alee gine ae oar ee ee ee Pitt County Sheriff — rt | on ly Vandi Bobby Hardy -| Charles S. Ward 30% Jef? Savage Billy ari 45% Farney Moore +f A nabs aaa es Josephine Williams 33% Rufus Huggins | Carter Puts In Strong District 3 District 6 District SA District9 wing Against Martin!! | | Tom Johnson 61% | Glenn Bowen 56% Richard Tomie §6% Emmett Floyd . 1% R.L "Bob" Martin 9,945 Votes Dan Wynne 39% | Ed Bright 44% Mare Whchard 44% Robert Wheeler 49% Listen to « Oe PWwOOW 1340 AM Vane Greenville . WTOW1320 Nn OY acne? . eel B oi ‘\y oo AM a’ a= tas abbelatdayel EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA’S MINORITY VOICE-SINCE 1981 In the Spirit of Jesus ( EASTERN ‘NC! MINORITY VOICE| THE 'M incrity oice Happy Nnother’s Day! ISSUE WEEK MAY 6-MAY 11, 1998 | Election Results Stun Black Voters... Did the black community defeat itself... ? by Kitty J. Pope County Commissioner Jeff Savage lost the race for State House District 8 to Edith Warren after a rigorous campaign. Also in the race was Rufus Huggins, who * entered the race at the last hour. Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Savage Warren carried 51% of the vote; Savage followed with 35%; and Huggins got only 14% of the vote. Warren is White. Savage and Huggins are black. Huggins and Savage votes were split, leaving the black community wondering if it had created its own defeat. Could Savage, who is well respected in the black community because of his commitment to service, have won the primary if Huggins had not entered at the last hour unexpectedly? These ques- tions were the subject of concern of the radio forum, hosted by Jim Rouse of WOOW - - JOY 1340, on the eve of the election. Present for this forum were newly elected Rev. David Hammond, Elder John Barns, Bishop Randy Royal, as well as the two House District Candidates- - Jeff Savage and Rufus Huggins. People from all over the community called in to comment on the election. Rev. Hammond spoke on the need for strong, solid leadership from the black community. Hammond said that he only entered the race after he was encouraged to do so by many leaders and commu- nity members, , Huggins explained that he had the right to run because he was qualified. Royal expressed that running was not the issue; but rather, winning was the issue. "We thought that we (black leadership) had put in place a system to ensure black representa- tion in government (having the black community to support one qualified candidate). Evidently we have more work to do,” said Royal. "I refuse to believe the rumor that a pay- off was involved to split the black vote. If this is found to be true, I will see the at the black community comes down really hard on the person who 'sold out’. Many callers expressed how well Savage had served the com- munity. Most agreed that one candidate running from the black community would be the most effective way to ensure victory. Bishop Royal said that he was not surprised at the Savage defeat. "Tradition has shown that this would happen. Huggins played the spbiler’ role because figures showed that he could not have won. Savage expressed disbelief in Warren’s victory. “ Ms. Warren has never taken a position on any issues during her political career, so | am completely taken that she would have enough supporters for a victory,” said Savage. “It is unfortunate that I didn’t win because I do believe that | repre- sent the best vision for the 8" Runoffs ahead in Beaufort by Russell Woolard, Staff Writer-Washington Daily News The race to succeed Nelson Sheppard as Beaufort County sher- iff is down to its Final Four as the survivors of Tuesday's primary prepare for a runoff election next month. Neither of the front-runners in Tuesday's balloting - Democrat Alan Jordan and Republican Redden Leggett - got enough votes to win their respective party's nomination outright, which permits the runner-ups to call for runoffs. and apparently, they will. Bryan Edwards said on Wednesday he will call for a runoff in the Republican primary. According to unofficial re- turns, Edwards' showing came as something of a surprise to some, including the candidate himself. "I was surprised I got as many votes as I did," Edwards said. "I guess more people know me than I thought. Jerry Langley didn't return a phone call seeking comment on Wednesday. But in a televised interview Tuesday night, he said he would call for a runoff in his race with Jordan for the Democratic nomination. The two ran a close race in a crowded Democratic field; Jordan led the pack with 30 percent of the vote, while Langley was second at 28 percent. Edwards and langley won't be able to formally call for a runoff until early next week. They must wait until the official canvassing of Beaufort County's returns on Friday after that, they have to wait until Tuesday to submit a cal for a runoff in writing to the Beaufort County Board of Elections. Edwards said there is little he will change about his campaign in the runoff, except tp try to meet the people in the county. One reason he was surprised at his showing on Tuesday was the limited time he had to campaign in __ person. Edwards also expressed the hope that the runoff will be high-toned and issues oriented. "I'm pleased with the way I've been treated by other candidates," It's been a LIVING HELL,’ says an embattled Lyons... It's been an absolute ni a) living hell!" That is the way the Rev. Dr. nightmare Henry J. Lyons, the embattled president of the National Baptist Convention USA Inc., summed up his stormy ordeal over the past nine months. "But I've been able to cope, despite the constant flow of ongoing issues. It hasn't to stay focused and keeping the National I've prayed each and every day and night. that there are two sides to every issue and you've only heard one side. ers would kill me if I told my side, but I want a vely wk Sx at dy, chat day in cout when the uth be known and my Lyons on racketeering and theft charges. hurt that dozens of including been "We all ion afloat. name will be cleared. A federal grand jury has indicted said he was di inted and the Recognition Services of the Independent Ministers Conference of He sae wo dlr is aes an hu ar when te Rex. M. Loo Shephard, pastor Olivet a founding member ‘new ministers’ was able to come up with a conference room several blocks away. OR arey Sins, chairman of the Mt. Olivet Deacons Board, said it was the congregation that Lyons not be allowed to appear at the church. Protesters used a van to block the front doors, "This was their vote," he said, "They did not feel it would be in the best interests of the church at this time." "We didn't think he should be here, jally. with all the controversy surrounding him," said one member. "The have selected a site where It's been a living hell trying to know that | ist Church in and their addressing Pennsylvania ‘the will of Edwards said. "They've been very gracious and respectful towards me, and I've tried to treat them the same way. The man I am going to be running against, I think a lot more of him the more I've gotten to know him. Also on Wednesday, one of Dr. Zeno Edwards’ opponents in the 2nd District N.C. House Democratic primary urged Democrats to rally behind the retired dentist in his race against Republican Edwin M. "Sandy" Hardy this fall. The Rev. Robert Clayton said he would encourage all who have support him to vote for Edwards in November. Edwards captured 43 percent of the vote to win the nomination. Daniel Mallison III, the party's 1996 nominee, ran second with 33 percent, while Clayton finished with 24 percent. I think the Democrats have a good opportunity to regain the seat," Clayton said. "Dr. Edwards was chosen by the party to repre- sent it, and | will be urging all Democrats as well as independents to vote for Dr. Edwards in the fall. He understands the problems of this area and is willing to help solve them. That's the kind of leadership the Democratic Party has always offered, and is offering now. Wachovia Bank Hosts Luncheon for Businesses and Community Leaders District. 1 think that she had political machinery behind her that was well-financed and that she simply out paced me on the votes. “But she certainly cannot match wits with me on issues that are pertinent to the 8” District.” Savage conveyed that, first and foremost, he would like to thank supporters for unity and for rallying together behind leadership. "The race was lost, but we won the victory in that unity was shown from the black community. What we have accomplished gives us a sense of direction and shows that gether... to be ready to face the 21st century," explained Savage. Savage said that he would continue to serve the people to the best of his ability as County Commissioner. He said that he will continue to work on getting the "message" out to the people. "The loss of the election should only be viewed as an obstacle on the pathway to personal, political, and economic empowerment. This election should not be looked upon as a defeat. The unity among the majority of black people is the greater victory." and others. Wachovia Community Development Corporation held a Roundtable Luncheon for various community and business leaders. The luncheon was given to explain community development opportunities that are available through Wachovia. The black community was well represented at the mecting comprising the majority of the attendees. Leaders present for this luncheon included Barbara Fenner, Executive Director of the West Greenville Community Development Corporation; Dr. Brian Haynes, assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at East Carolina University; Gaston Monk, Pitt County NAACP; Ron Kimble, City Manager; Jerome Ramey, Attorney at Law; Robert Wadell, Director of Business at Pitt Community College For more information on loans for housing and business opportunities, contact Gene Briley, Wachovia's vice president and luncheon organizer at Wachovia’s main office in Greenville. we must continue to stand to- Community expresses hope in new leadership... Mac Manning Rev. Dave Hammond Rev. David Hammond was victorious in the Pitt County Commissioners District 1 race defeating 10- year commissioner Farney Moore and challenger Bobby Hardy. Hammond, who has campaigned for a commissioner’s seat before , said that his community service helped him to win and complimented both of his opponents for running fair campaigns. Hammond, who faces no Republican opposition in November said that he will support funding for new school construction and the conducting of review of all county agencies. Shirley Evans, secretary of Holy Trinity United Church feels that Hammond’s leadership will be an asset to the black community. “Farney Moore has served well for 10 years now, and it was time for a change,” she adds. Bishop Randy Royal feels that the Hammond victory is an indication that the citizens want to move forward in the 21* century with innovative leadership. “I feel that Rev. Farney Moore didn’t actively campaign. It is cruel to say that he was too old for the job. Many leaders beyond his age are very actively involved in civic and community activities. 1 feel that the Daily Reflector may have hurt Rev. Moore’s campaign when they printed that he was a follower more than a leader,” commented Royal. Royal also expressed excitement about the Bobby Hardy campaign adding Hardy is a sharp and promising leader. “I hope that this election won't shatter him,” he added. a Former Sheriff lieutenant Mac Manning upset Billy Vandiford in a victorious campaign for Sheriff in the Democratic primary. Manning won with 57% of the vote. Manning will face Republican challenger Donnie Henderson in the November election. He feels that the momentum that his campaign gained during the primary is going to carry him through in November. He is confident that he will win big over Hudson in the November election. Vandiford expressed disappointment and said that the congressional race postponement might have confused voters. He said that some of his supporters might have thought that he would easily win and did not come out to vote. ; Bishop Randy Royal said that he was surprised by the Manning upset and that he assumed the race would be closer. “I still look forward to working with Manning. He does however have a different approach (from Vandiford) to policing the county and jails, Civic activist Keith Cooper feels that the Manning campaign was just a bigger oe than the Vandiford campaign. “ The red, white and blue colors always get the attention of voters. The patriotic colors stand out in people’s minds. Manning painted a picture of Vandiford as not being tough on crime and that was the winning message for Pitt County,” said C . “* But we, the citizens, must hold candidates accountable for making sa phot in the communities.” r Dr. Julius Mallette, of East Carolina University expressed concern about the low voter turnout. “Apathy among voters somewhat guarantees the incumbent a victory. I am pleased that new candidates ran which should help in bringing new issues to the'table. New candidates should have ignited public interest causing & larger voter turnout. N wars a a MLMUEN Fditorials Credo of the Black Bress 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. Cetter to the Editor IN SEARCH OF THE AMERICAN DREAM... My Dream Deferred or a Deliberate Conspiracy...? First of all, let me start by thanking you for having time to listen to the words of an angry and hurt-heart of a victim searching for "America's Dream". | find myself tangled in between the red and white stripes of justice among the 50 stars deep in space... wondering why there isn't any blackness in the word "Liberty" for a lot of us African-Americans (A.A.) who are shackled by the American flag. Greetings to the reader of this cry for help. My name is Abdullah Rasool Shakoor. My intention in this letter is to express the feelings of a lot of brothers who are trapped within this booby-trap of America's justice, and also, in hopes of getting the attention of our big brothers and sisters to help us diffuse this conspiracy law and misrepresentation of counsel bomb that is triggered to explode and destroy the race of the African American males here in this "Land of the Free" and "Home of the Brave;" where our proud Americans, who aren't racists, | might add, hide behind the white sheets of justice and judge and convict a black brother for his action within a ten-year period of his past life, while ignoring the burning crosses of tracks that are traced in their own blood line that hold a conception in their minds to continue the traits of destruction of the original man. Conspiracy, a plot, a treasonable combination. This is America's most commonly used weapon today -- to hang the African American males by the rope of the American flag: to divide and conquer us. The government is kidnaping our brothers from their families and charging them with conspiracy to sell invisible drugs. Even if a brother has changed his character of the past and become a better man in society today. he's still held accountable for his action played yesterday. So, tell me, why aren't the Caucasians’ participation in enslaving, kidnaping, raping, and slaughtering generation of African American families treated the same way as well in this conspiracy. Even though the present Caucasian isn't the past Caucasian who committed these acts, the traits of their forefathers, the mental thinking _ of destroying the black man of their forefathers, the land, the possessions and the money that came from all the criminal acts against the African Americans of their forefathers was passed down to the ones of today; which they use to live in luxury and also to keep us down in poverty. Why haven't the land, possessions, and money of these criminals been seized by the government? Is it because they are the great-great-great grandsons of these wicked people, or is it because African Americans are not entitled to the same justice as the Caucasian behind the black roles in America? I find that "equal justice" is not practiced here in America. Even after all the years our forefathers and mothers spent shedding sweat and blood to build this land into what goodness and pureness that exist today. the justice system still doesn't acknowledge us as being equal. Constantly, we're being manipulated in the courtrooms across America by the judges, D.A.'s, and lawyers. The ones who are appointed to protect our rights are the ones who are denying us our rights the most. Why is that? There is so much going on being this conspiracy law that is not seen by the concerned ones in the public. For instance, federal agents get indictments on brothers for what they may have done in the past, then round them up like cattle, and put them in a roughed-up environment with no privileges. Then they threaten them with life sentences, promising them that freedom will not be in their sight for a long time... unless they agree to cooperate with the government for a time-cut at sentencing. If agreed upon, which is nearly never rejected because of one's fear of "life," the brothers are forced to sign a plea bargain that consists of 5-to-40 years or 10-to-life for exchange of a list of statements or lies on other brothers to put them in the same position to cause a domino affect of our race of men today. Because of the ignorance that lingers in the younger generation, no other alternative is seen by them. They accept the swap as a favor from the government for a less-than-life sentence. The very few that do have enough courage to fight for their freedom are then misrepresented by their court-appointed attorney and paid lawyers in this big money scheme. Convicted drug dealers, who wrote the statement and lies to start the conspiracy on a person, testify to seeing this invisible dope for the same of another time cut. What convicted felon wouldn't lie under oath for his freedom. What type of credibility to these inmates (who are not even a part of society today because they have broken the law) have? Yet they are used as a piece of evidence by the government... as key witnesses for a conviction. How can one win in a no-win situation -- when the guardian of your rights possesses fangs in its mouth and slithers around you hissing advice to you to bite into the "forbidden apple" I trust that you will take this cry for help seriously and get back with me about your feelings towards this letter. I'll be eagerly anticipating a response from you. Thank you and may God bless you. Sincerely, Abdullah Shakoor Achievement is Cool By Hugh B. Price President, National Urban League _Achievement is cool. That's one way of characterizing the goal of our Campaign for African-American Achievement, the national effort we and a broad-based coalition of black religious, professional, fraternal, and civic organizations have launched to inspire more African-American youngsters to strive to do well in school. Recently, we held our inaugural induction ceremony for the Thurgood Marshall Achievers Society, our Campaign's honor-society, which, of course, is named.after the late civil rights hero and United States Supreme 1) ice. In twenty-seven cities across the country, local Urban League affiliates joined with our partners’ local representatives to honor more than 2,200 elementary and high school-aged youth. Each youngster received a certificate attesting to their induction in the Achievers Society and a jacket with the Society's logo designed by the talented young fashion designer, Karl Kani. We want our youth to believe that achievement is cool. As in "hip." As in desirable. As in good. Millions of black youth already know that, and are acting on it. They're the ones who are doing well in school - - ‘who are flexing their intellects and developing the discipline and scholastic skills they need to prepare for their future. Our emphasis on educational achievement, of course, is hardly something new. Its zealous pursuit has been both a cornerstone and a guiding star of African Americans’ very existence in this land. ____ But we want to emphasize that it must become even more so if African Americans as a group are to prosper in the twenty- first century. More of our youngsters must understand the full meaning of the expression found - in so many 19th century memoirs of former slaves who had educated themselves: I studied because I found that . knowledge is power. The meaning of those words is even more profound now. Our coalition, which includes the eight denominations and 65,000 churches of the Congress of National | ‘ Black Churches, has made a start in expanding the efforts many of us have carried on individually for years. The Campaign coalition also includes such organizations as the Pan Hellenic Council of black fraternities and sororities, the National Alliance of Black School Educators, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the * ‘National Bar Association, and the National Black Child Development Institute. , rribble Ir prese group bn rare on orion Eocene eee established a decade ago by Dr. Israel ole, Jr., e “based Flori ion Fund and an Urban League trustee. That pro has i sasengs a teed of 4,00 tack y ( rer 1 ¢ C ‘ ar te) y/ $1,800° firm. \ Kotsm ete) fee) (=) sTecmNcrereyilelelicy Call 825-1749 or 825-1011 "You've all heard only one side of ‘the story,” Lyons said. "I'm only king we wo nl have yy in court. I'm hurt by this, understand that the people who are doing this really don't know me. If - they yd, this wouldn't have hap- pen "I hold no ill will toward my brothers and sisters who saw fit to protest this meeting. But I anx- lously wait for the day when I can clear my name." Lyons said he was especially hurt by the demonstration became "my main supporters have been the lay people. When Lyons was finally able to address the ministers he began by apologizing for the controversy that has plagued him since last July and the cloud that has been placed over the National Baptist Convention. Later, during a press conference limited to only four representatives of the press, Lyons said his church in St. Petersburg, Florida, was still solidly behind him. "Why? Because they know me," Lyons said. "The folks in Philadelphia do not know me yet, only what they have read or heard. "For the misguided judgment and errors I did make I ask their forgiveness," he said. "But my plea to the deacons is 'Withhold your judgment until I at least have m my day in court,’ Lyons said the reason he remains president of the 815 million- member National Baptist Convention is that he has taken the largest black denomination to the unprecedented heights. "To begin, for all of its first 117 years, this large organization never operated on a budget," he said. "When I became president, the International Headquarters in Nashville, Tenn., was literally empty, with only two employees. We now have 12 employees -- full-time staff -- and a full service bookstore. He said the Convention has also contributed more money toward institutions of higher learning, including the American Baptist College. But he said the controversy has hurt the flow of funds which go to various programs and also could affect the more than $25,000 per month payroll for the staff in Nashville, along with other basic costs. _ messed £ Youve Got What It Takes, We Want You On Our Team OW pay to win and people notice CP&L's commitment to high- performing minority and women- owned businesses is winning praise from people who know. The Carolina Minority Supplier Development Council recognized CP&L for the bridges we've built with minority business. The Sterling Consortium, a diversified group of minority entrepreneurs, singled out CP&L as the Corporation of the Year. The Piedmont Minority Supplier Development Council likewise recognized CP&L as the Corporation of the Year. And singled out our own Jerry Fulmer as MBE Coordinator of the Year. The Raleigh-Durham Minority Development Agency also honored Jerry Fulmer — as Minority Business Advocate of the Year. And CP&L was recognized by the North Carolina Institute for Minority Economic Development for its continued dedication and support of minority business in North Carolina. We're always scouting new talent. If you're in top form, we want you. Together we have what it takes to be a winning team. Just remember, we play to win. And people notice. \ To learn more about CP&L's Supplier Diversity and Business Development Program, write to Jerry J. Fulmer, Supplier Diversity and Business Development Manager, P.O. Box 1551, CPB-2C3, Raleigh, NC 27602, or call 919-546-2193. The Power to Lead no markers, no hint of how they lived and died. The “wooden shanties of "Slave Street" have long disap- peared. The jail house has crumbled too. The only memorial to the hundreds of lives that through this place is the remains of the big stone where Edward Ball's ancestors celebrated life in coun the try. Gazing out at the old rice fields where Fortune and Congo Joe and others toiled, Ball reflects on their contribution to his family's past. "By telling their stories," he says, "I feel like I am calling them to life." . Growing up, Ball heard the tales, passed down at family reunions - of kind, benevolent masters and faithful, trusting slaves. The Ball plantations, the oldest and largest in South Carolina, were good place to live and work according to family lore. The horrors of slavery were never mentioned, except in connection with somewhere else. . But when Ball began to research the past, he discovered a terrible truth: family lore was an enormous lie. Thousands of slaves had been bought and sold, whipped and raped, torn from their families under generations of Ball ownership. He found twin slave girls casually taken from their mother and handed as gifts to twin Ball babies; a slave laundress beaten by a Ball mistress and then sent to the workhouse for a "professional" torturer to finish the job, children of slave women banished from plantations as not to embarrass their White Ball fathers. For reasons he is still trying to fully explain, Ball, a 39-year old freelance writer who has spent most of his adult life in New York City, decided to write their stories. He went knocking on doors of slave descendants, offering them a past - and an apology for the agony his family caused. It has been a remarkable journey, this White man reaching out to his black past. And a painful one. Ball's recently published book, Slaves in the Family, strikes at the heart of the five things his father joked could never be discussed: "Religion, sex, death, money and the Negroes." Ball has shocked the family elders by writing dead. about "the last taboo:" sex between Blacks and Whites - and not just in slave times. He has found distant Black cousins in Boston and Philadelphia. He has reconstructed the Ball family tree. In ground, doing so, he has torn his own family apart. "To do this is to condemn your ancestors," cried one cousin, when Ball moved to Charleston four years ago to begin his research. "You are going to dig our gtandfather up and hang him." Other ily members wrestled with their consciences, uneasy with the spotlight that was suddenly thrust upon them. When Ball apologized to a Black family on "Oprah" earlier this year, they cringed. Why should their family be held up as a national symbol of cruelty, ignorance and shame? "Ed apologizes for something that happened five generations ago," says Jeff Ball who supports his cousin but questions one man's ability to repair the past. "He doesn't apologize for me." For others, Ball's apology is as soothing as a precious balm. It has changed the lives of Charlotte Dunn and her family who live on a remote stretch of John's Island, about 15 miles from Charleston. But the healing has taken time. When Ball first ventured here four years ago and knocked on their door, he wondered if they would invite him in. Dunn eyed him coolly. Your family has raped mine for generations, she thought. What are you planning to do to us now? "I think our families are connected," Ball said, gently. “I've come to share our past." Inside, he met her sister and their mother, 86-year-old Katie Roper, whose grandmother, Bright Ma, had been a slave on a Ball plantation. To this day, Roper tells him, she is afraid of water because she remembers how Bright Ma one jumped into an alligator-infested river to escape a beating from a Ball master. Ball heard many such stories in his visits over the years. He offered information in return. He showed the family documents with an X marking Bright Ma's signature - slaves were forbidden to read or write. He accompanied them to the plantation where Bright Ma lives and watched Katie throw a rose of remembrance into the Cooper River. (Continues on Page 5) RALEIG ~ - Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., has proclaimed May as “Displaced Homemakers Awareness Month" in North Carolina, urging all citizens to support displaced homemaker pro- In his proclamation, Governor Hunt stated that there are more than 500,000 displaced homemak- ers in North Carolina, many of whom are caring for children and living below the poverty level. A homemaker, who has worked primarily without remu- neration to care for the home and family, becomes “displaced” through the death, divorce or disability of the supporting spouse. Often the person has diminished marketable skills, or is unemployed or underemployed and experienc- ing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment. The N.C. Council for Women (CFW) is mandated to serve displaced home- makers. . The Displaced Homemaker Network of North Carolina is made up of 22 displaced homemaker centers receiving state funds through the CFW. The total budget for these centers is $375,000. More than 12,000 participants, both women and men, have been served since the project inception in 1993- 94, with an overall job placement rate of 70 percent. In 1996- 97, the programs served 4,200 participants, providing them with job counseling, job training and placement programs, health _ GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS MAY AS DISPLACED HOMEMAKERS AWARENESS MONTH education; financial management, educational services, and informa- tion about employment in the public and private sectors. The displaced homemaker gram does not duplicate any ‘pro; other state or federal welfare pro- gram, according to Juanita Bryant, executive director of the CFW. Proposed legislation would in- crease funding for existing pro- grams and initiate new programs by adding an additional $20 to the divorce filing fee. The bill, intro- duced last sessions, is expected to come back up in the legislative session scheduled to begin May 11. The CFW is a division of the N.C. Department of Administration and is the official state advocacy agency for women in North Carolina. Thank God It’s Over. The precinct and poll workers take time 0 pose for the M-Voice Camera. The 4" and 6" Precinct workers hope that during the November election a lot more people will come out and vote for the candidate of their choice. "Thank You District #1" I would like to sincerely thank the entire community for their support in electing me as the District #1 County Commissioner. I pledge my i commitment to helping enrich the lives and: | to voice the concerns that affect the lives of | those I represent and will continue to be your vehicle for positive progress in the commu- |, nity you have elected me to serve. I also}: would like to thank the tireless effort of the staff of the Committee to Elect David Hammond, and an endearing thank you to my family for their heartfelt support. Thank = you and God Bless. Paint/Wallpaper * Plumbing © Tools SALES SPECIALISTS NEW GROUND | It's an exciting time to be at Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse. Our growth has made us one of the : | nation’s fastest growing Fortune 500 companies. And with plans to break new ground by building 80 new | stores this year alone, Lowe's career opportunites offer you exiting new ways to advance wih us. 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And, with flexible payment options, it’s even easier to pay back. To apply, simply stop by or call 1-888-738-2455, € Centura. MORTGAGE LOANS ote BANKING tial INSURANCE IO UTLONS ‘Al ans nd ines yet credit approval Property andor lod murance may be requred Consult your tax advisor regarding deductibility of interest. Some collateral restrictions may apply. (Ancestor Slaves - Continues from 4) _ “To see a document with the mark of your ancestor, to see a linkage that is real," Charlotte says, struggling with emotions and words. "It was like bumping into something." “He has made us human, " adds her sister. "God sent him," says her mother. Ball seems both moved and a little uncomfortable with such praise. "I'm just a writer," he protests. "I'm just one man." It's become a kind of mantra for Ball as he goes around the country, explaining his mission. On national television, he sat beside Charlotte and Katie and reached out his hand. “I'm sorry." Ball said, blinking a little awkwardly in the television lights. “I'm sorry for the suffering my family caused your family for so many years and for so long. I ask forgiveness." Charlotte grasped his hand and wept. The family has viewed the tape a hundred times and on one recent night they watch it again. Hearing Ball's voice, Katie, who is nearly blind, leans toward the television and squints at thé*screen. ; That's my boy," she says, her face breaking into a proud, maternal smile. In many ways, Ball is an unlikely savior. Serious and deliberate, he can sometimes seem aloof. Pressed, he reveals only the basics about his past: born in Savannah, Ga; son of an Episcopal priest, his family moved around the South a lot when he was a child. Afterwards, he headed north to college and life in New York. When he headed back to South Carolina in 1994, Ball barely knew the relatives whose heritage he shares. He moved into a stately mansion, lent to him by a cousin, on a palmetto-lined street in downtown Charleston. For a time, his life seemed the very embodiment of the southern gentility he exposes. . "Here | was, a White guy snooping around Black graveyards," he says. "I was a very suspicious character." And he was probing in dangerous territory - the closets of ancestors who had given him his birthright. (Ancestor Slaves - con't on 8) Considering Cataract Surgery? Consider WT PAL TL Glasses. For more information on the new bifocal implant and how it can reduce your dependence on glasses, we invite you to call 252-752-0313. Eastern Carolina Eye Center James E. Holland, M.D. & Mark Packer, M.D. ; 2573 Stantonsburg Road * Greenville, NC 27834 ¢ 252-752-0313 IS THERE ANY VALUE IN 'SHOCK TELE Between the Lines by Asadullah Samad As the consumption and taste ~of this deverse society grow more and more complex, it also seems to become more and more tolerable of what's suitable for public viewing. You knew it would be just a matter of time before "shock radio", at least the pundits say, was the re-invigoration of public thought; the elevation of public discussion (no matter how frivolous or vicious) and the exchange of views (no matter how crazy). Well, "shock television", you now have every conceivable expres- sion of views to the tenth power. And its really difficult to see what the redeeming value is. By now you certainly know which shows I'm talking about. Those whose dialogue (if you want to call it that) is s0...s0...so shocking that you literally stare in shock- - not being able to believe what you just heard and saw. Two shows I'm particularly concerned about are which seem to have become "cult" (as in American Culture) favorites are "The Jerry Springer Show" and a new shock cartoon called "South Park." We'll most socially ir get to Jerry in a minute, but if you thought that "The Simpsons" or “Beavis and Butthead" were outra- geous, this "South Park", a bunch of kid characters saying some of the ) things you never wanted to hear most adults say, is purely the extreme edge of where this shock television is going. Where is it going? To help the American viewer manifest its most deviant behaviors, with public affirmation. How so? Well, let's take American's most popular shock show, "The Jerry Springer Show." This is a show that takes e's willingness to discuss (whenever you can hear between beeps) private and personal violations with almost the implied promise that. you will fight (physically) though any resolution (which is rare). The people most likely to appear on the show are poor, socially impaired, dysfunctional in their relationships and are highly suspect in their intelligence. Clearly, these people do not represent the mainstream of social Homes for More Than 50 Years!! » LOW DOWN PAYMENT » $500 DOWN ON SELECT SINGLE HOMES » $999 DOWN ON SELECT OAKWOOD HOMES Makers of Fine Quality DOUBLE WIDES Call or stop in and let James Johnson show you their Great selection of Homes Oakwood Homes > 710 Greenville Blvd, Greenville-756-5434 CO neighborhoods to share success together. That’s what community is all about. From L to R Front Row: Bill Pretty, Ron Bailey, Gordon Thornton, Gaffney Gunter Back Row: John Hairston, Gerald Williams, Charlie Crump, Lee Settle, James Smith, not pictured: Wes Elam. “Put It Back Where You Got It From.” McDonald's Black Owner Operators of North Carolina have fostered and advanced the ideas, concerns and dreams of their community. Through a commitment to employment, educational programs and local causes, they “put back” into their : Famous names such a............00 eects e eee eens CITY ICE & : ¢ ROCKPORT * BALLY « ALLEN EDMONDS C 0 AL % * BOSTONIAN & MANY MORE { fe] Most priced under ‘50 * LARGE SELECTION to choose from [2 “00 ayhOURS sar be LADIES SHOES! 4 7:00 AM - 3PM SUN 9958005000 00000000005000000004Ns04O ono Ne ie 506 Albemarle Ave. * EASY SPIRIT « HUSH PUPPIES re 919-758-4825 ¢ SOFT SPOT just to name a few. : ECU Employee and Corporate We Just Received A Large Shipment Of Large, Wide [fe Width Sizes is On the corner of 9th Outlet the BUDGET STORE with true Discount Prices MENS SHOES! 758-7609 mores and values. It's almost as if the rest of the country has put its most deviant, most unintelligent, most socially nt segment of American culture on its national stage, solely to "shock and amaze ya", as Muhammad Ali used to say. Now you have American soci- ety, already hostile as hell, thinking this is some new socially acceptable phenomenon. And our youth, many who do not know how to mediate conflict themselves, see this as a form of conflict reinforcement. You can't pull them away from the television when that madness is on. Mon "Goodnight, Da ggy Sue". teenagers, it's “Goodni you'd etter not turn on erry Springer." Then I go upstairs to bed and the first thing out of my wife's mouth is, “Babe, you see this crazy stuff?" She hates "The Jerry Springer Show", but she stops and watches a few seconds of it time she flips by. Springer’s demo- graphics show that more profes- sionals watch him than teenagers, nent, Billy Bob", “Goodnight, In my house to my three damn Photo by Jim Rouse Pastor Daniel House St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church welcomes you to worship with them. Sown above is Pastor Daniel House who is the Minister of the St. Peter’s Missionary Church. 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Shemian Brown, — Executive Director of South Lee Street Neighborhood Improvement, Inc. in Ayden, NC and Benel have formed a unique partnership. Ms. Brown, who is African American and Benel are forming alliances ing low- cost housing there. When asked why the City of Greeenville’s CDC Director, Barbara Fenner. was not mentioned, Bene! admitted that Fenner had not yet pare amy assistance from her - Tour master Ernie Lubriani expressed his desire to see, “Black history developed within a ‘Village of Yesteryear’ " and concern for McCain's plans to entice large business to the region. Debbie seg a ay ay while African American Shirley Williams of the Bureau recalled her recent visit to a Wild Game Feast sponsored by"Believers Hunting Family", a group of multi- cultural hunters in Pitt, Beuford, Lenior, and Hyde Counties. She would like public relations efforts for the group expanded to the general populations of those counties. Noted African American "Family Historian" Frank M. Clark was dis- listing mention of African American interests, historic sites, or tours. His concerned to phone calls to the Visitors Bureau that, seek the root of his own family tree ~ Cultural secretary embraces legacy of African-American Culture mirrors that of the late Alex Haley, can probably teach us all a lesson. As we each seek to reach our full future potential, we must first discover and honor the glory of our pasts. MOTHER'S DAY AND FLOWERS...THE PERFECT COMBINATION. DONT FORGET..!!! Poll workers pause for moment during election day. The Gatlin sisters were doing their part to ensure voters that everybody needed to vote on election day. One sister worked at precinct #3 and while the other sister was working outside for a candidate. “IN JAIL WE BAIL” Espesializamons en flanzas de cancel para su sorvicio * LOCAL SERVICE WITHIN 10 MINUTES OR LESS e Pfeil AVAILABLE ON BONDS 10,000 & UP HERB GARDNER PAM GARDNER SENN GARDNER FOR MORE ° INFORMATION CALL 758-8900 ENTER Terrence E. 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It offers qualified stu- dents a chance to spend a summer, semester or school year with a host family in America or abroad. At present, American host families are being sought for 25 students from” high schools in Europe and other foreign countries other parts of the world. AITYSEP © believes a greater international understanding is accomplished children are welcome to participate in the program. All families host- ing a student for the year can deduct $50 a month for income tax AIYSEP is also seeking American the Director, 200 Round Hill Road, High School Students, ages 15-19, Tiburon, CA 94920, 1-800-347-7575... — | want to thank you for your support and vote! | appreciate all that you have done to make our victory possible. Now it’s on to the general election in November and support again. Warmest regards, Mac Manning AORN ANNA RRR AE RENE SN NINE 2A Hm BRN 88 . yi 7 -_ of PITT COUN] Dammann icsaineerasmomenaE NS Paid for by: The committee to elect Mac Manning Sheriff of Pitt County + Elaine G. Denton, Treasurer when I'll need your vote Vifae fernmg, or Sheriff Thank You! aa Se Please Register To Become A Member Of The Pitt County NAACP Today! Your Membership is Important to the Effectiveness of this Remember United We Stand Historic Organization. Pick up the form at... The NAACP Office 800 W. 5th Street Greenville, NC Divided We Fall CALL 758-7645 FOR MORE INFORMATION TO: All Concerned Citizens FROM: Gaston Monk, President SUBJECT: Membership Drive The NAACP is the oldest, largest and most consulted civil rights organization in the United States. It began it's fight in 1909, eighty years ago. Among it's many accomplishments are implementing desegregation in the American school system, gaining free access to the ballot for black voters and championing the passage of landmark civil rights laws such as the voting and civil rights acts. Thanks to the NAACP. discrimination in public housing, eating places and public transportation were outlawed. These privileges are taken for granted today, but they were not obtained without a struggle and sacrifice. Why then, do we need the NAACP today? "We need the NAACP. because every single day the NAACP is out working to better the quality of life for all Black Americans. Everyday they go into some courtroom in some city to fight the battle for those who cannot fight their own." The NCP's strength and effectiveness lies in its membership. If you believe in equal rights, join the NAACP today! Sincerely, Gaston Monk President Tri-County Communications 2193 NC 99 Highway south Belhaven, Nc 27810 964-2100 1927-5100 164-4211 (A subsiiary of Tri-county Telephone Membership Corporation) Church of Christ Carl Etchison, Minister 1706 Greenville Blvd SE Greenville, NC Where God is Praised, Lives are Changed and Friends are made! Faith @ Victory Church John Zabowski-Senior pastor 3950 Victory Lane Greenville, NC (919) 355-6621 HARRIS Supermarket 5 Convient Locations 9 in Greenville, Ayden, Bethel, @ Tarboro ||: Open 7 days a week Welcome Guests Shown above (from left to right) is Mr. and Mrs. Javier Castillo attending the Annual Intemational Festival at the Greenville Town Commons, Standing (sixth from left) with Javier is Arturo Chavarria,visiting Mexican Consulate along with other members of his entourage from Washington, DC,. They're in town to provide consulate services to the Mexican population residing in Greenville. Javier is the host of a four hour radio program called "La Voz Latina" which is aired every Saturday morning from 6:00AM to 10:00AM on WOOW Radio. The program,, which is the longest running Spanish music and information in Eastern MONTHS SAME AS w CASH! 210 W. Greenville Blvd. RCA F27678BC 27" DIAGONAL COLORTRAK’ PLUS™ STEREO MONITOR-RECEIVER JVC ¢ 3" LCD Screen © Built in Light ¢ 23x Zoom © Super Low Lux CSX22GRZ SIDE BY SIDE REFRIGERATOR 2 J Cu. Ft. apaci elce/ Woke Reas | ; North Carolina has been produced by Mr. Castillo since 1991. how her great-grandfather used to steal away at night and row back SS ET . 32" STEREO COLOR MONITOR/RECEIVER TOP-MOUNT _ REFRIGERATOR 06, 8000) ons To Buy From GTV (Ancestor Slaves-Continues for Page 5) Edward Ball was handed a glorious past. Family history resonates with stories of courage and adventure, beginning with Elias "Red Cap" Ball who sailed from England in 1698 to claim his inheritance - a plantation call Comingtee on the banks of the C River. Portraits of Elias, a portly fellow, named for the cap that covered his bald head, still hang in Ball's living rooms. A book describing early Ball exploits sits on their shelves. Eventually the Balls would own 25 plantations with names like Hyde Park, Kensington and Tranquil Hill. They grew a rice called "Carolina Gold" and owned about 4,000 slaves from which, Ball calculates, there are 100,000 living descendants. ; ; Ball's search began in 1993, when he headed back to Charleston for a family reunion. For three days he toured the old plantations, slugged bourbon with his cousins and worshipped at the centuries-old family chapel tucked among the woods near Comingtee. About 150 relatives gathered for the celebration. . Ball arrived with a tape-recorder and, many thought, an agenda. With his black shirts and Yankee reserve, he stood out. His questions made everyone nervous. "You're talking about the darkies!" exclaimed one elderly relative. "To find out where they are, that would be almost impossible." Family fears seemed justified when Ball produced a 35-minute documentary for National Public Radio. The piece is anchored by interviews with two women, now in their 90s, one White, one Black. Voices raspy, memories clear, they make history come alive. Around the country, his family listened as Dorothy Dame Gibbs, whom Ball describes a "marinated" in family lore, bluntly warn him that he will never understand "Negroes." The intricate bonds of mutual dependency and affection, she says, are too complicated for a northerner to asp. - "More consideration is given to breeding farm animals than to Negroes," she says. "They live and cohabit with anybody that suits them." Slavery was morally wrong, Gibb concedes, but the Balls were better than most. And masters and slaves never slept together. Gibbs has never met Emily Frayer, another old woman whose memories are steeped in plantation tradition. On that tape, Frayer tells down ee agen 796-2616 AV-32820 | 35" co B eBuilt in VCR Storage B eAdvanced PIP B Parental Lock © 32 inch Diagonal Measure Dark Tinted Picure Tube e Full Sea co Remote + Hho Srand Sod I ¢Universal Remote "Recher Control © MTS/: sap Tuner and Stereo © New lug In Menu 16 CX) (BGCBY SURROUND) PRO - LOGIC RV502 © 70 Watts ® Dolby Surround Sou © Digital Sound Field Processor _ ese Sy A gen —— DUMP CABLE river to the family he had been sold away from. She remembers a Black °- woman called Abby who had a child with a young Ball man... “Bad times," she -". sobbing when she visits the s on the plantation where she was born. Ball believes that Abby's lover was his great-uncle, James Austin ~: Ball, _ died in goig han “s —_ _ Soo aces And in raising chaps poe y offended older*members of his family, who repos: him of recklessly tarnishing the reputation of someone they knew ' oved. Leave our memories intact, they begged. Tread carefully on our. past. Ball ‘winces when asked about the fury that has pitted daughter against father, cousin against uncle. The truth, he says, is more important than any personal slights he might have caused. And his truth is in his work. Painstakingly, he scoured the property records that generations of Balls were so meticulous about saving. In thousands of pages-now flimsy and faded with age-he discovered Binah and Mercury and Cupid and Bright Ma. Their names appear beside accounts of the latest shipments of sugar and rum. "Blanket books," detailing bedding issued to slaves, helped thread together families. Reward posters for runaway slaves fleshed out physical descriptions and hinted at individual characters: "Tom, a middling tall fellow, has one of his toes cut off." Was he injured to prevent his escape? With the instincts of a reporter and the doggedness of a detective, Ball delved for answers. He traipsed around America gathering documents and stories. He went to Africa to interview descendants of slave traders. Piece by piece, he patched together the slave family trees. But all his digging has forced him to answer questions about deeper motivations. On call-in radio shows and at book signings, he is sometimes vilified as just another gold-digger, exploiting the past the way his ancestors exploited slaves. "What will you do with all the money you make?" cried a critic at a presentation in Charleston on the day Ball launched his book. "Will you give it to the slave families you wrote about?" 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