Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper, May 01, 2010

8/9/2019 Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper, May 01, 2010

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www.afro.comVolume 118 No. 38 75 CENTS

Copyright 2010 by the Afro-American Company

MAY 1, 2010 - MAY 7, 2010

a f r o

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Y o u r H i s t o r y

Y o u r C o m m u n i t y Y o u r N e w s

Join the AFRO onTwitter and Facebook

Continued on A5

Ravens DraftRecap B6

ImmigrationLaw SpursDebate A2

Hats On ForDr. Height B1

The Other WesMoore Review

B3

Listen to First Edition

Join Host Sean YoesSunday @ 8 p.m. on88.9 WEAA FM, the

Voice of the Community.

Black Lawmakers, Advocates Fight forMinority Gains in Financial ReformBy Zenitha PrinceWashington Bureau Chie

For African Americansand other minorities nancialreform is particularlyimportant, advocates,lawmakers and of cials said.

For starters, theyve beendisproportionately hurt bythe current system, which hasallowed this go-go mentalityof anything goes, said

Kathleen Day, spokeswomanfor the nonpro t, Centerfor Responsible Lending.And as we can see, unfairlytargeting speci c groups isntgood for anybody it isnt

good for the whole UnitedStates.

Its a fact that the Obamaadministration acknowledgedrecently as part of its effortsto pass Wall Street reform.In a recent call with Blackpress reporters, WhiteHouse economic advisorCecilia Rouse said Blacksand Hispanics were targetedby nancial institutions toreceive subprime and other

predatory mortgage loans,which precipitated theongoing economic crisis.

Blacks were three timesmore likely than other groupsto receive subprime home

loans, and 57 percent of all loans taken by AfricanAmericans in 2006 are at riskof foreclosure.

As a deterrent to asimilar meltdown of the U.S.

nancial system, PresidentObama wants to limit the sizeof banks so the concept of too big to fail and anothertaxpayer bailout becomesunviable and the risksthey can take. He also wants

banks to make their dealingstransparent, close loopholesthat allow institutions toengage in risky practices

By Melanie R. Holmes AFRO Staf Writer

Daniel Harris Sr. hopes the second defendant in his sonsassault case doesnt get off as easy as the rst one.

After agreeing with the prosecutor that a surveillancevideo shows Susan Nelson hitting 13-year-old autistic childDaniel Harris Jr. on a Baltimore County school bus, DistrictCourt Judge G. Darrell Russell Jr. ruled not guilty after a

10-minute hearing.Shes doing her job trying to maintain discipline,

Russell said dismissively in court on March 11, according totranscripts acquired by the AFRO . It wasnt a forceful hit.Nobody was injured. Shes got her hands full.

Bus Driver Chargedwith AssaultingAutistic Child


A lawsuit against the MarylandHigher Education Commission(MHEC) seeking parity between thestates Black and White colleges ismaking progress, according to anattorney representing the plaintiffs.Prospective students, current studentsand alumni of three of the statesfour historically Black universities

led the suit to end alleged state-sponsored discrimination, claimingthe MHEC has failed its Blackuniversities in funding; studentretention and graduation; campusprograms and activities; faculty andstaff diversity; capital enhancements;program duplication and honoringtheir partnership agreement with

the U.S. Department of EducationsOf ce of Civil Rights (OCR) .

Weve taken most of thedepositions in the case, said JohnGreenbaum, legal director of theLawyers Committee for Civil RightsUnder Law. Were starting theexpert witness part of the case andthat will run for the next coupleof months. Then after that will bepretrial motions. Were going to havea pretrial hearing this summer.

Of cials of the MHEC declined tocomment on the pending case.

The state and OCR entered

into a partnership agreementin 2002 to bring Maryland intocompliance with Title VI of the Civil

Rights Act of 1964 and the EqualProtection Clause of the FourteenthAmendment regarding segregationand discrimination within Marylandshigher education institutions. Withintheir complaint, the Coalition forEquity and Excellence in MarylandHigher Education says the MHECdid nothing more than lift the ruleexcluding Black students from Whiteschools following the 1954 Brownv. Board of Education decision todesegregate all schools in the UnitedStates and says Black enrollment intraditionally White schools remained

minimal. However the state contendsthat all requirements have been metand the partnership agreement shouldbe recognized as ful lled.

At this point there have not beenserious settlement discussions,Greenbaum said.

Plaintiffs seek to developcomplete parity between thestates traditionally White and Blackinstitutions within the next veyears, or else they fear the states

Proving Higher Education Disparity

Suit Against State Progresses...seeks complete parity between traditionally White and Blainstitutions...

Continued on A4

AP Photo

Same-sex couples like this pair seen here a ter obtaining their marriagelicense in Washington, D.C., may not get the benefts o marriage i theymove to Maryland, even though the state recognizes their union.

By Shauna MillerCapital News Service

ANNAPOLIS - After 20 years and two children together, Silver Springcouple Ellen Kahn and Julie Drizin married in Washington in March, just daysafter the city began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Under a February legal opinion by Attorney General Douglas Gansler,Kahn and Drizins union is recognized in Maryland like any other out-of-statemarriage.

But after ling another year of taxes separately, they along with othersame-sex couples are wondering what recognition will really work out to

For Same-Sex Couples, Costof Marriage RecognitionRemains Unclear

Continued on A4

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Farewell, Dr. Height Mourners paidtribute to allencivil rights heroine,Dr. DorothyHeight on April29 at WashingtonNational Cathedral.

Interment: FortLincoln Cemeteryin Maryland.

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Continued on A4


2/20

A2 The Baltimore Afro-American, May 1, 2010 - May 7, 2010

Ohio Man Dons Black aceMask during Bank Robbery

Dressed in what policeare calling a realistic-lookingmask, an Ohio man fooledpolice by disguising himself as an African Americanwhile robbing a bank.

He wore what Imcalling a Hollywood-quality mask, Lt. MichaelMathis told ABC-Newslocal af liate. These thingscost $600-$700.

According to blackvoices.com, Conrad Zdzierak, 30,robbed a local bank wearinga brown-hued mask thatmimicked the features of a Black man. He went onto rob three other banksand a CVS within a three-hour time period. However,

Zdzierak did not disguise hiscar, allowing police to tracehis identity.

The report said authoritiesfound the man hiding in amotel restroom. His car wasstained with red dye from thestolen cash.

Zdzierak is now incustody on $3 million bail.

Guards Not Charged inBeating Death o TeenageInmate

According to The Associated Press , federalof cials will not le charges

against seven guards and anurse in the death of 14-year-old Martin Lee Anderson, aFlorida inmate.

Anderson died on Jan. 6,2006, one day after guardsattacked him. Videotapecaptured the scene as a nurse

looked on while the beatingtook place.

According to the AP ,the video showed theseven guards punching andkicking the teenager whileforcing ammonia capsulesinto his nose. The eight jailemployees were acquittedof all charges by an all-

White jury in 2007, butthe state closed all juvenileboot camps following theincident.

After an investigation,Justice Department of cialssaid more evidence would beneeded to le charges.

The departmentdevoted signi cant timeand resources to investigatethe tragic events of Jan. 5,2006 in Panama City, Fla.,surrounding Andersonsdeath. A team of experiencedprosecutors and agentsreviewed the thousands of

pages of evidence generatedby the state investigation andcriminal trial, of cials saidin a press release reviewedby the AFRO . After acareful and thorough review,a team of experiencedfederal prosecutors and FBI

agents determined that theevidence was insuf cient topursue federal criminal civilrights charges. Accordingly,the investigation into thisincident has been closed.

Despite the ruling,Andersons family says theywill continue to ght for

justice.

Its not over, GinaJones, Andersons mother,told AP . Its not closedand Im going to make sureit stays open. That was mybaby. There was no reason tobe beaten like that.

Judge Removed in Black Serial Killers Case

An Ohio Supreme CourtJustice has removed JudgeShirley Strickland Saffoldfrom a case involvingalleged serial killer AnthonySowell, according to The

Associated Press . The judge

was removed because of anonymous comments madeon a newspaper Web site thatlinked to her e-mail.

Sowell has been accusedof killing 11 women andhiding their bodies in andaround his Cleveland home.

Despite the stench, thewomens bodies were notfound until police came toinvestigate charges froma woman who claimedshed been attacked at thatlocation.

The defendant entered anot guilty plea by reason of insanity.

One of Sowells attorneyssaid the comments connectedto the judges e-maildiscredited her and agreedshe should be removed fromthe case.

New Arizona ImmigrationLaw Spurs Debate amongBlack Leaders

Several Black civil rightsleaders and elected of cialsare publicly condemningArizona Gov. Jan Brewers

decision to sign into a law animmigration bill that wouldrequire all people living inAmerica to carry proof of citizenship.

Opponents of the billargue the legislation wouldpromote racial pro ling byArizona law enforcementof cials.

In a statement, DistrictCongresswoman EleanorHolmes Norton said thebill must not be modeledelsewhere and is sodangerously unconstitutionalin recapturing long-

discredited discriminatorylaws that an injunctionshould be immediatelysought and granted beforemore harm is done.

The law would neanyone without properdocumentation $2,500 andcould lead to arrest and jail

time.Wade Henderson,

president and CEO of theLeadership Conference,called the law an odiouspiece of legislation that ispoised to do great harm tothe state of Arizona andto the fundamental ideals

on which our country wasfounded. He continued,This law will make racialpro ling the norm in Arizonaby requiring law enforcementto stop, question, detain, andarrest anyone that they havea reasonable suspicion tobelieve is undocumentedTo be clear, race andethnicity have nothing to dowith citizenship and legalstatus.

Black Death Row Inmateto Receive Day in Court

Troy Davis, the Georgia

man sentenced to deathfor the 1989 murder of anoff-duty Savannah, Ga.,police of cer, was grantedan evidentiary hearing April27. The Supreme Courtruled in August that Davis, aformer sports coach, should

have the opportunity todefend himself before beingexecuted.

According to a Web sitemaintained by Davis familyand supporters, the hearing isset for June 30 at the FederalCourt House in Savannah.

Davis is accused of

killing William MacPhail,an off-duty police of cerworking as a security guardat a local Burger King.

Over the course of Davis19-year imprisonment,numerous political andcivic gures have called forhis day in court, includingformer President JimmyCarter, Archbishop DesmondTutu and Pope BenedictXVI.

AFRO National Briefs A P P h o

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Federal o cials will not fle chargesagainst seven guards and a nurse inthe death o a 14-year-old inmate.

C o u r t e s y

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Opponents o the bill argue the legislation wouldpromote racial profling by Arizona law en orcemento cials.

WESTERN REGION

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3/20

May 1, 2010 - May 7, 2010, The Baltimore Afro-American A3

. . , . .

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By Valencia MohammedSpecial to the AFRO

Richard Barrett, 67, generalcounsel of the NationalistMovement, which he foundedin Mississippi, was found deadin his home on April 22, inRankin County, Miss.

Police said the attorney,well-known for his publicopposition to the Dr. MartinLuther King holiday and hisanti-Jena Six demonstrations,was murdered. And they havecharged Barretts neighbor,Vincent McGee, a 22-year oldBlack male who was releasedfrom prison in February forarson, with the crime. Recordsindicate Barrett was stabbed

and bludgeoned. His homewas also set on re.It was initially reported

that McGee allegedlykilled Barrett because of inappropriate sexualadvances that sent him intoa rage. However, additionalinvestigation revealed McGeeperformed landscaping workon the day in question andwas dissatis ed with the $26payment Barrett paid him,causing an argument to ensue.Three other suspects werearrested as accessories afterthe fact for harboring McGee

as a fugitive but were laterbonded and released.

DeAnna Tisdale, 24,

associate editor of the Jackson Advocate, Mississippis oldestBlack newspaper, said thegeneral consensus is thatBarrett got exactly what hedeserved. I disagree withthat opinion, wholeheartedly.Regardless of what people saidhe did in the past, we have noright to judge or sentence,said the daughter of legendaryBlack newspaper publisherand long time civil rightsactivist, Charles Tisdale, whowas visited by Barretthisstaunch opponenton hisdeathbed.

But not all Blacks agreed

with the opinion of theyoung Tisdale. Barrett wasa psychopathic racist withhis contempt for Blacks,said Earnest McBride, 68,contributing editor of the

Advocate , which has beenbombed several times sincethe 60s. Although Barrettwas very impressive with hisdelivery, he believed Blacksoffered nothing positiveto American culture or itshistory. McBride said hefollowed Barretts activitiesfor more than a decade.

Barrett also demonstrated

at the September 2007 Jena6 rally in Louisiana, asking

the protestors to assist him inholding up a protest sign thatread, No King Shall Triumph

Over Me. Barrett claimed Dr.King would not want a day for

Blacks to take off from workbut to be given jobs to work.He also made national

news when he welcomedPresident Obamas electionvictory, saying it would spawnrace pride among Whites andpossibly a race war.

In his self-published book,The Commission , in which hetouted his beliefs, he tells howand why he decided to protestintegration in 1954.

Nausea hit me in thepit of my stomach. Fear of my country overshadowedme, he said, of his thoughtson hearing about the Brownvs. the Board of Education decision, which ended schoolsegregation.Nature not mendecreed that Negroes weredifferent, he wrote. Thosewho mingled with coloredwere as much an aberrationas the unwanted bluebird inthe redbirds nest and everybit as disruptive of natural andsocietal disorder.

Barry Hackney, nationalsecretary of The Nationalist

Movement, said in an e-mailedstatement to the AFRO , thatwhile Barretts viewpoints

might have irked some,they came from deep-seatedreligious and patriotic values.

Like him or not, RichardBarrett lived a sel ess life of poverty to serve the cause of constitutional government andfreedom, he wrote. Thoughhis primary focus was therights of White Americans,

we are all freer because of his efforts in the courts toconfront tyranny and standup for the rights of the peopleto demonstrate, speak out,and make personal choices.After graduating from RutgersUniversity, he volunteeredfor combat in Vietnam, thenwent to Memphis State LawSchool. He was a powerfulorator before crowds or in acourt room. He litigated manynotable cases and even wonmultiple times at the SupremeCourt. Barrett never deviatedfrom his Christian faith, andalways conformed to the

Christian standard of integrity,decency, and clean responsibleliving.

A Saga of the Modern SouthRespect, Hate, Violence, Death

White supremacist Richard Barrett, seen in this June 2005photo, was ound stabbed to death in his burning housein Pearl, Miss., April 22. His neighbor, Vincent McGee,right, has been charged with his murder.

A P P h o t o / T h e N e s h o b a D e m o c r a t , K

y l e C a r t e r

A P P h o t o / M i s s i s s i p p i D e p a r t m e n t o f C o r r e c t i o n s

By AFRO Staf

In the midst of divorce from husband Jesse

James, Sandra Bullock is welcoming a newman in her lifean adopted Black baby fromNew Orleans, the New York Post reported.

In the most recent issue of Peoplemagazine, Bullock revealed that she and Jameshad of cially ledfor divorce and shehad also completedthe adoption process,now becoming themother of 3-month-old Louis BardoBullock.

Bullocks newbaby was born intopost-Katrina NewOrleans, whereBullock and James

had previouslydecided to adopt.

We spent somuch time in NewOrleans after Katrinaand one day it was

just a feeling thatcame that instead of bringing another lifeinto this world, thatwe wanted to reachout and nd our childin New Orleans, Bullock told People.

But while Bullock had attempted to keepthe four-year adoption process private, thepress had already honed in on her familysnew addition.

People were waiting outside 24/7wedidnt want this to be h is life, Bullock toldPeople.

Rumors of James in delity quickly swirledand when they proved to be true, the mediaattention quickly intensi ed.

All I remember is thinking, I need to getLouis out of here, she told People. I did

the only thing I could do and that was packenough clothes to live on, get all of Louisthings and get out of town.

While Bullock and James are separated, shesays that James is by no means out of her life.

I really dont know how our paths willintersect in the future, but the father that I haveknown Jesse to be with all the kids is one that

I hope Louis canexperience one day,she told People.

Bullock isamong the manyHollywood starswho have hopped onthe growing trendof adopting Blackchildren, like TomCruise, StephenSpielberg, AngelinaJolie and Madonna.

ABCnews.comreported on the trendand spoke withRobert OConnor,an African Americanwho was adopted bya White family andnow studies trans-racial adoptions atMetropolitan StateUniversity in St.Paul, Minn.

They will have to work out that racialidentity before the public eye and thatscrutiny could cause them greater dif culty,OConnor told ABCnews.com. Thesechildren are seen as members of a largercommunity, whether their parents recognizeit or not. Sometimes transracial adoptees feelguilty about doing so well versus the peoplethey came from. I call it survivors remorse.For children of celebrities, I think negotiatingwhere they came from and connecting withpeople of origin will be a much wider gulf totraverse.

Sandra BullockAdopts Black Son

A native of Howard County, Md.,Marcella Holland laid the groundworkfor her bright future while enrolled at theUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County.Upon graduation in 1980, she enrolled at theUniversity of Maryland School of Law.

While at the law school, Judge Hollandwas active in many organizations. Sheparticipated in the Black Law StudentsAssociation, where she served as president.Judge Holland also participated in the AsperInternship Program, where she worked forJudge Robert M. Bell during his tenure onthe Circuit Court for Baltimore City. Whenshe graduated in 1983, she received theAlumni Association Prize.

Upon her admission to the Maryland Barin December 1983, Holland was sworn in asthe assistant states attorney for BaltimoreCity and held that position for 13 years.She then was assigned to the EconomicCrimes Unit for nine years before she wasappointed to the bench.

On Sept. 18, 1997, Judge Holland wassworn in as an associate judge on the CircuitCourt for Baltimore City. After servingin that position for four years, she wasappointed control over the domestic docket.Thereafter, she began her appointment asthe administrative judge of the Circuit Courtfor Baltimore City in 2003.

Judge Holland has dedicated much of her time to community involvement. Shehas served as the Druid Hill YMCA boardmanager, the Black Achievers ProgramSteering Committee chair and she servedon the Bridge Beyond Bars Advisory

Committee. Holland is currently af liatedwith the National Girl Scouts of Americaand the Friends of Soulful Symphony.

Former mayor of Baltimore Kurt Schmokealso appointed her to the Commission onHistorical and Architectural Preservation,where she served as chair for two terms.

Judge Holland has received numerousawards and honors throughout her career.In 2008, she won the Outstanding Alumniof the Year award from the Universityof Maryland Baltimore County. She alsoreceived The Daily Records MarylandTop 100 Women Award. Additionally,Judge Holland received the NBA JudicialCouncils Distinguished Service Award in2005, among many other prestigious honors.

On Feb. 14, the AFRO honored JudgeHolland for her outstanding service in hercareer and the community at the companys

fth annual Legends and Pioneers ceremony

at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

AFRO Honors Judge Marcella A. Holland

The fourth annual Legends and Pioneers gala, held Feb. 24 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, was sponsored byCoors Light.


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But police agree withHarris Sr., who said not onlywas his son assaulted byNelson on Nov. 20, 2009, butalso attacked by ChristinaBrocato, a bus driver with aprior child abuse record. Hertrial is scheduled for May 19.

Harris Sr. said his son wasstrapped into his seat next toNelson, who was substitutingfor Harris Jr.s regular aide,as Brocato drove the bus of special education studentson Interstate 695 and PerringParkway.

The aide gave my sonher [hair] scrunchy, HarrisSr. said. He started playingwith it because its made outof elastic material. He startedtrying to unravel it and sheslapped him and that set himoff. He became uncontrollableat that point.

Lt. Jim Dewees of theMaryland State Police GoldenRing Barrack said it is dif cultto determine by surveillancecamera how hard Nelsonhit Harris Jr., but the tapeclearly captures an assault and

unnecessary restraint forcedupon the teen.

[Nelson] basically standsup and hits him several times,DeWees said. She didnt stop;she was mad. It looked likethe child [fell] to the ground.You can see them scuf ing onthe oor and you can see himbeing physically assaulted.

At that point, Brocatothen pulled the bus over. LoriMazan, operator and safetysupervisor of Durham SchoolServices which runs theschool bus company, claimsthat Harris Jr. got out of hisharness and ran to the front of the bus, prompting Brocato topull the bus over.

As the driver expressedit, [he] had to be disarmed,she wrote.

However, DeWees saidthe encounter went beyonddiscipline and became childabuse; the tape clearlyshows Brocato pull the busover and immediately beginsto assault Harris beyond

acceptable reproach.She gets up and it appears

as though she assists in theassault or restraining [of] thechild, Dewees said. Its notlike she comes and intervenesand tries to make peace withwhat was going on.

Brocato has been chargedwith two counts of second-degree assault, adding onto herbusy criminal record. On Oct.26, 2003, she was chargedwith child abuse of a minor,contributing to the conditionof a child, and second degreeassault. She pled guilty to the2003 assault charge and wassentenced to probation afterbeing convicted on July 12,2004.

Communications SpecialistAnn Kinder said it is DurhamSchool Services policy notto comment on pendinglitigation, but released thefollowing statement regardingBrocatos former employmentwith the company: DurhamSchool Services takes the

safety of the children wetransport very seriously. Allof our drivers and monitorsare required to pass a fullbackground check and drugand alcohol screens beforethey are hired. In addition,they must complete anextensive training programthat includes instructionon student managementtechniques.

Harris Sr. was called tocome pick his son up fromschool when the bus arrivedthere and had to drive hisson to school for two monthsafter the incident. He is nowback on the bus without anyproblems, and former DurhamSchool Services spokespersonLaura Osheaski con rmed thatNelson and Brocato have beenterminated.

During her trial, Nelsontold the judge she gave Harrisher scrunchy because that wasthe only way she could keephim in his seat and doesntremember hitting him.

I loved my job and Iloved my kids on the bus,she testi ed. If I did hit himit was just in a response. Hewas hitting me down here onmy leg.

On the court transcripts,Russell admits that the tapedid not show Harris Jr. hitNelson, but said he acceptedher testimony because she wasunder oath. Harris Sr. said hisson is nonviolent and onlyused force after Brocato goton top of him.

He was defendinghimself, he said. He doesntunderstand a strange personhitting him. She wasntsupposed to do that.

If Brocato is found notguilty, her job could bereinstated.

I dont want to see thatwoman go to jail, HarrisSr. said. I just want to seeher [give] a guilty plea soshe can stay the heck off of these buses and not do that toanother child again.

Bus Driver Charged with Assaulting Autistic ChildContinued from A1

and allow shareholders to vote on the salaries/bonuses of executives.

If we dont change what led to the crisis, we doomourselves to repeat it, Rouse said in support of the legislation.She added, Opposing reform would leave consumersvulnerable to the worse of industry practices and taxpayers onthe hook if a crisis like this ever happens again.

But those stakes and overwhelming public support fornancial reform were not enough to bar Senate Republicansfrom blocking the measure on Capitol Hill this week,prompting civil rights groups to vow renewed efforts to pushthe legislation through.

The civil rights community will continue to work toensure that the will of the people is not defeated by corporatelobbyists and campaign contributions, said Nancy Zirkin,executive vice president of The Leadership Conference onCivil and Human Rights, in a statement. We will continue towork for the interests of MainStreet and working familiesuntil President Obama signs real

nancial reform into law.Rep. Maxine Waters,

D-Calif., said she was notsurprised by the partisan vote,however it was meant to open negotiations and says she is

con dent the measure will advance.Of greater concern to her, said the House FinancialServices Committee member, is the survival of two provisionsspeci cally geared to protect minorities.

The House passed Waters amendment that would ensureminorities were part of the proposed Consumer F inancialProtection Bureaus oversight board.

Of particular importance to African-American consumers,the Bureau would, among other things:

- Ensure big banks and credit card companies provide clearinformation to consumers.

- Enforce fair lending laws that protect minorities fromdiscrimination.

- Oversee alternative nancial services such as checkcashiers, payday lenders, etc. so consumers could avoid hiddenand usurious fees.

- Offer nancial literacy education to African Americans.Congresswoman Waters also hopes the Senate bill retains

her idea of instituting an Of ce of Minority Affairs within allfederal nancial agencies to ensure marginalized communitiesarent overlooked in the decision-making process.

The subprime meltdown and the economic crisis werecaused by the greedy nancial institutions the loan initiators

who targeted minority communities and poor communities. And when you look at all the agencies that deal withmonetary policy none of them really focused in on themost vulnerable who were hurt by these policies, the Blacklawmaker said. They just didnt care... . The harm that wasdone to minorities was just not addressed by these agencies.

Waters said while some senators, particularly Sen. RobertMenendez, D-N.J., have promised to protect the measure;White House support is less certain.

Rouse, the administration advisor, sidestepped a question

about the White Houses position during the press call,

prompting scathing commentary from a Black nanceprofessor, who participated in the teleconference.Writing on MSNBCs The Grio, Syracruse Un iversity

professor Boyce Watkins said the stance was another exampleof Obamas trickle-down or rising tide lifts all boatsphilosophy as it relates to helping Blacks.

As I listened to Dr. Rouse dodge the po ignant questionabout Rep. Maxine Waters interest in establishing an Of ceof Minority Affairs, I started to feel that the Ph.D. was feedingus just a little BS, Watkins wrote. He also said that Obamasapproach doesnt work for those whove been marginalizedfrom the economic mainstream of America. In other words,our ships cant rise, because some of these ships are not in theeconomic water.

Waters said she remains optimistic of White Housebacking, however, based on initial conversations.

historically Black colleges will continue to suffer.The lawsuit also alleges that White schools have

duplicated programs at Black schools, namely TowsonUniversity and the University of Baltimore duplicating amasters in business administration program at MorganState University, and Salisbury State University offering acomputer science program originally offered at Universityof Maryland Eastern Shore.

Greenbaum said high school and current studentsseeking enrollment in the states Black schools have joinedthe lawsuit to ensure their degree will hold the same valueas a degree with the same eld of study at the states Whiteinstitutions. College graduates are participating becausethey feel their degree does not have the same worth as adegree from the states White institutions because of thealleged discrimination.

We feel very con dent in our ability to prevail in thiscase at trial, Greenbaum said.

Fight or Minority Gains in Re orm

Suit ProgressesContinued from A1

Charmaine Mercer,senior education advisorof the U.S. House of Representatives Educationand Labor Committee,was a panelist in Mondaysdiscussion of thereauthorization of the NoChild Left Behind Act.

Courtesy Photos

BCPS CEO Andrs Alonsomoderated the paneldiscussion on what thereauthorization of theNo Child Left Behind Actwould mean for BaltimoreCity.

Education Ofcials Discuss NCLB Reauthorization

...when you look at all the agencies that deal with monetary policy none of them really focused in on the most vulnerablewho were hurt by these policies.

Continued from A1


A month after the Obamaadministration released its blueprint forrevising the Elementary and SecondaryEducation Act (ESEA), city and stateof cials gathered in Baltimore for apanel discussion on what that reformwould mean for Baltimore City PublicSchools (BCPS).

Within the blueprint, the federalgovernment expects college and career-ready standards to be implementedacross the country, schools to berewarded for making dramatic gainsin student achievement, and states toconsider national educational standards.

At the discussion on Monday,Michael Casserly, executive directorof the Council of Great City Schools;Gary Huggins, executive director of The Aspen Institutes Commission onNo Child Left Behind; and CharmaineMercer, senior education advisor of theU.S. House of Representatives Educationand Labor Committee, shared their ownvisions for the new No Child Left Behind(NCLB) Act.

One of the things that No ChildLeft Behind shows us is that studentachievement means different things

depending on where you are and thatshighly problematic, Mercer said.

Its an atrocity to have them gothrough 12 years of school but cant get a

job or get into college.She does not know when ESEA will

be reauthorized but is certain that whenit is, college and career-ready standardswill be a key revision. President GeorgeW. Bush signed the NCLB Act into lawin 2000 with the hope of bringing all kidsup to their reading and math levels by2014. However, in a statement within theU.S. Department of Educations blueprintto reform ESEA, Obama said the newgoal is to ensure all kids are college andcareer-ready by 2020.

Under either administration, Hugginssaid the most important impact of NCLBis that it makes sure there are no moreinvisible students.

We need to maintain strongaccountability for all students and makesure we dont return to having invisiblechildren by requiring action be taken onthe account of all kids, he said.

In order to accomplish this, Hugginssaid a more sophisticated use of student data and greater autonomy forschool leaders to decide on appropriateinterventions for students are necessary.

We need to have student

achievement measurements as a key partof the discussion, he said. There needsto be exibility in order to make localdecisions.

Huggins also said using certi cationto determine teacher quali cation is thewrong way to look at it.

Teachers ability to make changein the classroom is the best way toensure teacher effectiveness, hesaid, suggesting more professionaldevelopment opportunities for teachers.

Mercer said that buy-in also createseffective teachers; teachers who havestable leadership that they believe inbetter assist with school transformation.

Students who have access to greatteachers do great work, she said. Inaddition to having an effective teacher,strong leadership is second to that at theschool level and at the district level.

She also added that there is a lotof tension between Republicans andDemocrats at the federal level on whatschool improvement strategies will beimplemented under the reauthorization.But Obama said the main goal is to havegreat teachers and principals in everyschool

To ensure the success of our

Continued on A5


5/20

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tangibly mean.At its legal core, marriage

is a contract designed tosupport families. It carries1,138 federal rights andbene ts, and more than 425

in Maryland alone. Spousescan inherit property tax-free,get employer health insurancefor their families and makemedical decisions if the worsthappens. Marriage allows sickor elderly spouses to collectfederal bene ts connected toSocial Security and Medicaid.

But for Maryland gaycouples married outsidethe state, this social safetynet is not guaranteed mainly because the federalgovernment doesnt recognizesame-sex marriages at all.Gay couples dont qualifyfor federal spousal bene ts

near the end of life. Theymay pay more for familyhealth insurance if it is evenoffered. And they still mayneed documents to provetheir relationship in a time of emergency.

For us, (getting married)was really about seeing thisas a good thing, especiallyhaving kids together, Kahnsays. But did we really thinkabout whats going to happenwith our tax return? Notreally.

This frustrates manysame-sex couples consideringmarrying across state lines,

including Lisa Polyak, wholives with her partner, GitaDeane, and their children inBaltimore.

The meaningfulprotections of a civil marriagecome into play when peopleare most vulnerable whenthey are dying, when theyare sick and when they areunemployed, Polyak says.

Since we dont knowwhether [Ganslers opinioncarries] all the protectionsthat were hoping it does ...the reality is that we cantstop paying for our willsand powers of attorney and

domestic-partner af davits,Polyak says. Its the worstkind of second-class citizenrywhen you cant trust a lawto be a law, and you have tohave money and access toget the same protections thatother people get when theyspend $35 on a marriagelicense.

At Gov. MartinOMalleys direction, stateagencies will reevaluate theirindividual policies as moresame-sex couples marryoutside the state and attemptto claim spousal bene ts.

But Susan Sommer, senior

counsel with the nationalgay advocacy group LambdaLegal, says that so many statebene ts are tied to federallaws that its still unclear howthey will practically mesh.

Under the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), thefederal government doesnot recognize any same-sex marriages, even thoseperformed in the District orthe ve states where same-sexmarriage is permitted. Thisdisconnect puts same-sexspouses in a legal limbo.

Tax is one funny areathat is very much hinged tothe federal approach, saysJezzika Lee Perez, presidentof the D.C.-based rmIntelligent Tax Services. And

the federal approach is onethat discriminates.For this reason,

Marylands comptrolleradvised married same-sexcouples like Kahn and Drizinto continue ling their statetaxes as single until theof ce issues new guidelines.

There have been someother recent moves inMaryland to extend bene tsto same-sex couples. Forexample, in 2008, the GeneralAssembly passed lawsallowing domestic partners tomake medical decisions forone another.

While such measuresattempt to approximate someof the bene ts that comewith marriage, they fall shortof the protections marriageautomatically confers onopposite-sex married couples.And they come with a varietyof confusing criteria.

For one, the de nitionof domestic partnershipis muddy, says LawrenceJacobs, a Maryland-basedlawyer specializing in legalissues affecting same-sexcouples. Maryland does notapply a consistent de nitionof domestic partnership

across all state agencies.Couples must qualifyaccording to the separate

guidelines of whicheveragency they are seekingrecognition from, which varywidely. In some instances,says Jacobs, partners mustpresent af davits meeting up

to 14 different criteria. Theseare things a married couplewould never be asked toprove.

Nationally, there havebeen several high-pro lecases where couples binding

legal documents have beenignored by hospital staff orcounty of cials. In 2008,Clay Greene and HaroldScull, partners for more than20 years, were forcibly placedin separate California nursinghomes after Scull becameinjured in a fall. The countythen gained possession of thecouples home and auctionedits contents.

There has been somerecent federal change onthis issue. President Obamahas directed the Departmentof Health and HumanServices to begin drafting

new guidelines prohibitinghospitals receiving Medicareor Medicaid funding from

restricting visitation for same-sex couples regardless of marital status.

Maryland state employeesare eligible for domestic-partner health coverage,

but that covers only about177 to 300 of the states15,600 same-sex households,according to data from theDepartment of LegislativeServices and the U.S. CensusBureau. Some city and county

governments also extendsimilar bene ts.Nationally, the average

same-sex couple covering onepartner through a domestic-partnership medical plan paysabout $1,000 more per yearthan a heterosexual couple,according to Gary Gates,a demographer with theWilliams Institute, a researchgroup at the UCLA School of Law.

While Ganslers opinionopens many doors for same-sex couples planning theirfamilies and futures inMaryland, many signi cant

federal marriage-relatedbene ts including spousalSocial Security and Medicaid

bene ts are still restrictedto opposite-sex couples.This would remain so evenif Maryland were to legalizesame-sex marriage outright.

The truth is, state

recognition doesnt remedymany of these areas,demographer Gates says.The big remedies arefederal.

Medicaid guidelines allowmarried, opposite-sex couples

to divideassets in a waythat makes asick spouseeligible fornursing-homecoverage whileallowing theother to remainin the familyhome. DOMA

precludes this option forsame-sex couples.Same-sex couples are

also not allotted spousal

Social Security bene ts aftera spouse dies, and privateemployers are not required toextend pensions to survivingsame-sex spouses. Whenpensions are extended, higher

withdrawal penalties maybe levied. Surviving spouseslose around $5,700 yearly inbene ts available to opposite-sex spouses, according to theWilliams Institute.

For couples like Kahnand Drizin who havealready taken the plunge inneighboring Washington, onlytime will tell how the bene tsof state recognition will playout.

Like many folks, we were just eager to have added legalprotections and participatein this historic moment tobe legally married, says

Kahn. But we didnt callan attorney or accountant tond out what it would really

mean.

Cost of Marriage Recognition Remains UnclearContinued from A1

...Many signifcant ederal marriage-related benefts - including spousal Social Security and Medicaid benefts - are still restricted to opposite- sex couples. This would remain so even i Maryland were to legalize same-sex marriage...

NCLB Reauthorizationchildren, we must dobetter to recruit, develop,support, retain, and rewardoutstanding teachers inAmericas classrooms, hesaid in a statement. Myadministrations blueprintfor reauthorization of theElementary and SecondaryEducation Act is not onlya plan to renovate a awed

law, but also an outlinefor a reenvisioned federalrole in education. This isa framework to guide ourdeliberations and sharedworkwith parents, students,educators, business andcommunity leaders, electedof cials, and other partnersto strengthen Americaspublic education system.

By Gregory Dale AFRO Staf Writer

A routine barbershopappointment turned intoa close encounter of adisturbing kind, said an AFROemployee, who discovered

he had unknowingly met oneof the suspected killers in themurder of company securityguard, Charles Bowman.

I looked at the newspaperand to my shock and disbelief,

one of the murder suspectswas the barbershop patronwho sat next to me the weekbefore, the staff membersaid.

According to theemployee, whose name isbeing withheld, as he was

getting his scheduled haircut,he noticed a young womanaccompanied by a teenagemale entering the shop. Thebarber greeted the newlyarrived patrons and the

teen sat next to the AFROemployee. Thereafter, theemployees barber struck up aconversation about the deathof the slain security guard.

I was asked if I wasacquainted with the AFROsecurity of cer who was

killed the previous week, theemployee said. I continuedthe conversationofferingthat I was disappointed athow our young people resortto violence and that Mr.

Bowmans death was veryunnecessary.

As he continued to speak,the employee noticed thatother patrons showed noreactions to what he wassaying about youth in theGreenmount Avenue area,

leaving him uncomfortable.I did not want to offend

anyone especially the motherand other children who werepresent, or the young mansitting next to me, he said.

Upon his arrival to workthe following week, theAFRO employee discoveredthat two suspects had beendetained for Bowmansmurder. He then realized oneof the suspects, Troy Taylor,was the very same patron

whod sat next to in thebarbershop the prior week..The employee immediatelyphoned his barber to con rmthat this was the same teen.His barber veri ed that he

was, but did not alert theemployee at that moment,because it was just a matterof time before he would bediscovered.

According to authorities,Taylor, 18, turned himself in on April 22 and a second

suspect, Michael RaphaelHunter, 19, was arrested thefollowing day. The two bothface criminal charges, but trialinformation was not availableat press time.

AFRO Employee Encounters Alleged Killer of Colleague

Continued from A4


6/20


Business

By Kristin Gray AFRO Managing Editor

As part of a three-part series, the AFROis pro ling up-and-coming entrepreneurswho are growing popular businesses while

juggling traditional nine-to- ve careers,spouses and children. This month, Baltimore-based shoe designer Cash Hollis shares howshe turned her air for fashion into pro t.

Cash HollisArena S. Shoe Collection

Cash Hollis is immersed in all things

fashion oversized studded glasses, glossyskintight leggings, trendy one-piece jumpsuits

but more substantial than her passion forthe latest trends is her love of shoes. Hollis,a New Jersey native and Morgan StateUniversity graduate, has created a Baltimore-based shoe reconstruction company thatmorphs basic pumps and sneakers into exoticworks of art.

The services that I offer are unlimited.Thats the best part of customizing shoes,Hollis said of her rm, Arena S. ShoeCollection. My company brand centralizesaround, Make Your Shoes a Show, andthats what I aim for with every shoe I create.My most noted work consists of colorfulassortments of Swarovski crystals, wildlifefeathers and astonishing bead, ribbon and

rhinestone craftsmanship. I am also workingon my bow bow line for my collection. Itwill consist of interchangeable bows for yourshoes in a variety of colors and fabrics.

Arena S. Shoe Collection has been inthe works since 2007, when Hollis ownrevamped shoes drew a slew of inquiriesand compliments. She has since created a

pro table business venture that satis es herlove for fashion and exercises her buddingbusiness acumen.

The most rewarding part of being anentrepreneur is pushing myself to the max.There is no punching a clock or a supervisorensuring that my work is done. I work formyself so I strive to make each line betterthan the one before, Hollis said. The otherthing that I love is collaborating with otherartists and designers, and traveling all over todo shows and photo shoots.

Since Hollis made Arena S. ShoeCollection public in 2009, the 24-year-oldentrepreneur has worked with local designerssuch as Shameka Davis with the RagtimeCollection, Terronce Styyles and AvonDorsey and her work has been photographedwith noted designers N. Miller, Michael Kors,Versace and Ralph Lauren.

For more information visit thearenascollection.com.

Courtesy PhotoCash Hollis poses with designs rom herArena S. Shoe Collection.

Local Entrepreneurs Turn

Part-Time Jobs into Full-timeProft

By Wesley E. WatkisSpecial to the AFRO

A business begins with a great idea that will provide a product or a service to acommunity. Although every great idea deserves to be explored, not everyone has thesame opportunity to develop his or her business ventures. Even though people of color

currently make up 33 percent of our population, minorities own only 18 percent of the 23million U.S. rms. In an effort to balance these gures, some lending institutions and loanprograms have special programs in place to provide grants and loans to minority-ownedbusinesses.

Loans or Minorities Accion USA: Accion is a micro nancing organization specializing in small business

loans that serve minority populations. Loans range in amount from $500 to $50,000, haveterms up to 60 months and offer xed annual interest rates from 8 percent to 15 percent.

Basic 7(a) Loan Program: The Small Business Administration (SBA) backs this loanprogram for existing and start-up small businesses to provide an avenue to receive nancingwhen others are not available. Seven (a) loans are the most exible and most commonly usedtype of small business loan. Because the loans are provided by a lender, but guaranteed in partby the SBA, borrowers must meet the requirements of both the lender and the SBA.

The Microloan Program: This program p rovides short-term loans to small businessesthrough intermediary lenders, typically nonpro t community-based organizations. Six years isthe maximum term for these loans, and $35,000 is the maximum amount. Interest rates dependon the lender, but are generally 8 percent to 13 percent.

CDC/504 Loan Program: This program is designed to provide funding for brick andmortar projects, purchasing land, buying ex isting buildings, modernizing, and purchasingmachinery equipment. A Certi ed Development Company (CDC), a private, nonpro tcorporation, works with the SBA and private lenders to provide nancing.

Grants or Minorities Grants are not provided by federal agencies for small businesses. However, some states

offer small business grants to encourage small businesses in the local area. Check with yourstates economic development agency, and your local non-pro t organizations to see if there isanything available in your area.

Additional resources are available to open doors for minority owned businesses. MinorityBusiness Development Centers (MBDC) offer training, one-on-one help, and other links toservices and information that aid minority businesses. There are currently ve regional of ces.To nd more information, visit their Web site at www.mbda.gov.

The Small Business Administration, along with many lenders, are encouraging minorityowned businesses to apply for nancing and increase their presence in the business world.Discussing your options with a nancial advisor is a good idea to help you determine which

programs may bene t you.

Wesley E. Watkis isa managing partner of the W&W Group. Formore information visit thewandwgroup.com. Hecan be reached at [email protected].

Financial Opportunities orMinority Business Owners Explored

If youre HIV+ and think you cant afford the medication youneed, theres something you should know.

MADAP CAN HELP.The Maryland AIDS Drug Assistance Program (MADAP) helps cover the

cost of many medications for low to moderate income people in Maryland

who are living with HIV/AIDS.

There are exciting, new drugs in the fight against HIV/AI DS. Dont miss outbecause you cant afford them.

Call MADAP today.

410-767-6535 Baltimore Area1-800-205-6308 Toll Free in Maryland

410-333-4800 tdd

MADAP is a program of the AIDS AdministrationMaryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

By AFRO Staf

On April 27, PresidentBarack Obama establishedthe Interagency Task Forceon Veterans Small BusinessDevelopment in efforts toexpand access to federalcontracting opportunitiesfor historically underservedcommunities.

The task force willmonitor governmentcontracting with smallbusinesses and instituteprograms to increaseparticipation in federallyfunded projects.

Brave men and womenserving in uniform todayrepresent less than 1 percentof our population, but theyhave been shoulderingthe heaviest burden of ourNations security and safetyfor over eight years, said

Secretary Eric Shinseki,Department of VeteransAffairs, in a statement. Weall need to remember thatveterans have earned the

opportunity to becomeentrepreneurs as smallbusiness owners.

The task force willmonitor efforts to disperse

information aboutgovernment contracting, helpwith capital access andmentoring, match smallbusiness to larger contracting

rms and monitor statutorygoals set for smallbusinesses.

In addition, the initiativeplans to award at least 23percent of all federal primecontracting dollars to smallbusinesses.

Small businesses arethe engines that drive oureconomy. If we give themthe tools they need, they willcreate the jobs Americansneed, said AdministratorKaren Mills of the SmallBusiness Administration in apress release. The work of these task forces will buildon the efforts of the past yearthat have resulted in morethan 29 percent of RecoveryAct dollars going to smallbusinesses.

Since last year, more than300 outreach programs havetaken place nationwide toeducate small and minoritybusiness owners aboutprocuring Recovery Actfunds.

In addition to fosteringnew relationships withAmericas business owners,the Obama administrationplans to release a Web siteproviding information on allfederal governmentprocurement activity relatingto small businesses.

Obama Administrationto Expand Small BusinessAccess to Federal ContractsAFRO File Photo PresidentObamas new task forceseeks to expand federalcontract opportunities forveterans and underservedcommunities.

AFRO File Photo

President Obamas new task orce seeks toexpand ederal contract opportunities orveterans and underserved communities.

Obama Administration to Expand SmallBusiness Access to Federal Contracts

By Farrah GrayNNPA Columnist

(NNPA) - Whether you arelaunching a home-based soleproprietorship, partnership orexpanding a corporation beware of your legal businessownership structuresstrengths and liabilities.The ability to rapidly make

competitive market decisionsand raise investment moneyis often directly related to thelegal structure of the business.

From the start considerthe primary legal businessstructures that work bestto achieve your nancialgoals. Research the businesscharacteristics askingquestions of entrepreneurmentors or attorneys, alwayssearching for the idealsolution.

What are the products orservices? (example: tnesstrainer, pet grooming, interiordesigner); Do I need partners?(example: marketing, sales

and nancial directors); howmuch money is needed tostartup and grow? (write adetailed business plan); whatmoney sources are available?(example: bank loans, venturecapital, stock issues, federalgrants); what are the liabilitiesand how can I limit them?(example: store owner orrestaurant liabilities); whatare the taxes, fees, regulationsand licensing burdens?(example: pest control orelectrician).

Today, more than 75percent of all businesses

in the United States aresole proprietorships owned by one person. Theentrepreneur proprietor istheir own boss responsiblefor all business decisions.The sole proprietorship is a

exible structure able to movequickly adapting to changingmarket conditions. It is theleast costly form with thegovernment taxing revenuesas personal income only. Anyrequired paperwork is lowcost and very minimal.

However, soleproprietorship has severalweaknesses that includepersonal liabilities of business debts, liens orcourt judgments. Manyentrepreneurs using thisstructure nd it dif cultto raise investment capitalbeyond savings or loans. Itis often dif cult to retain

high quality employees usingthis method with limitedbene ts, salary and bonusresources.The sole proprietoroften wears many hats as thebusiness lifespan is highlydependent on the ownershealth including illness,accidents and death.

Alternatively, manyentrepreneurs chose to shareownership responsibilitieswith two or more peopleforming a partnership.Partnerships have severaladvantages includingshared workloads, personalincome tax basis, employeeincentives, shared pro ts

and the ability to drawgreater investment capital. Apartnership typically requiressetup by an attorney oraccountant at relatively lowcost.

Farrah Gray is the authorof The Truth Shall Make You

Rich: The New Road Map to Radical Prosperity , Get Real ,Get Rich: Conquer the 7 Lies

Blocking You from Successand the international best-seller Reallionaire: Nine Stepsto Becoming Rich from the

Inside Out.

Beware o theStrengths, Liabilitieso Business Structure


7/20


April 30NAACP at Oriole Park atCamden Yards

Oriole Park at CamdenYards Stadium, W. CamdenSt., Baltimore. 7 p.m. TheNAACP will be attending theOrioles vs. Boston Red Soxgame. Free with reservations.For more information: 410-979-4267.

On April 30 and May 1, the Baltimore City NAACPbranch, 8 W. 26th St., willcollect school supplies andsmall gifts for Shaniya Boyd,a student that was bullied atGilmore Elementary.

Collections will take place11 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 30and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 1.No money, checks or moneyorders will be collected. Formore information: 410-366-3300.

April 29Expressions: Poets Corner

Enoch Pratt Free Library,Cherry Hill Branch, 606Cherry Hill Road, Baltimore.4-5 p.m. Join fellow poets andpresent your favorite poemor personal work. For moreinformation: 410-396-1168.

May 1Elite Saturdays & Elite Cafe

Liberty Grace Churchof God, 3400 Copley Road,Baltimore. 6 p.m.-12 a.m.Be entertained at this venuefeaturing comedy, spokenword, live music, dancingand much more. For moreinformation: 410-303-9240.

Books for Kids DayPoly Western High School,

4600 Falls Road, Baltimore.9 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring newand gently-used childrensbooks to Poly Western Highand your donation will bedistributed to the BaltimoreReads Book Bank. Formore information: www.booksforkidsday.org.

B-More Healthy ExpoBaltimore Convention

Center, 1 W. Pratt St.,Baltimore. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.In this health expo, receivefree health screenings,learn healthy cookingrecipes and participate insports and ftness activities.

For more information:bmorehealthyexpo.com.

May 2Morgan State UniversityChoir Annual SpringConcert

Gilliam Concert Hall,Morgan State University,2201 Argonne Drive,Baltimore. 4 p.m. Enjoyclassical, contemporary,gospel and popular musicfrom one of the nations mostprestigious university choralensembles. $10-$25. For moreinformation: 443-885-1522.

Cabaret Concert FundraiserSusquehanna Terrace,

Towson University, 8000 YorkRoad, Towson, Md. 4-6 p.m.The Central Baltimore CountyDemocratic club is presentinga cabaret-style concertfundraiser featuring thesmooth sounds of musicianGary Rubin. $25. For moreinformation: 410-321-1179.

Family DayThe Church of Holy

Trinity, 2300 W. LafayetteAve., Baltimore. 10:30 a.m.Donny Glover of Bmorenews.com will be the guest speakerin this celebration of family.For more information: 410-945-0002.

Sigmas Raise Fundsfor Diabetes, T.I.P.P.E.R.Foundation

1716 Whitehead Road,Woodlawn, Md., 7 p.m. PhiBeta Sigma, Zeta Sigmachapter, hosts a fundraiser forthe T.I.P.P.E.R. Foundationand the American DiabetesAssociation. $15. For moreinformation: 410-499-8673.

May 4Grief Support Group

Gilchrist Hospice Care,11311 McCormick Road,Hunt Valley, Md. 6:30-8 p.m.

Gilchrist Hospice Care issponsoring a support groupfor adults who have recentlyexperienced death of oneor both parents. For moreinformation: 443-849-8251.

May 5Warm Wednesdays

Five Seasons, 830Guilford Ave., Baltimore.8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Experiencethe ultimate venue in spokenword from local artists. $5.For more information: 410-207-9832.

May 7-9Frederick Douglass HighSchool Annual AlumniWeekend Celebration

Frederick DouglassHigh School, 2301 GwynnsFalls Parkway, Baltimore.Various times. The HistoricFrederick Douglass High

School Alumni Associationwill hold its annual alumniweekend celebration. Thethree-day event featureslandmark dedications, musicconcerts and more. For moreinformation: 410-233-5103.

May 9Mothers Day Dinner

Rosedale VolunteerFirehouse, 8307 PhiladelphiaRoad, Baltimore. 12-5 p.m.The Rosedale Fire Companyis sponsoring a Mothers Daychicken dinner including allyou can eat baked chicken,vegetables, rolls, deserts andmore. For more information:410-866-2598.

Community Calendar

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8/20


Verizon FiOS In Baltimore CityFor years, Verizon has been an integral part of Baltimore life by providing services and jobs to city

residents, as well as supporting numerous nonpro ts. But, over the past couple of months, much discussion hasswirled around Verizons decision to pause in its efforts to obtain new cable franchises nationally.

Baltimore, like other communities throughout Maryland and the United States, is understandably eager tohave robust broadband options available to its residents and businesses. Unfortunately, ction is overwhelmingfact in the discussio ns about Verizons FiOS video service. Indeed, some have gone as far as s uggesting thatVerizon is simply not committed to Baltimore. Such a suggestion is categorically untrue and contrary toVerizons demonstrated commitment to the city. Lets look at the facts.

In 2004, when the FiOS project began, Verizon publicly committed to making service available to 18 million

homes. Were making steady progress toward meeting this goal. In areas where we have cable franchises (in 16states and the District of Columbia), Verizons ber-optic network now passes 15.6 million homes includingseveral hundred thousand homes in Maryland.

We have determined that we currently have enough cable franchises to meet our goal of 18 million homespassed.

Although FiOS video may not be available, its important to remember that Verizon is able to offer Baltimoreconsumers high speed internet (HSI) service (using DSL technology) at speeds up to seven megabits per second

in much of the city, and DIRECTV.In addition, our network throughout the city provides the growth engine for hundreds of businesses, large

and small.Verizon is a major employer in Marylands telecom industry today, and has a solid presence in Baltimore and

the surrounding area. Our pride in, respect for and commitment to a diverse workforce starts with our leadershipteam at 1 E. Pratt St., and is re ected in our union-represented workforce as well.

Well also continue to support th e organizations and people who make Baltimore a great city. Last year, theVerizon Foundation donated $1.16 million to 60 nonpro ts in the city alone. These dollars fund summer jobsfor city kids; literacy efforts at Enoch Pratt Free Library; new programs at the University of Maryland MedicalCenter downtown, Frederick Douglas Hi gh School, Maryland Science Center, Morgan State University, NationalAquarium, Reginald F. Lewis Museum and much more.

Through our people and technology, we are a part of Baltimore in every way. We are proud of our people,who make vital contributions to this great city. With a network that is second to none, our infrastructure keeps

residents and businesses communicating. And well continue to make that infrastructure better, faster and morerobust.Thats a commitment Baltimore can take to the bank.

Tabb Bishop Regional Vice President-Government Affairs

Verizon Maryland-Washington, DC

Director of Advertising/Sponsorship Development & SalesSusan Gould - 410-554-8289

[email protected] Manager

Robert Blount - 410-554-8246Senior Advertising Account Executive

Annie Russ - 410-554-8235Advertising Account Executives

Marquise Goodwin - 410-554-8274 Vetta Ridgeway - 410-554-8223

Director of FinanceJack Leister - 410-554-8242

Archivist - John Gartrell - 410-554-8265

Community & Public Relations ManagerDiane W. Hocker - 410-554-8243

EditorialExecutive Editor - Talibah Chikwendu - 410-554-8251

E-mail: [email protected] Bureau Chief - Tiffany Ginyard - 410-554-8269

Managing Editor - Kristin Gray - 410-554-8277Washington Bureau Chief - Zenitha Prince - 202-332-0080, ext. 119

Your History Your Community Your News

The Afro-American NewspapersBaltimore Of ce Corporate Headquarters

2519 N. Charles StreetBaltimore, Maryland 21218-4602

410-554-8200www.afro.com

Fax: 1-877-570-9297

Founded by John Henry Murphy Sr., August 13, 1892

Washington Publisher Emerita Frances L. Murphy II

Chairman of the Board/Publisher John J. Oliver, Jr.

Executive Assistant - Takiea Hinton - 410-554-8222Receptionist - Wanda Pearson - 410-554-8200

Global MarketsDirector - Benjamin M. Phillips IV - 410-554-8220

[email protected] Circulation/Distribution Manager

Edgar Brookins - 202-332-0080, ext. 116Baltimore Circulation/Distribution Manager

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(NNPA) - When Dr. Dorothy Irene Height sought apublisher for her memoirs, there was no bidding war. Id havethought every publishing house would have vied to publish the

life of my friend, mentor and civil rights icon, but she wryly noted that shed sold neither drugsnor her body, and that her life didnt conform to any stereotype.

What a life it was. It spanned more than 70 years of activism, personal meetings withevery president from FDR through Barack Obama, leadership positions in several womensorganizations, including the National Council of Negro Women and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,and international travel that incorporated advocacy for women and girls around the world. Shehas protested everything from lynching to joblessness, and her protests have always had a quietdignity about them.

Indeed, when the journalist Bill Moyers aired a television special on the vanishing Blackfamily, her inspiration was to organize an antidote, an annual Black Family Reunion heldin Washington, D.C. and other cities to show the nation and the world that the Black family ishardly dying.

Dr. Heights autobiography, Open Wide the Freedom Gates, is a gentle set of reminisces of alife well lived, showcasing both Heights activism and her wit. She tells of someone describingan elder as clothed and in their right mind and wondering why such a comment would bemade.

Then, she adds thatas she aged, she realizedwhat a blessing it was tobe clothed and in yourright mind. Always stylish,

and unfailingly sporting a suit and matching hat, she dressed and went to her of ce everymorning until she was hospitalized in mid-March. While most 98 year olds would be enjoyingretirement, Dr. Height was up to her earlobes in activism. She was only prevented from aFebruary meeting with President Obama and other civil rights leaders by thigh-high snowdriftsthat would be dif cult for her to navigate.When she could not get out, she cou ld work that phone. An early morning phone call fromher would not be prefaced with good morning, but more frequently with a gentle, but insistentrequest that some task be performed.

Once you agreed to the task, the call would most likely be ended, sometimes without agoodbye. When Dr. Height was focused, she was focused. She also knew how to have fun,how to enjoy people, and how to tease them. When I attempted a Christmas carol parody foran annual gathering of friends, she remarked that economists really should not write poetry,which prompted laughter and a little chagrin. On another occasion, she urged me to attend anafter party after a long (went into the next day) dinner. When I told her that I was tired, she said,Well, Im going. Since I couldnt let a 90-something woman have more stamina than me, Itagged along.

She loved being around young people and got a kick out of talking to them. One might thinkthat someone who had conversed with presidents wouldnt have much to say to little girls, butAntonae Horton and Tierra Holloway from the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center could

tell you differently. Indeed, Dr. Height loved people regardless of their age. She often said youcould learn something from anyone.

She was a great friend to have because she always showed up. Even though travelwas dif cult for her (she couldnt y on small planes), she made the ve-hour drive fromWashington and brought her team so that she could attend my installation as president of Bennett College for Women in March 2008. She didnt just come for the installation, but for afundraising luncheon and for the gala that followed. If a friend needed her, she was there.

Much will be written about Dr. Dorothy Irene Height and her tremendous contribution tothe policy arena. There are stories I can tell about editing Voices of Vision , the compendiumthat was produced in 1996 to coincide with the opening of the NCNW building, or aboutrepresenting her in Ghana for a meeting of African business women. There a re stories otherscan tell about her work with the Million Man March and her empowerment of women whoseroll call of names resemble a whos who of Black women. Those stories deserve telling, but Inow smile most at the personal stories, personal interactions, her wit and her humor.

Dr. Heights death last week is a reminder of how far African-American women have comesince she began her work in civil rights leadership, and how much more work must be done toattain social, economic, and gender justice. She was engaged in this work to the very end of her life, to the end concerned about high unemployment rates and the special burden African-American women face in this economic climate. Her activism, dignity, gentility, passion andcompassion are a rare combination, and an example for those who follow in her footsteps. I willmiss her as a civil rights leader, and also as a wise and witty friend.

Julianne Malveaux is president of Bennett College for Women. A version of this pieceappeared in the Greensboro News and Record.

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary

Dorothy I. HeightIcon and Friend

She was a great friend to have because she always showed up.

The Freedom gates are half ajar; we must pry them fullyopen. - Mary McLeod Bethune

Dorothy Height credits the great American educator MaryMcLeod Bethune with igniting her passion for civil rights andwomens rights. In fact, the title of Dr. Heights 2003 memoir,Open Wide the Freedom Gates , was inspired by a phrase sheoften heard Bethune repeat. For 98 years, right up until herpassing on April 20, Dorothy Height worked tirelessly to fullypry open freedom gates for every American regardless of race,ethnicity or gender. The National Urban League and all of ushave lost a great friend, mentor and moral touchstone.

Dorothy Height took her rst steps on the road of empowerment in 1933, when, as a young woman, she became acivil rights worker with the United Christian Youth Movementof North America. A few years later, as an executive of theHarlem YWCA, she met Bethune, who was the founder andpresident of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW).Bethune took Height under her wing, introduced her to Eleanor

Roosevelt and recruited her as a NCNW volunteer. Dr. Height was active in every stage of the modern civil rightsand womens movements. In 1947 she was elected nationalpresident of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and for a decade, led

the organization into a new era of activism. She was electedpresident of NCNW in 1957 and served as its leader until 1998when she became chair and president emerita.

Dr. Heights association with the National Urban Leaguewas long and distinguished. Her last public appearance wasat the Greater Washington Urban Leagues gala on March

17. I count her friendship and counsel as one of the greatblessings of my life. She collaborated with every Urban Leaguepresident, beginning with Eugene K. Jones. She stood side-by-side with League President Whitney M. Young as they workedwith Dr. King to map a strategy for the landmark civil rightschallenges of the 1960s. And she was the only woman on theplatform when Martin Luther King delivered his historic IHave a Dream speech.

In 1977, Dorothy Height joined with former National UrbanLeague President Vernon Jordan and other civil rights leadersto form the Black Leadership Forum. She received the UrbanLeagues Equal Opportunity Award in 1982 and in 2003 waspresented with the organizations Legend Award. Dr. Heightis also the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, theNAACP Spingarn Medal and the Congressional Gold Medal

Dorothy Height was a woman of exceptional vision,intellect, energy and grace. She devoted her entire life to

ghting injustice and empowering African-American women.In describing the 2005 musical, If This Hat Could Talk , whichwas based on her memoir, she said, Many people who are pa rtof this present generation are not being exposed to the peopleand the events that shaped this country. This is a call to actionfor the next generation to lead the masses and this present oneto never cease to ght for what is right

We are all fortunate to have been exposed to theextraordinary life of Dorothy Height. Her legacy is a debt wecan never repay. We can best honor her memory by strivingeveryday to live up to her example and never ceasing to ghtfor what is right.

Marc Morial is the president and CEO of the National Urban League.

Commentary

Dorothy Height-An American Treasure

We are all fortunate to have beenexposed to the extraordinary life of Dorothy Height. Her legacy is a debt wecan never repay.

Marc Morial

President Obama gives theeulogy at Dr. Heights funeral inthe Washington Cathedral onApril 29.

Photo by Robert Roberts


9/20


This year, Dr. Harold A.Carter Sr. celebrates 45 yearsas the principal shepherd of Baltimores New Shiloh BaptistChurch. In his own words,he is above all a God man,the primary trustee of hiscongregations spiritual life.

Yet, at a time when oururban areas are in danger of crumbling under the stress of decades of disinvestment, Dr.Carter and his New ShilohCongregation also offer thepeople of Baltimore hope, aswell as a concrete plan forfaith-based engagement in the

social and economic renewal of our region.His is a vision and a mission grounded in the Civil Rights

Movement of the 1960s that has compelling importance forour nation today.

More than a half-century ago, when Dr. Carter was a stilla young man in Selma, Ala., Dr. Ralph Abernathy and then,Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., both offered Harold Carter his

rst opportunities to speak to their congregations as a newlyordained minister.

I was a young college student and they wanted to give me aboost from the beginning, Dr. Carter observed in a 2005 articlewritten in the Baltimore Afro-American .

It was a strong, inspiring and enduring boost indeed.This same visionary foundation has inspired Dr. Carter

throughout his ministry both in the mission to proclaim thegospel to which he had been called and in the social gospelwork of his faith.

A past leader of Baltimores chapter of the SouthernChristian Leadership Conference and the local chapter of the

Poor Peoples Campaign, Dr. Carter has readily acknowledgedDr. Kings in uence upon his vision for community renewal asan integral element of his New Shiloh ministry.

I learned from him that we have to take responsibilityfor our condition, whatever that might be, Dr. Carter onceobserved. People in power do not concede anything to othersfreely, so we have to equip ourselves and do for ourselvesbased on the principles of unconditional love.

Aided by the strength and talents of his wonderful wife, thelate Dr. Weptanomah Carter, his son and co-pastor, Dr. HaroldA. Carter Jr., and a dedicated congregation that has grown tonumber in the thousands, New Shiloh is, indeed, equipping itscommunity to move forward on empowering principles.

Every day, people from the neighborhood can ndinspiration and opportunity in its beautiful church and FamilyLife Center, its school of music, theological center, childdevelopment center and other facilities.

These accomplishments of the congregations socialgospel mission are important aspects of Dr. Carters visionbut they are far from the end. Already underway are plans fortechnical training for the community, a computer center, asenior center and senior housing.

Consistent with our constitutional doctrine of the separationof church and state, it would be more appropriate for meto leave it to others to commend Dr. Carter for the otherwonderful ministers whom he has trained, including my ownpastor, Bishop Walter S. Thomas Sr.

Others are better quali ed than I to attest to the lastingimportance of Dr. Carters spiritual writings.

However, I have been honored to serve as a spokesmanfor the Congressional Black Caucus to our nations faithcommunities. In the performance of that duty, I have gained athorough understanding of those faith-based initiatives thatare working.

A part of what my teacher and friend, Dr. Harold A.Carter Sr., has taught me is that the inspiration for faith-based

programs that work cannot be found in a strategy to transferpublic responsibility for greater social equity to the faithcenters of our country.

Rather, that motivating force must rst arise from the heartsand minds of people of faith themselves.

This is one of the reasons that Dr. Harold A. Carter Sr.,stands as an example for all of our citizenry - whatever ourrespective faith traditions may be.

It also is at the core of what Dr. Carter means when hespeaks of how our local communities must undertake greaterresponsibility for themselves and their neighbors, and how theymust equip themselves for opportunity.

Unlike other mega-churches that have left the inner citiesof our nation, New Shiloh Baptist Church has followed Dr.Carters vision for his congregation.

It has constructed its foundation on an unwaveringcommitment to the people of our urban community.

As we in government seek to construct a new and morecomprehensive national urban policy, we would do well totake note.

Dr. Carter and his congregation have invested millions of dollars in the New Shiloh Village and surrounding community.

This is where the people are, and this is where the need is,he has observed. The wave of Marylands future development- and the nations - lies in the [inner] cities.

This month, I will stand on the oor of the United StatesHouse of Representatives and commend to our nationsattention the vision, wisdom and mission of an inspired man.

During his decades of service, Dr. Harold A. Carter Sr., hasearned our nations praise for a lasting legacy of principle andfaith.

His is a vision that all Americans would do well to pay heed.

Congressman Elijah Cummings represents MarylandsSeventh Congressional District in the United States House of

Representatives.

Arizonas newly adoptedimmigration law is brazenlyunconstitutional and will

undoubtedly trample upon the civil rights of residents caught inits path.

By requiring local law enforcement to arrest a personwhen there is reasonable suspicion that the person is in thecountry illegally, Arizona lawmakers have created a systemthat guarantees racial pro ling. They also have usurped federalauthority by attempting to en force immigration law.

Quite simply, this law is a civil rights disaster and an insultto American values. No one in our country should be requiredto produce their papers on demand to prove their innocence.What kind of country are we becoming?

When Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer was asked what anundocumented immigrant looks like, she responded: I do notknow what an illegal immigrant looks like. I can tell you that Ithink there are people in Arizona who assume that they knowwhat an illegal immigrant looks like.

We all know what the outcome of all this double-talk willbe. People with brown skin regardless of whether they areUnited States citizens or legal residents will be forced toprove their legal status to law enforcement of cers time andagain. One-third of Arizonas population those who are

Latino will be designated as second-class citizens, makinganyone with brown skin a suspect even if their families havecalled Arizona home for generations.

Given the authors of this law, no one should be surprisedabout its intended targets. The law was drafted by a lawyerfor the legal arm of the Federation for American ImmigrationReform (FAIR), whose founder has warned of a Latinonslaught and complained about Latinos alleged loweducability. FAIR has accepted $1.2 million from the PioneerFund, a racist foundation that was set up by Nazi sympathizers

to fund studies of eugenics, the science of selective breeding toproduce a better race. The legislation was sponsored by stateSen. Russell Pearce, who once e-mailed an an ti-Semitic articlefrom the neo-Nazi National Alliance website to supporters.

Making matters worse, lawmakers have allowed citizens tosue local law enforcement agencies that they believe are notadequately enforcing the new law. One can be sure that FAIRand its proxies are salivating at the prospects.

The law is not only unconstitutional, its bad public

policy and will interfere with effective policing in Arizonascommunities. Thats why the legislation was opposed by theArizona Association of Chiefs of Police. As Latinos grow morefearful of law enforcement, they will be more reluctant to reportcrimes, and witnesses will be less likely to cooperate withpolice. Criminals will target the Latino community, con denttheir victims will keep quiet.

Lawmakers in other states are eager to replicate this ill-advised law. Their frustration with current immigration policyis understandable, but this system must be remedied by our

Congress, which should enactfair immigration reform. Thefederal government mustcraft a policy that repairsour broken immigration

system and, at the same time, protects our most cherishedvalues. States that attempt to follow Arizonas example willonly succeed in sowing fear, discord and intolerance in ourcommunities while undermining law enforcement and invitingcostly constitutional challenges.

Mary Bauer is the legal director of the Southern Poverty

Law Center. This article was originally published on theCenters Web site and is being reprinted with its permission.

Mary Bauer

Arizona Immigration Law Violates Constitution, GuaranteesRacial Profling

Opinion

(NNPA) - We are allafforded one lifetime. Borninto varying circumstancesand faced with differingdegrees of challengesand opportunities, we allultimately de ne the course of our own lives.

Some make it a point toencourage and assist othersin their own struggles, whileothers only focus on their ownpersonal advancement. Thereare those who volunteer intheir local communities fromtime to time and those that

decide on pursuing careers that will help educate or somehowheal the next generation.

And then there are the chosen few; those rare and blessedindividuals who dedicate their entire

Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper, May 01, 2010

Documents

Transcript of Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper, May 01, 2010