| | ae -6 oe LSE . PRE AS Serving Eastern North Carolina Since 1981 y bs “fr heey: . nee pote: th ‘ : paifibin thy ib , ts Woe . n . high L. 5 ¥ TAMPA, Fla. The Rev. Henry Lyons; former presi- dent of one of the nation's largest Black church organi- zations, on June 18, was ordered to repay $5.2 million for bank fraud and tax evasion. Rev. Lyons, already serving five and one half years in state prison for bilking com- panies and stealing from charities, also was sentenced by a federal judge to four years.and three month~ behind bars. But the federal sentence will be served concurrently with the state sentence. "Il do ask for mercy today," Rev. Lyons told U.S. District Judge Henry Lee Adams Jr. "I'm 57. I don't have a lot of time to right all the wrong I have done." Rev. Lyons pleaded guilty March 17.to fedral charges related to his business dealings as head of the National Baptist Convention USA. He admit- ted failing to,pay taxes on $1.3 million in income, de- frauding a bank and making BER O08 888 nt Old Eppes High School (Blacks being Left Out said a son to his father, after- he read a story to the youth about a lion being slain by a hunter. "Dad, in these stories, why does the lion always lose?" The day's reply: "Son, it will always be that way - until the lion learns how to write . . There has been = a wave of controversy lately 5 over millennium-centered "best | lists" complied by so-called "ex- | perts.” One: such survey in question recently was a Time magazine compilation that named the 20 ~ top minds of the century No Blacks, no Hispanics, no women. That was insult enough, we guess, not to include such _ African-American scientists and intellectuals as George | Washington. Carver, W.E.B.. DuBois, or Percy Juhan and 9) William Junius Wilson. But to add insult to injury. By June Preston ATLANTA (Reuters) - A legisla- tor in Alabama -- the only U.S. state whose laws still ban inter- racial marriage -- planned Tuesday to ask the Attorney General to pave the way for residents to vote in October on eliminating the prohibition. The law barring marriages be- tween blacks and whites was rendered void when the U.S. Supreme Court struck it down years ago but remains in the Alabama constitution. Removing the language from state law requires voter approval although the impact would be almost purely symbolic. ‘Alabama has } a long history of racism and this interracial marriage ban is part _ of it," State Rep. Alvin Holmes, the legislator campaigning for i, the October vote, told Reuters. Alabama was a major battle- ' ground during the 1960s civil | rights movement and is still a P stronghold of Confederate nos- ) talgia, but voters are expected to f approve eliminating the ban by a i e majority ill passed easily by the state regislature called for residents to vote to revise the Alabama , constitution, But the measure ran especially for sports bulfs, pseudo-baseball "authorities" Street and Smith's — Sports Business Journal have had the audacity to name a Major League Baseball Team of the Century that includes abso- lutely no African Americans or Hispanics on the first team.In fact, the great Willie Mays, John Gibson, Roberto Clemente and Ken Grif fey Jr. are relegated to the bench on their faux team and no minorities made the cut for the five starting pitchers, unless you want to count Sandy Koufax, who was Jewish. Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron and "Mr.Cub" Ernie Banks barely made the "B" list. Does that "B" stand for "Blacks?" Joe Morgan and Ozzie Smith - perhaps the greatest shortstop ever to sit on the bench on the "B" team. afoul of legal technicalities by failing to specify a date for the vote. Lawmakers had thought it would be on Oct. 12 but the Secretary of State's office has ruled that, according to procedure, the vote must wait until the general election in November 2000. Holmes of Montgomery, who sponsored the measure in the legislature, said he will visit Attorney General Bill Pryor Tuesday and ask him to interpret the referendum law in a way that would enable the vote to go ahead on Oct. 12. That is when Alabamians consider whether the state will have a lottery. The Secretary of State's office appeared to stand firm in its position. ‘‘It won't be on the Oct. 12 ballot," said Steve Prince, a spokesman in the Secretary of State's office. Prince said lawmakers have two ways to get a referendum on the ballot -- set the date in the language of the bill itself or pass a resolution that sets the date. We don't know what hap- pened," Prince said, ‘There was never a House or Senate resolu- tion passed, “At some point in the legislative jof US History - Again Ludicrous. Insulting.Racist and unrealistic.Why, half of the so- called "Team of theCentury" didn't even compete against the Black players of their time. who were banished to the Negro Leagues because of segregation and probably would _ have whipped the "Team of the Century" badly, even on their worst days. The lion has learned how to write this time, and among his admonitions are the words "bunk." baloney" and "bull" to some "best" lists. Thank God such lists do not embody the full measure of the man - and women they omit. You can keep your doggone lists. We'll take history and reality and day over biased speculation. Now we know whowrote history as we teach it today. ~ Alabama Lawmakers Fight Ineraial Marriage Ban process there was a mispercep- tion that the language in the bill was enough to set the date for Oct. 12," he said. The Alabama law was voided when the U.S. Supreme Court struck it down years ago in a case involving a Virginia couple. The Alabama Constitution pro- hibits lawmakers from passing any laws *‘to authorize or legal- ize any marriage between any white person and a Negro, or descendant of a Negro," provi- sions the legislature ignored when it acted to hold a vote on lifting the ban. Although the ban is unenforce- able, Holmes said some rural areas of Alabama. still deny marriage licenses to mixed race couples who apply for them. “T've had blacks tell me they went to a probate judge to get a license and they were told the probate office had run out of them," he said. ‘They don't tell them point blank that they aren't going to give them a license because they are black, they just say, 'We don't have any licenses. ven call you.’ Then they never 0." “se statements. Rev. Lyons was convicted in state court in February of extorting $4 million from companies which conducted businesses with the church Organization as well as tak- inz a $250,000 donation from the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai 'B'rth which was to have been used to rebuild Black churches that had been burned. The co- defendant in the Lyons case, Brenda Harris, plead guilty on April 12 to a single minor charge bringing her case to a halt. Ms. Harris, a planner for the. National Baptist Convention, pled guilty to failing to inform thepolice when a crime was being committed. Ms. Harris, who claims to have had an_ affair with Rev. Lyons will lose the $700.000 home purchased with money from the former convention director as well as any bank accounts. It was this home which tiggered an investigation into the minis- ter's lavish spending follow- ing a fire set by his wife AINN YNITOav2 LSv3 “IN STIIANSSae once she learned the house was Rev, shared by her. -husband and Ms.Harris. Ms. Harris maintains Rev. Lyons provided her with a substantial amount of the ~ down payment as well as lavish jewelry and gifts dur- ing their two-year relation- ship, but said her relationship with the . married minister was not about money or gifts, but love. "He was a good person to me," she said. . Another co-defendant in the case,. conventions public re- lations director Bernice Edwards who was acquitted in state court,plead guilty to two federal tax evasion charges and is scheduled for sentencing in September. Sentencing for Ms. Harris is, scheduled for July 26. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors won't seek a prison term, according to her attorney Peter Strianse.Following her plea she expressed apologies for her part in the crimes. Pictured World War II Veteran Ben Chapman World War II Vet. Speaks On Racial Shar The "M" Voice Newspaper Was given the rare opportunity to converse with Ben Chapman a World War 2 veteran. We dis- cussed everything from the word "Japs" the racial slur used by Commissioner Dave Hammond to the present state of Black America. The "M" Voice : How do you feel about the comments made by Commissioner Hammond ? Ben Chapman : Well | believe it it was a slip of the tongue lets not Over react and blow this thing out of proportion. | remember on Dec. 7, 1941 | was on my way to Sunday school with my father. He turned on the radio and the President said, the Japanese had just bombed Pearl Harbor and the "Japs" Air Force has just destroyed our Battleship the President called them "Japs" The "M" Voice : Do you think Commissioner Hammond _ in- tended any malice with his com- ment ? Ben Chapman : No, | believe in the back of his mind he thought the comment was off the record but, when talking to white America you have to remember nothing is off the record. | also think the clergy should have ulled him to the side and asked im what was your temper when you made this comment. Tell him to be frank and let him know if he 'is in the right they will support him. But, the clergy in Greenville does not support each other. The "M" Voice : What do you think about the comparison of Commissioner. Hammond's com- ment "How many Japs are ex- pected to arrive" to that of Walter William's comment "There's a Nigger in the wood pile?" Ben Chapman :When Williams made his comment, all of his supporters stood up and spoke about how many millions of dollars he donated to ECU and what he has done for the Black community. See, he owns all of the Trade Marts in Greenville but, for as much money as he has put into the Black community he has taken an equal amount out. The "M" Voice: Should Black America support Commissioner Hammond regardless of of per- sonal feelings about the com- ment? Ben Chapman : Yes, we can actually turn this thing around, We have more evidence on them than they have on us. We are ignorant to them, 3rd class citi- zens, they control the banks the schools. They are the people we have to go to for most an anything, and as long as you can keep a nation dependent : you can control that nation. * % a re aE ie AMYUNI SSNAOL — _ z a se se s* = Observer A school = board a 6 ® “4 ‘in discord *ve got just two questions for the scurrilous, lowdown snake in the grass who illegal- y leaked Durham Public Schools intendent Ann Denlinger’s rformance evaluation. «First, “How could you stoop so lew as to violate the sanctity of er personnel files like that?” And second, “Why didn’t you call me instead of those other 9” The revela- tions in the leaked files were not sur- prising, certainly not iC to me. If any- te they’re almost yawn-induc- Vie RELL Oa .e ¢ g, because anyone even casual- ly aware of the infighting on the board knows that the white board members think Denlinger walks an water while the black ones ink she is all wet. «*That was exemplified in the evaluations, which ranged from effusive to pathetic: Arnold Spell gave her 388 points of a possible 400 — I guess ol’ Arn must've fig- ured his wife would get suspicious if he gave her 500 — while Mozell Robinson essential- ly “gonged” the superintendent with a score of 93. Ouch. Even if race isn’t the primary motivation — and both sides insist it isn’t — the white board -members come off looking like giddy cheerleaders incapable of objectivity, while some black ones risk sounding like petulant chil- dren nursing hurt feelings by criticizing Denlinger’s “inter- personal” shortcomings without at least acknowledging that the schools are working — either because of or in spite of her. In judging the Super — and even I, someone who never says a bad thing about anyone, have been a harsh critic when she deserved it — it’s important to note that she didn’t inherit a smoothly running system with a long, harmonious history. It was on the verge of success when she took hold of the reins, but the recently merged system was a still contentious and racially riven one which, frankly, many people wanted to see fail. Thus, most parents, black or white, will be less concerned that Denlinger might have hurt some board members’ feelings than that test scores are improving. If some board members fail to see that, the question that must be asked is: “What’s more impor- tant to them, good schools or good feelings between board members and the - superintendent?” Parents should care if Denlinger — as her critics screamed from the day she became a candidate — is truly intent upon purging all black administrators from the system, but they also have a right to know why the Rev. Philip Cousin, a black board member, disparaged Denlinger with a score of 120, yet refuses to explain why. Remember that old Negro spir- itual, “Jesus on the Main Line (Tell Him What You Want)”? I just hope the Rev. Cousin answers when Jesus calls, because he certainly isn’t answering when reporters or colleagues call seeking comment. Tension on the school board — and between the board and the superintendent — is not inherently bad, Nor is harmony inherently good. Both become bad, though, if the board members who are always pleased by Denlinger are white and the ones who are always dis- pleased are black. Want to tell Barry what you think? Call him at 636-281 Lor o-mall him at Dear Sheriff: Please assist and assure the citizens of Pitt County by publicly responding to the fol- lowing five questions surround- ing the fatal shooting of Mr.Stephenson by Mr. Lee at | the convenient store and your department's subsequent investi- gation and your seemingly rapid response to the incident: 1) Commissioner Jeff Savage says you told him that you deter- mined the death was a result of self-derense after a two-hour in- vestigation by your department. Neither the facts, nor your ap- pearance on the 11:00 PM news support that. Therefore, will you please state the actual time the . shooting occurred and when the case was investigated and 2) Also, there has been no re- port of what the store's surveil- lance video revealed from that evening. If there were a video tape, what , if anything, did it re- veal and is it available for public inspection?; 3) Media reports suggest Mr. Stephenson was armed. If so, with what type weapon was he armed, where did the bullet enter the deceased's body and were the deceased's fingerprints lifted from the alleged weapon as part of your department's investiga- tion?; 4) Rumors have surfaced that Mr. Lee has relatives who are deputies and that they were, in fact, the official in- vestigators of the alleged crime. If this is true, was the investiga- tion conducted objectively and fairly?; 5) Finally, news reports also further stated that a sign in Mr. Lee's store read: "We don't call 9-]-1-" If this is true, what did the sheriff's department conclude as the intent of the of the sign and the specific message meant to be conveyed? Thank you in advance for your prompt, profes- sional and thorough response to your citizenry. We are confident this will give citizens of Pitt County the assurance a commu- nity needs to maintain a high level of confidence in its law en- forcement. wv" Until, President Clinton called attention to the issue in his State of the Union address, mandatory public __ school uniform policies were sporadic local occurences. A few school districts had been quietly experimenting with uniforms for years, but the issue caught President Clinton's eye after the Long Beach, California school district released some numbers suggesting that after only one year, its mandatory uniform policy had not only brought about _ significant decreases in vandalism and fighting, but had also led to higher test scores. Now that the has elevated school uniforms into the realm of federal education policy, a question needs to be answered: Are uniforms a good idea? The most concise response to this question is, nobody knows. The superintendent of the Long Beach School District claims that the district's self-generated data~ showing decreases in certain form of student misconduct is proof that uniforms work. But other steps to improve student behavior, like increasing the number of teachers patrolling the hallways during class changes, were also taken by the district around the same time the uniform policy was introduced. Without further study, it is impossible to say with any certainty that the uniforms were responsible for the changes. The fact is that there are no empirical studies that show that uniforms consistently produce positive President's endorsement ° — ey The Minority Voice: June 17 - July 7, 1999 ¥ School Uniforms SPECIAL COMMENTARY Loren Siegel ‘ 4 : changes in student behavior over the long run. At best, school uniform policies are purely experimental. The experiment presents some very practical problem, First, although President Clinton said he _ supported uniforms “if it means that teenagers will stop killing each. other over designer jackets,” the Long Beach policy, like virtually every other uniform policy in the country, applies only to elementary and middle school students, and not to teenagers. While younger children may be amenable to uniforms—might even like them—teenagers are different. It's axiomatic that adolescence is a time when young people strive to express. their uniqueness and individuality in many different ways, and especially through fashion. Of course as_ several political cartoonists have pungently observed, teens are already in uniform-baggy pants, T-shirts and baseball caps worn backward. But: these are “uniforms” of teens' own choosing, and not fashions dictated from above. School administrators and _ teachers know the teenagers are sure to rebel against uniforms policies; that's why so far ducal Your Chie 0 heat , ef Director, Public Education Dept., ACLU they've been reluctant to impose them at the high school level. Second, for a public school uniform policy to be legal, it has to have an opt out provision. Every child in this country has the right to a public school education, and that right cannot be conditioned upon compliance with a uniform policy. Some parents and children will have religious objections to uniforms. Others won't want to participate aesthetic reasons. If given a choice, it is hard to imagine that most or even many teenagers will opt to wear the uniforms. Beyond these practical considerations, the call for school uniforms is not constructive because it is a Band Aid solution to a set of serious problem that defy my answers. There is something profoundly cynical about our political leaders promoting uniforms in the face of crumbling school buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and dwindling education funds. The debate over uniforms is a diversion. Attractive, modem and safe school buildings, small class sizes, schools with well stocked libraries, new computers and an way of ae2 8288 y Voice Editorials elective courses like musi¢, drama and art—those are the kinds of changes that would produce ‘ long lasting and dramatic improvements in student deportment and achievement. But of course that would require us to invest, rather than disinvest, in our public school system. If policy makers are serious about finding solutions to the problem of school violence, maybe they should ask the real experts: the students themselves. The ACLU recently conducted a series of focus groups and discussions with high school students and asked them what they thought would help. Uniforms didn't am make it onto the list. Their suggestions: 1) Since school violence mirrors that of society at large, schools should seriously confront and discuss issues of racism and cultural conflict, 2) “Safe corridor’ programs should be supported to protect the safety of students as they go to and from school, 3) School entrances should be secured, : 4) More extracurricular’ activities and clubs should be’ established, 5) Open-mike assemblies should be held on a regular basis to give students the opportunity to express themselves, 6) Programs to help students find part-time jobs should be established, and . : 7) Conflict resolution techniques should be taught. Now, that is a real plan! By Keith W. Cooper On Monday June 21, 1999, the Pitt County Board of Commissioners approved the final budget for Fiscal Year 1999-2000. Unfortunately, there is not much in that budget to put smiles on the faces of blacks in this county of over 126,000 residents. There are many "missed opportunities" that should have been met and numer- ous mistakes which should've been avoided. Why would com- missioners agree to set aside $800,000 for a new animal shelter when too many people are homeless? The "animal cas- tle" should not have been a top priority. Commissioners missed a chance to give the Pitt County School System the $3 million requested for increased teacher salaries and supple-- ments, Curriculum and Instruction, local non-certified per- sonnel, etc. Teachers' supplements are below the state average along with per-pupil spending. What about Mental Health? Many vital Mental Health programs, like Respite, have been cut or devastated. The satellite offices in Farmville, Ayden, and Bethel were closed due to Mental Health's budget short- fall ($1.8 million). If commissioners had implemented an over- sight program many years ago, the present budget crisis The assignment was meant Chris Roos holds an exam paper on a reading assignment that included a derogatory term for blacks. The assignment outraged black parents. Roos was fired but plans to try to get his job hack. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS a Story with slur costs S. African teacher job ble of teaching students.” An Education Department spokes- selves? nothings" quated fire truck. Also, a Robinson's ridiculous pro i for you and your families since those elected. If not, we must send a clear message to those "do- - when they seek reelection. We don't have to settle for mediocrity and business as usual. We deserve better. How might an $800,000 animal shelter look? Well, the door- knobs might be gold plated. A poodle might parade around with a powdered nose, rouged jaws, and lipstick. A Dalmatian might take a picture beside a replica of an anti- Saint Bernard might be given a pulpit where he can preach a sermon on how commissioners became the laughingstock of the county by accepting | By the way, Kibbles and Bits may be replaced with Kibbles and Chunks. Fancy Feast could become Fancy Feast with Caviar. could've been avoided. Who cares about the hungry? Each year, 13 million people around the world die of hunger. In this country, between 2 and 5 million children go to bed hun- gry each night. County Manager Tom Robinson, who makes $101,000 annually, said he could not find , money to help feed hungry citizens in this county. Furthermore, commissioners didn't meet the needs of those less fortunate than we. Since blacks proportionately go to bed hungry in Pitt County, the black commissioners should have demanded money to address the problem. Instead, they let Robinson have his way. Are com- missioners adequately represent their constituents or them- Look around you. Has the quality of life improved pressure him to help commissioners were LS to teach racial equality. The reaction to it illustrates the problems that remain five years after the end of apartheid. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — When a white teacher assigned his racially integrated class a story containing a derogatory term for blacks, it cost him his job — even though the work’s message was that regard- less of skin color, everyone is the same underneath. Chris Roos’ dismissal Wednesday underscores that five years after apartheid’s demise, race remains a flashpoint in South Africa’s schools. Black parents were furious that Roos assigned.“Unto Dust,” a book containing the word “kaffir,” a racial slur {n South Africa. The story by He Charles Bosman, who died in 1951, explores the theme that blacks and whites are equal. About 100 angry parents protest- ed Monday at the Cullinan Combined School in the capital, Pretoria, Roos said he assigned the story to his sixth-graders “to explain to the children the issues of racism and that we are all equal,” “But I’m the pig of the school now,” he said. “The ter told me to leave and said I'm not capa- . man thinks Roos’ intentions were good but said wounds from white rule remain too fresh for him to have addressed racial issues in that way. “The story has a very powerful anti-racist message. I am convinced the teacher’s intentions were noble,” said Aubrey Matshigi, spokesman for the provincial Education Department. “But maybe the timing is a bit incorrect. Our schools are still trying to grap- ple with race issues.” The parents maintained that Roos showed a lack of sensitivity in assigning the story and that some of their children were upset by it. “If we’re living in a new South Africa, it’s stupid to come up with such assignments,” said one father, who refused to give his name. The dispute exposes racial sen- sitivity that goes deeper than the use of a hated word. A government commission recently denounced the “virtual apartheid” that persists in schools, with the separation of white and black residential areas hampering true equality in educa- tion. School playgrounds have become “battlefields” between cory and white students, the report Roos said he plans to go to the teachers’ union and Education Department to try to get his job oo ry to g j F The Micaty Voice: June 17 - July 7, 1999 Political Perspectéi [s There Common Ground for Blacks and Republicans — Back Wonen Moe ich iG Birk Raleigh, NC - The political ‘landscape may be green on both ‘Sides of the (political) fence for North Carolina African ‘Americans Twelve (12) Pastors ‘from key regions of the State gathered in Raleigh to meet with the leadership of both parties to G@iscuss education initiatives for children in low wealth commu- nities. The group identified themselves as Pastors for Children~" It is not uncommon for Black clergymen to meet with Democrats. However, when prominent Black Leaders request ties." Rev. Barber is registered independent. "More informed voters are realizing that local( Democrats or Republicans), and state (Democrats or Republicans) and __ national (Democrats or Republicans) are not, : necessarily the same and are often times very different de- pending on what level YOU meet them at," Barber con- cluded. Black voters in North Carolina are becoming more politically diverse. Rev. Troy Williams (Fayetteville) a black to meet with conservative Republican offered this pro- Republicans it might tend to spective. "This kind of dialog raise a few eyebrows. Perhaps former Republican House dence the North Carolina Speaker Harold Brubaker stated it best when he said, This the than willing to continue open first time in my 24 years in the House that something like this has happened" Rev. William Barber I] (Goldsboro), one the organizers related to. following, political options open." After "This is a very diverse group, some are Democrats, some are Democrat leadership they Republicans and some are regis- (Democrats) suggested _ the tered Independent Party affirma- tion Is not the issue we care about the plight of children living in low wealth communt- wae \ Free Pick Up & Delivery (919) 407-2835 (Beeper) H.W.Y. 301North Rocky Mount Behind Diamond Club CHEAP AND DANGEROUS rack cocaine — the power- ful, smokable and very destructive form of the drug — accounts for more than 80% of cocaine arrests in New York City. “Crack is extraordinari- ly addictive,” says Dr. Brian Grobois, deputy chief of psychia- try with the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services. “People are willing to do any- thing or everything to get their next fix.” “Crack is different than hero- in or alcohol,”’ agrees Tiaya Ashwood, of the Family Health & Support Center. ‘‘The addict's attention span is less, the cen- tral nervous system is more And the addiction accelerates A heroin addict or alcoholic can maintain themselves much longer, years.” The powerful addictive prop- erties of crack have much to do with the fact that it is smoked, not snorted. This allows it to reach the brain much more quick- ly. Crack is also cheap (Some- times as little as $1 or $2 a hit) and shorttived (the high lasts five or 10 minutes). Unlike pow- dered cocaine, which became a favorite of the middle class and THE BIOLOGY OF COCAINE ocaine activates the pro- Ce: of dopamine, the brain chemical responsible for stimulating pleasure when we eat, socialize or have sex. Under normal conditions, dopamine carries the electrical signal for pleasure from nerve to nerve, turning off when it is blocked by a particular protein. Cocaine, however, blocks that protein so there is nothing to decrease the levels of dopamine and, by extension, the feelings of pleasure. Cocaine — and par- ticularly crack cocaine, the pow- erful, smokable form of the drug — bestows an overstimulated, overenergized, hyped-up kind of pleasure. Prolonged use of cocaine and/or higher doses of the drug can cause paranoia as well as erratic and violent behavior. Prolonged snorting can result in ulceration of the nose’s mucous membrane and can damage the nasal septum enough to cause it to collapse. It can also be fatal: A report published this month in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that the risk of heart attack increases nearly 24 times in the hour after using cocaine — even among individuals who had no prior symptoms of heart disease. The reasons for that increase are many: a sudden rise in blood pressure, heart rate and contrac- tions of the heart's left ventricle, or constriction of the coronary arteries so that blood flow to the heart is obstructed. Gaueclomietciectal mel is promising. I have all confi- Republican leadership is more discussions with the African American community. Blacks have nothing to lose and every- thing to gain by keeping their meeting with the House Pastors for Chidren skip their meeting with Republicans based upon the history of the Democrat Party with the black community. Former House speaker Brubaker, Minority Leader Richard Morgan and Rep. Julia Howard were the three Republicans who met with the group (Pastors for Children). The (Republicans) outlined very candidly and in a straight for- ward manner their conservative agenda. It was clear that there were some philsophical differ- ences, however, some Black Pastors were admittedly — sur- prised to learn that on many points they agreed..One Pastor commented on. the Republican presentation re- ferring to the Bible to make his point said, "Like King Agrippa said to Apostle Paul in the Book of Acts . . . almost thou persuadest me!..." Black leaders keeping an open mind and hear- ing both sides (Republicans and Democrats can only mean a win/win scenario for the African American community. addition- ally, maybe just maybe Republicans will get lucky and Blacks will really remember their history and return to their party roots. The Party of Lincoln. a bane reine ie @ A stroke can be a mind- blowing thing NEW YORK, Jun 17 (Reuters Health) -- Black women are four times as likely as whites to die during or shortly after childbirth -- one of the largest health-related disparities between the races in the US, according to a report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. African-American women are more likely than whites to die of any pregnancy-related cause, in- cluding hemorrhage, blood clots or hypertension, and regardless of whether or not they have received prenatal care. Overall, about 7.5 maternal deaths occur for every 100,000 births, a number that could be reduced, say CDC officials. At least’ three states -- Massachusetts, Nebraska and Washington -- have reduced that rate to about 3 deaths per 100,000 births for white women, the national goal for all women by the year 2000. The main thing to remember is that maternal mortal- ity is a rare event. On the other hand, it can serve as a marker for other issues,” said Dr. Lynne Wilcox, director of the division of reproductive health at the CDC. in an interview with Reuters Health. ‘What we are finding is that this is a persistent disparity. We are calling for looking more closely at monitoring and identifying these deaths. But also we think there needs to be a great deal more research, particularly prevention research, that looks at things like content of care. whether or not women are getting to care in time, whether or not there are health behaviors that may be affecting their behaviors, ‘if violence is an issue " she said. ‘There are a number of areas here that need further investigation" It is not exactly clear why black women are at greater risk than whites, but it does not appear to be race per se that is to blame, or a lack of prenatal care. ‘Although prenatal care reduces the risk for maternal mortality, healthcare access and use do not explain fully the disproportionate risk for maternal death for black women," according to the CDC report. “Other factors, such as quality of prenatal (care), delivery and postpartum care may explain part of this difference." The CDC report included data on maternal mortality in the US between 1987 and 1996, a time when maternal mortality remained stable at about 7 deaths per 100,000 births and a total of 3,086 women died during childbirth or as a consequence of pregnancy- related complications. In an analy- sis of 26 states, the maternal mortality rate for white women ranged from 2.7 in Massachusetts to 9.2 in Vermont. For black women, the maternal mortality rate ranged from 8.7 deaths in Massachusetts to 28.7 in New York. Support Our Advertisers! is used more by men than affected, so they're more fidgety. | women, crack tends to be used by poor, black women of child- quickly. The end comes quicker. bearing age. Neural signal gy x ™ / ane t On one occassion we stopped and chatted with some of the workers. We finally reached the N.C./Virginia bor- der after passing through Weldon, N.C. Our next stop would have been Petersburg, VA, but about six miles out of Petersburg we met another car driving on the wrong side of the highway and crashed head on into us. After the crash the only thing I can remember is getting out the car lying on the side of the road and then I blacked out. I don’t know to this day when and how I got to the hospital. After I had been there about two days my mother came to see me, and I have never been so - glad to see someone from home : in my life. She came to the side of | the bed and took me by the hand : and began to pray. After she finished praying the only thing I could think of was “Mama, I am going to be a better boy.” After the accident I had a lot of hatred and malice that had grown in - me after what had happened to : me and my friend. I believe God shows us how we should live in many ways. After my mother left the room they said I could have one more visitor so she left and my next visitor was Donovan Phillips who was just opening a new undertaking business in Greenville. I don’t know how to say I was glad to see a undertaker but I was glad to see him. He came up to the bed and said,”Little Bro. how are you doing?” I said I was fine and that | was glad to see him. Then he said to me, “I have come to take you home.” You know what kind of thoughts came into my mind, when he said, “home”. We packed what we had and the nurse came in and took me to the car and we headed back for North Carolina. Be sure to read the next episode of this true story ; next week. : The Minority Voice: June 17 - July 7, 1999 4 POOR MOM Mom Is a scholar, a child psychologist, a race car/stunt driver,medical expert, clairvoy- ant/find Spouse's keys, kids li- brary books, peacemaker, magician (extraordinary home- budgeting skills, assembling di- -lapidated science fair projects, semi-professional athlete (devel- oping proficiency in soccer, bas- . ketball, Little League baseball, pre-beginner ballet, hobbles (dab- bling In cooking, cleaning and laundry), and yet Dad comes in and says, "What have you been doing allday." THE WAY WE'LL BE - 10 FUTURE TRENDS IN FAMILY LIFE 1) Work - Working at home will give parents more flexibility, but probably won't make life any less hectic. 2) Homegrown enterprises or microbusinesses - "will cut into the mass-produced retail market and thrive on a revitalized main street. 3) Families - Ten years from now, divorce will decline but so will traditional marriages. Instead, you'll see more unusual arrangments: communal living and serial marriages, with starter marriages as a first tryout In living together. 4) Parenting will take place later and later. Forty- year-old MOBY'S (Mother Older, Baby Younger) will be common- place,child-rearing takes place af- ter a full career. 5) The percentage of married couples with children fell from. 50.3 percent. Following this trend, an entirely different household will emerge. More people will live together in multi-family arrang- ments Soil c1é2/ “A CARNAL MIND” A carnal mind is defined as a mind that is sinful, worldly, Read the Word xf God and know the tru fleshy and unspiritual. Shelhamar has listed these traits of a carnal mind: 1......A secret sense of pride: an exalted feeling in view of your success Or your position. 2......A love of human praise; a secret fondness to be noticed. 3......Stirrings of anger or impa- tience; a touchy sensitive spirit. 4......A self will; a stubborn un- teachable spirit. 5.....A carnal fear: a shrinking from reproach and duty. more kids will live with one parent; more children will be born to unmarried parents; and the family will once again become an extended family. 6) Education - Parents will in- creasingly home-school their chil- dren. In 1946, about 1.2 million students were taught at home this figure Is growing, at a rate of 15 percent a year and will skyrocket as more parents begin working at home. 7) Students will begin going to school only two or three day's a week and Instead use on-line "distance learning", software and televideo phones to participate in a virtual classroom. Interactive schools will feature academics superstars from every field of study: 8) Health = People will live past 125 years. AIDS, even most cancers, will be cured. A special- ist, thousands of miles away will examine you via a long-distance doctor or patient monitor, foods to eat will take resourcefulness, as more bacterial scares ". will surface -just magnify the tainted apple juice situation. 9) The hottest rage is going to be longevity centers rangng from family clinics to luxury retreats. These will feature clean air, clean water and doctors schooled in anti-aging therapies who teach you how to improve your health. 10) Fast food for the increasingly health-conscious will mean clean, pesticide-free food--not burgers and fries. By: The Tutarist (Gerald Celent, Director of Trends Institute and author of Trends 2000. Eric Clemons, Professor of Operations and Information man- agement, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Faith Popcorn and Lys Marigold, Consumer Trend Experts and author of Clicking. A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MRS. ESTHER LAUGHINHOUSE Mrs.Esther Laughinghouse was a woman of strength, character and dignity, of patience and calmness. When she spoke, her words and kindness was the rule for every- thing she said. Her children bless her. There are many women in the world, but she was one of the hest. She feared and reverenced the Lord. She's to be praised for the many fine things she's done, the spotless life she lived for she was a friend to the friendless, and a TAOUSNCES 6......A jealous disposition: a se- cert spirit of envy. 7......A lustful stirring; undue af- fection and familiarity toward those of the opposite sex. 8......A dishonest deceitful disposi- tion: covering up your real faults. 9 ....Unbelief: lack of faith and trust in God. 10....Formality and deadness; lack of concern for lost souls; indiffer- ence. .... Stinginess, being over- exacting about trifles. 12....Sectarianism; cool and cal- lous toward others who differ with you: failing to cooperate with others for the salvation of souls; sitting back with a critical and over-wise air. Perhaps you ask yourself, “How can anyone be without some of these traits to say the least of all of them?” The answer is we will never be one hundred per cent free from some carnlity and cer- tainly not free from all of the twelve traits listed because the Scriptures tell us that were born in and shapen in inquity. Therefore, it VALUE MAX US a es aS WE FINANCE ANYONE’ 1985 Volvo 740 4 dr Sale Price "2995.00, "499 Down + Tax, Tag, Service Fee Sale Price ‘3495.00, 499 Down + Tax, Tag, Service Fee 1988 Honda Accord LX Beige, 4 dr Sale Price "3495.00, 499 Down + Tax, Tag, Service Fee 1990 Honda Civic CRX Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels Sale Price "3495.00, 499 Down + Tax, Tag, Service Fee 1992 Hyundai Scoupe Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels Sale Price 3995.00, '750 Down + Tax, Tag, Service Fee 1989 Ford Taurus Air Conditioning, Power Windows, Locks ‘49.99 a per wk ord Escort LX Air Conditioning, Low Miles Laifdlebdr "750 Down + Tax, Tag, Service Fee Hid 49,99 ww Sale Price ‘3095.00, 900 Down + Tax, Tag, Service Fee 1991 Ford Escort Wagon Automatic, Air Conditioning ¢ aC id Sale Price 4495.00, 9900 Down + Tax, Tag, Service Fee 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier 4 dr, Automatic, Air Conditioning ee et i ig aes a " a? aoe ae 7 ‘ eee eee 54, 9g we wk : ; fe Sale Price 4995.00, 1100 Down + Tax, Tag, Service Fee 1989 Volvo 240 GL 4 dr, Automatic, Air Conditioning, Nice Car ‘59.99 per wk All cars subject to prior sale. From ‘499 down + NC tax + tags + '149” service fee "29% @ 78 weeks ‘ Down Payment May Vary VALUE MAX USED CARS GREENVILLE, N.C. Evans St. Ext. Across from Kroger and Chick-Fil-A 353-5191 Ethel l Taylor 4 Nila or ie Mop otyer tia, ae a + Ct oN Family Reunions a Tradition at the ilton Make your next reunion an extra special occasion by planning it at the Hilton! We iBarterel(e all the ( le tails to bring: 110) 0 NRE ig Oe AR EL ARO se acre (HRISTINNES Woate Cyuiiwe . For more information, please call our professional event planners at (252)355-5000 +207 SW Greenville Bivd., Greenville, NC 27834 + ented ® Hilton Greenville neighbor whose qualities were . worthy of emulating. She was not a carrier of gossip. Her personal- ity was pleasant--a lady of few words, good.listener, and an ex- emplary neighbor and friend. Her children are model children, who visited and cared for their mother. The only thing they didn't do for her was to breath and if they could have done that, they cer- tainly would have. your children, are patterns for other children. Your mother didn' t want for anything. "The finger of God touched her and she slept". Beatrice Maye CONDOLENCES Reverent sympathy to the Emma Everleaner Grice Jones, the Mary Koontz, the Carlton Boyd of Winterville, the Mamie Glynn Ma'y Garrett, and the Esther Laughinghouse families. MONEY TIPS Control your spending. Don't spend without planning. Discipline your spending. Learn from your mistakes. HOW TO PUT THE EXTRA IN ORDINARY DAYS (By; Barbara Bartocci) is a constant hourly and daily struggle. We cannot, in our own strength. solve the great, self- purifying problem, but by giving ourselves wholly to christ and constantly denying the demands of the personal self. We grow into the divine image and claim our ulti- mate freedom. The Apostle Paul, who was the greatest ambassador for Jesus Christ, and to whom God re- vealed more things than he did to any other disciple, says. “I die daily.” It means dying to all of the carnal traits heretofore men- tioned. Paul further states in 1) Be happy. 2) Don't quit. (Don't let failure discourage you.) 3) Accept today. (Realize that problems offer us opportunities to 4) Say thanks. (Count your blessings.) 5) Don't worry. (Ask something I can fix?™ 6) Be kind. (Do something kind for a friend, a stranger someone who rubs you the wrong way.) 7) Reach out. (Honor each person with eye contact and a smile. It doesn't matter if the person smiles back.) 8) Seek grace. (Look past your doubts to see God.) 9) Stay honest. (Do it always and in all ways.) Is it YOUR MIND “For we know that the law is spiritual: but. lam carnal, sold undersin...For t know that in me (flesh) dwelleth: ROMANS | 7:14-24: no good thing...For the good that / ‘Would do not; but the evib which | would not, that | do..< wretched man that | am: Who shall deliver me from the body of this death.” SENIOR HOME CARE SERVICES, INC. A SUBSIDIARY OF SYCAMORE HILL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IS PROVIDING QUALITY HOME HEALTH SERVICES Anyone who needs some personal assistance with _ daily living activities, such as bathing, grooming, eating and medication monitoring will benefit from our services. PLEASE CALL US AT (252) 756-4869 BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:00 AM AND 5:00 PM MONDAYTHRU FRIDAY —_gaggitOOKeR AD. A private not-for-profit organization (Cost of services goes back to serve others in the community) = A 3745 (252) 443-3529 Louse of Jair one Specializing inf Jealthy bain Cot Ave Sunset #\venve;/ (—- | iw rystal Norwood Natasha All ; Natasna f#A\leyne ™ KA | S pec ials on Mondays 10:00 a.m Shop@(525) 813-3008, Melt iT KA / etch | jount 5:00 p,m. eg peel Need fa June 17 - July'7, 1999 . * The Minority Voice a a we am A Tee She. ee PBST Sat ose alates amnep ag. tena eo The LL GREENVI porta Mg net ages ae ig PP eras U.S. REP. CHARLES RANGEL (D-N.Y.) hosted a fundraiser that grossed millions. By James E. Booker IN THE SOME-states-have- strange-laws department, Sharpe -JAMES, the Mayor of Newark, was legally sworn in on June 21 as a New Jersey State senator, filling the vacancy in the 29th District caused by the death of longtime Sen. Wyona LIPMAN. Mayor-Senator JAMES now becomes one of six New Jersey Mayors who also hold seats in the state legislature. James’ salary as Mayor and Senator totals $203,530 annually, making him the highest paid official in the state where the Governor, Christie WHITMAN, earns only $85.000. GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY’S LEGENDARY JOHN THOMPSON, the first African-American Basketball Coach to win a _ national championship and one of 19 nominees for the 1999 Basketball Hall of Fame, has reportedly agreed to a “nice out-of-court settlement” in the divorce from his wife, Gwen, after 24 years, in an attempt to avoid a possible flagrant-foul like tussle over his millions earned through his Nike stock and multiple business and real estate holdings. The couple’s sons are both basketball coaches: John 35 at Princeton and Ronnie, 30, at Georgetown. . . US: TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY RODNEY SLATER will commission the Alex HALEY, formerly a 283- foot Navy ship which has received a $20-million overhaul, on July 10 into the Coast Guard Armada. The late Haley, famed Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Roots,” spent 20 years in the Coast Guard, rising from ship’s steward to be the first head of its public affairs office, and becomes the first journalist to be honored by having his name on a Coast Guard Vessel. . . . AFRICAN - AMERICAN BUSINESS and political leaders are letting Democratic Party Officials know that they must be considered as major players on party activities after the African- American party initiative led by Rep. Charles B. RANGEL, dean of the New York Congressional Delegation, grosses some $1.3 million from its June 10 reception with President William CLINTON and Ambassador of Music Lionel HAMPTON .... Rep. RANGEL, Vice President Al GORE, Rev. Al SHARPTON, Statesman- Businessman Percy E. SUTTON and Manhattan Boro President C. Virginia FIELDS were among the speakers at the National Newspapers Publishers Association annual convention last week at the Sheraton New York Hotel. Religious leaders participating included the Rev. Simon BOUIE, President of the Ministerial Interfaith Association of New York: the Rev. Dr. Nathaniel GRADY SR., Public Affairs Officer of the United Methodist Church; and the Rev. James E. BOOKER JR., Manhattan Director of Christian Education of the A.M.E. Church. THE REV. JESSE JACKSON is in Europe this week working to free 13 jailed Iranian Jews who face hanging if convicted of charges of spying for Israel. During his trip he will also receive Golden Dove of Peace in ‘debts exceeded his Italy for his help in winning freedom for others in trouble. . WITH FORMER NEW YORK City Police Commissioner Lee P. BROWN as Mayor of Houston, the Lone Star State of Texas boasts of a colorful Lone Star State in law enforcement existing in no other state; the Chief of the Houston Police Department is C.0. BRADFORD; the FBI Special Agent in charge is don K. CLARK; Ernest HOWARD the special Agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency; Bruce MARQUIS is Chief of the Houston Independent School District; and A.B. CHAMBERS and Reuben DAVIS are Constables in Harris and fort Bend Counties. PWB (Policing While Black) should help to eliminate the fear of DWB (Driving While Black) deep in the heart of Texas. ... WHEN MEMBERS- OF CONGRESS released their 1998 financial disclosure statements, Florida's rep. Alcee = L. HASTINGS reported that his assets. Hastings, a former wrongly- impeached judge, said he owes legal fees of at least $2.2 million. ATTORNEY CHRISTOPHER EDLEY JR.. a Harvard Law Professor and member of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, 1s one of the chief drafters of a book President CLINTON hoped to issue as a follow to his Initiatives On race.... AROUND NEW YORK THE COUNCILWOMAN FROM QUEENS, HELEN MARSHALL, chair of the City Council's Committee on Higher Education, and Harlem's Councilman Bill Perkins created a storm this week when Marshall accused CUNY task force Chief Benno SCHMIDT of “ethnic cleansing” and Perkins charged that Schmidt's report was full of Outrageous “racial stereotypes and innuendoes. . .” e PROMINEN T BUSINESSMAN and Civil Leader Al WILSHIRE has left Brooklyn Union Gas to become manager of government relations at Con Edison.... IT WAS A WHO’S WHO of the city’s government, business and foundation leaders mingling with Harlem leaders at the Abyssinian Development Corporation’s fifth Harlem Renaissance Day of Commitment Breakfast Under The Tent June 18 where ADC chair, Rev. Calvin O. BUTTS III, said over $400,000 was raised from the affair. He also announced that within the year the old Casino building at 138th Street and Adam Powell Boulevard, would be under construction as a catering and banquet facility. . . . REV. DR. PRESTON WASHINGTON, head of the Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, happy after the city’s Housing & Preservation Development Depart-ment announced that HCCI was part of the winning team for the development in the $35.4 million redevelopment of the lot at 145th Street and Bradhurst Avenue, leaving the selection of a supermarket Operator to the four-group development team... . THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK trustees gave approval for the opening of eight controversial charter schools this September, including the John A. REISENBACH Charter School and the Sinsulu Victory Academy in Harlem, strongly supported by Caana Baptist Church's Pastor Wyatt Tee WALKER and the Urban League's Chief Denise WALCOTT. .. THOSE HEBREW ISRAELITES, who have gathered in Times Square for years preaching that Blacks are the lost tribes of Israel and that Whites are devils, have won a $59,000 out-of-court settlement from GIULIANI administration The Minority Voice: June 17 - July 7, 1999 atto : New Jersey mayor makes more than governor: Thompson agrees to settlement with wife | after the Police Department revoked their permit and began harassing the group. . . . BROADWAY ACTRESS BRENDA BRAXTON letting it be known that she has more talent than is displayed in her starting role in “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” as she is working on a number of real estate deals in Harlem, including an artists colony residence and/or full service hotel in the community. . HARLEM BUSINESS ALLIANCE prexy Walter EDWARDS has his Full Spectrum Inc. Revising its plans for a major tourist attraction 17- story, 430-room hotel. With an array of entertainment options, including a boat docking facility at 131st Street and the Hudson River, with a major hotel operator involved. The project is still before Community Board 9 waiting approval... . WHEN THE BLACK PUBLISHERS met at the Sheraton New York last week, publisher of the year honors went to Dr. Wilbert A. TATUM, chairman of the board, CEO and popular Publisher Emeritus of the New York Amsterdam News. . RICHARD PARSONS, TIME WARNER PREXY, who is also chair of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone is re-elected to a second term as chair of the New York City Partnership and Chamber of Commerce... . IT MAY BE A _ SELF- SERVING MOVE, but Saikou DIALLO, estranged father of slain Amadou Diallo, claims he has “put down” the Rev. Al SHARPTON as his political advisor and “replaced” attorneys Johnnie COCHRAN and the Dream Team with Islamic legal and Public Relations advisors. However, Saikou Diallo, who.is divorced from Amadou Dkallo’s mother Kadiaou never had Rev. Sharpton as his political advisor or Johnnie Cochran as his legal agent. Both were brought into the \ case by Mrs. Diallo and the ’ “Dream Team” was hired to. represent the estate of Amadou Diallo. . HOWARD REID, THE HEMPSTEAD, Long Island taxi driver may be close to cashing in his $7.4 million Lotto ticket prize, although he says he accidentally threw- out the winning ticket. The state legislature has passed a bill which would give him the money, however, Gov. PATAKI has not indicated where he will sign it. LATE TICKER CLAIMING THAT SINGER BOBBY BROWN, husband of superstar Whitney Houston, has violated his probation on his 1998 drunken-driver conviction, Florida officials in Broward County have issued a warrant for his arrest if he returns to the Sunshine State... . FUNERAL SERVICES HELD earlier this month for the glamorous movie star Francine Everett, a singer, dancer and actress in the all-Black films of the 30s and 40s who refused stereotype roles in “White” movies, was a wife of actor Rexd INGRAM, who didn’t. Born in the early years of this century, she died in a Bronx nursing home.... NOTED RAP PERFORMER SNOOP DOGGY DOG, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, has announced plans to build a theme park in his hometown of Magnolia, Miss... . THE AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE has created a list of the 50 greatest American screen legends, 25 men and 25 women, with Humphry BOGAR§ and Katherine HEPBURN, st#¥s of the 1951 movie, “The African Queen” topping the list. The only other time “African” is mentioned is in reference to Oscar winner Sidney Potier who ranks on the near bottom of his male list at number 22. That's show biz! FLANAGAN FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL SERVING EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA SINCE 1921 WITH DIGNITY AND DISTINCTION VDA HAMMOND PRESENT CUMU MMU To The CM EPPES REUNION CLASS OF 1957 MOTHER PEGGY HAMMOND Flanagan Funeral Home Awarded: The Finest service fleet ever to hit Eastern NC. Flanagan also provides preneed funeral counselors and Insurance protection for all ages from 0-90 years of age. The most experienced Morticians and Funeral Directors in NC and VA (MANY MAY OUT SALE US, BUT THERE ARE NONE WHO WILL OUT SERVE US) (PHOTO BY Jim Rouse) : GREENVILLE 7352 - 3530 w ROBERSONVILLE 795 - 3412 VANCEBORO 244 - 1600 &Ae tea Se om 0G &¢ 6 & + Gee x It is the first day of camp. A day filled with excitement for both the children and the adults. Bright faces of the children quickly fill the room as parents begin filling out forms and asking those important ques- tions. A sign outside of the room welcomes the campers to "Summer Days. The bubble letters are colored in bright greens, pinks and yellows. A huge calendar hung on the door displays a list of 7-week activities, like swimming, bowling, skating, story and snack time. This is a day camp, a camp similar to many others across Pitt County with only one difference. Sure the children still bring their favorite pillow, and all the other goodies that get stuffed inside those Disney, Star Wars, and Michael Jordan back packs, but many of the children also bring things like: medication, walkers, wheel chairs and personal care providers. This is a camp for children, regular everyday children, with one exception; these children have developmental disabilities. Started by the Arc of Pitt County -¢ight years ago, the camp is designed for children ages 5-21 with significant medical, physical, behav- ioral and cognitive impairments associated with their developmental disability. This year the camp, or "Summer Days" as it is called has 16 campers, a staff of three and many volunteers who lend a helping hand. On any given day it is not unusual to see campers engaged in gross motor play, or what camp counselor, Annie Suffon, calls our exercise, "It's basically vigorous activity, to stimu- late their brains and bodies. We have fun doing things like relays, jumping and counting cadence, Annie says, "just like the military.” This camp is not all work however; the campers and the staff alike get involved in all of the activities the children participate in. "From skat- ing to bowling,” Annie says, "we do it all. That way a child who uses a wheel chair still gets to do the same things as any other child would do. It's not important how they do it just so long as they do it." And these campers are doing it all. Tonia Drake, mother of 6-year-old Eunique Drake who has attended the camp for the past two years, loves the atmosphere and the staff. "It lets Eunique interact with kids who are just like she is, handi- capped, and not only that she gets to do things that I may not be able to do with her all the time." A good atmosphere for children to learn and play is what Sybil Keesbury; also a camp counselor calls the camp. "You've never seen children more excited than these kids, couldn't imagine doing anything else with my time. Sybil, who works at Ayden Elementary in the preschool disabil- ity program, is very familiar with special needs children but admits that there is a stigma to "special education." "There's a lot of fear, and fear breeds ignorance. People just aren't educated on dealing with these children," Sybil says. Which explains why a camp like this type is necessary, and answers the question of why these kids aren't in other camps across Pitt, County .Brook Owens, an ECU stundent majoring in Occupational Therapy and a counselor assistant at the camp believes that working with children is just basically, "common sense" "It's not something you can learn from a book, but by interacting with kids. You can't study a kid from a book." Regardless of the individual need of the child or the extent of the disability, all of the kids like the sign out front of South Greenville Elementary School says, are great kids. round The Debut of Local Recording Company Hits New York. By: Michael Adams Many thanks to Divine Destiny Recording Company who gave me the opportunity to join them in the debut of their up and coming CD releases. This company encom- passes three youthful groups, (ALFREDA HYMAN AND RENEWED PRAISE; CP/TYME; TAFFYE BENSON CLAYTON WITH THE D&D DANCE TEAM). Reuben Clayton/ President brings eight years of management produc- tion and publishing experience to this new found company. "/ found new opportunities in the Gospel industry." His personal commit- ment to the Lord Jesus Christ then gave way to an inspiration of developing a recording company. Thomas Payton/ Vice-President comes with ten years of experience in the secular music field. "/ managed and promoted several secular groups over the years and now | am very excited being called to Gospel Music." Taffye Benson Clayton, who is also the wife of Reuben Clayton/ President, is a founding partner of Divine Destiny. She was at one time an R&B urban ballad writer, with a working experience of over ten years, traveling from Florida, Alfreda Hyman/ Founding Partner and Director of Divine Destiny. Alfreda has been in this business for a while and she's been in several groups and she has finally found her niche. Her personality and drive make her special! When asked her purpose in starting a recording company, she said, "/ wanted a non-traditional company _ that would keep the artist's endeavors in mind." This comes from her personal experiences, after seeing former artists confused and crushed by the demanding workings of the music industry. Sandra Barret/ Vocalist Extraordinaire. Sandra's first pro- fessional experience was at twelve years old, singing at a graduation ceremony, during the time when the only participants in such a cere- mony were adults and professionals, of said age group. During her pre-teen years, she performed with her high school choir. Her part expeiences includes, (3) Previous live recordings, a Touring of Europe (twice), her vocal talents were featured in a number of plays, she is an actress, cosmotologist and salon owner. She had the opportu- nity of being featured on a national syndicated Gospel program, "Inspiration Across America." It is now a privilege to hear the freedom in her singing. This now brings me to the event itself. Divine Destiny “Show Love” CD Debut Tour. On Saturday, June i Making it against the odds Divine Destiny '99 "Show Love" Tour. By Myra Wooten 19th, the first of two parts of the gospel music, in the form of radio : 1 tour took place at Holy Unity Cathedral, Jamaica, Queens. This fine cathedral, is pastored by, Bishop Richard D. Moore. Accompanying me was Ms. Brenda Rouse, representing WTOW Joy 1320AM of Washington, NC. When we ‘entered the church, we then walked into the sanctuary, took our seats and waited, along with others, for the beginning of the show. The M.C. (Rev. Milton Sutton) took his place. Two of the industries more experienced per- sonnel in bringing new artists and bringing product to the gospel music circuit attended. They were Mr. Gentry McCary of Las Vegas, Nevada, a nationally known gospel industry consultant and Mr. Skip Barrett, Jr, Director of A&R at Myrrh Records, who was instru- mental in signing the likes of, The Thompson Community Singers, Marvin Sapp, Greg O'Quin, and Shirley Ceasar. Antoine and Dion, The D&D Dance Team, performed and concert, this new team of vibrant, energetic, well rehearsed artists, even left me speechless. On @ personal note, if the show wasn't up to parr, it's doubtful that I would have ventured to the following evening's showing at Holy Unity Fountain of Praise, where the Sheperd is, Pastor Dorothy Hyman (Alfreda's mother), a woman with a very warm spirit. The greeting we received at the 11 am service made me comfortable enough to return at 5 pm to view the evening show. This group of artists possess vocal talents that would make each individual a solo artist in their own right. In my estimation, Divine Destiny is well on its’ way to becoming one of the Top Gospel Headliners in the Nation! Brandon Lovett/ Road Manager and William Chadwick, his assistant, engineered the movement of the entourage of Divine Destiny, as if they were long-term professionals. to the Hip Hop, Urban Music of Again | want to take this opportu- "CP/Tyme". "CP/Tyme" consists of nity to say, "Many Thanks to Divine Cheryl, Bridgette, Tresbien and Antonio. "Renewed Praise" con- sists of Alfreda, Taffye, Sandra, Donte, Mark, Jerry and Tanya. In my estimation, the talent of each individual group could have been easily showcased on the likes of a . Stella Awards or Bobby Jones Show and then a show stopper. After my many years of presenting Destiny Recording Company", for giving Brenda Rouse and myself (Representatives of Minority Voice, Inc.) the opportunity to share in "History Being Made". Wwoow Joy 1340 Congratulations Eppes High Alumni Happy Independence Day iS 551-1567 You can Count on Us . . . 24-hours-a-day, in any Kind of Weather! It’s just one reason why Greenville Utilities is Your Local Advantage! VGreenville Utilities 752-5627 Open Monday Friday: 9-5 {> & SAAD RENTALS 1-, 2-, and 3 -. bedroom housing units REAL ESTATE 907 Dickinson Ave., Greenville, NC., (252) 757-3191 Since 1949 Section 8 Accepted Be Bie Mon @ 8 Roe tee your, life: ANSWER "" CANCER if you're 50 or older, see your doctor about a colorectal cancer screening today. You can’t afford not to. If you're 50 or older, get tested today. Early detection is key. When caught early, successful treatment is likely. And you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy diet (5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day). Its up to you. Answer Cancer North Carolina was designed to help you learn more. Just call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-ACS- 2345. Neyer Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control www.cancer.org | ¥ CO EE I ES ; v7 + The Minority Voice: June 17 - July 7, 1999 The Joy Soup Kitchen has been operated from the fellowship hall of York Memorial AME Zion church since its inception in 1995. Their Expanding ministries need the space. Joy, Inc.. is is in the planning fundraising phase of construction of a building to house the Joy Soup kitchen and Day Shelter- a center of hope. In Addition to the services currently offered through the Joy Soup Kitchen, the Day Shelter will allow individuals to attend to personal hygiene needs, launder their clothing, receive communications from perceptive employers, train for existing jobs and receive refer- ral to other community resources that meet their needs. Sponsored By R.R. AVDERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed proposals for Single Prime Bids will be received until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, 1999, at the office of John Chaffee, Director, Pitt County Development Commission, 111 South Washington Street, Greenville, NC 27858, for the interior upfit of the Tenant Area A space in the Eastern Carolina Technology Incubator (Greene Street, Greenville, NC). at which time and place bids will be opened and read. A Pre-bid confer- ence will be held at the site 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 1999, Complete plans and specifications for this project can be ob- tained from EDA-Greenville, 201 West 1st Street, Suite 202, ‘Greenville, North Carolina 27858, (252) 758-3138 @, 758- 0553 Fax, during normal office hours after June 22, 1999, or are available for examination at Construction Market Data Plan Room, 2300 Rexwood Drive, Suite 130, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, Associated General Contractors Plan Room, satellite of- fice, c/o McGee Reprographics, 801 Dickinson Avenue, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, or the ECCC Plan Room, 415 North Queen Street, Kinston, NC Plan Deposit: Seventy-five dollars ($75.00). The Owner reserves the unqualified right to reject any and all Phil Dickerson, PE a of — a Development Pitt Coun neer Cuanae Ng i Signed: re was S74 ee ree | 1 AS de hile | | \11 es HH i i | WN Follow The Yellow Brick Road 1st & 2nd Shifts Available 1412 Old Wilson Road Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27801 (252) 972-0266 AREA MENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR Pitt County Area Mental Health, Development Disabilities & Substance Abuse Program Seeking qualified applicants to provide leadership for a recently restructured community mental health, developmental disabili- ities and substance abuse program. The Area Director reports to a citizens board and manages a $14 million program, including over 200 employees and almost $4 million in contracted services. The program provides a diverse array of services to citizens of Pitt County (pop. 126,263) and, for designated regional programs, citizens of many other eastern North Carolina Counties. Candidates with strong fiscal planning and manage- ment experience are preferred. Salary is negotiable depending} upon qualifications and experience ($70,000 - $80,000). | Closing Date: July 19, 1999, : Must submit NC State application (PD 107) or Pitt County Government application with copies of college transcripts and a list of five references to: Pitt County Human Resources Department Attn: Florida Hardy, Assistant to Search Committee 1717 West 5th Street Greenville, NC 27834 (252) 830-6317 The Minority Voice: June 17 - July 7, 1999 t ore ¢ te @ 3 . 4 . The Well Chapel GOGIC is currently having its annual summer tutorial program which is called $.W.A.V. (pronounced suave) Students with a vision. It is a free program for children of all ages. The program is for all who want to attend, for example, if there is someone in the Hispanic community who wants to come, they can because we have an on sight bilingual coordinator who has experience working with the Spanish speaking community. We are concentrating in 3 areas: Math, Reading, and Language. The workers are volunteer university students and others who have taken out time during their vacation to help our youth. If anyone has any questions, comments, or concerns then please contact Shontel Parker at the Wells Chapel Church number: 752-7155. The program runs Mon. - Thurs. from 12noon until 3:00pm. The tentative ending date is the 3rd week in July. Joy Soup Kitchen & Day Shelter..the Ground Breaking Ceremonies took place at the old location of York Memorial AME Church on Albermarle Ave. Shown above is the Coordinator of the Soup Kitchen Sister Barbra Taft & Greenville City Mayor Nancy Jenkins. Sister Taft & Her sister Dawson esbstablish the soup Kitchen Years Ago at York Memorial to feed the hungry. (PHOTO: Jim Rouse) <=CO% 0" The "King For A Day'...that's the way Brother Raleigh Fuller, Sr., felt when his family honored him on Father's Day. He is shown attending morning worship services at Cornerstone Baptist Church. Joining him are: (L-R) his son, Ryan, Rev. Dorothy Josey-Associate Minister at Cornerstone, and his beloved wife, Rhumel. It's really true, you know, the family that prays { together, stays together. (PHOTO: Jim Rouse) (This Too Will Pass) The 'M" Voice newspaper camera caught up with cast members of this too will pass, the off Broadway play on tour throughout Eastern North Carolina. pictured are cast members & producer Samantha Mc Swain, Tameka Green, Mary Patterson, Dennis White. “Be sure not to miss it !!! (PHOTO: Jim Rouse) ; Happy Father Day. Brother Bobby Thompson is shown with his oldest son Bershawn Thompson who came home from Charlotte NC to his Father an Heat Special Day the "M' Voice camera caught the Father Son Team on there way home to check out the Basketball oe st $4686 8 CHE SSDS MEPL EGAE ERE . . = ee oS Game & Eat some of Mother Thompson down home cooking. (PHOTO: Jim Rouse) NAACP/Washington NC - Vice President Joyce Moore & President William O'Pharo PWOLAMS UNIOQU e Leather Repairs e Cleaning e Weddings, Formal Attire We Put Beauty Within GRACIE L. FLEMING The Reach of All Women Independent Beauty Consultant MIAFeY KAY Pe Teaceth Yours Krist A Gif % All of Your Wedding Needs Alterations & Sew Much More Flower Male No Specie Oa oe nritab's Baloors 4175 N.C. 33 West | 115 ee en Bridal Sone © Wedding Coordination Greenville, NC 27834 OWNER: CATHERINE VISAGE creed) 321-2367 Consultations by Appointment Invitations & Napkins (252) 758-9657 nn Rocky Mount £7802 Phone: (919) 937-6111 AT. & SUN, ULY3 & 4 GATES OPEN 12 NOON BEACH | GASTON, NORTH CAROLINA * OM THE NC/VA, BORDER-OFF |-95 EXIT 176 WEST ENTERTAINMENT GROUP Quality Christian-Inspired Entertainment JUNK YARD BACKYARD Go-Go BAND %:-Ge BAND Signing Only The Best Artist That STRAIGHT OUT OF N.Y. DJ, ADA CRG G > nN has fo (e) = = 0 re anew s@ Ne, ce Smoketree Tower 3100 Smoketree Court, Suite 420 Raleigh, NC 27604 Phone: 919-954-8808 Fax: 919-981-0440 Local: 1-252-757-0232 SPECIAL CELEBRITY GUESTS INVITED! ~ . terre ee tec Semper > ey VENDORS ONSITE + BEVERAGES iv OT I isin it . STYLE DANCERS! Printing — Hair lafinity Page 12 _ = —_ Presents ! ea, Bikers Beware , w,,,, | cafuring 9@ 09 Wane ON val ht > Jam "90" ~~~ S Young Black Powerful -. a .