Jewell C. Lightner Promedica Health System Director of Corporate Diversity

Volume 12, No. 1 May 2, 2007

In This Issue School Board Blues A Truth Editorial Page 2

My View Page 3

Harner Says No Page 4

Mickler Takes His Leave Page 5

Cover Story: Jewell Lightner Page 6

LISC Page 7

Interfaith Mass Choir Page 10

The Lima Truth Page 12

Minister on Hip-Hop vs. Women Page 13

BlackMarketPlace Page 14

Classifieds Page 15

Ashford’s fundraiser Page 16 Jewell C. Lightner ProMedica Health System Director of Corporate Diversity

“My legacy is that I feel I was able to make the most difference in our caring of patients and cultural aspects. Our diversity among employees is so great that it represents at least 50 different foreign languages. And the diversity among families and patients is just as great.” Page 2 The Sojourner’s Truth May 2, 2007 This Strikes Us … Community Calendar A Sojourner’s Truth Editorial May 2 • BGSU Educational Talent Search Program: 2007 Senior S.T.A.R.S. Recognition; In case you hadn’t yet heard, William Harner, regional superintendent of the Philadel- Cafeteria; 1:30 to 2:30 pm phia School District, will not be taking the reigns of the Toledo Public Schools. We thought that this column would present the perfect opportunity to play the blame game and point May 3-5 a few fingers at those responsible for this very embarrassing debacle. • Second Annual Women’s Conference: Praise and Deliverance Tabernacle Church: “To Regrettably, we were a bit tardy getting here. Everyone who could be blamed already God Be the Glory;” Nightly at 7 pm: speakers include Elder Patricia Sullivan of Friendship has been and we arrived at the party far too late. Baptist, Evangelist Lucy Smith of Indianapolis and Pastor Barbara Farmer of Philadel- But let’s face it, who would we blame if our timing had been a little better? phia: 419-246-9604 The talks fell apart over the fact that the prospective candidate did not want to live within • Greek Community Rummage Sale: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church; 9 am to 5 pm daily; Collectibles, clothing, household items: 419-243-9189 the school district and the board clearly wanted him to do so. As we pore over the email correspondence that moved back and forth between school board members, we did not find May 4 any substantive discussion of this very vital issue. We did not find any nay-sayers. • Fish Fry: Amazon Lodge Hall; 11 am to 5 pm: 419-531-7079 Everyone on the board seemed to be clearly in line with the fact that the superintendent • Talent Hunt by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity: Toledo Hilton; High School students grades should be required to live in the district. 9-12; Music, dance, speech; Awards and prizes; 7 pm And everyone in the community also seemed to be in agreement with this very basic premise. May 4-5 Now, of course, not so much. • Mt. Zion Church Women’s Conference: Friday at 6 pm; Saturday at 7:30 am; Topics include “Searching for a Breakthrough; Managing Me; Woman … Know Yourself; Now, of course, school board members are pointing fingers at one another while Putting it all Together:” 419-246-1850 simultaneously admitting that this one issue loomed larger than any other aspect of the • Pilgrim Church Annual Flea Market: Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 9 am to negotiations. And if this was the issue that was a non-starter, why the finger pointing? 3 pm; clothing, games, books, jewelry, giftware, kitchen items, etc: 419-478-6012 Here’s what appears to have happened. • Full Gospel Fellowship State Conference: Friendship Baptist Church; Special musical First, the school board interviewed seven candidates and, with each of them, discussed guest Twinkie Clark: 419-531-3242 the fact that one of the job requirements for the position of TPS superintendent was to live inside the district. May 4-6 th Second, the school board interviewed three finalists for the job and iterated the fact that • 4 Pastoral Anniversary of Pastor and Mrs. Robert Bass: United MBC; Friday – First Lady’s Night, Service at 7; Saturday – Banquet in the Fellowship Hall; Sunday – Pastoral one of the requirements for a TPS superintendent was to live inside the district. Anniversary Service, morning worship at 10:45, afternoon worship at 5: 419-242-1455 Third, the board voted 5-0 to extend an offer to Harner to run the school district. Fourth, as negotiations continued, Harner decided that he did not want to live inside May 4-25 the district. He decided eventually that he would not live in the district and the school board • Bagley Housing Art Gallery: Bandits & Heroes, Poets & Saints – Expressions of Faith decided that they would accept his decision not to take the job because all five members, in the Popular Art of the Northeast of Brazil: 313-964-5942 at least at that time, wanted the superintendent of TPS to live within the district. Now, of course, at least one school board member is whining about all the other non- May 5 factors in the decision – salary, when negotiations started, whether the welcome wagon • Cinco de Mayo Celebration and Art Exhibit: Presented by the Jamil Lewis Multicultural Center for the Arts and the Market Place; Noon to 6 pm: 419-870-9977 was rolled out for Harner. • “Breakfast For M’Lady:” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Toledo Alumnae Chapter; But the fact is, and the fact remains, Harner did not want to live inside the district. And Breakfast, scholarships award ceremony, “Mother of the Year” award, fashion show; all the revisionist theories about which board members conspired to delay negotiations The Pinnacle; 10 am: 419-536-7060 (by the way, the board members did not conduct the actual negotiations, attorneys for both parties did) won’t make the fact disappear that Harner did not want to live inside the district. May 8 Many people met the candidates, including members of watchdog groups who are now, • Ut Center for Family Business/Advertising Club of Toledo/Northwest Ohio black in a frenzy of full-throated hypocrisy, blaming members of the school board for their Chamber of Commerce: “Sales, Advertising and Branding your Family Business;” incompetence. The fact still remains that no one had the foresight to launch an objection Toledo club Belvedere Room; 7:30 to 11 am: 419-530-4425 – at least not publicly – to the requirement that a superintendent should live in the district May 11 he or she is leading. Now everyone is taking a fresh look at an issue that wasn’t an issue • NOBMA Newsmaker Impact Awards Banquet: Honoring men and women who have during the interview process and deciding that certain school board members erred by influenced the news during the past year; Clarion Westgate insisting on such a provision. The whole episode has been embarrassing to say the least. But the embarrassment has May 11-12 been caused, not by the fact that Harner has decided not to come to Toledo. (Let him go, • Phillips Temple CME Church: “A Celebration of Motherhood;” 11 am: 419-242-7906 people. If he doesn’t want this community, why would we go crawling after him begging • Bethel apostolic Temple: “Don’t Touch Me” Men and Women’s Symposium; Minister him to change his mind?) Tabitha Williams; 10 am; Dr. Todd Hall, Minister Barbara Smith, Pastor Jeannette The embarrassment has been caused by the reaction to his decision. The turmoil on the Williams; 7 pm nightly: 901-339-5346 board was bad enough prior to this event, now it has become even more absurd, as if that May 15-18 were possible. • Libbey Annual co-ed Basketball Camp: For grades 4-8; 5 to 8 pm nightly; Fundamentals Ironically, during the very week that Harner jilted the Glass City, the Places Rated of team play and individual competition; Prizes awarded: 419-535-9544 or 419-385-5341 Almanac for 2007 ranked Toledo 81st out of 379 metro statistical areas and the Toledo area’s highest ranking was in education. In that category the Toledo area was ranked 26th in the May 17 nation. • United Way Women’s Initiative Annual Luncheon: Toledo Riverfront Hotel That headline was obscured by the fact that the name-calling by, on and about the (Wyndham); Learn about the impact of social and emotional learning and school board was already in full bloom. progress of students at East Side Elementary; Keynote speaker Roger Weissberg, Ph.D.: 419-254-4608 Here’s the worst part of all of this angst we have shared over the recent week and a half. We now have to go through the process all over again – the second guessing about candidates, the questioning of what constitutes an important issue, the whining about who wants whom to be superintendent. Harner doesn’t quite understand what he is missing, does he? The Sojourner’s Truth Toledo’s Truthful African-American Owned and Operated Newspaper Kevin McQueen Publisher The Sojourner’s Truth Fletcher Word Publisher and Editor Becky McQueen Business Manager

1/2 Alan Abrams Reporter 616 Adams Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604 Geneva J. Chapman Reporter Phone 419-243-0007 • Fax 419-255-7700 Tamir A. Shaw Reporter Artisha Lawson Reporter Published weekly on Wednesday Ashlee Austin Reporter Printed by Webco Graphics Jack Ford Political Columnist Carol Chehade Columnist Advertising deadline: Friday at noon Michael J. Hayes Entertainment Critic

Jennifer Retholtz Layout Designer/Webmaster Subscribe to The Truth Today! Aida Maxsam Sales Representative 26 Weeks - Only $40.00 52 Weeks - only $70.00 Pamela Anderson Sales Representative Kathy Sweeny Ad Creation Name: ______Phone # (_____) _____-______A Certified MBE, 2007 Address: ______City ______State ____ Zip ______The Sojourner’s Truth, 6161/2 Adams Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604 Send your check or money order to: Phone 419-243-0007 • Fax 419-255-7700 The Sojourner’s Truth, [email protected] 616 1/2 Adams St., Toledo, OH 43604 www.thetruthtoledo.com May 2, 2007 The Sojourner’s Truth Page 3 My View By Jack Ford The Truth’s Political Columnist The announcement that former chief of staff during made a difference in the lives Somebody needs to be watching what goes on here Johnny Mickler is leaving my administration? of so many in helping them designated as the negotia- in Toledo. This will be grist Toledo to return South is Or maybe the Urban get cars, boats and homes. tor and, then, let everyone for intervention if the noise sobering news. League family will kick up You’ve done it all! Your else get out of the way and from Toledo continues to Mickler has been a con- someone from a smaller unit way. leave them alone. And, get bounce around the state. science of the community to the Toledo branch. But I think it is time for the deal done. during his 10 years here. Toledo Public Schools you to take a break. You can As a former legislator, I Contact Jack Ford at He would take the mayor, needs to retool its negotia- come back in a little while, can tell you that Columbus is [email protected]. Jack Ford including me during my tions with William Harner. rested up and ready to slug term, to task when no one We are at the point where the it out as only you can do. else would raise a peep. credibility of TPS is clearly There are many of us who Mickler has been a good on the line. And, as much as deeply love you and respect Gut Feeling on pilot for the Greater Toledo I admire the extensive work you. Please sit down for a Urban League movement of Larry Sykes at LMHA, at while. Superintendent Search and I wish him well in his TPS, at the Metroparks, it is Back to Harner. TPS needs The headlines of the April 25 Blade article, which said that “Top Choice to lead TPS return to his home of past time for Sykes to take a to nail this guy down if they drops out; Harner halts negotiations,” came as no surprise to me as I recall sitting on one Greenville, SC. break and catch up on some can, if it is not too late. He of the superintendent interview panels at TPS. peace and quiet. has superior credentials and Who will succeed Maybe it was my gut feeling (the same seventh sense employed by GWB of the good Johnny Mickler as leader of I know Sykes has the has the right profile for our job Brownie, Putin, Wolfawitz, Rumsfield, Miers, Brenner and Gonzales fame) at that time the Urban League? heart of a lion but enough future. And he should not be while questioning and listening to the candidates, that whispered that maybe this was not The organization will is enough. Larry, you have faulted for trying to get a the man for Toledo. need someone who can meant more to the commu- good, even spectacular, deal I say we stop looking for an Ebony Karl Rove conspiracy and consider the $30,000 the raise money, keep stake- nity in your cumulative ef- for him and his family. That’s board paid to Proact Search Inc., of Milwaukee, the point at which we discontinue digging holders happy and keep his fort than just about anyone what fathers are supposed a hole and give John Foley the job and get on with the process of trying to save our or her eye on the pulse of else in the past 25 years. to do. education system. the community. Diane Your served the schools, In addition, it appears that LaBiche, Mickler’s number on the city parks board, everyone on the school I consider Toledo lucky that Mr. Harner rejected the job as superintendent, (if it is true) as he would have had to call on all of his West Point military training to fight the Toledo two person, should be a Metroparks, minority bank- board and outside parties political system. strong candidate. Liz ing – both state and local. I such as the mayor, also need He would have needed a “Presidential surge” to learn and combat the many problems was fortunate enough to to avoid talking to the candi- Watson should also be a in the TPS structure. Let’s save some money and some energy and give a local experienced consideration. What about serve as chairman on three date. Too many voices in person our support and the opportunity to work on getting it right. After the next election, Shawn Reid, number two at major boards during your negotiating are like too many if Mr. Foley can find a school board president who has the best interest of the school Lucas County Job and Fam- stints. No one else has game cooks in the kitchen. Some- system at heart and he can solve the perceived public issue that the teachers’ union has ily Services, or Jay Black, like you have. And, you thing will get burned. the real chokehold on the progress of the public school system, maybe, just maybe he can get it right. If this happens, maybe we can do the right thing for Scott High School, which is the main school that suffers at the hands of the present TPS and TFT school administration.

Sincerely,

Warren Woodberry We Know Who to Blame Yes, we’ve once again entered the TPS spin zone. First, the explanation was William Harner abruptly ended negotiations with Larry Sykes and the other board for personal reasons. Then, the true reason came out, and guess who’s in the middle of this failed negotiation again; you’re right – Mr. Larry Sykes. Larry Sykes was also involved in the last failed negotiation a couple of years back in which he led the move to hire Eugene Sanders. Is this just a simple coincidence? We know how that ended. This time around, Sykes’ true reason, among others for botching the negotiation was the desire by Harner to place his daughter in a private school. The question is when will Larry Sykes stop blaming Darlene Fisher for his frailties? When will Sykes stop pointing fingers for fallouts caused by his stubbornness? And, when will Sykes allow our school system to move forward? I am sure by now Sykes knows how the community feels about him. That’s why he is holding off announcing that he will run for the nth zillionth time. However, what Sykes doesn’t understand is this time the community has caught up with him. It’s now just a matter of time for us to get a breath of fresh air in the board make up. Now, let’s dissect each of the reasons Sykes gave for letting a great opportunity in Harner pass us by: First, the issue of Harner’s daughter attending Maumee Valley. My question to Sykes is if this was an issue with Harner, why wasn’t it then an issue with John Foley whose kids didn’t attend the TPS system? Better, yet, how about Sykes’ own two children who didn’t attend the district’s schools? Could there be a double standard here? Residency. Should this have been an issue when over 80 percent of TPS teachers and administrators do not reside in Toledo? Therefore, Mr. Sykes’ explanation is preposter- ous – makes no sense. Tuition for Harner’s daughter. This, too, is a non-issue. A good negotiator would have factored this amount into Harner’s pay. If Harner was worth it, why would Sykes and Robert Torres not have found ways to bring him here rather than frustrate him? Once Harner’s child’s tuition was factored into his pay, how he paid for his daughter’s education would have been his personal prerogative. These are the things you do when you believe you’ve got a good candidate at the table. The sad thing is the sophistication to negotiate well was completely absent at the table – it was all about hard-balling the candidate. In the end, we came out losing. Oh, well, once more, our children seem be coming up short. I guess it’s all about ego, photo-ops and grandstanding. Let’s see these five people’s next move for this district.

Francis I. Dumbuya, Ph.D. Page 4 The Sojourner’s Truth May 2, 2007 Drama Reigns as the Search for a TPS Storer Camp Superintendent Implodes Scholarship By Fletcher Word Sojourner’s Truth Editor Awarded To Two Toledo Public Schools Fisher for interfering in the contact the candidate, as did to “administrator union is- Superintendent-select Will- negotiations and said that the board member Steven Steel, sues and angst about my Third Graders iam Harner said last week – talks had ceased because of Ph.D., at one point, but nei- salary and compensation.” for the second time – that he Harner’s demands to live ther contact appeared, at least He also introduced a laundry Special to The Truth will decline the honor of tak- outside the district and to from email correspondence, list of additional perks. The 2007 Lesley Harper Ohio and Vicinity Regional ing over the 29,000-student have the district pay for his to be inappropriate. That note prompted one, Sr. Memorial YMCA Storer Council of Carpenters as a Camp Scholarship will be Business Representative. Toledo district and will re- teenage daughter’s tuition at The first indication that on April 2, from Noeske to awarded to two third grad- He currently holds a seat main in Philadelphia … at least a private school. the talks were not on track Steel suggesting that the ers at Ella P. Steward Acad- on the YMCA Storer Camps for the moment. Harner would later say that came on March 5 during an board contact Harner directly emy for Girls. Myrijah Russell Board of Directors and is And once again, a member Sykes’ had mischaracterized exchange of emails between rather than simply through and Jasmine Jenkins will re- also a member of the YMCA of the school board raised his requests but when emails Harner and Noeske when attorneys and informing him ceive scholarships for one Storer Camps Scholarship the possibility that negotia- of the correspondence be- Harner noted that he had not that “if the Board screws this week at YMCA Storer Camps committee. tions with the regional super- tween board members, be- heard from the board or the up, you will not be able to in Jackson, Michigan. Thomas chose Ella P. intendent for the Philadelphia tween board members and board’s representatives in attract a quality person.” Paul D. Thomas founded Stewart Academy for girls the annual scholarship in because he attended Ella P. School District can be re- Harner and between board the time since he had been Then, of course, the bot- 2004 in memory of Lesley Stewart before it became an opened even as she could members and Nancy Noeske selected. Noeske replied that tom dropped out at the be- Harper Sr. the late Mr. all girls school and Thomas not resist the urge to point of Proact Search Inc. in Mil- the board was trying to work ginning of last week as Harner Harper was a local general chose third graders because fingers at fellow board mem- waukee, WI were released at out the “me-too” language in again removed himself from contractor who employed, his first experience with bers for their failure to secure the end of the week, it ap- the bargaining unions’ consideration. trained and mentored many Storer Camp was as a third the candidate they had se- peared that the residency is- clauses that, according to According to Steel, ob- young men and women grader. lected by a unanimous vote sue was the major stumbling David McClellan, president servers, and board members from the central city area of The selections were just months earlier. block and that Harner’s at- of the Toledo Association of themselves, can second Toledo, some of them went made based on academics, on to become very success- citizenship, attendance and The ongoing drama over torney did at least broach the Administrative Personnel guess how the board con- ful in business and con- an essay contest. the vacant superintendent’s subject of including Harner’s union, would prevent the ducted the negotiations but struction. Paul D. Thomas The scholarships will be position entered a new phase daughter’s tuition in the con- board from paying Harner the bottom line is the resi- was one of those lucky in- presented on Tuesday May last week when Harner an- tract. more than the salary that they dency issue, he told The dividuals that Harper 8, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. at Ella P. nounced that negotiations Fisher then held a press paid previous Superinten- Truth, and nothing either trained and mentored. Tho- Stewart Academy for Girls had broken down and he was conference on Friday request- dent Eugene Sanders, Ph.D., party said or did during the mas has been a member of at 124 W. Woodruff. To- no longer entertaining the ing that the board reinstate until a raise was negotiated negotiations can eliminate the Carpenters Union for ledo, OH. If you would like idea of accepting the post. talks with Harner and blamed with the union itself. the fact that, on that issue, over 20 years. Thomas is to attend, please contact Paul currently employed by the Thomas at (419) 461-3011. “I was disappointed,” said Sykes and Robert Torres, as On March 27, Harner sent there was no room for give. School Board President the point men in the negotia- a note to Noeske informing Deborah Barnett. “I had tions, for their failure to bring her of his intent “to withdraw thought we were very close a sense of urgency and from superintendent contract to having a deal with Mr. warmth to the discussions negotiations” with the board Harner. The district needs a with Harner. She blamed because of the “me-too” lan- permanent leader and all the Sykes in particular for inten- guage. He was talked into board members were very tionally stalling the talks in staying the course by Steel – serious about these talks but hope that they would indeed on the same day – shortly there’s a process we have to fail. after Noeske informed Steel respect in hiring a superin- The email correspon- of Harner’s doubts. tendent.” dence however displayed no But a few days later, on Immediately school board such evidence that talks had March 30, Harner upped his member Larry Sykes, head of been deliberately stalled on salary demands, insisted that the board’s finance commit- Sykes’ part nor did they show his daughter not be required tee and in charge of the nego- that Fisher had improperly to attend school in TPS and tiations with Harner, assailed interjected herself in nego- requested that he be allowed fellow board member Darlene tiations with Harner. She did to live outside the district due Bishop Timothy Clarke at 2007 IMA Spring Revival Bishop Timothy J. ate of the Columbus First Force, the Interdenomina- Clarke, senior pastor of First Church of God and was con- tional Ministerial Alliance Church of God in Colum- secrated to the office of and the New Beginnings bus, OH, will appear at the bishop in 2001. In addition to Christian Community Revi- 2007 Interdenominational his commitment and anoint- talization Corporation. Ministerial Alliance that ing as pastor, Clarke serves The author of seven takes place at Warren AME the Body of Christ as an evan- books, Clarke ministers to Church May 2 through 4. gelist and teacher. He has the heart and encourages Clarke was called to the received numerous honors the soul through: Signs of ministry in 1974 and served and degrees for his service to His Coming, Daughter, as associate minister at First the church and the commu- Don’t Miss Your Season, Church of God in his home- nity at large. Living in the Blessed town of far Rockaway, NY Clarke serves on the Peace, Making the Most of under his mentor, the late boards of various community Your Time and Celebrat- James E. Cray. Clarke be- and political organizations ing the Family: Lessons gan his pastorate at York including the State of Ohio from the Book of Faith. Avenue Church of god Victims of Crime Advisory The Spring Revival’s (Warren, OH) in 1977 and Board, the Columbus Urban nightly worships start at 7 served that congregation League, the United Way of p.m. For more information, for four years. Franklin County, the Inter- contact Rev. Otis Gordon In 1982, Clarke was racial Leadership Council, the at Warren AME – 419-243- called to the senior pastor- Clergy Leadership Task 2237. May 2, 2007 The Sojourner’s Truth Page 5 Mickler to Leave Toledo “Made in the USA – An Urban League for Position Unbreakable Skull for a in Home Town Glass Dragon” Special to The Truth By Gregory Dennis Toledo Urban League “I have made great friends Special to The Truth President Johnny McDuffy and learned a great deal dur- We landed in the cover Mickler, Sr. will be leaving ing my years here,” said of night at Beijing Interna- his post to become president Mickler. “While leaving is tional Airport and were and chief executive officer of always difficult when you’re then whisked away on two The Urban League of The surrounded by friends and charter buses with the final Upstate in South Carolina on have received so much sup- destination being June 1, 2007. port, I am now able to return Qinhuangdao, a city a few Appointed the Toledo to Greenville to put my expe- hundred miles southeast of Johnny Mickler, Sr. Urban League’s first presi- rience to work for the good of Beijing situated in China’s dent in 1997, Mickler was in- my home town.” The Greater Toledo Ur- northern province of Hebei. strumental in building the The board of the Toledo ban League’s mission is to Literally translated, Qinhuangdao means Em- organization from a fledgling Urban League will work with promote, encourage, assist, Commissioner Ben Konop with Chinese Counterpart peror Qin’s island and it is startup with two employees, the National Urban league to and work in various ways to nestled on the coast of the hire a new leader for the orga- improve the social and eco- one site and a budget of Yellow Sea overlooking the blocks in every direction – clean beaches attract many $162,000 into a modern organization. nomic conditions of African Koreas. It is also Toledo’s buildings, hotels, back alley Chinese and Russian tour- nization with four sites, a staff “Johnny has been a tre- Americans, other minorities, sister city. Both are trans- shops, restaurants, banks, ists. of 21 and an annual budget mendous leader for this or- and the disadvantaged in the portation and shipping markets … all and every man- More world renown, of $1.1 million. ganization and in this com- community. This mission and hubs with similar latitudes ner of business laced the the Old Dragon’s Head, the Mickler’s new position munity, and his loss will be purpose are guided by a and industry. streets nearby the hotel. start of the Great Wall returns him to his home town felt throughout northwest- board comprised of a cross- Cruising along the dark Along with an early break- where the first Chinese of Greenville, South Carolina, ern Ohio,” said James section of individuals repre- countryside, only gas sta- fast buffet that had omelets emperor, Qin, set off for where he worked with the Murray, chairman of the sentative of the Toledo com- tions and truck stop inns made to order, the hotel had Japan looking for medicine Greenville Urban League board of directors of the munity. The operation of the were visible, then we finally a park adjacent with pea- that would give him eternal from 1987 until 1993, when he Toledo Urban League. “We Greater Toledo Urban League got off the highway and cocks, and a coy pond for life, this area has long at- was appointed president of will work closely with the is made possible through arrived in the city. The bus traditional Chinese relaxation. tracted Sino historians and For entertainment the city was travelers who venture past the Urban League of Greater National Urban League to memberships, private and crawled along the empty road in second gear, mostly not lacking – nightlife was Tianjin. Madison, a position he held find a new leader who can corporate donations and to save gas. The driver alive and kicking in the city, The Old Dragon’s Head until he came to Toledo in continue Johnny’s great funding from the United Way downshifted, stopped and but it was limited to Chinese is on the beach of the Yel- work here.” of Greater Toledo. 1997. the doors opened at a place venues, including a few dis- low Sea, and it extends into that looked like a one-floor cos with overpriced beer and the water which through casino. Red, blue and green a floor show with scantly- the ancient Chinese eye Ȃȱ neon lights flickered on the clad female dancers sliding resembled a dragon’s head entrance sign. down poles to what Europe- submerging into the waves. ŗŗ ȱȱȱ My casino dreams ans kindly refer too as “rave” Walking along the paths, I ȱ evaporated when the bright music. The best deals were at encountered Jimmy Jack- lights dimmed into a dingy local alley restaurants. They son-sized stone soldiers ȱȱ 20-table all-night eatery. serve cold beer and have colorfully decorated, and This was the Chinese all- cheap food, and are stocked restored quarters where the night full-service diner. In- with locals ready for a chal- ancient sentinels roosted stead of an American fare lenge. when not defending the ȃȱȱȱȱŘŖŖŝȄ of grits, eggs, pancakes and A summer resort village wall from outsiders were sausage, we dined on balls for rich businessmen from contained on the wall. of dough, salted fish, por- Beijing, and Tianjin, The next notable tour- ridge and other standard Qinhuangdao is like a more ist attractions were the ¢ȱȱȬȱȱ¢ȱŗŘ Chinese breakfast items. distant Hamptons if Beijing wheel and glass factories. Whether the hotel was were New York City. Due to a Both factories were state ȱȱŜǱŖŖȱǯǯ downtown or not is a mys- recent environmental cam- of the art, and in no way tery. Surrounded by city paign, Qinhuangdao’s newly (Continued on Page 8) ȱȱŝǱŖŖȱǯǯ ȱ ȱȱ “Economic Empowerment ŗŖŗȱǯȱȱǰȱǰȱ ¢ȱȱ in the Black Community” Special to The Truth ȱǯȱǰȱ ǯ The Committee of the feature several speakers dis- dates, times, locations and Whole and the Toledo Chap- cussing a variety of wealth- costs will be published in the ȱ ter National Association of building concepts and tech- near future. ȱȱ Negro Business and Profes- niques. The seminars will also This event is being spon- ȱȱȂȱǰȱ ǯ sional Women’s Clubs, Inc, feature a keynote speaker. sored by the Committee of in conjunction with several The inaugural event will the Whole and the partners, will host the first in be a breakfast and will take NANBPWC, Inc. The event’s a series of monthly seminars place on Saturday, May 12, costs are also being under- ȱ ȱ on “Economic empowerment from 10 a.m. to noon at the written by KeyBank, Jaguar in the Black Community.” Genesis Dreamplex. Seating Landrover of Toledo, Inc., The monthly series will will start and breakfast will be Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and ¢ feature luncheons that are served promptly at 10 a.m. Owens Corning. intended to be informative The inaugural keynote Event volunteers are still ¢ȱ sessions on a variety of prac- address will be on “Buying needed. Sponsors and part- tical and relevant topics. Back Our Community” by ners are still needed. For more ££ȱ The first seminar will have Burner Crew, senior portfolio information n this event, please presentations on Asset Pro- manager in the public sector call Vince Davis at 419-244- tection, Investment Manage- for KeyBank. 2904 or Ethel Scott at 419-255- ment and Life, Health, Dis- The cost of this first event 4174. Or email at ability and Long-Term Care is free. The public is welcome [email protected] WWW-53)#"9&/2%#!34#/-z0/"OXz"EACHWOOD /HIOz Insurance. Each seminar will to attend. Future seminar or [email protected]. Page 6 The Sojourner’s Truth May 2, 2007 Jewell C. Lightner: Her Breakthrough Diversity Program Has Brought a Touch of CLAS to ProMedica Health System By Alan Abrams Sojourner’s Truth Reporter “At ProMedica Health site evaluation based on the first 90 days.” patients and cultural aspects. System, diversity is key to 14 national Culturally and As Lightner wrote in a case Our diversity among employ- fulfilling our values,” says Linguistically Appropriate study published last year by ees is so great that it repre- Jewell C. Lightner, the Services (CLAS) standards Rutgers University, “Nearly sents at least 50 different for- healthcare organization’s di- developed by the U.S. De- every target goal was eign languages. And the director of corporate diversity. partment of Health and Hu- achieved.” versity among families and During her five years in man Services Office of Mi- Lightner’s concept of re- patients is just as great. the post, Lightner has rede- nority Health in 2000. defining the providing of That’s why we developed a fined the role of diversity at “During the process, healthcare from a global per- language assistance program ProMedica. Long ranked as seven investigators came in spective made a positive im- for those who do not speak one of the most integrated and examined patient charts, pact on the organization by English as their first lan- health systems in the coun- conducted random inter- strengthening ProMedica’s guage,” says Lightner. try, the Toledo-based views, held focus groups with market position and reducing Why was that significant? healthcare giant was formed physicians, talked to senior costs. It also established Consider the potential for lin- in 1986. The organization has leaders, and all levels of man- benchmarks and metrics that guistic miscommunication in 15,000 employees, 70 corpo- agement. Their community measure and sustain an in- which a doctor’s prescription rations and joint ventures, assessment was so thorough clusive and representative advising a patient to take a 2,900 physicians and more that they even called former workforce. Lightner also cre- pill once a day is interpreted than 233 facilities – including patients,” recalls Lightner. ated internal and external Di- by a Spanish-speaking pa- 10 hospitals – in the 23 coun- CLAS serves as the frame- versity Advisory Councils tient as meaning 11 times a ties it serves in northwest work for addressing the and created and delivered day – because the Spanish Ohio and southeast Michi- knowledge, attitudes and state-of-the-art training pro- word for 11 is written as once. gan. skills needed to treat patients grams. The diversity training ProMedica’s hospital from diverse cultures. Her innovative Diversity program she instituted went holdings range from Flower Says Flower Hospital’s Initiative resulted in Toledo far beyond acknowledging Hospital in Sylvania, Toledo President Kevin Webb, Hospital being honored as such facts as Jewish and Hospital and Bay Park Hospi- Ph.D., “In terms of Flower the “Preferred Provider of Muslim dietary restrictions. tal to hospitals in nearby Hospital, Jewell Lightner was Care” by the Ohio Hispanic “Just being hospitalized is Fostoria, Defiance and the person who was instru- Commission. already stressful for most pa- materials were produced on a global village. Do you know Adrian, Michigan. mental in getting us this cer- “Diversity includes all of tients,” said Lightner. She be- fifth or sixth grade reading level what language has been the ProMedica’s expanded part- tification.” us. Everyone fits in. It re- gan programs for patient lit- for ease of understanding. most requested at Flower in nerships and joint ventures “We were the first hospi- flects our life experiences and eracy in which medical termi- “We also began produc- terms of translation? Somali,” include one announced re- tal in our system to go through how we work together and nology was replaced with ing this material in a myriad of asks, and quickly answers, cently with Lima Memorial the program,” says Lightner. learn from each other,” says layman’s language whenever languages. We needed to Lightner. Health System. ”We received a three-year Lightner. possible and patient education look upon this as being a (Continued on Page 8) Last year, Flower Hospi- certification, which is the sec- “We were looking at be- tal became the first metropoli- ond-highest level. I’m already coming a more representa- tan hospital in the nation to preparing our try for the top tive workforce, one that re- Is This the Face of HIV? earn certification recognizing level – Best in CLAS,” she flects the community we live its quality of care provided to adds. in. That’s why I started with diverse patients. The certifi- Lightner brought the di- the third standard defined by cation was awarded by the versity program with her CLAS: it states that Center for Multicultural Com- when she accepted the start- healthcare organizations petency in Healthcare Orga- up position with ProMedica should insure that staff at all nizations (CMCHO), an inde- in 2002. (Jack Ford had previ- levels and across all disci- pendent organization created ously held a similarly-titled plines receive ongoing edu- to certify health care organi- post within the organization.) cation and training in cultur- zations in the area of “I brought it from its in- ally and linguistically appro- multicultural competence. fancy to where it is today,” priate service delivery. In order to receive the cer- says Lightner of the program. “My legacy is that I feel I tification, Flower Hospital “I created a three-year Diver- was able to make the most underwent a three-day, on- sity Strategic Plan within my difference in our caring of

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Williams, the overall quality of life for solved to develop commu- local government and philan- senior vice president of the the residents. Home values nity partnerships to work to- thropic organizations. organization’s national office have often risen but personal wards five core program ob- “It is more compelling for Field Strategies and De- incomes have stagnated and jectives to reach the larger when a CDC comes to us and velopment. And “housing “folks have continued to goal: expanding capital in- says ‘we want to bring back development is the core of struggle,” says Williams. vestment in housing and a whole block,’” says Will- that effort,” he adds. “Part of these changing other real estate, building fam- iams, “then we want to share However, as the organiza- realities is the need to do more ily wealth and income, stimu- the risks.” tion, that has invested nearly than bricks and mortars,” lating local economic activ- LISC has traditionally $8 billion in residential and Williams, a Minnesota resi- ity, improving residents’ ac- been a relatively decentral- commercial development – dent, told The Truth last week cess to quality education and ized organization, with local 215,000 affordable homes and during a tour of Toledo with developing healthy environ- offices taking the lead in how Paul D. Williams apartments, 30 million square the local executive director, ments and lifestyles. their funds are dispersed. But feet of retail and business Hugh Grefe. “We have got to Williams, in his conversa- the Toledo LISC office is defi- ing sustainable communities. operating philosophies. But space, facilities for child care, talk about jobs and education last week, listed a num- nitely on board with the na- Within the past year, for he also stresses that the new schools, arts and playing tion and we are therefore look- ber of principles that would tional operation’s new phi- example, Toledo LISC has approach is not a radical shift, fields – reviews the overall ing at a broader agenda. “Our define how the agency means losophy about building sus- developed a concept titled nor is it particularly novel. results of that development, new vision and strategic di- to achieve sustainable com- tainable communities. Toledo Fund for Neighbor- What is new, says Williams, is it has been forced to face a rection is a result of pushing munities, but the bottom line Toledo LISC, which hood Development (TFND) the idea of intentionally fo- daunting admission: “Places that envelope.” is quite simple – the agency, opened its doors in 1990 and choosing to invest in single cusing on outcomes of trans- have prospered,” says Will- That new vision has which financially supports has dispensed grants, loans projects to assist in neigh- formative scale, creating a iams, “but people have not.” moved LISC to looking at an the efforts of groups such as and equity investments ex- borhood transformation, whole that is greater than the Armed with that eye-open- agenda that takes a more community development cor- ceeding $75 million, helped emulating the success of simi- sum of its parts. ing assessment of its activi- holistic approach to improv- porations, will no longer be to build or renovate over 1,500 lar project in Richmond, VA. So whether LISC will be ties over the last quarter cen- ing neighborhoods by “cre- attracted to place develop- homes and assisted in the Over the next five years, successful in improving more tury, LISC, with 30 urban pro- ating opportunities for indi- ment dollars into areas that construction of half a million says Williams, the goal is to than just the bricks and mor- grams in place as well as rural vidual residents of those take a scatter-shot approach square feet of commercial ensure that as many local of- tar of target communities will programs in 37 states, has communities to raise their to rebuilding – a house here space, is well on board with fices as possible are incorpo- be evident in short order – determined that its strategy income, to build assets and and there. Neighborhood re- the new philosophy of build- rating the new model into their presumably in five years. Harbor Behavioral Healthcare Receives Excellence Award On Wednesday, April 18, The program offers options ment that is valuable and 2007 Harbor Behavioral to young adults and is an meaningful to them, thus be- Healthcare, a not-for-profit opportunity to build rela- coming productive citizens, mental health and wellness tionships, identify personal contributing to their commu- agency, received an “excel- resources and obtain train- nity, and advancing their lent” for the 2007 Youth Pro- ing to meet their ultimate socio-economic status. It gram Excellence Award. Har- goal. It incorporates activi- also helps to nurture self- bor is one of only four orga- ties such as tutoring, sum- esteem while laying the foun- nizations throughout the mer employment opportuni- dation for personal success state of Ohio to receive this ties, paid and unpaid work one step at a time. award. experience, leadership devel- Darlene White, program YES is a comprehensive opment, and comprehensive director states, “I am grate- program addressing both guidance and counseling. ful that Harbor has the op- vocational and non-work The crux of the YES pro- portunity to touch the lives needs of youth ages 19-21 gram is to provide youth in of these young adults and that will lead to employment poverty with opportunities offer them hope.” and long-term job retention. to obtain and retain employ- (Continued on Page 10) Page 8 The Sojourner’s Truth May 2, 2007 “Made in the USA – An Unbreakable Skull for a Glass Dragon” (Continued from Page 5) echoed Western notions of really deceit, or was it just sisted of journalists, lawyers, with flashes as everyone tried sweat shops in the Far East. strategic planning when doctors, politicians, to memorialize the celebra- Neither place was packed courting investors in a higher businesspersons and other tion with a digital photo. The with workers and mostly ev- league and different bargain- professionals from or with trade efforts did not end in erything was automated with ing power? close ties to Toledo. The cul- the same Hollywood flair, humans overseeing or doing Our band of visitors, the tural delegation though lack- the trade efforts ended on the touchup work on assembly Sister Cities Toledo delega- ing many Chinese speakers, recognition that further del- lines. tion, was comprised of two comprised of Toledo’s inter- egations will be necessary to Designed for English groups with their respective national Youth Orchestra, a boost business ties between tours, both factories had col- missions. The trade delega- few teachers from Toledo the two cities. orful displays in English, but tion, there to boost trade ties schools, was equipped with Currently the US has the actual content and reports through dialogue and joint what an orchestra member in huge trade deficit with China, east Asia. The trade-gap with tion, such as giving thanks posted on those displays were planning, was stacked with a thank you speech given to that is, China is exporting China is growing, and in the for a good harvest, traditional in Chinese. Obviously these professionals and interpret- the Qinhuangdao local tele- much more to the US than future we can see Vietnam as Chinese culture carried the factories were set up for for- ers ready to tackle the issues. vision station called the uni- the US is importing into an emerging labor power day as drinks were shared to eign investors to tour, but The cultural delegation fo- versal language – music. China. With China being riding on the coattails of the memorialize two things – when you dance with the stars, cused on extending friend- Later at the farewell dinner, such a good source for cheap Chinese business model. the already harvested don’t you have to put your ship by having Chinese and John Henry Fullen, the di- labor, there has been a pro- At the conclusion of the fruits of relationship and an- best foot forward? Designing American musicians perform rector of Toledo Sister Cit- liferation of foreign direct trade delegation, attendees ticipation of the new seeds factories for foreigner visi- together and interacting to ies, described the assistance investment in mainland were tutored on rudimentary just planted for future coop- tors can preempt any subse- confirm and destroy stereo- the TV station provided as China. Since 1995, when US immigration law, specifi- eration. Memorializing a quent criticism, like the usual types they shared about each “indispensable” in making China joined the World cally laws and direction for good harvest in an agricul- Western rebukes on workers’ other. the trip a reality. Trade Organization, US Chinese to obtain visas for tural nation such as China is and human rights. So was this The trade delegation con- The net impact of the trip companies have opened entry into the US. Lucas imbedded in the culture of was a success for both cul- more wholly-owned subsid- County Commissioner Ben the ancient gatherer. The tural and trade relations. iaries to take advantage of Konop led the delegation trade delegation was success- When the Toledo Interna- the low production costs. with the help of his inter- ful, but a static unevenness tional Youth Orchestra per- Many US companies preter and invited still existed. formed it became a proto- have outsourced their labor Qinhuangdao officials and The one-sidedness in typical example of the trip’s divisions to China and South- businessmen to invest in trade talks at any capacity success. The musicians cre- Toledo. Met with little en- between US and Chinese ated a unity and siblinghood thusiasm overall, this invita- delegates inherently favors amongst themselves that tion seemed to have received the Chinese. Nowhere in the transcended into the crowd some interest from a local talks did the Chinese del- of listeners and parents of glassmaker specializing in egates mention how a US different nationalities. Cam- the manufacture of mirrors citizen can get an extended era shutters blasted though for automobiles. visa to live in China for work the air and the room lit up As in times of celebra- (Continued on Page 9) Jewell C. Lightner (Continued from Page 6) The Somali language (Af multicultural covers every quarterly,” explains Lightner. CHURCH’S CHICKEN Soomaali) is spoken mostly culture and has been ex- The daughter of Doris and in Somalia and adjacent parts panded to include system- Edward Abram (originally of Djibouti, Ethiopia and wide programs celebrating the Abrams, her branch of the Kenya. Because of the civil diversity of various cultures family had dropped the final war and diaspora, speakers by programs highlighting “s” from their surname); are found all over the world menus and musical programs Jewell was born in Beckley, In addition to Somali, featuring Greek, Italian, West West Virginia. After her pa- Lightner says patient services Indian, Polish and Chinese ternal grandfather died, the at Flower Hospital are now themes – with a major em- family moved to Toledo. provided in American Sign phasis coming up on the May Jewell was the middle Language, Arabic, Russian, 5 Cinco de Mayo festivities. child. She has four siblings: German, Spanish, Chinese, “Our employees are rec- Raymond (Ray) Abram lives Vietnamese, Korean and ognizing that diversity in- in Toledo; Mark resides in Japanese. cludes me,” says Lightner. North Carolina; and her sis- “This reflects the shift in “We all share a common value ter Angela and brother demographics for this area,” system.” Michael both live in Colum- notes Lightner. Her emphasis upon cul- bus. The translation services ture specific training included Jewell earned her are provided by qualified in- the institution of a review bachelor’s and master’s de- terpreters and the hospital has board which looks at clinical grees at Bowling Green State LEG & THIGH access to more than 140 lan- studies and how they can be University. guages through interpreter augmented with increased Following graduation, she services which are even avail- cultural emphasis. An ex- worked as a human relations able during off hours,” says ample is the Minority Health specialist and is certified as a Lightner. Month free Type 2 diabetes Senior Professional in Hu- “This was a sleeping gi- study which reached out to man Resources (SPHR). ant, and we were struggling African-American adults 21 Prior to joining ProMedica, with how to do it,” acknowl- and older. While it occurs in she worked for Findley edges Lightner. She says people of all ages and races, Davies, Inc. and Owens Flower is now working on Type 2 diabetes is more com- Corning, both in Toledo. increasing their usage of mon in African-Americans. Lightner and her husband

multilingual signage, an- “Diversity at ProMedica Herman have been members OFFER GOOD FOR CHURCH’S CHICKEN LOCATIONS AT other CLAS mandate along is fully integrated into our of Cornerstone Church since 2124 FRANKLIN AVENUE, TOLEDO & 629 S. MAIN STREET, LIMA with full and easy access to corporate culture, and does 1993 and are active in the translators and translated not just stand alone,” says church’s ministries. 12 TENDER STRIPS & 4 BISCUITS materials. Lightner. “It is because of my faith AND CHOICE OF ANY LARGE SIDE ORDER Lightner also introduced She chairs the Diversity in God and my love for serv- $12.99 patient’s family education Community Advisory Coun- ing people that I have no councils, another important cil and sits on the Diversity doubt, with God’s help; we 50 PIECES OF DARK (ORIGINAL OR SPICY) factor on the patient care side Steering Council along with can be the Best in CLAS,” ONLY $35.00 in terms of continued quality the presidents of the hospitals says Lightner. 2124 FRANKLIN AVENUE, TOLEDO & 629 S. MAIN STREET, LIMA improvement as well as pa- in the ProMedica system. She is the mother of two tient safety. “They oversee the strategic step-children: Jamie Her concept of plan and I update them on it Almeister and Lisa Lightner May 2, 2007 The Sojourner’s Truth Page 9 “Made in the USA – An Unbreakable Skull for a Glass Dragon” (Continued from Page 8) purposes. Yet this procedure have been exported to China just an example, but To- is slightly different than get- at a disproportionate rate. ledo is one of the few cities ting a travel permit, which One reason US services, in in Ohio that already offers all Toledo delegate had. A the form of expertise, are Chinese in some high work visa in China for a pe- exported to China so slowly schools and, as a whole, the riod of time longer than six is because not enough ex- community looks to expand months requires a physical perts speak Chinese at a level Chinese education among checkup. There was no at- comfortable enough to un- the youth. tempt to inform the Toledo derstand highly-technical So if this expansion con- delegates on the nuances of jargon. Our business people tinues, then Toledo can Chinese immigration law. mostly depend on the com- serve as a beacon to other Why? It was unnecessary. petency of their counterparts’ communities for ways of Americans are not lining English when making small, leveling the playing field up and being rejected for and medium-sized deals. with China. Other cities in work visas to enter China, Toledo is a city that is Ohio should look to other and there is also not a high engaging the 21st Century Asian countries such as In- a second-year law student demand amongst US citizens in the fast lane by creating a donesia and Vietnam as the at OSU is an old China to live and work in China. strategic partnership with next countries to emerge as hand having spent a total Are we xenophiles or do we Qinhuangdao. Working to- headliners on the world of two years in China dur- have a deep-rooted fear of gether these cities can blos- stage of international trade ing the course of four pre- Communism emerging from som, but all thing being by using cheap labor con- vious visits. He speaks McCarthyism? equal, Qinhuangdao will ditions as a catalyst for de- Mandarin and anticipates Unlike China, as an in- have the ultimate advantage velopment. a career in international dustrialized nation the United unless Toledoans ante up. Many hope that Toledo business. States has progressed past More students need to learn will continue to embrace in- the time where labor inten- Chinese starting at the be- ternational relations with sive goods drive our market ginning of high school, and similarly situated cities out- power. Now the US exports more high schools need to side of US borders in order high technology, like busi- offer four years of Chinese to strengthen trade, which ness software and other in- curriculum. will continue to enhance tellectual property (IP). The Schools need to provide Toledo’s standard of liv- human capital that engineers incentives to students who ing. US IP is more valuable than study Chinese, for example Toledo must make an all the hi-tech products we providing a free trip to unbreakable glass skull to export to China. China for three weeks dur- import to the Old Dragon’s United States services are ing the summer after the Head. arguably the most valuable completion of third year resource, but these services Chinese in school. This is Ed. Note: Greg Dennis,

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Toledo Interfaith Mass Choir (And Friends) Use Harbor “Yesterday’s” Music To Express Today’s Behavioral Victories in Concert at the Stranahan Healthcare By Geneva J. Chapman, Receives Sojourner’s Truth Reporter Just when it looked as if soulful-singing breath of mother, led the choir sing- Excellence spring would never come spring as they kept most of ing, “Great is Thy Faithful- this year, the Toledo Inter- the SRO crowd on their feet ness.” Dressed in a beauti- Award faith Mass Choir (and with heartfelt testimonies ful mauve dress with jewels (Continued from Page7) Friends) presented a concert and spirited renditions of old at her ears, neck and feet, as Saturday, April 14, at the and new favorites. well as adorning the grace- Harbor Behavioral Stranahan Theater all Tittering on the brink of ful folds of her gown, Tucker Healthcare’s knowl- dressed up in every single having church several times, looked every bit the opera edgeable and friendly pastel shade in the color pal- the crowd went wild and the diva with a voice that proved ette. choir sang until the spirit of she is just that. staff includes licensed They could have been a the Lord came down, under Using the entire stage, she counselors, social work- bouquet of spring flowers in the skillful direction of Der- moved as she sang, dramati- ers, registered nurses, full colorful bloom – except rick Roberts, dressed in a cally trailing the pleated developmental pediatri- three-piece peach suit with skirt of her dress, its hem those that bloomed early had cians, psychologists, succumbed to those cold matching shirt, tie and shoes brushing the floor lightly. any impairment of any kind when he wrote the musical early spring nights – or they – for the first half of the Roberts wore a purple for in his voice. There were plea for God’s guidance. and psychiatrists. Har- could have been a basket of concert. the second half of the show, many testimonies and much There were many other bor has nine locations Easter eggs dyed in all the Roberts ran down the which was highlighted by a shouting about God’s good- wonderful and memorable serving the northwest hues of the pretty frocks we aisle at one point and asked testimony from Dwight ness, but there was also some moments during the three- Ohio area, accepts most used to wear to church when for the house lights to be Hunter. Having recovered really good singing, too. hour concert, but most insurance, and has day Easters were sunny and turned on so he could “see from a stroke, Hunter’s Darius Coleman brought memorable of all was the and evening appoint- warm, not snowy and frigid. who’s here!” Amid the hands, one side of his body an old standard, “Yes, God exuberance, joy and spirit But Easter had come and shouts of praise and sponta- and his voice were all im- is Real,” into the 21st Cen- exhibited by the members ments available. For gone; and it didn’t warm up neous gesticulations, there paired. tury with his flawless runs of the choir and their direc- more information on the enough for those spring were moments of reflection However, when he and trilling voice. His rich, tor. YES Program or any of frocks until a couple of during personal testimonies started singing “How Great young voice made an old Once again, Toledo’s Harbor’s programs call weeks later. What the doz- of individuals triumphing Thou Art,” his voice, tenu- song new again. Towona premiere gospel choir 800.475.4449. Harbor ens of men and women rep- over sickness and sorrow, ous at first, grew stronger Johnson sang “Precious showed us what it means to resenting churches from all disease and despair. and clearer until he was sing- Lord,” quietly and beauti- really praise the Lord. serves over 12,000 over Toledo really looked Beverly Tucker, who lost ing with such beauty and fully, the way Thomas A. Contact Geneva at people annually. like was a Holy-Ghost filled, both her husband and her force, there was no sign of Dorsey intended it to be sung [email protected].

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stop by, take a tour, sign a lease. May 2, 2007 The Sojourner’s Truth Page 11 Girl Scouts & Hostelling International Rep. Brown Votes Show Community Pride Through for Workers Comp Reform Community Wall Art Exhibit State Rep. Edna Brown D- The Girl Scouts of reciting of the Pledge of Toledo, voted last week in fa- Maumee Valley Allegiance, traditional Girl vor of legislation that will re- Council’s, 21 G.R.I.P. Scout Promise, and the Girl form Ohio’s scandal-plagued Program Girl Scouts – Scout Law. A poem was workers compensation system Girls Reaching Imagina- read composed by all 21 Girl largely along the lines pro- tive Places - collaborated Scouts that participated in posed by Governor Ted with Hostelling Interna- the Community Wall pro- Strickland earlier this year. Bureau of Workers’ Compen- tional Toledo area to com- gram. Each line of the poem The legislation, which sation, we must ensure integ- plete their Hostelling was written by a different passed the House on Wednes- rity and professionalism,” Community Wall. The girl giving 21 perspectives day, would abolish the Bu- Brown said. “This bill marks Community Wall is a fun on loving friends, where reau of Workers’ Compensa- an important step forward.” and educational compo- they live and the importance tion Oversight Commission The provisions are con- nent of Hostelling Inter- of their community. and replace it with a Board of tained within House Bill 100, national USA’s Opening Girl Scout Troops 5203 Directors that will assume an operating budget for the Doors, Opening Minds and 5303 spent seven weeks panels will first be dis- the world and its people more of the responsibilities for Ohio Bureau of Workers’ program that asks youth on their art creations by played in the GSMVC ser- through hostelling. overseeing the system. Compensation and the Ohio “What is it like to live in painting three large canvas vice center located at 2244 GSMVC: “Girl The bill also establishes a Industrial Commission for fis- your community?” panels describing how the Collingwood Blvd., Toledo Scouts of Maumee Val- deputy inspector general for cal years 2008 and 2009. Through this collaboration girls perceive their cultural and then travel as far away ley Council builds girls the Bureau of Workers’ Com- The Ohio Bureau of Work- Girls Scouts have been lives in their neighborhoods as the downtown Chicago of courage, confidence pensation, responsible for in- ers’ Compensation is the larg- guided by trained volun- that include, The Toledo Hostel. and character, who make vestigating all claims of crimi- est exclusive state-funded teers and staff from Blade, The Boys and Girls The Girl Scouts of the world a better place.” nal violations, abuse of office, workers’ compensation sys- GSMVC and HI-TA pro- Club, The Mud Hens, To- Maumee Valley Council GSMVC serves or misconduct and for review- tem in the United States, with viding a mission based ledo Police and Fire Depart- (GSMVC) and the 14,500 throughout ing workers’ compensation more than $19 billion in as- program, to express their ments. They also wanted the Hostelling International northwest Ohio and claims. sets. In fiscal year 2006, BWC community and cultural community to know the ac- Toledo Area (HI-TA) are southeast Michigan of- The goal is to reform a provided workers’ compen- pride through art, called a tivities they like to do; dance, on the same page when it fering quality programs workers’ compensation sys- sation coverage to more than Community Wall. go to the park, jump rope, comes to our youth having like the Community tem which lost $215 million in 288,000 employers, processed The Community Wall sing, read, paint and ride missions that follow the Wall to our girls. For a Bermuda hedge fund and more than 188,000 new claims art exhibit was present on their bikes. Most of all they same vein in our commu- more information con- where millions were lost from and paid out more than $1.9 April 4 at Port Lawrence want to show how impor- nities. HI-TA: To help all, tact Sandy Garrison a badly managed coin invest- billion in benefits. Community Room. The tant Girl Scouting is to them. especially the young, gain [email protected] ment fund. H.B. 100 now moves to the celebration began with the The Community Wall a greater understanding of or call 419-243-8216. “If we are going to rebuild Ohio Senate for consideration trust and accountability in the there. The Lima Truth Page 12 The Sojourner’s Truth May 2, 2007 Inspiring Area Youth to Be All They Can Be By Sharon Guice Special to The Truth For the past six years, The all over the world. It was a pep talks about personal ex- dancer, wowed the crowd Ohio State University at challenge given to them to periences and advice on what with her dance routine. She Lima and Rhodes State Col- make something great of not to do. said she has been dancing lege have been investing in their lives and do something Difinni Johnson said she since she was a baby. Virtu- youth from a number of sur- great for Lima and area came to hear about social ous, an up and coming artist, rounding counties who are counties. work because her father had rapped about her life giving unquestionably our leaders After getting guidance been a social worker for 10 testimony of how God of tomorrow. from Traci Cox on how to years and he now does social changed her life. She in- Area junior and high maneuver across the cam- work as a minister. Some stu- volved the crowd by teach- school students are invited pus to find the class rooms, dents came to hear about the ing them the lines of one of to the Lima Campus during the youth left the open ses- health field and what it takes her songs and encouraged the Annual Multicultural sion pumped and excited to to be an entrepreneur when them to clap to the beat. A lot Career Day event to get ex- learn about careers in busi- starting your own business. of clapping, swaying and posure to both college life ness presented by Jerome Some had no idea of what rocking could be seen around and career options. It is also O’Neal, careers in health career to explore and was the room as she rapped about the campus cafeteria, chef. multicultural career day. a great opportunity for local technologies presented by glad to have the opportunity the life of the streets and how Door prizes were given out Note: Virtuous, “Out The community leaders (from Joel Harris, careers in infor- to learn about different ca- to avoid it. which is always a big hit to Box” concert/CD release diverse ethnic and minority mation and technology by reer options up close and Marlon Shackelford Jr., a get something free. party will be on Saturday, backgrounds) to come di- Dave Brown, careers in edu- personal. seventh grader, has per- This program has been a June 2, 2007 at St. Stephens rectly into contact with youth cation presented by John A. Michelle Hurley a senior formed several times for the success each year and the Community Church, 2315 who may have similar inter- Upshaw, careers in engi- wanted to make sure she was career day being encouraged organizers noted how proud Park Avenue, Cincinnati, ests but need to see first hand neering presented by exploring all the options by his father, Marlon Sr. they were to have so many Ohio. Doors open at 4 pm that they too can achieve. Nanette Smith, careers in made available to her so that After listening to more rap, people and institutions that For more information con- Each student is given an law enforcement/correc- she has made the best choice poetry, and singing, stepped up to help area youth tact: Virtuouswoman opportunity to explore col- tions presented by Rick for a career. Shackelford encourage the recognize that they are people [email protected]. VWP lege life and careers in a Kohli, careers in social work The youth were able to youth to never, never, never, who can make a difference. Staff: 513-325-3661. Guest meaningful way during this presented by this author. attend three sessions out of never, never give up. The A special thank you of praise Artist: Teresa Teri & Unique, event and many of the pre- Each session was 25 min- the eight presented to them day came to an end with the is due John Upshaw, direc- Tri-blessed, D-M.A.U.B. and sentations are hands-on and utes, long enough for the before returning to the cam- youth enjoying a lunch of tor of Student Life, as the Annointed Soles will also be interactive. presenters to encourage, pus auditorium to watch a tacos and pizza prepared by inspiration behind the annual performing at the concert. On Friday, April 20, a educate and answer ques- dramatization presented by beautiful, sunny day, ap- tions from the youth to help Marlon Shackelford (Day- proximately 100 youth from them better understand the ton, Ohio), titled, “It’s Hip a variety of ethnic back- various options and path- To Have Hope.” Our Quitting Specialists appreciate how hard it is to beat tobacco. Call our free service and your very grounds, descended on the ways for success. Present- The dramatization was a own specialist will guide you through the process, OSU Lima Campus and ers not only shared with the presentation about the his- making it 5 times more likely you will succeed. Rhodes State College to learn youth about their field of tory of hip-hop. Miss about a numbers of profes- work but also gave the youth Kennedy, a nine-year-old sional and technical careers. Such exposure can change the destiny of a youth for- ever. The Sixth Annual Multicultural Career Day 2007 started with a conti- nental breakfast followed by a formal welcome by Michael Cunningham, Ph.D., OSU associate dean, and Melissa Green, Ph.D., vice president student affairs, Rhodes State. During the welcome (opening session) the youth ;I©PPFIXLIVIJSV]SY learned about Freeman A. Hrabowski III, Ph.D. Hrabowski is an African- American who has made his- tory for the past 20 years as one of the longest-serving • college presidents. He is the • president of the University • of Maryland-Baltimore • County and started a pro- • gram to train black scientists • in 1988. He has worked hard • to improve the campus life • for students, staff and fac- • ulty. • Green, who introduced this topic, challenged the youth to say as Hrabowski says: “We can be much better” It was a challenge to change the Lima Campus by being hungry enough to transform a campus into a campus that is well known May 2, 2007 The Sojourner’s Truth Page 13 Women vs. Hip-Hop? By Michael Hayes Minister of Culture I would like to open by Women have every right from hood chicks all the way it is that one of the females in quoting a verse from the great- to call a man a ho if he’s to educated corporate boss the broadcast claimed to be est rapper alive, Jay Z. sleeping around types refer to themselves as above allowing rap culture to He had a song on The Blue- “whoring it up” with any bitches. exploit her but then came out print 2, called “Sisters & and every willing person he It would be great if more with a porn tape about a year Bitches.” can find. girls were lady-like these later. These are a few of the lyr- A Ho is a Ho - maybe you days…but really, how many But I digress. ics: don’t speak slang so you’d lady-like females do YOU Derogatory terms hurt. Sisters get respect, bitches never use that term. know? Every racial minority can get what they deserve But if you DO use it, be How many females do you agree with that and women in Sisters work hard, bitches sure to remember MEN AND know that are even concerned general have had to suffer work your nerves WOMEN can have “ho-ish” with being lady-like? cruel words from men for Sisters hold you down, ways. HOW DID IT START? ages. Nas bitches hold you up Is there ever a time when Women are being de- But this has been going on Sisters help you progress, calling someone a BITCH graded in our culture. for YEARS! bitches will slow you up might be appropriate? But the big deal here is Far before hip-hop origi- who choose that lifestyle. It is kinda hard to just have Sisters cook up a meal, This one is a bit tricky. whether or not hip-hop cre- nated in the Boogie Down. But I am defending hip- that respect when it’s so obvi- play their role with the kids Women call each other ated these circumstances, or Beer commercials featured hop by saying that these evils ous that the self-respect isn’t Bitches be in the street with bitches constantly. hip-hop is merely reporting half-naked females for de- existed before our music did. there. their nose in your biz I remember when I went to on these circumstances. cades, is that hip-hop’s fault? We report on what’s al- It is important to note that Sisters love Jay cuz they see the Vagina Monologues If the record industry 1950’s television sitcoms ready happening. as many rappers come out of know how ‘Hov is the first time, my girlfriend at folded tomorrow and there portrayed women as little DO RAPPERS RESPECT their immature phase, they I love my sisters, I don’t the time and one of her friends was never another rapper on more than indentured servants WOMEN? settle down with wife and kids love no bitch sat through the whole thing the airwaves, would females in their own home. When The I always love bringing up and the whole nine. The greatest thing anyone and felt empowered and dig- still be called bitches? Honeymooner’s had the line this whole Girls Gone Wild And then their lyrics and could bring to this debate is nified and as soon as we hit It bothers me when some- “POW – right in the kisser” craze that’s been goin on for their songs become more like balance. the parking lot they called one as intelligent as Oprah a whole nation of so-called the last five years or so. Has a profession than an expres- All are women hoes? Of some other black female a Winfrey looks at hip-hop mu- ‘proper’ white folks laughed anyone tried to censor that sion. course not. bitch because of what she was sic and refuses to make dis- out loud as this man made guy? Oh yeah, don’t forget that All are women bitches? wearing. tinctions between who is do- light of spousal abuse that Better yet, what happens some of this is actually a job Of course not. NO – I don’t agree with ing what. was ACTUALLY tearing this to all those skanky girls when and a boss who dictates what But maybe it’s getting the popular mis-conception That’s no better than these nation apart from the inside. they get back from spring gets heard. harder and harder to tell who’s that if a woman is assuming a crazy-ass cops that roll Is that hip-hop’s fault? break and have to resume nor- Nas’ “Black Girl Lost,” who. position of power then she’s through the block and don’t Prostitution didn’t just mal campus life? Outkast’s “JazzyBelle” and ANOTHER DOUBLE automatically a bitch. bother learning the difference earn its nickname in modern I can assure you that those Talib Kweli’s “Love Lan- STANDARD? NO – I don’t like it when I between the criminals and the times, it really is the world’s women mostly follow the ca- guage” demonstrate that for While in my last year at hear some 13 year old girl regular citizens. oldest profession. And where reer path they already had laid years our best and most gifted The University of Toledo, I proclaiming to be a Oprah’s influence is un- there has been a prostitute, out and their little 15 minutes emcees do value women and decided to take a couple of “down-ass bitch”, “ride or paralleled when it comes to there has been a pimp. of freaky fame probably all take time to write about women’s studies courses and die bitch” etc. etc. etc. informing women in our You can take it or leave it, doesn’t hold them back a bit. love and relationships. I was right in the middle of NO – I don’t really like country. but that’s real talk from the So I’d like to say that men Method Man, L.L. Cool one of those classes when that listening to rap songs where If she sounds the alarm bedroom all the way down to will always respect women J., D.M.X. and many others song came out. Since we were the word BITCH is used in- saying hip-hop is evil for de- the boardrooms where record who respect themselves, but have gone on record support- already covering Lil Kim as terchangeably with the word grading women, then her contracts are signed. it’s possible that a white ing the decision to marry and part of our course material, I FEMALE. word is gospel to millions and Where there is a prosti- woman degrading herself still become family men. felt that it was fitting to bring But how can anyone have it will never be questioned. tute, there is a pimp. has a better chance of re- There ARE rappers who up Jay Z’s take on the issue as a strong argument for censor- Meanwhile, you’ve got a Some women have always bounding or maintaining her respect women and openly well as Talib and Mos etc. ing rappers when there are video shoot happening where sold their bodies for money. position than a woman of adore women. Is there ever a time when millions of women who say there’s a casting call for half Some women have always color who may commit the However #1 – Those songs calling someone a “ho” might the same stuff they say if not naked girls to show up show demeaned themselves in the same act of indiscretion. don’t always get the green be appropriate? worse. their ass on camera and the presence of men. I would imagine that most light from the powers that be YES. Remember, art imitates line goes on for miles and In various ways all over rap artists have a deep respect #2. Like anything else, a But like I said before, it’s life. miles. Women degrading the globe, some women have for positive women. person has to mature and their a unisex term. Real life is that females themselves without identified with a system that Their mothers always get earlier material may reflect ANYONE’S help. exploits them so much that love, and in many cases the an un-enlightened point of I could even talk about they will even defend the de- entertainment lawyers or review that will take time to STARTING OUT VH1’s special following a grading roles they assume. porters who surround them mature WITH handful of black females ea- Prostitutes are even union- are usually women who re- #3. Hip-hop has to be true NATIONAL CITY ger to take their clothes off in ized in some places, pay taxes mind them that females de- by allowing writers to com- MORTGAGE a video by an unknown rap- in others. serve respect. ment on EVERYTHING that per (for free) and how ironic I’m not defending women But then again, after every they see. And the truth is that show the hotel lobby is filled many of our women are liv- with dozens of girls who will ing foul, so of course we’re “You get more home...when you MARTIN POPE do ANYTHING you want gonna at least speak on it and get the right mortgage.” them to do just so they can some might even take advan- BAIL BONDS say they did it with someone tage of that reality. x FHA/VA famous. Hell, I’ve seen girls If you are a young woman x First Time Homebuyer Programs line up to sleep with dudes and you can’t find any hip- x 100% Financing just because of some local hop that you feel comfortable x Great Rates On Conventional Loans celebrity status. (Continued on Page 14) x Investment Property Specialist x Free Pre-approvals Auto Call me today for Leasing more information: DIXIE Toledo, OH Charles W. Turnbough Sr. Mortgage Consultant “We’ll Come Get You” 5880 N. Detroit Office: 419-259 -7774 Month to Month Leasing Cell: 419-870-6268 www.ncmc.com/charles turnbough 419-241-POPE 419-476-8674 (419-241-7673) WE ARE A FULL 24 Hour Service SERVICE All Ohio BUSINESS Income restrictions apply. Subject to credit approval and property appraisal. & Southern Michigan ©2003 National City Corporation®. Courts Page 14 The Sojourner’s Truth May 2, 2007

same problems getting on lo- for new talent, so if you are a Congratulations to Per- Women vs. Hip-Hop? cal radio that we have with female rapper and you ready forming Arts of Metropolitan (Continued from Page 13) U.G.E. to work then hit us up. Toledo for their production listening to, you might have cigarette is a fag (i.e. “aye choose. The world is starting to Sex sells, this is true. of Seusical Musical this past to turn off 106 & Park and bloke, can I bum you a fag?” Even locally. side with ignorant music. Women have been ex- weekend (great job Kai’lah check out some of the artist’s – LOL). But it has no refer- Of course I always big up Scary, but having talent ploited in media as longs as a.k.a. baby sis!… and Karlene I’ve named so far. ence to what we think of when my crew, U.G.E., but one of and actually putting time and there has been media, this is too!). Also, please understand we hear fag. In the hip-hop the most concentrated efforts effort into making original true. May 5th Rick’s Music Café that not every time you hear lexicon, meanings are very I’ve ever seen is another area- and thought provoking mu- Things could stand to get – Hylife Media present The the word bitch is a time when fluid – so if you hear Jim based collective led by Dr. sic may not get as far as the up better though. Tipping Point. it’s directed at a woman. Too Jones say “Dip Set In This Anthony Atkins. and coming knucklehead who Just remember to stop A collection of progressive Short spent the early-mid 90’s Bitch!” – he’s not referring to LifeStoryz was a compi- just said a few club cliches blaming hip-hop as if it’s the Hip Hop acts and a gathering turning women. lation CD I featured months and ended up on radio. only factor. of like minded peeps for net- bitch into “Beeeyootch” – But once again, if you’re ago that has songs called “Put But, remember, you have [email protected] working and enjoying perfor- and that’s just something rap- un-easy about all that – just The Guns Away” and “Black a choice. www.myspace.com/ mances from some of Toledo’s pers say coming and going on stay away from it. Queens” – there it is right I’d like to see more female undergodzent most original talent. and off stage. Kinda like how There’s enough hip-hop there, positive hip-hop live emcees in the game. www.myspace.com/ in London a slang term for a going around for you to and direct but he’s having the U.G.E. is always looking THINGS GOING OWN: thehylife = for info )25<285/$:1$1'/$1'6&$3,1*1(('6 The JIM & SONS LAWN AND LANDSCAPING WTVG is an equal opportunity employer. We BlackMarketPlace would like to widely publicize our job opportunities. Want to place an ad in The BlackMarketPlace? &DOO)RU$)UHH(VWLPDWH Any organization that regularly distributes employ- Call Pam Anderson at 419-243-0007 ment information to job seekers or that refers can- :HSLFNXSPHWDO12&+$5*( didates to employers may ask to be put on our mailing list to receive information about job vacan- .EBRASKA cies. For further information, please contact Hu- 4OLEDO 0OSSIBLEBED (UGH2MS man Resources at 4247 Dorr Street, Toledo, OH &ULL"ATH'RANT!VAILABLE 43607 or email [email protected] 7HITTINGTON'ROUP2EALTY #ALL%MORY FOR3HOWINGS

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THE C. BROWN FUNERAL HOME, INC. THE MEDICINE SHOPPE PHARMACY 2105 W. Alexis Road (between Jackman & Douglas) 1629 NEBRASKA AVENUE 43607 419.474.0605 419.255.7682 Eloise A Norwood, R.PH “WHEN TRUTH IN PRICING AND QUALITY MATTERS” Black Owned and Operated IN OR OUT OF TOWN Serving Toledo & Surrounding Communities Since 1989 Free Delivery! May 2, 2007 The Sojourner’s Truth Page 15

Clinical Therapists Assistant Clinical Manager - Nurse Manager Dynamic outpatient facility committed to provid- Youth Homebased Services ing extraordinary care to children and families is Exciting opportunity for RN or APN to provide seeking dedicated team players to provide clinical Seeking a currently competent professional who direct care and management leadership to our services. Masters degree in mental health field oversees all clinical and administrative aspects of growing team of professional nurses working in with Ohio license (LSW, LISW, PC, PCC); plus one the SED Community Support Program. Candidates outpatient settings with adult SPMI clients. Re- year experience working with troubled children and must have a master’s degree in a mental health field quires Ohio license and the passion to provide families required. Must be computer literate and from an accredited college or university and be expert care and extraordinary service. Prior man- have word processing skills. Duties include provid- licensed to practice in Ohio (PCC, LISW). Familiarity agement and psychiatric experience preferred. Du- ing diagnostic assessments, formulating client treat- with and desire to work with the SED population is ties include personnel management of patients, ment plans and providing ongoing individual, fam- required; clinical and management experience is coordination of nursing services with other clinical preferred. Duties include managing, coordinating, ily, and group therapy. Excellent organizational, and administrative departments. Qualified candi- communication, and documentation skills are es- evaluating and supervising operations for assigned dates may submit resume with cover letter and sential. Commitment to excellent customer service clinical staff, providing personnel management func- salary requirements by 5/7/07 to a must. Submit cover letter with salary expectations, and assisting in innovation, development and tions and resume by 5/9/07, to implementation of programs and services. Must be able to use computer and software to manage and Harbor Behavioral Healthcare, Harbor Behavioral Healthcare, monitor program and to communicate with staff. Attn: Human Resources (NM), Attn: Human Resources (22), Submit cover letter with salary expectations and 4334 Secor Road, 4334 Secor Road, resume by 5/9/07, to Toledo, OH 43623-4234, Toledo, OH 43623-4234 or fax to 419-479-3230 or fax to 419-724-9425 Harbor Behavioral Healthcare or e-mail to [email protected]. or e-mail to [email protected]. (ACM-22), 4334 Secor Road, EOE. EOE. Toledo, OH 43623-4234 or fax to 419-724-9425 or e-mail to [email protected]. Community Support Provider Software Applications Trainer EOE. Progressive behavioral health care organiza- Energetic, dependable professional needed to tion is seeking an energetic, dependable individual deliver training to staff on agency software applica- GREAT APARTMENTS & HOMES: eager to provide support to severely and persis- tions. Requires Associate’s degree in computer tently mentally ill adults and their families. Requires science or information systems, plus experience *4Bdrm Spacious Home, Bachelor’s degree in social work or mental health leading training sessions. Must have excellent writ- 2252 Whitney related field and experience working with SPMI ten and oral communication skills, plus the ability to *2Bdrm, Luxurious Apt Suites, adult population. Preference given to licensed can- design, develop and deliver software training pro- 2018 Glenwood Ave didate (Ohio LSW, PC). Duties include providing grams and individual classes. Assists in planning, *2Bdrm, Gorgeous Apts, mental health services and crisis intervention, de- design and development of new applications and 3327 Collingwood Blvd veloping treatment plans, coordinating treatment enhancements, and collaborates with department with other providers, and providing linkage to com- heads to assess staff training needs. Must be com- CALL NOW: 419-865-7787 munity resources. Valid driver’s license, good mitted to delivering excellent customer service. driving record, and ability to perform therapeutic Send resume, with cover letter and salary expecta- holds required. Must be proficient and accurate in tions by 5/9/07, to computer use. Submit resume, with cover letter Help Wanted and salary expectations, by 5/9/07, to Harbor Behavioral Healthcare, Attn: Human Resources (22), Sales persons needed for local weekly Harbor Behavioral Healthcare (CSP), 4334 Secor Road, newspaper marketing efforts. 4334 Secor Road, Toledo, OH 43623-4234 Excellent commission – full or part time. Toledo, OH 43623-4234 or fax to 419-479-3230 or fax to 419-479-3230 or or e-mail to [email protected]. Call 419-243-0007 e-mail to [email protected]. EOE. or email [email protected]. EOE.

Toledo Celebrates Being Named “City of the Future” and “Most Business Friendly City” By fDi Magazine Special to The Truth Toledo Mayor Carty people in a number of cat- in Toledo’s automotive in- Finkbeiner was joined by egories, including best industry alone over the last few business and civic leaders last frastructure, most internal years.” week at International Park as investment, most business “Our company’s founder, the leadership of the City of friendly, most cost effective, Edward Drummond Libbey Toledo celebrated its new sta- and best quality of life. moved Libbey Glass to To- tus as a City of the Future and “This award is well de- ledo in 1888,” said John the “Most Business Friendly” served and worth sharing Meier, chairman of the board large city in North America with the world,” said James and chief executive officer as determined by the fDi Hoffman, president of of Libbey, Inc. “It was a Magazine. Keybank. “The reasons good place to do business “This is a significant and people should see us as a then and it’s a great place to dramatic achievement for the city of the future include do business today.” City of Toledo,” said our transportation infra- “Our future is promising, Finkbeiner. “When you structure, well-trained having been defined as a city combine this ‘Most Business workforce, education insti- and region of the future,” said Friendly” honor with being tutions, business financing Finkbeiner. “Get out of the named one of the 100 best capabilities, and an afford- way, naysayers! We’re communities to raise chil- able cost of living.” building a stronger, younger, dren, being one of the top 20 United Auto Workers, more diversified, more inter- cities in the country for en- Local 12 President Bruce national port city - and we trepreneurs, and being one of Baumhower pointed to a will not be denied!” the five most unwired cities strong automotive industry More information on fDi in the country, we darn well as an indicator of Toledo’s Magazine and the Cities of ought to be optimistic about economic health. “Chrysler the Future award are avail- our future.” is for sale for $4.5 billion,” able online at: . Page 16 The Sojourner’s Truth May 2, 2007 Michael Ashford Hosts Campaign Fundraiser at Manhattan’s Sojourner’s Truth Staff Toledo City Council- Tina Skeldon Wozniak. man Michael Ashford The elected officials were hosted a successful cam- joined by a host of Demo- paign fundraiser on April cratic Party candidates and 23 at Manhattan’s Restau- other businessmen, union rant. Over 200 friends and officials, attorneys and dig- supporters turned out to nitaries such as Jack Ford, donate to Ashford’s up- Alan Konop, John Potts, coming re-election cam- Cheryl Tyler Folsom, Steve paign. Ashford, the repre- Kneppler, Jim Hartung, Jon sentative of the District 4 Richardson, Johnny Mickler, since 2002, will be running Charles Welch, Myron for another four-year term Stewart, David Ball, Jimmy Commissioners Pete Gerken and Tina Skeldon Wozniak and this November. Jackson and Keith Dorene Mosley and Yvonne Harper Among the guests Wilkowski, among others. Councilman Michael Ashford were elected officials such as State Representative Edna Brown, Toledo Clerk of Court Vallie Bowman En- glish, City councilmen, Phil Copeland, Mike Craig and Wilma Brown, Toledo Board of Education members Deborah Barnett and Larry Sykes and County Marc Dann, State Rep. Edna Brown, Commissioners Pete Vallie Bowman English and Councilwoman Wilma Brown (seated) Gerken, Ben Konop and Jay Black and Johnny Mickler and Jimmy Jackson Weldon Dauthitt Weldon Dauthitt and Art Jones

Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop and Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann George and Gloria Hilliard State Rep. Edna Brown Yvonne Harper and Councilman Phil Copeland

“Bigs and Littles” Tea and Fashion show Sojourner’s Truth Staff 200,000 youth ages five Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring organization in through 18 in 5,000 of Northwestern Ohio held the United States. The communities across the a fundraiser on Saturday group serves more than nation. morning in order to benefit the organization that pairs mentors with area youth. Saturday’s event featured a performance by the reigning Miss Teen Ohio 2006, who happens to be a Big Sister herself, Amiee Moser, and a fashion show featuring “bigs and littles” from the organization. Big Brothers Big Sis- ters of America was founded more than 100 years ago and is the oldest and largest youth