Read Is What You Know And Save December I ssue What You Sec Is What Get, What You Serving Eastern North Carolina Since 1981 Acall to arms! We must revive the historical flame to educate our children. Free! by Vernon Jarrett special to the Tri-State Defender We've done it before: Many times over. And history demands that we do it again. Do it today. ~ The Black church must step in—once more —and lead anoth- er “Crusade for Literacy” among African Americans in this new millennium. If that crusade is to succeed it must have the assid- uous support of the Black press. That is why this publication, the. Tri-State Defender, with its historical tradition of leading great social movements, is joining hands with the Black church in another monumental struggle. At this very moment, all major elementary and high school test results show our Black children lagging behind all other ethnic groups in reading and math. The situation is disquieting and disgusting. The scoring differences are not fractional or anyways slight. Huge marginal differences separate Black aver- ages from White averages. But low test scores don’t tell the whole story. Black high school dropout percentages are among the highest in the land, The combination of low SAT eae A ee Ee and ACT scores, along with ex- | treme dropout rates, placed in the context of poverty and: this. country’s Black prison popula- tion does not augue well for the future of African Americans. Little wonder that low test | scores and dropout rates are also | reflected in the disproportionate | 4 racial compositions of America’s prison systems. But I’ve got some good news for you, Brothers and Sisters.” There were other moments in America’s past when conditions were worse. Like in the 18th and 19th centuries when the majority . of the Black population was not just poor but enslaved, and hard- y had any reliable supports from: EW muse dig aah Yes, conditions were not only worse but at times appeared so bad that White sociologists, the- ologians and prominent educa- | tors predicted the extinction of. the entire Black population— once Blacks were freed and “on their own.” The racial climate appeared absolutely hopeless until the Black church stepped in. Yes, the Black church, led by two com- mitted, newly-freed Black Wells preachers and seven laymen en- _ gineered a gigantic social and spiritual turnaround. One of the greatest spiritual phenomena of American history occurred when the White religious powers of England and the American colonies “permitted” the acceptance of Black Chris- tians only under the condition that Christianity would not inter- fere with slavery. That was when the Black crusade also began. Under the slave system, Blacks were not permitted to run their own churches. Most were forced to attend White churches or hold their own meetings in the presence of white supervisors. Our ancestors quickly understood this strange kind of inte- gration. The slave owners were afraid that Blacks who had learned to read would teach others. And they were correct. A young slave named Frederick Douglass, who had taught himself to read, turned his church into an underground classroom. But years before Douglass, two ex-slave ministers named the Reverends Richard Allen and Absolem Jones, made history in April and May, 1787, by creating the Free African Society of Philadelphia. Provisions for the education of young Blacks were among the listed goals of that society. One of the most phenomenal stories in American history is how Blacks redirected Christianity to the Sermon on the Mount. Pro-slavery theologians reinvented Christianity and both the Old and New Testaments to make slavery digestible and to en- courage loyalty among slaves. However, the Black church gave Christianity its own defini- tion that led to slave revolts.by Black lay ministers of the Gospel, such as Gabriel Prosser of Henrico County, Va., in 1800; Denmark Vesey, who plotted a slave uprising in an African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., in 1822; and the Rev. Nat Turner of South Hampton County, Va., who led the biggest of all revolts in 1831. In March, of 1827, Samuel Cornish and John Russworm, two educated, Christian young men, created America’s first Black newspaper, Freedom's Journal, in New York City. In 1829, David Walker of Boston, a free-born Christian advocate, wrote the strongest broadside available, urging slaves to rise against their masters. Throughout the North, free Black abolitionists met in Black churches to provide education, reading material, particularly newspapers in a war on illitera- cy, Slavery and apathy. It should be noted that Wilber- force University, one of the first Black institutions in America, was founded in 1856, five years before the start of the Civil War, by the African Methodist Epis- copal (AME) Church. During and shortly after Reconstruction, the Black churches of many de- nominations created their own ‘1 newspapers and founded col- leges for the newly freed. One of the true journalist- heroines of the turn of the 20th century, Ida B. Wells Barnett of Memphis, became famous by | her exposure of lynch mobs in @ her newspaper, Free Speech, «Which, was published by. a Bap- Chicago for the Columbian Ex- position of 1893 before purchas- | ing the Chicago Conservator, _ the city’s first Black newspaper. The fact to remember during this period of educational disap- '] pointment is that Blacks regis- ] tered their greatest gains against illiteracy, poverty and abject racism during eras of great co- operation between the Black _ press and the Black church. Robeson The Tri-State Defender’s cur- rent Declaration of War on Illit- eracy through a collective strategy and action is in essence a call for a return to the greatness of our historic roots. While writing this column, I thought of so many of the great men and women that I’ve had the privilege to interview over the past 50 years. I speak of A. Phillip Randolph, Paul Robeson, Dr. Howard Thurman, Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, Dr. Percy Julian—profoundly educated men who began with so little. They all recalled the early impact of the church in the quest for excellence. And I wondered if I would be writing this column if Quinn Chapel AME Church in Paris, Tenn., had not had that essay con- test when I was in the seventh grade. For those who ask what I enjoy the most about returning to a Black publication after 30 years elsewhere? This Tri-State De- Sender revived War on Illiteracy explains a lot. ‘ (Jarrett is an nationally known award winning journalist, television and radio personality, and a noted Black historian. ) 2 PICTURED, from left, are Mich alumnae chapter of Delta Si T. Outterbridge,president, Pitt Wintergreen Intermediate School Sorority book donation made py de superintendont of Pitt Coun a ity, Tina Rorer,media coordinator at Wint Tan County Chapter of Delta Sigma at Wintergreen Intermediate School; Lillian ty Schools; Mavis G. Williams, president, Greenville Theta Sorority; and Patricia M. Clark, principal of Photo by Jim Rouse municipalities, public schools, East Carolina University and Pitt The book features chapter activities in the south Atlantic r Virginia and Bermuda, The book was presented by Mavis G. Sigma in foray, Mavis Williams is president of the Pitt Organization foun Copies of " From These Roots Crimson and Cream Edition" recently were presented to public libraries in Pitt County ion, Which encompasses North Carolina, South Carolina, on the campus of Howard University, Washington, D.C. in 1913, Community College, illiams and Lillian T. Outterbridge on behalf of the Delta |. County alumnae chapter. The sorority is a public service - fist, Church.” She first ‘came -to: ~ Bottom Photo: “a DP We. remember Oy A tt yee. L). : swe th ca hes le OUR ‘. Dhcoste ps, Oy? ° Hono OM SVU, Celebrate cur Heritage. INCOR. I 4B 29 Te oe een artes ety naa tt ae fop photo:Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates and | | fn fn African American pester teal the Old Town Ha pose in front of the asonic brothers have always oj Here they stand ready to help those in need. i peewee gramme. i) eatin ea am a Lee mt tee: silicate mal pect that when it rains, some Black people believe that a White person is disturbing the clouds to make African- Americans wet. It’s time to get _ agrip ‘Measure their audience. The The latest case is the result of the alleged victim of child molestation confiding to a pro- fessional counselor who, as required by law, shared that information with law enforce- ment authorities. A search was made of . Jackson’s sprawling California estate in Santa Barbara County, and the singer was subsequent- ly charged with multiple counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor, booked and released on a $3 million bond. Jackson has steadfastly main- tained that he’s not guilty. This would have been a for commercials. “Neverland,” major story if such accusations Kangaroo. Jackson's race is not larger the audience, the more a station or ; tk can charge is Coverage also expanded because we live in a world of around-the-clock cable television networks that ‘need stories to fill all that air. time. ’ The media deserves criti- cism, but for a different reason. The name and the photo- graph of the boy making the allegation against Jackson have been widely circulated in foreign newspapers and on Web sites. An Australian site, news- com.au, has reproduced a pic- ture of Jackson with the boy, Michael Jackson’s mess is no Jackson's accuser. Anyone who saw a British documentary by Martin Bashir on Michael Jackson, the one in which he admits to having slept in the bed with young boys but sees nothing wrong with the prac- tice, can easily identify the boy. The Los Angeles Times, under the headline “Hard Life for Jackson’s Alleged Victim,” quotes the boy in the documen- tary: “There was one night I asked him if I could stay in the bedroom. And he let me stay in the bedroom.” Jackson quickly added at the time that he had slept on the floor that night. thriller The Times further identifies the kid by writing, “The boy had leukemia and received treatment at Childrens Hospital in Los Angeles.” _ The New York’s Daily News struck a_ self-congrattilatory ~ been identified by police, and whose name is being withheld by the Daily News-is caught in a tug-of-war between his estranged parents.” Considering the amount of details the Daily News provided about the boy, they did not need to publish his name in order to identify him. The paper’s story began, “Be careful what you wish for.” It continued, “The cancer-strick- en boy said to be at the center of the Michael Jackson kiddie sex scandal was introduced to the pop star by a soft-hearted busi- nessman who wanted to make the youth’s dream come true...His wish was to meet Adam Sandler, Chris Tucker or Michael Jackson. The child got his wish-forev- December 2093 er altering his life and Jackson's.” i . Syndicated Leonard Pitts Jr. put it best: “He is a 45-year-old man wear- ing lipstick and eyelimer on a surgically altered face that could give Charles Manson nightmares. He is 10 years removed from a child molesta- tion scandal. His home is a monument to arrested develop- ment.” And the boy’s parents are not without fault. Michael gave everyone a clue when he named his larger-than-life playground. “Neverland.” It should have sent all parents a clear mes- sage: Never let your son land in this place. chief of the NNPA News Service and BlackPressUSA.com. His most recent book is “The Best of Emerge Magazine,” an anthology published by Ballantine Books. He can be reached through his Web site, georgecurry.com. illions of us witnessed - or received a hint of - the Miami spectacle last week at the time of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) meetings and protests. Brought to us by the same people who oversaw elec- toral fraud in November 2000, this stunning and threatening presence of police was almost unbelievable, particularly in light of the fact that the protests were peaceful. I flew into Fort Lauderdale and took a very expensive cab ride to Miami. The firstthing that struck me was that, when I called my hotel for directions, the tone of the hotel staffper- son’s voice was full of panic. The hotel employee indicated that Biscayne Blvd. and other streets near the hotel had been closed by the police. So the cab driver dropped me off at an exit on Route 95 and I had to three-fo of a mile or * So, bags in hand, to get to the hotel. I walked past innumer- ~~ able police and police vehicles. These police officers looked like they had been plucked from a scene out of a science fiction movie. Armed and armored with helmets and visors, they were everywhere. I. Miami’s new police state felt as though I were walking through a city where a military. coup d’etat had just taken place. Streets were blocked off, stores were closed, helicopters were flying overhead, yet demonstrators found ways of converging on the legally per- mitted rally site. While the march that was held the initial rally the afternoon of November 20th was peaceful and uneventful, a couple of hundred marchers returning to the rally site approached an artificial wall that had been set up by the police to restrict pro- testors from getting too close to FTAA was being debated. It was at that point that that the police marched on these direct action protestors. I watched as rubber bullets and tear gas were fired at the unarmed protestors. The police converged on the protestors, almost like a scene from the classic film Potemkin, where Russian troops marched on demonstrators in 1905. While this was taking place, the offi- cial news coverage was dis- paraging the protesters as hooligans, inflaming the envi- ronment. That was Thursday. On Friday, when nothing big and exciting was planned, I wit- nessed dramatic show of force by Miami’s finest. This time, the provocations by the police were evident for all to see. ‘I witnessed young anti- FTAA activists being pulled over, who were simply walking down the streets or driving. In several cases these individuals were put up against walls, forced to sit down in front of the police and/or arrested out- right. Stories continue to circu- late about what happened or is alleged to have happened to those arrested. The anger that.1 hold due to this display of arrogant intimi- dation is difficult to communi- cate. A legal protest had been planned. It was planned by labor unions, community-based organizations, non-governmen- -tal organizations, and various other activists. It was planned to demonstrate opposition to a fundamentally undemocratic trade deal that was being forced down the throats of the people of the Western hemisphere by the Bush administration in its mad quest for better conditions for ,corporate profitability. Having been excluded from any meaningful participation in the lead up to the FTAA gathering, activists from the entire hemi- sphere converged on Miami to express their outrage and antipathy toward such an agreement. As it turned out, the Miami (and Florida) establishment went out of its way to promote an atmosphere of panic and dread within the larger popula- — tion. For weeks prior to the FTAA meetings and protests, the press had been promoting anticipation of the worst, some- thing akin to the fear that Romans must have felt as Attila the Hun and his hoards approached the gates of their git fair city. Inferences of terrorist threats and mad anarchists were floated in order to color the view of the entire protest. Despite the fact that the labor unions under the leadership of the AFL-CIO, along with other protestors, planned around a peaceful expression of opinion, the news media turned the whole situation on its head into invasion Miami. ; I have seen a possible future for the U.S.A. and it is not a pretty picture. The lords of the White House, along with their various corporate and political allies have decided in no uncer- tain terms to play upon the post-9/11 fears among the peo- ple in order to restrict the abili- ty of the people to express themselves. Moreover, they are carrying out a preemptive polit- ical strike against any and all opponents of their corporate- guided globalization. It was not simply a matter of the police presence, however. The pitiful national coverage of the Miami events, as well as the caricatur- izing of the protestors by local and national media, presented the demonstrations as more of a circus safe for profits for his corporate friends and allies. Miami was living proof that the USAPatriot Act and the growing repression that we have experienced since 9/11/2001 has very little to do with any war against terror- ism. Rather, the entire scene is as if it were out of a film, scripted to the “t.” Play upon fears, encourage passivity in the face of arrogance, distort the news, foment lies and half. truths, this becomes the screen- play for the 2ist century entry of the police state into the US.A. Interestingly, it is not just and no longer Black folks who are the sole recipients of the baton and pepper spray in this brave new world. This go round all one has to do is to raise one’s hand and say, “...excuse me, but Idon’t agree...” and, presto, one becomes an enemy of home- land security. Bill Fletcher Jr. is president of TransAfrica Forum, a Washington, D.C.-based non-prof. it educational and organizing cen- ter formed to raise awareness in the United States about issues fac. ing the nations and peoples of ‘Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. He also is co-chair of the anti-war coalition, United for Peace and Justice (www.united- forpeace.org). He can be reached at bfletcher @transafricaforum.org. y the time you read this article many of you will have eaten enough to feed one of those starving chil dren for a week, and some of you will have gone out and spent your hard-earned money on things you did not need just because the advertisers told you the biggest shopping day of the year is the day after will inevitably hear the post- Thanksgiving fallout about “Black Friday” and how we should have spent our money at Black-owned businesses and vendor marketplaces. I have written several arti- cles on this subject and decided to curtail my pre-Thanksgiving pleadings this year. It seems to do no good to suggest that we incorporate a daily, year-round, sustainable economic strategy The true meaning of Turkeys’ Day rather than get all bent out of shape when and Christmas roll around. I sup- pose that’s too easy and we def- initely like things to be diffi- cult, don’t we? For instance, I have pushed and advocated for a mindset, a collective con- sciousness among Black folks that would create in us a daily “habit” of seeking out Black businesses and mutual support. If we could ever get to that State of mind we would not have to revisit the annual flawed strategy of waiting for the holidays to react to our eco- nomic plight in this country. We would not need Black Out Days and other superfluous efforts that only last for short periods of time and have no sustaining effect on those we are attempt- ing to hurt. As a matter of fact, we get so hung-up on hurting others and often neglect the fact that we should be helping ourselves. With all of that said, I am suggesting that we are the real turkeys in the economic sce- nario of this country. They carve us up and divide us up every year - as a matter of fact, they do it all year long. They stuff us with advertising and marketing campaigns, rub us down with the oil of credit, tie our legs together in order to keep us contained, and then they bake us all day long in their oven malls until we are done, I mean really done. Then they feast on us for the follow- ing four weeks or so, as turkey stew, turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, turkey hash, and turkey salad. They slice us, dice us, fry us, mix us up, and stir us up in an effort to keep that turkey flavor flowing for as long as they can, And we accommodate them by continuing to buy, buy, and buy all year long, all the while neglecting our own economic survival. Yes, we are indeed their Thanksgiving turkeys, broth- ers and sisters. We are also their Christmas presents. When are we going to wake up from our fantasy-land econom- ic delusions? Black people in this ‘country are the economic fodder for everyone else’s well- being and prosperity. We com- plain, march, and come up with strategies and tactics that do no more than make us feel good about getting an apology from those who economically exploit us. Our so-called leaders tell us when to be angry, what to be angry about, and at whom we should be angry. They even tell us when it’s time to stop being mad, but they seldom tell us anything we can do to economi- cally empower ourselves to the point where it would no longer matter who calls us a name or fails to give us good service at their restaurant. What brand of leadership serves its own people up for dinner? I often say that we have enough intellectual capacity to great things for our economic future and that of our children. The message from our “lead- ers” should be couched in eco- nomic freedom, self-reliance, and empowerment, rather than feed us a steady diet of mere “feel-good,” “you can do it,” and “you’re a winner,” speeches and strategies. - They should be teaching us how to move beyond the rhetoric to real action and progress from year to year. They should, in addition to the registering to vote campaigns, teach us what Booker T Washington taught us: How to register our dollars all year long. They should show us the way to economic freedom; they should lead us there, and they should serve us, as Carter G. Woodson wrote, with their expertise in business, finance, and entrepreneurship. Every Thanksgiving and » We are marinated, basted in our own savory juices, and cooked to perfection until the meat just falls off our bones, not unlike the dollars that fall out of our pockets and purses. We traipse to the stores, plop down the green, and return to our abodes to com- plain about how miserably “they” treat us. This year, as we move through another holiday sea- son that used to be a Holy Day season, let’s resolve to change the menu and take turkey off the tables of the corporate hordes. And let’s stop allowing our people to be consumed and digested, only to be excreted upon when the New Year begins. I apologize for the graphic language, but this is just that serious, brothers and sisters. We're supposed to have the meal, not be the meal. It’s called “Turkey Day,” not “Turkeys’ Day.” James E. Clingman, an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati's African-American Studies department, is former editor of the Cincinnati Herald Newspaper and founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce. He hosts the radio program, “'Blackonomics,” and is the author of the book, “Economic Empowerment. or Economic Enslavement-We have a Choice.” He can be reached at (513) 489-4132, or by e-mail at jclingman@blackonomics.com TURMOIL IN CINCINNATI, WEEK OF DECEMB by MARK MORIAL There is too much crime and too little justice in the lives E. Stone, director of the Vera Institute for So wrote Christopher Stone went on to declare, “It is a paradox that black Americans, tice system as it operates today. The national survey of African Americans th sald that the police were biased against blacks; just 15 percent said past two died after a three-minute lent disturbances after a 19-year-old un rants-—~12 of which were for minor killed by Cincinnati police officers drop is stantive reforms of police ¢ Urban League pub traffic offenses, and two of which were for running under controversial circumstances in recent The Wilmi: Journal Originally pom ry 12/15/2003 of black Americans today, But while the Justice in an essay in lished in its 2001 edition of The State of Black Ameri undertaken in that incident’s aftermath, an city officials’ an additional reason why the investigation into Nathaniel Jones problem of crime is wide the 1996 volume of the ‘om the police to escape arrest for 8, and brought to i i athaniel Jones, an unarmed ER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 ly shared in the United States, the problem of injustice is not.” in the National Urban League's The State of Black America. who suffer from crime disproportionately, have mixed feelings, at best, regarding its support of and confidence in the criminal jus- quantified that sentiment when it found that 73 percent of those surveyed said they were fair to blacks. That distrust has once again been on dramatic display in a controversial, high profile case during the The cause this time was the caught-on-tape police beating on November 30 in Cincinnati, Ohio of lack man. Jones, 41, who weighed 342 pounds, struggle with six officers—five white, one African-American—in a restaurant parking lot. Jones’ death comes two after Cincinnati was rocked by three days of vio- armed black man was shot to death while running away from a white police oficer. The victim, Timothy Thomas, Mas the subject of 14 outstanding war- those violations. Thomas’ death made him the fifteenth black man to be Cincinnatians had for the police. Despite several sub- to redress other grievances many black residents express, it’s clear that longstanding distrust has blic openness as possible, A videotape of the confrontation, not . That rede ye nasprty of one of the police cruisers that responded to the scene, shows an officer stepping back from Jones and warning him to “back away,” according to local news accounts, the succession, Jones lunging toward the officer, and for the next chemical irritant and wrestling h im into handcuffs and a facedown position in the parking lot. their nightsticks, spraying him with a - columnist — ta &SE40 826468 @s 6 2 _w_~_2 =< ed bee wets anet hehe te & & & & 4% @ &,%, 4% & SS Se eee Be Bee ewe meee seem ee meme eee eee ee ett * ere ec h@ee €e2e2eeaeee Charles Barrett Re Presidents, Soldiers and Lies DefenseWatch This article is provided courtesy of DefenseWatch, the Official magazine for Soldiers For The Truth (SFTT), a 8fass-roots educational ongani- zation started by a small ‘oup of concerned veterans an citi- zens to inform the public, the Congress, and the media on ‘the decline in readi- ness of our armed forces. Inspired by the outspoken idealism of retired Colonel David Hackworth, SFTT aims to give our service people, veter- ans, and retirees a clear voice with the media, Congress, the public and their service By George S. Kulas When then-President Bill Clinton told the nation, "I want you to listen to me. I'm going to say this again: I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky,” many of us listened and believed him. Unfortunately, the president of the United States was looking ~ right into our eyes and lying through his teeth. Many presidents have lied. While some lies __ have been found out, many more have sailed right over the heads of the American deople. want to learn more about financial aid? we can help. Some companies offer “free” financial aid presentations and then ask you to pay a fee or buy a product. College Foundation of North Carolina provides all the information you need at no cost! ae CFNC can help you: ae ee a“ » Understand the college financial aid process College f° Foundation of North Carolina » Find information on scholarships and grants » Find low-interest student and parent loans with benefits to save you money Helping You Plan, Apply, and Pay for College » And our services and help are free Visit our website or call our toll-free number today to speak with a financial aid specialist. A service of the State of North Carolina www.CFNC.org — 866-866-CFNC tooo) Selb Egu © Callege Foundation, Ine 2003 ‘ HM . Sitver a afis Bs iy ae 2 NIGHT JUST Local Poet Publishes Book By Jason Semple “Ev through,” said James. “My poems are real.” - Her verse is, indeed, filled with will connect with at their own personal level. One won an Editor’s Choice Award from P ems focusing on subjects such as God, self-love, relationships, and She brings out the feelings and emotions of her as putting herself'in others’ shoes and writing from “I am not scared to share my above them.” She hopes that readers will see a poet that has is going through, and will take away the blessing of courage to Overcome any obstacles life has placed in the reader’s path, The Robersonville native credits her family and friends as being inspirations for her work, and says that her sister, Shelia Bowen, has really stood beside her and helped her with her poetry, which she has written since she was a littie girl. James said that she has two more volumes of verse coming out in the next few months, “Expressions of the Heart: Pleasure with Pain” and “Expressions of the Heart: Heaven or Hell.” James holds as associate’s degree in social work from Beaufort Community College and is cur- rently working on her bachelor’s degree in social work from East Carolina University. Barbara James of Robersonville. . FARM LIFE - The title of Tina Rodgers-James’ book of poetry. personal emotion that she hopes with “Expressions f the Heart,” says right up front just what her lines of verse are all about. we erything t arke about is something in life, something that I’ve gone her readers poem, “I’ve Learned,” recently oetry.com, and reflects her open-hearted style: The poem appears in her book, “Expressions of the Heart,” which she self- published nal apt month. The collections has different chapters several po- marriages. own life experiences, as well an empathetic point of view. feelings because it’s just it,” said James. “I’m not ashamed of my trials and tribulations because, with the Lord’s help, I’ve risen gone through what ‘he reader James is the daughter of Johnny and Faye Rodgers of Robersonville and Review: Expressions of the Heart by Tina Rodgers-James Submitted by Gary R. Redding q x PEOPLE of the YEAR DID HE MENTION THAT HE HATES JA RULE? HE BIGGEST NEW ARTIST (Op. the year may also be the tirst pop Star whose top five selling Points would include the phrase huiler riddled, But g0 Cent was not Just shot nine tames; he lived to note the, er.ir ny of hus assailant being shot and killed a couple of weeks later. Generally, a man who raps about being responsible for a * gangland hit 1s a tough sell to pop radio. But 50 is such a genial thug, he invites vou £0 party like it’s your birthday. His music is full of high-life fun and humor. even if he tries to pick up the ladies by boasting about how he’s been shot so many times he walks with a limp. s0 got rich and (ar press time} didn’t even have to cap Ja Rule while trying. y) Come give him a hug if you're into gettin’ rough. ®° sitver STOP A URGENT COMMUNITY MESSAGE THE FOLLOW!SG 18 THE CONTENT OF A LETTER PLACED ON te BED ¢ hr a: 7 YOUNG BLACK PERSON INCARCERATED IN THE CHICAGO C7TY VAIL, ThEAS! FAXE A MINUTE OF YOUR TIME TO REFLECT UF SATE i, ry: WHE RG fi KLAN WOULD LIKE TO) AK TUES FIM $0 SALUTE Ar cegibe TV ALL GANG BANGERS ALL ALCOHOP, ABUSERS AL) » SERS 602 Soe SLAUGHTER OF OVER 4000 BT ACK PROPLE Ad DOING 8 LAP. ELOUS JOR. fstivy 7 Is itty rab ae. NG URB o fel? | Al Whedr co: Aol, any PUTTAR nd y i fv): ee PUR Ter iy AC Kors PME jae RAL 0) he KLE A MIGGER., | (ANG BANGERS, ALCOHOL-DEINSI » FH. WORLD: WE DON'T LOVii YOU. OH ARE DOING A WONDERFUL IF NiO" OF YOU NIGGER GANG BANG: DRUG: USERS CANNOT READ THIS a HEI MACH OTHER, POR NOTHING. THE STREETS ARE STIL NOY YOU} "YOU ARE KILDING EACH OSHER FOR OUR PROPERTY, YOU ARIE “EAT COULD BE FUTURE BLACK 16 TORS, LAWYERS, BUSINESS-PEQE 1. Pee THAT WE WONT UAVE (0 COMPETE WITH AND THE GOGD THE: VAT YOU ARE KILLING TE YOUTH. SO WE WON'T HAVE Try wien. UGERS IN GENERATIONS TO COMR. hE JUDGES WHO HAVE OV ERSERFENCED YOU NIGGERS TO PEE: TatiNG AGAIN. PRETTY SOON, WE WILL BE ABLE TOG BACHE TO MADE 6 00 WOMEN, BECAUSE ALL THE MIN WILL BE GONE. At) Yer BANGERS, ALCOHOL-DRINKING ABUSERS AND DEC 0) WORK. WE LOVE TO READ AROUT DRIVE-BY SHOOPE OS. HOVE To HEAR HOW MANY NIGGEES GET KILLED OVER THR WEER EES We" POET 1 THB NIGGERS WITH JUNGLE FEVER (FOR NOW PUEAKS DOWN THE BLACK RACE. JOB ELIMINATING WICC TH MEN, YOUR WOMEN:CAWNNOT REPRODUCE (HEM: THEN WE WILL Hix ' 4ANKS FOR YOUR HELP LETTER, If IS O.K. GO ‘ON THE SEVERITY GF THIS WE WOULD FURTHER 7 te: NG ABUSERS AND DRUG USERS YOU NIGGERS, BUT WE CAN APPRECI. 15 f CE, UNLESS, OR COURSE, Ww: 3 WE SUCCEEDED IN’ PUELY ELIMINATING. 4--xaull AND COMMITMENT TO KILIONG PACH Pie eet ‘RS, ALCOHOL-DRINKINGS ABUSER, en SINCE 197°. 91 Ay Do FIND A “ oy ae — rea Wie t “4 AG ) BECCA: THE BLACK RACH PULL. A TRIGGER Aid: An Imperfect God: George Washington, His Slaves, and the Creation of America By Henry Wiencek Farrar, Straus & Giroux 404 pp., illus. Reviewed by Kam Williams “His false teeth, celebrated in textbook lore, were yanked from the heads of his slaves and fitted into his dentures. Washington apparently had slaves’ teeth transplanted into his own jaw in 1784. The dentist who performed the procedure at Mount Vernon was an itinerant Frenchman who transplanted teeth for many well-to-do clients, includ- ing acquaintances of Washington. It has long been known to specialists that ~ some of Washington's false teeth came from the mouths of his slaves, but this inherently . invidious tidbit of fact has not been widely circulated, despite enduring public interest in his supposedly wooden dentures, because it is impossible to rationalize it completely,” — Excerpted from Chapter Four So much revisionist, reverential lore has spun over the ages about George Washington as an honorable, cherry tree chopper who could “never tell a lie” that the real man behind the myths has been rendered unrecognizable. However, historian Henry Wiencek has belatedly taken an honest look at this country’s first president in An Imperfect God: George Washington, His Slaves, and the Creation of America. Washington's treatment of his chattel is certain to make any American's head spin. For this “Father of Our Country” only had children with Black women, which rust make all the “Children of Our Country” African American. Although he allegedly couldn’ t tell a lie, curious George still denied the exis- tence of his children until the day he died. But he did remember them in his will, without acknowledging paternity, and was the only U. S. president, according to the author, ever to free any of his slaves. Cie .1 {Qo N VM ERICA We learn that virtually all of General Washington’ s larger- | than- life legend was ™ comprised of fabrica- tions. For instance, Washington had an affair with a mulatto named Venus, a revelation that puts a whole new spin on the popular catch- phrase, “George Washington slept here. ” In 1785, that liaison produced a boy named West Ford, who “was set free in the early 1800s; he lived much of his adult life at Mount Vernon; a substantial hequest of land Mount Vernon; 1863.” West Ford was a lucky one, because his slave- owning father was one of the nastiest bastards around, a greedy creep who frequently broke mothers hearts by raffling off their young children to the highest bidder. Relying on diaries, journals, letters and other papers from the présidential library, Wiencek establishes that George Washington at evéry stage of his life, from son of a plantation owner to wealthy heir to general to President back to plantation owner, remained, above - all, dedicated to the institution of slav- ery. And we see that, “In his struggle to control his slaves, Washington had to resort to violence. He regarded physical punishment as a necessity,” even though his chattel were extremely productive. His own records for one year show that they made 190,000 com holes and 170, 000 tobacco hills, meaning they had planted an average of about a plant per minute during their grueling 12- hour days under the sun. After the start of the Revolutionary War, Washington refused to allow he was given adjacent to and he died there in Blacks to enlist in the army until it became clear that their assistance was necessary for the colonists to prevail. Recruited with the promise of freedom in return for fighting, the African- American soldiers made up a quarter of his own regiment and as much as three- quarters of others. As soon as the war ended, unfortunately, he went back on his emancipation guarantee, and shipped the duped Black patriots right back into slavery. Curiously, Benedict Amold, whose name has become a synonym for traitor, only sided with the British after Washington refused to include African- American minutemen in any plans for freedom. And following the battle of Yorktown, when General Washington discovered some of his own escaped slaves among the prisoners of war, he sent them back to his plantation without a thought about the Founding Fathers’ notion about all men being created equal. As president, he was worse, signing the Fugitive Slave Act in 1793 that allowed the recapture of runaway slaves who had successfully escaped to free ter- ritories. Some say this was a personal Piece of legislation, because he and his €ven more racist wife Martha had heightened anxiety since the capital was located in increasingly abolitionist Philadelphia. Apparently, the couple feared that their Blacks might be tempted to disappear. But George lied about his true moti- vations in a letter to a secretary, where he admits that, “I wish to have it accomplished under pretext that they may deceive both the slaves and the public, ” I'd guess that after reading this damn- ing opus, the average African American is likely to feel ag warmly about celebrat- ing George Washington’ s birthday or driving across the George Washington Bridge or entering a George Washington high school as a Jewish person might feel about having Hitler constantly treated as a national treasure, rs SSS SRS Se eee Se Sees eee Ee a Page 5 Exp The Tennis Great Who Broke the rand Slam Color Barrier (Althea Gibson 1927-2003) _ Like Jackie Robinson in baseball and tennis player Arthur Ashe, tennis champion Althea Gibson was a trailblazer. Yet her accomplish- ments were perhaps more impressive because of her singular place as an athlete who was both black and a woman in the 1950s. The oldest of five children, Gibson was born on a cotton farm a in South Carolina and raised in New York’s yi Harlem. Bandleader Buddy Walker, who saw her playing paddle tennis on a neighborhood street, was impressed by her strength and style. He ar- ranged for Gibson to take tennis lessons at a local multicultural club. After winning several . American Tennis Association titles---the African MT Hornerstone WMisionary Baptist Church - 1095 Allen Road Greenville, NC 27834 Sidney A. Locks, Jr., Pastor American counterpart to the all-white U.S. Lawn Tennis Association---she moved to Wilmington, NC. There, under the tutelage of Dr. Hubert Eaton, Sr. and later under the tutelage of Dr. Robert “Whirlwind” Johnson of Lynchburg, VA, who also mentored Arthur Ashe, “her tennis career took off’. Both black physicians bankrolled her career, on the condi- tion that she continues her education. RAN MOA Later she became the first black woman to compete in what became the U.S. Open, and was also the first black athlete to play at Wimbledon, milestones that pushed her into prominence during the fight for civil rights: In the course of her career, she won five Grand Slam singles titles: the 1956 French Open, the 1957 and.1958 Wimbledon cham- pionships, and the 1957 and 1958 U.S. Opens. New York honored her with a ticker- tape parade, and she was inducted into several halls of fame. Gibson retired from ama- teur tennis at age 31. She recorded an album, Althea Sings and appeared in John Ford’s 1959 western The Horse ‘Soldiers. AN, & WHHMRETOV CERO LS 208 ~ After holding several state and local athletic jobs in New Jersey, she was laid off in 1992. In her last years, she lived a nearly solitary existence in dire poverty, and had few visitors. She was twice married and twice divorced, and had no children. Sundays 7:45 am Early Worship Service 9:30 am Sunday School 10:45 am Worship Service (as scheduled) Bible Study 6:00 pm Healing & Deliverance Serv. (4" Sundays) Mondays 12:15 pm Men’s Prayer Meeting | 6:30pm Youth Night Services (3" Mondays) ’ Wednesdays 12:00 noon —_— Noon Day Prayer & Praise 6:30 pm Bible Study (Youth & Adults) MEDIA BROADCASTS TV (Sundays) FOX Channel 14 7:00am Radio (3. Sunday) WOOW AM 1340 11:00 am www-cmbchurch com Web Address . . . The Associated Press FORMER NEGRO LEAGUE PLAYER SAM ALLEN signs autographs on Wednesday in Wash- ington. Artifacts from The Negro League Legends Hall of Fame were displayed for press. Ground- breaking for the hall is expected to begin next year. Negro Leagues to get Hall of Fame The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Al Burrows wore the same New York Black Yankees jersey he wore 49 years ago — no high-priced throwback needed for this Negro Leagues veteran. On the table was a weathered glove worn for eight years by Satchel Paige, who eventu- ally traded it to a friend for a pair of knee-high fishing boots. Recently discovered artifacts nearly a cen- tury old were scattered throughout preserved unknowingly for decades in someone’s suit- ‘case: box scores, ledgers, photos and letters. They are the remnants of the less organized days of the so-called Colored Leagues, a period that even the old-timers couldn't remember. ’ Many of those memories will find a perma- nent home in the new Negro League Legends Hall of Fame, a shrine and museum to be built in Washington. Groundbreaking is scheduled for next year, with opening day set for 2006. “We need this,” said Sam Allen, who played ‘for the Kansas City Monarchs, Raleigh Tag- gers and Memphis Red Sox in the late 1950s. “I've got grandchildren, and I can sit them down and tell them, but then they want to see _ the proof. With this museum coming up, | they'll be able to come here and see my name and my picture. It’s a long time coming.” There already is a Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Mo., and the history of black baseball is well documented in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. The new Hall of Fame will supplement those, focusing more on individual players. “Tt gives the average player a chance to be recognized,” Allen said. ‘When you talk about Negro Leagues, black baseball, the first thing is Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson. But you had a lot of other good ball players. The Negro Leagues were loaded.” It was a discovery of some pre-Negro Leagues history that fascinated those gath- ered at Howard University on Wednesday. Detailed records that once belonged to Ruther- ford Hayes Jones, who owned a team called the Washington Giants in the early 20th cen- tury, had been found in a suitcase and turned over to Dwayne Sims, founder of the new Hall. “He kept the box scores, how much he paid the umpires, the players, the receipts, every- thing,” Sims said Among the 300-plus items is a 1911 ledger noting $2 paid to an umpire to work a game, numerous photos of athletes that Sims hopes to identify through research, and well- preserved correspondence from an era when white and black teams routinely played each other. iN To buy, Call the D. D. Garrett Agency. rent, or sell real estate, "Since 1946" Call us if you need someone to collect your rent and manage _ your property. | Several nice building lots. | We handle conv., hud, va, _ fha fiancing, Consultant ------- Notary Public . 606 Albemarle Avenue Greenville, NC 27834 (252) 757-1692 or (252) 757-1162 Fax number: (252) 757-0018 6 | ; \ North Carolina’s electric cooperatives to (eeepc esocenet Touchstone Energy’. —-—-—— Small business owners are part of our electric co-op. i EE ST we ee eee ee ee ee ee eo ae S 8 a E ® 4) a Ly see ee December 2003 Spike Lee Blasts Page 7 World Enersioment MLaittle WillieCenter Er tertaining Our Children ark “In the Community With Rides and Games — OTe i 2 on . 129 taae Pioneering Hollywood di- ’ rector SPIKE LEE has lashed out at modern urban music, insisting it's "dan- gerous’ for the progress of ican-Americans, Ohi ee 2 The MALCOLM X hero fold a gathering of more than 400 students at Rhode Island, America's BROWN UNIVERSITY that current rap music is doing more harm than good for their : - communities. | — , - e ittle Willio He said, Ive always ft mute 1 hi illie you can feel the progress ~ enter of African Americans by | ail 7” - ’ ; ay a ! listening to their music. . if 7 4 —_. a’ _ _ ° Some of this gangsta rap stuff, its not doing anybody any good. This stuff is ‘feally dangerous. ‘Teenage Pregnancy Drops ; NY Post ‘The U.S. rate of teenage births fell a staggering 31 percent drom 1991 to 2002, a new study - , a : ee ‘The rate declined from 62 births per 1,000 girls to 43 per ‘1,000, but the authors of the study, conducted by the Child ‘Trends research center, said that's still too high. “When we see that 18 percent f 15-year-olds will become ‘mothers before they are out of their teens, it reminds us how far we still have to go," said “Angela Romano Papillo, the © lead researcher. ‘The study also contained some “startling revelations on regional and racial differences regarding “teenage sexuality and mother- chood. Pittunty County Schools Receives Smaller Learning Communities Grant Students at five large high schools in the east, including two from Pitt County, will not get lost in the shuffle thanks to a grant from the United States Department of Education. The 2.5 million dollar grant will help create Smaller Learning Communities, SLC, within each school. : Sch. Is’ SLC Grants are awarded to high schools with populations of more than 1,000 students. Dr. Joseph Nelson, Director of Grants and Research ‘New Hampshi had the na- cnoois for Pitt County Schools, wrote the grant. “We met with focu groups from the five high schools and discussed why some students are getting anew la ton birth rite in Receives lost in the shuffle and what to do about it,” said Nelson. pill vith 21 ‘Ditths 1000 Smaller According to Nelson, the Smaller Learning Communities program is made up of three structures. The first is the Freshman Academy, which 20 Wes af ol is an d'19 aa ae _Will assist-ninth grade students in transition and provide a foundation for future success. The second is the Upper School, which will consist. The oy open Learnin. - “| “Of adult advocacy groups, academic support, career planning, and post secondary: education orientation activities. And the third structure-is. € worst was. Mississippi, with v= rae Professional Develo . . : . , . . mrrmuniti- pment with elements supporting student achievement and personal success. All three structures fit the Pitt County Schools pee hich sae ee Co Gra < High School Student Assignment Action Plan, an eight point plan focused on producing highly successful students. “1 000 €s higner, P es ran According Dr.-Charles Long, 9-12 Director for Pitt County Schools, J.H: Rose and D.H. Conley will partner with East Carolina University for o_o professional development and will implement such programs as High Schools That Work and’ 7 Habits of Highly Successful Teens, both well “Interestingly, of the 11 states developed, research-based initiatives. o ith the ‘e Yeon birth rates. all The Smaller Learning Communities will essentially provide the nurturing environment students need to get on the right path. Advisory groups but New Mexico require that made up of teachers will offer much needed social and academic support along the way. “There are some good students out there with potential “absti be str aed inrsex that needs additional chances to be realized,” said Nelson. . pabainence &s The grant funding will be used to support Smaller Learning Communities at the following schools over a three-year period: Bertie High School, . Rose High School and West Craven High School. Please don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions »education. In all, 22 states have . l | »such laws. | oO D.H. Conley High School, Kinston High School, J.H ; want to learn more about financial aid? | | we can help. Some companies offer “free” financial aid presentations and then ask you to pay a fee or buy a product. College Foundation of North Carolina provides all the information you need at no cost! CFNC can help you: Understand the college financial aid process SHE, , A s fs LI ® A } College rae i e | Find information on scholarships and grants . oe im Foundation . : , . of North Carolina Find low-interest student and parent loans with benefits x ¥ b> to save you money And our services and help are free Helping You Plan, Apply, and Pay for College Teesegngece Visit our website or call our toll-free number today to speak with a financial aid specialist. BREESE ERE RRR ER Ea Y: www.CFNC.org —= = — 866-866-CFNC ttoi-tree) Se Habla span \ serve of the State bf North Carolina “College Foundation, Ine 2004 ». Page 8 2003. of the devil. . Yes, Christmas is a@ season for giving it is not based on who name you pulled, who you will receive gifts from or Santa Claus. But, it is based on the Scripture that is re- corded by Luke 1:28-35, "And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly ‘favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast Apositle George Hawkins WHAT GIFT found favour with God. And, WILL YOU GIVE behold, thou shalt conceive in . thy womb, and bring forth a Greetings: son, and shalt call his name We are approaching the season JESUS. He shall be great, and for giving, so | must’ ask you shall be called the Son of the this question what do you plan Highest: and the Lord God to give. Many people are out spending money on precious gifts for their loved ones and shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of yet some people will go unno- Jacob forever; and of his king- ticed. Why | ask? Is it because dom there shall be no end. we are a selfish people. Have Then said Mary unto the angel, you ever really considered what How shall this be, seeing | God did for us or what Jesus know not a man? And the an- did for us? gel answered and said unto her, HE LOVED! and HE GAVE! The Holy Ghost shall come Likewise we must love and upon thee, and the power of ive. In the gospel recorded by the Highest shall overshadow ohn (3:16) "For God so loved thee: therefore also that holy the world, that he gave his only thing which shall be born of otten Son, that whosoever thee shall be called the Son of believeth in himshould not per- God". ish, but have everlasting life." The true holiday season that we We have a Christmas season call Christmas is based on John because God so loved us that. 3:16. The cause is that God so He put Himself into a virgin's loved the world, womb, who's name was M the cost is that He gave His and became flesh and dwelt only begotten Son, the condi- among us so that He could re- tion is that whosoever believeth deem us back from the snares in Him should not City leaders talk past, future / é perish’and the consequences is ~ Spiritual Reflections you shall have everlasting life. God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world but that through Him the world might be saved. . If we as Christian would take the time and give our love to the sinner man we might could compel them to come to Jesus. - Love is not only an act of God, it is God. We must love one another and be faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This Christmas let us give the gift of life and that is love. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Tabernacle Church Family. Our gift to yu is JESUS. We love you and we ask that you let there be peace in this world and let it began with you. If you are saved then I ask you to pray for the sinner. If you are unsaved then Task you to pray — this prayer from your heart and mean it: Lord, be merciful unto me a sinner and come into my life and save my soul, you said in your word if | confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus born of a virgin was crucified died and was buried and on the third day rose from the dead and now sits on the right hand side of the Father making intercession’ for me, that I shall be save and because I confessed with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus suffered, bled and died for me and rose up with all power in His hand that right now where I stand I'm saved, delivered and set free. to office By T. Scott Batchelor, The Daily Reflector Greenville's mayor and City Council members thanked supporters and family and turned their attention to the city's future the next two years during the board's swearing-in ceremony Monday. Voters returned the entire board intact on Nov. 4. Mayor Don Parrott, at-large Councilwoman Pat Dunn and District 4's Ray Craft handily defeated challengers. Mildred Council and Rose Glover, representing districts | and 2, respectively, ran ne aa as did Ric Miller in District 3 and Chip Little in District 5. Pitt C Superior Court J members, who then made their tenures official with the stroke of a pen "You all have witnessed us signing our life away for the next two years," Parrott quipped Russell Duke administered the oath.of office to the mayor and council to the audience. The council's first action was to re-elect Miller as mayor pro tem, who conducts meetings in the mayor's ab- sence. Parrott touted partnerships between the city and businesses and other entities, such as East Carolina University and Pitt County Memorial Hospital, as key to moving the city forward both during the past two years and in the future. "The vision of what can be done Craft said he felt "seasoned" sitti to grow and improve our city is endless,” he said. ng on the council for a second term "but humbled Ly the results of the elec- tion.” He vowed to continue serving a city that he said has served him well since he arrived here in 1978 to attend college. As a council in harmony, "you can sex what can be accomplished,” Craft said. Little thanked his wife and children for making allowances for him as he carried out the time-consuming duties demanded _ by public service. “We've got a lot of projects ahead of us,” the second-term representative said. Glover was sworn in to a third consecu- tive term. For the ceremony, she used a thick family Bible that represented "gen- erations and generations” of her ances- tors “from slavery up till now," Glover said. | : Though the board members might dis- agree on issues, it is important that they are "still hugging and loving each other" when they leave the council chambers, she said. Miller complimented Parrott's “aggres- sive agenda” that has helped form part- nerships that brought projects to the front er, such as the 10th Street connector. "It's been a wonderful two years,” he said. Taking the city to the next level means continuing to grow Greenville while making it a place where people can be their best. "I think we're on the right road to that," the second-termer said. The lon est-serving veteran on the coun- cil, Mildred Council, was sworn to a ninth consecutive term. She restated a com- mitment to nurturing children and young adults both in her role as Councilwoman and in her nonpublic life. She also vowed to "continue to advocate for things that're right." Pat tee embarked on her second consecutive term with a residents. "Quality of life, preservation of neighborhoods, has to be a high objective for of governance, participation by residents is critical, she said. us on maintaining a high quality of life for us," Dunn said. In all aspects The ceremony was attended by state officials, including Sen. Tony Moore, R-Pitt; Rep. Charles Johnson, D- Pitt; and State Board of Transportation D-N.C., also sent a representative. ber Marvin Blount | of Greenville. U.S. Sen. John Edwards, In the only other vote taken during the abbreviated meeting, the council voted unanimously to make Dec. 26 ano hol in ing wi Greenville amon il tees Dec. 24, 25 and 26. T. Scott Batchelor can be contacted at Sbatchelor@coxnews.com y the state and county governments taking off the day after Christmas. U.S. travel industry executives take a ride in a classic 1957 Buick convertible followed by © others through Havana, last month. The executives defied a Bush administration's crack- down on American travel to Communist Cuba‘and visited the island to Study its future business potential. The executives visited Havana using a loophole in the 41-year-old trade embargo, they were fully hosted and did not spend a dime. The travel ban prohibits U.S.citizens from spending dollars in Cuba rather than specifically banning visits. U.S. TRAVEL EXECUTIVES DEFY BAN AND VISIT CUBA HAVANA (Reuters) - Three dozen U.S. travel __ strains of salsa music and a tour of the city's hotels. industry executives, defying a Bush administration The one-day visit, which included a stop at crackdown on American travel to communist Cuba, Havana's Revolution Square, a ride in vintage visited the island on Sunday to explore its business American convertibles from the 1950s and potential. ;. e meetings with ruling Communist Party leaders, The group, whose industry stands to gain the was part of the first U.S.-Cuba travel conference most from the lifting of a U.S. ban on travel to held at the nearby Mexican resort of Cancun. Cuba currently being debated in the U.S. Congress, - "It has simply been spectacular," said Matt was welcomed with a champagne breakfast to the _ Con’d- P45 Most Caribbean prisons, such as the one shown above, in Barbados, are inadequate in that they do not contain facilitids to properly house the region’s most dangerous criminals. CARIBBEAN PRISON OFFICIALS IN ST. LUCIA DISCUSS BUILDING A REGIONAL MAXIMUM SECURITY COMPLEX Pitt County Schools would like to wish everyoiié'Z77 safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season. iy) ("yy auf i ree Millet mn Kee ty Von (4 (> - 3 {2 L | Mn ecquenensr f REMINDER: Students are to return toschool f from Winter Break on January 6, 2004 instead of January 7, 2004. This change is a result of the two days missed in September due to Hurricane Isabel. The second make up day will be held on 2 RAE tem page PE OE OME AEG AE, a a February 17, 2004. MERRY CHRISTUS HAPPY NeW YEAR CC's Convenience 1900 souTH PIT, ST CCPC eR Oo 6 8 ee 82.2 2 ie e«#e@eeeecaeansae « iF is : Greenville, NC vf ph (252) 821-aoo2” Blac kk Only Business : = SUPPORT A's om * NN gy 7 r— All __ Household a Ice Cold —. Needs Beverages | |. — — ’ “BA Bread Chips | | oe Cakes} = | Candy | | ia All . = Vegetables | Happy Holidaye From Household 4 Mr Charles Watts and Family Needs ; Page 9 By MARILYN W. THOMPSON : holdings, to his three surviving Thurmond is my father, mixed-race woman says Nevell, said Williams will “go to he declared specify . -_ . THE WASHINGTON POST whatever lengths we must” to children with estranged wife ‘The armen Thur- received serine tase inom aoe 7 er maiden corps — A 78-year-old retired school- _ prove her story. | _ Nancy Moore Thurmond. mond Jr., did not return aphone | would be provided later. neh grat uivanind The teacher whose black mother As a sample of her documents, “We are not seeking to chal- call seeking comment. In inter- article f wrted that “both Th gorxed as. maid forthe late Sen, _she provided The Post with acopy _lenge the wishes ofthe late sena- | views over the years Thurmun re An well-known secret | mond and the supposed daugh - Strom Thurmond is breaking her ofa 1998 Thurmond letter thank- tor with regard to his estate,” said sisters and staff have repeatedly ter have denied that he is her fa- lifetime of silence toannounce that _ing her for the nice Father's Day Wheaton, who has been joined by | said that Williams was aie Williams’ account resurrects | ther seq no one has odon dled She is the daughter of the South _note you sent me.” She said she | Columbia attorney Glenn Walters | ily friend. one of the oldest stories in 20th- | evidence thatheia” Carolina senator, who was once did not want to release additional in representing Williams, “Let’s be Williams said she met with century Southern political folk, Aas Jae ee the nation’s leading segregationist. documents at this time. emphatically clear: We are not Thurmond and received money lore. Over the years, Thurmond pressure has inte ified, ith i _ Essie Mae Washington- looking for money. We are merely at least once a year in sessions | had called the allegation that he fa- | terview Sapa = a! Williams said that Thurmond pri- Thurmond's will seeking closure by way. of the arranged by his Senate staff. In re- thered a mixed-race child too un- jor television network. She had vately acknowledged her as his ee truth for Essie Mae Washington- cent years, as the senator’s health seemly to warrant comment. refused, consistently calli daughter and had provided fi- Williams’ claim comes as the Williams.” » declined, she said, financial as- Noted political writer Robert Thurmond a “famil Me r Ped nancial support since 1941, attorney for the Thurmond es- Taylor said he has had no con- sistance was passed through a Sherrill described an alleged had merely wided her ith 4 Williams described her claims in _tate, J. Mark Taylor, is overseeing tact with Williams. Thurmond’s prearranged conduit, a Thurmond daughter without providing a nancial bad Bee ed her with fi- a telephone interview last week, _ settlement of the senator's estate will did not acknowledge Williams | relative in South Carolina. name in a 1968 book. oe nee vod saying she protected Thurmond in Columbia. Thurmond be- or her heirs. Williams has strug- Williams’ attorney declined to The Post identified Williams by uot Mant anybody to because of their mutual “deep re- queathed cash and other items, gled financially over the years, _ know I had an illegitimate father, spect” and her fears that disclosure - _ including clothing and real estate and in 2001, court records show, said Williams, who has four grown children. “My children convinced me to tell the truth. I want to fi- nally answer all of these questions ... thar-have been following me for 50 uv 60 years.” - Sen. Thurmond thanked Essie Mae Washington-Williams for a Father's Day note in 1998. would embarrass her and harm his political career. Thurmond, who died in June at age 100, said late in life through his office that Williams was a friend. | Williams, whose mother _ worked as a teenage maid in the ' Thurmond family home, bas Jong been the subject of widespread speculation and for two decades has been pursued by journalists seeking her story. While Thurmond lived, Williams always denied that she was his daughter. “I want to bring closure to this,” | She said. “It is a part of history.” | She plans to hold a news con- ference on Wednesday in Colum- bia, S.C., at the Adam’s Mark ho- _tel. Two blocks south, a... Confederate flag decorates a Civil _ War memorial on the grounds of the state Capitol. DNA test possible Williams did not provide de- 'finitive proof that she is Thur- _mond’s daughter. Her attorney, Frank Wheaton of Los Angeles, said she is ready to submit to DNA tests if challenged by the rmond family. a + + Williams said she has docu- , ments to validate her claim, in- cluding cashier’s check stubs, me- 'mentos from Thurmond and a letter from an intermediary who - delivered money from the senator. She declined to name the inter- » mediary, citing privacy concerns. ' Wheaton, of the Los Angeles | firm of Scolinos, Sheldon and ols oe want to learn more about financial aid? we can help. Some companies offer “free” financial aid presentations and then ask you to pay a fee or buy a product. College Foundation of North Carolina provides all the information you need at no cost! 92-8 @ ee ee CFNC can help you: » Understand the college financial aid process College 7. Foundation of North Carolina » Find information on scholarships and grants » Find low-interest student and parent loans with benefits to save you money » And our services and help are free Helping You Plan, Apply, and Pay for College Visit our website or call our toll-free number today to speak with a financial aid specialist. Va www.CFNC.org — Se Habla Espanol 866-866-CFNC (toll-free) A service of the State of North Carolina ® College Foundation, Inc 2003 Page 10 a _ | December , 2003 PRONE 5 Pitt County | suites cumn i ot ee Schools JULY 2004 AUGUST 2004 | | SEPTEMBER 2004 A: 7 al (ieis SS SMTWTE S SMTWTFES _ SMTWTES -* t3staty, J PROPOSED 1 2 3 ; 1 2 3 4 , Gt DEN a +5678 9 10 Fis © 1011121314 J ¥5 H7 8 9 1011 In the news SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 11 12 13 1415 16 17 15161718192021 | 49212228 17 18 fepeg.- » August 2—First Day for Staff 18 19 2021 222324 || | 22232425262728 § | 19 Be A Aramco ey * August TBA— System-wide-Open House 25 262728293031 9 §293031 p76 272 Alter going public nase Rh veny — : | | __ | | Nov. 24 with the > amet = , a aaeate UE cama — news that he needs | « September 6—Labor Day Holiday OCTOBER 2004 NOVEMBER 2004 DECEMBER 2004 anew kidney, Alonzo ¢ September 20-Parent Conference Day (9-12) * October 18—Parent Conference Day (K-8) | @ November 11—Veteran's Day Holiday ¢ November 24—Personnel Workday ¢ November 25,26-Thanksgiving Holidays ¢ December 20—January 4, 2005—Winter Break ¢ January 3, 4—Personnel Workday ¢ January 17—Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday ¢ February 17—Parent Conference Day (K-8) ¢ February 18—Parent Conference Day (9-12) Mourning has re- ceived dozens of of- fers from wannabe | organ donors. Diag- nosed with focal glomerulosclerosis three years ago, the basketball star's condition has worsened where he now faces possible cardiac arrest on court. Some observers criticized the imme | ate response to his health crisis, a thousands languish on waiting lists for ‘Ss MT WTF S 123 4 56789 1011 12 131415161718 | 19A AHHH 25 26A AAAH SMTWTFS 1 2 3456789 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 A&\19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 SMTWTFS 123456 7 8 9 10H 1213 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 seer Sa a 28 29 30 MARCH 2005 JANUARY 2005. * March 14—Personne! Workday FEBRUARY 2005 - years. Pest aI ET) SMTWMTHF S SMTWTFS TIS MTWITF 5 * March 28-April 1—Spring Break 1 12345 12345 _ Down, but not out ire: wel? _ His battle with multiple 2 AYA 5 6 7 8 7% 8 9 10 11 12 . Sclerosis has not killed ¢ May 27—Last Day of School for Students ¢ May 30-June 3—Personnel Workdays « June 4—Last Day for Staff 9. 10 11 12 13 14 15 #16 H 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 “him yet, Richard Pryor, 62, wants to tell his fans, which moved 6 13 As 16 17 18 19 1 20 21 22 23 24/226 6789 JOY 12 anor vte 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 . . him to host his own LEGEND 30 31 27 28 e7H A A A tribute show, “| Ain't Holiday | H in _ Dead Yet,” which - ). aired Nov. 30 on cable System Designated Workdays © APRIL 2005 MAY 2005 JUNE 2005 network Comedy School Designated Workdays l\ SMTWTFEFS_ SMTWITEF S- S MTWTEF S Central. Chris Rock, —— 1234567 4 Steve Harvey and Whoopi Goldberg led Annual Leave A a Cast of popular comedians who lined 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 8 9 1011 121314 . 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 Ne 26 © 28 2 3 56789 1 1213141516 17 181920212223 24 252627282930 up to bring humor to the program, which also featured unreleased excerpts from r Pryor’s diary. © First & Last Day of School MAKE-UP DAYS (IN ORDER) September 20, 2004, January 4, 2005, February 17, 2005 “March 25, 2005, April 11, 2005 -NEWS BRIEFS- New Medicare bill penalizes peor, Say critics (Bet.com) Those balled-up, knotted handkerchiefs we see so many seniors unravel with their shaking hands at _ pharmacy countefs to pay for their | drugs will now vtive to ontah thow- sands of dollars more. Says Sen, Richard Durbin (D-III) of passage of the new Medicare bill: “This bill does nothing to reduce drug prices, it leads Medicare down the road to privatization.” Under the new plan, seniors have the option of signing up for Medicare or a for-profit HMO and all the baggage that ; “ entails. Seniors who opt for Medicare “Help Save Lives With CPR” will be charged a $250 deductible and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation dination and 25 percent of drug costs up to $2,250. Certification & Recertification dehumaniza- tion ander After this amount, Medicare will pay | jim crow was an anké nothing until the senior spends an ad- Mout andere |, - taking . ditional $2,850 out of his own pocket. . the etraggle N SS dy “Thus Reps. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) and fe Farmingwood Road day ey te Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) both pro- 2ceenville, NC 27858 Charlotte Pitt We.. Fae poses Camera aloag with Mops tested what they termed the ‘$2,800 Tel: 252 757-3571 BLS-Basic Life Support Prestdeoe sf che Pir Cocseg of the SOL, “ Waa ry Sen donut,” or out-of-pocket expenses Cp: 252 916-2210 Instructor fs Fee f. Ronee Medicare users would have to fork over beginning in three years. “This is projected to earn the phar- L t U Rid Y ] S maceutical industry $139 billion over tyl C fi rt & (] eight years,” said Rep. John Dingell, C S C ou n C, om 0 ass the ranking Democrat on the House j a a a Commerce and Energy Committee. ‘| RAN ‘a L L ‘a S Li mou S| n Randal Maxey, president of the Na- ! ' tf | | erv Ice tional Medical Association, an orga- Ae nization of Black physicians, endorsed ‘eo o Wishing You and our S the bill “on balance,” but acknowl- © edged that the bill “does not address ‘ A 4 the health care needs of the poorest of ap p y 0 | ay eason the poor... and neither does it speak to the participation of African Ameri- can and other minority physicians in the new regime of HMOs.” Beginning next year, a drug discount card will be made available to seniors that will reduce drug prescriptions by 15 percent. Seniors earning $12,123 or less (and couples earning $16,362 or less) will not be charged monthly pre- miums or the $250 deductible. In 2010, under the new bill, Medi- care would have to compete with pri- vate Companies in six undetermined urban areas to “test whether competi- FOOTWEAR tion would drive down costs.” And it is here. critics contend, ves mare!diven see vite | | CAROLINA EAST MALL a Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), the GREENVILLE,NC es jana aieeaantsiens PF Seal Senate's minority leader, has already * introduced legislation to repeal parts Full and Half Soles . of the bill that appear to doom Medi- *Heel Replacement* sr ae care. An old woman's trembling hand- kerchief can unravel just so much. Rockport Re-soling * Shoe Care Products *Shoe Shine *Dye Work*Key Copying* We Clean Timberlands Open Mon - Sat 10AM - 8PM elephone 282-756-0044 Fully Equipped Luxury SUPER STRETCH 152-8989 4230 NC NW ‘December 2003 3 ‘ ‘4 ‘ ‘ i) ‘ 4 ‘ ' sad a eciemcaaacey STRANGE ~ THINGS Last of the romantics Ray Vogt, 42, of Albany, N.Y., gave his 43-year-old girlfriend a special evening complete with candles, wine and a bubble bath. During the bath, he told her to close her eyes for a surprise. Then, he turned on her blow dryer and tossed it into the tub with her. When the GFI plug in the bath- room shut off the power and she was not electrocuted, Vogt tried to. Strangle her and hit her over the head with a vase, promis- ing, “It'll only take a minute.” She escaped and called police. Vogt pleaded guilty to at- tempted murder, explaining that he'd acted because he was having an affair with the girlfriend’s 15-year-old niece. Leap of faith A 32-year-old Austrian extreme-sports en- thusiast parachuted from the 35th floor of a skyscrapér in Munich, Germany, but his Chute failed to open properly. He escaped death, however, when a crane next to the building snared him, leaving him hanging 150 feet off the ground. . Rock me, baby | Police in Hempfield Township, Pa., arrest- ed 44-year-old David Smith for simulating sex with a rock. One witness reported see- ing the man lying naked on top of the rock on the Youghiogheny River Trail, thrusting himself against the rock in a lustful manner. He had earlier been seen riding a bike deco- rated with women’s underwear, gloves and rubber straps tied to the frame. Everlasting love Police in Prescott, Ariz., arrested Edwin Rowlette, 75, after finding his wife’s body packed inside a refrigerator with dry ice. They said Rowlette told them he froze the body six years ago when his wife of many years, Marsha Rowlette, died of natural causes, and he hoped someday to bring her back to life. The honeymoon is over @Authorities in Lebanon, Ohio, arrested Gregory Hogg, 41, for allegedly dragging his girlfriend from her apartment by her hair and forcing her to marry him. Accord- ing to prosecutor Rachel Hutzel, Hogg hoped the marriage would prevent Cheryl Skaggs, 43, from testifying against him ina criminal case. Skaggs, who alerted police \10 days after the forced marriage, can testi- His she wants to, Hutzel said after adding dfges Of kidnapping, domestic violence and intimidation of a witness to the original charges. @A month after Anthony Kircus, 30, was arrested for beating up Catherine mPRANdPOWicz, 47 ship, Mich., apartment, the two ‘were mar- ried in Las Vegas. According to authorities, Kircus murdered his new wife on their hon- eymoon and left her body in a hotel room in Scottsdale, Ariz., then returned to Las Ve- gas to gamble. Police apprehended him out- side a casino as he waited for a valet to bring his rental car. Foiled again Police in Syracuse, N.Y., said that Jere- my Lepianka, 22, impersonated a sheriff’s deputy for two years, stopping vehicles for traffic violations and lecturing the dri- vers. Authorities learned of the ruse after Lepianka allegedly stopped a pickup truck that had run a red light, and several people in the truck fled. He called 911 on a cell phone, identified himself as an off- duty deputy and asked for backup. When police arrived, according to Lt. Joe Ce- cile, “Something just didn’t seem quite right about him.” He admitted the imper- sonation after officers questioned him, explaining that he always wanted to be a police officer. _ Fowl play During the dress rehearsal of an Aus- tralian production of Johnny Belinda, a chicken appearing in the play to add au- thenticity to the farm setting collapsed dur- ing the opening scene, apparently from stage fright, according to the director. Ron Hamilton of the St. James Players in north- erm Queensland said the chicken had a piece of string tied to its leg to keep it from stray- ing. When the bird passed out, rather than spoil the drama by having someone walk on and collect it, the stage crew used the string to drag it slowly off-stage. Conscientious killing The Defense Department is paying Min- nesota-based Alliant, the world’s largest ammunitionmaker, $5 million to develop combat bullets that are lead-free. The goal is a bullet “that can kill you or that you can shoot a target with and that’s not an environmental hazard,” Army repre- sentative Bob DiMichele explained. “We are talking about green ammunition for pistols, rifles and machine guns.” Earlier this year, the Air Force awarded a $25 million contract to Alliant for copper polymer bullets that won't ricochet if fired in an urban area. Pedal pushers Houston police accused’ Guadalupe Ca- marena of trying to help men look like women by injecting them with what was supposed to be pure silicone but turned out to be brake fluid. . “Any type of liquid silicone that could be found at any type of auto-parts or hardware store is what essentially is being injected in- to these people,” Police Capt. Steve Smith said. Camarena reportedly charged between $200 and $400 for each procedure, a frac- @ tion of the cost of plastic surgery. follow us to adulthood Time Only) - Prime Plus 2% 12 Month Term ¢ Church Loans * Special Rates (Limited — _ ¢ New Church Construction 1% Origination Fee Easy Inspections and Draws Free Construction Checking Account Permanent Church and Refinance * If Construction to Permanent, _ One time Origination Fee ¢ Prime Plus 1.75% Variable or Fixed of 5.75% with 5 year call 15 year term Millennia The biggest Smiles in modern banking. Millennia Community Bank 1310 West Arlington Blvd. * P.O. Drawer 30410 « Greenville, NC 27834 _ Ph: 252-695-0077 + Fax: 252-754-0735 www.bankmcb.com INSURED — BOOKSCAPE by Tim Butler Entertainment Editor Things of our youth Real life televi- Sion journalist -ReShonda Tate } Billingsley turns her attention to writing a novel. Her debut effort, My Brother's Keeper, is a hu- morous and heart- wrenching look at how deep child- hood issues can run. It’s about for- giving, forgetting - a vi tees ane finding: the strength to move on. At the center of the story is Aja James. Aja hasn't had it easy. She’s kept a close watch over her siblings after tragedy robbed them of their parents. With the weight of the world on her shoulders and her best friend, Roxie, by her side, she is ready for a change. And Rox- ie knows just what to do when she sets A ja up on a date with one of the most sought-af- ter bachelors in town, handsome sports caster Charles Clayton. . Charles is everything Aja has ever dreamed of - warm, sensitive. patient and charming. But is long-lasting love really that easy to find? . Adding to her problems are her siblings, who have not rebounded from the loss of their parents as easily as Aja has. ReShonda says the book’s theme is univer- sal. “...whether it's a mother who neglected _ her children because she worked too hard, a father who abandons his kids, or even a crazy uncle, family dysfunction can have lasting ef- fects.” ReShonda is a reporter at KRIV-TV in Houston and the 2002 Black Writer's Al- liance Gold Pen Award Winner for Best New Author. Ups and downs of the dating game She’s smart, suc- cessful, financially independent and beautiful. She has Close friends, great style and a terrific sense of humor. | What more could Friday Night: My Year of Dating Misadventures, Ritta McLaughlin ‘hy — tells the hilarious il and heart breaking story of what a take-charge woman does when she has everything, except love. McLaughlin’s vow to go on at least one date a week, every week for a yeur, sets the stage for an array of colorful characters and disastrous dates that prove that truth, espe- cially on the singles scene, is stranger (and funnier) than fiction. While men may come and go, the con- stants in Ritta’s life are her friends and fami- ly. Her grandmother's down home “mother wit” frames each chapter, paving the way for the lesson she learns from every date. Along the way, Ritta gets plenty of good advice. Her loyal girlfriends set up her on her dates; her platonic friend Max gives her some insights into the mirid of the modern man: and her uncle sthree-time-divorced, offers her some hard truths. In college at Vassar, McLaughlin majored in Public Policy with a concentration in Ur- ban Studies. Currently, she is a vice president at a major Wall Street investment banking firm. She lives in Brooklyn. Nip WR ae Bi Sweet Sixteen . . .Chriistiana (center) is celebrating in style While Mom Talita (to her left), Brenda (Nana, far left), Grandma Elsie and sister Shika join her for this memorable shot. photo Jim Ronse she want? In Ever __ ~ educated and trained employees and subcontractors. Our staff is available to assist all of Phone (252) 752-8000 Burney & Burney Construction Company Inc. at By \ | es WWE BT ge eee EI > tne re Heo Bboy 0 i sa Ab ; ae i i cial Residential Commerc Kurney & Burney Construction Company has over 50 years combined experience, We maintain { Jniimited/Unelassitied North Carolina General ¢ ‘ontiactor License and Unlimited North Carolina Plumbing License. Our company has positioned itselfas a leader in commercial and residential new constructions. We have acquired many project opportunities on numerous military installations, all completed with satistactory ratings. Burney & Burney has won-numerous awards. We have received awards in . Greenville Pitt County's * Parade of Homes” and Greenville Utilities’ 1-300 program for | constructing energy efficient housing. Our firm is a” Salety lirst construction company On two occasions, our company recctved the Army Corp of Engineers’ 2003 Safety Award tor “Outstanding Achievement in Safety’ Our goal ts lo create an environment where our workers are sale and free from hazardous situations Here at Burney & Burney, we understand that it takes a qualified and creative staff to serve all the needs of the company and the public We recognize that our dedicated employees play a vital role in the survival or our firm. We have thoroughly our customers whenever the necd arises We believe in standing by our motto. “Quality from Start to Finish” Burney & Burney Construction Company, Ine. PC. Box 340 Greenville NC 27834 Fax (252) 752-9100 barge AR Siro ree 552 oe | ers can trust your Ms. Beatrice May Every Teen Needs T oKnow These 1. Don't be a slob. Put Things where they belong. 2. Don't put things off! When you finish it early, you don't have to cram. 3. Don't take yourself so seriously. A sense of humor is one of the best assets you can have. 40 Say "No" to drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol. Never be a slave to any chemicaal. 5. Don't drink and drive or get into a car with anyone who has. 6. Live the Golen Rule - treat -outhers as you want to be treated. 7. Do the best you can. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. 8. Be nice to your enemies. You have to learn to get along wiith people, even those you don't like. 9. Don't talk back to your parents. GENTLE LMORITL VO TIDBITS BellSouth to abandon pay phone business The Tennessee Regulatory Author- ity (TRA) this week received formal notification from BellSouth officials of the company’s intent to discontin- ue its payphone operations in Ten- nessee BellSouth’s transition of the coin-operated telephone #usiness, which will take place across its nine State service region, will result in the removal ..of,,approximately 7,000. coin-operated telephomes in Ten- ¥ } f\ nessee, The company hy Said that it“ " will exit the market by the end of the first quarter of 2004. BellSouth officials indicated that it would be selling its payphones to other telecommunications carri- ers, and that payphone service will be provided by other companies. According to TRA records, 250 companies are authorized to pro- vide pay telephone service in the State. For a list of payphone operators in Tennessee, visit the Tennessee Regu- latory Authority web = site at www state.tn.os/tra. Weekly effective formula rate of interest Chapter 464, Public Acts of 1963, the legislation regulating interest rates in Tennessee, requires that the Commissioner of Financial Institu- tions make an announcement weekly of the formula rate of interest. » Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions Commissioner Kevin P. Lavender announces that the maxi- mum effective formula rate of inter- est in Tennessee is 8.00 percent per annum. The rate is based on a ceiling of 4 percent over the weekly average prime loan rate of 4.00 percent as published by the Federal Reserve on Nov. 24, 2003. Lavender said the rate remains in effect until the average prime loan rate as announced by the Federal Re- serve Bank changes. Business seminars slated at U of M Two seminars, Essentials of Pur- chasing and Improving Purchasing Performance are scheduled for the Fogleman Executive Center at the University of Memphis. The Essentials of Purchasing semi- nar will be held Feb. 2-3, 8:30 a.m. — 4:30 P.M. Designed for first-time buyers, seasoned professionals and managers, this workshop examines the most effective purchasing tech- niques and approaches. The two-day seminar addresses a wide range of topics, including the changing role of the purchasing function, concepts of commodity management, pur- chasing capital equipment, e-com- merce, supplier selection, legal as- pects of purchasing and the elements of price. On Feb, 4-5 at the same times as the previous seminar, Improvin Purchasing Performance is Need to enable participants to improve their work with, and get results from, others inside “and outside of their anozation. They will learn how to sel ideas, negotiate long-term and complex ments report re- sults in ait that top manhgement understands. Be able to speak up and express ers and elders. your opinions, but show respect to parents,teach elders 10. Take care of your body. Eat: | A Healthy diet, get your exer- cise and sleep, and work at Saying healt ee 11. Speak the truth so that oth- words. 12. Take time to practice. Anything worth learning takes practice. _ 13. Don't give up with out try- ing. You miss every opportunity you never take. 14. Save sex for marriage. It's a mistake to experiment with sex before you are committed. 15. If you choose to have sex, don't have sex without taking precautions. . 16. Learn to save your money, or you won't have money when you need it. 17. Pick your friends wisely. You are known by the friends you hang around with. 18. Let me know where you are, so | won't worry. If you change your plans, let me know. 19. Be careful when you drive. A car is a lethal weapon when not used wisely. - 20. Do your chores responsibly, on time, and without being asked. 21. Don't have anything to do with hitchhiking. Don't take or give rides to strangers. ’ 22. Take time to know your God. Attend services at your church or tem- le on a regular basis. 53 Know when to stop pushing when your parents say "No". Ask for what | want. Don't become a nuisance. 4. Limit your time with television. 25. Study hard. Doing wellin school and going to college are the best ways to get ahead. oo 26. Borrow and leand r sibly, Don't borrow without asking and re- turn things promptly. 27. Be confident in who you are. Take pride in what you accomplish and don't put yourself down for mistakes. 28. When you are old enough to vote, vote proudly. Don't be a complainer or needy. 29. Take care of your pet os don't have one. , 30. Use the phone respnsibly and k yar alk a raccueae length n. 4. a yriate table manners and social graces. , 32. Don't ee Play by the rules or call early when there is any prob- lem with meeting your COMIN ments. on 38. Don't put down other people. If you must gossip, keep it positive OSSIp. 55 Dont handle your frustrations or anger with cursing, or swear- ing, or taking God's name in vain. 10. Listen to or read instructions efore you try to do anything. +1. Keep your room neat and or- derly. 42. Tak e care of your possessions. When you lose your own things, don't expect another to be bought for you. T3-Don't litter or abuse Mother Nature. Do your part for the envi- ronment. Abide by 45 and 46 if you have a brother or sister. 44. Td like you two to get along. Stop fighting and wor things out by aking : ‘Set_a good examplefor your don't play at all. brother os sister. When you are 33. Tf you want to be successful, look older, you're expected to be a the part, Good grooming and appropri- model. * ate dress are im t. 34. Don't take things that don't belong to you. Stealing is not acceptable. Earn Pp, arents are. not last minute servants. 36. Be polite. Being courteous means being concerned about'the feelings and sensitivities of others. 37. Be on time for stated curfews and December , 203° le veloping amd implementing the programs and projects in the South Atlantic Region as well as reactivating the Kappa Sigma Chapter at East | Caroliina University. On the re- gional level, Annette served for four years on the Task Force for Protocol and Traditions, travel- ing across the region facilitat- ing workshops. Some of Annette's profeesional and community involvement have been President of the Pitt County Saint Augustine's College Alumni Association: Board Member of League of Woman Voters; Past Board - Chairperson of West Greenville Communnity Development; Pitt Communnity College Business Advisory Commirree Member,United Way of Pitt County Allocations Committee Member, Campaign Loan Executive and Campaign Coordinator for TRW; US Savings Bond Campaign Coordinator for TRW: American Red Cross Blood Drive Campaign Coordinator for TRW; Literacy Volunteer of America Tutor; Saint Peters Catholic Church member and CCD Instructor; and Member of | American Business Women of America. Annette is presently employed as Senior Human Resources Representative at TRW Incorporated in Greenville, N.C. Regional Appoinment The South Atlantic Regional Director, YvetteG. Robinson, ap- . pointed the Immediate Past President of the Greenville NC Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Annette Goldring, North Carolina State Coordinator. , Oon the local level, Annette has srved as President, Vice President, Secretary, and Leader of Minerva Circle. During her term as presi- dent, the chapter received the Chapter of the Year Award for de- The U.S. rate of teenage births fell a staggering 31 percent from but the authors of the study, conducted by the Child Trends research center, said th ers before they are out of their teens, it reminds us how far we still have to go," sai Teenage Pregnancy Drops NY Post 1991 to 2002, a new study reveals, The rate declined from 62 births per 1,000 girls to 43 per 1,000, at's still too high. "When we see that 18 percent of 15-year-olds will become moth- d Angela Romano Papillo, the lead researcher, The study also contained some star- motherhood. New Hampshire had the nation's lowest teen birth rate in 2001, with between ages 15 and 19. The worst was Mississippi, with a teen birth rate more than three times higher, at 67 per 1,000. Interestingly, of the 11 states with the top teen birth rates, all but New Mexico require that abstinence be stressed in sex education. In all, 22 states have such laws. Overall, Southern and i , except Rhode Island, had five of the six lowest rates. New Jersey and New York also west rates in the nation. The futures of the 400,000 teens who had babies in 2002 could well be limited by their premature motherhood, said the authors. Other findings included a marked racial difference as to whether girls and boys were equally likely to have sex early in life. Among teens who had sex before age 15, white girls were just as likely as boys to have sex. But black or Hispanic girls were less than half as likely as € highest teen birth rates, with nearly three times more than the 30 per 1,000 reported for whites, Sunday 1-Spm Hours: Mon-Thurs 10:30am - 7pm Fri-Sat 10:30am-7pm email:atoh2021@hotmail.com Carolina East Center (across from Ryan's Steakhouse) 3400 Memorial Drive, Greenville,NC (252) 321-2021 Greetings Bedrowm Housing JOY 1340 a OREENVITTE NC] “toll free” to Bev anc. her provocative guests. AM the Talk. Listen to Joy 1340 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. for The Bev Smith Show. Brought to you by the American Urban Radio Networks, Tiw Lev Smith Show is the only national talk show tar- geted to a Black audience. Bev goes in deep, tackling top pcliticians, examinivy ieaith care issues affecting African-Americans, lauyshengs, crying and sharing joy nightly, Monday’ through Friday. The Bev Smith Stow has sts own 800 number allow ir. listeners to tal’, Focus your marketing on Joy 1340 AM. To advertise with “The People’s Station, ‘ai! our sales department at 252.757.0365 6 A TT ee Oe = 16 B Le ©} ame 2 0am eum a BARES * clad, Holiday J Safety Tips From Greenville pyapra, Utilities | During this season of celebration, be sure that electric safety is on your “wish list.” * Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. * Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, Or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets. * Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. * Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted. * Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. * Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples to hold strings in place, not nails or tacks. Or, run strings of lights through hooks (available at hardware stores). * Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire, All of us at Greenville Utilities wish you a safe and happy holiday! » (Greenville “Utilities f by 7 he y . per What YouSee Is (You Know And Save From: Hardee Acres Resident * , Attn: "M Voice" Subject: Hardee Acres rocked again: Apparent murder-suicide leaves two dead a J ; in Greenville neighborhood by Amanda Karr "Daily Reflector" | ow that we live ina democratic society where one can state his or her opinion no matter how ludicrous. RANDOM NOTES . It is good.to kne -by Tim Butt . First, It would have been more efficient to state the title of the article as "A Gloomy night in Hardee Acres Subdivision" that leaves two dead in an apparent y tlm Butler murder Suicide. Secondly, the arti¢le should have elaborated on the tragedy of two young people lives being shorten by an apparent murder suicide. a December, 2003 - Subscribe To The = Entertainment Editor i . eople to do the right thing as far as bein good American citizens to respect our government and to have good religious beliefs. Fourth, the article was very More wards show: . distastefl and Heenan comparing aren murder suicide with a drive by shooting. The article did not consider the victims' families for the incident same The first annual Vibe Awards were tele- vised last Friday in a ceremony that was no : Allen Best better or worse than other similar music award shows. The Source magazine pays honor to the same genre of music; which makes one wonder what's the point of this newer awards program. Of course, the Vibe show held a greater level of respectability - but essentially there wasn't much difference between it and the Source Music Awards show. As a result, the Tap/hip-hop awards field now seems crowd- ed and redundant. However, it is most re- freshing that the presenters and performers on the Vibe program were better behaved than on the Source show. Viewers didn’t Ri GUARANTEED! Nobody Beats have to hang their heads in shame after th Vou h ne Our Prices ‘ p ave to hang their heads in shame a ter the ~" / Vibe airing was over - as they did when the ou c oose .. Guaranteed! Source Music Awards came to an embarrass- the amount... If you happen to find a lower ing climax with its “Dirty South” finale. . $e _s | as 7 Hee ree e Price, we'll match it > ee Wiehe cy eco ~— Improving Home Improvement’ = “riSue Jones founded the mag- remember for years to come. azine back in 1993. Let’s hope the second a f | 7 ; =<) Great gifts for everyone on your list. something a little differ- _ ~~ Coa : ee wv : | ent - but always keep *Did male super- model Tyson forget to button his shirt? Per- haps it was hot in the | house. 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