place. Long live the spirit of beloved Whitney Houston. (NNPA columnist Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr is President of the HipHop Summit Action Network and Education Online Services Corporation and can be reached at www.HSAN.org)
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Mail subscriptions to the Tri-State Defender are available upon request. One Year, $30.00; Two Years, $55.00. Domestic subscriptions must be addressed to: Subscriptions, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Delivery may take one week. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. GENERAL INFORMATION: Any and all inquiries can be made in writing, by calling (901) 523-1818 or by e-mail. TELEPHONE: Editorial and Administration: (901) 523-1818. Display Advertising (901) 523-1818. Classified Advertising (901) 523-1818. Fax: (901) 578-5037. E-MAIL: Editorial e-mail (press releases, news, letters to editor, etc.): editorial@tristatedefender.com; Display advertising e-mail (ads, advertising price requests, etc.): advertising@tri-statedefender.com; Classified advertising e-mail (ads, advertising price requests, etc.): classifieds@tri-statedefender.com; Subscription/Circulation e-mail (subscriptions, subscription price requests, etc.): subscriptions@tri-statedefender.com; Production e-mail (technical questions/specs, etc.): production@tri-statedefender.com. The Tri-State Defender (USPS 780-220) is published weekly by Tri-State Defender Publishing Co., 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38103. Second Class postage paid at Memphis, TN.
Tri-State Defender Platform
1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed. 2. Racially unrestricted membership in all jobs, public and private. 3. Equal employment opportunities on all jobs, public and private. 4. True representation in all U.S. police forces. 5. Complete cessation of all school segregation. 6. Federal intervention to protect civil rights in all instances where civil rights compliance at the state level breaks down
DISTRIBUTION: Tri-State Defender is available at newsstands, street sales, store vendors, mail subscription and honor boxes throughout the Greater Memphis area. No person may, without prior written permission of the Tri-State Defender, reprint any part of or duplicate by electronic device any portion without written permission. Copyright 2012 by Tri-State Defender Publishing, Inc. Permission to Publisher, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Back copies can be obtained by calling the Tri-State Defender at (901) 523-1818, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Gambling is legally restricted in the United States, but its availability and participation is increasing. Under federal law, gambling is legal and each state is free to regulate or prohibit it. Almost William every state allows Reed some form of gambling. African Americans have little impact in gaming, except as employees. As African Americans lag, the gambling industry continues to prosper. In 2011, gambling activities generated estimated revenues of $92.27 billion as follows: card rooms – $1.18 billion; commercial casinos – $34.41 billion; charitable games and bingo – $2.22 billion; Indian casinos – $26.02 billion; legal bookmaking – $168.8 million; lotteries – $24.78 billion; pari-mutuel wagering – $3.50 billion. Commercial casinos provided 354,000 jobs, and state and local tax revenues of $5.2 billion. Nevada is the only state where casino-style gambling is legal statewide. Both state and local governments impose licensing and zoning restrictions. All other states that allow casino-style gambling restrict it to small geographic areas (e.g., Atlantic City, N.J. or Tunica, Miss.,) or to Native American reservations. As sovereign nations, Native American tribes have used legal protection to open casinos. There are 19 states (and two U.S. Territories) that allow commercial casinos in some form. The economic impact of legalized gambling is tangible and quantifiable. They include construction of casinos that lead to many jobs for construction employees, employees to staff the casino, and the suppliers for ongoing casino operations, and multiplier effects that ripple throughout the overall economy. The reality is, nearly one in four American men and 1 in 8 women gambled on the recent Super Bowl in some way. Furthermore two-thirds of all Americans have gambled, and some 80 percent of us approve of legal gambling as a means of collecting taxes. Entrepreneurship in gambling and gaming has traditionally been eschewed by African Americans. More often than not, the image of an attractive man or woman holding a drink in one hand and dice or cards in the other is an African-American taboo. But, it was labeled “race progress” in 1955 when the integrated Moulin Rouge Hotel-Casino Resort opened in the Westside of Las Vegas. The resort had partial ownership by boxer Joe Lewis and was built to accommodate African Americans banned from Strip resorts. The integrated hotel-casino site afforded African Americans work and more well-paying jobs such as managing and dealing. Not until Don Barden became the owner of the Majestic Star and Fitzgeralds Casino did an African American have an ownership presence on Las Vegas’ legendary Strip. In 2003, Black Enterprise Magazine rated Barden one of the nation’s top African-American businessmen and one of the top African-American employers in the nation – with more than 4,050 employees. Over four decades, the late entrepreneur became a self-made multimillionaire in real estate, the cable TV industry, and in later years, a dominant force in casino gambling. Barden’s influence in gambling came against the odds. After success in politics, real estate and cable, Barden joined forces with powerful Blacks attuned to gambling. In 1998, he and Michael Jackson submitted a proposal for an amusement park along the downtown Detroit Riverfront called The Thriller Theme Park. That project was rejected. In 2006, Barden tried again for a license to build a new casino, this time in Pittsburgh with Smokey Robinson. He got the license, but not the casino. Before he died in 2011, Barden had casino operations across America. But the debate continues about whether or not gambling is an appropriate economic development tool. The argument against it is that although the numbers of jobs associated with new gambling facilities is significant, for some it is not a compelling enough reason for its legalization. Detroit’s casino gambling has led to no noticeable downtown redevelopment. Still, African-American political, civic and church leaders have to admit that gambling can be a powerful economic development tool. Las Vegas is a powerful testament to impressive job growth, a low tax burden that many state and local governments envy and prosperity levels that have spawned significant private and public sector investments. (William Reed heads the Business Exchange Network.)