Serving Eastern North Carolina Since 1981 Todays Black Family By Talibah Chikwendu Statistics show that over 30 percent of African-American children born into single-parent families. The majority of those have a female at the head of the household. Social pundits say that female led families are at the root of societal problems rang- ing from learning issues to delinquency and violence. However, the history of the African-American family, with the strong Black female at its head, tells a different story. “I think the seeds of this phenomenon began in the period slavery,” said Jonathan Peters, a professor at. the University of | Maryland Baltimore County campus. “There was this conditioning that took place in the begin- ning.” Africans were removed from their land, separated from their -language,.. customs...and traditions, and their immediate families. This isolation forced them to form new connections, which they had to build on the White man’s terms. These terms included learning the language of the master and being enslaved-- working for no wages, for long hours, under deplorable condi- tions, and on subsistence ra- tions, housing and clothing. Under these circumstance, the Slaves managed to build a ‘Support system, based on new familial groups. They soon Celebrating The Life Of G.R. Whitfield G.R. Whitfield, founder of the G.R. Whitfield School, formerly Pitt County Training School, was born more than a century ago in Pitt County near Stokes, North Carolina. He received his early education in Stokes and later attended Elizabeth City State University, then State Teachers College. He received his. B.S. from Lincoln University while he was quite a young man, His first teaching job was in Martin County, and while there, , a native of Hassel, North 0 this-union six chil- boys and three girls, For many years, Mr. rved as Supervisor of un a oe _& yearly County- nc hoe at which Students competed ‘Met and married Miss Esther ee February 16, - February 23, 2001 aS a What You See Is What You Get, What You Read Is What You Know And Sav: found that even these family connections were not re- spected. . Though slaves often chose a mate, the master rarely respected that choice. Many times, slave wives were given to other males for breeding and a husband could not stop it. In fact, owners would engage in intercourse with a slave woman and her husband was powerless to protest or prevent it. It wasn’t odd for hus- bands :and wives to be sold apart or for parents and chil- dren to be separated by a sale. To compensate for the ambigu- ous state of family life, the extended family was very im- portant. | Grandparents, aunts and uncles, related by blood or informally adopted a family, played a crucial role in creating a stable, loving environment for children. In the post-slavery years, the Black family contin« ‘ued to suffer from separations. These, caused by lack of eco- nomic and social opportunity in the South, were the result of a family member, usually male, going to another part of the country to get a job. The plan was often to earn enough money for the remaining fam- ily to follow. Often these separations stretched over years. During these times, children were raised by one parent, most often mother, who provided discipline, nurturing and stability. She was often for their respective schools. Mr. Whitfield died in 1950, but the seeds of education, which he planted in Pitt and other counties, are still germinating as we go marching to the beat of change. In 1916, Mr. J. Bryan Grimes, then Secretary of the State of North Carolina gave a plot of land upon which the Pitt County Training School was erected. This was the only high school in Pitt County to serve the Negro youth at that time. Donations for buildings came from families whom he sought out in the community, and the Rosenwald Foundation. The Agriculture and Home Economics Department were added in 1920. The first two dormitories were erected in 1923, one for boys and one for girls, In the early 1930’s mules and farm equipment were brought and the land around the schools was utilized for raising food for the boarding students, In the 1960's the total staff was desegregated. Mobile units were erected to meet the needs of an increasing enrollment, At length, the Pitt County Board of Education saw fit to demolish the old frame structures and replace them with the present brick structure. The name of the school was changed in 1967 from the Pitt County Training School to G.R. whitfel , of Mr, M.Q. Wyche in honor of Mr. G.R. Whitfield who had served as supervisor of the Pitt County Negro Schools. A - cently d during the principalship supported by an extended fam- ily system that included blood relatives and others willing and able to help. Female led households After the womanize liberation movement, the stigma of single parenthood was diminished, taking the pressure off a couple to “do the right thing.” It was in this time period that the influence of the extended family began to wane. “Black family en- dures,” said John H. Johnson, published. “It survived forced separation of husbands and wives, parents and baby, brother and sister during slav- ery, adverse social forces and the stress of urban life have battered it for generations, yet it remains intact, strong, per- haps because of the annealing | imposed by hard . process times.” During slavery, which. “was less thai 150 years ago, the Black family, though it per- sisted, was set into a pattern of single parent households and forced separation. — History shows that the structure of the Black family is no more di- verse now than is any point in the history of the country. This unit, with a strong maternal figure at the head and extended family support, has produced men and women who have contributed much to the growth and development of this na- tion. During the summer of 1968, all mobile units, except one, were moved away as some black Students were assigned to previ- ously all white schools. In 1969 the school’s sec- ond grade class joined the class _ that preceded them to a neighbor- ing school. Many members of the upper grades and high school Students were assigned to for-. merly all white schools, In January, 1971, the remaining high school students left Whitfield to attend the re- completed area high school, D.H. Conley. Grades four through eight from Grimesland Elementary School came to join with the fourth through eighth grades already at Whitfield. This began Whitfield’s first year as a totally integrated school. In the fall of 1971, stu- dents from grades one through three at Grimesland Elementary School were assigned to Whitfield. This completed the exodus of Grimesland School ee, - nee kinder- garten through ei de... Mr. Melvin * g-waalal past assistant principal of the school, reminisced about the ear- lier days at G.R. Whitfield, He Stated: ' The students went to school from the beginning for September through the month of : May. Most of the students walked to sc in the outlying areas. pe Bay be Students cut and gathered hool; however, Mr. O.A | would sometimes drive — his 1936 Ford to pick up students | a A ae a nation, the. er _ fires Tr Hi = i bd i ae | wi. ty Noa | SNGYS - ONTIONS So Elijah Muhammed Son Comes To Town ! Shown above posing for the "M" Voice Camera ECU's Catholic Priest, Chair of the Communications is Di i le W.D. Muhammed Director of the Ladonia Wright Cultural Center and the Honorab N ' sor of pijah Muhammed. They are pictured ie lecture and luncheon on ECU's Campus at the bedone Wright Center. Below he is shown with Ni'am K. Akbar Chairman of the Diversity Committee as we as other ministers who were in attendance. Hats off to the organizers. wood for the, freestanding wood heaters located in each classroom. It seemed to take the students a while to thaw out. Students brought their own lunches, often carrying the packed meal of sweet potatoes, cracklings, and molassés biscuits in a five pound lard bucket. The containers were Stored in the cloakroom. The school water fountain was a hand pump located outside and behind the school building. A scholarship in memory of George Raymond Whitfield of Pitt County has been established at Bennett College in Greensboro by two of his daughters, Mary Logan and Beulah Mebane, and a daughter-in-law, Senora J. Whitfield. Mr. George Raymond Whitfield, Jr. is the only surviving son.Contributions from friends and family helped Whitfield’s family reach its goal of $14,000, which has been placed in an endowment fund at Bennett. Beginning each school year, $300 will be given to the senior with the highest grade point annually. Only a part of the interest is to be used for the scholarship. Whitfield was a native of Stokes . and completed secondary school at Elizabeth City Normal. He Photo by Jim Rouse, later graduated from Lincoln University. Whitfield became super- visor of the Black School of Pitt County and established the Pitt. County Training School (boarding school) to allow black students the opportunity to complete high school, The land for the school was given by the Jay Byron Grimes family. In 1965, Grimesland area Citizens petitioned the board of education to rename Pitt County Training School for its founder, G.R. Whitfield Elementary School is located on N.C, 33 at Grimesland. a Soph RIES ntier 2 ae eg fai | As T awoke on the morning of Jan. 15, | my Conscience was induced with televisio —r Dr. Martin Luther King Jr... ' ) || amidst the supposed celebrations and hon- ; » ||; orsofhisbirthday. = © § || Parades with Blacks; White and other eth- : _ || racial harmony on this annual commemora- ° ‘ tion, However, as a young so-called African- _|| American male, my soul is etnpty for this | } || Supposed commemoration. Not due to Dr. + — | King’s “dream,” but because of the contra- o> ane emia : 2 - ()nshiode “sa ve..”” (but, we'll come back to this... | n and forgive public ly- ‘vil Communication corrupt good manners. . ndering, white-collar (dinkiag, behavior), y'all, leading ws 10 oak With whom are we communicating, especially and all other f fornication, v - those of us who, Sunday after Sunday, pack (0 MN OES (lea dicting values from many of the participants. ' _ Giously bashing those who stand against, Say — pews at churches, synogogues, centers, cathe- ET cs In te post-millennium niga Datei for instance, abortion or the act some preceive _drals, mosques and like places of worship? COMMENTS whose dream are we really celebrating? __ Is equally disturbing when we say crucify" thinking...principles...values...our morals? Are | gy: 2 wae ert ee een nem mecwrceration a one for aiding and abetting a bruised, battered — we so guilt-ridden and sin-laden ourselves that ~~ 9 : ov. tistics, pseudo legislative politics wage over | woman, while rushing to forgive fornication __ we have resorted to holding wrong up against 718 | iG a | Nn r Confederate flags, hate crimes are on the rise; and, say adultry. wrong instead of up against the light of truth? | : 7 | os : Black political prisoners such as Mumia Abu. Jamal and others falsely accused still siton death row, the ever-apparent financial and ideological separation between the Black middle-class and the Black working-class poor enhances, and cultural gaps between lack youth and Black adults continue to widen (many Black adults refer to misguided Black youth as “thugs” and “hoodlums”). As a young man who embraces African arts and clothing, I’m often met with cyni- cism, indifference, intolerance and prejudices from both mainstream Whites and Blacks in Dr. King’s “racially-unified” dream society because I choose to partake in exercising this country’s so-called constitutional freedoms of speech, cultural and religious expression. I’m often harassed by ignorant co-workers in cor- porate places, many of whom vainly cele- brate Dr. King’s birthday for one day, but lat- er refuse to address the many ills of the very same American system which Dr. King, Mal- colm X and other civil rights leaders diligent- ly fought to change; furthermore, I’ve found that many mainstream Blacks and Whites view me and other young Black men, who can and will express ourselves, as “radical” threats to this systematic establishment and these morally-compromised beings may even go so far as to commit slander and defama- tion against us while blocking our chances for employment and financial opportunity due to our expression. If all of these things It’s frightening when we tell our children and youth to “Just say no to drugs,” but show them how to go full speed ahead to immorali- -- ty, hatred, and disrepect for us, teachers and _ the law, while twitching, ooh hallaleujah! and lifting up wholey hands toward heaven every Sunday and at least three days of the week in Bible studies, prayer meetings and all other kinds of improve-our-souls meeting during the week. Not to mention the seemingly-fruit- less work of all the other do-gooder groups and organizations. We criticize, dehumanize and ostracize gangs and their activity while ganging up in and under Acronyms to attack each other on _ what we perceive each one is or is not getting fairly while all seemingly are speeding to hell in a handbasket ....there is the White one who won't accept the Black one who won't accept the Red one who won't accept the Yellow one...and so on and so on... “Our wisdom will be justified in our chil- dren. ” Black men are now barking after the wrong character Or do we know what that (truth) is now? Leading us back to'“as we forgive those who trespass against us...” So let’s forgive eeeeeeeeeverybody...... «first ourselves for personal participation, or finger-pointing, at society’s evils for which we ourselves have to be delivered. Let’s forgive all those in and out of pris- ons—they didn’t really mean to maim, mur- der, rape, torture those people; after all, they’re only human. Let’s forgive and pardon Mumia Abu Jamal, who maintains his in- nonence. After all... Let’s forgive the child-molester, the wife and/or husband abuser, the thief, the white- collar crook, the drug-dealer and the cop killers, right along with the false prophet, the false preacher, unscrupulous lawyer and politician....the list could go on.... Let’s just forgive eeeeeeeeeevrybody and study war no more. That way folks, we can rid ourselves of all these distrubances that dis- Tupt life for us all. in the education process Parents must make critical use of study times. But rather than just tell your child to do his homework, study with him. And if there’s something you don’t understand, call one of the homework hotlines spon- sored by the board of education. Do not be - afraid to ask for help because teachers and guidance counselers at most schools are available to help. It’s also important to nurture your child . and cultivate his well-being. Nothing should come before your child—not your job, a personal relationship or a hobby. Your child’s well-being and your relation- ship with hith should always come first. It’s also important to remember that children have feelings, they have their moods and days when they aren’t feeling well. Devote time out of your day to spend with your child, discussing the things that matter to him most. This will show your child that you are interested and concerned about his or her well-being. You can also set a good example for your child by becoming involved in community affairs and civic organizations. This teaches children to develop a sense of civic pride and to become responsible and to care for by Brenda Buford Shaw arents, and/or guardians, are you * partners in your child’s educa- tional process? ‘Do you review the homework assignments and other papers that youy child brings home? Do you attend PTA, PTO or other “parental” involvement groups? Do you encourage your child dai- ly? Do you listen, or do you just talk to, but not with your child? When it comes to your child’s education, you should not only be just a parent, but al- so a coach, even his best friend. This means becoming a familiar face at your child’s school, and not just at special programs, or when a particular problem needs to be ad- dressed. It’s also important not to depend on the school for your child’s complete edu- cation. Take time to read to your child, dis- cuss the issues that will effect him and do become active in school affairs. For example, it’s great to have a straight | “A” student, but a child who only gets “C’s” or below also needs to be encouraged and praised — not ridiculed about “not oa fing was'thé Word, and the word was with God, and the word was God,” giving us all a clue that the power of the "Suspect; basically act upon their instincts. They run in packs. Dogs are not responsible: they satisfy whatever desires arise in the mo- ment. Male dogs, after siring offspring, do not any people are unaware of the our youth are creating a low-level image of | making straight A’s.” It’s important to be a_others. aren’t contradicting to Dr. King’s dream, then - Notion that the world is creat- themselves when they refer to each other as | motivator, rather than criticize your child’s s . I don’t know whatist >: tao ow ed through language. The dogs. Dogs do not build institutions. Dogs, efforts. In other words, try and become a (Buford-Shaw is a music instructor for Apparently, Black men like James Byrd Bible tells us “In the begin- though probably a lot more intelligent that we | “continuous parenting partner.” Memphis City Schools.) -4- will still be dragged behind a pick-up truck by some Aryan Brotherhood members in places like Jasper, Texas. Ironically enough, Dr. King vehemently preached non-violence, yet he died being a victim of violence by the word, i.e., the power of speech {s very impor- tant. There have been whole movements craft- , ed around this theme. Many motivational pro- grams swear by this idea. And those who are familiar with the workings of the subcon- scious mind will tell you that the subcon- hands of hired assassin(s); so, instéad of in- dulging myself in pseudo political causes with insincere march-dwellers, !’ll just pray that one day humans will take the colonial/patriotic blinders off their eyes and Breaking Barriers and attacking those that remain Stay around to raise their progeny. In short, dog behavior is not behavior that is desired from human beings in progressive communi- ties. A progressive African-American commu- nity needs men who are responsible, men who scious mind acts on what it hears you say or _love and whose intelligent decision-making face truth as it is. think. This is why it is so important to be enhances the community. Men are more intel- by Hu g h B. Price went on to the’Supreme Court; and Jahleel Shechem a careful about what you say. ligent than dogs. ‘ Judge A. Leon Higginbotham, who later Memphis It becomes possible to examine the major This trend of Black men referring to each became the chief judge of the Third Cir- > ideas flowing through a community by watch- _ other as dogs brings to mind other unfortunate here’s been lots of celebrating _ cuit Court, in Philadelphia. College students can ing the words used by people to describe uses of language — the widespread prison on editorial and op-ed pages One might well ask how a Circuit lower cost of books things. Now this is probably going tobe hard _slang that has crept into the population such about the racial “first” Presi- Court of the United States of America for some of you to take, but the point in ques- _as “lock down’ and the slang phrase “You’re dent Bush made in appointing _ could move into the 21st century with- Dear Editor tion is the very common use of the word “dog” « blowing me” that had its origins in referring Colin Powell as Secretary of out ever having had a jurist who was not Tam a freshman at Creighton University. If to describe men, and especially, Black men. to someone who is blowing someone’s high. State and Condoleeza Rice as chief Na- White. It’s certainly not as if some you know college-age kids or a family ae And the common use of the words bitch, “hoe” and “bust downs” to describe women further fuels a disrespect for women and the sanctity of family values. (Bust downs are women who give men oral sex in exchange It has long been said by our race of people that men are “dogs.” But it seems that with the advent of hip-hop culture, this concept has become institutionalized. Why? Have you no- ticed that men now commonly refer to each haven’t tried to change it. _ President Clinton had previously nom- inated three Black nominees, all from North Carolina, for a seat on the Circuit. All were blocked by North Carolina tional Security advisor for his new ad- ministration. And we at the National Urban League join in. We applaud the President just as we applauded when President Clinton does, I could use your help. Before entering Creighton, I was the Student Body President of Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. Since the unfortunate incident brought upon my classmates, I have dedicated my life’s work other as Dog?? A common greeting is ‘for favors like cigarettes, food or money). named the “first” Black Secretary of Republican Sen. Jesse Helms, who uti- : “What’s up, dog?” The well-known rapper We should be careful about what we say. Commerce, the “first” Black Secretary lized a Senate tradition which allows a Sr Tal at ciee pierial Iwas Snoop Doggy Dogg has taken this notion to Our words can become self-fulfilling prophe- of Energy, the “first” Black Secretary of single member to block a nomination unaware of high at “F books'for my the extreme. In his videos he is sometimes cies. When we look at the condition of some Labor, the “first” Black head of the De- _ from his or her home state. Helms de- classes. I spent over $500 in books io fust shown shape-shifting into a dog. African-American communities where going partment of Veterans Affairs, and soon, _clared that, although five seats on the my first senesion It seemed like a lot st I __. Many of you, no doubt, will consider this habit of men referring to each other as dogs to be a harmless bit of pop culture. It is a part of to jail is a daily fact of life and where more than 60 percent of Black children are raised without fathers, it becomes painfully apparent Court were vacant, it had enough judges. The specific seat President Clinton during his years in office. We're all for breaking as many of those old, restrictive racial barriers as | figured that I could make most of the money back when I sold the books back to the bookstore. Well, as you probably have fig- pop culture but it may not be so harmless. that something is going wrong. And though possible — no matter which party holds named Gregory to had been vacant for ured out, I was wron hink on the following ideas fora moment. __ we know that some of the problems facing the || the White House. more than 10 years. The length of the Out of the $500 I med nt, I made less than Dogs are animals, and though we love dogs community stem from chronic systemic op- That’s why we’re applauding another _ vacancy led the U.S. Judicial Confer- $100 back. I lost wa $ $400 dollars. Not on! when they are our pets, dog traits are not so pression, we must realize the ways that we appointment President Clinton made ence to declare filling it a “judicial did I loose m money, I had to wait in lo y: attractive when exhibited by human beings. In oppress ourselves, We can start by being care- |} which marks a “first” long overdue. His emergency.” lines at the Seoksoe’ io feta the books,” other words, when we consider the creative ful about what we say. We create the world “recess appointment” of Roger Gregory, Clinton first proposed Gregory for wasting valuable time. If I had iodo this each aspect of language it becomes apparent that with our words. a Richmond. Va. attorney, to the Fourth © Senate confirmation last summer; but his comets until I graduate: I figure I could lose U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. nomination was stalled there, although over $3,200 dolore gure Gregory, 47, is a one-time law partner he was su pores by both of Virginia’s I talked with several friends over Christmas of former Virginia governor L. Douglas _ senators, Charles S. Robb; a Democrat, break and we came up with a web site that Wilder. A graduate of Virginia State Uni- and John Warner, a Republican. versity and the University of Michigan Airing out the racism Fatma can save all of us money when buying books, and help us make more money back when . ae * Law School, he’s a partner at a Rich- ment” — the first time such a tactic has : : Pagar | n b ro a tl nN ut| t mond law firm. The Circuit Court is one been used in 20 years — sidesteps the poss J the ve ee —_ we ‘ of 11 regional circuit courts across the —_ barrier in the Senate temporarily. It will (http://www. CollepeStudentsNetwork com) country whose judges sit at the level just enable Gregory to serve while his nomi- SN is an online Internet database of items ome broadcast outlets should be ing when it said the Affirmative Action edict below the United States Supreme Court. _ nation is being considered by the full for sale, for college students all across Ameri- pressured to recruit and promote on broadcasters “ultimately will not withstand || The Fourth Circuit Court has jurisdiction Senate and at least until the end of the can. Users can “ee dos free and post books more minorities and wonten. Aside constitutional review. It should have allowed over five Mid-Atlantic States —Virginia, next session of Congress, which is likely |] and other sens cohen for sale at uh roo Fi from a few noted personalities on the Affirmative Action mandates as concerns Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina to be next October or’ November. nally, students can now buy/sell at better the TV and radio airwaves, the mi- —_‘ the broadcast industry to stand, as we would and South Carolina — a region which Of course, there’s some politics being prices, which means we ( students) nority and presence on air is relatively hope that the nation’s highest court, the U.S, has the largest percentage of minority played here. Can save tons of } —_ nil here and across the Court, will do when and if the cru- residents than any other circuit. ¢ Gregory appointment immediate- _—! menage? Sheehan _ That is why we take great umbrage at are- cial matter reaches its chambers. Yet, the Fourth Circuit, which has po- ly presents Bush with a major test of his ' cent ruling by a federal Court in To add insult to injury, the Appeals Court rul- || sitions for 15 {ntees, has never had a pledge to build a “diverse” administra- ————— ——— ing also.dismantles what William Kennard, the Black judge. Unti , it was the only _ tion and reach out to all Americans. But, first-ever Black chairman of the Federal Com- Circuit Court in the country whose in fact, this is a “dare,” if you want to je Commission had would be otc on s White. And it is _ ny it yl way, Sg ought to take — esp legacy, opening and promotion y re as the most conservative o — use he can win it. sy pa 9-4 ie ag if all the Circuit Courts in its rulings on What is there to “lose” in supporting a ._ Kennard’s tenure officially ended last Fri- states rights’ issues, challenges to death- pom Pe ean nominee for a seat on a — but not his Martin Luther penalty sentences, affirmative action federal appeals court that’s been under- % Jr. — like mission: equality for all on cases, abortion legal issues, and criminal _ staffed for years? , y America’s airways. suspects’ rights, What is to lose in supporting a 5 _ In terms of recess appointments of high! y Voice || Africa’s third biggest country, divided by a many-sided war. “He gave precise instructions as to the management of troops’ discipline and over- all organisation in order to make the forces more effective and operational,” Kapend said. “He gave 48 hours to examine all management issues regarding discipline and the new direction,” he. added. But Kapend said Kabila had also told the 15 generals and nine colonels present that he intended to push for peace. Congo’s 30-month war pits rebels backed by Rwanda and Uganda who occupy swathes of the north and east against gov- ernment forces supported by Zimbabwe, Angola and Namibia. Since Laurent Kabila’s death, regional ef- forts have multiplied to revive a stalled 1999 peace deal. . cers to discuss the military situation across. NIGERIA | Obasanjo reshuffles cabinet Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, facing widespread criticism of the quality of his cabinet and the performance of the economy, this week sacked 10 of his 49 ministers. No key ministers in the economic and fi- nance sectors were dropped, and political analysts said the list of nominees to replace the 10 would disappoint those who had looked forward to a radical shakeup of the nearly two-year-old government. Those dropped in the reshuffle, announced in a statement by Obasanjo’s spokesman, in- cluded Health Minister Tim Menakaya, Edu- cation Minister Tunde Adeniran, Police Af- fairs Minister David Jemibewon and Sports Minister Damisi Sango. Also dropped were Agriculture Minister Hassan Adamu, Culture and Tourism Minis- ter Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, Environ- ment Minister Sani Zango Daura, junior Women and Youth Affairs Minister Bekky Igwe, and Minister in charge of the federal capital territory Ibrahim Bunu. ZIMBABWE Ex-President Banana freed Former President Canaan Banana, jailed for sodomy, was freed four months early af- ter receiving time off for good behavior, prison authorities said this week. Banana, 64, was released Monday from a prison hospital outside Harare where he was being treated for high blood pressure. The Methodist minister and professor of theology served as ceremonial president of Zimbabwe after independence in 1980 until 1987, when that post was abolished and then-Prime Minister Robert Mugabe be- came executive president. Banana was convicted in 1999 on 11 counts of sodomy and abusing his power to rape, assault and carry out “unnatural acts” with men, most of whom were on his presi- dential staff. Homosexual acts are illegal in Zimbabwe. BOTSWANA Appeals court sends woman to gallows Foreign judges of Botswana’s top court this week dismissed an appeal by White South African Marietta Bosch against a death sentence for a love-triangle murder in June 1996 and said she should hang. “She was a wicked and despicable woman. The murder had been planned over a long period, no doubt as a result of jeal- ousy and infatuation,” said Nigerian judge Timothy Aguda. “There is a massive body of evidence to show that Bosch committed the crime...The trial judge was right in totally rejecting their (the defence’s) evidence,” Aguda added. Bosch, who was in the heavily-guarded courtroom for her appeal, showed no emo- ° tion at the judge’s words. In a provision put in place when Botswana gained independence from Britain in 1966, the Appeal. Court includes judges from England, Scotland, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Nigeria. Bosch, 50, was sentenced in February last year to hang for the murder of her best friend Maria Wolmarans, whose husband she later married. es SOUTH AFRICA Anti-AIDS drug provision expanded South African HIV-infected women will have access to the anti-AIDS drug Nevirap- ine in all the country’s provinces as the vernment quietly backs down. from its re- Ronacs to provide the drug to the public. Health department officials said the gov- ernment had increased the number of hospi- tals and clinics where. HIV-infected women could get Nevirapine (Viramune) to 22 from _| the two that were involved in cli: trials. Collinge and Celicia Serenata, deputy di- ‘1 rector of the health department’s HIV/AIDS , said the government was ex- nding the Nevirapine project as part of research” to look at how it countrywide, ty charges. But will he get Combs in or lose, “money he has in his bank account will play a big role in the pub- lic’s mind. Should Combs - owner of Bad Boy Records and the Sean Jean fashion line, among other projects - win? people will most assuredly say his money bought him a stay- out-of-jail card. If he loses the trial and ends up behind bars, people (a lot of them) will say the jury stuck it to him exactly because he has so much money. Some will even say he got what he deserves because he is rich! Having money puts a lot of the wealthy be- tween a rock and a hard place. Just after Christmas last year, Combs was arrested after he fled a New York City night- club where three people had been wounded in a shooting. The mogul is not charged with attempted murder, only with illegally pos- sessing a gun - which some say he allegedly fired inside the club - and with bribery. Combs allegedly offered his driver money to say that the gun which was found in Combs’ Lincoln Navigator belonged to him (the dri- ver). If convicted, the rapper/businessman could spend up to 15 years in the big house. Jamal “Shyne” Barrow, though, is charged with attempted murder and assault in the wounding of three club-goers. Barrow is a protégé of Combs’ and is signed to his record label. The trial is expected to last five weeks and will likely be a big draw in Manhattan. At the very least, tons of people will be most inter- : ested to see what Combs and his girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, will be wearing to court each day! . It’s too early in the morning for this stuff! This item from the “Now, Does That Real- ly Make Sense?” Department: The closing credits for Wednesday’s AM@BET show with host Laz featured this subtle plug - Un- dergarments by Joe Boxer! Why!! It’s not like viewers can really see what kind of shorts Laz has on under his jeans!! It doesn’t make sense. *No doubt, we’ll soon see a credit telling us what kind of fragrance Laz is wearing - when Quotes from notables: What you give you get Nothing comes to us except through the Law of Action and its consequences - Kar- man: all comes only as the fruits of actions in this life...and therefore logically are we alone to blame for whatever may happen to us. If we are overthrown or injured, or endure great suffering or grievous pain through the acts of another done upon us, or upon our place or fortune in life, that one in his turn Shall not nor can he ever escape the due karmic retribution of natural law; but our suffering and our injury never could have come to us had we not planted seeds of pre- sent effects, as causes in the past. Hence the teaching of all the great Wise Ones of the world, that the way by which to obtain wisdom and peace and happiness is freeing the heart and the mind from‘the corrosive influences of hatred and revenge, and planting in their place the seeds of kindliness, love and unswerving justice to all. Quoted from The Esoteric Tradition by G. de Purucker. Questions and more questions With his support sys- tem in place at the Golden Globes Award ceremony, will Robert Downey Jr. now re- cruit more fans to stand by his side? He won a delay in his drug trial in California. The actor will next appear in court Feb. 21 to answer felony drug possession charges. If convicted, he faces a maximum term of four years and eight months in the slammer. Last November, Downey was ar- rested just three months after he got out of jail. And he may soon go back. r (on oe iy jail he to that beck? him ntly) want to ing } “Wonder why Jenner Lopes “dressed down” for the Golden Globe ceremony? Can it be she is advancing to the degree that she no longer feels the need to call attention to her body? Or does the answer lie in a place that is not as lofty? (More likely the latter!) - Will book author need one, two or more dump trucks to unearth all of the dirt on the political Bush family? Kelley, who has slung mud on Jacqueline Kennedy, Nan- cy Reagan and Elizabeth Taylor to name a few, is penning a book on the family that has now given us two Downey Jr. Grants & Scholarships, too. noise Wondering how to pay for college? Now there's one place you can go for help with college financing, one place with all the information you and your family need to find real financing solutions: College Foundation of North Carolina. We can provide I low-interest education loans to parents and students who need help now. Or, if you have time to save, theres College Vision Fund — a tax-advantaged and affordable savings program. All that, plus access to information on hundreds of scholarships and grants, up-to-date data on college costs, links to school-specific admissions and financial aid Web sites, and the assistance of a college financing specialist. And because were not for profit, it's all free. Visit our Web site today to tap into a wealth of information about college financing or call toll-free to talk with one of our specialists. We'll help you find the best college financing solutions for you and your family. www.CFNC.org 800-600-3453 College Foundation of North Carolina Making College Affordable for Everyone +4. A Service of the State of North Carolina y 0s CCR Dr. George Hawkins. The Battle of the Mind Greetings in the name of © Jesus Christ: Satan's most frequent and consis-_ tent attack is directed against our minds. He . sends his hosts out with an arsenal of weapons: lies, threats and intimidation, questions, accusa- tions, lust and other enticements The attack often starts very early in life. If a child is abused at home, lies from the enemy appear in the thoughts saying the child deserves it or is not worth anything to anyone. Accusations surface in the thoughts that it is ‘directed, by the enemy, into their lives to prey on them to add more. reinforcement to the lies. If parents do not reflect the character of God to their children, the children will project short- comings on to God For instance, if one or more parents is cold, lacking in emotion, rigid and constantly preoccupied with other things’ the child will see God as lacking compassion, unloving and’ not there for them, The enemy will encourage these perceptions. Many bring a lot of bad baggage along with them into adulthood from their childhood Some grow up in homes where’there has been considerable control, manipula- tion and emotional or physical abuse. Women are often "led" to find a man of similar qualities to continue the destructive negative reinforcements in their lives. We cannot underestimate the enemy's Sane a child begins to rective . any lie as truth, more lies will — | appear to reinforce the central lie, | After awhile, the child will begin | to focus on its own shortcomings and perceive. the rejection of. others. Sometimes people are Years. Often there are s trongholds — Of low self-esteem and self-hatred. «€s _ Needless to say it is very difficult for them, as believers, to live by faith. The enemy continues — to pummel them with lies and accusation; causing much doubt and hopelessness. I have seen many adults who are . full of anger, bitterness and unfor: i _giveness. ‘Some time in their life, often in ‘Childhood, they have been hurt deeply by someone. The enemy will constantly Bive them "flash- - ‘back memories" of that situation - in the past. The memories are so painful, that they constantly stir up the anger, bitterness and re- sentment, so strongly that it is very difficult for that person to forgive, even though they know they need to. I could continue indefinitely with these scenarios, but it is my hope you have gotten the point con- cerning the enemy's activity di- rected toward your thoughts. GET INVOLVED IN CITY GOVERNMENT | The City of Greenville is accepting applications from volunteers to serve on the following boards and commissions : I re sinistered to many adults . ‘who have been believing the enemy's lies about themselves for — ania " WAS ry Affordable Housing Loan Committee Board of Adjustment Mayor's Anti-Drug Coalition Citizens Advisory Commission on Cable Television _Pitt-Greenville Airport Authority Community Appearance Commission Pitt Greenville Convention & Visitors Authority Environmental Advisory Commission Planning & Zoning Commission Firemen's Utilities Commission Police Community Relations Committee Historic Preservation Commission Public Transportation & Parks Commission Housing Authority Sheppard Memorial Library Board Human Relations Council If you live inside the City of Greenville and would like to be considered for an appointment, please call the city Clerk's Office, indicate your interest or send a written request to Greenville, NC 27835. Also, 329-4423, to obtain an application to the City Clerk's Office, P.O. Box 7207, you can Access a resume form on the web at | http://ci.greenville.nc.us/, YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN CITY GOVERNMENT : a er 1918 N. Memorial Dr. Greenville, NC 27835 Kt Den fax (252) 752-3228 ALLSTAR MOTERS For All Your Needs And Wants a oO ten ALESTAR MOTERS Come See Patrick Mills or Charles Rogers You Name It They Got It ! , SUV'S Family Sedans Mini Vans Sports Cars: (252) 752-4491 ‘bocae | fe S kon Paul Jervay Jn., cop of the Carolian Ke Os VIN VV) Ox : / V Vv NN (Ny a“ IW, \ VIVININW A DANI. VAN N v VA Vv. Mf VA Va "4 SUID A Pioneer Of Gospel Music & Talk Radio "Giving A Voice To The Voiceless" LINX V MS "4 _ Friday, February 23, 2001 Dubois Center 200 Hooker Road Greenville, NC 6:30 PM "LIVE ENTERTAINMENT" Single Tickets $15.00 Couples $20.00 For More Info Call (252)757.0365 ¢ TT Celebrating Dan Local Black Heroes ; Vv V, VAN WIS, VIVANA IW M/W WMAVANIA IWIN a Pl Hotel enville Bivd aa orth Caelina EVENTS March - 30 Reception / Exhibit March - 31 Banquet Time : 6:30 pm - Sharp 203 Gacenville Mrs. O'Coma Wilson Sycamore Hill Baptist Church lost one of its strongest pillars with the death of Mrs. O'Coma Wilson Tuesday, January 30, 2001. She supported the church with her resources: Talent, time and money. No doubt she was one of the most consistent and com- mitted members since uniting with the church in the 1940s from her home/church community in Roberson County, (N.C). She was a member of the follow- Share The Knowledge ! ing auxiliaries/organizations: Deaconess Board, Jr. Ladies r cently merging with the Sr Ladies, Pastor's Aid, a charter member of the J. A. Nimmo Choir a and Sunday school Class #9. She worked on any number of 4 committees - Homecoming, Women's Day, Budget, Building, and Hospitality, and she contrib- uted ‘to agencies, organizations, clubs, charities and specifically, the Pitt County Chapter, North Carolina A. & T. State University annual fundraising project. Family Night at Sycamore Hill was the Jr. Ladies Auxiliary ‘big’ celebration. Mrs. Wilson passed out a gift or gifts to the pastor and officers specifically as well as to each person present. Her joy was giving. Any invited speaker or performer received a gift from Mrs. Wilson. The Deaconess Board monthly recognized birth- days and anniversaries. As chair- person of the Hospitality Committee, a gift was presented to each lady whether present or absent. Mrs. Wilson enjoyed the good life: food, clothing, jewelry, cars and homes, but her commitment to her church was her priority. She loved and cared for family (her nephew, Willie), and friends - deceased Mrs. Sallie Ann Early, Ms. Esther Rich, and Mrs. Clara Cherry, who now lives in a nursing home. She was a jewel that will be sorely missed. God's finger touched her and she slept. We give thanks and gratitude to Mrs. Mildred Whichard, her guardian angel, a University Tower friend and helper, and fellow church member, who as- sisted her with her physical and financial needs during her con- finement in the hospital and nursing home, and in other tangi- ble ways in death with her nephew, Willie. A YOUNG MAN WHO TURNED HIS LIFE AROUND My name-is Rufus Cooper, affectionately known as "Baldy." | am a native of Pitt County. My sister, Ms. Mary Ann Barrett of Washington, DC, and I were born and reared in the Belvoir Community. Our mother, Ms. Rosa Lee Cooper, deceased, and family friend of the church, Mother Arlene. Ebron, helped mold and shape our character and values at a very early age. By the time | was in the fifth grade at Belvoir Elementary School, out- side influences and social pres- sures began to take me down the road to destruction. Never being a rudé, disobedient or a boisterous child, it's strange how I turned away from my home training. | began to hang out with the wrong crowd. I fathered a son, Marcus Andrew Smith, out of wedlock. Marcus is now a fresh- man at NC Central University, Durham, NC, studying to become a lawyer. | didn't finish school and became a high school dropout. | chose to live in the fast track of crime rather than the slow track of living for Christ. | ended up using and selling drugs. So, conse- quently, these wrong and sinful habits landed me in prison for over eighteen months. Before going to prison, however, I had hit rock bottom. I recall that my body While in prison, I realized that / such destructive behavior was not d or. a part of my family me. | had no choice except to turn my life around, Drugs will de- stroy both the human body and the mind. My advice to all, but especially to young people, is to Stay away from drugs because "Drugs will destroy you. Bad - Company is devastating. Use this precious life for the upbuilding of family and-God's kingdom.” Once out of prison, 1 fotind the love of my life. in Angela Worthington. We have been mar- ried now for nine years. I have been drug free now for more than thirteen years. Angela helped me to really turn my life around. | am now active in both church and community work. | am a member of the Mt. Calvary FWB Church, where | operate the van ministry to transport members - of the church to Sunday School, church, and other church related activities. On weekends, I cook and serve meals from my truck at the corner of Vance-and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard for all. The profits from this activity go into a "kitty" to help the elderly. Also, I am a member of the Community Van Club. Each member chooses two Senior Citizens a month to clean their yards, run errands such as grocery shopping or taking them to the doctor or visiting family and friends, and other chores. | am Blessed and grateful for many things, but I'm especially Blessed, appreciative, and proud of the fact that I'm gainfully employed with the Public Works Department for the City of Greenville. The morals and values that my mother and others taught me at an early age paid off I have integrity. I'm honest, reliable, and I'm neyer late for work nor do | shirk on the job. I'm convinced that if you want to make some- thing of your life you must work hard for it. You can achieve what you set out to do and turn your life Helping your world work: VANCE PAYDAY 4 AD jouw * | am grateful to the Rich sisters, both dead, Miss Lucille, a retired school teacher and Miss Esther, a blind medical transcriptionist, for whom | enjoyed helping with chores, car maintenance, house- keeping, yard work, running er- rands, and many other things. Their love, encouragement, and Support gave me the opportunity to purchase their home before Esther's death. For the first time in my life, I'm in a home, A home that I can call my very own. — I thank Mrs. Beatrice Maye, a lady whom | respect, for interviewing me, encouraging me, and giving me the opportunity to let others know how Christ has been working in my life. Because of Him, I am working hard every day supporting my family. Also, I'm encouraging my family and others to see that with .a positive spirit, they, too, can achieve and be successful in any thing they want to do. If at any time I can help somebody, please let. me know. I nveéiitions F tom , The Minds Of Black Folks 1. Alexander Mills, The Elevator 2. Richard Spikes, Automatic Gear Shift 3. Joseph Grammell, Charge System for Combustion Engines Super Internal 4. Garrett A, Morgan, Traffic ° Signals 5. Elbert R. Robinson, Electric Trolley 6. Charles Brooks, Street Cleaner 7. John Love; Pencil Sharpener 8. William Purvis, Fountain Pen 9. Lee Burridge Type Writing Machine 12. William Purvis, 13. Phillip Downing, letter Drop 14, Joseph Smith, Lawn Sprinkler 15. John Burr, Lawn Mower 16. Frederick Jones, Air Conditioner 17° Alice Furnace — 18. Lewis Latimer, Electric Lamp 19. Michael Harvey, Lantern 20. Automatic Cut-Off Switch 21. Thomas W,. Steward, ‘Map 22. Lloyd P. Ray, Dust Pan 23. Lasting Machine 24. Walter Sammons, Comb 25. Sarah Boone, Ironing Board 26. George T. Samon, Clothes Dryer 27. John Standard, Refrigerator 28. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., : said, "that by the time we leave for work we have been dependent on half of the world. Modem America is created by dependen-: cies on the inventions from the - minds of Black folks". Black History includes more than just slavery, Frederick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, and W.E.B. Dubois. Please Share The Knowledge 4 Paw” WESTERN UNION HEADQUARTERS GOLD & SILVER 20% We Loan Cash On Anything Of Value 828 Washington Plaza Washington, NC 27889 (919) 946-5999 Walker, Heating Jan E. Matzelinger, Shoe ot - ak ee ee ) Granville T. Woods, — Seeeee nadine A Legend Dies...... Gos died recently. Pictured above shown posing for the "M" Voice camera Publisher Jim Rouse, Tommy Ellison of the 5 singing Stars and Norman Pugh of the Golden Jubilees. He was well known in the gospel world throughout America. May he rest in peace. photo by Faith May _Win A Free C/D ! - If you can name the people in this "M" Voice Archive photo- graph. Please send your entries to WOOW Joy 1340 AM _ #405 Evans St. Greenville, NC 27835 ie file photo WOOW Radio t women. ining the two, reading selec- | tions from playwright Eve Ensler’s ) : yg Monologues will be infrey, ~ Oprah 1 Many others. Calista Flockhart, - Jane Fonda, Brooke Shields and °F must take his place on a CIA as- signment, and gets a ing from a veteran agent, played by Anthony Hopkins. ° Next up-for Rock is a romantic comedy where he plays an infer- tile husband. fm| CHRIS ROCK | ~ - To star in new film Sheep great Willie Neal Johnson leader of the Gospel Keynotes Bertha Woolard, Program Director for the (PE.T-E.R) Partners Effectiveness Training, Evaluation & -Comedian Referral Mentor Program at Moyewood Cultural Center, 1710 West 3rd Street, Greenville, NC was Chris Rock — presented a check in the amount of $1,100.00 as a contribution to the program by a major Corporation, J will star in as a jester to give back to the community in which it serve. Sheep, asa . ] Street hustler | Randy Draper, manager of Monumental Agency Group, Inc.in support of Rufus Huggins, Agent of the eno has a Greenville District Office, 3107 South Evans Street, Suite E, Greenville, NC presented the check. f CIA agent }] foratwin | Mr. Huggins is a Mentor for the P.E.T.E.R Program and has thusfore provided a total of 1,040 hours q brother. to the program. . wee ‘ hedrvee - brother is e killed, Rock Tf, "M” Voice Proudly Salutes Black Hrtory little coach- Open Monda Friday: 9-5 ’ | Re ~ Since 1949 SAAD RENTALS 1-, 2-, and 3- bedroom housing units REAL ESTATE. - Section 907 Dickinson Ave., Greenville, NC, (252) 757-3191 8 Accepted LOANS OV TAK REFTADS IN 24 HOUR E i ) ere WC 530 Wie oe (252) 752.0322 Wedding Formal Attire Alterations & Sew Much More 115 Red Banks Road Greenville, NC 27834 £ Americans United for Separation of Church & State East Carolina Chapter......Presents Washington's "Charitable Choice" Plan Who "Wins" ? Who Loses ? Who Decides ? A Panel Discussion Featuring : Tom Irons M.D. Assoc. V.C. Health/Science _ Brody School of Medicine Rev. Tom Jackson, Wake Forest Baptist Church — Deborah Ross, ACLU of NC Timsley Yarbrough P.H.D. 7:30 pm Thursday, March 1 2001 Belk (Allied Health Sciences) Bldg. 1 Charles Blvd. | just North of Greenville Blvd, 6} No Charge * All Invited* Q &A period Homeownership Oppo NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR oe SALE!! * NEWHOMES FOR SALE IN THE CITY OF GREENVILLE PERFECT FOR LARGE FAMILY TO PURCHASE a. PRICED AFFORDABLE FOR LOW- AND MODERATE INCOME FAMILIES CONVENIENT LOCATION TO STORES, HOSPITAL AND SCHOOLS 4 LEASE OPTIONS WELCOMED _ , , FREE HOUSING COUNSELING SERVICES is OPPORT For More Information contact West Greenville Community Development Corporation Oe De REE WSUS A GR leg | we ee we ew wee ge ee ee Carolina East W756 00 We Clean Timberland Shoes and Boots Mother's Day Out ! Shown at the Carolina East Center leaving Moe's Baits Shop, is a beautiful mother and her two sons. Her youngest son just got a haircut from Moe's Barber Shop. Photo by Jim Rouse eee Black & Beautiful as well as competing as a Mrs. NC Beauty Co You can win a free C/D if you can name this beautiful Black Lady who was once featured in the "M" Voice newspaper years ago’, ontestant. Please send your entries to WOOW 405 Evans St. Greenville, NC ¢ @ File _ Building on a Tradition of Excellence For 50 years, the people of this community have been comforted by the knowledge that their health needs can be met by a hospital right here in Pitt County. And throughout that remarkable half century, Pitt County Memorial Hospital has grown and improved until today it stands on the leading edge of healthcare, serving as a tertiary care center for more than 1 million people in the eastern part of the state. During 2001, PCMH will observe the 50th anniversary of its history as a local institution dedicated to the health needs of people in this area. The history of the hospital actually begins in the early years of the Twentieth Century when four doctors invested their personal assets to start a community hospital in a rented room over a store in downtown Greenville. On February 8, 1951, Pitt County Memorial Hospital opened its doors as a county owned, 120-bed hospital staffed by 38 doctors, 50 nurses and 70 employees who served as support staff. In a dozen short years, a $1.6 million addition increased the number of beds to 205. In 1977, the hospital moved to a new building at its present location. The new 370-bed facility was designated as the teaching arm for the East Carolina University School of Medicine. The affiliation between the hospital and the medical school set the stage for rapid expansion and improvement of services. Centers of excellence, state- of-the-art services and outstanding resources attracted medical experts from across the nation and beyond. Today, the institution that began in a creaky room above a general store is the flagship and forerunner of a flourishing regional health system. As we celebrate 50 years of excellence, we also celebrate the hard work, support and dedication of those who made it happen. We offer our heartfelt appreciation to those who have made excellence a tradition at Pitt County Memorial Hospital for the past 50 years, and to those who will continue to do so for the next half century. Pirt County MEmoriAL HosPiTat University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina » re ee ore eee Mr. Sylvester Bo Tyson, Jr. CAROLINA MC OF GREENVILLE <=, INTRODUCING OUR 2001 & Missionary Audreinee Rechealle Harvey Request the Honor of Your Presence WANT TO BUY A CAR TODAY? NEED TO WAIT At Their Wedding! FOR YOUR TAX REFUND CHECK TO COME? WHY WAIT? CAROLINA MOTORS CAN HELP YOU RIDE TODAY! BRING YOUR TAX DOCUMENTS TO OUR OFFICE AND KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR RETURN WILL BE IN TWO MINUTES! RECEIVE YOUR REFUND CHECK WITHIN 48 HOURS! MAKE DOWN PAYMENT WHEN THE CHECK DOES COME! COME BY CAROLINA MOTORS TODAY FOR DETAILS. Saturday, March 24", 2001 * 2:00 pm Location Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church 1001 Hooker Rd.; Greenville, NC 27835 (252) 756-4869 Dr. Howard W. Parker, Jr., Officiating I ee tee rete Matthew T. Lewis Fellowship Hall The rT] M" Voiee S i Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Chureh “Come Out and Enjoy the Lord With Us!” Kweisi Mfume, 5 ent & CEO, the National ped com for the Ad- vancement of Colored People (NAACP), nigh on the Ford Motor y to fairly compensate the fy of Earl Shinhoster, former NAACP Executive ‘Director oad O, who died from: injuries suffered in an accident involving a Ford Explorer equipped with Fire- stone tires. “Earl's death left a leadership void in the NAACP as well as in his fam- ily,” said Mfume. “He was one of the NAACP leaders who made this orga- nization work during its 92 years.” At the time of the accident, Shin- hoster was director of Voter Empow- erment, a national registration. and education. program. During his 30- year NAACP career, Shinhoster held a number of senior administrative positions: in the NAACP, including National Field Secretary. He served as Acting Executive Director and CEO from February 1995 to Febru: ary 1996, “Shinhoster was fatally injured on June 11, 2000, when the Ford Ex- plorer he was riding i in was involved in an accident in Alabama. He was traveling to Montgomery to escort the First Lady of the Republic of Liberia when the accident occurred. He was scheduled ‘to also attend a voter registration drive later that day in Tuskegee. During his long career with the NAACP, Shinhoster weathered tear- gas bombs and threats, but he re- mained a tireless worker for civil rights. In addition to his work in the NAACP, Shihhoster was formerly interim director, Southern Regional Council Voting Rights Project and the coordinator for voter education in the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, Elections Division. He was also formerly Field Director for the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Ghana, West Africa, where he trained local citizens to serve as election monitors. HUD office selects outreach coordinator - - Yvonne Leander has been select- ed as Senior Community Builder for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s office in Memphis. In this career position, Leander is responsible for coordi- nating outreach activities and de- livery of all HUD progtams within her jurisdiction of 21 counties in West Tennessee. She serves as the principal management official and point of contact for state and local government officials and is respon- sible for ensuring effective service for all HUD clients. She reports to the Secretary’s Representative for the Southeast/Caribbean in Atlanta. Lender has a long and distin- guished career at HUD. Most recent- ly, she served as a.Community Builder in HUD’s Nashville Office, where she was responsible for cus- tomer service to citizens, outreach to communities, and public affairs in 37 counties of Middle Tennessee. In that position she coordinated:a na- tional award-winning project which successfully relocated 186 very low- income families from Lane Garden Apartments in Nashville with the help. of business and ey partners. Before coming to Tennessee, Le- ander held seyeral management sitions in the Georgia State Office of HUD located in Atlanta. As Chief of the Management Branch in HUD’s Atlanta Property Disposi- tion Center, she oversaw the man- agement and foreclosure of multi- family properties in the eastern half of the United States. Before that, she had extensive throughout the State of Georgia. She began her HUD career in Atlanta as an econo- mist. Leander, born in Acworth, Ga., re- ceived her B.B.A. in Economics, Summa Cum Laude, from the Uni- versity of Georgia. Religious leaders support Ashcroft A coalition of religious leaders from across the United States held a press conference Tuesday in Wash- ington, D.C. in su of Sen, John Ashcroft (R-Missouri) and his nomination to be Attorney General. Attending were leaders from vari- ous religious and minority commu- nities, including a former student of tt . took a ing” ot t the “religious pro re ohn Ashcroft. Article VI, clause 3 of the US. Constitution which Says,” no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any of- ice or ypu trust under the United Re i < | é more than two months after the disputed election, ’ hardly a day goes by when some prominent Black leader does not loudly protest the “disenfranchisement” of Black voters in Florida. That's pretty serious, all right, _ and indeed is more important than the election outcome, but at least one group of Blacks is challenging the con- ventional orthodoxy of never-ending victimization of the Black masses. Calling itself the “Independent Black Majority” the group has formed as an alternative voice hoping to refo- cus the Black public policy agenda beyond the arena of race relations and white racism. “Would the same protest be going on had Al Gore. won. the election? Probably not.” Bishop Harold Ray, founder of the national Center for Faith-Based Initiatives in Flori- da told this writer. “Would the same problems be in exis- tence however? Probably so,” he said of the voting irreg- ularities that caused thousands of Black votes. to not be counted in the decisive Florida balloting and the Black reaction to it, That reaction included a walkout on Jan. 6 by the Con- gressional Black Caucus of the joint session of Congress, which certified the Electoral College vote that officially made Texas Republican Governor George W. Bush, the Presi dent-elect. Mr. Bush becomes the 43rd President at the Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 20. “I say that Black America needs a choice,” Robert Wood- son, President of the National Center for Neighborhood athe eve age the Presidential insugerntion, ‘al : Enterprise told reporters. Blacks “need to be edict alternatives,” he said. His new group convened a “Summit on Black Independence and Self-Sufficiency” to th in Washington on January 15, the same day civil rights i ~ leaders held demonstrations and marches to protest Elec- tion Day irregularities in Florida. Mr. Woodson’s summit convened dozens of grassroots community organizers. from 35 different groups around the country. It was organized by a coalition of conserva- tives who raised the question: “Who speaks for Blacks?” “These are the priorities of Black America as expressed in the Joint Center’ s (for Political and Economic Stud- a ASKIA AT-LARGE By Askia MUHAMMAD ies) poll,” Mr. Wooton says, gesturing toward a chart which lists education, health care, crime, employment and three other topics ahead of race relations as the nation’s top priorities among Blacks, according to the Black think tank’s year 2000 poll of 850 Blacks nationwide. “Two percent said racism, yet traditional Black leaders are out rel meeting and acting as if this is the most important thing. ed: “A Legney of Self-Help and Pursuit of “The Enemy Within,” meaning the need for anew eman- - cipation” from victimization, self-debasement, and destruction; and “The Power of Black Institutions” such — as churches and private civic organizations. Instead of having to compete with traditional Black + leaders for public attention concerning the hot-button “issue du jour” on o¢casions such as the King Holiday Mr. Woodson argues, Blacks should be coming together o + compete with one another about “how to produce positi outcomes” that will help relieve the problems thoed | by poor Blacks. Outcomes such as “turning killing fields into - football fields,” improving health-care delivery; and mak- ing safe, clean, affordable housing available to more inner- city residents. As far as partisan politics i is concerned, Mr. Woodson suggests that Blacks would be better off by having both parties compete to win Black support, rather than having upwards of 90 percent of that vote always going to the Democratic candidates. “We're saying the Republican and the Democratic parties have ill-served our commu- — nities. My main issue is: to the degree that we have become a presumed constituency of one party, our best interests are | actually being served by neither een: Have you seen the Site everyone is talking about ? ®Local Coupons ® Pree classitieds *Currént Local Events © ® Weekly Yard Sale posting | ®Local City & government Information - *Complete Searchable Business Directory ® Did you know your business is here “®Let us link you up www. greenville. net If you like to live life on your terms, you'll enjoy the freedom of ALLTEL wireless, Already discovered by more than 10 million people in 26 states. We'll help you go where you want to go, do what you want to do and stay connected to the ones you love. For details, call 1-800-ALLTEL-3. eam heen ¥ Sse eee mererre Miia ering ied le a ae ln i iia _ Paying Pictur Contributions To A Great Man above is Mr. and Mrs. Mebanes, Mrs. Beula Mebanes is the daughter of G.R. Whitfield the founder of Pitt County ‘Training School, now known as G.R. Whitfield High School. G.R. Whitfield was truly a pioneer for the education of Black folks during segregation. Hats off to a great man who accomplish great ‘things in the face of adversity, . photo by Jim Rouse for black boys and girls and the youth of this section and through- out the state and nation. A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE RAYMOND WHIFIELD IN “THE MARCH TO THE | BEAT OF CHANGE” The long firm arms of G.R. Whitfield with their nimble fingers, reached into every mid- da at ~ Jo Baker, Shalom Trainer of the United Methodist Conference was on hand at Conetoe Chapel Church, Conetoe, NC to give an overview of the upcoming train- ing course. - She spoke with Pastor Richard Joyner and members of his con- gregation concerning “Communities of Shalom Training”. Communities of Shalom Training began in the aftermath of the acquittal of Los Angeles Police Officers for the beating of Rodney King, people took to the streets to vent their frustration. The de- struction from that event, coupled with years of poverty and neglect, called for a response. The United Methodist Church at its 1992 General Conference committed that we in solidarity and consulta- tion with indigenous persons and local churches in a selected neigh- borhood would commit ourselves to the creation in Los Angeles of a Shalom Zone...with the hope that the Shalom Zone concept become a prototype for proactive ministry in other places. The United Methodist Church responded to the 1992 uprising in Los Angeles by establishing a strategy in church and community transformation called Communities of Shalom. Critical to the strategy is identifying and targeting. resources for a Shalom Zone. A training course was developed to equip persons to lead the development of their neighborhoods. In five sessions laity, “commun - ¢ific skills in planning and lee ~ ship. They also gain knowledge ~ for devel mary Bored nen Sel sources g partner- ships for. Shalom development. Follow-up courses, technical as- sistance, and the development of networks further enhance the ex- change of ideas and the replica- tion of future communities of Shalom. The Training Program is designed to organize and mobilize people | and resources to carry out the | strategies which they have se- lected and on which they are | willing to act.. Those who live and work in the community and church are valued ‘as the experts who provide the . information, design the plan, and carry out the © actions. The concept enables the necessary help, hope and healing which congregations and neighborhoods need to address the internal and external pressures of poverty, — racism, lack of vision, limited resources, and demise of the spirit. The training sessions are designed to be conducted on five Saturdays over a five to six month period of time. Training is done on location and involves three to five commu- - nities of Shalom from an annual conference or area. The goal of Communities of Shalom is the empowerment of individual lives and the transfor- mation of churches and communi- ties. The training program develops leaders who can enable communities and congregations to take responsibility for the deci- better the communities in which we Cer For fi er information contact ay es sed — hapel Baptist Church, Conetoe, State Auditor Ralph Campbell jr. Begins — Third Term On Council Of State _ State Auditor Ralph Campbell Jr. has started his third term on the Council of State, the only African-American ever elected to the group of constitutional officials. ‘Campbell took the oath for his term on Saturday, January 6th as part of the inaugural ceremonies for new Governor Mike Easley. The — Oath was administered by Court of Appeals Judge Patricia Timmons-Goodson. The office of State Auditor is an independent There is an old adage or proverb which says: “The mills of the God’s grind slowly, but ex- ‘ceedingly fine.” I have coined a ‘more simple one which | admit :was taken from the one stated above. My proverb which says, “The wheel of destiny turns Slowly, but surely.” The wheel of ‘destiny is change and it is ‘controlled only by God. Change ‘is inevitable and it must come and ‘as Sure as the sun must rise itomorrow morning, each spoke in ‘that wheel of destiny must be brought into time. Nothing can hold it back. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men cannot hold back the beat of change. 7 I remember vividly one day during 1934 of 1935. Mr. Setzer was Principal of this school at that time and I lamented over the fact that our children, many of them walking 12 and 15 miles per day to and from school in the slush and grime while white children were riding past them in their limousine-style buses, in ‘comfort, to school. Mr. Setzer took me on h is car and went to - the home of the Chairman of the Board of Education and asked for .a bus. I have been trying to recall ‘his name. He said to us, “The time is not ripe.” Due to the fact that my remarks on this program must be short to permit others to have their say, | have decided to pay a tribute to the founder of this idea, George Raymond Whitfield, who was hewn out of time by the wheel of destiny to make the “time ripe” for the freedom of his fellow- blacks in this part of the moral vineyard. My tribute to him is a paraphrase of a famous address known to all American citizens: It was a little more than a half a century ago, a sort of mid-point between the end of one of the ‘most vicious slave systems the ‘world has ever known and our ‘struggle, when our founding fa- ther, George Raymond Whitfield, ~ brought to Pitt County, a big idea, conceived in his genius mind and dedicated to the proposition of freedom through a good education dlesex, village and farm and uprooted young blacks nestled in their conservative environs and brought them to this fountain- head of knowledge known at the time as’ Pitt County Training School. Now we are engaged in an experience and a struggle in which we are to take a hard look at his ideas as we march to the beat of change, testing whether his dream, so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on these sacred grounds...These grounds where G.R. Whitfield, along with the people of Grimesland, made that persons like me might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a large sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot conse- crate, we cannot hallow these sacred grounds. Thousands of students, teachers, principals, school committees, and parents, living and dead, who struggled here together have consecrated it far above our power to add or detract. It is for us here, the living, marching to the beat of change, to be dedicated to the unfinished task that GR.. Whitfield so nobly advanced. It is for us to be here dedicated to the great tasks remaining before us that from his struggle we take increased devotion to the cause for which he gave his, last full measure of devotion; that we, here in our march to freedom and justice, highly resolve that the struggle of G.R. Whitfield to keep the school alive; was not in vain; that we keep and continue the struggle for quality education and for freedom that this entire nation, the United States of America, under God shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this govern- ment of all people, ' black and white, by the people, black and white, for the people, black and white, shall not perish from the earth, ° over a six month period, clergy. sions which shape their destiny. agency that oversees the operation of state agencies, universities, community colleges and county clerks of court to make sure they are following sound financial practices. Maintain $25,000 or more in any combination of deposits, mutual funds or annuities*and receive these UltraQuest benefits. 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Refer to First Citizens’ Disclosure of Products and Fees for specific restrictions and pricing. Normal credit approval applies. FDIC Insurance xp to.$100,000. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender, @@) ' firstcitizens.com . ARE NOT FDIC INSURED | ‘ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED | MAY LOSE VALUE BROKERAGE SERVICES ARE OFFERED THROUGH FIRST CITIZENS INVESTOR SERVICES, INC. MEMBER NASD/SiPc. . "M" Voice Archives camara bein as is Rev. Jac Stokes Woman Tells National Magazine Guideposts how She Went From Mental Illness,and Homelessness to Medical School New York, NY(February 2001)-- A national magazine has featured the story of Leslie Smith of Stokes, N.C. who tells Guideposts magazine how she conquered mental illness and homelessness and went on to medical school. In the February issue of Guideposts, a national magazine with a 2.6 million circulation, Ms Smith describes her struggle to the road of success. Ms Smith went away to college in West Virginia to quench her thrist for learning, but was soon faced with a feeling of inadequacy that led to FICK NAMED DIRECTOR-AFRICA REGION FOR LBA INTERNATIONAL, LLC January 17, 2001 (Greenville, NC) - Johan Fick has been named as Director - African Region for LBA International, Inc. Mr. Fick will be responsible for developing product . sales and business opportunities for the LBA Group companies on the African continent. Emphasis will be on the information tech- nology and telecommunications sectors where LBA currently holds a significant market posi- tion in the United States and Latin America. LBA is in the process of establish- ing offices in Pretoria, South Africa. ‘ A native of Harare, Zimbabwe, The late Rev. Elmer Jackson Jr. is shown posing for our "M' voice congratulated by an old friend who is now deceased son. May God rest his soul. 7 _ a deep depression. As .atésult, . LBA Group, inc., telecommunica- "M" Voice : What are some of your thoughts on Arab or Koreans enough Blacks are involved in the clear, ier: liquor stores in our community? —— of government te- Recently, the "M" Voice had a ee SOURCES | eae ae enna in enaak wlth” Anthony : Personally, 1 do not Ai al, chance to speak with Anthony y nally Anthony : No, although we have and get some of his opinions on believe we need any additional Unlimited calling to other Cingular n at no additional charge. file photo her grades suffered so badly that she had to drop out of school. Later diagnosed with depression and borderline personality disor- der, Ms. Smith was institutional- ized several times and eventually was living on the streets. She wmately tried to take her own ife. Folks, there's a new wireless company in town with 20 million customers nationwide. | Cingular Wireless is the coming together of 11 companies, including BellSouth Mobility DCS. To kick things off, when you sign up with Cingular Wireless, you'll get unlimited calls with other Cingular customers in your home area. So you don't have to worry about your minutes running out. Plus, you can send unlimited text messages. All you have to do is activate a Cingular Home™ plan with access of $29.99 or higher. So start gabbing, unlimited, with all your buddies. At no additional charge. With the help of a woman she met at a local outreach center, Ms. Smith turned her life around. She began helping others with their problems, became an active mem- ber of a nearby church and even went back to school with the help of a doctor she met. Smith is now doing clinical rotations as part of her medical school training at East Carolina University. { Smith’s story appears on Pgs. 18-23 of the February issue of It's our way of making it easy for you to express yourself, 24/7 52999 | $3999 | $4999 Home Plan: 325 minutes * 500 minutes ¢ 700 minutes Long Distance Included. Re maton interview available Service offer available to new and existing customers. an oil Mr. Fick is also managing aes Director of Omega Computers : there. His experience includes business development and con- sl sulting in the southern African . : region. \ “pal LBA International _ president wg Lawrence Behr said “Africa rep- resents information technology and telecommunications markets largely untapped by US compa- nies. Hence, it holds great opportunities for LBA to intro- duce products and services.” Got so excited about this deal, I sorta lost my head. LBA international is a unit of the tions consultants; LBA Technology, Inc., a manufacturer of wireless equipment, and LBA InfoSystems, LLC, a provider of IT services. The LBA companies have over 35 years of experience in the information technology and telecommunications sectors. or so I am told’ wish you were mine. ——” you not been my friend. of me. always with me, special valentine, My Special Valentine Valentine’s Day is a day for lovers So although we can’t be together now, I'll try to tell you why | We’re one, joined together by forces we've yet to understand. Even though we're apart I feel your presence deep in my heart. I have peace down deep within _ that I would have never known, had Passes Time or circumstances can never erase what we've been to each other, Thank you, for always being a part Your warmth, your tenderness, your thoughtfulness and compassion are That is why you are my very had is Now a part of x cingular ie (esd icaabtabesdigl ft What do you have to say?” ag _ By Chekieta Wil iams i ih AY Cage A - GOD, DR. BUZZARD, AND THE BOLITO MAN y ‘Cornelia Walker Bailey ‘A Sapelo Island native, Bailey tells the intriguing history of her temarkable and threatened home- land off the coast of Georgia. Sapelo is an island once populated by descendants of slaves and ‘freed men and is now home to just ‘74 African Americans who are struggling to keep their Geechee heritage alive in a world that moves too fast and doesn’t value their culture. Cornelia Walker Bailey, a descen- dant of Bilali, one of the first African slaves to inhabit the island in the early 1800s, is the sage and keeper of cultural se- ‘crets. She is determined to save the all-black community in which She. lives and to preserve the rich culture that is slowly eroding. Sapelo Island is south of ‘Savannah, Georgia and north of Jacksonville, Florida on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. She goes on to confirm Bilali as, the most famous and - powerful of all Africans who lived on this island during slavery days. She writes: “If you had been standing on the white sands of this island at daybreak in 1803, OPO Black Hist you might have seen a. tall, | dark-skinned man with narrow features, his head covered with a cap resembling a Turkish fez, unfold his prayer mat, kneel and ~ pray toward the East while the sun _rose. . This was Balali---the first of my ancestors | can name.” - Today the children rise in the dark of winter or the light of spring. so they can board a large white ferry run by the state of Georgia that takes them to them to the main- land where they go to school. They are the descendants of Bilali---who are still there some 200 years later. After the slaves arrived here, they were expected to conform to the ways of the European slavehold- ers and they did just enough of that to get by because they did not want to lose all of their African selves. They hung onto their customs and beliefs as much as they could and in doing so they passed their traditions down so successfully that many of the Geechee ways can be traced directhy: back to Africa. But the 1950s saw a diminishing of the old ways when the outside world began crashing in. The old Geechee customs involved watch- ing animals for good-and bad-luck signs, believing in the healing properties of the earth and all forms of the supernatural and the belief in God, Dr. Buzzard and the Bolito Man. Dr. Buzzard was the root doctor whom people other places called the voodoo man, and a lot played Bolito, the numbers racket. Bailey’s ancestors didn’t have a written language. They passed down everything through stories---which were humorous but also made one think. Bailey concludes her book by reminding readers that it is her hope of creating a new beginning on this island and that one can survive if one believes in himself and his culture. Note: The late John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette (both died in a plane crash) exchanged - their wedding ‘vows on Sapelo- Island. Due to printing reproduction errors, portions of February 2- February 9 Edition of the "M" Voice's Reflections, Expressions and Reviews ‘some letters and words were omitted. Here. is the Section in its entirety The PIC disbanded in October 1950 but Du Bois was informed in February 1951 that the group was required to register as “an agent of a foreign principal” under the Foreign Agents Registration Acct. He was bounded by the internal security of the U.S. government at the height of the Cold War. He was indicted for falling to comply, was tried and acquitted in November 1951. Although acquitted, Du Bois became more isolated during the 1950s and was denied a passport until the Supreme Court ruled in 1958 that the State Department’s passport policies were in this regard unconstitu- tional. In a final act of defiance he joined the Communist Party of the United States at the age of 93 and exiled himself to Africa. Despite his attacks on its economic and social system, Du Bois wrote that the United States was “my country and the land of my fathers--- a land of magnifi- cent possibilities---the home of noble souls and generous people.” Hopefully those “generous peo- ple’ may come closer to a long-deferred understanding of one of the 20" century’s great intellectuals William Edward Burghardt Du Bois. Note: I contacted a local entre- preneur, Mr. William Myles Nobles, (also a relative) and he affirmed, indeed, that the Du Bois Center was named to honor W.E.B. Du Bois. RENTER eA RGR 3325S. MEMORIALDR. ] GREENVILLE, N.C. 27834 EASTERN CAROLINA'S VOLUME DEALER’ DARRELL PHELPS nowledgeah (252) 756-2150 They’re not hard to find at Taff Office Equipment Co. For furniture, supplies, installations, service and repairs — the only name you need to know is "OFFICE EQUIPMENT CO,, INC. 569 South Evans Street, Downtown 752-2175 Arthur Freeman Sales Manager www.taffco.com — 800.682.8233 fax 252.758.1984 ‘| assumes no responsibility for the le of rg ince ph an ts or '| photographs. aphs a ore Ane teu of The New Supreme Court Justice ! : ee | Newly appointed Governor, Mike Easley appointed G.K. Butterfield to fill an open seat on the NC Supreme Court, reflecting the diversity of NC growing population. He is the former partner of NC house of Representatives, Toby Fitch, as well as NC Appellate Court Justice Jim Wynn. Shown from (L to R) retired Justice Burley Mitchell former Governor Jim Hunt, Appellate Court Justice Jim Wynn and G.K. Butterfield. os i photo by Jim Rouse The Minority Voice Newspaper, Ine. 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 'M' Voice spaper Address your complaints to: Mr. jim Rouse,Publisher 405 Evans Street Greenville, NC 27834