Ll woow Greenville WTOW1320 wets ebbeletdayel sten to 1340 AM AM Fs % & He i F “Ses ge Be a ‘ a f | ey “a ae THE Mc Voice The reason lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place is that the same place isn’t there the second time. —Willie Tyler EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA’S MINORITY VOICE-SINCE 1981 AUGUST 21 - AUGUST 28, 1997 Rev. Jesse Jackson Urges Workers To Get Fair Share At N.C. Rally TAR HEEL —Workers should share fairly in the prosper- ity of America, the Rev. Jesse Jack- son told a union organizing rally last Thursday in this hot, dusty eastern North Carolina town. “There are so many schemes to take your eyes off the prize,” Jack- son told about 200 organizers and plant workers from Carolina Food Processors, a plant owned by Vir- ginia-based Smithfield Foods Inc. But some workers from the plant expressed differing opinions on the United food and Commercial Work- ers Union, which was defeated three years ago, 704-587. Bernard Leach, 35, of Clarkton, said he was considering a vote for the union. Leach bought a union T- shirt before sitting down to a free meal of fried chicken and beans un- der a yellow-and-white striped tent. “We need more money, all right,” Leach said. But Frances Blanks, a five-year worker at the huge hog slaughter- ing plant about 25 miles southeast of Fayetteville, said the union didn’t interest her. “They take more from you than they give you,” Ms. Blanks said as she ate the free union meal. “They cannot give me a thing the com- pany won’t give me.” The rally and free meal were staged in a lot behind the union’s local office, a mobile home behind a bank building just off the highway. Just to the north is the white fac- tory where the union wants to or- ganize about 4,000 workers who slaughter and process about 24,000 pigs a day. Smithfield slaughterhouse em- ployees in five other states are al- ready members of the UFCW, said union spokesman Al Zack. The to- tal membership at those plants in South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio and Florida is about equal to the size of the one North Carolina plant, he said. Jackson invoked the themes of the civil rights struggle, and ended his speech by singing “We Shall Overcome” with the crowd. “People ought to work because work is honorable, but they ought to get paid for the work that they do,” Jackson said. “...Workers must share in America’s wealth.” The civil rights leader said anti- union forces might try to divide workers along the lines of sex and race. “You can’t use color as a crutch,” Jackson said. “We all look amaz- ingly similar in the dark.” Union organizers hoped Jackson would help boost sympathy for or- ganized labor at the huge hog slaughtering operation. The vote Thursday and Friday follows another large defeat for a labor union in North Carolina—a 369-vote loss last week for the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees at Fieldcrest Cannon plants. More than 5,000 employee voted in the textile election. It wouldn’t be unusual for the hog workers to turn down the union, said a spokesman at the Na- tional Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation. “In the private sector across the country, only about 10 percent of the work force is unionized,” said spokesman Aureliano Sanchez- Arango. “Among government work- ers, the number is 35 to 40 percent and that number is growing.” The company is telling workers that a union could hurt their jobs by calling strikes and assessing dues without guaranteeing any positive changes. Outside the plant, a huge “Vote No!” banner fluttered under the Carolina Food Processors sign. “We absolutely, 100 percent dis- approve of the union getting in here,” said Jere Null, vice presi- dent and general manager of the plant. “We don’t believe it’s in the best interest of anyone involved.” Zack says waye parity is an is- sue—that workers at union plants make base wages of between $8.45 and $10.03 an hour. Carolina Food Processors workers earn a base wage of $7.40 an hour, he said. Zack said employees have only been working 30 to 32 hours a Numerous Activities Surround Aggie/Kagle Classic Weekend Once again it’s on. Yes it is true. It is time for yet another fun-filled, action-packed week- end and some of best Black col- lege football in North Carolina. The Aggies of North Carolina A&T State University and the Eagles of North Carolina Central y yj pale “RIGHT STEP ACADEMY. Oo y Excellence Without | Excuse! | j University march on the field to determine exactly Who is the best. This is the 70th year that the two teams have met, but un- like previous years this year’s Classic will be the best game and the game is only part of the ex- citement. « hh it ACK-TO-SCHOOL—Shown above are Brother William Pierce and his lovely wife, who have moved back to Greenville from Minnesota to open up the first Black-owned charter school in Pitt County. The goal was 80 children to start. But God has blessed them with 130 children, The Right Step Academy is on its way. (Jim Rouse Photo) The Raleigh /Wake County and Durham County Alumni of North Carolina Central University and north Carolina A&T State Uni- versity, along with the adminis- tration of both institutions and various sponsors and_ organiza- tions are proud to host, along with the football game, a Golf Tournament NCA&T Chancellor’s Scholarship Recep- tion, The official Aggie-Kagle Concert, after Party, predawn Jam, official Aggie-Eagle Tail- gate party, Kid’s pavilion, and Aggie-Eagle Alumni Gala. The weekend begins with the Aggie-Eagle Golf Tournament. The tournament starts at 8 a.m., Friday, August 29, 1997, at The Challenge Golf Course in Gra- ham, NORTH CAROLINA. The cost is $75 per person. For more information contact Alfred Rich- ardson at North Carolina Central University’s Alumni Affairs Of- fice. The number is (919) 560- 6363. North Carolina A&T State Uni- versity will hold its annual Chancellor Scholarship Recep- tion from 6 p.m. To 9 p.m. At the Crabtree Marriott in Raleigh on Friday , August 29, the event is sponsored by Allied Signal. The cost is $100 per person. For more information please contact the NCA&TSU Chancellor’s of- fice at (910) 334-7940. The official Aggie-Eagle Con- cert will be held on Friday, Au- gust 29, at Hardee’s Walnut Creek Amphitheater in Raleigh, NORTH CAROLINA. The There will be The Ohio Players, Morris Day and the Time and The Barkays. The show begins at. 7 p.m. This will be a concert you don’t want to miss! For ticket information, call (919) 831)6666. The night continues and the party moves to the Research Tri- angle park. North Carolina Cen- tral University will host an after (See ACTIVITIES, P. 2) week this year and that the plant has no guaranteed hours. Union contracts at other plants guarantee 36 hours a week, he said. Other issues include complaints about health insurance and the speed of the slaughtering line. Safety committee members are selected by the company at the Carolina Food plant and the work- ers have little voice in safety is- sues, Zack said. At other plants, workers can’t be fired without just cause and workers are committed : to their jobs because of the secu- rity, he said. At Carolina Food Pro- cessors, there is a high turnover rate. Zack said union dues would be $5 a week and start only after a contract is negotiated if the union wins the election. A strike would take a two-thirds vote of the plant’s union members. “They will stop at nothing to get you to vote no,” said labor orga- nizer Linda Chavez-Thompson, execu- tive vice president of the AFL-CIO, was taking a chartered jet to At- lanta after the rally. “You cannot vote to go back into slavery,” she said. By Joyce Gray Contributing Writer WILLIAMSTON—How sweet it is to hear the Louisiana Legisla- ture voted to return land and $55 million to heirs of property owners estimated to be about 3,000 people. Nearly 20 years ago I held a con- versation with a delegate at one of the national conventions (NAACP) who made comments about being cheated out of her rightful inherit- ance. It was nothing new to me, as | knew for a fact that land had been lost by native Americans and Afri- can-Americans from day one. Land that former slaves had worked from before daybreak to darkness in order to pay their bills and sup- ply their daily needs. Often sharecropping, uneducated and having to put up more collateral than necessary. But nevertheless, those common-sense folk held on to the land. Many of those heirs in Louisiana may not be alive when the 10-year payment period is ended to receive their monetary share and royalties accrued since 1984, but thankful I GOD BLESS OUR CHILDREN—Young Donovan Phillips is shown with his lovely wife and new baby on their way to church at Cor- nerstone Missionary Baptist where Rev. Locke isthe pastor. (Jim Rouse Photo) Williamston Whistlings am that some had the guts to fight for nght until the end. Seventy years is a long time to wait for a wrong to be made right. That case should, in my opinion, be a wake-up call. Practically no one even speaks about VJ-Day anymore. I recall seeing the ugly scars upon the vic- tims in Japan during the newsreels and via television many years ago. As a child, some adults would be expressing their fears that the United States might lose the war. After all, Japan was fighting this country with ammunition made from the scrap iron Americans had thrown away. It was a scary time and many es- sentials were in short supply. Folks were asked to save many items which are discarded today. Folks are equally concerned for the lives of their neighbors’ sons, some of whom had seen a chance to serve their country as a means of lifting their families to better financial status. So little emphasis is placed upon the welfare of veterans today that ae eng RR most young folk hardly know who in their own family has served. We should go beyond Memorial Day and Fourth of July. Also, we should know how much benefits those veterans have lost within the past 20 years. Next, we should re- alize the damage of that bomb and pray that God protects us from be- coming such a victim. Happy birthday greetings to Ms. Almetia Griffin, Ms. Gloria W. Jones and James E. Rodgers. Happy wedding anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Noel B. Jones and Mr. and Mrs. Lee Pearson. On the sick and shut-in list: Grady Moore, Kelvin Rodgers, George A. Perry, Jesse Allen Bell, Ms. Janice Moore, Ms. Eula Co- tanch, Ms. Betty S. Lanier, Ms. Leda M. Duggins, James Moore, Ms. Nonie Smallwood, F.L. Joyner, Ms. Reba Reddick, Ms. Isolene Roberson, Melvin Moore, N.W. Slade, Ms. Gladys Joy Duggins, Ms. Clara Jones, William E. Bos- (See WILLIAMSTON, P. 2) KISS 102 FM BROADCASTS—Shown at Stevenson Nissan during their live remote are KISS 102 FM's morning drive man Dennis Lee, Roberta, Gwen, and Stevenson Nissan sales manager, Alex. (Jim Rouse Photo) J R. Owens, Marie Jones McNair, Ms. Pearl Nichols, James E. Smithwick, Nathaniel Hardison, IB. Cordon, Ms. Zenner Midgett, Herbert Everett, Robert Lloyd and Ms. Lillian Peel. In the nursing homes: Ms. Anna- bell Best, William Ollison, George Peel, Ms. Courtney Johnson, Ms. Hattie Little, Alexander Hodges, Ms. Madgeline Respass, Ms. Mar- tha Cherry, Alton Bell; Luther Per- kins, Noah S. Nicholson, Ms. Ruth Ollie Perkins and James A. Jones. The Martin County Board of Commissioners voted at a special meeting Aug. 6 to approve the wa- ter purchase in Hamilton at the cost of 90 cents per 1,000 gallons. They also voted to purchase the water system, land, well and ser- vices in the town of Oak City for $250,000 (subject to the approval of the Federal Home Administration). For the town of Williamston, the rate quoted was $1.05 per 1,000 gallons. All areas aforementioned are in District I. This writer asked what consider- ation was to be given to homeown- ers who are currently putting in wells and septic tanks or who have done so within the past two years in monetary relief. All heads shook—none. My next question was when would the area toward the town of Washington be done. That answer was, “When those residents ap- prove the referendum.” Of course, there was no one present with the skin such as mine. I saw well-digging equip- ment passing my house earlier that same day. Even though the comple- tion of the water lines and hookup is now estimated to require at least 2 1/2 years, that time frame might be considered when one could save $3,000 or more in hard-earned cash. Naturally, I asked a couple of those who will be involved in this project if they were aware of the meeting; they weren’t. Don’t read the local newspaper, won’t sub- scribe to The CAROLINIAN but are constantly curious that I am filled with activities. The campaign is on for those vy- ing to either move into positions or to remain as is, in the North Caro- lina State Conference, NAACP. The election takes place during the Oct. 30-Nov. 1 state convention scheduled in Raleigh. It was less than four months ago that the ruling by the National Board members caused a change on the state level... granting the presidential seat to Melvin “Skip” Alston. He had been interim for more than a year. State elections by con- stitution/bylaws take place every two years (uneven). My source informs me that there are currently four vying for the top seat. Please keep in mind that all officers are non-salaried. So to date, no campaign material has been presented to me. I certainly do not remember that many seeking that one position since my involvement. I was, how- ever, surprised that my own dis- trict director had no challenger two years ago, nor had his predecessor. Already, someone has questions as to Minister Curtis E. Gatewood’s submitting his applica- tion for president. Yes! It will be those who get to the convention eli- gible to vote. Do folks need to ac- cept things as they are or appear to The Minority fo} (ox> | alem UST 21 - 28, 1997 be or hope for improvement with a ? ‘ One of those who signed the peti- tion for my entry on the ballot as * district director asked if my health ‘would permit my serving if elected. A quick reply was some folk in this county act as if this individual can “do it all,” regardless of per- sonal situation, and I do move as able. Maybe I won’t dishonor the orga- nization any more than has been done to date. It will definitely be left to the voters. This person has never sought any position for prestige. But if there is any truth to the saying, “A child born on Saturday works hard for a living,” I am that child, as I was told my arrival came at sun- down. Every time I have ever asked or attempted to ask someone to pray with me, it didn’t happen. Just over two weeks ago, I made two calls to one individual, one to. an- other two... only to get the answer- ing service. All three were long distance. I had picked up sonie reading mate- rial from a cousin which included two books: Overcoming the Shake, Rattle and Roll in Your Life! by Richard Roberts and Expect a Miracle... My Life and Ministry, an autobiography by Oral Roberts. I got through the first with no problem, then started Expect a Miracle. After about 10 pages, eye problems began. Each time I tried to read, the same incident began. Just two months ago I had received a good report at the ophthalmolo- gist, so now I just decided on prayer. Three friends came to mind as | suddenly awakened just a few min- utes after 3 a.m. After 6:30 a.m., I made one call—got that machine. Later, I made a call to the second friend, then the third friend. Do I feel that something is sen- ously wrong at this time? Yes. And so I prayed without the benefit of either friend’s ear or voice... only to get calls from each one this week telling me that they had been un- dergoing surgery. Each one stated that there was no hint as to being sick as their doctor stated. Of course, I teased my friend in Raleigh, Ms. Mary Weston, as to what I thought she was doing at that wee hour, and related that | asked my God if He was telling me something I wasn’t smart enough to grasp. For that friend in Anchorage, my words were the echo of another loved one, I was told. That precious one in New York was also remembering how she had made it an annual event to come to Williamston and place flowers on her mother’s grave every August. August was the 10th anniversary of both her mother and my son en- tering into final rest. Amazing how one can connect and form bonds even via the tele- phone. To this person, that is pure evidence of pure, wholesome love. Edward Warren said his physi- cian gave a written list of do’s and don'ts. Almetia Griffin’s daughter and son-in-law made plans to take her on a trip to the Pocono Moun- tains and Mary Weston had orders not to drive. Her daughter was heading for Raleigh and thank God for her son being there. Rai. Ms, Jeré Daniele-Wataon, expect- ing the arrival of her child in Sep- tember, was given a “surprise” § birthday shower Aug. 16 by two friends, Ruay and Darlene. The hostess, Ms. Darlene Berrio’s house a in Bowie, Md. was the site and all . efforts were out to keep the event a | total surprise. Someone in Jeré’s family in- formed me that to date, no one had | ever been able to do such with Jeré. This is the first grandchild in the Watson/Daniels family since both Myron and Jeré have no brothers or sisters. We all pray for a healthy child and an enjoyable parenthood. Minister Melton Roscoe, Windsor resident, stopped to say he had a few days’ stay in the hospital and now must not stay on his feet very long at a time. He planned to attend his regular church worship service, only omit- ting the 3 p.m. meeting at Greene Memorial Church. He had missed the Crisis magazine so much, I gladly gave him mine. When I called my friend, Ms. Ernestine Hannon, to learn what her trip to the NAACP national convention was like, she had the helpful hand of her granddaughter, Tiffany, answering the telephone, and in the most proper manner. Wish a larger number of parents would teach such to their young children. Tiffany lives out of state with her parents. A caller informed me that An- drew Marriner and Ms. Eula Co- tanch were admitted to Martin General Hospital. Ms. Zenner Midgett was confined to the hospi- tal for six days and is at home now. Cornerstone Baptist Church cel- ebrated Family and Friends Day Sunday, Aug. 10. The Ministerial Alliance met at St. Paul Church of Christ at 3 p.m. Aug. 10. Tickets are available for the Sept. 27, 1 p.m. annual banquet be- ing held by the Northeastern North | Carolina Civic Group. See your county contact. The Rev. William J. Barber, II, Goldsboro, will be the speaker. Per- quimans High School, Hertford, is the site. The St. James Missionary Bap- tist Church will observe its anni- versary on Sept. 14. Service begins at 11 a.m. The church is pastored . by James C. Purvis of Roberson- ville and is located on Hwy. 64 east of Williamston. Women’s Day will be observed at Chapel Hill Baptist Church Sun- day, Sept. 24, at ll a.m. St. Paul Church of Christ, 602 E. Main St., will observe its Women’s Day at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 24. Michael Brown, Belltown Road, DRIVE SAFELY! Get Your "M" Voice eA ETL ae 2 Werke 8 Ci, Name 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 () Yes, I'd like a 6 months subscription by mail $15 () Yes, I'd likeja 12 months subscription by mail $30 Address State » - Chy 3 The ‘m’ Voice Zip TWO TOUGH AGGIES—Chris ACTIVITIES Continued from page 1 -concert -party from 10 p.m. To 2 a.m. at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Research Triangle Park. Tickets are $15. For more infor- mation, call (919) 560)6151. From there the fun continues at the Student Body of North Carolina Central University host a Predawn Jam. The party will be held in the McClendon McDougal Gymnasium on the campus of NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY. This Predawn party starts at mid- night and does not end until 5 a.m.! McNeil and James Clyburn The weekend continues on Sat- urday, August 30. The day begins with the official Tailgate party, hosted by WQOK K97.5. This event will begin at 1 p.m., out- side Carter -Finley stadium. Featured artists and a feast fit for a king will be the highlight of this event. This fun is not just for the adults! There will be something for the kids too. At 2 p.m. The News & Observer’s kicks off it’s Kid’s Pavilion. There will be face Painting, games and activities for children of all ages. At 4 p.m. The action begins as the north Carolina A&T State University Aggies take on the North Carolina Central Univer- ‘sity Eagles at Carter-Finley Sta- dium for another unforgettable football game. Tickets are $15, $12, and $10 for reserved, gen- eral admission and students, re- spectively. Tickets can pur- chased the NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY ticket office, the NCA&TSU ticket of- fice and at all Ticketmaster loca- tions. Get your tickets save $5! The Aggie-Eagle Alumni Gala ends this year’s festivities. The Gala will be held from 10 p.m. Until 2 a.m. and will be held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Research Triangle Park. Tickets are $20. For more information call, Velma Speight, NCA&T Alumni office at (901) 994-7583. Did You Know? (NAPS)—Since 1990. Philip Morris Companies Inc. has made contributions of more than $100 million fight hunger in America. Even many dieters can enjoy Archway’s eleven different fat-free cookie varieties. The Made in U.S.A: label sup- ports America’s manufacturing capabilities and represents what consumers can do to keep U.S.- based factories busy. to Red Lobster, For The Seafood Lover In You! Beef Full Service Facility Chicken All Major Credit Cards Seafood Accepted! We Have It All! 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Melanie Hardee Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 355-6465 CLOSED SUNDAY CLIP & SAVE... PHARMACY STORE COUPON a 7 Have any new or transferred refillable ai between now and August 26th an FREE 12-PAK/12-OZ. CANS PEPSI OR DIET PEPSI (Coupon good for one FREE 12-Pak/ 12-Oz. Cans Pepsi Or Diet Pepsi) Coupon Must Be Presented At Time Of Purchase! prescription fi filled receive a eaenonenneth age 53 of 3755 Hickory Nut Drive ‘LaGrange, N.C. who died at Lenoir _ Memorial Hospital in Kinston, N.C. Thursday, Aug. 14, 1997. Funeral services were held Mon- day at 2 p.m. at St. Matthew Free Will Baptist Church in LaGrange, N.C. with Elder Isaac Burnett offi- ciating. Burial followed in the LaGrange Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, Clifton Hardy of LaGrange, N.C., 1 daughter, Donna Blount of LaGrange, N.C.; her mother, Verna Bell Sutton of LaGrange, N.C., 4 sisters; Sadie Ruth Sutton of Balti- more, Md., Glendora Sutton of Al- exander, Va., Verna Mae Sutton of LaGrange, N.C. and Deserence Vaughn of Kinston, N.C., 9 broth- ers; Clarence Sutton, . of Raleigh, N.C., William Sutton, Mayo Sut- ton, Ronald Sutton, Shawn Sutton, Larry Bizzell, Curtis Bizzell, all of LaGrange, N.C., Dallis Sutton and Ricky Sutton both of Kinston, N.C., 2 grandchildren, a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. aie. BARBARA BRASWELL MITCHELL Ms. Barbara Braswell Mitchell, 39 of 403 B West Roundtree Dr., died Saturday Aug. 2, 1997 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Fu- neral Services were Saturday at 2 p.m. at English Chapel FWB Church. Burial in Greenwood Cem- etery. Ms. Mitchell was a native of Pitt County and a graduate of J.H. Rose High School in 1975. She is survived by her father, John Anderson of Morehead City, N.C.; her mother, Charlie Mae Braswell of Greenville; a son, DeVon Mitchell of Greenville; three daughters: Kakesha Mitchell, Trinette Mitchell and DeVetta Watson all of Greenville; four sis- ters: Dora Mitchell, Ruby Braswell and Lekesha Braswell, all of Grenville; Jennifer Braswell of Bridge port, Conn. Four Grandchil- dren. Making Gardening More Fun (NAPS)—Looking for a fun way to learn more about gardening all year-round? Some horticulture experts sug- gest starting out with the “Tomato Tree,” a fun houseplant which pro- duces tomatoes up to five months a year—year after year. Easy to tend and delicious to eat, these fruit-laden plants can grow up to 10-feet-tall! The secret? The bigger the pot, the bigger the plant. Also available is a tomato starter kit called “Big Red.” Included in the kit are: two grow containers, “growing” mix and hybrid seeds. Fun to grow and quick to pro- duce, six plants could yield as much as 100 pounds of fruit. Just add water. Tomato Tree can be found in your local Kmart store and garden centers. To find the nearest Big Red retailer, call 1-415-457-9056. Greenhouse Gift Want to get hooked on horticul- ture? Get started with a free Greenhouse that includes planting instructions, growing mix and more than 50 herb seeds. Send $2 for shipping and handling to: Free Greenhouse, P.O. Box 3498, San Rafael, CA 94912-3498. Getting Plugged Into Family Fun Entertainment PC Games That Are Appropriate For The Whole Family (NAPS)—Since the 1950s, fami- ly togetherness has evolved from congregating around the television to board games such as Monopoly and Risk to home videogame sys- tems and finally now to PC gam- ing. Research has shown the num- ber of computers per household grows every year as more and more people log on. PCs are now in 37.2 percent of all U.S. house- holds. That’s an increase of 33.2 percent since April of 1995. The convenience and benefits of having a computer can override the initial expense. Not only can you create and organize files for personal, business and educational uses, but it has revolutionized the way we communicate. Computers and the Internet are “crazes” that are here to stay. PCs Become “Family Friendly” When purchasing a PC, con- sumers list numerous reasons for needing one: word processing, access to the Internet, etc. How- ever, once the machine is hooked up in the home, the majority, more than 85 percent, cite playing games as the activity they spend most of their time with on the computer, according to the 1995 subscriber survey conducted by Computer Life Magazine. Many games available for the PC are considered “family friendly,” that is, designed for use and involve- ment by the entire family. The trend in PC gaming is moving toward two-player or family games as opposed to the older, one-player games such as Solitaire. One company promoting such family fun titles is Sega Entertainment, Inc. which is com- mitted to delivering the Sega experience of top quality gameplay with wholesome and familiar fam- ily fun characters like Sonic the Hedgehog, BUG! and Garfield. Kid Instructors, Gamer Parents In addition to reading, writing and arithmetic, computer instruc- tion is vital in today’s academic curriculum. Computers are second Family friendly PC games like Sonic’s Schoolhouse use some of kids’ favorite characters in new environments that also appeal to parents. nature to our up-and-coming gen- erations. For some adults, surviv- ing the technological revolution means asking their children for help. It can be seen as bridging the gap in the other’s generation. For children, videogames offer an introduction to computer technol- ogy. For parents, this added time with their children is important in building a fun and communicative parent/child relationship, as well as becoming assimilated to the new computer in the home. Gaming—An Introduction To Technology Many skills learned inadver- tently through videogames have had a positive influence on chil- dren’s development. Videogame success means processing multi- tasks simultaneously. You must think analytically, master reflex and peripheral abilities while con- templating defensive and offen- sive strategies. Videogames stim- ulate creative thinking and increase social contact among peers with similar interests. Many stereotypes associated with videogames as a whole are based on exceptionally violent titles, not the newer family-oriented games. Choosing Games Good For The Whole Family Granted, some videogames are violent and inappropriate for some ages, as with all entertainment. It is the parents’ responsibility to watch out for violence and appropriateness in videogames because of their inter- active nature. According to Jill Braff, product manager at Sega Entertainment, Inc., there are five key issues that parents should look for when decid- ing upon a family fun title: Character Familiarity: The most popular titles with all members of the family are those based on proven, reliable characters that are easily identified with, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, BUC! or Garfield. Quality Heritage: Consumers should feel comfortable that the developer of the software they choose will deliver a product of distinction. Content / Ease of Play: The pur- pose of the game should be simple to determine so parents and kids can enjoy playing together. If you need to spend hours with an instruc- tion manual to understand the gameplay, you may want to look for another game. Replay Value: Search for games that you will play over and over again. The game needs to stand up to the test of both a child’s short attention span and the sophisticated enter- tainment palette of today’s consumers. Whole Family Affordability: yames should also appeal to Mom and Dad’s checkbook. The suggested retail price should range between $29.95 and $34.95. Always read the system requirements on the back of the box cover; not all software is compatible with every PC. As more forms of entertainment become interactive, there is some- thing for everyone. It seems that working on the PC is an individ- ual act, but when it comes to fun and games, it can be a family affair. Cancer Patients Can Call For Help (NAPS)—Edith M. is a fight- er—and a survivor. She was courageous in battling two bouts with cancer, but when her doctor recently diagnosed a third, unre- lated cancer in her throat, her spirits flagged. “I just didn’t know where to turn,” Edith said. “I didn’t know how I would find the strength to go on.” Then she found out about the Cancer Care Counseling Line, 1-800-813-HOPE. Cancer is often a frightening, overwhelming experience, Friends and family members may feel they don’t know what to do or say, and in many communities, professional support for cancer patients and their families is very limited—or nonex- istent. People don't know where to turn for information or guidance. A; Saeed nmin Edito Credo of the Black Press The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and natural antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human rights. Hating no person, fearing no person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back. Ten Traits of the Successful Entrepreneur Reprinted From Money Magazine Entrepreneurs aren’t born. They’re trained for success. The North Carolina association of CPAs says that while, in general, success- ful entrepreneurs tend to be creative individuals who are adept at problem solving, there are other characteris- tics that can be learned. From the vantage point of CPAs who consult with thousands of companies on run- ning their businesses, here are the 10 key traits of the successful entrepre- neur: 1) Goal-driven. Staying focused on a clear goal—and keeping employees focused on that goal—is often one of the most difficult tasks of the entre- preneur. In fact, one of the most im- portant lessons business owners learn early on is that their company can’t be all things to all people. The more focused the company is on pro- ducing what it makes best, the more likely it will succeed. 2) Customer-focused. Without cus- tomers, you can’t build a business. The successful entrepreneur spends time understanding the interests and buying trends of potential customers and views the company’s products or services through the consumer’s eyes. 3) Team-oriented. Most successful entrepreneurs recognize that they can’t build or run their business alone. Delegating responsibilities to teams of employees or even outside consultants will not only allow the company to focus on its core compe- tencies, but also will improve the ef- ficiency of its operations and provide avenues for creative ideas to filter their way up to management. 4) Skills-oriented. Each member of the team must have demonstrable skills that can contribute to the company’s overall performance. The astute entrepreneur makes sure that his team possesses a diverse skill base—one that complements his or her own skills and can create syner- gism in a team environment. And the entrepreneur is committed to em- ployees’ maintaining their skills by providing ongoing educational oppor- tunities. 5) Techno-Knowledgeable. Virtu- ally every aspect of a business, from manufacturing to financial manage- ment to marketing, requires techno- logical proficiency. The entrepreneur must possess some knowledge about technology and take the initiative to hire individuals who can implement technology plans and procedures. 6) Global-thinking. More and more businesses today are going interna- tional. Operating in a global environ- ment means that entrepreneurs must understand the trends and eco- nomic and legal issues that have an impact on international markets and products, as well as local customs. But companies similar to yours oper- ate in other parts of the world can provide valuable information that may be put to use in your own busi- ness. 7) Flexible-minded. The successful entrepreneur is sensitive to the changing marketplace, competitor strategies, and customer preferences and adapts products or services ac- cordingly. 8) Bottom-line oriented. Making money—and profits—requires man- aging money successfully. Being fi- nancially astute, carefully managing vendors and suppliers, and hiring the right team of financial advisors can all help a business prosper. 9) Socially responsible. Being so- cially responsible can also contribute to a company’s success. In today’s business and social climate, entre- preneurs that are looking to provide a social benefit by making a commit- ment to serve the economically dis- advantaged, protecting the environ- ment, or adopting some other social cause, are more likely to be favor- ably perceived by end-users of their products and services. 10) Future-oriented. Successful entrepreneurs don’t get over- whelmed or consumed by day-to-day problems. They have a vision for the future of their company and make an effort to understand the trends and forces that will impact their ability to achieve that vision. Lastly, thanks to the impact of the World Wide Web, more and more customers are expecting businesses to be accessible 24 hours a day. For the entrepreneur, that means mak- ing a commitment of time, energy, and resources to be responsive to customer demands and needs. Thanks, Coach > News of the death of Coach Norvell Lee of St. Augustine’s Col- lege came as a shock to everyone in the African-American community last week. After all, it had only been March when The CAROLINIAN had de- voted a great deal of space to the praises being heaped on Coach Lee from far and wide, even as far as the N.C. General Assembly. He had, in the scant two years he had been here, made an indelible mark on people here, as he turned the Falcon basketball program around on a dime and ended in tri- umph with the 1997 CIAA basketball championship. It was the first such title the school had garnered in 52 years, and Coach Lee was an instant legend. Praises were still being sung and alumni, fans and administrators alike were still trying to decide how to re- ward him further when it was learned that he had died, last Wednesday, of an apparent heart at- tack. The death of one dear to us is al- ways sad. But Coach Lee’s passing is particularly poignant for the St. Augustine’s community, because they were still basking in the glow of his triumph and wanted to praise him even further. Not to mention en- joying what further victories he might bring them. Nevertheless, we suspect that Coach Lee, as many other highly competitive, motivated men in his field, would tell us that, if you have to go (as we all must), there is surely no better way to go out than as a winner. A pilot will tell you he wants to go out flying. A race car driver, behind the wheel. An explorer, gazing from the summit of his last conquest. An athletic coach, as the head of a cham- pionship team. Coach set a standard. He will never have to know the bitterness of defeat which is the omnipresent flip side of all athletic endeavors. His last memories are of sublime, supreme victory. Our hearts go out to his family, who are surely consumed with grief at this time. But may we offer what small consolation there may be in knowing that he left us, and will al- ways be, a champion. c HEY, MISTER... ‘OF WINES WH THAT PIZZA? waa = ENTERYOUR 9 «3 12. DIGIT ACCOUNT NUMBER... FOLLOWED BY YOUR 15 DiaIT YOUVE REACHED THE PSYCHIC HOTLINE... Parents Need To Ask, “Why Aren’t Our Kids Succeeding?” BY TREY BANKHEAD It’s been asked before: Does the traditional style of public education work for our kids? That question, while important, pales in significance to the REAL question, which is “Why aren’t our kids, on the average, succeeding?” Let me put it this way: The number one reason kids drop out of school is because they feel “distanced” from the school system. In other words, they feel as though the educators do not care about them, so they see no point in trying to gain good grades when they feel no one will treat them fairly. How does this news affect you, the reader? Read on. It’s not a secret: kids do not all learn the same way. That information had been known for a long time, now, but alter- native styles of learning are still routinely put down and challenged as soon as they are conceived. Consider these points: “Age-based” grade grouping is no longer efficient. It’s hard to accept, especially with the stereotypes running around about Generation X and Generation Y. But, let’s face facts: kids today are smarter than we were at their age. They have access to far more information at an earlier age, and so can use the information earlier. Plus, not all kids learn the same way, or at the same pace. Still, too many schools insist on remaining with the “tried and true” styles of education. A relatively new style of scheduling, the 4x4 or “Block” schedule, allows kids more flexibility by structuring school more like college, allowing for a more natural transi- tion. One semester, a student might have English, Social Studies, and two electives. The following semester, the other core course would follow, with two other electives. Students would be dealing with four ninety-minute classes a day, rather than having so many more subjects to split their at- tention with. Also, kids have longer to achieve competency in core courses, and are promoted due to their successes, at their own speed, not due to their age. Kids don’t learn the same way. Guess what? Ever wonder why your child might not be able to learn in that “one class he keeps failing?;; It may not be the subject, but the way it’s presented. Everyone has their own style of learning. Some people learn best by reading, some by seeing it in motion (like a demonstration or a movie). Others learn best by just hearing the information presented. One kid I knew in college would tape her classes, and would fall asleep in class. Then, she’d go back to her dorm, and just listen to the lectures. And she got it, every time. A dyslexic student of mine suc- cessfully passed my English class with an “A” because we discovered that she could type information with greater co- herence than simply handwriting. After that, all of her pa- pers came in typed, and her grades shot right up. Teachers, administrators, and parents need to realize that one “per- fect” system NEVER works for everyone. Don’t believe me? How is it that kids can memorize entire movies and albums, but not books and poetry? When you come down to it, what’s the difference? North Carolina has an influx of private and charter schools. That’s right...As of Fall 1997, thirty-five charter schools were scheduled to open in North Carolina, including one in Pitt County. There are already a lot of private schools open, with more opening all the time. And, let’s not forget the number of parents who have opted to educate their kids themselves, at home, through home schooling. People need to ask why alternative education is in such demand. Or, to put it another way: If the traditional style of teaching was working, would there be such a huge amount of dissatisfac- tion, as evidenced by the growing number of alternative schools? There’s a lack of strong Black role models. Let’s face it: There are not a lot of teachers out there that “look like us.” And it’s kind of hard for a Black kid to identify with a story by Shakespeare about this long-dead White guy who went nuts because his mom married her dead husband's brother. I mean, come on, everyone knows kids learn best from what they can identify with! So, why is it so few are willing to do it? There are not a lot of Black teachers in public education. In fact, when I worked as a teacher for Pitt County Schools, I was told quite often that I was a rarity: A Black man who was a teacher. At a recent presentation at J.H. Rose High School,.a man in the audience asked Superintendent Howard Sosne why there was not a larger amount of Black teachers and administrations in Pitt County Schools. Dr. Sosne admitted that there were not, on average, a lot of Black teachers, and that that number is declining due to more established teachers retiring or leaving Pitt County. However, Dr. Sosne did not answer the more important question: What is Pitt County Schools doing to remedy this, especially I light of the fact that Pitt County Schools has one of the highest dropout rates in North Carolina. And that most of those kids are Black! Maybe he should also be asked why a lot of Black teachers leave because of paycheck disputes...such as being “shorted” for a check, and then not being paid what is owed them? Cultural differences need to be talked about. I’ve heard it too many times before, “I don’t see color. When I’m dealing with people, I’m colorblind.” And, my answer is always the same: “Oh, you're color blind? So you only see in terms of Black and White?” People need to realize that our differ- ences are actually a good thing. Making a school into a place where racial and religious differences are not acknowledged is encouraging disaster. For example, my high school had a Christmas celebration every year, which meant they were ignoring all the Jewish students in the school. Many black families have started celebrating Kwanzaa. Trying to deny race is denying people a vital part of who they are. When someone tells me that “I never see you as being Black,” I am insulted. Why? I am a black man. Being Black is an undeni- able part of who I am, and it has always influenced me. Ignoring that fact is ignoring me, and that I won't let people do. School systems need to be working together, rather than fighting each other. There is a lot of fighting going on be- tween differing school types: the traditional public schools are trying to undercut the charter schools; the private schools are seen as being superior to all the schools; home- schooling is portrayed as being the coward’s way out. People need to realize that, if it is supposed to be the KIDS that are important, then they need to stop acting like spoiled brats and do their jobs and support the kids. A kid doesn’t want to go to a country public school? Fine. Educators should figure out what the child needs and then find the school that best serves those needs, regardless of affiliation. No more with- holding records when a child transfers from one school type to another. NO more suddenly initiated changes in policy that only apply to a certain “type” of school. For that matter, legislators need to do the same thing: education can not be looked at as an issue of money. It’s an issue of the future: if they expect this country to have one, they'd better get with it before it’s too late. Parents need to look at what they can do to help their kids. Hey, parents, want to know another reason why your kid is failing in school? Take a look at your living room. Everyone hears that Asian kids are “born smarter.” Bull. One secret of their success is, on the average, they spend more time studying. Here’s the numbers, on the average: Asian-American spend 12.5 hours a week studying. Anglo-Americans spend 8.5 hours a week studying. African-Americans spend 4 hours a week studying. Hispanic-Americans spend 3 hours a week studying. On the other hand, want to guess how many hours kids watch television? Asian-Americans spend 23 hours a week watching TV. Anglo-Americans spend 28 hours a week watching TV. African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans spend be- tween 77 and 88 hours a week watching TV. Parents, this is your wakeup call! There are only 168 hours in a week! One way to ensure your child will do better in school: TURN OFF THE TELEVISION! Parents and educators must look out for the “Revenge” style of education. | freely admit it: part of the reason I became a teacher was, in a way to “get revenge” on all the teachers I’d ever had growing up that told me I'd never amount to anything. That English teacher in the 6th grade, the Spanish teacher in 8th...I was going to show all of them! But, a mistake that I’ve been guilty of myself is trying to put forth an Afrocentric curriculum when not all of my students are Black! I grew up being one of the only Blacks in my entire school system, so I know how lonely it is. Is it right for educators to construct schools that serve “a certain popula- tion” when a much larger population is in need? Many pri- vate schools seem to be drawn up on racial lines. For that matter, many schools in general seem to be drawn up that way. I know that my hometown of chagrin Falls, Ohio, re- drew the property lines AROUND the Black community, thus keeping students from that community from attending the Chagrin Falls School system. A lot of Black teachers have started teaching Afrocentric curricula to students that are not all Black. I know how being alone in a sea of people “not like me” very nearly destroyed me...Can we stand by and see that done to any other children, no matter what their race? The answer “they've done it to us for years” does NOT make it right. PART I OF A TWO PART SERIES Now Open from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. + 7 Days A Week U.S.D.A. Select Western Beef N.Y. 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