. * £2 a5 ¢ i POE ey ORR TOOL Center ece RR Rte OO 4A EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA'S MINORITY VOICE - SINCE 1981 Eastern North Carolina 's Minority What You See Is What You Get, What You Read Is What You Know & Save |} V Voice WEEK OF AUGUST 4-11, 1995 115 years later, black cadet wins West Point commission By Kim I. Mills President Clinton awarded a posthumous commission Monday to one of the first Blacks ever to attend West Point, more than a century after the former South Carolina man was expelled follow- ing a racist attack. “Johnson Whittaker was a rare individual, a pathfinder, a man who through courage, example and perseverance paved the way for future generations of African American military leaders,” Clinton said at a White House cer- emony attended by Whittaker’s descendants, the Secretary of the Army and both South Carolina senators. “We cannot undo history. But today, finally, we can pay tribute to a great American and we can acknowledge a great injustice,” Clinton said. Johnson Chestnut Whittaker was born a slave in 1858 in Camden, S.C. In 1880, he was in his fourth year at the U.S. Mili- tary Academy at West Point, N.Y., when three cadets burst into his room and attacked him. He was the only Black at the school at that time. The masked intruders slashed his face, hands and ears with a razor, smashed a mirror over his head and left him unconscious and bleeding. When no one confessed to the attack, school officials concluded that Whittaker attacked himself to discredit the military. Secretary of War Robert Lincoln discharged Whittaker from the academy, saying he had failed a philosophy class. President Chester Arthur overturned Whittaker’s court-martial, but Whittaker never got his commis- sion. “Life at West Point was harsh for all cadets, but for the few Afri- can Americans like Johnson Whittaker, it was doubly difficult,” Clinton said at the ceremony. “He was ostracized by his white peers. Few spoke to him except to issue orders and commands.” Clinton also presented the fam- ily with Whittaker’s Bible, which had been confiscated as part of his court-martial and had been kept in the National Archives. “Today, fading words on the in- side cover of that fragile volume reveal a yougn man whose essen- tial goodness still offers a lesson to all of us,” Clinton said. “Try never to injure another by word, by act, or by look, even,’ he wrote in his second year at the academy. ‘For- give as soon as you are injured, and forget as soon as you forgive.” Whittaker’s granddaughter, Cecil Whittaker Pequiette of Los Angeles, calledit“a happy day and a proud day.” “It keeps our faith in America strong, and America will be strong (Continued on page 2) MS. KIMBERLY MOORE (L), assistant district attorney, Greenville attorney Earl Brown, (C), and Ms. Michelle Scott (R), child abuse coordinator, paused for our camera recently. REV. PAUL THOMAS Joined in with many other worshippers, well-wishers, and fans to hear the illustrious gospel recording artist-The Rev. John P. Kee and his “New Life” Choir. They enjoyed all of his gospel hits including his new release “Show Up.” Photo by Jim Rouse 1 Photo by Jim Rouse “Tete-a-tete.” What a power coup!!! Black Men’s “Long March to Freedom” By Askia Muhammad When on million Black men de- scend on Washington Monday, October 16 there will doubtless be amany proud tears shed that day. Notin that “touchy-feely” corny- kind-of-way, but in that apprecia- tive, humbling way many of us feel when we've been blessed to over- come staggering odds to accom- plish the impossible, and to achieve spiritual growth in the process. Getting one million Black men to- gether peacefully in one place at one time qualifies for adjectives like miraculous. We allknow the drill. Black males—“Brothers,” “Homeboyz,” “O.G.s,” “Studs,” “Zoot-Suiters,” from the Scottsboro Boys, to Willie Horton, to your worst nightmare—mean trouble. Three or more Black men to- gether on the street constitute a “mob.” The sight of one in a store automatically triggers a surveil- lance camera, a detective, and a phony: “May I help you?” from a sales supervisor. And while the negative stereo- types are all too fitting, they are still false, in the cases of MOST Black men. But the ideas of sober, responsible behavior is easier to associate with Black women, moth- ers, heads-of-households, than it is with our men. So, the idea of Black men doing anythin constructive, organized, and on a large scale, without the guidance of our women is hard to fathom. Enter, Min. Louis Farrakhan, leader of Nation of Is- lam. Min. Farrakhan and the Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., lead- ers of the National African-Ameni- “bucks,” | can Leadership Summit are well on their way toward organizing a “Million Man March” on Washing- ton, the most startling demonstra- tion of Black Power in America since Douglas Turner Ward authored the play: “A Day of Ab- DR. TOMMY HARRIS, ROCKY MOUNT GYNECOLOGIST, Mr. Richard Washington, Brooklyn, Ny, and Deacon Roscoe Norfleet join Greenville Attorney, Robert White for a brief Photo by Jim Rouse sence.” “We hope to declare the first ‘Holy Day’ since our fathers were brought to this country in chains, a day of atonement” Min. Farrakhan told a group of report- (Continued on page 2) OTUs "Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for Female inmates learn what work is Page 4 DR. MADGE BARNES, (far left) is shown outside of Cornerstone Baptist Church with other church members. Photo by Jim Rouse March — a way to get black men in step with family obligations By Lisa Weathers When I first heard about Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan’s plans for a fall march of 1 million black men, it struck me as a good idea. And while I don’t agree with his theology or politics, Farrakhan’s rhetoric in the radio mini-soundbite was stirring, as usual. “Black men need to straighten their backs and lead their families,” he said. In my mind’s eye, I could picture black men of all shapes, colors and sizes, thousands strong, marching with their heads held high, united in purpose and in the determina- tion to save our children. I imag- ined seeing a sea of bodies march- ing, marching down the streets of Washington. I wanted to be able to share that picture with my sons, who happened to be riding in the car with me. I also wanted to know what their perceptions were of the reasons for such a march. Jonathan was in the back seat, stereo cassette headphones in place, Jason, in the front passen- ger seat, had just reiterated his need for a moped and seemed to be lost in thoughts of what it would be like to actually have one. Jus- tin, our youngest, was dozing in the back seat. Justin always sleeps in the car. “Did you hear that?” I said loudly enough for Jonathan to hear over his music. “What did you say?” he asked, removing the headphones. “They just said on the radio that Louis Farrakhan is trying to orga- nize a march of 1 million black men,” | said, glancing at Jonathan in my rear view mirror. Silence. “He says black men need to straighten their backs and lead their families,” I continued. “What do you think?” Jason looked at mee with a smirk and twinkle in his eye. “Mom, you're trying to start one of those deep conversations again.” I chuckled. I had been caught. But I was undaunted. “I really want to know what you think,” I said. “Before long you'll be the black men people refer to. A lot of people say the problems in the black community come from what black meh are doing, or not doing.” Silence. I pressed on. “Tell me what you think,” I said, turning off the ra- dio. “What do black men need to do?” I asked, hoping somebody was listening. “Black men need to be there,” he said. “What do you mean?” I was thrilled to get some feedback. “Just be there,” Jonathan said. “Be there for their kids. It’s about doing what's best for them.” I nodded, somewhat amazed at his words. “That’s right, Jay,” I said softly “You’re absolutely right.” Jonathan must have sensed that he had given me something to think about. Or maybe he’d just finished what he had to say. Anyway, he put his headphones back on and reentered the musical realm leav- ing me to wonder where the seed of his thoughts had been planted. Several days later I listened to a television magazine show profile ofthe son ofjazz legend Theolonius Monk. Theolonius Mon Jr., now an accomplished jazz musician in his own right, shared that his mother had recently visited his (Continued on page 4) me ae 37 mosques, in temples, » that by the end ng as families contin families,” shesaid at the ceremony. Afterward, she said she would present her grandfather's Bible to the archives at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, where he had been a professor. He died in 1931. Sen. Ernest Hollings, D-S.C., heard Whittaker’s story in 1993 and asked the Army to open an inquiry. Three months later, he introduced a bill urging Clinton to grant the commission. “They should have done this long ago,” Hollings said Monday. US. Rep. John Spratt, D-S.C., said the White House also should ant a commission to James In addition to bringing a million men to the Nation’s Capital for a spine-stiffening show of family leadership, moral rejuvenation, — and a redress of Black political grievances in the face of a White conservative backlash, “we are 115 years later Webster Smith, another South Caroliniari, who was the first Black cadet at West Point, but who also was expelled. Smith, the subject of racial taunts and harassment, was court- martialedin 1870 for fighting back, but later Army officials ordered him reinstated, Spratt said. In order to complete his fresh- man year, however, Smith had to take exams, and he was failed by a professor who had said Blacks were inferior, the congressman said. Smith died two years later of tu- berculosis. A measure is pending in Con- gress to grant Smith his commis- sion. The Minority Voice Inc. WOOW P.O. Box 8361 310 Evans St. Mall, Greenville, NC 27835 919-757-0365/ Fax: 919-757-1793 WTOW P.O. Box 39, 903 Hackney Ave. Washington NC ‘Pictures received by The "M" Voice Newspaper become the property of The “M’ Voice Newspaper and we are not responsible for lost pictures. -All. articles must be mailed to the above adaress. If you have a complaint, ‘please address it to the publisher Mr. Jim Rouse owner. ‘Member of the NC Black Publishers, ASCAP, BMI SEASAC ASB. N.C.ASB asking on this Holy Day, thatnone of us.go to work, none of our chil- dren go to school. We hope that day, we will not be seen in any stores, bars or sporting events. We are asking our athletes and enter- tainment figures not to entertain White folks on that day,” Min. Farrakhan said. “Since America seems to be say- ing they don’t want us, we want White America to see how taste- less, colorless this country would be without us. If you want us in society, you must open your doors and take us in with justice.” Black men, he said are ready to take their place as full and equal lead- ers, as better fathers, husbands and brothers, closer to God, pro- =< “the long march to free- om.” In ‘his play, Mr. Ward wrote about a scenario in which Black protesters organized a dayin which African-Americans were “absent” from theirjobs, schools, and places of business, and the entire nation was brought to its knees, because Blacks are an indispensable part saan BEATRICE MAYE To the editor, Isn’t it sad that Susan Smith repudiated her nine days’ lie that acarjacker had abducted the boys? Isn’t it sad that no one was con- cerned about the carjacker’s inno- cence? Is it because he was black and most false accusations are pinned on blacks? This too often is the black man’s curse. How much of a chance does a black man have in America today? John Amos, star of TV’s ‘Good Times’ said,”Hollywood still does not give black actors the same re- spect and opportunities that white actors are given”, stated the NEWS AND OESERVER, Thursday, Au- gust 3, 1995. Is this not true of blacks in whatever or wherever they are involved? Too many blacks are sentenced or doomed before birth. It is hard to not believe had ablack committed this crime, she’d been given the electricchair. Color/ race is a deciding factor in most if not all cases. There is only one race, the human race. In what di- rection are we headed? Susan’s first thought after committing this hideous, asisine crime was to falsely blame a black man. Is this EASTERN CAROLINA'S nsecemsinceninings Meme a | $ ~ ~~ Out Of 1228 Toyota Stores In The Nation For Customer Satistaction OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 0 AM Your TRUE Y 0 AM-5 PM | SPARE LARGEST TOYOTA STORE a a a ee IT’S A BUYERS MARKET "AT GREENVILLE TOYOTA! DRIVE YOUR DREAM CAR FOR JUST ‘45 DOWN! Get A Southeastern Cellular President's Award For Customer Service of the American fabric of life. Mumia Abu-Jamal Update While the leadership of the Na- tional Association of Black Jour- nalists is being blasted forits weak support of former Philadelphia Association President Mumia- Abu-Jamal, who is currently on Pennsylvania death row and, scheduled for execution on the sec- ond day of the organization’s 20th anniversary conference in Phila- delphia, August 17; Mr. Abu- the way most whites think? In contrast and additionally, too often the verdict is we cannot find black qualified educators/teachers. “We know the percentage is not what it should be, but we’re work- ing to increase that percentage”, we hear state and nationwide. Let’s give blacks their equal op- portunities and respect. Until we do, expect to deal with crime and violence, guns and weapons. Even “too many of our young people/chil- dren are filled with anger and ha- tred. Where do they first see it? The answer is in the home. “Anger closes doors; love keeps them open”. It is necessary for Christians to promote justice in our communi- ties. (Mrs.) Beatrice Maye 1225 Davenport Street Greenville, NC 27834 A large dinner napkin is opened in half with the fold on top. The open bottom half may be used to blot our mouth. A small luncheon napkin may be opened all the way. Remember, a napkin isn’t meant to be a bib, towel, or handkerchief. We never blow our nose in a napkin. We use napkins to blot or wipe the mouth. TOOTHPICKS are acceptable at home, but not in public. “Eating slowly helps to keep one slim; in other words, haste makes waist”. A.H. Hallock Never feel embarrassed to bow your head in a restaurant and thank God for your food. The standard tip is 15%. Some people tip 18% or 20% if they feel the service has been very special. Speak clearly if you speak at all... Carve every word berore you let it fall. Oliver Wendell Holmes COMPLIMENT: A compliment really says we're not self-centered. We’re interested in others and find things about them to admire. How do we honor our parents? e... Ask for their advice Look at things from their per- spective Try to please them Have a good attitude Show respect Thank them Compliment them Obey them. Sisters and Brothers: Many problems can be avoided if we... Don’t tease Don’t be sarcastic Showed love Helped one another Picked up for one another Didn’t worry about “favorites” Didn’t count chores Didn’t say things like, “Why make me? He didn’t have to” Don’t mock Stick up for one another ing judge” Albert (who has sen- tenced more convicts to death than any judge in America) Sabo’s rul- ing thata hearing for a new trial in the case of a slain police officer begin immediately, was over- turned by the Pennsylvania Su- preme Court, allowing Mr. Abu- Jamail’s lawyers one week to pre- pare. His lawyers are hopeful that once Judge Sabo rules on the tainted evidence in the 1982 trial, he will be granted a stay of execu- tion, either in Judge Sabo’s court, or on appeal. Carefully avoidin yourself those things which annoy youin others.” Thomas A. Kempis Church Manners: There are several ways to make our visits to church more mean- ingful: Attend with a worshipful atti- tude Remember God ordained the church Thank God for the freedom to worship Remember, the church belongs to God, not man Look for the ways the sermon can be relevant in your life Apply the sermon to your own life, not your neighbors Be involved in Sunday school and other rewarding activities Ask the Lord what you can doin your church. Our Behavior in the Sanctuary: Sit quietly in reverence Be on our best behavior Don’t rattle paper during the service Keep our feet off pews Don’t play with guest cards, en- velopes, etc. Keep crayons, pens off pew cush- ions Refrain from giggling and talk- ing Bow our heads in prayer Sing the hymns and digest the words Above all else, worship God. “Going to church doesn’t make us a Christian any more than go- ing to a garage makes us a car.” A Church Garden.... Three Rows of Squash 1. Squash indifference 2. Squash criticism 3. Squash gossip Four Rows of Turnips 1. Turn up for meetings 2. Turn up with a smile 3. Turn up with a visitor 4. Turn up with a Bible Five Rows of Lettuce 1. Let us love one another 2. Let us welcome strangers 3. Let us be faithful to duty 4. Let us truly worship God 5. Let us give liberally A Leader has been defined as one who knows the way, shows the way and goes the way. In other words, good leaders inspire and set an example as well as organize and direct. From: An apple a day—1991 Great Quotations, Inc. SUCCESS is a journey, not a destination. Ben Sweetland FAILURE is not the worst thing in the world. The very worst is not to try. FAILURE is success if you learn from it, Malcolm S. Forbes The price of Success is persever- ance, The price of failure comes cheaper. Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently. Henry Ford 'C7=) a Lo) 0] amas |'| MY (0) (x=) SS A Name ANE sen To get your "M" Voice by mail write to: The "M" Voice Newspaper PO Box 8361 Greenville, NC 27834 SUBSCRIPTION PAYMENT MUST BE INCLUDED WITH ORDER C) Yes, I'd like a 6 months subscription by mail $15 Q) Yes, I'd like a 12 months subscription by mail $30 Address City. State Zi The ‘wm’ Voice Dr. Barnes opens Dr. Madge L. Barnes of Greenville is owner of Grifton Medical Care-A Family Medicine and Baratric Medicine office lo- cated on Highway 11N. inGrifton. She obtained a Bachelor's De- gree in Biology-Pre-Med at East Carolina University in 1981. In 1987, she graduated from East Carolina University School of Medicine with a Doctor of Medi- cine Degree. She then specialized in Family Medicine at Riverside Regional Medical Center in New- port News, Va, completed her training and became board-certi- fied in 1990. Having a strong desire to return to Eastern N.C. after residency, Dr. Barnes moved back to Greenville to work at Snow Hill Medical Center. She worked there for two years. Realizing a need to become more knowledgeable of the business side of medicine, she en- rolled in the Kron-Scholars Pro- gram for Physician Executives at the University of N.C. at Chapel Hill School of Business. The expe- rience afforded Dr. Barnes the opportunity to work in various medical setting from a rural prac- tice in LaGrange, to an HMO-Kai- ser Permonente in Charlotte. The idea of starting a practice in a rural Eastern N.C. remained, and on January 9, 1995, Grifton Medical Care opened for business. office i in Grifton Dr. Barnes provided medical care to all ages of patients. This in- cluded employee physicals, gyne- cologic physicals, hypertension, diabetes, and minor surgery. In May 1995, another need became apparent to Dr. Barnes. As high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are often linked to obe- sity, she decided to put prevention into her practice and develop a comprehensive lifestyle changing weight loss program. Bariatrics is the specialty that deals with obe- sity or being overweightd. She recenly spent time with one of the leading doctors in the country, Dr. Robert Johnson, on weight loss programs. Weight loss is 90% mental and 10% physical. A motto Dr. Barnes likes to quote is “You can’t change your weight until you change your mind.” Dr. Barnes is a member of Cor- nerstone Missionary Baptist Church where she is co-chairman of the Singles Ministry, Medical Coordinator for the Emergency Medical Team, Mass Choir mem- ber, and a consultant for the Wellness Program. She is alos on the Board of Directors for the Cor- nerstone Christian Child Devel- opment Center. * To sum up Dr. Barnes, Phillippians 4:19 comes to mind “I ; can do all things through Chnist that strengthens me.” Dr. Andrew A. Best honored by National Medical Association DR. ANDREW A. BEST In 1994, the Executive Commit- tee of the Family Practice Section of the National Medical Associa- tion (NMA) made the decision to name the Annual Family Practice Luncheon in honor of Doctor An- drew A. Best for his long-time dedi- cated and loyal service to the Sec- tion. The luncheon, established in 1971, will now be called the An- drew A. Best Annual Family Prac- tice Luncheon. It is only fitting and proper that this honor be be- stowed upon Dr. Best, who con- ceived the program and has been its moderator since its inception. Dr. Best has been a member of the NMA since 1955 and holds the distinction of having attended ev- ery Annual Scientific Assembly and Interim meeting of the Asso- ciation ever since. In addition to his activities with the Family Prac- tice Section, Dr. Best has served on the nominating committee for three years and on the constitu- tion and by-laws committee for the past eleven years (serving as its chair for five of these eleven years) and has been a member of the House of Delegates for forty years. In 1991, Dr. Best was the recipient of the NMA’s Distin- guished Service Award, the Association’s highest award pre- sented annually to a member who, among other things, has done ex- ceptional work in one or more of the three areas wherein the medi- cal profession expresses its con- cern for mankind, namely; service, research and teaching. Dr. Best is a 1947 Summa Cum Laude graduate of A&T College, his graduation being delayed by service in the Army during WWII. He received his M.D. degree from Meharry Medical College in 1951 and did an internship and two years of Post Graduate service in the military, attaining the rank of Captain by the time of discharge. Dr. Best, a native of the Kinston, North Carolina area, began his medical practice in neighboring Greenville in 1954 because of the availability of practice opportunity and privileges at Pitt County Hos- pital in that city. Dr. Best was instrumental in the establishment of anopen admission policy at that facility. A beloved practitioner by the community, his busy practice included obstetrics until 1985, when malpractice insurance pre- miums became too costly. Dr. Best played a crucial role in the establishment of the East Caro- lina University School of Medi- cine, which is believed to be the only medical school in the country that has Enabling Legislation mandating the recruitment and retention of minorities and fe- males. He participates in the ‘ preceptorship activities in coop- eration iwth the school and is part of a voluntary mentor program for the minority students there. Dr. Best is a loyal and dedicated member of Jericho AME Zion Church. Among his many services to the church, he has been presi- dent of the lay Council of the Cape Fear Conference since 1973. In addition to the NMA’s Distin- guished Service Award, Dr. Best has received numerous awards and honors for distinguished service to his community, State, Church, or- ganized medicine and formal edu- cation arena. The measure of his numerous achievements is told best by Dr. Samuel Proctor, former president of A&T State Univer- sity, who said, “if A&T produced just one Andrew A. Best per cen- tury, it would have justified its existence.” JIM ROUSE of WOOW-WTOW & THE M. VOICE NEWSPAPER Will Present Its 14'* FAMILY REUNION Spiritualaires BRO. JOHNNY RAY And The Benton Card Co. Benson NC 27804 Dont Miss This Big Gospel Program GUY SMITH | LABOR DAY STADIUM Highway 13 South — Greenville, NC MON, SEPT, Gates Open 11:00 AM - Program 12:00 Noon — Rain or Shine Advance Admission $12.50 — At Gate $14.50 - Child $8.00 (Under 12) Tickets On Sale: AT ALL USUAL PLACES - FOR MORE INFO. 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