1901: Laying the Foundation for Reconstructing a Nation Through Congress By: Frank Dexter Brown For people of African descent living in the United States, repre- sentation in the nation’s highest elected legislative body of gov- ernment has long been difficult to achieve. The enslavement of African peoples, of course, lasted long beyond the founding of the federal government and election of the first Congress in 1789. Indeed, over the next seven decades, while much of the na- tional debate and legislation passed in Congress addressed issues tied to African enslave- _ment, African men were not allowed to vote or be elected to office. These rights were not the. Civil War, with Congress’ passage of the Reconstruction Act of 1867, and the Supreme Court’s verification of the Act’s constitu- tionality. Ratification of the 14th and 15th amendments to the constitution, and eventually the passage of the 1875 Civil Rights Act, were other key legislative — actions. At the time, five states---- Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina--- had. alori Bla j ar ag vote in < turn, Blacks being elected in The: Pioneering Era, 1870- guaranteed until after the end of | «Populations, the | arge numbers, and, in the — What You See various capacities of local, state- wide and federal offices. However, these numbers of Black elected officers was dispropor- tionately low for the African population sizes throughout the entire southern region. . Emancipation ? Still, No Guaranteed Rights..... Indeed, though African people had won the right to vote and seek Office, these rights were still largely opposed by whites. Contested electoral victories were the norm, and from the beginning, men of African descent, elected to serve their constituents, con- fronted antagonism inside and outside the halls of Congress. Most were forced to spend a good portion of their legislative time in court defending their rights to hold office, or arguing before other members of Congress. While the “pioneering era “ of African American congressional - representation , that began with the reconstruction period of 1867, led to 23 African men who served from 1870 to 1901, most of these men faced challenges to their being seated. Five of the first twenty were denied their seats, ten others had their terms interrupted or delayed. All faced charges that were at best frivolous and most frequently were fabricated, and oftentimes went unproved (though islators. were still not many from reactionary elements within the GOP, as well as by Democrats. And all were from - the South. James Lewis, John Willis Menard and Pinchney B.S. Pinchback are three examples of the challenges these men experienced. All were elected from Louisiana. All were denied from taking ‘their seats despite that no charges had been made by any person or group in the state of Louisiana. Pinchback, in 1868, would have been the first Black to serve in the Senate; and in 1869, Lewis and Menard would have been the first Blacks to serve in the House. In fact, when Menard on February 27, 1869, defended his credentials, he be- came the first African person to speak in the halls of Congress. Pinchback, who had never been enslaved (would later become known as the first and last Black to serve as governor of a state until Douglas Wilder was elected Virginia’s’ governor some 120 years later), was so impressive a leader that he had been simultane- ously elected to seats in both the House and the Senate. He too was twice certified by his state legislatures. Nevertheless, mem- bers of Congress challenged Pichback’s credentials on the ba- sis of charges of voters fraud. - And his three year fight to be seated was forever doomed. eventually thced hallenges eye +r ee CP HVE Ce 4: | From the "M" Voice Archives L Se seninseansansnannimeasanameaan : . = = Pictured above Chief Justice Henry Frye, Court of Appeals J Get Out The Vote Nov. 7th udge Jim Wynn, Gk Butterfield and Burley Mitchell, caught by our 'M' Voice Camera as they encourage everyone to get out and vote. These great men are living proof your vote makes a difference! Photo by Jim Rouse ance ec panama ese aR RET me's Coy es NOPE Di Bt -at eta heats et ee 4 u ak is photogr will win a free CD ct Pom ve anwet by fay November 3d ith the answer { mie ya 5 Rm a ei Rat a ary } } a tg tie Ro MR a eal ae ae al (os 5 ic at ar et Hh rit i% 4 4 i ga The First Colored Senators And Representatives Female pastors discuss the chal- lenges of leading congregations By RONNETTA S. SLAUGHTER "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." — Philippians 4:13 When people first meet Pastor Vivian Duff, many assume that she is the wife of a minister, not the leader of a congregation. Amidst Sunday sermons, her voice takes a powerful stand against traditional stereotypes which prohibit women preachers. "God doesn’t tell the men to do it all," admitted Pastor Duff, who leads The Anointed Gospel of Truth Ministries. "Women have to receive themselves in Christ and listen to what the Lord is saying about their lives." Over the last 25 years, Pastor Duff has experienced some rejec- tion from fellow ministers and church members. Her ministry defies gender roles that specify how women should assume a more passive position within a religious atmosphere. "(God) doesn’t care whether I’m a man or a woman," she says, noting her desire to please God through helping others. Although the Bible outlines di- verse relationships between men and women, Pastor Duff ac- knowledges that practices ban- ning women in the pulpit still It Has Always Been About The Money — It Has Always Been About the Money By James Clington With many of our “leaders” finally jumping on Booker T. Washington’s and Marcus Garvey’s economic bandwagon, | think back to the movie, “Marathon Man.” The particular scene that comes to mind is the one in which Dustin Hoffman was about to be tortured with dental instruments by Laurence Olivier, who kept repeating, “Is - it safe?” It’s the same question that some of our leaders have been aski for quite some time. Some 3 years after Martin Kin r. was as hyve apparently onswere that La SMe ais. Her congregation ti of 50. members eagerly support her outreach ministry and guidance. Recently she baptized her neph- ews and faced resistance from their Alabama Baptist church which initially refused to honor the ceremony because a woman had performed it. "There is defi- nitely a change taking place. I’ve seen my ministry touch a lot of people’s lives," said Pastor Duff, Suggesting that more women ac- cept their "calling" to the ministry and assume pastoral leadership roles. As Rev, Vashti McKenzie became the first woman bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church four months ago, Black women pastors are steadily in- creasing. African-American women head approximately eight churches in Indianapolis. More than 50 women oversee associate pastoral positions and specialized ministries including prison out- reach, chaplain services and youth programs. In addition, nu- merous Black women are cur- rently attending local seminary schools. . "African-American women have always been at the center of church life, and the substance of the Black church experience," said Rev. Angelique Walker- Smith, executive director of the Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis. By shattering myths about women question with a resoundin “Yes.” It’s finally safe to dea with economic empowerment without offending the establish- ment. . During our “struggle” to gain high-political office and high- level corporate jobs, we felt it was not safe to discuss eco- nomic empowerment because that guided many people towards ' beyond limited stereotypes, and. not holding pastoral positions in. } Baptist churches, Rev. Walker- ° Smith was ordained in 1983 at -- Convent Avenue Baptist Church . | (New York City). She -recom-- mends that Black women and: men work together to. understand > the religious discipline while de- - veloping partnerships among one- another. — "Some churches are embedded in their traditions, and will never->:: accept African-American women in ministerial leadership,” said Rev. Walker-Smith. Women must break through theological barri- ers, she says. eee Dr. Willie Robinson, pastor .of University Community Christian - Church, believes that Black. women have to conquer race, gender and religion issues simul- taneously when pursuing ministe- rial positions. "A blessing is not earned by your gender, but by your deeds,” he says. Black men. must examine their own mission: statements as pastors, and ac- knowledge that egotistical ideas go against Biblical references and - Godly values. . African-American women such as Sojourner Truth clearly laid the foundation for leadership roles | a ee oe eee salvation and confidence. Black women exemplify abilities far such diverse characteristics out- line women ‘succeeding as moth- ers, daughters, wives and ministers. race. : But economic . , ‘ing governments the country over, blatantly Zero tolerance for drivers + 8 : a | | be eit aang eee , dren. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for American children = of all races. While driver ertors like Ssspeeding and running red lights can cause col- Bisions, most children killed in crashes die , afrom another? more lethal form of negli- =gence—six out of 10 of them are completely “unrestrained. Nearly half of these kids would «be alive today if drivers had only taken the atime to properly buckle them up. It’s the law “in every state that children must be restrained. We should be using every means possible to make sure that every child is buckled up. = At the National Organization of Black Law “Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), we are “particularly' concerned about the incteased risk Sondways. Recent ecarc by Yel Bep- ways. t y the John Hor *kins University and the Insurance Instutite for Highway Safety shows that African-American _ gchildren are three times more likely to die in “crashes than other children. Clearly we must Zdo more to protect the youngest members of “our community. & That is why in May, NOBLE actively par- ticipated with law enforcement agencies in all %50 states to conduct Operation ABC Mobiliza- Eevistoeis cain eae” - gare e ring children by neglecting to “buckle them up properly. Drivers who did not “obey child passenger safety laws were - and enforcement action was taker. = We know that these nationwide crackdowns ' % o % F3 iolence! It seems to be the order : of the day. And it seems to be the order of the day within our schools. For all of the news ¥ that’s in the media about vio- Slence in schools, how about the news we "never hear? p ‘aad felis, Thos becvioeds tary ney - - not have administrative talent, but as long as in 1998 played a key role in prompting 19 *, Recent studies have found that a buckled dri- . Ver is three times more likely to buckle up a child. According to a study published in The - than the national average, putting African- _ American children at even greater risk of be- ‘Queries and more queries ‘on violence in our schools : they are well known they are fair game for have leaders, per se, but affairs were gov- way from the notion of individual leaders ___ emed by councils of elders much like primi- and look more toward leadership collabora- _| | tive tribal cultures. This kind of group _tives, simply because individual leadership is | _. iigadership does make perfect sense, because, — showing to be vulnerable to fickle circum- a boat it is possible to bypass individual per- stances. And, now it’s too easy to be “on the _ _ sohalities that are saturated with brainwash- —_ take” for nal gain. ‘ii abilities. ae ~~ ‘Then too, if the leader or head is cut off, | {In modem society, more than often, anyone _the body is left to flop around wildly like a” "with any kind of name recognition is called beheaded chicken. Take a look at us now. pon to be a leader. In fact, whenever two or - On the other hand, if leadership is a col- _ bore people gather for any type of activity, __laborative or collective effort, it is shared, _ ~ isbmebody emerges as a leader. Seemingly, the making sbomge ( yoff) difficult, if not im- chosen few choose themselves. This is espe- possible. We. d, under close scrutiny, _. Cially true of Black leaders in America today. —_that other groups, unlike African Americans, _. With close examination, it is evident that the don’t put disproportionate weights on the gnes who have emerged as leaders arethe _ shoulders of their leaders. We also find that ones who have decided that they want to African Americans seem to always look for _ lead. They feel that they have jes that the Black leadership that has the White stamp | - @an help the Black community navigate. of approval on it. When we know anything, _.- through the waters of bigotry and oppression we have our leaders, whether to include the ~ here. Or, they have the charisma to mesmerize Black community’s interest or whether to the masses, having the wherewithal to lead _—maaintain the status quo, which is almost al- them where they want them to go. Moreover, waysthecase. = enmasse, they can take them to their leaders. What we conclude, folks, is this. Freedom Tijefe are (those out of media lights) and have _is an individual thing, and, we know now that been some like Malcolm X and the late Dr. it is he whom the Son sets free... Martin Luther King Jr. who have been excep- Now is the time for us to realize that we’re tigns—ready to go down for the real cause! all leaders; that we are all responsible for our But, with a little more examination, we own destinies, which are determined by our fidd that what often passes for leadership in _ characters and whatever love is shed abroad America is actually a “cult of personality.” in our hearts. Moreover, the collective destiny Possibly, this is why athletes, rock stars, of a people is determined by collective char- wtestlers and other entertainers are now lead- acter working together—in love—for the common good of all humankind. million more Americans to buckle up — the largest, single-year increase in seat-belt use in eight years. It is estimated that this increase will result in 1,500 lives saved each year... Nothing is more devastating to an officer than breaking the news to parents that their child has been killed or critically injured. And, knowing that enforcement not only works but will spare families a lifetime of pain and re- gret, we must declare zero tolerance for dri- vers with unbuckled children. Our officers will also be stepping up en- forcement on adult seat-belt laws, because it’s a proven fact that most adults who don’t buckle up themselves, don’t buckle up kids. Journal of Public Health, African-American seat belt use is 10 percent to 12 percent lower ing unbuckled. We can no longer tolerate so many pre- ventable tragedies — hurt and despairing fam- ilies. We must stop drivers who don’t buckle up kids. Our children’s lives depend on it. _ (Guest editorial by Robert L. Stewart, exec- utive director, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.) ‘What role does the entertainment industry play? Do ee Att right pry our i youth violence that is some- ane caine le? How about the vio- lence in video games? Where does the re- Se youngair who pk wp peas tad toe or w up guns others, either fellow classmates or family members? It’s about time that parents, relatives, edu- , businessmen and businesswomen, Actually, “COMMENTS ~ nobody really i A 4k aan: Wehner Dictlonaey mpage "Winesty = | said of one of my opinions. I share my: | ] people, yet White racists are not the only: | enemy we have. I focus on any and every | fault-line in America’s social structure, qualifies to be President by Sheldon Richman he chief argument of the Democ- rats against George W. Bush is that he’s not qualified to be president. They’re right. He’s not qualified. But, neither is Al Gore. Nor Dick Cheney. Nor Joseph Lieberman. 0 No one is qualified to be president. NO NE! This is not a statement born of cynicism. It’s cold fact. How could anyone be qualified to direct a $2-trillion-a-year behemoth — also known as the federal government — designed to micro manage the lives of every individual in the U.S. and quite a few overseas as well? The president of the U.S. is expected to “steer” the economy, but this grossly miscon- ceives what an economy is. It’s not a ship. “The economy” is a figure of speech. In reali- -| ty it’s just a bunch of people engaging in pro- duction and trade. “Steering” the economy translates into telling people what to do. Aside from the moral issue involved (telling then what to,do violates their freedom), no ones knows enough to intelligently direct 265 mil- ‘lion people’s activities. = Perhaps some think the term “cental plan- "ner" doesn’t apply to the U.S. land of free en- iecade Well, what, was the case. agai crosoft if not an attempt to centrally p computer software industry? The government decreed that web browsers must not be inte- grated into operating systems. Anti-trust chief Joel Klein, bureaucrat, said so. Or, how about his decision that MCI Worldcom could not merge with Sprint, because a combined com- pany would not conform to his vision of the long-distance industry? [he president hires the attorney gener- al, who hires the antitrust chief. These are just two examples of how the president and his men design to plan-“the econo- my”— our lives. The alphabet agencies staffed by the pres- ident—EPA, OSHA, FDA, FTC, ad nause- um—exit to enable social engineers to carry Out their visions of our futures. Thanks, but I have plans of my own, just as everyone else does. Gore and President Clinton feverishly take credit for the last several years of economic growth. They’d have us believe that their big 1993 tax increase and similar measures are re- sponsible for all the good things we see in the private sector. Clinton and Gore assumed of- fice several months after a mild recession had ended. The budget was deeply in deficit — not because tax cuts reduced revenues in the 1980s (that myth dies hard), but, because the government spent well over a buck for every buck that taxpayers were forced to pony up. The Clinton-Gore theory is that by showing “fiscal restraint” and attacking the deficit, the administration reassured the ial commu- nity, bringing down interest rates and stimu- lating economic growth. Nice fantasy. Clinton showed no interest in killing the deficit before the Democrats lost control of the Congress in 1995, and then he dragged his feet. He never advocated fiscal restraint — read his State of the Union addresses. Non-military spending has grown dramatically. As the Cato Institute points out, the Repub- licans were accomplices: the 106th Congress is the biggest spending Congress since the Jimmy Carter—Tip O’Neil years. So what accounts for the prosperity? Tech- nological innovation made possible by people like Bill Gates and te innovation made possible. by people like Michael Milken do. ~ Their accomplishments unleased by produc-.. tive efforts of millions of people, which in turnfigoded the goverment coffers with sur- pluegeven ¢ is at arecord. take credit for anything. i's for-cutting the capital gains tax in 1997. Far from deservitig credit for the prosperity, the Clinton bureaucrats still maintain impedi- ments to productive activity. The President can’t bear the idea of a tax cut that doesn’t compel people to act in prescribed ways, and he’s pushing myriad new spending programs. ig weet ~ Gore holds the same philosophy, motivated as he is by his messianic environmentalism and disdain. for industry. Would George W. Bush be much different? Does “prosperity with a purpose” sound like a call for economic free- dom to you? Presidents can do a million things to screw up an economy, but they can do only one thing if they want general prosperity: Leave it alone! Now that’s what they’re qualified to do. (Richman is senior fellow at The Future of Freedom Foundation in Fairfax, Va., and edi- tor of Ideas on Liberty magazine.) | weak to the truth and t | reer dreams, I know that time has come “| Lynching” it says the “race-hater is in- by Rev, Gregory C, Guice $ we continue this school year, I would like to offer a special message to our children, par- ents and educators. The ility of educat- ing our children is not limited to just one in- stitution nor to a select few. We equally share amy pe nd fry ene who provide that child’s well-being. The special message for the educational system is one that wers us to cultivate ‘and develop our and to improve in adh pr Mate ter ry vt onde cee memati a Y, first must embrace our children with love and guidance to structure for them a safe and moral environment that will provide for them Some special messages for very special people ate an institution of learning that demands the best from its teachers, staff:and chil- dren—an institution that sees the school in partnership with the home. To those of us within the community, in- cluding businessmen, and politi- cians, We must unde that it does take an entire village to raise a child, Know that Finally, to the children: Your task is the one that cannot be overlooked, for no mat- ter what others may or may not do, you must still achieve, you must have the deter- aera entne you hope to have the determination to Seating according to The New Mart | trata bedded Sot § emotions about the sufferings of Black. oP ee ee ee including the shortcomings of Blacks. ' If I’m scathing I hope you would un- derstand my motives, rather than hope I go away. That’s what racists want of ._ | ‘every Black man and woman who speak: against their racist procrana- We're y know it. Lies . that sound good are believable to us, and... this must be stopped by us. - — Scathing? You bet! Black men being _ intimidated by-White cops using their | badges as leverages of intimidation. A ° young daughter of a friend being told by the White girl to, “Shut up. I ought to slap you,” for answering a question in °~ class. Inherited racism. A campus cop - tells her that this was not a threat. The ° White male teacher tells her he didn’t: ‘want her in his class because she was a‘. troublemaker. Reinforcements of young. racists. Then she is told that she had been deprived of a scholarship being a 4.0 student. This is Memphis State in the year 2000. . , I feel scathing because we didn’t fight | hard enough the battle, to prevent our —_- -young Black students from having to en-- dure ‘historic’ anguish. Reparations for slavery is due, but my feelings call for the end to depravation. Because we’ve been and still are being’ blocked by racism from opportunity ad- vantages, billions of dollars in income are, being taken away from Black folks. Thousands of Black doctors, lawyers, - : ' CEOs, et al we don’t and won’t have. ©‘ ; Now our children are being targeted ‘ putting our future in jeopardy. And we sit back while the racists find it sporting to~ stand in their way. Yes indeed I feel scathing! When I think of the frustrations we _ vent on each other because of failed ca- Vo de oY for us to stop contributing to our own. demise. Scathing yes, but it’s not my in. + tent. In the foreward of “100 Years of _.. L wardly a man who hates himself.” And that “he finds it necessary to shift to oth- ers his own unconscious feelings of + guilt.” This same principle applies to us educated, sophisticated, misled, pro- grammed intellectuals. We immulate the racist’s criteria for success (and seperation). Over the last five years I’ve tried to interest Black folks in saving W.C. Handy’s legacy. I hit < deaf ears, or “nothing we can do,” or total « complacency. That man should be immor- < ‘talized among all Memphians. Melrose 2 stadium should be a shrine to him erected “ by Black folks, because of his support and yearly half-time interludes (standin on a wooden box on the center of the 5 yardline), at the annual Blues Bowl Game. The last two years he got up from his sicks bed to do so. Now my perdiction = has come true that the statue of WC. 4 Handy would be taken off Beale Street. < _ While it is still “Handy Park, it’s be- hind a wall. Contrary to the promise by = “good White folks,” W.C. Handy’s house = vate E484. 72H 4 HOES, ” - oo te * 7 Psd | is behind’a tall fence. It protects abad- = minton net for “good White folks.” Soon = we Black folks will get our wish for White folks to stop using “our” Beale Street to get rich — when it becomes ‘Elvis Presley Way.’ And the statue of _ Elvis will be the one visible. we RAH E, a =) Scathing? Yes! We’re still chasing the =. “old” American Dream; still looking for a = piece of some imaginary pie. It is well = past time for us to re-think and make = relavent changes in our priorities. Net- = working is a novel idea we can do. Net- “ working will bring us to unity as individ- « uals and groups. ~ In parting I quote a friend who said = he'd rather say “I is rich” rather “Iam = > poor.” Rich in culture, Rich is pride. And * tich in the pocketbook. And once we stop inviting the downtown politicos to things = we do, we can say with unity, pride, and “ without fear — “Free at last.” * T.R. Lawscha Sr, © Memphis ~ $,%,? % e+? TAGES Ee As eee ee Si Cae Violated the real need of a broken down to the bare essentials of life reject it, because there is not higher honor than to stand in “political infighting and social So let's stop this silly business upheaval-—-that is a world of of sitting in judgement upon the | illusion. Though we usually call insights of the Lord Jesus Christ. — | it” the real world” , it is facade ide In this world, we are continually | that is destined to fade away. confronted with the choice of | What God calls reality is some- whether to accept the flimsy, _ thing that exists beyond the flimsy fallible, "authority" of mere hu- _} walls of this world, and it is far man beings of the certain, unfail- — BP cee ‘ more teal and lasting than our ing, clear Word of the Lord Jesus ee eee so-called "the real world." Our Christ. But as Christians, as THE FORCES WE FACE __ eyes and minds are constantly people who bear the name of L . . _ deceived by the distorted perspec- Christ; we must continually re- Samfon 7 . . tives, twisted beliefs, false values, duce every argument to this _ Birmingham, Alabama, describes God is not interested in Religion, and temporary programs of this simple consideration: "Am.I to the tactics Kunstler offered to the but He is tremendously interested dying world. accept this person's word--or the Chicago Seven, the American in life. You cannot read the New ne Word of Christ? If this person's Indian Movement, Malcolm X , Testament without realizing that But when we come to the Bible, word. agrees with what the Lord Martin Luther King, and Jack the Lord Jesus did not hesitate to we learn the truth. Here reality is says, then fine, it is truth. But if | Ruby, and paints a large sympa- break the Sabbath regulations of laid before us, and we see the this person's word does not agree thetic portrait of a keen and anggy His day when those regulations _ world as it really is. When we get with God's word, then I must man who believed there was no human being for healing. God is and strip off all the confusing authority greater than that of God. _ righteous contempt of court. not nearly so interested in stained- illusions, we find that life is | glass windows, hanging chande- exactly what the Bible records it From: Spiritual Warfare by Reviewed by Ford Burkhart liers, purple carpet, organ music, to be. Stedman. . congregational hymns, or pastoral . Community Leader, . en prayers as He is in producin We may not want to hear what William M. Kunstler: The Most awinte 5 nt F “Rr Pe Re SIMPNST? TERS LENIN GY 5 love-filled — homes, generous the Bible has to say to us. We Hated Lawyer in America Note :William Kunstler came to Pictured is Rock Brown and his lovely wife, for years Mt hearts., and brave men and may think the Bible's diagnosis of by David Langum oa | nity Ke women who can live godly lives our condition is too harsh, or its Calin Acerca Os ory Fastet for young entrepreneurs to continue his legacy. in the midst of a dark and evil prescription for our healing is too William-M. Kunstler (1919-1995) during the Jo Anne (Joan) Litthe- fe a ees eae wba? lett Photo by world. His goal for our lives is difficult---but if we reject its truth, brought to the courtroom.an elo- murder trial. Attorney Paul was. Me Penge cailor! what we be people of undefiled we only succeed in deceiving quent, sweeping contempt for representing Miss Little, a young: North Carolina during the 1960s at_ Brown has been a pillar in the community leading the way minds and undefiled hearts, living ourselves. We would prefer to racist laws, judges, prisons, cor- black woman _ on trial for the. . . an Sw ; F ice-pick murder of a white jailer and projecting His truth and His "cherry-pick" God's truth---to porations while she was incarcerated in the character in a sin-ridden world. highlight the verses we like and whatever he saw as a source or Beaufort County jail. edit out the verses that expose our injustice. He was a 1960's radical, | am deeply convinced that we sins and failures. But it is not up David Langum argues, almost Submitted by: Suejette A. Jones can only understand life when we to pass judgment on God's word. from the day in 1961 when he saw Open Monda Since 1949 s*" SAAD RENTALS 1-, 2-, and 3- bedroom housing units REAL ESTATE. Section 907 Dickinson Ave., Greenville, NC, (252).757-3191...g a F 4 A j ‘ Rep. Eva Clayton Henry Frye _ Rep. M | us Congress " NCS first African- me pee . Ist District American Supreme St aS a th District § . Ralph Campbell Court Chief Justice : we | ‘ ‘ NCS only African- NC Court of Appea American Council of only African-American State member judge oo Vote the straight ticket. Check once for Al Gore, 1 and again for the other Democrats. _ Avoid the lines, bad weather and exctuses—vote early at your local board of elections Oct. 16 thru Nov. 3. When our community votes, America wins. When our people vote, our children win. OTE STRAIGHT DEMOCRA Paid for by the North Carolina Democratic Party: Not Authorized by Any Candidate. # ca —_ IC! _—— = lett lied aed eed aiedid-diedi- aiid a-d-ae-ad -* A : 1 ‘. ~ @ur Next County Commissioner, Randy B. Royal ! : ie ders "Election Day Nov. 7th~| early vote and election day, November 7th 2000 ed is Bishop Randy Royal and Christopher Taylor, both strong ; in the community. Bishop Royal is running for County - @ommissioner, and encourages everyone to get out and vote during Photo by Jim Rouse SwWomen s Conference - Theme "Woman of God With Favour” October 30th - Nightly 7:30-PM Workshops begin each night at 6:30 PM and will presented by November Sth ¥ Prophetess Marilyn Govender Registration will be $15.00 for the week : or $4.00 per night. 3 Registration Deadline will be October 27th i Tabernacle Center Church of Deliverance ‘ 1300 Dickinson Ave. i Greenville, NC 27835 : 259-759-8471 * ie Re ig ‘ ADAM CLAYTON POWELL, JR. (D-NY): Ushering in the Coming of Black Political Power” (145-67; 69-71 ). Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., in 22 years in the House, grew to be the most powerful African Ajnerican legislator ever( and one of the most powerful ever of any ethnicity), and possibly the most powerful Black in the US at the time. In 1961, Powell took over as chair of the very powerful Education and Labor committee. From this post, he oversaw the passing of more than 60 pieces of egislation (most by any person of Afican descent) as he chaired the Ommittee during the major strug- s for Civil Rights. In fact, over ven years only two bills re- Dred from his committee were feated. Powell was thereby ponsible for ushering in the jost vital legislation beneficial to ican Americans since recon- truction. . ‘| Powell had come to Congress after years of activism ‘from his arlem NY base, where he minis- fred from the pulpit of the @entury-old Abyssinian Baptist ae ihurch. It was from Abyssinain Pe - eh father had built into : largest congregations in ¢ US, and from his position on New York City Council and as lisher and editor of CLAYTON POWELL “race man “ who supported his people in the face of US racism and class warfare, but that he also was a fighter for Pan Afrianism, and against imperialism, and sup- ported the rights of oppressed people of color globally. He attended the 1955 Bandung con- ference of African and Asian The Minority Voice| By Sonya Ross Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON — Despite an outpouring of help after Hurricane Floyd, devastated Princeville Still must correct “long-standing deficiencies” in order to draw tourism and investment that are key to the town’s survival, a federal report concluded Monday. President Clinton recently received the final report of the commission he created in March to find how to help Princeville, which was - established by former slaves more than a century ago, and destroyed by floods when Floyd struck last year. . The council said Princeville immediately needs a better dike and drainage system, to stave off flooding, and housing that is sturdier in the face of natural disasters. Over the long term, the town needs “the capability to create and promote tourism” and attracts related industries. “This is the final report, but it’s not the end of the line,” said Council Chairwoman Sally Katzen. “We are going to continue working to fulfill the expectations that are generated by this report.” _ Katzen presented the report at the White House along with Princeville Mayor Delia Perkins and Rep. Eva Clayton, D-N.C. “More people know about Princeville today than ever knew before,” Clayton said. “So, in some ways, the suffering had some redeeming" grace in that they are now poised to build back better than they were before.” Perkins said offers of help are pouring in from around the country, and the town would be in a better position to make use of the offers if it had better infrastructure. “Life in Princeville is much better now,” Perkins said. “We are rebuilding, we are getting our citizens back in town. We are just totally grateful for all the help.” Princeville is considered the oldest U.S. town chartered by Blacks. It was chartered in 1885 but was established as Freedom Hill at the end of the Civil War by former slaves who settled alongside the Tar River under the protection of Union troops. In Sept. 1999, a rain-swollen Tar River practically absorbed Princeville and neighboring towns, killing 51 people. Clinton toured the area and pledged to help the town rebuild; the recovery has been steady, but slow. ,.Postal Service to establish a Princeville zip’code, stamp and post office in the new town hall. The council swggested three phases of recovery: Returning the town to its pre-flood — condition, implementing “an enhanced program that would correct long-standing deficiencies in services and infrastructure” ‘and initiatives that would bring economic opportunities to the town of 2,100. Other elements of the recovery plan included: * Federal Highway Admini- stration assistance with plans to establish a Princeville Heritage Trail, which would include a R . park and restoration of the old town hall. The °} administration would also look into funneling fiscal year 2000 state highway funds to North Carolina for use in Princeville. * A $1 million pledge from the Sara Lee Foundation to create a job training center that would also house a Boys & Girls Club and a child care facility. * A new QVC home shopping channel distribution center near Princeville that has created 380 jobs and will eventually employ about 900 people. ; * Efforts between town officials and the U.S. 5 a 2. | PRESIDENT CLINTON POSES with, from left, James Lee Wit, administrator of FEMA; Congresswoman Eva Clayton; Sally Katzen,” | deputy director of management, OMB and Delia Perkins, mayor of Princeville N.C. and members of a committee established to solicit | federal aid with flood recovery in Princeville, NC. This is one of the oldest towns in the United States chartered by African Americans, — Study says hurricane-devastated town heeds infrastructure, jobs Newspaper, Inc. 405 Evans Street P.O. Box 8361 Greenville, NC 27834 Phone:(252) 757-0365 Fax: (252) 757-1793 Joy 1340AM WOOW Radio Station Greenville, NC 27834 Joy 1320 AM WTOW Radio Station Washington, NC 27889 The Minority Voice Newspaper assumes no responsibility for the tun of aoe ron ts or ot S. ographs and manu- stooges the faea of The 'M' Voice lewspaper Address your complaints to: Mr. Jim Rouse,Publisher 405 Evans Street Marian McLawhorn is proud of her role in the NC House of Representatives 1999-2000 accomplishments: + For two consecutive years, House and Senate approved state budget before July Ist, the start of the new fiscal year + Raised teacher pay to national average + Gave state employees o 4.2% raise and a $500 bonus + Expanded the Smart Start program + Passed school violence/discipline control measures * Increased funding for community colleges + Passed Clean Air and Clean Water legislation + Appropriated $120 million to rebuild state's ‘Rainy Day” fund following Hurricane Floyd flood relief efforts + Appropriated $30 million for Clean Water Trust Fund + Appropriated $1.5 million to support East Carolina University's transition to a Doctoral/Research institution + Supports Community College and University Facilities Bond Referendum + Appropriated $100 million for repairs/renovations of state buildings + Refunded $240 million in intangible taxes Representative Marian McLawhorn "She's Working for All of Us" * Mayor, Town of Grifton, 1997-1998 ¢ Commissioner, Town of Grifton, 1992-1997 + 1999 NC Business and Professional Career Woman of the Year + Married 35 years to Richard McLawhorn; 4 children; 3 grandchildren * B.S. in Business Administration, East Carolina University + Master in Library Science, East Carolina University Vote to re-elect Marian McLawhorn Tuesday, November 7th. norn ai A A li IO AE An, Te ie My HP BP 9B HE GH he nations (later to become known as the Non Aligned Movement), which was a ground breaking meeting bringing together pro- gressiveness peoples and people of color from newly independent states, along with representatives from various national liberation movements. As such, he sup- ported African — independence struggles in Ghana, Kenya, Algeria, South Africa, etc. Needless to say, Powell, like the early trailblazers, DePriest, and others since, was targeted by his opponents and eventually forced from his congressional seat. Still, his congressional record, and feistness in the face of entrenched racists, served as the ect transition into next stage of Black congressional representation: the founding of the Congressional Black Caucus, a iclaamn As J. Wyatt Mondesire, in his biography of Powell, High Priest of Harlem, wrote: “ He was Greenville, NC 27834 * AND didn't raise toxes! ” Me - HOUSE \__ Paid for by the Committee to Re-elect Marian Mclawhorn Visit my website: www.McLawhornNCHouse.org J Experience Education: Graduated from Chicod High School Attended NC State University Attended Pitt Community College Occupation: Agri Business Church: Commissioned Lay Preacher in Presbyterian Church Member of Hollywood Presbyterian Church Organizations/Offices Held: Served Board Hospital, 1973-82 Served Board of Trustees Pitt 1984-1992 Past Master of Greenville Lodge #284 Currently serving on Pitt County Board of Education, District : : | Public Safety-Police, Rescue, Fire, & Sheriff Dept. Issues: of Trustees, Pitt County Memorial Pitt Community College, * Educational Funding with Accountability & ~ Commissioner Vote Ephraigm Smith Seat B =< ree eS ESOS OSES EEE A ET FSSC CSET SE FOSS OP OE OS 8 eee eee ee Sennen 2" a RRB TE Me ae ~~ “Pe bee = of getting myself and my im | proud say, I now have. a ful granddaughter, 1 year old Destiny Ken’ asia; so less to say we will also be sampling more family friendly foods and restaurants. Without further ado, let’s. get back on track. First the rating system. ‘foot in it, all you can eat cooking, this is not just any restaurant. “ buffet. is surely temptation, it beckons you and cries out to you...”Eat me!” “Tell your friends about me!!”. “Come Back!!!” . . : With such appetizing delicassies to toe os : 4 operated | nt, ‘cate poe ‘by Bobby & Emestine nas. / Price-Buflet 6.99 0 1 meat, 2 vegetables 5.99 This restaurant is rated | 1 en | | | | - for excellence. 3 ‘Bye for now. The Invisible Food Editor Pit Community College Plans for Change PITT COMMUNITY COLLEGE SIFE TEAM ANNOUNCES PLANS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON OCTOBER 28 . Students in Free Enterprise Join Almost 2 Million Volunteers Nationwide As Make A Difference Day participants, the Pitt Community College SIFE Team is joining almost 2 million Americans in thousands of communities across the country who will spend Saturday, October 28-the tenth annual Make A Difference Day- involved in volunteer projects. Make A Difference Day is the largest national day of doing good. In addition, SIFE is extending its efforts throughout the week of October 22-28 for “SIFE Make a Difference Week”. The Pitt Community College SIFE Team will share information with local citizens concerning the up- coming higher education bond referendum at the Wal-Mart store in Greenville from 8:00-1:00 pm by passing out flyers and stickers. “It is important that citizens know that the future of our economy depends on passing these bonds so we can continue to educate our students and attract companies that pay top wages”, said Freer, SIFE Team Advisor. Students in Free Enterprise is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with business and higher education to help college students take what they’re learn- ing in the classroom and apply it to real-life situations. For further information contact Leatrice Freer 252-321-4395. The Issac Jacob Center THE ISSAC JACOB CENTER After three years of planning and lots of hard work, we are pleased to announce the construction of the 5,000 square feet Issac Jacob Center i is complete and the doors Have opened to serve the needs of the greater _—Pitt County Community. The facility is named in honor of the visionary leader-who led his congregation in building a rural Center for the purpose of providing Christian based training and practical assis- tance to disenchanted youth, fail- ing families, and indigent populations of this community. On Saturday November 11, 2000, the Holy Temple Church will hold open house and dedicatory cere- mony for the Isaac Jacob Center. The open house will begin at 5PM and the dedicatory ceremony will begin promptly at 6: 00 PM. The - Issac Jacob Center is a Christian Training and Youth Outreach Center and is located at 1587 Briley Road, Greenville, North Carolina. Contributions should be made to Holy Temple Church in support of the Center. All contributions whether cash or in-kind will be used exclusively to support the Center. If Additional information is needed’ lease feel free to contact Elder 'ssac J, Robinson at 252-830-9285. Phy (919) 838-1314" “Fax: (919) 838-1316 Paid for by the Conieines to E ACCOUNTABILITY. RELIABILITY. INTEGRITY. Ralph Campbell The following organizations have lent their endorsement to Ralph Camphell: NC Association a Educators NC AFLCIO for Women (NC) “NC Police Benevolent Association ; Ss. a ig Treasurer, J. Mills Holloway Great Pioneers, ee Shown above is ei Eaton and his a louely fe: Mr Eon k isa 1 mnernber of Mount Hermon Lodge, and has ei many doors for in Foe in Greenville. The "M" voice sal Red Eaton nand other fathers who have ane he odes for shee generation... ape we vote for Chief Justice “Chief sustice”” Henry Frye @ The nonpartisan business group NCFREE says Henry Frye has the fairest and most balanced record on the court: @ Governor Hunt appointed him saying no one is more honest or has more integrity UW Aformer Federal Prosecutor . Ca 17 years experience on the Supreme Court @ The first African American ever to serve as Chief Justice of the NC Supreme Court Why should Fairness, Experience, Leadership | That's why we need to Keep Henry Frye aS Our Chief Justice + eric ex, The poverty rate of Blacks in — ES his home state of South ©. < Carolina is among the highest. | im the nation, and it's been aa Ft ee. a AA th ee ; that | way for decades. ‘Growing up in the state, Conroy correctly associated * poverty with Blacks. If any- ‘thing his quip could have | easily been taken as an effort to call public attention to the appalling poverty of Southern Blacks. | Three Black students didn't : see it that way. They promptly _ marched to the stage, com- -mandeered the microphone, - and demanded an apology. | Conroy is a thoughtful com- “mentator on poverty and ra- cial oppression and had fully backed the NAACP's cam- paign for the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina statehouse. ~ Yet he was a White man who ab Se See had committed the unpardon- able sin of speaking honestly on the hypersensitive issues - of race and poverty. - When Conroy did his mea ‘. culpa and apologized for the - commentator ~ Jimmy - Greek, and Dodger executive ‘ remark, he joined the ranks of White notables Cincinnati _ owner Marge Schott, Sports the Al Campanis victimized by :- their mouths. The difference, however, is that these three : uttered racist epithets or made remarks that pandered to the most vile racist stereotypes about Blacks. The colossal . danger in lumping an inno- cent such as Conroy in with bigots is that it deepens racial ~~ resentments and heightens Conroy spoke — "N" word is a near textbook case of this. When White comedians, politicians, talk — show hosts, and even educa- tors have slipped and used the ‘word, there were firestorms of protest. They are instantly branded bigots. They quickly apologize . and solemnly swear never to do it again. Yet Black rappers, comedians and writers have made a virtual fetish out of using the word, and there are no angry outcries from other Blacks. Some Black writers even go through tortuous gyrations to justify using the word. They claim that the more a Black person uses the word, the less offensive it becomes. They claim that they are cleansing the word of its negative connotations so that racists can no longer use it to hurt Blacks. | Comedian-turned- activist Dick Gregory had the same idea some years ago when he titled his autobiogra- phy, "Nigger." Black writer, Robert. DeCoy also tried to apply the same racial shock ° therapy to Whites when he titled his novel, "The Nigger Bible." Many Blacks say they use the word endearingly or affec- tionately. They say to each other, "You're my nigger if you don't get no bigger.” Or, "that nigger sure is some- thing.” Others use it in anger or disdain, "Nigger, you sure got an attitude.” Still, others are defiant. They say they don't care what a White person calls them, words can't harm them. Comedian Russell Simmons went to the outer limits of racial self- flagellation when he said: Mississippi to the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, is ~~ A p part of an on-going | trated assault on Blacks. The | racial paranoia theory ttos were flooded with drugs, alcohol, gangs and guns. During 1980s, AIDS was imported in. The "White establishment" wanted to stop Blacks from developing unity, strong po- litical organizations and pro- grams to counter oppression. The plot was to get Blacks to self-destruct. There is no evidence that any of this is true. However, a long parade of Black politicians, ministers and sports icons know the drill well. Whenever they are accused of or nailed for sexual hijinks, bribery, cor- ruption, drug dealing, and even murder they reflexively shout that they are victims of a racist conspiracy. It's a well-worn ploy but it's a sure fire crowd pleaser because many Blacks are conditioned to belief that anything Whites do or say is evil and mali- cious. The problem is that the victims of the misdeeds of Black miscreants are almost always other Blacks. The well intentioned, but naive Conroy was the latest to get whacked hard by racial cor- rectness. And as long as many Blacks see racists un- der every bed sheet he won't be the last. Earl Ofari Hutchinson is the author of "The Disappearance of Black Leadership." E-Mail him at ehutchi344@aol.com. like this. Following the urban — “uprisings of the 1960's, the Aaverie With The Voie Nevpaer 3 ad Knowledge LANGSTON HUGHES Having A Great Time ! ee cae ne Oe . Shown having a great time at the 18th Annual Gospel Labor Day Family Reunion is Tommy Ellison lead singer of the Five Singing Stars, WTOW' Ervin Chessom, and Promoter Jim Rouse who pulled all the groups together for this special day. Photo by Abdul Rouse _ Come One, Come All tO. Pitt County Schools | all Parent Conference Day Grades K-8 October 30, 2000 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Optional teacher workday for Grades 9-12) AVIVA VA) Grades 9-12 October 31, 2000 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Optional teacher workday for Grades K-8) Your Jocal school will be scheduling parent conferences to discuss your child’s progress. Please make plans to attend. For further information or to schedule an appointment, contact your local school. North Carolina Aframerican Theatre Co Choreographed dramatization of the works of Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes with songs, music, and dance Date: 10/28/00 Time: 7:00 PM Wright Auditorium East Carolina University (NC-ACT) Ticket Prices: Public (Advance) Student/Youth eT Public (Door) $12.00 $15.00 SP 60 ae eae cere Biography ~History degree from St. Lawrence University. Graduated Phi Beta Kappa. ~Law Faculty Scholar, Wake Forest University. ~1992: Clerk at the Court of Appeals in Raleigh, N.C. ~1993 to present: Attorney at the Public Defender's Office in Greenville, N.C. ~Married to Colette Antinore, registered nurse at the Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Jim believes that a judge should... ~protect society from violent criminals. ~be impartial. . ~follow the law. — . ee Information ~try to do the right thing in every case. intact: antral Ti ice ; : Mendeshell erodes Center ~treat old le with respect. Greenville, North Carolina ~provi i i i osetia Meth Careline, provide a good working environment in the 1-800-ECU-ARTS courtroom. 252-328-4736 (voice/TTY) ~use available resources wisely. " Jim is one of the best trial lawyers in the county and possesses superior skills in the area of legal research and writing. He has the ability, the integrity — and temperament to be an outstanding judge." Robert Shoffher Jr. : Public Defender, District 3A " Now is your chance to return some pride to Pitt County, I urge you to consider Jim Antinore's qualifications and elect him as Superior Court Judge. He will serve Pitt County fairly, honestly and | impartially, It is time for a change. Be part of a better day for Pitt County and vote Nov. 7." | ‘Sandra Gaskins Retired Clerk, Superior Court Paid for by the Jim Antinore Committee NEVER DIE EASY, AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF WALTER PAYTON by: ¢ Walter Payton with Don Yaeger Walter Payton, called “Sweetness,” the most prolific _ tanning back in the history of the National Football League, the star of the Chicago Bears’ only Super Bowl Championship, eleven times voted the most popular sports figure in Chicago’s history. Some excerpts: Regardless of how much money one has or how famous one was, without good health none of it mattered. Look at the time we waste doing trivial things. Spend quality time with family and good friends. Children, think through the conse- quences of your actions. desires. I talked with my Mom about ~ things I wasn’t sure of Sometimes you need to go through tough times to prove you’re a tough person Walter never complained He led by example In the midst of adversity, he’s still shine . Set your goals impossibly high Work hard. _ He was humble and humorous, loved and grateful. Nothing lasts forever--nothing-- retirement Leave while. you're on top. Enjoy what you do, have fun, enjoy people around you. He despised people who com- plained, He played football for the love of the game, not the money. He loved laughter and music and cars. He was well-loved and respected in the business world and he thrived on helping people. Too many of us take but never give. Football made me wealthy man. He was a role model. Fame is what you have taken, character is what you give. Jarrett was the first son to introduce his Dad for induction to the Hall of Fame. Jarrett was 12 years old. My wife and family were the most important people in my life. My children brought me lost of joy. He adored his children. Please spend time with your children, sit down, one on one, It’s what you do with the ability and talk with your children. you have. From the day you’re born, your METOR Expo 2000 Vending Still Available! Call (252) 757-0365 Aer es». ee : os Rig.) of on te GREENVILLE Tel (252) 439-5421 Vox (252) 527-2521 Fax (252) 439-5422 home (252) 527-1633 Elton "John" Harper Floor Manager The People's Lawyer. The People's Judge. * Member, Pitt County Law Enforcement Officers Association * Current Chief Assistant District Attorney * Assistant District Attorney since 1992 Assistan J * Attends Covenant United Methodist Church , NC Victim's Assistant's Network mon * Member, ECU Pirate Club * Member, Pitt County Domestic Violence Network * Member, Democratic Party * Member, Weed and Seed Initiative Steering Committee * Juris Doctor, Wake Forest University School of Law * B.S., East Carolina University * Married to Ann Chambo Perry and expecting their first child in November Tough ¢ Fair *¢ Honest Elect Glenn Perry District Court Judge November 7th www.electperry.com Glenn Perry District lite ludge a? rm _. Paid for by the Committee to Elect Glenn Perry, Sarah Minges, Treasurer ' clock doesn’t run forward, it runs — mess, backward. Life is more than all the great runs and everything else. Life is to be lived at every moment and you gotta be courageous in life and in death, and he was, Call somebody, be there. for somebody. Pray for somebody, uplift somebody. Make every day count. Appreciate every moment. Hold your head high because you have every right to tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself. You can make your life anything you wish. If you love someone, tell him or her, for you never know what tomorrow may have in Store. Tomorrow is never promised to you. Never let a day go by where you neglect to tell your loved ones that you love them. Remember me a_ winner. A winner is somebody who has given his best effort, who has tried the hardest they possibly can, who has utilized every ounce of energy and strength within them to accomplish something. Life is about a fight, life is about a struggle. Life is about every day of your life being thankful for getting up. Life is about making a difference every day. To love God is to love your fellowman. PASSING IT ON Sincere, loving, caring, parents, teachers, and friends have told children: “ You’re just no good at that”, “ Your room is always a 7 cd oe ANYTHING FATHER,” to be said when the child has done’ something wrong. “ hy can’t you be more like your sister or brother | »” “ You'll never be an artist or athlete, etc. “ “ You just don’t try, “ “ You never listen to me ,” | “- [tell you to do something and you do just the opposite.” ,.“ You || never study.” “ Your grades are atrocious,” “ You're lazy,” “You |f™ don’t even know where home is anymore,” “ You’re determined to cause problems, “ “ You just don’t think, “ And some children, even while you are reading this, are being told the most assuredly destructive words, “ you'll never amount to anything.” Let’s Look At a Few Of the More Common Habits with Which All Of Us Are Familiar: 1. Putting things off or procrasti- nating 2. Smoking 3. Working too hard o not working hard enough 4. Arguing 5. Ignoring Problems 6. Over-Sleeping 7. Forgetting names or other important things 8. Being a complainer 9. Making excuses 10. Losing things. Mark Your Calendar \ovember {th “oth RIGHT”, «| YOU'RE JUST LIKE YOUR | which always seems 4 I'm Voting For Eva Clayton ! , : Walt Morehead is pictured with Congress ‘Woman Eva Clayton who is running for re-election. Mr. Morehead a long time supporter of Congress Woman Clayton, believes she will do a great job in Congress, as she has done years _ before. | mre Photo by jim. Rouse Piano For Sale Take On Low Monthly Payment i ; i i Beatiful Console Piano. || No Money Down | 1-800-371-1220 ¢ i 5 to Our Economic Future Open North Carolina's community colleges and public universities have a tradition of educational excellence. This tradition has created a qualified, highly skilled workforce that's boosted our state’s economy. That's why it's important to support the Community College and University Bonds. The bonds will provide much-needed resources to upgrade all 59 community colleges and 16 public universities. The spending will be closely monitored-and our state treasurer says the bonds will NOT raise state taxes. Paid for by North Carolinians for Educational Opportunity Vote The Community College and | FOR University Bonds on Election GET THE FACTS—Call 919-754-1156 aa Malet icle malt | it people, were the very char- pos seeking to continue ex- citizenship, to fight even harder. , No doubt,’ these were strong ‘African men. . The majority of the 23 legislators of the pioneering — efa taught, and men of the people---one a bricklayer by trade, another a barber turned reporter - and broker, still others, farmers. --. ministers, lawyers, and labor - ofganizers---who knew intimately the needs and hopes of their constituencies. Most importantly there were men of conviction and courage. From the beginning, they estab- lished a strong tradition of serv- ice, commitment and perseverance that was to be modeled for generations. These pioneers, so focused on their cause of empowering a nation of people once enslaved, and, build- ing a truly democratic society, pushed for a social agenda that extended far beyond their own congressional districts. | Even while few in number, they pushed hard. They pursed legislation to address inequitable educational Opportunities and facilities, to improve health care, to enforce civil rights and voting rights laws, to protect small farmers, and to bring lynchings to an end. They also fought strongly and aggres- sively for the rights of Native Americans. The largest number of Africans to serve at one time during this Perioe was seven, both in 1871 ( Alst & 42nd Congresses), and in 1875. In 19871, this included Saar Hiram Rhoades Revels of lississippi, and Representatives Robert C. De Large (SC), Robert Brown Elliot (SC), Jefferson F. Long (GA), Joseph Hayne Rainey (SC), Benjamin Sterling Turner ~ (AL), and Josiah Thomas Walls (FL). In 1985, this included Blanche Kelso Bruce (MS) in the 4 acteristics that drove racist white: _ploiting African peoples by main- taining policies of second-class bert Smalls (SC). ‘The State to elect the South Carolina with te. North Carolina had four members to be credential in the House, Alabama three, and five other states, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, ~ Louisiana, ‘and Virginia, each elected one Black. Except for : ‘Louisiana’ s election of Pinchback (who, as read above, never took his seat), Mississippi was the only state to elect a Black to the Senate, with two being seated. Below we profile the first two African men to sit in each house of Congress: Senator Hiram R. Rivels and Rep. Joseph H. Rainey. Hiram Rhoades _ Revels: Trailblazer in the Senate Senator B. Hiram Rhoades Revels, in 1870, was the first African to be seated in the Senate. He was elected to finish the Mississippi Senate term of Jefferson Davis, who had vacated his seat to become President of the Southern Confederacy, and to fight the Civil War. Revels was born in Fayetteville, NC, in 1827, of free parents, attended schools and seminaries, including Know College in Galesburg, IL. . He was a man of many deserve skills and interests. But most of all he was a man of strong spiritual and ancestral beliefs. He was ordained as a minister at the age of 18 in 1845 in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, traveled to share the word and assist in founding churches in Indiana; _ Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and became a pastor of St. Paul AME in St. Louis in 1852. Eventually his calling led him back to Baltimore where he took a pastor- ship in 1860. With the outbreak of the Civil War, he assisted in recruiting two African regiments in Maryland, and served as a regiment chaplain in Vicksburg, Mississippi, while also founding churches there. =r ats emeanenmeeett 1H malonate eat : i 1870, he was elected to fill | mamber of Afticans to the ease during the pioneering era was term of Davis. Da wes be poop ~ gotta rte Congress, members blocked his being seated, both physically and legislatively. He eventually won the right to be seated and was confi rmed February 25, 1870. Joseph Hayne Rainey: House Pioneer. . Joseph Hayne Rainey of South Carolina was sworn-in as a mem- ber of Congress on December 12, 1870, making ‘him the _ first African person to be seated in the House of Representatives. He became a member of the Commitment on Freedom’s Affairs, and pushed civil rights legislation, including those that addressed the needs. and rights of Native Americans. When in May of 1874 he briefly- replaced House Speaker James G. Blaine in the Speaker’s chair, he became the first African to preside over a House session. However, after numerous challenges of accusa- tions of voter fraud, including challenges to his being seated in 1874 and 1876, following charges of irregularities, he eventually was defeated for office as the Democratic Party regained con- trol, and he left his seat on March 3, 1879. REMEMBERING THE PIONEERS *** Shared Characteristics Intelligent, well-read, gentlemen (unlike many whites in congress), with multiple degrees, diverse professional undertaking, commit- ted to their people, and the rights of others of color. el Issues addressed during terms : *** Issues addressed during terms: Lynching, land reform, voting rights, economic empowerment, protection of ports and harbors, Samer amet 9 yen Major step in the loss of African — i and advances was the amnesty given to southern insur- rectionists (which led to the — restoration of rights to confederate leaders). The 1876 contested Presidential election of Rutherford — - B. Hayes.(R), which resulted in a Republican/Democratic deal _re- quiring the removal of federal. troops in southern: states, was ‘the next major factor. These acts led . to the other challenges that-came through litigation, and voting tal- lies being questioned, and altered. There were also poll taxes, liter- acy tests, and violent attacks against. Black voters and elected officials (the KKK, the Knights of the White Camellia, the Pale Faces, and the Brotherhood were founded during this period as a means of retaking power, includ- ing elective representation). — *** The Legacy Their experiences, both positive and negative, portended what were to be common experiences of almost all representatives of African descent who have fol- lowed. THE 23 MEMBERS OF THE PIONEERING ERA .. SENATE: HIRAM R. REVELS (R-MISS.) 1870-71 BLANCHE K. BRUCE (R-MISS.) 1875-81 EDWARD W. BROOKE (R-MASS.) 1967-79 HOUSE : JOSEPH H. RAINEY (R-SC) 1870-79 JEFFERSON F. LONG (R- GA) 1870-71 ROBERT B. ELLIOTT (R- SC) 1871-73 BENJAMIN s. TURNER JOSIAH T. WALLS (R- FLA.) 1871-73. RICHARD H. CAINE (RSC) 1873-75; 1877-79 JOHN R. LYNCH (R-MISS.) 1873-77; 1882-83 ALONZO J. RANSIER — (R-SC) 1873-75 JAMES T. RAPIER ~ (R- ALA.) 1873-75 JEREMIAH HARALSON (R-ALA.) 1875-77 JOHN A. HYMAN (R-NC) 1875-77 CHARLES E. NASH (R-LA.) 1875-77 ROBERT SMALLS (R-SC) 1875-79 JAMES E. O'HARA (R-NC ) 1883-87: HENLY P. CHEATHAM (R-NC) 1889-93 JOHN M.LANGSTON (R-VA) 1890-91 THOMAS E. MILLER (R-SC) 1890-91 GEORGE W. MURRAY (R-SC) 1893-95: 1986-97 GEORGE H. WHITE (R-NC) 1897-1901 PROFILE: GEORGE H. WHITE Rep. George H. White was the last of the formerly enslaved Africans, and the last Black legislator of the pioneering recon- struction period. In 1894, he lost in an attempt to win the Second District seat of North Carolina when he ran against his brother- in-law, Henry P. Cheatham. But in 1896 he was victorious. He was the sole Black representative to take the oath of office in the 55th Congress in 1897, and in the —_ A : a a | | } JUDGE Practicing Law 26 Years Married, 2 Children AB Reamemies UNC ‘68 Law School Tenn. ‘73 nation in sooty over ig ra On. January 20, 1900, Wh te introduced the nation’s first anti- besa bill, making such acts a ederal crime, punishable by. death (between 1889 and 1922, 3,436 Blacks were ‘ofeay™ designated — victims--+> ' thousands of others had similarly... been killed, but were not offi icially .; classified as victims of lynching)... _ His actions were unprecedented-- — marge oo, “he On to attack ¢ C y t while others -had ‘spoken out ' against lynchings, White was thé © first to introduce a bill. never made it to the floor for a: The bill. vote, instead the judiciary com-’ , mittee allowed it to linger. White , also fought for financial support for two of his African colleagues ' elected to Congress but not al- lowed to take their seats---Robert Smalls and P.B.S. Pinchback. He : sought financial support for other... victims of white violence and other forms of racism, and he called for the enforcement of the 14th Amendment in states where’ disenfranchised. ' Blacks were And while he won reelection in 1898, it soon became clear that his presence on the Hill was no longer to be tolerated. As the last - of the formerly enslaved Africans to serve in the House, White delivered his now famous-- Congressional departure speech from the floor in January 29, 1901, The following is an excerpt, which has since proven prophetic: .. This. Mr. Chairman, is perhaps the Negroes’ temporary . farewell to the American . Congress. But let me say, phoenix-like, he will rise up someday and come again. These parting words are in behalf of an - outraged, heartbroken, bruised and bleeding people, but God fearing people, faithful, industri« . ous, loyal people...rising people, . full of potential force...” It would be almost three decades before another Black was © to serve in the nation’s highest - legislative body. Honesty & Integrity — Work Hard Arrogant Fair & Impartial, Treat People with Respect Paid For by the Candidate — “Remove the horrid stain of felon voting bans ‘A year ago the Sentencing require that a judge formally Project, a Washington D.C. bar an offender from voting as a prison reform group, issued a part of a criminal sentence, report that found that seven due to the seriousness of the states permanently barred ex- crime, or severity of the sen- felons from voting. With the tence. gaping racial’ disparities in In fact, many offenders prison sentencing, the vote don’t even serve a day in | ban has fallen heaviest on prison. They have been con- Black men. One out of four victed of felonies such as auto Black males were disenfran- theft or drug possession. They chised by these laws. Civil lib- are more likely to receive a ‘ertarians screamed foul and fine or probation. Most of called it a return to Jim Crow these offenders were young segregation days when men when they committed Southern states routinely used their crimes. The chances are poll taxes, literacy laws, politi- good that they didn’t become cal gerrymandering, physical career criminals, but hold harassment, threats and _ steady jobs, raise families and intimidation to bar Blacks are responsible members of from the polls. If they were theircommunities. _ appalled last year at the num- Yet the states that stamp ber of states that permanently them with the legal and social ban felons from voting, the lat- stigma of being a one-time est report from the Sentencing felon deprive them of their Project is even more appalling. basic constitutional right to It. revealed that two more vote and relegate them to sec- states have slapped a perma- ond-class citizenship in perpe- nent ban on ex-felons voting. tuity. This cruelly mocks the And the racial disparity is notion of rehabilitation and even greater. Black men now gives lie to the fondly repeated — account for one out of three ex- line that when criminals pay felons barred from the polls. their debt to society they Even worse, the number of deserve and will get a second Blacks disenfranchised by the _ chance. / anti-felon voting laws will — ile surveys show that a probably soar even higher. majority of Americans think More than 1 million Blacks are that the felon voting ban is now behind bars. The dracon- bad. policy, only,.a handful of ian drug sentencing ‘laws, civil, liberties groups. and the three strikes laws, racial pro- NAACP in Virginia and filing, and the disparities in Florida have challenged these prison sentencing virtually restrictive laws in court. At insure that more Blacks will present the only recourse that be arrested, convicted and sen- ex-felons have in the states tenced more harshly than that permanently bar them Whites. The estimate isthatin from voting is to seek a pardon the next few years 40 percent from the governor. This is a of Black men will be perma- dead end for most. Governors nently barred from the polls in read the fierce public mood on the states with this restric- crime, and know that many “tion. Americans consider ex-felons “+This terrible, racially- pariahs that deserve any stinged policy wreaks much treatment they get. So few ex- “havoc on African Americans. It felons even bother to request a “drastically cuts down the pardon. splimber of Black elected offi- Civil liberties groups have tials, increases cynicism, ifnot urged state legislatures to “outright loathing, by many rescind the laws or at least “young ‘Blacks for the criminal resist the temptation to place tice’ system, and deprives new voting restrictions on the ie communities of vital books. The only state to heed “finds and resources for badly their call and do the right eeded services that result’ thing is Delaware. Last June Soom their increased political lawmakers in that state apttength. restored voting rights to some “*The rationale for keeping ex-felons. The exclusion of ee “atid putting more felon vote thousands of Blacks from the yegns on the books in more voting rolls thirty years after “etates is that-they make it the civil rights movement ‘rougher on lawbreakers. This waged a titanic battle to abol- “is nonsense. The U.S. is the ish Jim Crow voting bans is “only country in the world with worse than a travesty of jus- “blatantly discriminatory laws tice, it’s a horrid stain on that ban a person from voting American democracy. It’s a “for life based on a criminal stain that state officials offense. Many of the men that should immediately wipe are stripped of their right to away. Earl Ofari Hutchinson vote are not convicted murder- is the author of “The hers, rapists, or robbers. They Disappearance of Black are not denied the vote Leadership.” E-Mail: Soetene of a court imposed ehutchi344@aol.com. sentence, since no_ states = eae NORTH CAROLINA JUDICIAL BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT SQ4.123 TSH F114 & DISTRICT COURT TRIAL COURT COORDINATOR The Chief District Court Judge in Pit, County is seeking an individual to perform a variety of adminisretive and case management fimctions, The individual may manage the office in the absence of the Judge. The position requires the compiction of @ certified paralegal program or an associave degree program in legal secretarial science or business aceeienion 08 four vot at promot ve copenienet Ws ¢ en. shee Or Court system, or a college degree in court administration, criminal Justice, public administration, business administration, or related field and two years of progressive experi€nce in a law office or court system; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. State Government benefits with competitive salary. Interested applicants may submit a Judicial Branch Application (WWW.a0c, state nc. us) and/or Resume to: Hon, David A, Leech Chief District Court Judge Post Office Box 8147 Greenville, NC 27835 a) == SECS FIS 7 FPL ELAS PEE t wep ' 4 Pearsall | Garry Eugene Sales Consultant (252) 756-1793 (252) 756-5043 SEAMS UNIQUE Alterations & Sew Much More 115 Red Banks Road Greenville, NC 27834 RIE i —— —— " Pretty J As A Picture Shown above is a Tovely Sister from the oe On the he Mount. She took time out of her busy day to pose for our "M’ Voice; : : camera. she encourages all young peo ie to ' voice makes a difference mans Peo sat ts out and vote ! Your v Photo by fim Rowse: “9S cerns that you would like to have| expressed in the "M" Voice news- aper, please write or call ichael Adams or Steve Johnson : at 405 Evans St. Greenville, N€| 27835. (252)757-0365. ee