SALUTING Sroonvitia Fit cot Serving Greenville, Ayden and Pitt Coun 302 S. 4 { By: Wiley Henry Tri - State Defender When Ronald Baldridge joined the Gangster Disciples at age 14, he pretty much knew the consequences for his action. But it would take five bullets, 22 operations, three suicide attempts, several broken bones, and the compassion of a friendly White policeman for him to fully get the message. paraplegic is ona mission — to save those who may be following in his footsteps. In September 2004, several days before six students tried to “jump” 15-year old Taurus Williams into a gang called “G-Unit” in the bathroom at Westside Middle School, Ronald Baldridge was on the campus trying to encourage approximately 375 boys to avoid gangs, respect authority, finish school, and choose a career that doesn’t lead to the slammer — or death. When Baldridge learned that Taurus had died from his. injuries, he felt he’d failed the students at Westside, including the six he’d talked to who were charged with reckless homicide: Artavius Branch, 13; Jeremy Henderson, 15; Damien Farmen,13; Mack Lewis, 15; Tyrus Strong, 13; and Antonio ~ Taylor, 14. “Man, it really hurt me when I heard that this kid was killed at the school, “ says Baldridge, shaking his head in disbelief. Baldridge had attended Westside as well, and . only tried to convey to students — particularly the impressionable boys — what he’d learned the hard way. The deadline is June 21 The 27th Anniversary of the Greenville Industrial C. M Eppes High School Alumni Weekend Annual Reunion on June 30 - July 2, 2006 When he was 14, he joined the Knight Hawks, a branch of the Gangster Disciples, and started stealing and selling marijuana and cocaine. “T got tried of my mom working hard, tired of her struggling and growing old,” says Baldridge, justifying his membership in the gang and he need to make fast money. -“Theard her crying one Now this / night, praying to the Lord to help her raise her two sons. I wanted to do something. So I saw these guys selling drugs and really making a nice piece of change. “[ just wanted to do what I could to help my mom. | had a five-year plan to do what I could and get out. But she didn’t want the money; she wouldn’t take any of the money.” | _The fast life was fruitful, _ but dangerous nonetheless — even though Baldridge thought he was invincible. At least that’s what he told a group of students at Sheffield High School during one of many speaking engagements. But he was wrong — almost dead wrong. At 17, a security guard shot Baldridge in the back during a botched robbery. “T got a tip that there would be some money at this place. My partner was supposed to take care of the security guard that was supposed to be shot twice, we got into a fight, and _ I got shot in the back. “I laid on the floor dying. I was scared, tying to hold on, fighting and trying to breathe. My breath got short because - of my asthma. I asked this White cop would I live. He told me yes, Then my heart stopped — twice; I flat-lined,” Baldridge recalls. a LET'S CHECK YOUR HISTORY Name these people and win a prize. GOOD LUCK!!! | reene St. tGreenville, NC 27834 REDEMPTIO V O a ( : a Please Take One Vol XX Officer Steve Grisham, now a lieutenant with the Memphis Police Department, rode in the JSGEENS ute Baldridge to the hospital\--“From 1985 - 1987, that guy was always there. He had arrested me, - harassed me, and testified against me at Juvenile Court,” says Baldrige, whose hatred for “cops” and “White folks” fueled his wreckless ambition. Baldridge had become a paraplegic, but his near-death experience on July 07, 1985, didn’t stop him from gang- banging in his wheelchair. He no longer had the use of his legs, but he was just as mobile "as anyone with two good ones He was confined to the wheelchair, but the wheelchair didn’t stop him from fighting, bearing arms, and raising a ruckus. In 1987, he says he shot a ‘man who tried to rob him in his home. A judge, he says, ruled he had a right to protect himself. But the trouble-prone young man didn’t need his mother’s words or the law of the land. It seemed that Baldridge was committed to keeping up hell. He was angry at the world, but he would have to pay-a hefty price for his violent spurts and unlawful behavior. | “Soon as I get paralyzed and in:a wheelchair, I get shot four more times, And in 1987, even as a paraplegic, I was thrown out of a car going about 45 mph. “I also had 22 operations, three suicide attempts, a broken left hand, broken ankle, a dislocated hip, and:a broken night leg. They got all the bullets out except one,” says Baldridge, pointing to his right leg where a .38 slug is still lodged. ty to Promote Growth and Pros t 752-4101 _www.greenvillenc.org On May 13, during a “reconciliation conferenece” at Trezevant High School, several speakers, including Baldridge, conducted perity 1,000 MEMBERS STRONG June Issue LJ Groen ifh:-Pal County Chamber of Commence workshops, “‘so that the teachers, students, and parents, can have a role in working together to do what’s best for our students,” said school’s principal. “We have to convey to everyone that they’re part of the system. The school is one of the major components of GIANT KILLER VISIT’S GREENVILLE __ Shaw University Annual Alumni.... On hand was Alumni Pres. Walter Council; (wife ) Mayor Pro Temp, Mildred Council, Keynote Speaker, Attn. Willie Gary and guest. Attorney Gary was born with medical complications that forced his migrant parents to mortgage and lose their 200 acres of farmland, something few Blacks owned in the 1940s. Yet, neither the hard life of extreme poverty, working in fields, nor living in a shack with his parents and 10 siblings stopped him from going after his dreams. Now, 54-years after that difficult birthday, he’s being cheered on by the masses for conquering corporate giants who bully the small guy. Gary asserts, “Success is about.an attitude. It’s like winning: you have to believe you can do it. If you believe in yourself, have a positive attitude and deal with adversity, things will get better.” And despite the early difficulties he faced, things did get better for Gary. Today, he is recognized as one of the nation’s best trial lawyers. He has won over 100 cases valued at more than a million dollars each, and he has achieved one of the largest jury verdicts in U.S. history-$500 million. What makes his success so extraordinary is the fact that most of his clients are ‘small’ working- men and women, the rural poor and children. Yet, most of his opponents are huge, like hospitals, chemical companies and insurance companies. Honoring Doctor Andrew Best... Pictured in the center is Dr. Andrew Best who was honored at a gala affair. Dr. Best was also honored to have Humanitarian Award in his name. History photo by Jim Rouse (Agenda Page 10) catia Minority Voice June, 1- 16,2006 pg2 — OPINION oe 2 We are devastated that, once again, the word of a young black woman has been casually dismissed in the media, a woman who according to the grand jury indictment was violated in the most heinous way. We are devastated that, as we wait for the indictment men to stand trial in court, we must watch her on trial in the media. In 2006, this is unacceptable. People of color have experienced ‘blame the victim’ tactics for centuries when they accuse the powerful. These same tactics are routinely used against survivors of sexual assault women of all colors. Sexual assault must be a civil rights priority for all people of goodwill. Only 40 years ago, Blacks in America were dying for the right to be treated equally and then, as now, in many parts of this nation the ptess was used as a tool to distort truth, and to defame our leaders and innocent citizens. Yet it was in this same time that the courage and determination of the press to record truth helped awaken the conscience of this nation. We call row upon the media to reject spin and report truth. Today, as then, the truth will set us free. _ AIDS George Curry NNPS Analysis When a strange disease, later known as AIDS, was first detected at UCLA 25 years ago, it was difficult to get African Americans interested in what was largely dismissed as “White gay disease.” Today, however, AIDS is increasingly considered largely a “Black disease” that afflicts gays and straights, males and females. “Today, more than half of all people living with HIV/AIDS and newly-infected with HIV each year in the United States are Black,” Phill Wilson, executive director or the Black AIDS Institute, said The indicted men have hired the best lawyers and PR men money can buy. There’s ~ areason that the defense doesn’t mention the racial slurs that define this case, or the extraordinary violations of civil rights and liberties, or that the survivor’s life has been damaged forever. But there is no excuse for our media to be silent about these realities. This case does not need spin; it needs truth. When the Coalition of the Concerned here in North Carolina opened the ourheartsworld.com website dedicated to supporting the assault survivor and millions of other survivors of sexual violence, hardly a drop of ink was spent on the story. When the defense team announces its cherry-picked pieces of evidence, throngs of reporters, cameras and pens in hand, “at & news tonférenceshere Monday...“Among women, Blacks account for two-thirds of all new infections. And recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studies estimate nearly half of all Black gay and bisexual men in some of American’s urban centers are already infected. These facts represent an unprecedented crisis for Black America.” Wilson and Pernessa Seele, founder of the Balm in Gilead and a major organizer of Black church efforts in the US and Africa, have had a major impact on helping African American realize that HIV and AIDS are ravaging Blacks in the US, and around the world, especially in Africa. The heightened awareness was evident at the news- conference called by Wilson. Among those present to lend Support were actor Danny Glover, US Representatives Charles Rangel, and Donna M. Christenson, NAACP President Bruce Gordon, Reverends Gregory Smith of Mother AME Zion Church and Edwin Sanders of Metropolitan Interdenomina- tional Church; National Urban League Senior Vice President for Programs Donald Bowen; i} Rachie! Guglielmo of the Open Soeiety Institute, and news media representatives from the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), American Urban Radio Networks, and Black Entertainment Television. All have signed on to Phill Wilson’s call to “win” the AIDS fight over the next five years. His organization issued a new report titled, “AIDS in Black Face: 25 Years of an Epidemic.” Wilson said the report, which chronicles Black America’s scramble to repeat carefully ~ crafted announce-ments as ’ if they were objective truths. The heavy scrutiny of the - nation has successfully been diverted from the actions of the white privileged men Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II The NC NAACP Speaks to the moral purity of the survivor. The media calls her “the stripper”; She is a US Navy veteran, a mother - of two and an accomplished student at North Carolina Central University. We are not called to the offhand condemnation of people, but to the righteous hatred of sin. Where is the chorus of moral condemnation against holding beer parties for 44 mostly under-aged men, starting at two on a Monday afternoon? Where is the chorus of condemnation about an apparently common varsity fades from White to Black 18 37% Black but African AIDS epidemic, “make it clear that a quarter century into America’s saga with 7 AIDS, the epidemic is more Black than ever.” The 25 years of AIDS is not an anniversary one likes to celebrate. And it’s important to not to get caught up in the past, Wilson says. “While this reports looks back at the first 25 years of the AIDS epidemic, it’s not a report about our yesterdays,” he said. “It is a proclamation about out tomorrows with recommendations for individ- uals, communities, and elected officials on how to end the AIDS epidemic in Black America.” One can no longer dismiss AIDS as a “White disease.” Some of the most notable AIDS-related deaths of African-Americans include tennis great Arthur Ashe, journalist Max Robinson, Rev. James Cleveland, dance choreographer Alvin Ailey and rapper Eric “Easy E” Wright. The “AIDS in Blackface” report observes: “The epidemic’s frontline is quickly shifting from larger, northern cities to the more dispersed communities of the South. Today, seven of the 10 states with the highest per capita AIDS rates are the’South, and 41% of people living with HIV are in the Southeast, It is particularly a Black epidemic. Eight of the 10 blackest state epidemics are in the South. . A chart in the report breaks it down on a state-by-state basis. For example, A frican-Americans are 26% of the population in Alabama, but 63% of the AIDS cases; Blacks are 15% of the population in Florida yet account for 49% of the AIDS cases; in Georgia, Blacks represent 70% of all AIDS cases while constituting 29% of the population; Mississippi An Open Letter to the N ation: team practice of hiring female entertainers? Where is the chorus of condemnation of men brandishing a broomstick at women? Where is the chorus of condemnation against racial slandering overheard by a neighbor, “Thank your grandpa for my nice cotton shirt?” Don’t let this case be decided by innuendo, money, guess work, superstar lawyers, or community speculation. ,, Take it to the courts. These allegations are too sad, sinister, and sadistic to be trivialized. Duke was once called Trinity College. In this case, there are triune challenges of racism, sexism, and classicism. In this crisis is the ugly trinity of human failure, humanity deprivation, and human exploitation. The only way Out is a triune response. We must face the evidence; face whatever truth this reveals; and face whatever justice demands. Rey. William J. Barber, President, NC NAACP Original 10 Point Principles for Duke Lacrosse Team Case. Issued by the North Carolina NAACP April 4, 2006 (Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. King) ~ and ascertain the truth. + ’o'e"e" We must denounce any code of silence, which seeks to inhibit ascertaining the facts. We must have deep compassion and concern for the survivor and challenge any attempts to demean or destroy her rather than to seek We must ensure the D.A.’s investigation be completed thoroughly and promptly and that serious consequences be meted out if the allegations are proven. These allegations include: sexual violence/gang rape, racial slandering/hate crimes, underage alcohol use, and any prior history of racial bigotry and intimidation must be fully investigated. We do not want a rush to judgment or a delay of justice. Duke should be conducting its own thorough investigation. Who was at the party? Who violated Duke’s Code that night? How many times had they violated the law or Duke’s Codes before? We must monitor the legal process to insure justice is carried out in this investigation without special privilege or treatment to anyone. Our position as organizations, interested in civil rights and community Justice is that the investigation of allegations are fair, meticulous, comprehensive, aggressive, and thorough. _ amoral compass, which keeps Those who are calling for justice and fairness in the _ Investigation must not be wrongly described as a “lynch mob” no matter how zealous _ one seeks to defend their client. — Those who want to ensure _ Justice must insist there are no short cuts to justice. We demand that the alleged rpetrators have rights to protected. We must also be prayerful for whoever committed these acts because whoever did is suffering from a great sickness of the spirit and hatred for humanity. We must face this ‘investigation when all of the facts are in. We must face the truth and the: Justice that the truth demands. We must consider in the wake of all that has and will occur, how we repent, repair, restore, and move. forward. We must not engage in retaliatory violence. Our faith must insist that hope can still be rise out of hurt, what is meant for evil can yet be turned to good, and _ out of tragedy can still come triumph. . We must recognize that in a moment like this moment we need the guidance of God and a “ i eat = us focused on the fact that only the truth can set us free. Americans are 73% of the | AIDS cases; the Tennessee — Black population is 16%, with African Americans accounting for just more than half — 52% — of those with AIDS cases there and Virginia, with a 19% Black population, has a 59% share. ,, Blacks also represent more than half of all AIDS cases in Delaware (68%), the District of Columbia (82%), Eastern NC Association — of Black Social Workers } Receives National Award April 14, 2006, at its 38th Annual Conference in Houston, Tx, the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) with its eadquarters in Washington, DC awarded its local chapter, ENCR-ABSW one of its ighest and most igious awards for professional and community services rendered by the leadership and members of its various chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Illinois (52%), Louisiana (66%), Maryland (80%), Michigan (58%) New Jersey (55%), North Carolina (69%), Pennsylvania (53%), and South Carolina (73%). Recommendations include: Rejecting the idea that HIV and AIDS is inevitable; — Demanding that proven weapons such as needle exchanges and . arming youth with more than abstinence only information Eastern NC Association of Black Social Workers and the US Virgin Islands. The award is the Cenie “Jomo” Williams, Jr, Award. Accepting the award at - ~ the national conference were two local members of ENCR-ABSW; Thomas MeMillan and Curtis Best of Grifton and Greenville, NC respectively, | Eastern NC Association of Black Social Workers is also an affiliate of the NC State Association of * Black Social Workers with headquarters in Durham, NC. For more details and interest in ENCR-ABSW contact, Barbara Fenner, MSW and be expanded; ment Ea _ access to treatment! — Ending the stigma asSociated with | | HIV and AIDS. The report stated, “In the final analysis, this epidemic isn’t terribly complicated: When we allow politics, subjective notions “ of morality and profit-driven ’, health economics toreign over public health, the most | vulnerable in our society are * | left for HIV to prey upon.” Annette Faison, Educator /Co-conveners of the local chapter at 252.752.9277, The basic criteria for the award were: the president 0 the local chaptef must submi nomination; the recipients embody the NABSW code of ethics; the recipients must have contributed to the chapter and the African American community; and must be currently beaffiliated with NABSW and exempli the humanitarian qualities o Mr. Cenie “Jomo” Williams, a former president of the national association, Minority Voice June, 1 - 16,2006 pg3 _COMMUNITY NEWS Mrs Beatrice Maye FIVE FINGERS When you fold your hands, the thumb is nearest you. So begin by praying for those closet to you— your loved ones. The index finger is the pointer. Pray for those who teach — Bible teachers & Preachers, and those who teach children. (1 Thes. 5:25) The next finger is the tallest. It reminds you to pray for those in authority over you — national & local leaders, and your supervisor at work. (1 Tim. 2:1-2) The fourth finger is usually the weakest. Pray for those who are in trouble or who are suffering. (James 5:13 - 16) Then comes your little finger. It reminds you of your smallness in relation to God’s greatness. Ask him to supply your needs. (Phil. :6, 19 uw Pray for one another . (James 5:13 - 18) ~ Just talk to God. He wants to hear what’s on yur heart. Written by: Anne Cetas Our Biggest Health Challenges 1. Clean your diet. Get most of your meal at a take- out window? Ifyou want to stay fit and healthly, revamp _-your eating habits now. One study found that 8% of women ages 20 to 34 had severe plaque buildup in their arteries. The plaque is from french fries, doughnuts, sugary _ cereals, pastries, chips, and late-night pizzas. Degreasing and desugaring your diet will also protect you from diabetes. 2. Establish the exercise habit. In research by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, it was found that almost establish the exercise habit. In research by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, it was found that almost 40% females b/w _ ages 12 - 19, were sedentary as were 53% of women in their twenties. US rates are assumed to be similar, if not higher. 3. Protect your bones. Chronic dieting, eating disorders, drinking cases of sodas, smok-ing, alow ~ intake of calcium, too much salt, and lack of physical activity all rob valuable bone from the “bank”. You don’t want to end up in the hospital with a broken hip. 4. Treat yourself — your body with respect. Bag the skinny media bodies and concentrate on real, fit, and healthly — looking role models. If you love your body, and are connected to, it rather than isconnected from it, you'll refuse to hurt it with nicotine, alcohol, unprotected sex, and junk food. 5. Heads Up!! Build a healthly body compos- ition now. First, you'll maintain a hot, calorie— burning metabolism that “Black Rednecks & White Liberals: & Other Cultural & Ethnic Issues” By: Thomas Sowell The rampant violence, chronic unemployment, and sexual promiscuity that pervade America’s ghettos can all be traced to a root cause — slavery, and its legacy of racism and segregation. That, says African American economist Thomas Sowell, is the conventional liberal wisdom, and it is dead wrong. Poor sputhern blacks acquired their aversion to work, b é , Reflections prone to violence, neglect of education, and other anti-social behaviors from the people with whom they lived most closely for a century — poor Southern whites, or rednecks. That culture has now become virtually synonymous with “black identity”. If blacks are ever to join the social mainstream, says Sowell, they will have to stop using racism as an excuse for their failures. Instead, they will have to accept individual responsibility and give up their “black redneck” culture. Sowell further points out that, despite living in a racist culture, American blacks made great strides in education and other areas after emancipation. As late as World War I, northern blacks were out performing Southern Whites in armed- forces tests. Disaster came in the 1960s with a vast expansion of welfare programs, and a rising sense of victimization in the black community. These forces undercut the black redneck culture by encouraging single parenthood, destroying housing values in black neighborhoods, and creating counterproductive attitudes toward education. One writer comments about this book, calling it nonsensical and offensive. He went on to say that Sowell’s stereotyping of poor blacks and poor whites is detestable. And his basic point has a giant hole in it: If poor whites could not afford slaves, then no slaves would be in their company. So how could the anti-social behavior of so-called rednecks rub off on blacks in the first place? William Raspberry, a black commentator and columnist for The Washington Post newspaper says in response: “Sowell says that the redneck culture imported to this country by immigrants from Northern Ireland and the Scottish Highlands permeated the South, becoming a developmental millstone for both blacks and whites. It’s true that Sowell minimizes the effects of racism, which remains _ a cancer in our society. But there’s no longer any denying his insistence that blacks must take our destiny into our own hands, instead of dwelling on what was done to us in the past.” Respectfully Submitted: Suejette A. Jones =e Studies show that most schools fall short of providing good nutritional foods and adequate physical activity for students. will sustain you through allfour hormonal mile- stones. Second, _ if and when you break an ankle and get sick, your muscle mass in there is longer while you heal. Third, lifting weights, and _ eating well give the curves and glow that turns heads. Finally, eating well and moving your body is the best natural antidepressants a women can have throughout her life. HEALTH FACTS — TRY THESE TO LOSE WEIGHT... Everyone’s metabolism naturally slows down with age. Smart people use these: Eat whole grains such as brown rice, wheat germ, dark bread, whole grain cereal, - oatmeal, and brain. Add chicken, fish, and egg whites. Eat more low fat yogurt. Drink more water, preferably distilled water. Regular breakfast eaters are often leaner than breakfast skippers. Establish a regular meal “Winning With Diabetes” is an all day diabetes self-care people with diabetes and their families. Speakers from who have bated diabetes for years wil offer encouragement and instruction on a variety of Giabetes topics. Diabetes company displays wil alow participants to see and learn about the . newest and best products for diabetes care on the market There will be an opportunity for eve foot, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings and to have questions answered by experts in PNE-NEGIO I RATION fo REQUIRED TO ASSURE SP Thore is a $25.00 registration fee for this program, which includes lunch. Please call 252: 74-5211 if you are interested in attending or visit www.eahec.ecu.edu if you need schedule by eating at the same time each day. - Switch to green tea. Do not cut too many _ calories. Exercise your muscles daily — try to push-ups, squats, and abdominal crunches. Please walk briskly at least twenty minutes three to four times each week. Speed up your walking as you gain momentum and endurance. Get active after eating instead of sitting, napping or relaxing, looking at TV. Walk through the mall for an hour daily, if possible. Ten to fifteen minutes of laughter each day will help burn ten to fifteen calories each time you laugh. Learn to laugh a little. Get your thyroid checked every year. This practice is particularly advised for women thirty-five years and older. Sleep at least eight hours nightly. STOP — DO SOMETHING FOR SELF 5th Annual Winning With Diabetes — Conference: A Community Program For People with Diabetes, \ Families, Friends and Health Care Providers Saturday, July 22, 2008 8:15am Registration 8:45am ~ 4:00pm Program Hilton Greenville, 207 SW Greenville Blvd, Greenville NC Description This program is designed to empower people with diabetes to diabetes care and to motivate them fo be their own diabe ¢ the diabetes field. Jointly Sponsored by: Diabetes and Obesity Center Brody School of Medicine at ECU Pitt Memorial Hospital Foundation University Health Systems of Eastem Carolina and Easter Area Health Education Center management program designed for medicine, nursing, nutrition and others = IN IMS SPECIAL PROGRAM Stop overextending yourself— take care of you first. We tend to take care of everyone else first. Pause. Stop four times a day for five minutes so you can slash your stress level. Brag, promote yourself in a healthly and non-abrasive manner, your self-esteem will be enhanced. You cannot please everybody. Do not care too much about what other people say about you. Reflect rightly about your strengths and accomplishments. Everyone | has a category “Needs Improvement.” Read. Research on topics that attract your attention. Decide on what you want to do instead of what others want you to do. Do not accept every invitation. Learn to say “NO” sometimes. Avoid negative thinking, negative situation and environments, and negative people. Take control of your life. positive changes in their team leader. - additional program information, Minority Voice June, 1 - 16,2006 pg4 Sheila Ingram International Ministries Sheila Ingram International Ministries ue WINPOP tering (Women In Pursuit Of Understanding Purpose Who Am I? Why Am I? Where Am I? Like everyone, you’ ve probably asked yourself the following questions at least a dozen times. Who am I? Why am I? and Where am I going? Maybe the knowledge that you were very much wanted and _planned for by your parents still hasn’t_ answered your questions as to God’s special plan for your life, Perhaps you... were the result of an unplanned pregnancy or you grew up feeling like your parents really weren't excited about your birth. You may have even questioned your right to be here, or may believe that you are a mistake. Maybe painful experiences have convinced you that you are doomed to a life of failure, disappointment and unfulfilled dreams. I’m speaking out to all my WINPOP women. All of you who are in pursuit of your purpose those of you who _ want to turn things around and keep it moving. I want you to sit back and exhale, every breath you take understand that you are still in charge of the direction your life is taking. Time has permitted you to make quality decisions as well as decisions you would rather not remember. Nevertheless it all is a testimony of your life, It’s the story to be told to others who will listen and understand and embrace the total you without passing judgment, | want you to always remember that mistakes are what we do not who we are. Psalm 139: 15-17 the word of God assures us that God ordained Our existence, even before our conception. So in case you “forgot my sisters God does not make mistakes. Many have tried to find their purpose through many things, wrong male choices, wrong friends, drugs, wrong jobs choices and many other paths that lead them to everything but their purpose. First let’s talk about purpose. In order to know the purpose of anything we must always go back to the creator of the thing for original blueprint or purpose. The creator God knows the -contentment for all of his creation lies in fulfilling the purpose for which they were created. It is living contrary to God’s will for your life that will ultimately result in frustration, lack of fulfillment and most often self-abuse. Where purpose isn’t known abuse is inevitable. Every one of us is in search of who we are and why we find ourselves over and over in the same situations. If we could just put our finger on the button within us and get the answers about ourselves we would by pass a lot of drama. Apart from God you will never get connected with you. It is God who created you, that means he wired you he set your emotions in place. He knows your strengths and your weaknesses. So why do we look everywhere else to be fulfilled. Think about it? You will realize that the very thing we look to be validated by is also looking to be validated. Your life message contains the essence of what you have lived for believed and strive to accomplish during the course of your lifetime. It’s about your existence. Our life message is wv i usually the result of a collection of our life experiences, both positive and negative. Every event in our life, whether pleasant or unpleasant still . 9 , < results in shaping us into the persons we are today. Only when we surrender situations even the painful and challenging situations upon the altar of God, can he resurrect them and caused them to result for our good. Your past is a rehearsal for your future. God will use every situation in your life as tool to affect his own purpose and plan for your life. God has made provision for your past in your future. God is sovereign and he knew you before you knew yourself. He already knew the temptation you would face. He knew the person he had already called you to become. Just as God knew that the Apostle Peter, in his weakenedtate, would deny ever knowing Christ. He also knew that once empowered by the Holy Spirit Peter would one day influence many to be converted to righteousness. Isaiah 46:9-11 Remember the former things, those of long ago: I am God, and there is no University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina is committed to improving the health of the people of eastern North Carolina. That's why we're one of five University Health Systems hospitals going tobacco free on May 31st. We are doing this to promote healthy lifestyles for our patients, employees and communities. We know this is the right thing to do because tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable deaths in the state of North Carolina. As healthcare providers, we're committed to providing Patients and visitors, as well as employees, with a healthy environment. As part of this change, we're offering smoking Cessation classes to the community. For information on our smoking cessation resources, call 847.6501 or visit online at Www.uhseast.com. The change will do you good. Pirt County Memoriat Hospitai University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina. other, I am God and there is none life me, I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand and will do all that I please. What I have said, that will I bring to about: What | have planned; that will I do. The areas of weakness or tragedy in your past can one day be the trumpet that sounds your life message. And remember Where purpose isn’t known, Abuse in inevitable. When nothing changes, Nothing changes. FATHER’S DAY JUNE 19,2006 / Author Sheila Ingram is a Pastoral Counselor, Pastor, Recording Artist and Worship Leader she lives in Greenville N.C. and has a heart for women to move from pain to power. WINPOP - Women In Pursuit Of Purpose is her women’s ministry under the Sheila Ingram 4nternational Ministries she can be reached at 252-551-2922 or-email at Sheilaingram5 @ yahoo.com. She-s the wife of Dr. Ernest Cameron and the mother of 4. . Visit Sheilaingram.org and Tune in to the WINPOP (Women In Pursuit of Purpose) radio broadcast Wednesdays @2:30pm on WOOW Joy 1340 am WITH ONE YOU DESERVE Two (252) 931-9000 Cail or stop by for a free quote alas d Reet ant een shied make 9b ated mare y wed whit be ety od emia n Kieihe wesc ee Coruney, A. 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Minority Yoice June, 1-16, 2006 _ pgs sat ant Report: Former Duke Open dam « ‘pm Star Redick arrested for | Mon Fri a FARRIOR & SONS ING. June 13, 2006 DURHAM, North Carélina (Ticker) CONSTRUCTION -.Life after Duke has turned COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL » METAL BUILDINGS infamous for J.J. Redick. | oo Ce. Accor ding to a report by PO Box 127 Farmville, North Carolina 27828 (252) 753-2005 Fax (252) 753-2267. television station WTVD, Mobile (252) 902-5511 © eddie@farriorandsons.com the former Blue Devil star was arrested early Tuesday fhorning for driving while | R ob B a rb our impaired. Citing a police feport, WTVD said that the (HW) Atlantic Coast Conference’s _ 4ll-time leading scorer was HONDA drrested shortly after 1:00 ce ee a.m. EDT after Redick Greenville, Ne 27834 committed an illegal U-turn Phone: (252) 355-2500 Fax: (252) 355-5308 to avoid a police checkpoint. An officer followed Redick and reported a strong smell of alcohol on Redick’s breath and glassy eyes when he was pulled over. Redick, who was teleased on a $1,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in a } Durham court on July 17. The 2006 Wooden Award winner, Redick averaged 26.8 points and made 139 3-pointers as the Blue Devils went 32-4 this past season. He is expected to be a first-round pick in the The NAACP recently presented six Scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the Pitt County area. Pictured above ; top row; left to right: Raymond Williams ( JH Rose), Christopher Hardy (Farmville Central ), Michael Alexander (DH Conley). Front Row; left to tight; Danyel Sutton (South Central), Fallow Speaker (Ayden-Grifton High), and Britney Tyson (North Pitt). Looking on are advisors, Art Wallace and Les Cox. These scholarships are funded by the NAACP Annual Freedom Fund Banquet. All students will be attending the college of their choice this fall 2006. NBA draft on June 28. — . 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He pur- sued his dream of continuing his education, this was his true desire . Now he graduated again School Materials and much morell! on May 12, 2006, with a respiratory therapy degree. He was the only black male graduated Sunday School Commentari es Now Available! from Pitt Community College to graduate with a degree in Respiratory Therapysince 1986. Open Wednesday through Friday 12-G6pm f Love your mom, Diane Hines....We, the family, are so proud of you and your accomplish- Saturday 10am-4pm 7.) ments. !!! Pictured above is Bernatha (grandmother), Uncle Derrick, Diane (mom), College | ) graduate Lamont Tyson, Ms. Williams & Troy(father) from New York. COORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE 1O9OS ALLEN ROAD, GREENVILLE. N¢ co | hadi Pa Mines Pate Yo 14 Ya FAX: 252-752-4405 Minority Voice June, 1 - 16, 2006. pg6 REDEMPTION front pg the system. We’re changing a culture through building relationships and defining relationships,” Willilams said. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., the often controversial pastor of New Olivet Baptist Church, summed up the conference this way: “This is warfare...we have some children to raise.” Baldridge knows firsthand about gang warfare on the streets of North Memphis. He uses his former tattered life-style and riddled body as examples to try to steer wayward youth from a miserable and potentially deadly fate.“I tell them that if they join a gang that there are three ways out: the grave- yard, a jail cell, or wheelchair. This is my jail cell, my wheelchair,” says Baldridge, gripping the wheels of his lifelong prison cell. “As Paul would say, This is the thorn in my side, a constant reminder of the choices I made in my life,” says Baldridge, noting that he grapples with pain on a daily basis. However, he adds,”I’m blessed. I believe I was left here to help these kids.” Sometimes the kids won’t listen, he says. Before and during his stint in the gang, he wouldn’t listen either — not even to the police officer who would eventually give him a calling card to use if he needed his help for anything. “When I finally called him, he asked me out to dinner. | started realizing that a White man could actually mentor a Black person. When | was younger, Black people would tell me that God and Jesus love me, but wouldn’t get involved in my life.” Grisham get involved; he wouldn’t give up. Baldridge, still consumed with anger, started trusting the officer and started going to church with him at Bellevue Baptist. He was eventually baptized in 1987 with Grishath assisting. “T still was a part of the gang even after I was baptized,” Baldridge confesses. “I was still going to clubs in my wheelchair. But as I learned more about (Jesus)Christ, and as Steve continued to talk to me, I told him I wanted to get out of the gang and that I was tired of shooting at people and was tired to people shooting at me. So I laid down my flag (bandana) and was voted out of the Gangster Disciples.” Baldrige finally got his life together arid avoided the deathtrap that snared some of his friends and the graveyard where they lay. With Grisham’s persistence and Baldridge’s newfound religious conversion, a new way of life began to unfold for the convert. He no longegfelt the urgge to gang-bag@y and no longer felt invincible, He proclaimed his discipleship only to Jesus Christand committed to saving the many girls and boys on the fast track to an eventual death. When the old Baldrige died, a new one emerged. What he’d taken from others, he began paying back trough PIANO, a nonprofit organiz-ation he started “to do for kids what this White cop did for me.” PIANO, Baldrige explains, is a twofold program where he visits school, preferable alternative schools, and do a rap session with students. “I’m open and frank with them,” he says. “I show them the bullet holes and scars. Secondly, I mentor them and take them to the hospital to see gun-shot victims and the blood. I also take them to the graveyard to see some of the people I grew up with. And | I let them talk to the guys on the streets who once sold drugs and are now homeless. Darryl Baldridge, Baldridge’s 40-year old brother, assists him with the program. “I’ll talk to every gang member — if they’d listen,” Baldridge says. “These guys are getting messed up. These kids are being told to commit crimes because they won’t spend that much time in jail. When they do go to 201 Poplar (Downtown jail), some of them get raped, catch the virus, and some of them turn gay.” Gangs have flourished in Memphis since the 1970s. According to Shelby County Dist. Atty. Bill Gibbons and Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttress, approximately 15,000 gang members currently wreak havoc in Memphis and Shelby County. They estimate roughly 5,000 are ruthless and hardcore, 5,000 are less violent, and 5,000 are wannabes looking for male bonding and camaraderie. “Alot of them join gangs because of money and protection,” Baldridge says. “Whether it’s an established gang with national affiliation, or a small neighborhood gang, the young people in our community should understand that if you agree to join a gang there is a good — chance you will either end up in prison, or worse, end up getting killed at an early age, “ said Gibbons following the court’s decision to try the six defendants who killed Taurus as juveniles rather than as adults in Criminal Court. Gibbons and Luttrell have each visited middle schools in Memphis and Shelby County warning active gang members and wannabes about the consequences of joining a gang and committing acts of violence. Nowadays it’s harder to get out of a gang, Baldridge says. “You can get out by moving out of the city and don’t let anyone know you were part of a gang, sever your tides completely, or experience cont, to back pg 14 a ee es " . Pe ees! ae ae” ee Yee | A i FLANAGAN FUNERAL HOME INC. Our Motto: “Many may out sell us ee But there is none Who will out serve us” Serving Eastern North Carolina for over 100 years Flanagan Funeral Home, Inc., would like to honor the families of the following this Mother’s Day. In Rememberance Mrs. ' Jessie Acklin, Mrs. Erma Adams, Mrs. Ethel Artis, Mrs. Rosa pradley, Mrs. Maggie Brown, Mrs. Patricia Brown, Mrs. Martha Iw Cannon, Mrs, Rosa B. Council Mrs. Helen Dawson, Mrs. Ella |ME. Flanagan Founder Edwards, Mrs. Vera Edwards, Mrs. Earlene Foxworth, Mrs. Naomi Galloway, Mrs. Carrie B. Gatlin, Mrs. Helen Gatlin, Mrs. Sudie B. 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ON OIG E7138 3084 OMe 7) | AY 0D Mark either or both of these @P boxes | if you want the computer terminal to HOF CUPRA ORM O ooeoa (OPROML 2M M4803] (9) flor 2m 3mi4ms|(9] Nok MIMI SMIaN(3] (o/NOM MONT Malls) [9 me © a A BP lin we we 20 om BB) on a8 wo a em OA oe wo ROO 8 20 26827 FOG We Hoe Aw a oe fel Aw a 1 1 2 3 4) D802) (2342412591208 2728) D2] (23) Dai SHDOBD EDS 35909) 50)(3 1b 2 9336465109) GO| BNE 2 3 3—s4—5 (38) 13994 O84 1 4 7 PLAY E_ oy Minority Voice June, 1 - 16,2006 pg8 Interview with Solider Danny isa - real Gangster Story that has a Good ending...... Randallstown, MD.......This new book entitled Interview with Solider Danny by Author Don Antonio is witty dialogue born out of years of Correspondent between Don Antonie and, an Original Jamaican Trailblazer know widely and notoriously as, Solider Danny while the latter was incarcerated in New York State Prisons serving 20 years. Antonio gets Solider Danny to go back to the beginning of his Journey in Kingston, Jamaica to his migration to Harlem, NY, to service in the US Army that includes a tour in Vietnam. He schools us © about the transformation of the Jamaican Dancehall music and venues, how it affected socialization and ultimate caused eparation. Solider goes on to explain that all Jamaican rude boys rallied under one unity umbrella in the early days when Jamaicans were few in New York, and how money, greed, and jealously triggered wars and division into posses as we » know them today. \ J ie pion ah Oe 2. fe . Or en oe OA OO. OO Oe Of EPPES ALUM if iw Solider Danny takes us into the world of Prisons and gives vivid dramas, some tragic and some humorous, about how West Indians live/survive in New York Prisons and how they have earned a very high level of respect. He speaks highly of Hyacinth (Maggie), a strong Black women, who kept the family together during his incarceration. Finally,Solider Danny talks about his Redem-ption Transformation, Education (he earned a Masters Degree), and transition to society since’his released from prison in 2004. He explains further that in era where the Prison Experience leave one equipped to live in a world that no longer exist, he was blessed to have a very strong family support and support from Erudite folks such as Dr. M. William Howard Jr., Dr. Angela Moses, C. Vernon Mason, and Dr. Cornel West. He showed that one of the ways he earned this support by working with at-risk Juveniles in New York and New Jer-sey and sitting on panels discussing gang issues and prison re-entry initiatives at Rutgers University and New Jersey City University. For more information on Interview with Solider Danny, or contact: Richard Johnson ESQ Press 11100 Liberty Road, Suite G Randallstown, MD 21133 (410) 496-6683 (410) 496-7357 3 1 3 ry ; ri Long time Greenville resident,owner of Bridal Boutique baking, up new business Sivonna Forbes Carmon, the only child born to Ms. Sylvia Forbes of Rocky Mount NC, was raised and educated in the Chapel Hill area. Sivonna is married to Darrell Car- mon, an employee of East Carolina University. They Pictured above = the one where she brought have resided in Greenville for over a decade. Working at the Courtyard Marriott as a front resk supervisor, she had no idea that one day she would be thw owner of a bridal store, espacially not .. Sivonna Forbes Carmon who is mar- ried to Darrell Carmon, an employee of East Carolina Univer- a TAr Pvarlo's Nig éa kt nes ongeagg ly sr ¥ NI CELEBRATIONS ce piers, WTUW Jay 238 Ate BA HE ~ s Wankleg:cm, KE 2788¢ R&B- Tale Radia . YOY IV 1340 SM RADID Gi swetiie, NC 2Pead Hews - Comnlete Gawerane AT Mo'S her bridal attire from. The owner of TNT Formals asked her if she was interested in buying the store, and with the inspiration of her husband, she took on the business having no knowledge of the bridal industry. She has now been an esteemed business owner for five consecutive years. Working in the bridal arena, assisting customers with attire, and givng advice to enhance the sacred cer- emony, is her strong desire - and passion. Formerly known as TNT Formals, the bridal boutique grew into a place known as Bridal Illuzions, which operates under Mrs Carmon’s management and staff of five employees. The Friday, from 11am to 6pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to Spm. Mrs. Carmon works very hard to ensure cus- tomers of timely arrival of their attire. She is currently aiming to advance Bridal Illuzions into a corporation and passing the baton on to many others. 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Under education, we called for and _ demanded: Fully fund the low wealth — supplemental fund. Only $42 million ad- ditional dollars are needed to ensure that children who live in counties that don’t have a high wealth tax base are provided qualified teachers, additional services, as well as other needed classroom resources. Provide additional funding | for the Disadvantage Student Supplemental Fund This Fund requires $200 mil- lion additional dollars to pro- vide the programs and services needed for students at-risk of academic failure to make sure that they are successful in school. We are deeply concerned and troubled to hear that on the Senate side low wealth — funding and discretionary funding were omitted. On the House side, low wealth funding was put in, but the disadvantage supplemental funding taken out. In neither chamber were additional i ae i, a ai OO ER EEE Ee ee . i ee a ee a ee ae i ae - 16, 2006 HOL pS CHILDREN IN LOW PRIORITY funds allotted for the 19 and minority children of our toward the least of these. We of our constituents to push and youth members throughout ihe low-performing high schools _state are not left behind, and can raise teachers’ salaries even harder to fight for our premier advocates for civil rights in threatened with closure this _to ensure that we have one and increase resources for the children. their communities, conducting voter arolina i i : mobilization and monitoring equal fall. The NAACP has been North Carolina in truth, not neediest children both at the Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the Gpportunityin the public ant private working hard everyday in the just in rhetoric. Ina surplus same time. North Carolina nation’s oldest and largest civil rights sectors, st organization. Its. ee adult Legislature to assure that poor _ year, the scales should tilt_ NAACP is calling on all . For Students & Parents 2» figure out the financial aid process 2» find information about scholarships and grants 2» save money on education loans for students and parents >> talk to a financial aid specialist »> complete aid forms online C F NC Org College Helping You Plan, Apply Foundation and Pay for College of North Carolina provided by Pathways, CLI and NOCSEAA 866-866-CFNC © 2006 College Loundation, Ine ¢ Servicios cn expafol disponibles GIHS - CM. EPPES ALUMNI WEEKEND AGENDA Frida e 6:00pm Board Meeting City Hotel & Bistro 8:00pm Sip & Chat City Hotel & Bistro 9:00am Breakfast City Hotel & Bistro 2:00pm Eppes Festival Eppes Campus 9:00pm Soiree City Hotel & Bistro av. July 2 11:00am Worship Service City Hotel & Bistro 3:00pm Cookout 6 Vance Street, GVL,NC ee HISTORY PHOTO Norfleet Cleaners .. . pictured is Mr Roscoe Nor- fleet, T. 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This excludes previous dress orders, tush cuts, all orders must be placed at one time, and plus sizes are an additional fee. ning ital ” i Py pt Ft 2508 S. Charles Blvd Oakmount Plaza = Greenville,NC 27858 be fig BOR 252-756-2309 ask for Sivonna ee www. bridalilluzions.com . - commun CHRISTIAN ACADEMY f | | +22 ESD OER > 2OO9PACTOLUSROAD i > > GREENVILLE NC LAKEVIEW TERRACE APARTMENTS LAKEVIEW TERRACE APARTMENTS IS AN EQUAL HOUSING OPPORITUNITY APART- MENT COMPLEX WITH ONE, TWO, THREE, AND FOUR-BEDROOM UNITS. CONTACT US TODAY AND SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO DETERMINE YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR RESIDENCY. CALL US FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT (252) 756-5610 OFFICE HOURS 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Minority Voice June, 1 - 16, 2006 1 1898 REPORT by CASH MICHAELS - The Wilmington Journal. Originally posted 6/5/2006 Now that the NC General Assembly has the final report on what NC NAACP President Dr. William Barber called “The terrorist vigilante attack on Wilmington’s citizens ...by a cabal of rich white men who did not want to share any political or economic power with ordinary white and black people” in 1898, what will lawmakers do to address the impact of an event over one hundred years ago that is still devastating the port city’s African-American community? That is not clear as state lawmakers are still paging through the 500-page report just released Wednesday. The 13-member 1898 Wilmington Race Riot Commission, created in 2000 by legislation sponsored the late State Senator Luther Jordan [D-New Hanover], has spent the past year holding public hearings across the state, and collecting and confirming pieces of information through the Office of Archives and History in the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources to complete the document. At those public hearings, the commission also collected recommendations about what the General Assembly should do to address the social and economic impact the century- old white racist insurrection still has today on Wilmington’s Black population. According to the executive summary, “The report follows a chronological format, beginning with the Civil War and Reconstruction and ending with analysis of the impact of the riot and the Democratic Party’s campaign of 1898 on African Americans in New Hanover County. Analysis and discussion of African American life in 20th century Wilmington ends just before the advent of World War I.” “We believe this factual historical document will help to shape North Carolina’s history and provide an educational component beneficial to all North Carolinians,” Rep. Thomas Wright, the commission chairman, said in a statement. “In addition, I look forward to the next phase of implementing the recommendations sent forth to the General Assembly.” Attorney Irving Joyner, vice chairman of the commission, says members did not determine specific monetary reparations. “We don’t have any dollar figures; that would be impossible to come up with,” ONFIRMS BLACK HARDSHIP: REPARATIONS UNCLEAR (RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 1898 COMMISSSION AT END OF ARTICLE), WEEK OF JUNE 1-7, 2006 Carolina in the late 1890s, conspired to do away with a coalition “Fusionist” party of Blacks and Republicans who ran Wilmington city "government, and threatened to keep power. Blacks in parts of North Carolina at that time were doing well not only in business, but in politics, being elected to both local offices and the Legislature. Black men were able to vote as part of Reconstruction after the Civil War. Wilmington, the state’s largest city then, was considered a shining example of black power, with numerous businesses and property owners, as well as elected officials in city government. Blacks outnumbered whites, and controlled what went on. “The overthrow or coup d’ tat took place within the context of an ongoing statewide political campaign based on white supremacy,” the commission’s report says. “An armed overthrow of the legitimately elected municipal government.” Powerful elite white racists, including Josephus Daniels, editor of the Raleigh News and Observer at the time, plotted to overthrow Wilmington government, and take the port city back from Black hands. Other major white newspapers across the state, including the Charlotte Observer and Wilmington Messenger and Morning Star, also fanned the flames of white insurrection and%tonspiracy against Blacks. Jack\Betts, columnist for The Charlotte Observer, wrote last December, “In 1900 when the state disenfranchised most black voters by imposing a literacy test and a poll tax, the Observer said the move was the result of ‘a struggle of the white people to rid themselves of the dangers of rule by negroes and the lower class of whites.” A fiery editorial published by the Wilmington Daily Record, the Black newspaper then, regarding Blacks and white women, was used as the pretense for an angry white mob to go through the A frican- American community, killing people and burning down properties. The Black newspaper building was bumed to the ground, and the Wilmington City Council was taken over at gunpoint. New pictures, discovered recently that are in the final report, show “where black citizens were killed in the violence that reigned in Joyner, a law professor at North Wilmington on Nov. 10, 1898, Carolina Central University’s School of Law, told reporters during a Wednesday press conference at the Legislative Building. But he added that didn’t mean lawmakers shouldn’t try to come up with something meaningful. The report retells how the Democratic Party of North during the only documented coup d’tat in the United States,” a state press release about the report says. “Most notable among these images is a view of the mob in front of the black-owned newspaper office...” that had just been bummed down. “Unknown numbers of Wtuw Joy T¥20 AM aA HEE: | Wanhlexion, WO DTaRE blacks were killed in the conspiracy designed to end black political power and the progressive government in Wilmington and establish whit supremacy and a control by a new government,” the release continues. “...Blacks lost positions in government, in professional arenas and as skilled artisans. Black businesses and workers suffered economic decline...” The report adds, “Organizers of the coup instituted a banishment campaign, targeting political opponents, black and white, leading to the expulsion from the city of over twenty targeted individuals and a mass exodus of over 2,100 others. Consequently, the Republican power base in Wilmington was destroyed.” And untold numbers of Wilmington Blacks were killed. “One result of the Wilmington diaspora (the departure of African Americans from. the Port City, voluntary or: otherwise) was a decline in economic opportunity for Black citizens,” the commission’s report notes. “Analysis of statistical data indicates that Wilmington’s Black businesses and workers suffered losses after 1898 in terms of job status, income, and access to capital.” “After 1898, Black-owned businesses suffered economic decline as some businesses closed or moved from the city’s business district to traditionally black neighborhoods.” Ever since then, Black economic and political power, along with the population in Wilmington and New Hanover County, has steadily eroded. “We are still under the shadow of this disfranchisement back at the turn of the century,” Jeffrey Crow, deputy secretary of the N.C. Office of Archives and History, told The Charlotte Observer last December. “This is clearly an indictment of North Carolina government — the Democratic and Republican parties,” Prof. Joyner said. “It impacted negatively the African- American community in Wilmington, but eventually throughout the state. From 1898 to 1990, there was a political drought of A frican- Americans in [North Carolina].” He added that 1898 also lit the fuse for repressive Jim Crow racial segregation laws to spring up all across the South. Some of the recommendations made for the Legislature to consider included making sure the story of the 1898 massacre is included in North Carolina history text books, and taught in the state’s public school systems. Another recommendation was to include New Hanover County in the current forty counties covered by the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The Black population there is over 20 percent, but only one African-American serves on the county school board, and no WOoOOW s0¥ 1340 AM RADID Cis cemville, NC Bese almost the beginning. A white __ hired to oversee the project. . Massacre; companies and _ 1898; and help uncover hidden % Blacks currently serve on the county commission board. _ The commission and the final report had strong critics from researcher, LeRae Umfleet, was Given the sensitivity and pain the event still had on the descendants of those who were either killed or chased out of Wilmington over a century ago, many Blacks did not want to talk with her, or give her any of ° their families’ personal diaries, fearing that they would be misused. . The commission was criticized for not hiring a Black researcher, even to work with Umfleet, so that the community could have more confidence in the process. Some say now, the whole truth of 1898 will never be revealed.. Dr. William Barber, NC NAACP president, recommended that the commission should remain for another year to further refine the report and continue to receive information from families all over the country with roots in Wilmington: He also suggested that a nonprofit organization be created to help locate those families and continue further investigation; Black newspapers be given paid supplements that tell the full history of the 1898 corporations involved in the 1898 massacre like the News and Observer sponsor 25 four- _ year scholarships for Black * ~~ students to attend college and major in journalism and then be paid to intern with the Black press; create a special memorial on state Capital grounds commemorating the unique contributions by African-Americans to the state; address the economic impact of the riots on Black Wilmington; make a film about events surrounding information about the white racist conspiracy that made 1898 happen. “We need to use this terrible atrocity as an educational tool for our people, as a springboard for truth and reconciliation, and as a benchmark for determining appropriate material and moral redress for the great wrongs inflicted on our people,” said Rev. Barber. ooo e eee eee OOOOH eeeeeeeeeeece 4, HAPPY FATHER’S D JUNE, BURNIS, RAY, and LINWOOD BARNES, Remember their Father, JAMES (2nd from right) on this Father,s Day. A Good Tree Bringeth Forth Good Fruit. FATHER WE MISS YOu!!! ‘ eee ee eeeese pul : 4 - e®eeeese ek ° eD00 ld ee ee ee ee ee oe at we ae em ae Mas as ese we Sava: a ial ‘Giant Killer’ Willie Gary’s visit Hosted by By Corey G. Johnson The Daily Reflector Tuesday, June 13, 2006 More than 50 years ago, a poverty-stricken Willie Gary was picking and shucking corn underneath the sweltering heat of an oppressive Florida sun.In that America, if you were black and poor, the farm field: more often:than not was your alpha and omega. But apparently, Gary didn’t get that memo. Using the three “Gs” of Guts, Grit and God, the man known to friends and foes as “The Giant Killer” transformed himself from a dishwashing, bean picking, migrant worker to a ultimillion dollar advocate for the downtrodden. On his Monday trip to:Greenville, Gary saw those same cornfields of yesterday as he flew over _ them in ‘his own custom designed Boeing 737. “If you keep God in your plans, there’s nothing you can’t do,” Gary passionately remarked. “Man can. do some things ... but God SOME IS GOOD,SOME IS BAD, AND SOME IS OUTTA THIS WORLD co ArTY can do it all.” More than 500 people crowded the Cornerstone Family Life Center to celebrate Gary’s “example, The event was spearheaded by the Pitt County Chapter of Shaw University Alumni atid Gary’s Shaw University Classmate and friend, Greenville Mayor Pro-. Fem Mildred Council. The dinner was intended to be a fundraiser for the _ United Negro College Fund, organizers said.Although a final tally had not been completed, at least $10,000 had been raised from the _ ticket Sales alone, alumni . spokesman Ethelene Hardy- Stover said. Butthe night - had far more going on than dollar bills. Mayor . Don Parrott honored’Gary ~ by giving him a gold key to the city of Greenville. Parrott said the gesture was meant to affirm the attorney’s good-natured FATH a i oe aS DAY philanthropy and work. “Gary has just done so much to help raise funds for people to get higher education,” Parrott said. “We need more like . him’” Local governmental and legal dignitaries, Shaw University President Clarence G. Newsome and scores of Shaw graduates trumpeted Gary’s story to remind the younger people present of the power of historically black - institutions. Shaw University accepted Gary and other _ nontraditional students, when other schools turned their backs. “And the best part is still to come,” Newsome said. “Shaw is in the business of making a way for those who - have no way.” Linda Byrd, a retired middle school teacher and Shaw graduate who drove from Fayetteville to see Gary, said the event was a spirit raiser. “Seeing Willie Gary lets you know that no matter who you are, if you work ard you can make it,” Byrd, 54, says E’Jack, mornings when a caller gives his or here opinion on the Morning Show at WOOW Radio Station. E’Jack wishes happy Father’s Day and remember school is out so look out for the kids on vacation. . | “Above All Bail Bonding Annual Scholarship Banquet...” Pictured above are some of Eastern NC’s finest from Superior Court Judge. Toby. Fitch to Councilwoman Rose Glover. Mr. Walt gives this annual scholarship banquet to help those deserving students that want to go to college, go and conquer that dream, Best wishes to Above All Bail Bonding Company for all their hard work to the community. (photo by: Jim Rouse) said. She added: “The main thing that children need to know is that he put God first.” Born in 1947 to a migrant farming family in Eastman, Ga., Gary co-founded the Stuart, Fla.-based law firm of Gary, Williams, Parenti, Finney, Lewis, McManus, Watson & Sperando. The _ firm made national news in 1985 when he won a $40 million settlement from eB nm Minority Voice June, 1- 16,2006 pgi3 Florida Power & Light over the electrocution of seven rural sie in Palm Beach County. In 1995, he won a $500 million verdict for damages — one of the largest jury verdicts in U.S. history — in a breach-of-contract case that pitted a small- business owner against a Canadian-based funeral home conglomerate. Five years later, Gary won a $240 million Shaw University of Greenville verdict against the Walt Disney Co. for defrauding two small business wners. A key part of Gary’s message to the youth, he said, was not allowing racism and other obstacles to bog him down. “You’re going to always have those who are going to dig ditches for you,” he said. “But you’ve got to rise above it.” Corey ‘G. Johnson can be reached at cjohnson@ coxnc.com or 329-9565. GIANT NUMBER OF COMMUNITY COME OUT FOR “THE GIANT KILLER” sotememamneees NTE sw AMERY A “CANN DACs ay Taree COOOLT Wines fr de poestice perio nee Che POMS onal a UC I Bankes acc ne roles ane requdadorys, Today VS. Tomorrow example of how we value your business. Found ed in 1898 firstcitizens.com 1.888.FC DIRECT Now you can make your deposits at most First Citizens branches before closing and the funds will be credited to your account the same day.” We Call it All-Day Banking. it’s just one more To leam more, call or stop by your local branch today. & FIRST CITIZENS BANK Wi neko TE Pg. 30 COCK wih PORT loc DMC. Ceding of Oepesied twas bb Chades ATM dep omits anid Sacurciay daponics. ? a cont. from pg 6 Minority Voice June, 1- 16,2006 pgl4 iGmeetssioee GREENVILLE TV & APPLIANCE SALUTE THE GHIS/ “iciecescme ©: EPPES ALUMNI 27th ANNIVERSARY When David Boxdale, Larry j saber — ea — ie Hover and “Shorty Mack” ay | < : a 4 founded the Gangster Discip- . les in Chicago in 1967, Baldridge opened his eyes for the first time to the world. Fourteen years later, he would TeRAND I aw eee Yala Yais | . ' a 'Y INTEREST FOR become a full-fledge member. “The literature of Gangster cox ; | tal NS \ Wa Disciples encourages 5 i] A | \ ON a | social, political, spiritual, * LS EEE —EEEE — = economic, and growth and S a — =& CO. develop-ment,” Baldridge. mit :& } ne em explains. “You must defend ‘KE - A : . ~~» >. a _ yourself and respect your joe. wah ‘ance ell elon | a | parents, because if youcan’t | ~ | cat eect leadership fe need to reduce our imventory. | can’t respect leadership. & z | | 7 - | It’s the same hiloso h . = cstimusamataaee : s . 26: — _— bi wi Oe ee inane inal _ . ; ‘a ssncniennnitincnente = _ . , MUPme ne _ — rn . as the Black Panthers ny ‘ . *TS2SAPKKQ ff ao” . eWwCVHE260PWW He’ : m . WARES 2600 WW | 1 MAYTAG +MFISSOBAES |. Baldridge says the lure of DM pOO Mir SidcRefrigesor |\g) King Size Front (7) White Washer 66 i 677 oe _ 29° oO “ 5 believe he Vie ee : 4Cu FL Capacity , - ° on Elect ric French Door Bottom oa Cu . Capactty e a F Pers . c oo , . & © Cubed of Crested for acd Water —_: 3. cu ft. ° - ING elias "2 Gangster Disciples, and the meee harm Syste *HydroMotion'’s |} ae Mount Refrigerator Crips believe more in what ; , : te a BS Clase Shr leery wash action ; : : * 26 W ash Cycles 5 . Clee at lee & . they’re doing than pastors a peel ° i ydroMation ™ aechive A971 a : : ee ’ = ree. i rece | internal heater REBATE — : velieve a what they hen ee © 26 wash cycles W PURCHASE : Freezer ; 1 hewas meaning, nage Rete “Load Dryer White Dryer ie he Baldridge says the Gangster Mocust Refrigerator | oad Bryer | Drawer over their neighborhoods + 1T6Cu. Pt Cagmtiay - Co ae pay See mow Fa iA pe la 1° 27" Front-Load Gas [© 27"F rontl gad Electric ‘ cota . ? is is Clear Honudey < oar ed Cnepers : ® 70 Cu. FL. Ca ). : « 6.0 Cu. 1. ap. AUR a their lawn, wash cars, and, chew eatin We te Cecles Areracycies if necessary, unify to fight. +a wih meet in dich = Te Deluxe Dryer Rack spews sein * Interior Drum Light “It seems like yesterday “—* —_ renee DCVHS156 “he says. But he talks f- AAG AA BAR L. All 3 \ ocaeeetnerdienh | nevertheless, hoping to . {° cams 0 ttm 3 fou redirect the misdir-ected and Stainless Steel Kitchen for only Cordless Speed Iron nase steer who’ve been misguided a Tw $ j 599 , ; Hypodllerrense | down a path of productivity | 4 “ | 9 . ' | » Lightweight & Easy tose and honorable living. | ; S : Deep Gene arpets & Bare Floors Although Baldridge’s life ee is often measured by past 5 Lb. Super Compact wanton criminal acts and Canister — ‘ reckless gang violence, he : Weekes the now breathes.a sigh of relief "169 Value Free knowing he survived the dangerous streets despite having to live inside a bad! nae eee -in- battered bo dy. : y IGLRTRSTES SFERSS5EC/ OFOFIHGE( SFDBIOSOREC lamp vin) He’s also amazed at what Frigidaire Stainless Steel _ Frigidaire Stainless Steel _ Frigidaire Stainless Steel c ‘150 Value + FREE! he’s been able to accomplish Z in his wheelchair. Although his mother died in 1995, “she lived to see meife.” His father, he says, died in 1980, Top Mount Refrigerator Gas or Electric Range uilt-In Dishwasher & YA M AH A YHT-360 NATURAL SOUND | ONE-BOX HOME THEATER Some of those changes are i Queen mod | 3 ! proudly displayed on a wall Mattress Starts « j : AUDIO SYSTEM in Baldridge’s apartment. sont i ae 2 : They are framed reminders SG | of his work with children and law enforcement. There’s a picture of Baldridge and Steve Grisham, his police friend, and a congratulatory letter from Memphis Police chief Larry Godwin. There are certificates Ne ernie — | 1,790" 2,490" 50” KprEsoaio 60" KprEsoA20 °2,298" ‘2,990 0 S2WEGSS Grand WEGA fie earited LCL Rear Projection * High Defietiog Televigna *§.1 Channei Surround sound ; ° 4? : . * ‘stags 7 fo . _— * High definiicn mntegraned tehevt , of appreciation and citations —, — On Ail Bed Purchases ‘ KF A2WEBSS ores ea ty * Infrared remote for hi d work. includi BEST PRICES : — ; _ HB © ATSC tntegraed Tuner * Expanded bass response or his good work, including On Ail Bed Purchase 199 and Up #30 Watt SMamer Digital Amplificr Ween ~ his work with juveniles as an IN TOWN: 99 and Up © Cine Mtn Reverse 2 Paldver * Receiver with 4 video and 2 audio inputs auxiliary probation officer for ‘ » the last nine years. AVE HIGH DEFINITION PROJECTION TV There are several newspaper articles written about his transformation and subsequent redemption. And, in 2005, Eriestngrouse LOD TV wisi . ™ as air uvaows "490" 42” HD wrraasa *2, AB” AVAsP776 he was a recipient of The 52" nwszcax6 Jefferson Award for public service, an honor bestowed by 56" v56r776 a The Commerical Appeal. 32" = wvaews © DLA (Direct drwe image 96" hns6Gass Light Ampldivg Dews « » ae * th Generation DIST with LASMAS §& TART? > Genewa 72p Baldridge says he’s proud ~ OATS) CableCARD NDE of the letters from the kids ©. HDMI w/ HCP 42" wmazwa *1,899” “capers Cet Dna he’s helped and the letter from fl 1 Cable CARD Sto - © New § Rul Can Manage ne the RBC (Radio Broadcasting ° | smart Videolnput Coble Recon *2790" * 852 H x 480 Pixel Resolution Gyte mn (CMS) : ~ _ ree Stand Class) when he and Grisham f° {Video Inputs :PIPNGA Only en Co were interviewed on radio in ¢ 1 Fixed Audio Output “Floor Pan aan + Ballin pede ren + tac em * Flicker Free High Resolution Picture * Built-in Speakers * Kavhisive Sound Package Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1999, The interview, he says, was broadcast all over the world on approximately 475 stations. He says he’s been threatened oo for trying to deter wayward — Why Choose Your Local BRANDSOURCE Store youth from gangs but the : rewards, he adds, outweigh COMMUNTEY-BASED + VALUE * BUYING POWER any threats. “I’m always watching my back....and I’m not afraid to die. You just can’t sit back and not do anything. “ *DLDICATION « NAME REANDS o J EACH OF MIND