WHAT YOUSI Serving Eastern North Carolina Since 1981 Black America Still In a State Of Emergency By David Muhammad -The Final Call I live in Richmond, Calif., a city where the mayor, the majority of the city council, the city manager and most department heads are BLACK. If | turn on my television [| can see Tiger Woods rule golf and the William sisters dominate tennis. A recent edition of Newsweek magazine featured three CEOs of multibillion-dollar corporations on the cover-all black. The U.S. government's top diplomats are Black. This ‘could lead me to believe that 100 years after the 13" Amendment abolished — slavery, and less than 40 years after major Civil Rights legislation, Blacks have reached parity and equity in America. But if | come beyond the mask of virtual reality just described, | see a far different picture, one of poverty. inferior education, incar- ceration. AIDS, police brutality and racism. With all the signs and trappings of anew America, the melting pot of diversity and tolerance, Blacks still suffer — disproportionately more than any other people. A look into the detailed statistics of the condition of Black America reveals that the masses are suffer- ing severely, in nearly every category. The most blaring statistics are the deplorable incarcerations rates in the Black community. Nationally, while Blacks make up just. 13) percent of the US. population, they are nearly 60 percent of all inmates. Blacks are incarceration rates in the Black community. Nationally, while blacks make up just 13 percent of the U.S. population, they are nearly 60 percent of all inmates. Blacks are incarcerated at six to eight times the rate of whites. The 2000 Census showed that in California, one in 33 Blacks were in jail, compared to one in 122 Hispanics and one in every 205 whites. While the incarceration rate for the Latino/Hispanic com- munity is bad, nothing is more daunting than the numbers in the Black community. According to the most recent statistics pub- lished by Alameda County; Calif.,Black youth make up 59 percent of all detainees in juvenile hall. The nearest group in Latinos, who make up 16 percent of the juvenile hall population. A new study released by the California Youth Authority (CYA) showed that for every 100,000 young whites in California, 6.4 are in CYA. Again, Hispanics, with 25 out of very 100,000 youth in CYA, are closest to figures for Blacks, but still a distant second with an astounding 118 out of every 100,000 black youth in the state’s youth prison system. AIDS rates are just as alarming as incarceration. Blacks, just 13 percent of the U.S. population, account for 54 percent of all new cases of AIDS. in fact, most diseases disproportionately affect Blacks. Last October, the Surgeon General released a report showing that Blacks receive inferior mental health care. Dr. David Satcher said ethnic minorities face “striking dispari- ties” in access to adequate mental health care, and that it was most disparaging for Blacks. In most urban school districts around the country, Black stu- dents are disportionately sus- pended and expelled. According to a report by the Kids First Coalition in Oakland, though just Recognizing The Accomplishments of African A The Minority Voice February 28, 2002 - March 8, 2002 under 50 percent of the student body, Blacks were subject to more than 70 percent of suspensions. In August 2001, the National Assessment for Education Programs released a study show- ing that more than six out of every 10 Black fourth graders read below average and are below average in math. For white fourth graders, only two out of every 10 are below average in reading and math. Poverty is a leading contributor to some of these problems. One- third of all Black people live in poverty and nearly half of all Black children grow up in pov- erty. Unemployment rates are also highest among Blacks. The very environment of most inner city Black neighborhoods breeds destructive outcomes. Black communities are affected by overwhelming blight, unem- ployment, inferior education, ram- pant drug sales. firearms trafficking, and numerous alcohol outlets. A study by the Marin Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol found that in West Oakland, a predominantly Black neighborhood, there was one liq- uor store for every 3,000 resi- dents. When you have deterioration, few job opportunities, and inferior education in a community with a liquor store on nearly every corner, and drugs and guns readily available, poverty. incarceration. and poor health will be common outcomes. So although Secretary of State Colin Powell has become the highest ranking Black government official ever and Richard Parsons has been named CEO of the largest media corporation in the world, the state of Black America is unfortunately not strong: it 1s In a state of emergency. ~The "M" Voice Archives ARCHIVE OF THE MINORITY VOICE Members of the Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church are shown posing for the Minority Vou. name these people & win a CD, record and Happy Birthday to one of the ladies i i all of these brothers and sisters are history makers. , of the ladies in the picture above, Local Student Explores Justice System National Youth Leadership Forum Provides Insight Into U.S. Justice System Washigton, D.C. - Mr. Brian Goings of Greenville, has recently been selected to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law (NYLF/LAW) from March 5 to March 10, 2002 in Washington. D.C. jeatons Brien will 4 academic achievement and an interest in law and , oin more t ding hi fom across Ameriea at the Fe an $90 outstanding high school students “Due to the events that took place on September 11, there may bé rio better time than now for ‘students like Brian Goings to explore and develop a command of the U.S. justice system,” said Donna Weldin, executive director of the NYLF. “The experience that the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law provides to these individuals allows them to be much more selective and focused in their studies and internships as they map out their route to law school and beyond. By interacting with partners at law firms, criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors, as well as professors and other professionals who work with the justice system, the process of students shaping their future starts here,” . The NYLF is a nonpartisan, nonprofit educational otganization that sponsors highly specialized career-oriented programs for outstanding a ‘school students who demonstrate leadership potential, For ! ditional information on NYLF programs, visit us on the Internet at ‘\ www.nylforg, mericans 365 Day Edgecombe County NAACP Annual Banquet . Hundreds of people attended the annual affair where Black residents got a chance to meet and greet the candidates who will represent them in the coming election. Pictured, the President of Edgecombe County NAACP Brother Jones, the Mayor of Princeville. NC, Edgecombe County Clerk of Court and guest speaker Sister Carol White and a unidentified guest. Refer To Page 12 to see full Page Collage ! Vali’ ) \\ ; VA Free Photo by Jim Rouse BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION Ladonia Wright cultural center on the campus of ECU is the place for a historical events. The author of the book "The Titans" Coach Boone was in attendance. Denzel Washington plays the leading role in the new hit movie made from the book. Coach Boone was the host and guest speaker for Black History Month. Shown posing for the camera is brother Bobby Teel, his sister and family were on hand to receive his brother's award for being the first black student to attend ECU. This event was arranged by Nell Lewis. Director of the Ledonia Wright Center. - INVER Many of your readers have been awakened to the fact that the Greenville WEED & SEED Program has experienced prob- lems and the US Department of Justice has given notice that the 2001-2002 budget will not be extended. This set back is only temporary and | would like to take this opportunity to explain to your readers what has occurred and how the program will be re- vamped to better serve the needs of west Greenville. The Greenville Weed & Seed is an on-going strategy developed to combat quality of life issues. The strategy consists of four elements. Law Enforcement - The local police agency provides planned efforts in a targeted area to address crime problems such as drug dealing, assaults, breaking and eritering with larcenies and robberies. | Community Policing - The police and the citizens create and nurture a true partnership to address the issues that most citizens are concerned with. This must be a °true partnership wherein the participants trust each other and share all information, Crime flourishes in a community that turns a blind eye to the criminal and his activities. Crime is a community problem and unless the citizens assist the police, crime will prevail. Restoration and Rehabilitation-Ridding the com- munity of substandard housing. abandoned properties, and over- grown/weeded lots. Restoration also includes the restoration of pride in the community by the citizens. A proud community is a safe and productive community. Prevention and Intervention- Programs and services that ad- dress the individuals needs within the community. The best way to improve the quality of life of individuals is to begin with the individual citizens. Training and education builds _ self-esteem. Education, training and skill building are key elements in improving the individuals feeling of self worth and potential for employment. Prevention pro- grams are designed to inform the individual what he or she can do to improve Mentoring of the youth by suc- cessful adults is a vital function of prevention and intervention. The Greenville Weed & Seed has created a Safe Haven in the Eppes Gymnasium. This center has been home for many school-age kids when they leave the classroom. Through Ms. Sidney and her staff, individuals are given one on one instructions and assistance with their school work. Adults are also benefiting by learning to use computers, attending parenting classes, learning nutritional food planning and how to live, eat, exercise for a healthier life. The Safe Haven also offers art and music education and a children’s their future. choir has been established. The Weed & Seed Program will continue despite the reported problems. I have spoken with my fellow council members and we are in agreement that the Weed & Seed efforts will not be allowed to die. We will resubmit an applica- tion for funding to continue the program. We will make some administrative changes that will insure that accurate and timely reporting to the Department of Justice will occur. The police efforts comprise fifty percent of the strategy therefore it is in the best interest of the program that the Greenville Police Department administer the strategy. | am appealing to all the citizens of Greenville to support our renewed efforts in keeping ‘the hope offered by Weed & Seed alive. Strong citizen support can make a difference. Your strong support elected me to office and your voices need to be heard. The Weed & Seed Strategy requires you, as a citizen to take owner- ship. This strategy empowers you to have a part in making changes in the community. Do not sit idle while other would try to defeat our efforts. There are individuals in our city that would find great pleasure in the failure of the Weed & Seed efforts. By doing nothing, you are assisting these individuals and hurting your community. Speak out-become a Safe Haven volunteer or contact me to find out what part you can play in improving our future. 1 can be reached by telephone at 752-0838. Sincerely yours, Rose Glover : Greenville City Council District 2 Mm Na Om-+ 4 0 WMS 3 Shoe He £ Cus m3 ci i a Min oo tated : is | ae 7 v7 . £ V ANT Soe as m a) By Cassandra George Sturges, Psy.D . Michael Jackson's soul absorbed every derogatory Black, dark complexioned, kinky-hair and big- nose joke in an oppressed'society for African Americans. His physical appearance is the personification of self-hatred longing for acceptance in a society that deems Afro-centric features as undesirable and treats them as if they are invisible. Please don't make fun of Michael Jackson in thy presence because I feel his pain. He is the phantom of what many Blacks would look like if they had the resources to change their physical appearance to the reality of their nightmares of low self-esteem. Michael Jackson became Michael Jackson before he became a Black man. His fans, the public, owned him before he had the opportunity to define himself. As a vulnerable child star, his ion of. self was molded by thé belief¥and opinions of others, both positive and negative. When one feels that the world owns them, then one feels that they owe the world. Michael Jackson didn't know when to stop giving of himself. If the children in school make fun of your nose and skin color, this hissed this to you before you had the spiritual and mental fortitude to decipher its credibility, you'd be more receptive to its venom. Michael Jackson's fame did not spare him from the task of learning to love and accept himself from the inside out. His fame just gave him less resilience and. nowhere to hide. Please don't make fun of Michael Jackson in my presence because | feel his pain. would be daunting for most of us, yet the average person places this type of teasing in perspective and prevails without making major changes to their appearance. But if the world quietly I know what it's like to feel invisible, I am just glad that I don't have to answer to the world. I still wonder why there are no African- American female sex symbols with The Minority Voice February 28, 2002 - March 8, 2002 Michael Jackson: Personification of self-hatred mainstream appeal. Society dissects the physical beauty of Black women. I still wonder why braids became sexy on Bo Derek in the movie {Ten}, but some Black women were required to take legal action to be allowed to wear them to their jobs. White "movie stars" have injections to have fuller lips, but full lips on African Americans are called "soup coolers" or simply "big lips." Having round, full buttocks didn't become front-page news until they were on Jennifer Lopez, who is close enough to White, but frowned upon and ignored by mainstream society and the broadcast media as the natural physique of most Black women. Rap performer Lil' Kim has blonde hair and blue eyes because I think she wants to be noticed and validated as a sex symbol. Society has taught her that the blonde bombshell does not sell in shades of Black. I believe that Halle Berry is taking off her clothes in : her current movie roles because somehow her acting ability hasn't been enough proof that she is a gifted actor who has the capability to play more prestigious leading roles, such as Julia Roberts. Reportedly, Julia Roberts earns $20 million dollars a movie and has not resorted to nudity. I believe that Michael Jackson had cosmetic surgery so that his fans would love all of him, not just his dancing and singing. He wanted to be perfect. I don't think that Michael Jackson felt that being "Black" would allow him to be the mega star that he is today. Michael Jackson's mesmerizing performance is a reminder that true beauty resonates from the soul. So please don't laugh at Michael Jackson's physical appearance. He did not do this to himself, we did it to him. He gave us his all, he gave us his best. King's dream of voting equality remains a continuing struggle Commentary EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON AFRO File Photo "The Negro voting problem is more than a legal issue, for it takes courage, patience, and massive effort.” -- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., March 14, 1965. Dr. King wrote those lines two weeks before bloody Sunday transpired on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the outskirts of Selma, Ala. On that particular day, state troopers on horseback beat down protesters and those kneeled in prayer with clubs and cattle prods. They were there demanding nothing more than full citizenship through the right to vote. As we celebrate Black History Month, it is instructive to review Bloody Sunday, which represents American, homegrown terrorism. It symbolized the blood-covered history of how peaceful citizens in search of their Constitutional rights were met with brutality. The brutal response to the voting rights movement created such martyrs as Jimmy Lee Jackson, the Rev. James Reed, Viola Liuzzo, and hundreds of others we may never know. If it were not for those brave souls who braved the lash, the beatings and trampling under horses in places like Selma, I would not be among the 39 Black legislators in Congress today. In 1964, there were only three African-Americans in Congress and 300 Black elected officials nationwide. Today those national numbers have swelled to nearly 9,000. With King at the helm, massive numbers of Americans, both Black and White, showed the courage and patience to continue to fight for enfranchisement, which resulted in the 1965 Voting Rights Act. In 1975, provisions were included to protect Hispanics, Asians and others who were being disenfranchised. As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I have been criticized for continuing to raise the issue of election reform, but I will not back away from the battlefield of voting rights and election reform. That is why as we reflect during Black History Month, I echo the sentiments of the gospel song, "We are no ways tired." The 2000 presidential election and the massive charges of intimidation and voter abuse in Florida are ugly - reminders of yesterday and how quickly we can lose our nghts without constant vigilance. In that race we saw that while the King movement had won the right to vote, it would take more effort to actually get every vote counted. The U. S. Civil Rights Commission and the Congressional Black Caucus received testimonies from scores of elected officials, voters and other affected parties from across the nation, attesting to barriers to voting, particularly by people of color. In Florida, for example, thousands of African-Americans mislabeled as felons were purged from the voting polls. This is unacceptable. On the battlefield of voting nights, where so many have fought and died, the caucus has come early and we plan to say late. As a group, we were one the first Congressional bodies to hold hearings on election reform. We have placed The 2000 presidential election and the massive charges of intimidation and voter abused in Florida are ugly reminders of yesterday and how quickly we can ~ lose our rights without constant vigilance. the issue at the top of our legislative agenda. Although a bill has passed the House, it is only a first step on the A fundamental need for prison reform Commentary HUGH B. PRICE AFRO File Photo The economic downturn sweeping over the country and undermining states' economies may accomplish something advocates of prison reform have been seeking for years -- a significant reduction in America’s addiction to building more prisons as the end-all answer to reducing crime. For more than two decades, states have been on a spending spree of prison construction, fueled by get- tough crime policies that increased the nation's total inmate population by 500 percent, to more than 2 million inmates since the early 1970s. It now costs $30 billion a year to operate all of America's local jails and state and federal prisons. These dollar outlays have put a significant financial strain on states’ capacity to provide other services, such as funding for public higher rating 1 education. That these new prisons were almost always located in rural communities whose economic bases were fast disappearing made that approach even more politically popular. The salaries of guards account for roughly 80 percent of the costs of maintaifling prisons. But the prison boom never made common sense, financially or socially, a truth now becoming more and more evident. release in order to reduce the state's inmate population. California may even have a proposal on the November ballot to reduce the number of criminals subject to its Draconian three-strikes sentencing law, which applies even to those convicted of nonviolent — offences. Currently, 6,700 inmates in California are serving sentences of 25 years to life because of the law. Steven Ickes, an official of the Oregon Department of Corrections, We must stop pretending that merely locking people up is the answer. According to a Jan. 21 news story in the New York Times, budget deficits are forcing many states to at least begin to re-think their approach to incarceration. Some states are considering transferring some inmates from some prisons so that they can close them. Recently Michigan, Ohio and Illinois have each closed a prison and laid off some correctional guards. Washington State's governor has proposed reducing sentences for those who commit nonviolent drug offenses and crimes and making it easier for inmates to gain early ~~ va panei aca told the New York Times, "My sense is that budget problems are making people ask fundamental questions about whether we can afford to keep on doing what we've been doing. We're going to have to make tough choices about prisons versus schools, and about getting a better investment return on how we run our prisons so we don't have so many prisoners re- offending and being sent back." In the old days -- before the get- tough posturing overwhelmed common sense -- it was understood that incarceration had to have a dual purpose if it was to provide the greatest benefit to society: It had to be a proper instrument of punishment for those who committed crimes, but it also had to give offenders a chance to go straight, to become rehabilitated. But that latter idea, which was meant to protect society by reducing the number of repeat offenders, was buried under a deluge of "lock-'em- up-and-throw-away-the-key” rhetoric. That rhetoric conveniently ignored the fact that most inmates cannot be locked up forever. So, as a recent, gripping Time magazine article about an ex- offender trying to go straight pointed out, more than 630,000 people will be released from prison this year, the largest prison exodus in history. Because of the almost complete lack of educational and job-training programs in our prisons, most of these inmates will come back to society as they left it, with only the most minimal educational credentials, if any, and few marketable skills. 1 In the best of circumstances, ex- offenders face daunting prospects of finding work even at the bottom of the occupational ladder. Numerous studies have pegged their "unemployable" rate at higher than 60 percent; the large majority who larger goal to make every vote count. We will continue our efforts in the Senate to produce legislation that will at the very least accomplish such changes as uniformity of voting machines, ballots and poll closings. We plan to stay late because we know that the American Dream which Dr. King so eloquently articulated from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 remain a nightmare for far too many. One- fourth of African-American children are born into poverty and, unlike their White counterparts, are more likely to go to jail than to college. African- American males, who have never been accused of terrorism against our nation, are “racially-profiled.” We have come a long way since King articulated his dream, “of a nation where one day our children will not be judged by the color of their skin.” To turn that dream into reality, it still takes what Dr. King called for some 37 years ago: courage, patience and massive effort. U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) is chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. have found legitimate work have done so in low-paying “off-the- books" jobs. Now, in these economically difficult times, what can we expect the job prospects for these ex- offenders will be? You don't have to be an expert on either the criminal- justice system or the economy to say, not good at all. Furthermore, there is, of course, an indisputable racial facet to this because of the 1.3 million inmates in federal and state prisons, 428,000 are Black men, 20 to 29 years old, and a significant proportion of those inmates scheduled for release this year will be Black and Hispanic. All of this alarming information points to one compelling conclusion. America's prison system needs a massive new effort to rehabilitate inmates. We must stop pretending that merely locking people up is the answer. We must give inmates the education and the job skills that would give them a real chance to go straight once they're released. This is a mammoth task, but it must be undertaken if American society is to.defuse the human time bomb beneath it and’reclaim a significant part of its citizens. Hugh B. Price is president of the National Urban League. The Minority Voice February 28, 2002 - March 8, 2002 Mildred Atkinson Council | Honored February 8, 2002 at luncheon held at Riverside Steak House. The luncheon was given by Eastern N.C. Region Association of Black Social Workers for 25 years for her Advocacy, service and dedication to improve the lives ¢ African-Americans. — , ee Mildred served as co-founder and 1* president of Eastern ABSW and as one of co-founders of the N.C. State A.B.S.W. She’s served in several capacities representing on the National ABSW Steering Committee and as state secretary. In April 2001 from National at the 33 Annual Conference held in Charlotte, N.C. for Significant Contribution to the African American Community. In Greenville she has elected 1* African-American female city council member 1987 when Ed Carter was elected 1° Black mayor. She has served as 1“ black female mayor pro-tem 1999-2001 which totals 15 years as she was re-elected for the 8" 2-yr. term in November 2001. Other significant milestones she’s celebrated recently was 25 years anniversary with her husband Walter B. Council August 7, 2001. 25 years with the state of North Carolina and 30 years class reunion-Shaw University Raleigh, N.C. “God has bless me and I give him all the glory” She is the mother of 2 sons Walter Council, II age 20 and Logan R. ~ Council age 15. $ ae éige CA \ Ly x8 DEL. JOAN CADDEN A, Na eR ats patie: Ry ep 5 G . ¥ ie cons (PV * \ Cor fo li om Drain Lee TS “aes Getbe:: “ph. tate ho oo25%) i Aa ‘vLA ‘ ou Sian... | \2 » N, } A) iy De a v7 Y% a i _ : | | Ae ee 4 JS FOCKETT Death-care industry in Maryland which 1s not regulated hot ia Cincinnati's Economic Terrorists — Cincinnati's Economic Terrorists , By James Clingman, Blackonomics of The recent economic sanctions called by the black groups in Cincinnati, now supported by some white groups, have caused quite a stir in the Queen City and that’s putting it mildly. City officials are gearing up an advertising and promotional campaign to deflect the criticism of the lack of justice for the police officers who killed two black men and the economic exclusion of black people in billions of dollars in public economic development projects. Until Cincinnati brings about justice in those two areas, the sanctions will continue. The mayor of Cincinnati, Charlie Luken, calls this “Economic terrorism.” Let’s look at how all of this began. While some of us are familiar with the April 2001 shooting death of an unarmed 19-year-old youth, many do not know what happened in November 2000, when Roger Ownesby died after being choked by police officers. None of the officers involved in either of the deaths has been disciplined by the city, not to mention prosecuted in the courts. Then in July 2000, several downtown restaurants closed their doors when a black cultural festival was held downtown, along with the arrival of thousands of Church of God in Christ conventioneers. No such closings have occurred during larger, predominantly white events. Subsequently, in response to the closings, a group called the Cincinnati Black United Front was formed and a boycott of the restaurants was called. Now in 2002. several activist groups have decided that the only way to get an acceptable response from the so-called powers-that-be is to call for economic sanctions against this city’s travel tourism industry, as well as its entertainment industry. This action has widened the chasm between blacks and whites. ratcheted-up the discussions on both sides and makes the point that I always make: it’s always al! about the money. The call for sanctions is getting mixed results. The National Progressive Baptist Conference, a black organization and the largest convention scheduled for this city in 2002. recently agreed to come to Cincinnati. They say they are coming to “heal” the city. But Bull Cosby, Smokey Robinson, (and maybe Wynton Marsalis) have cancelled scheduled appearances. More to come, I am sure. Everyone must decide for himself whether to support the sanctions or to fight them. There is no room for neutrality here. The mayor of Cincinnati, who called the sanctions, “economic terrorism” (I suppose that means those who support the sanctions are | terrorists), says the only way to “overcome” is for people to come downtown and spend money. It seems he couldn't care less about justice or anything except the economic impact of black conventions and entertainers. Thus. he uses the vilest of contemporary terms, “terrorism,” to describe a peaceful, nonviolent means of direct action and protest against what many black people in Cincinnati, and some whites, feel is flagrant, arrogant, pompous and condescending mistreatment of nearly 50 percent of the city’s population. Economic problems require economic solutions. The mayor knows that as well as the boycotters knows. The big difference is that the mayor can make the changes needed to end the sanctions. |The boycotters can only react to their plight. The groups supporting the sanctions are fighting with the only weapons they have: their dollars. The mayor has the political bully pulpit, business clout and six members of a nine-member city council on his side. But check out the statistics for black people in Cincinnati and you will see not only economic terrorism. but you will also find out who the real terrorists are. oe : ‘ The Minority Voice - February 28, 2002 - March 8, 2002 CPR FOR THE SOUL WHERE CAN YOU PLACE THE BLAME, FOR NOT LIVING IN GOD'S EXPECTATIONS? DO YOU FAULT THOSE WHO HAVE POINTED OR TEASED HAVE THEY HELD YOU FROM HIS DESTINATION? WE'VE ALL FELL SHORT FROM HIS GLORY BUT DARE NOT LIE DOWN AND JUST DIE FALL ON YOUE KNEES, DECLARE HIS NAME oN THEN STAND AND CALL SATAN A LIE. WHEN YOU FEEL YOUR SPIRITMAN SLIPPING DIG DEEP TO FIND YOUR MUSTARD-SEED, HE’LL SEND RELIEF BECAUSE YOU'RE HIS CHILD . HE’LL NEVER LEAVE YOUR SOUL IN NEED. IN YOUR MOMENT OF GIVING UP ONLY SHED A TEAR OR TWO, THEN REJOICE, TAKE UP YOUR BED AND WALK FOR HE’LL MAKE YOUR BROKEN HEART BRAND NEW. \ @7 © Education the Key To Success SO WHEN LIFE BEGANS TO THROW OBSTACLES JUST FORCEFULLY PUSH THEM AWAY, AND WHILE YOU PRAY ON YOUR TOMORROWS SIMPLY PRAISE HIM MORE TODAY. COSSANDRA MOORE OBITUARY EUGENE JEFFREY SAVAGE Greenville, NO - Mr. Eugene Jeffrey Savage, born December 9, 1926, died Monday, Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 2, 2002 at York Memorial AME Zion Church, with the Reverend David Hammond officiating. Interment will follow in the Veterans Cemetery of Jacksonville, NO on Monday, March 4, 2002 at 12 o’clock We reserve the right to limit quantities. None sold to dealers or restaurants. We gladly accept U.S.D.A. Food Stamps. ] FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY Claudie Atkinson celebrated his 89th birthday February 10th at the home of Calvin and Beatrice Henderson, Winterville, NC. Mr. Atkinson has five children, Beatrice, Cleatrice, Claude, William T. and Alvin Ray. His grandaughter, Sonya ston Goldsboro Pikevl noon. Mr. Savage served two active tours of duty in the U.S. Navy. He was a retired stock clerk with Colonial Stores/Big Star Foods after 35 years of service. He was educated in Greenville City Schools. He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Billie Grace Perkins Savage of the home, six sons, Billy G. Savage, Roy D. Savage, Joseph T. Savage and Jeffrey (Angel) Savage all of Greenville; Edgar A. (Patricia) Savage of Charlotte, North Carolina and Gary W. Savage of Washington, DC; one daughter, Kathy S. Brown, of Greenville; one sister, Hattie Williams of Plainsboro, NJ; 21 grandchildren, one great grandchild, and many relatives and friends at the home 613 Greenfield Blvd., Greenville, North Carolina. The services for Mr. Savage's funeral have been entrusted to Don Brown Funeral Home, Ayden. Protect what you value the most. Atkinson presented the birthday © cake and sang happy birthday. Family, friends and church members had a great time shar- ing stories of how they met Mr. Atkinson. He is retired from Person | Garrett and Free State Tobacco Co. He is amember of Faith and FF Victory Church. L The staff of Minority Voice fay newspaper salutes this great | example of a family man and | mentor. GreenvleAden Wasting Let me, your State Farm agent, go to bat for you. Bill McDonald, Agent 2710 E 10th Street Greenville, NC 252-752-6680 STATE FARM UME f geen Gereusen, STATE FARM I$ THERE® STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES + Home Ofices: Bloomiagton,lineis 4 INSURANC The Minority Voice February 28, 2002 - March 8, 2002 North Carolinas ational College ~ Savings Program Before you know it, your child will be ready for college. But will you be ready? Now there’s a new 529 plan that can help your family save for education expenses — North Carolina's National College Savings Program. North Carolina's National College Savings Program is: Accessible. Anyone — parents, grandparents, friends, even an organization ~ can save toward the college education of someone they care about. And the beneficiary can be any age, from a newborn to an adult. You can even open an account for yourself if college is in your future. Affordable. You decide how much to contribute and when. Make lump-sum contributions whenever you want or set up a monthly draft. Comprehensive. Choose from a Variety of investment options, from conservative to more AGPTESSIVE. Tax free. Account earnings are free from federal and North Carolina income taxes when the money is used to pay for qualified education expenses. Flexible. Use the money to pay expenses at any college anywhere in the countn: Nationally recognized. The National College Savings Program has received the highest possible rating from “Savingforcollege.com,” a leading rating service for state 529 plans. More information on North Carolina's National College Savings Program is available through College Foundation of North Carolina. Call us toll-free or visit our website today to get details and enrollment forms. A moment of your time now could make all the difference in your child's future. 800-600-3453 www. CENC org/Savings College Foundation of North Carolina Helping You Plan, Apply, and Pay for College This adh ertising contains general information about the Program and shall not constitute an offer to sell any interests in the Program. lnterests in the Program mar be offered onl by means of a printed Program Description and Enrollment Agreement: See the Program Description for complete details The imestment options are not guaranteed by the State of North Carolina, the State Education Assistance Authority. College Foundation, Ine,. of any investment manager Participants assume all investment rish. including the potential loss of principal, as well as responsibility for federal and staty tas consequences. Agcounts are not bank deposits, are not insured by the FDIC of any governmental unit oF private person. and may lose value © College Foundation, Ine. 2002 Suejette Jones The Reckoning: What Blacks Owe To Each Other In a previous book review, | wrote about Randall Robinson's The Debt: What America Owes to Blacks in which he called on African-Americans to fight for what is rightfully theirs: recogni- tion of their place in America and world history, equal opportunity for success, and reparations for the damage done by slavery and its aftermath. Now, in his latest book. The Reckoning. Robinson provides startling and disturbing insights into the crimes and poverty that grip much of urban America. and challenges black Americans to speak out---and reach back---to ensure that the largely forgotten poor of black America get their chance at the American Dream. Growing out of Robinson's inte- views with ganz members, ex- convicts. and others profoundly scarred by environments of ex- treme poverty and its unshakeable shadow---crime. The Reckoning pays homage to the disenfran- chised who wage heroic struggles to free their communities from economic blight and social pa- thology. Calling on black Americans of all ages and classes to join. this crucial battle to bring the resi- dents of America’s inner cities to safe harbor. Robinson scrutinizes elected officials who have joined corporate America to make pris- ons, largely populated by blacks and Hispanics--a twenty-first cen- tury growth industry. And as our gaze is directed to poor rural towns all across America that jump-started their economics by constructing new prisons---to be filled with shipped-in blacks and Hispanic prisoners, the situation is eerily reminiscent of a bygone highly exploitative era in our nations’s history. Robinson addresses the gritty underside of American urban life. He makes the vital distinction ~ between those who are privileged and have little chance of failing and those who have no chance to succeed. By highlighting commu- nities oppressed by economic blight, Robinson makes an impas- sioned plea to black Americans to free their under privileged breth- ren from economic and social risk. Note: Randall Robinson holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Union and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. He resides in the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts. Following is an article from Viewpoints which correlates with the realization of the failure of Black leaders, and the necessity for coming together to focus on empowering young African- American males. Black Leadership (The Crisis No One Addresses) “The nation’s Black leaders have failed.” said one newspaper edi- tor. While leading protests in Vieques. delivering tired speeches about racism, and appearing on TV in expensive suits (not exclud- ing the popular televangelists who “reason” their messages about Christianity with decorative and spectacular attire}. these so-called leaders have ignored the only issue that really matters: “anti- intellectualism and — violence among young African-American males. Today. young black men look for leadership from rappers whose inspiring message is “where my niggas at?”. These buffoons have “tumed: stupidity into style, and manhood. violence into proof of n * Throughout the nation, young — black men ate ignoring their education and drifting into a life of thuggery and self-destruction. “We will not gain ground by blaming whites for this sorry state of affairs. This is a crisis of our own making, and only we can fix it.” The first step is for black people to face the truth, and to rise up against the prevailing culture of self-destruction, vio- lence, and apathy. We should dare to be ‘Uncle Toms’ and ‘sell-outs’ by speaking out against this mass insanity.” Commentary Here is Greenville, an organiza- tion, 100 Black Men of Eastern North Carolina has been initi- ated. | was interested in finding out more about this newly in- stalled group, and called Mr. Faris Dixon to express my desire to attend a meeting to learn more about its mission. Through his networking to the president, Mr. Maurice Jordan, and the vice-president, Mr. Butler Lewis. | was given clearance to attend (with delight). | was informed that its purpose is to improve the quality of life of our communities, and enhance educa- tional and economic opportunities for all African-Americans. The members serve as a strong force for overcoming the cultural and financial obstacles that have lim- ited the achievements of African- American youth, with a particular emphasis on young African- American males. If you are interested in becoming a member of this group, call Mr. Faris Dixon (PR) at 252-757-0403 or 252- 695-7225. Recently, Rev. Al Sharpton spoke in Durham, N.C. to a group called Chain’s Rite of Passage Program whose mission focuses on a vilence intervention and manhood training started in 1989. to further the development of high-risk youth in the commu- nity. It is rewarding to know that organizations of blacks trying to help other blacks is fulfilling Randall Robinson’s suggestion in The Reckoning: What Blacks Owe Each Other. 9E77 COX Phone (252) 355-7100 Fax (252) 355-3978 IF YOU NEED A LOAN FOR Unexpected EXPENSES,AUTOMOBILE DOWN PAYMENT OR HOME REPAIRS - COME SEE JEFF COX IF IT CAN BE DONE, JEFF CAN DO IT 3005 S. Memorial Drive Greenville, N,C, 27834 HNL UE SHANDY OL MEDLSLTSTIND ul 10 Call Today To Find Out Why Homeworks is The Smart Way To Bulld Your Home. DREAM ¢ DESIGN ¢ FINANCE ¢ BUILD © The American Dream Is Alive & Weil! YOUR CURRENT HOME? if You're Thinking About A New Home, You Should Be Thinking About Homeworks! if you're thinking of building a new home, give us 8 call. Over 40 plans to choose from! eHELP WITH FINANCING eNO APPLICATION FEES eNO MONEY DOWN oNO POINTS oNO PAYMENTS DURING CONSTRUCTION Allovaltable to qualified buyers Jadedsway 2910) Ay (ie “Custom Builders: eworks NC * 1-800-782-9979 www.gotohomeworks.com Open 9 am 5 pm Mon - Fri SAAD RENTALS" Call Steve Johnson If You Would Like To Rent A 1, 2, or 3 Bedroom Housing Unit Real Estate ..... 907 Dickinson Ave. Greenville, NC (252) 757 , 3191 anim 2 : . ~ 2b and discerning Christian, who to please men. They are serving disappearing: most people will Fonte ane ving au fo follow the written and unwrit- — tme, to finally put the notion into not tolerate it. One might ask. : gs, emotions. ten rules of the organizations. practice. Mrs. Jones demon- understands spiritual warfare. who demonstrates his love for God by obeying His command- ments. who reveals his faith by serving God and taking a stand for truth, and who is watching and ready for Jesus to return, seems to be a disappearing figure in this generation. Most churches today are places where make-believe Christians gather on Sundays to feel comfortable and be enter- tained. They leave church confi- dent and reassured that all is right in their life. Then they die and are shocked, as they find them- selves in a place called “hell”. Today, many Christians are the same way. They make light of sin! The’ Strait gate and the narrow way is seldom taught. Many so-called Christians today also have a golden calf. Their money. pride, selfishness. televi- —— a ee Se gs 2 ee @ FB) « Pd 4 , U 9 two masters and justify their position. They are serving God. and they are serving “self.” They are serving God, and they are serving the world. This is totally unacceptable with God. Remember, the name “Laocicea™ means “the rights of the people.” Their knowledge and understand- ing of God, His Word, and of these things is, at best, only lukewarm. Their daily conversa- tion may be centered on both the things of the world and the things of God. They are like a wave. They are carnal and have not denied themselves. They are not fully following Jesus, though they are usually sure they are. “Jesus inin their life, but He is not the center of their life. Their life revolves around things of the world and worldly circumstances; Jesus is only a part. They have “What would happen if sound doctrine was being taught?” The answer is found in the Scriptures. In the days of the apostles, sound doctrine was being taught in Laodicea: however, it was re- jected. The Laodicean church was only lukewarm: this is unac- ceptable to God. For those who may wonder if lukewarm is really so bad, Jesus gives the following warning. | WILL SPEW (or spit) THEE OUT OF MY MOUTH. The entire Laodicean church will be spit out and perish. There will be such a small number from this church that will repent, not even the word “few” is used as it was in the “dead” church of Sardis. The lukewarm will not be taken when the Rapture comes. revelations, insight. hurts. and joys. and it feels as if she will burst if she doesn’t share them with someone. Out of the overflow of the heart her mouth speaks, and some women over- flow more than others. Communications ts a woman's greatest joy. It can also be one of her greatest assets. By her speech, alliances are formed, emotions are healed, knowledge Is imparted, relationships are re- stored, mysteries are unraveled. and world problems are solved. She loves to talk things out. Show me a woman who will not talk, and I'll show you a woman who has had people in her lite who never listened to what she had to say. Set goals and write them down. You must develop strong work ethic and expect excellence in everything vou do. Success results from hard work. It does not come overnight. You must persevere to get what you want, There are many obstacles to overcome: discrimination, racism and sexism. They are very real and they are not going away. But don't let prejudice and the “isms” keep you from getting what you want. You will fail at some things. but what you learn from failure is important. Failure ts important. Failure will make you stronger. Don't be fraud to try new challenges. positive chal- lenges. Virgis Colbert. Executive Vice President. Miller Brewing Company strated how. First. be sympathetic to those in your keeping. Second. never assume that a student is just average. Every student possesses the ability to excel at something worthwhile. whether draw ing. sci- ence or friendship. Their grades count, but sincerity of efforts counts, too. Fourth and last, the opportunity to teach is ever present---seize it as often as you can, Mrs.. Jones, though re- tired now. has made a_ positive difference in many children’s lives. 2 Z ate Sa on ™~, e*ee¢ @ ; &v why For more information, visit our web site at Job Fair for Teachers Union County Public Schools Thursday, March 28, 2002 12:00 Noon - 6:00 p.m. Location of Job Fair Monroe Middle School 601 East Sunset Drive Monroe, North Carolina Job Fair Features Registration Accepted by and V V: Interviews Conducted by Principals at Job Fair Site School Visitations Provided upoa Request Applications Accepted at Job Fair Site Licensure Information Provided upon Request Early Contracts for 2002-2003 School Year Fax: (704) 289-9852, E-mail: lillian.rorie@ucps.k12.nc.us Voice Mail: (704) 283-3658, or register on site. Please provide name, address, telephone num . (Welcome Student Services Personnel) www.ucps.kl2.ngus (Click View Current Vacancies.) ber and areca of teaching license. oy -saie OY Cx Mie Me wa: i 4 d wv v Ne ee Contact Persons: Lillian G. Rorie & Terri 1. Cooper 500 North Main a Seite 700 onroe, i (104) 283-3658 or 283-3756 Small business owners are part of our electric co-op North Carolina’s electric cooperatives &% @ 1-1 mak na ir n & The Minority Voice February 28, 2002 - March 8, 2002 Elaine Hopkins, Class of *68, of Elizabeth City State University, is busy with the recruitment efforts to reunite ~ the 60’s classes. As a member _ of the 60’s Decade Planning Committee, Elaine, specifi- | plans of bringing together the | class of ‘68 by Homecoming 2002. While enjoying early retirement, Elaine frequently travels to the campus of her alma mater for numerous alumni affairs. In addition to serving as Co-Chair for the 60’s Decade Reunion, she was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the General | Alumni Association. She is a ; : "lifetime member of the General i ‘ _ Alumni Association and a ne ~~ member of both the Awards Banquet and the Homecoming Committees. Locally, she is REUNITE THE FAMILY. ‘hi 7 FU // cigs e Free local calls r * Meeting room i VL * Outdoor pool } ¢ Jacuzzi suites EXPRESS’ GREENVILLE 909 Moye Blvd. Greenville, NC v staan bn Law ie her communi | ‘cally, is helping to co-chair the - Over the years, Holiday Inn Express has welcomed more families than anyone else. It's never too early to start making plans for your next family reunion. Come experience all the fun and inviting accommodations that Holiday Inn Express has to offer... at a special family rate. e Free continental breakfast ¢ Kids stay free with parents For reservations call 800-HOLIDAY 252-754-8300 Where generations come to gather. serving as recording secretary of the Eva J. Lewis Alumni Chapter of ECSU. A couple of include being a member of the Millennium Committee (sub- committee of the City Council) and a member of her sorority. Most importantly is the life Elaine shares with neigh- boring friends and especially family and her church family at Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church. Elaine feels that being a former educator tends to qualify one to be a lifetime teacher. Therefore, she expects to return to the classroom again this year as a tutor for the End of Grade Testing. Meanwhile, she continues a vivid search for ECSU alums who will commit to the tremendous task on the campus of her alma mater. If you want a healthier life, be careful what you put in it. FEST IPIIE fruits and vegetables, choose low fat options and lose the salt shaker. Your diet has a significant impact on me quality il of life. That’ why its important to stick to an over heal diet that strongly emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and grains. Limit foods high in fat and cut down on salt. And get some exercise, t00. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away and walk the extra distance. You'll feel better and look better C ugh 02002 NC Hea Disease Ste Prevention Tah Foe YOUR North Carolina Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention Task Force involvements — } mal BuILyowoC, Wed | EN no IN 910 \ We ou peo\| | Pitt County Senior Games James D. Evans from Greenville, NC has been chosen by Pitt County Senior Games to serve as a North Carolina Senior Games (NCSG) ambassador. Ambassadors are an elite group of individuals who have committed themselves to encour- aging others in their community and across the state to stay healthy and live better longer through participation in local sesior games programs. Ambassadors assist their local coordinator in recruit- ing participants and promoting senior games. Ambassadors re- ceive training in public speaking, use of audio-visual tools, and senior games promotional infor- mation. ' vidual at their own level. os Pitt County Senior ior. Games is one of 52 sanctioned programs by NCSG which is the statewide senior Olympics pro- - gram that motivates participants - to stay active and encourages - them to renew old skills and learn new ones senior games offers 67 athletic and arts events. Senior games approach to wellness is designed to challenge each indi- Some of the other programs that are available through NCSG include: Silverstriders, the na- tional award winning program for walkers Silverliners, the statewide association for senior line dancers Silverarts, celebrating North Carolina’s senior artists NCSG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to provid- ing. year-round health promotion and education for adults 55 years of age and better. NCSG is sponsored statewide by the North Carolina Division of Aging. For more information regarding Mrs. Lucy Teel $59,900 University - Elizabeth City, North Carolina retired from the Martin County School System in 2001 after teaching for 36 years. Nine of those years were spent in the Westmoreland County School System - Colonial Beach, Virginia. Lucy is a member of the Eva J. Lewis Alumni Chapter of Pitt County, the Pitt County Retirement System, Bethel Light court # 622, and the Beauty Aim Saving Club. She is also a member of the Saint Mary Missionary Baptist Church (Greenville, NC), the Hospitality Club, the Senior Usher Board, Able Book Club, and she enjoys the many activities of the church. Mrs. Teel is a true “people's person.” She loves _ people and she spends quality time tutoring area students. Lucy receives great satisfac- tion from the growth of others. - This is a very satisfying mo- ment for her. She enjoys helping the sick and shut in and lending a helping hand wherever it is needed. Her motto is: “If I can help some- one as | travel life’s journey, my living will not be in vain.” She is married to William Lawrence Teel and they are the proud parents of two children and two Godchildren. 303 Elizabeth St, Greenville Recently Remodeled, Three Bedrooms, One Bath, Spacious Sunroom, Dining Room , Large Wired Workshop Washer & Dryer Convey, Close to ECU and hospital, Built in Bookcases in Family Room Huge Master Bedroom al Early Care and Education 1. Aprogram to provide subsidies to assist famili child care prov hood education. Is to parents seeking child care services; also provide oviders to increase their star ratings. rs, as well as providing health er & Completed app Friday, February Please call Melba for a closer look!! i mia iis fa (252) 413-7545 \ . “a. 112 ene ANNOUNCING T RITE is requesting applications fo June 30, 2003. MPPFC, a private, non-profit (501 (c) 3) e 4 Martin and Pitt County's young children, ages 0-5, and their families. SMART START REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS The MartirvPitt Partnership for Children (MPPFC), the local Smart Start agency, r Smart Start funding for the fiscal year July 1, 2002 to 3), serves the interests of \ MPPFC administers Smart Start funding for Martin and Pitt County and is currently accepting applications for the following programs: | 2. A program to provide salary supplements for c who are pursuing continuation of early child 3. Aprogram to provide information and referra technical assistance to licensed child care pr 4. Aprogram to provide health/safety technical assistance to child care provide screenings for children in licensed child ca 5. A program to provide technical support and 6. A program to provide on-site technical assis of child care and licensing. 7. Aprogram to address school readiness issues. Family Support 1. A program to provide support, information, referrals and educational materials to families of children with special needs and chronic illnesses. 2. Aprogram to provide intensive home visitation to decrease ¢ the usage of preventive care services. 3., A program to provide training of nurturi reported/substantiated for child abuse/neglect. All interested individuals or lications with required documentation must be submitted to the Pa 8, 2002. Faxed or late proposals will not be accepted. es who need licensed child care services. re programs. training for child c ng/parenting skills to families and caregivers who have been ies must contact the Partnership to obtain a Request for Application (RFA packet, rtnership's office no later than 12:00 pm, La iders working in licensed child care programs are providers of children with special needs. tance to child care providers to improve the quality hild neglect and abuse and to improve S a co 4 Oo — cI Zs | = | Pat oo at c a) ad oS o Le. w YL © > = a o = = v eo rsa