AN AFRICAN AMERICAN

wwPw.afampointOofview.com INT Our CommOunity NeF wspaper V IEfebW ruary 1, 2012 CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT WORKS By Frederick A. Hurst ic development by appointing an out - sider to the director position and Don 688 Boston Road was his choice . “IF WE ARE FACING IN THE Of the many smaller industrial RIGHT DIRECTION…” cities that fell into blight and dysfunc - “We are moving in the right direction and we tion from the 60s through the 80s must keep pressing forward! So, I urge all of Providence, as Eversley points out, is you – parents , students, teachers and adminis - probably one of the best examples of trators – to refresh and reinvigorate our com - economic revival . Its revival began in mitment to teaching and learning as we late 90s. One of the major early devel - approach the last leg of the 2011-2012 school year.” opments was the demolition of an old By Dr. Alan J. Ingram – 6 unwieldy downtown train station and its replacement by a smaller one that MARSHALL G. JONES: HE NEVER left many acres available for develop - GAVE UP ment. Another was the uncovering of “Marshall Jones was raised by an aunt and the underground Providence River uncle on a duck farm on Long Island. His which allowed for the creation of father, who was in the Navy, was not part of walkways and bridges and leisure his life until Marshall was an adult. His moth - Don Eversley, Director of Planning and Economic Development space that made downtown more er moved to New York to get a better job when he was three. Marshall’s uncle, a mentor for the City of Bridgeport appealing. Soon Providence began to of sorts, told the youth: “When you grow up, on Eversley leaves his a working model of at least one of the dramatically expand its commercial work with your mind, not just your hands. Do Bridgeport, Connecticut job as activities that is making Bridgeport office space and downtown residential the best you can in school. Then you will be Director of Planning and thrive . housing and capped it off with a successful and have a good life.” DEconomic Development each day and , Don was working in the Bronx multi-use downtown mall located on By Carroll G. Lamb – 7 heading home, exits his commuter train County Economic Development the major bus line that featured shops, at his station at the corner of Lexington Department when he was recruited in movie theatres and more. HEART ASSOCIATION COMBATS Avenue and 125th Street in Harlem, 2004 by the reform-minded mayor of Providence residents and subur - STROKE IN AFRICAN AMERI- New York . He rises each week-day Providence, Rhode Island to become banites as well were attracted to CANS… morning and travels by train in the its economic development director. “African Americans are twice as likely to have downtown frequenting not just the opposite direction to his Bridgeport job Former mayor Buddy Cianci had just a first-ever stroke compared to Caucasians, and mall but the many businesses that cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is the to which he brings the unique perspec - gone to prison and the new mayor grew up around it to service the visi - leading cause of death for African-American tive of a seasoned outsider and provides wanted to change the face of econom - continues to page 5 men and women, killing nearly 100,000 annu - ally in the United States.” By Nikki Burnett – 12 CALL TO THE CAUSE ‘REVERSE RACISM’ DOES NOT By Kirk Smith, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Springfield EXIST, THE ‘RACE CARD’ IS NOT IN THE DECK AND ‘POST RACIAL become silent about things that mat - lege graduates is down to 4 percent, AMERICA’ HAS NOT BEEN BUILT ter.” As I think about the education these facts are incredibly distressing . YET crisis here in Springfield, these words Recently, many of us experi - By Rev. Talbert Swan II – 13 ring very true to me. enced significant hardships due to the Not a day goes by that I am not snow storm that left so many without MY LOVELY LADY LUMPS power for extended periods of time. “I have not sucked in my stomach in four reminded of tremendous achieve - months. I consume carbohydrates with no ment disparities that exist from one For many, this was a time of great dif - regret. My waistline has completely disap - school district to another within our ficulty, accompanied by an ambitious peared and I have never felt cuter. “ region. Whereas our high school stu - response – even outrage – among By Lynnette Johnson – 28 dents in Wilbraham and Hampden people in positions of power who are graduating at an impressive rate pulled out all the stops to attract the COOKE GILCHRIST: A MAN OF of 97 percent, their peers in help we needed to get our communi - PRINCIPALS WHO STOOD Kirk Smith, President & CEO, ty members back on their feet. We AGAINST RACISM Springfield are dropping out of school YMCA of Greater Springfield experienced the best of what can hap - “Are you now asking yourself, who the heck at a rate of 53 percent! Considering he great Dr. Martin Luther pen when a community comes was “Cookie Gilchrist?” If you don’t know I that the unemployment rate for high will gladly tell you… “ King, Jr. once said , “Our lives school dropouts stands at an alarm - together in the face of disaster . By Reginald Grant – 31 Tbegin to end the day we ing 15 percent, while the rate for col - continues to page 26 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +# !. 1* "!,/,3 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.$,!! "!,/,3 COVER AN AFRICAN AMERICAN POINT OF VIEW  AN AFRICAN AMERICAN PointofView 688 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119  CALL TO THE CAUSE Phone: (413) 796-1500  Fax: (413) 796-6100 C E-mail: [email protected]  Website: www.afampointofview.com BUSINESS & FINANCE C Point of View is a monthly news journal with an African American orientation. It is dis - Business & Workforce Development ...... 16 tributed free to select locations in Hampden and Hampshire counties and in Connecticut. Financial Cents ...... 9 Letters, articles and comments appearing in the newspaper reflect the opinions of the con - Financially Yours ...... 9 tributors and do not constitute an endorsement by POV and are subject to editing. POV CLASSIFIED...... 32 assumes no responsibility for photos, articles, letters, press releases or unsolicited mate - COMMUNITY

rials. Decisions as to the editing and publishing of material are based on space availabil - O Community Focus ...... 17 O ity and the discretion of the publisher and editor. Distribution locations are listed on our web site. POV assumes no financial responsibility for failure to publish an advertise - Community Information ...... 13-14 ment, incorrect placement or typographical errors in its publication. Advertisers are sole - Community Perspectives ...... 13 ly responsible for the content of their advertising and claims and offers contained within Congratulations Corner ...... 33 their advertising. POV reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. No portion Events ...... 33 of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Latin@ Groove ...... 12 PUBLISHER: Frederick A. Hurst EDITOR: Marjorie J. Hurst N Leadership: Pioneer Valley ...... 25 N CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: THIS ISSUE EDITORIAL Artist Square Group Gallery Rosemary Tracy Woods Inhale Music < Exhale Life Heshima Moja AF-AM Newsbits ...... 4 Black Sports International Reginald Grant Inspirational Thoughts Willette H. Johnson Business & Workforce Dev. Larry Martin Inventor of the Month Carroll G. Lamb From the Publisher’s Desk ...... 24 Children’s Book Corner Terri Schlichenmeyer Latin@ Groove Magdalena Gómez Letters to the Publisher ...... 24 Community Focus Jamina Scippio-McFadden Leadership: Pioneer Valley Marla Michel EDUCATION

Community Information Hampden Bank and Let’s Talk Urban Felisha Bradshaw T Education & Hope ...... 7 T Caring Health Center Life’s Challenges Dr. Sweets S. Wilson From the Superintendent’s Desk ...... 6 Rebuilding Together Mama’s Boyz Jerry Craft Hartford Public Schools ...... 8 United Way of Pioneer Medical Moment Dr. Shirley Jackson Inventor of the Month ...... 7 Valley Whitaker YMCA and Dunbar Men’s Fashion Jeffrey S. Clemons,Sr. Parent & Community Engagement ...... 6 Community Center Our Love Azell Cavaan FEATURES E Community Perspectives Rev. Talbert W. Swan II Parent & Community Patricia Spradley Morocco: A Country in Transition? ...... 22 E Education & Hope Gianna Allentuck Pen & Ink Brenda’s Child My Lovely Lady Lumps ...... 28 Features Lynnette Johnson Juanita Torrence - FOOD & FASHION Nikol Payen Thompson A Gentlemen’s Fashion Sense ...... 30 Financial “Cents” Walter D. Woodgett Religious Point of View Rev. Dr. Atu White Financially Yours Samuel N. Wilson Jr. HEALTH

Dr. Alan J. Ingram N From the Supt. Desk’s PRODUCTION Health Matters ...... 10, 12 N Hartford Public Schools Kevin McCaskill Artistic/Layout Dir. Marie Zanazanian Medical Moment ...... 10 Health Matters Doris Harris, Editor Marketing Director Marjorie J. Hurst LIVING Nikki Burnett Photographer Edward Cohen Inspirational Thoughts ...... 23 Anika C. Johnson Website Designer Marie Zanazanian Life’s Challenges ...... 23 Our Love ...... 21 LOCATE OUR ADVERTISERS ...... 18-19, 34

PHOTO GALLERY T Affordable Airport Car Service ------15 New Life Calvary Baptist Church ------27 T Al-Baqi Islamic Center ------27 OG1Gold ------3, 4, 21, 23, 30 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES...... 15 Alden Baptist Church ------26 Progressive Community Baptist Church ------26 RELIGION Babiez R Wee ------15 Regional Employment Board ------16 Religious Directory ...... 26-27 Baystate Medical Center ------11 Revival Time Evangelistic Center ------27 Religious Point of View ...... 26 Bethel AME Church ------26 Roberta B. Johnson/Real Living Real Estate ----- 15 SPORTS Branford Hall Career Institute ------35 Shiloh SDA Church ------27 S Canaan Baptist Church of Christ ------27 SHINE Program ------20 Black Sports International ...... 31-32 S Family Church ------27 Solid Rock Community Baptist Church ------27 THE ARTS Freedom Credit Union ------9 SPHERE Consortium ------14 Artist Square Group Gallery ...... 17 Fresh Anointing Ministries COGIC ------27 Springfield Christian Bible Seminary ------27 Children’s Book Corner ...... 35 Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry ------10 Springfield Dept. of Health & Human Serv. ----- 10 Inhale Music < Exhale Life ...... 25 HCS Head Start ------8 Springfield Neighborhood Housing Serv. ------15 Home Inspections by Marco, LLC. ------15 Springfield Pediatrics, LLC ------15 Let’s Talk Urban ...... 28 Huntington Learning Center ------6 Springfield Technical Community College ------7 Mama’s Boyz ...... 3 Jeffrey’s Suit Rack ------30 STCC Diversity Council ------35 Pen & Ink ...... 29 Jesus Christ Enlightened Christian Bible Seminary 27 St. John’s Congregational Church ------26 Lewin’s Bridal ------15 Third Baptist Church ------27 GROUND FLOOR OPPORTUNITY READY MBC Realtors, LLC ------15 Trinity United Methodist Church ------27 MLK, Jr. Community Presbyterian Church ------27 Vibrations Hair Salon ------15 TO EXPLODE!! Macedonia COGIC ------27 Wesley United Methodist Church ------27 Make Money From Home MetroPCS ------36 Westfield State University ------21 Mount Calvary Baptist Church ------27 X-Bankers Check Cashing ------15 90 Billion Dollar Industry $even ways to get paid $$$ SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS Great training and assistance from success team members! Get Started Today For more information, contact 855-OG1GOLD (855-661-4653) or [email protected] No obligation! MAKE A FORTUNE ON THE WORLD’S 2ND MOST POPULAR DRINK !!! Golden Opportunity ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +# !" */ , "!,/,3 drug trade as long as the 13.5%, a clip that exceeds north continues consuming.” every other country in the b3,! !,i%&t/,-. s (Houston Chronicle , world except Qatar according December 25, 2011) to the International Monetary AF-AM NsuiEt toW have S her remains meeting room. SEAFOOD FRAUD Fund…. Ghana’s growth has n investigation by The exhumed and removed from IT OFTEN STARTS the cemetery under the pre - made the (African) nation of Boston Globe (January 1, I COULDN’T HELP WITH AN AURA OF A2012) revealed, through text that Steer was not Jewish 24 million Africa’s newest even though the church had BUT NOTICE LEGITIMACY DNA analysis, that 48% of couldn’t help but notice the middle-income country, join - voted to set aside a section of n a December editorial, The 187 seafood restaurants in contrast between the recent ing Namibia, Botswana and the cemetery for non-Jewish Wall Street Journal Massachusetts routinely serve Iclosing of Springfield’s Sitar I people who were not members (December 30, 2011) accused South Africa. Nigeria will fish that is not what the menu Indian restaurant on Main of the congregation. The sev - U.S. Attorney General Eric soon join them, economists says it is. As a result, cus - Street in downtown that fol - enty-two year old voted for Holder of playing racial poli - tomers pay for one variety and lowed the closing of several forecast.” the new section even though tics for invoking the section of are served less expensive ones. others in the area with the her lawsuit claimed that the the Voter Rights Act against Not surprisingly, the State burgeoning and bustling burial was against church South Carolina that requires IT’S NOT THE BLACK; Legislature ‘s Joint Committee restaurant industry in down - rules and even though two Justice Department approval on Consumer Protection and town Bridgeport that I wrote IT’S THE GREEN White non-Jewish people had Professional Licensure has about in last month’s front (“pre -clearance”) before cer - aryland’s historically purchased plots in the section tain states with a history of scheduled a public hearing to page article. Black colleges – Morgan address fish mislabeling in who were not included in her interfering with the right of M State University, Coppin State Massachusetts. How sad! lawsuit. The complainant, minorities to vote are allowed who had been overheard mak - LEGALIZATION! to change their election laws. University, Bowie State t a regional conference in ing derogatory racial remarks South Carolina’s new law, University and the University OIL, OIL AND Mexico, leaders of 11 about Steer, protested vigor - requiring voters to show a of Maryland Eastern Shore – LAatin American and MORE OIL! ously when the lawyer repre - particular type of state I.D., is or the first time ever, the Caribbean countries conclud - are suing the state of senting the church filed a similar to laws recently passed top export of the United ed that “the authorities in Maryland claiming its higher F court document alleging that in many other states, such as States is oil and for the first consumer countries should education commission devot - she filed the suit only because Indiana and Georgia , and time in more than 60 years it Speer was Black. (Sunday explore all possible alterna - ed millions of dollars over the is exporting (sending out of tives to eliminating exorbitant detractors say the laws reflect Republican , January 12, Republicans ’ efforts to reduce decades to “traditionally the country) more oil than it is 2012) profits of criminals, including importing (bringing into the regulatory or market options the minority vote. The Wall White institutions” and failed country), making some won - (decriminalization). Former Street Journal claims that to live up to a promise to pro - Holder’s action against South der why we don’t just keep SO SAD! presidents of Brazil, Mexico vide comparable funds to the o less a behemoth than Carolina is “…the grossest some of that oil we are send - and Colombia called for “the Black universities, thus ing to other countries and the Bank of America legalization of marijuana and kind of racial politics.” N depriving them of the oppor - lower our own gas and heat - charged with race discrimina - an overhaul of U.S. thinking Because we know our history, ing oil prices. You can bet the tion! To be fair, its on the 40-year drug war, we African Americans know tunity to recruit and retain answer is “profit.” Countrywide Bank unit, which has cost a trillion dol - better than to sit back and the best faculty and students which it purchased in 2008 lars by some estimates but has wait before questionable who preferred the better kept during the financial crises, behavior that has an aura of HARLEM’S done little to reduce supply White universities. The made housing loans to 20,000 and demand.” Presidents from legitimacy morphs into full “promise” was in settlement HISTORIC SHIFT African American and Bolivia to Mexico say that the blown racism. Go Holder! ccording to The Wall Hispanic customers before the U.S. government is “failing to of a 2006 court action in Street Journal , Harlem purchase at higher interest control the nation’s hunger which the Commission’s own mAay soon lose its African GHANA SOARS! and fee rates than it charged for narcotics, even as the U.S. study supported the Black American seat now that there n 2011, Ghana’s econo - to White customers with sim - politicians lecture Latin 6 are more Hispanics than my is forecast to grow Universities’ claims. ilar income and credit histo - America on how “I African Americans in Harlem, ries. Bank of America settled a to confront its GROUND FLOOR OPPORTUNITY READY which is in a Congressional complaint with the U.S. problems…” TO EXPLODE!! district that has been repre - Department of Justice for And Make Money From Home sented by Adam Clayton $335 million. ( U.S.A. Today , Nicaraguan Powell and Charlie Rangel for 90 Billion Dollar Industry December 21 , 2011) President Daniel seven decades. $even ways to get paid $$$ Ortega said, “All Great training and assistance from success team members! SO SAD! the money, SO SAD! he Greater Springfield regardless how Get Started Today For more information, contact fter Juliet Steer, an TNAACP called for the res - much it is mul - AAfrican American, was ignation of an Easthampton tiplied, and all 855-OG1GOLD (855-661-4653) or buried in a Jewish church City Councilor who said, the blood, no [email protected] cemetery in Colchester, “Where’s a Puerto Rican matter how Connecticut, a seventy-two when you need one,” after he much is spilled, No obligation! year-old White Jewish mem - and his White colleague were will not stop the MAKE A FORTUNE ON THE WORLD’S 2ND MOST POPULAR DRINK !!! ber of the church filed a law - accidentally locked out of a Golden Opportunity ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +# !" %0! "!,/,3 CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT WORKS continued from page 1 K-8 Discovery Magnet School construction site then in his own law practice while starting tors and downtown’s new residents . And, several side businesses before returning to money, he noticed, instead of flowing out the government in 2000 to work for the to the suburbs, began circulating within Bronx County Economic Development the downtown community and stayed Corporation . around long enough to make a difference. Eversley has very specific ideas about None of this small city transforma - what makes a city strong starting with its tion got by Eversley’s inquiring mind. To downtown. He believes that downtown is the contrary. And his level of appreciation the “front door” of a city and that the suc - was only enhanced by his big-city experi - cess or failure of downtown determines the ence. He came to appreciate how econom - success or failure of a city. It is the place ic development was so much more doable Developer Robert McCloud (left) and Mayor Bill Finch (right) outsiders use as a barometer for deciding in smaller cities, which made him that much more whether or not to visit the city and spend money . And susceptible to a city of Bridgeport employment City residents, he believes, have two neighborhoods, search for a Planning and Economic Development the one they live in and downtown , the latter of Director under the newly elected Mayor Bill Finch, which they will use only if it has the right mix of who was planning to energize the ongoing rebirth of attractions, including entertainment, jobs, a mix of Bridgeport. Eversley applied and beat out the compe - retail stores and adequate transportation. tition and, since 2008, has presided over Bridgeport’s He is particularly proud of Bijou Square, a once economic development progress in conjunction with almost completely destitute downtown area revived other key members of the Finch administration . by private developer Phil Kuchma, who led the way Eversley was born in Brooklyn after his parents for other entrepreneurs by renovating three old build - emigrated to the U.S. from Barbados. His mother ings in the Square, including the Bijou Theatre, was a school teacher and his father a civil engineer which now thrives as a banquet hall, and building a and, like him , his three siblings also earned profes - 180-tenant residential structure whose ground floor sional degrees as their parents expected they would. commercial area is now fully occupied with four His sister is a psychology professor, one brother an degree in African American Studies and psychology restaurants and four stores that provide 80 jobs. attorney and teacher and the other an engi - and securing a law degree from the University of Antinozzi Associates, an architectural firm that neer/sculpture. Pennsylvania School of Law, Eversley went to work in moved to Bridgeport from Stratford , against the After graduating from Brown University with a the private sector, first as a corporate attorney and continues to page 20 The adult education degree for transforming careers and communities • Bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in human services • Classes held two weekends per month • College credit for knowledge gained through life and work experience • Complete your degree in as little as 16 months • Small classes • Financial aid available • Classes begin September, January, and May Information sessions are scheduled throughout February and March. www.springfieldcollege.edu/shsspringfield (800) 727-0004 shsspringfield@spfldcol.edu Springfield College SCHOOL OF HUMAN SERVICES 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109 Founded in 1885, Springfield College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The Council for Standards in Human Services Education accredits the School of Human Services’ undergraduate program. ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!-%2 "!,/,3 EDUCATION FROM THE SUPERIINTENDENT’’S DESK

Dr. Alan J. Ingram, Ed.D., “IF WE ARE FACING IN THE RIGHT Superintendent of Springfield DIRECTION, . . .” Public Schools By Alan J. Ingram

elieve it or not, we are quickly inching closer We have made great strides in the right direc - school year. Work and play hard. Pledge to engage to the end of the school year. tion as a school district over the past several years. in the education process in a new way, whether it There has been an increase in student attendance means volunteering in your child’s school, spending BFor teachers, students and parents alike, it is and decrease in truancy. The number of core aca - 10 extra minutes making written comments on stu - not unusual for fatigue to begin to take its toll right demic courses taught by highly qualified teachers dent work or learning more about a club that inter - around this time. The holidays seem a distant mem - has increased, as has the school district’s perfor - ests you in your school. ory, the winter doldrums have set in, and this year , mance in ELA/reading, math and science and tech - Stay engaged and busy. Before you know it, there is no February vacation to provide a week for nology. The number of students sitting for college- spring will have sprung. 6 us to re-charge our batteries. oriented testing such as the SATs and However, as a community, we must continue to AP exams is also on the rise. And, com - push forward with energy, resolve and determina - bining all grades, Springfield Public tion. In the coming months, signs of spring will Schools ‘ MCAS performance outpaced begin to sprout around us – a symbol of new life and the state’s overall average gains in pro - endless possibilities. Let us continue to lift our faces ficiency or above in English Language towards that warm sun – even now as we may start Arts and math. to feel spent and wearied by the hustle and bustle of We are moving in the right direc - busy school days, the needs of our students or the tion and we must keep pressing for - many demands placed on our school district and ward! So, I urge all of you – parents, administrators. students, teachers and administrators – There is a saying that goes: If we are facing in to refresh and reinvigorate your com - the right direction, all we have to do is keep on mitment to teaching and learning as we walking. approach the last leg of the 2011-2012 PARENT & COMMUNIITY ENGAGEMENT Patricia Spradley is Chief Administrator AT THE HEART OF WHAT REALLY for Parent and Community Engagement, MATTERS: WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU? Springfield Public By Patricia Spradley Schools We , from time to time , forget beings, found in the basic structure of HEART is first focused on HIM, order (413) 787-6597 what’s important to us and , conse - who each of us are: our values and is established for everything else that alentine’s Day is this month, so quently, should be at the HEART of beliefs, our hopes and dreams, our ide - matters! let’s talk about matters of the what matters . We’ve become a society als and our passions. Next to our HEARTS we hold HEART. But let’s look at it seeking fulfillment in physical things We are what we value and what our ideals and our passions. And by fVrom the perspective of those things and tangibles so that often we over - we believe of ourselves. We are capable living every day we find meaning in that matter most to us. After all, what look the everyday gifts that bring us of as much or as little as we lead our - ourselves, meaning in our lives, and matters is what we focus on and what the greatest joys. We lose sight of sim - selves to believe. And taking stock of meaning in our HEARTS. We touch ple pleasures—clean air, ice cream, our lives is a good starting place. We we focus on we believe matters . others every day with our words, our Everywhere we go we are confronted good company, kind words, a helping have the gift of free-will to decide each actions, and with our joy and our grief. by things that are important—but to hand, leaves changing colors in fall, day, each hour, and each minute what And they in turn touch our HEARTS whom? What’s important to me may and quiet time. We take so many really is at the HEART of what mat - in similar ways . The world isn’t always not be important to you. We can ask things for granted and concentrate so ters. perfect but the choices we make are ourselves what’s important, but what much on things that really don’t mat - There is a natural (biblical) order does that really mean? What matter ter at all! of what should take priority in our ours alone, based solidly upon our val - does the importance of one thing have Something that seems to be at the lives—God (or belief in a higher ues and ideals. And subsequently we over another? Who decides what’s HEART of our focus one moment sud - being), You, Spouse, Children, Family have the responsibility to look at our - more important anyway? Does it denly loses its luster the next. Perhaps and Others. We tend to create our selves each day and ask ourselves who mean that what we consider impor - what’s truly important to each of us is own order which brings about confu - we are and what is it that’s truly tant may not really be important in simpler than we may believe. Perhaps sion and disarray in our lives. Simply important to each of us—at the the grand scheme of things? it lies at the foundation of each of our put , however, when our whole HEART of what really matters! 6 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +# !-! 0!) "!,/,3 EDUCATION EDUCATIION & HOPE Gianna Allentuck is words to express our devotion. should not be the product line of a vu with Cupid’s arrow connecting me an Adjustment Florists, restaurants, and jewelers alike greeting card company or candy man - with partners in hope each and every Counselor at Elias host Valentine’s specials that keep the ufacturer. The spirit and energy our day… From family and friends to Brookings School , economy of love in the black. Moms hearts pump forth, rather, should be Volunteer, Wife and doctors and nurses to colleagues and and Dads search the grocery shelves the essence of our daily living. The Mother. For questions students and community volunteers. or comments on uniting for the last batch of red and white cup - peace and hope of an open heart —our in hope, call (703) cakes for the day’s Valentine’s party; compass. Each one a reflection of my own 930- 0243 Teachers and Students fill makeshift In many ways, our hearts always heart —warm and inviting. mailboxes with handmade or store- have served as maps or metaphors for Compassionate and dedicated. bought valentines adorned with Hello our successes. Often we hear folks say - Peaceful and positive. United in our “WON’T Kitty to Snoopy; and Colleagues and ing, “she’s all heart” or “he’s got a efforts to serve our community. Staff fill the Staff lounge with pink huge heart” or “they won with heart.” frosted donuts speckled with red and Meaning the grandness of one’s heart I am blessed in my life in that my YOU BE white sprinkles. All scrambling to pre - can be more powerful than any skill or magic-markered shoebox that is the pare for Cupid’s visit. This “craziness” knowledge or material gifts bestowed mailbox of my life is almost always full of love usually lasts for a week or so. upon society. In my twenties, follow - with valentines; but I continuously MINE…?” Our hearts open long enough to let in ing a victory over cancer, I wrote a seek more partners in hope not only By Gianna Allentuck the reminders of why we love those we book called “Welcome to My Heart” do… that chronicled my journey with the for Elias Brookings School, but for the n the month of February, we cele - But what of our hearts the other disease, but, more importantly, paid city of Springfield. So please consider brate Valentine’s Day around 364 days of the year? Are we a shade tribute to all those who supported me this message as your red paper heart which we discuss hearts, flowers, colder in our morning hug or after - and opened their own hearts to me on the lace doily with the candy hearts Ilove and kisses. We cherish our rela - noon greeting? Are we less apt to seek along the way. glued in the middle. With your voice, tionships —old or new, family or out a new friend in the lunchroom? Throughout my battle and today presence, heart, and time at any school friends or spouses/partners. We focus Are we a smidge less confident in the still, my reality was hugs filled with on hearts —pink, red, yellow, purple. conference room because the air is void strength, healing hands filled with or community center, you will be the Big or small. Fancy or simple. We pur - of Valentine ‘s warmth? Of Cupid’s comfort, and hearts filled with love . ultimate valentine. chase scripted cards or write our own direction? The magic of our hearts My life a constant Valentine’s Day déjà Won’t you be mine…? 6 IINVENTOR OF THE MONTH Carroll G. Lamb is Executive WatchWatch Financial Aid TV!TV! Director of The Institute of Black Invention & Technology, Inc. 413-256-6407 www.tibit.biz MARSHALL G. JONES: HE NEVER GAVE UP Marshall G. Jones By Carroll G. Lamb project leader . During his 37 years Click to watch! with GE , he has received many awards on the STCCSTCC website to learn everythingeverything you need to any of us know about lasers for his scientific work . He has also knowknow about the FederalFederal & State Financial Aid process! from science fiction, such as been honored with humanitarian the Star Trek and Battlestar awards, particularly for his work with www.stcc.edu GMalactica series. Some people, howev - children. er, make their living from them. Marshall Jones was raised by an Marshall Jones , an international aunt and uncle on a duck farm on expert in laser technology, holds some Long Island . His father, who was in Or scan herehere to watch! 50 patents from the United States and the Navy, was not part of his life until 31 from other countries for his inven - Marshall was an adult. His mother tions affecting the use of lasers in var - moved to New York City to get a bet - ious applications. He is a member of ter job when he was three. Marshall’s Springfield TechnicalTechnical Community College the National Academy of Engineering uncle , a mentor of sorts, told the Exceptional Education. Proven Results. and a Coolidge Fellow at General youth: “When you grow up, work Electric Global Research , where he is a continues to page 8

1/12/12 African American Point of View Ad size: 5” x 6.25” Email ads to: [email protected], Marie Zanazanian; [email protected] Runs: FEBRUARY 2012 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +# !!%#$. "!,/,3 EDUCATION HARTFORD PUBLIIC SCHOOLS

Kevin McCaskill is DO YOU HEAR THE ALARM? Director of School Design of Hartford Public Schools PART II By Kevin McCaskill

ast month I wrote about the plight of our tic—that is , an educational system that meets the but piques their curiosity and encourages their young Black males. This issue is so pressing academic, social, and emotional needs of students, inquisitiveness , and programming that inspires that a Part II on that same topic is warranted. and, in particular, the needs of one of our most vul - them to succeed and makes them see that hard TLhe statistics, as you recall, are staggering and nerable demographic groups: young Black males. depressing. The numbers give us a sad indicator of This is especially vital during the middle school work, intellect and decorum are “cool” characteris - future prospects for some our young Black males. years. We must provide positive visions and exam - tics to have. This programming will work as a con - Last month’s article ended with a rhetorical question ples of positive Black manhood (an example being tinuation of the values that are present in school and of what can we do to stem the tide of this problem. Rites of Passage) and Blacks as professionals (i.e. involves linking community organizations with larg - As school systems across the country work at career days/fairs, job shadowing programs). er institutions such as health care providers, business break-neck speed to meet federal and state academ - Schools should provide appropriate activities in ic requirements (primarily state testing), very little is the form of athletics, the arts, music, and other areas sectors (i.e. insurance, banking, etc.), partnerships being done to meet the holistic needs of our young of interest that capture the imagination of these stu - with local colleges/universities, and local govern - Black males (as well as our young Latino males and dents, as well as showcase hidden talents that would ment. special education students). School programming not show up on a test. This holistic approach should Lastly, and certainly not least, parents must be has been so narrowed to obtaining skills to pass state continue through the high school years in the form part of the equation. Parents must work with tests across this fair country of ours, as opposed to of career exploration, mentoring within the career championing an education system that develops exploration, continued exposure to extra-curricular schools and community organizations to keep the inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills activities, and college-ready programming that is circle tight. As parents, we must continue to moni - which are paramount for success in today’s world. part of the culture of the school. Additionally, coun - tor the comings and goings of our boys, addressing Don’t get me wrong, testing is an important tool for seling services should be readily available to tend to and noting any changes that may affect their psyche assessing student acquisition of knowledge, facts, the social and emotional development of these and well-being. The sharing of information is and figures and we as educators must be accountable young males. for student outcomes. We need community programming that not paramount. We must leave no stone unturned. If we But we need school programming that is holis - only captures the attention of young Black males, all do our part, change will come! 6 MARSHALL G. JONES: HE NEVER GAVE UP continued from page 7 technology. Inspired by his roommate, Marshall with your mind, not just your hands. Do the best went on to the University of Michigan , from which you can in school. Then you will be successful and he received his degree in mechanical engineering. have a good life.” After working at Brookhaven National Laboratory Dr. Jones did not reach his level of achievement for several years, he entered UMass Amherst, and easily. Among the challenges he faced: earned a Master ’s in mechanical engineering (1972) • He was born tongue-tied, unnoticed at birth, and and a Doctorate (1974). Then Dr . Jones began his required an operation to fix the problem. tenure at GE, and works there still. • Young Marshall struggled with reading and Dr. Jones, the father of two, gives frequent spelling, and repeated fourth grade. talks at public schools , encouraging students to pur - sue science, technology, engineering , and mathe - • He wanted to be a pilot, but when it was learned matics through his demonstrations of lasers. He also that his eyesight was not perfect , this dream was exhorts them to develop a PLAN, which is an abandoned . acronym : • Although he was athletic —a teacher recom - • Plan and map out what you want to help you mended him for a wrestling scholarship to focus on your goals. Rochester Institute of Technology —Marshall • Learning should be a constant , as is adapting to tore knee ligaments and thus was no longer a change , both critical for a career in technology good candidate. development. Marshall excelled in math and science. • Attitude is a hallmark of success. Determined to go to college , he worked and took • Be Nice ; what goes around comes around. out student loans to pay for it. He graduated from Dr. Jones believes we can accomplish anything : Mohawk Valley Community College , in upstate “If you don’t try,” he says, “you’ll never know how New York, with a degree in mechanical engineering much you can do.” 6 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +# !)%)! "!,/,3 BUSINESS & FINANCE FIINANCIIAL “CENTS”

Walter D. WHEN SHOULD YOU START TAKING Woodgett can be reached at SOCIAL SECURITY 413-827-8383 By Walter D. Woodgett or talkincash@ reach 70. : YOUR EMPLOYMENT STATUS — If maximize your benefits. Remember comcast.net So, the question boils down to Eyou’re under full retirement age — that regardless of your Social Security this: Should you start collecting Social between 62 and 66 — then for every decision, you typically would have to two dollars you earn over $14,640 (in f you’re of a certain age, the new year Security early—thereby receiving pay a 10% early withdrawal penalty if means you’re that much closer to a smaller, but more numerous, checks— 2012), you’ll lose one dollar in Social you started taking withdrawals from day you may have anticipated with a or later, when your checks will be big - Security benefits. In the months before cIombination of humor and resigna - ger but fewer? you reach your full retirement age, for these accounts before you reach age tion—specifically, the day you’re eligible If you really need the money once every three dollars you earn over 59½. for Social Security. But just because you you reach 62, you’ve already got your $38,880 (again, for 2012), you’ll lose : YOUR SPOUSE/MARITAL STATUS — If can take Social Security, it doesn’t mean answer. But if you could potentially one dollar in benefits. But starting in you must take it. So, should you? afford to wait, we recommend you view the month you reach your full retire - Syou’re single, you basically just need Before we get to that question, your decision through a LENS: ment age, you can earn as much as you to think of yourself when making this let’s review the basic rules governing want without losing any benefits. decision. But it’s a different story if Social Security payments. You can typ - : YOUR PROJECTED LIFESPAN —You : YOUR NEED, INCLUDING YOUR you’re married. If you die first, your ically start collecting benefits at age 62, can’t see into the future, but given L OTHER SOURCES OF RETIREMENT spouse can keep receiving his or her but you’ll get only about 75% of what your family history and general health, N INCOME — If you have a pension, or you’d receive if you waited until your you can make an educated guess about own Social Security benefit or receive you’ve built substantial resources in “full” retirement age, which varies your projected longevity. If you’re fair - yours — whichever is larger. your IRA, your 401(k) or other according to your birth year but is most ly confident that, once you reach 66, Consequently, you and your spouse will employer-sponsored retirement plan, likely 66. You’ll get even bigger you’ve still got another two or more want to coordinate when you take and you can support your income needs monthly checks if you delay collecting decades in front of you, you may want with modest withdrawals from these Social Security benefits so that you can them until you’re past 66, and you’ll to consider delaying taking Social accounts, you might decide it’s worth - maximize the benefit for the spouse “max out” on your payments once you Security past age 62. while to delay taking Social Security to likeliest to live longer. 6 FIINANCIIALLY YOURS Samuel N. Wilson Jr., Certified Public IRS RELEASES ADJUSTMENTS TO 2012 Accountant, owns an accounting firm in Bridgeport, CT and is TAX NUMBERS an investment advisor. By Samuel N. Wilson Jr. He can be reached at samuel_wilson_cpa@ ment age, there is no earnings limit. 2012 maximum allowed for SIM - $3,100 for individuals and $6,250 sbcglobal.net or PLE plans remains at $11,500. If for families. 203-368-6086. • The “nanny tax” threshold increases you are 50 or older, you can con - FROM BRIDGEPORT, to $1,800 for 2012. If you pay Tax legislation could change these FROM BRIDGEPORT, household workers more than this tribute up to $22,500 to a 401(k) and $14,000 to a SIMPLE plan. and other important tax numbers at CONNECTIICUT amount during the year, you’re any time. Before making important responsible for payroll taxes. he tax law requires that certain tax • For 2012, the maximum amount business and personal financial deci - numbers be adjusted for inflation • The “kiddie tax” threshold is that can be contributed to a health sions this year, contact a professional each year. Here are some of the unchanged for 2012. If your child savings account (HSA) increases to for the latest rules. 6 2T012 tax numbers you’ll need to use as under age 19 (under age 24 for stu - you get started with this year’s tax plan - dents) has more than $1,900 of ning. unearned income this year (e.g., div - • The standard mileage rate for busi - idends and interest income), the ness driving remains at 55.5 ¢ per excess could be taxed at your high - mile for 2012. The rate for medical est rate. and moving mileage decreases from • The maximum individual retire - 23.5¢ per mile to 23¢ per mile. The ment account (IRA) contribution general rate for charitable driving you can make in 2012 remains remains at 14¢ per mile. unchanged at $5,000 if you’re • The maximum earnings subject to under age 50 and at $6,000 if you social security tax increases to are 50 or older. $110,100. The earnings limit for • The maximum amount of wages those under full retirement age is employees can put into a 401(k) $14,640. For those at full retire - plan increases to $17,000. The ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!. !) "!,/,3 HEALTH HEALTH MATTERS MEDIICAL MOMENT also might play a part in oral health. Dr. Shirley Jackson cause the body to retain too much salt, Anika C. Johnson, Besides regular professional dental Whitaker is a kidney and which leads to the body retaining PhD (c), MPH, CLC care, there are several things people can bladder specialist trained water. This water tends to leak out in the comprehensive eval - Hill Health Center do daily to maintain oral health includ - uation and treatment of into the interstitial tissue space where WIC Manager ing: high blood pressure, dialy - it becomes edema. There is also non- sis, electrolyte abnormali - pitting edema which is seen in prob - -Your Health • Brushing with fluorinated tooth - ties, bladder and urinary Is My Wealth- incontinence . lems involving the lymphatic system paste at least twice www.drshirleywhitaker.com or hyperthyroidism. With this type of • Flossing between each tooth SENIOR ORAL • Trying to eat snacks over a short What is edema? edema, there is no indentation of the period of time rather than a long skin when it is pressed. Q: From: Iris of Springfield HEALTH period My father was recently told he • Cleaning dentures or other oral By Anika C. Johnson Edema is the accumulation of had a “mini-stroke.” What appliances regularly Q: A: watery fluid in tissues of the does that mean? ood oral health allows us to ade - body commonly in the feet From: Sara B of Northampton quately smell, chew and swal - and legs which is called low. It also enhances speaking, peripheral edema. When “Mini-stroke” is a temporary Gtaste and even the way we communicate the fluid accumulates in A:interruption of blood flow to (i.e . facial expressions). For valid reasons, the lungs, it is called pul - the brain. It is also called a Transient most of the benefits, and even the educa - monary edema or “heart Ischemic Attack (TIA). The symp - tional materials, traditionally emphasize failure .” On a physical toms of the Mini-stroke/TIA are simi - children’s oral health. exam, if there is an inden - lar to those of a stroke. The difference It is important to educate young tation in the leg when it is is that a TIA does not cause perma - families about the value of oral health. pressed, this is called pit - nent damage to brain tissue like a Even though some dental benefits do ting edema. Systemic dis - stroke would. A TIA may recur. With not begin until children reach the age eases involving the heart, each TIA , there is an increased risk of of 2 or 3, some dental experts are advo - liver and/or kidney often 6 cating professional oral care at the sight a subsequent stroke. From a nutritional standpoint, of the first tooth! such foods as cheese have been known Although oral health advocacy in to be good for teeth. Low fat cheese early life is essential , optimal oral options, such as Monterey Jack, Sharp health in the later years is just as Cheddar and Swiss may protect teeth important . One important reason is from cavities. This occurs when there is that people in their later years are more an increase in saliva flow. Cheeses have susceptible to diabetes. Diabetics the ability to lower acid levels and they should take special care of their teeth. also contain calcium and phosphorus In Massachusetts , 14% of the elderly which helps keep tooth enamel healthy. have complete tooth loss (Better Oral Fluids are also important. Health Coalition for Massachusetts An individual produces up to a 2010). quart of saliva daily if enough fluids are One of the barriers for the elderly consumed. Saliva not only helps digest is access to oral healthcare . Often work- food but it protects teeth against tooth based dental coverage offers compre - decay. By clearing the sugars out of the hensive benefits, whereas government- mouth, it reduces the time plaque can based coverage offers more limited form around the mouth. Cheese, calci - benefits . Regardless , poor oral health um, phosphorus (and fluoride ) may also and lack of professional care (attention have a protective effect. to regular care ) can affect the quality of Dear Robust Reader, one‘s life resulting in pain or difficulty ometimes for optimal health to be eating . a reality we have to look at the Going back to the basics, dental Ssmaller details, like our teeth . The plaque , which produces cavities , hap - quality of our teeth can improve the pens when bacteria in your mouth is quality of our lives. mixed with sugar. Carbohydrates or sugary foods/drinks that contribute to Next month we will be discussing plaque build up include bread, milk, a way keep professionally tailored chips, fruits, candy, rice and soda. nutrition advice at your fingertips . Dental plaque sticks to the teeth and Please forward your thoughts, com - along the gum line. This mixture eats ments and ideas, as they are important away tooth enamel and causes tooth to me to: [email protected] decay. It should be noted that heredity attention: Anika 6 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +# !!'!0!) "!,/,3

The doors to the future open in March.

Baystate Medical Center’s expansion opens Friday, March 2. The magnificent new building features the Davis Family Heart & Vascular Center, with the most advanced heart and vascular technology available.

Privacy and comfort are redefined. A rooftop garden provides healing and rejuvenation. We’ve constructed every detail around the needs of our patients and families. In fact, our patients helped design the rooms.

You expect the best from us. We pride ourselves on delivering it. The doors to the future open in March, improving lives for generations to come.

baystatehealth.org/expansion For a Baystate heart and vascular specialist call 1-800-377-4325. ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.1!'0! "!,/,3 HEALTH COMMUNITY HEALTH MATTERS LATIIN@ GROOVE • 53% have high blood pressure diag - Doris Harris, Magdalena Gómez is Editor nosed in their family the Co-founder and Artistic Director of Prevention Specialist • 41% have diabetes in their family • 70% feel knowledgeable about Springfield’s first and Caring Health only Latin@ theater, Center, Inc. Doris stroke, however, 75% gave an incor - Teatro V!da. Ms. can be contacted at rect definition of stroke Gómez has been a dorhar - • 88% did believe that stroke would teaching artist for [email protected] have a high impact on the quality of over 35 years. their life HEART • The prevalence of high blood pres - A MATTER OF ASSOCIATION sure in African Americans in the Julia Ortiz United States is the highest in the INTERPRETATION interpreter by default versus a trained COMBATS STROKE world. By Magdalena Gómez interpreter, it may result in a violation Only 31 percent of African of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.” Right IN AFRICAN Americans know the warning signs of pringfield is a mecca of powerful to privacy in healthcare is a civil right. AMERICANS stroke and knowing the signs of stroke women who work for social change, is important as early intervention is and 43-year-old Julia Ortiz is no “Shoppers have customer service for DURING BLACK most critical in effective stroke care. Sexception. While juggling work and a complaints. Patients can demand Call 911 immediately at first sign of family, Ortiz has worked her way up to patient advocates and social workers HISTORY MONTH stroke. Warning signs include: graduate school “one course at a time.” when their legal rights are not being • Sudden numbness or weakness of She is currently getting her Master’s Submitted by Nikki Burnett , Regional applied. Many just don’t know it.” the face, arm or leg, especially on degree in Organizational Management Vice President, Health Equity Ortiz exemplifies how one person New England Region|Founders Affiliate , one side of the body; and Leadership at Springfield College. can make a difference. Until last year, American Heart Association|American • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking “Many people don’t realize that you can Stroke Association or understanding; go to college one course at a time; better The Area Health Education Center in • Sudden trouble seeing in one or to do it at a snail’s pace than not at all.” Springfield used to train about 60 frican Americans are twice as like- both eyes; A few years ago Ortiz needed a medical interpreters a year. Last year ly to have a first-ever stroke com- job and became a per diem interpreter. • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, when the Springfield-based training pared to Caucasians, and cardio- loss of balance or coordination; It was then she realized that at the core was terminated, Ortiz took action: “I vAascular disease, including stroke, is the • Sudden severe headache with no of all health disparities is the need for leading cause of death for African- known cause. comprehensive language access. “First I advocated for partnering with AHEC American men and women, killing nearly During February – when both want people to understand that an in the Berkshires, which remained 100,000 annually in the United States. Black History Month is celebrated and interpreter facilitates the communica - active. As a result of Ortiz’s advocacy, That is why during Black History American Heart Month is recog - tion process verbally, while a transla - the Berkshires AHEC hosted the train - Month and American Heart Month in tor works with written materials. They nized—the American Stroke associa - ing at Mercy Hospital last year and at February, the American Stroke tion offers a number of tools to prevent are entirely different fields and require Baystate’s Brightwood Health Center Association, which is a division of the and overcome stroke. Power To End very different skills.” American Heart Association, is work - Stroke is an education and awareness In 1996, the U.S. Congress enact - this year. “When you train with AHEC ing to bring light to these staggering campaign that embraces and celebrates ed the Health Insurance Portability you get six college credits and are statistics and provide the tools to edu - the culture, energy, creativity and and Accountability Act (HIPPA), assured that it is licensed and certified cate African-Americans on various lifestyles of African Americans. Live which was created to protect the civil by UMass Medical. Those credits ways they may reduce their risk for car - rights of patients, and which include better in seven easy steps and find out might encourage you to continue your diovascular disease. where you stand by taking the My Life the right to a professional interpreter education in the field. Not all pro - Stroke is a disease that affects the Check at and privacy at any health facility. Ortiz arteries leading to and within the brain www.powertoendstroke.org/mylifecheck is clear on the issues: “HIPPA gets vio - grams offer this. It’s important to and is the No. 4 cause of death of all You can also download a toolkit lated all the time. A patient’s right to research your program and be citizens in the U.S. Stroke is also a lead - for your place of worship at privacy is violated the moment anyone informed.” ing cause of disability. A stroke occurs www.powertoendstroke.org/tools-power-sun - other than a professional interpreter is Ortiz mentions a language access when a blood vessel that carries oxygen day.html . The power is in your hands to asked to facilitate a verbal exchange campaign that was created by the and nutrients to the brain is either prevent and overcome stroke, and the between the health care provider and blocked by a clot or bursts. When that American Stroke Association will pro - patient. This includes family members, Commonwealth of Massachusetts happens, part of the brain cannot get vide the information and tools to sup - friends, and any person other than a three years ago. “They were simple the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it port you every step of the way. trained interpreter. In our own city, I’ve PSA ‘s that were available in many lan - starts to die. For information on stroke call seen a janitor pulled aside in a hospital guages letting people know that it is African Americans are at greater 800-4-STROKE or go to and asked to interpret private patient one’s legal right to have an interpreter risk for cardiovascular diseases, includ- www.strokeassociation.org . For more infor - information.” for health care. What happened to ing stroke, than any other ethnic mation on the American Stroke Ortiz explains: “There are health group. Cardiovascular diseases are the Association’s Power To End Stroke practitioners as well as patients who those commercials? I want to know.” leading cause of death for African campaign visit don’t know the HIPPA laws fully. Yo tambien quiero saber. (I also Americans. In fact: www.powertoendstroke.org . 6 Whenever anyone is functioning as an want to know. The Editor) 6 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.$%,.!! ) "!,/,3 COMMUNITY COMMUNIITY PERSPECTIIVES ‘REVERSE RACISM’ DOES NOT EXIST, THE ‘RACE Rev. Talbert W. Swan, II is Pastor CARD’ IS NOT IN THE DECK AND ‘POST RACIAL of The Spring Of Hope Church Of AMERICA’ HAS NOT BEEN BUILT YET God In Christ By Reverend Talbert W. Swan, II “racists” or “race-baiters.” These are Over the past few months, the actions racist were the true racists. The (This is a 4-part series that will con- concepts that do not exist, yet are NAACP and I have been accused of comments made by Easthampton City tinue in the March, April and May touted as fact each time an issue con - being racists for having the audacity to Councilor Donald Cykowski, which issues of Point of View) cerning race comes to the forefront in take a stand against racism. It ‘s almost inferred that all Puerto Ricans were Dear Pioneer Valley, the valley. as if our accusers live according to criminals, weren’t racist –those of us Only if you relegate racism to a some fantasy that if you don’t say who called the remarks racist, asked concept that only occurs in the mind or “racism” out loud, it will cease to exist. lease, stop using bankrupt and the city council to censure Cykowski or meaningless terms like “reverse in the construct of a video game and Therefore, those of us who say it out called for his resignation were the true racism,” “race-baiting,” “the race pretend that there is, and has always loud, which has been termed, “playing racists. Pcard” and “post-racial!” There are no been , universal equality, can you the race card,” have somehow become such things! We do not live in a “post- declare the actions and desires of the racists and in some twisted way, are Let me suggest that if you have racial” America. There’s no place that oppressed people banding together to “benefitting” from the pervasiveness of somehow managed to convince your - fits that description, especially not here fight racism as morally identical to the racism. self that those who fight racism , and in the Pioneer Valley. We do not live in actions of their oppressors. Only when So, the three young men that not those who hold racist views and act a “post-racial era,” white folks are not the actions of historically oppressed burned the Macedonia Church of God on them, are the ones keeping racism victims of “reverse racism,” the deck of people and those of their historical in Christ to the ground in Springfield alive and well in the valley, you are cards we have all been dealt has no oppressors are detached from the con - because they were angry that Barack confused and are in dire need of a his - “race card” in it and neither civil rights ditions of their emergence and given Obama, a black man, was elected tory lesson. 6 activists, such as myself, nor civil rights an abstract description can they be President of the United States weren’t organizations, such as the NAACP , are made interchangeable. racists –those who dared call their TO BE CONTINUED IN MARCH COMMUNIITY IINFORMATIION THE Y AND DUNBAR: AN HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP FOR OUR COMMUNITY Community to Benefit from 260 Years of Innovation pringfield – Springfield’s Mason “The Y has been serving the of Mason Square and beyond,” says programs and opportunities that Square neighborhood is about to greater Springfield region for 160 Victor Woolridge , Board Chair, acknowledge and respect the heritage experience the benefit of 260 years years,” says Kirk Smith, President & Dunbar Community & Family Center. of the African-American culture. Sof providing opportunities for youth CEO, YMCA of Greater Springfield. “On behalf of the Dunbar Board, its “Ever since the days of exclusive development, healthy living and social “And Dunbar has been serving Mason staff, alumni, members and supporters, African-American YMCA’s back in the responsibility. Recently, the YMCA of Square for nearly a century. It makes I want to express our deep appreciation late 1800s and early 1900s, the Y has Greater Springfield and Dunbar sense to bring together the best of both to all of the funders who have commit - been celebrating diversity and encour - Community Center entered into a col - organizations to better meet the educa - ted to stand beside us and provide pre - aging participation from families of dif - laborative agreement designed to tional, health, and overall wellness cious resources during these difficult ferent backgrounds,” says Smith. “The strengthen community services for the needs of our families who live here. ” times. I’m confident that with their same is true for Dunbar. We are proud youth, families and seniors in Mason The collaboration was made possi - support, the support of the community, to say that two organizations once sep - Square. ble with the support of five major and the strong collaboration that we’ve arated by society are being brought The Dunbar Community & donors , without whom Dunbar’s vital forged with the YMCA, that the histo - together for one purpose: to provide Family Center will continue to pursue services to the Mason Square commu - ry and legacy of the Dunbar will be opportunities for youth development, Dunbar’s longstanding mission to sup - nity likely would have ceased : the preserved for future generations.” healthy living and social responsibility port, educate, protect and extend Amelia Peabody Foundation, Baystate Historically, Mason Square has opportunities and services to those who Health, Irene E. and George A. Davis been a predominantly African- to more members of our community, may be vulnerable and underserved , Foundation, Massachusetts Mutual Life American neighborhood and since regardless of their cultural, racial, eth - and will have the added benefit of the Insurance Company and the United 1812 Dunbar’s programs and services nic and socio-economic backgrounds.” Y’s deep-rooted understanding of the Way of Pioneer Valley. have reflected the culture, heritage and In the days ahead, there will be a challenges and needs facing men, “Starting from its founding days traditions of the community. In fact, series of events and opportunities to women and children from a vast array as a ministry of the Saint John’s the organization was created based on a introduce more area residents, busi - of cultural, racial, ethnic and socio-eco - Congregational Church by Rev. Dr. need to specifically support those who nesses and community leaders to the nomic backgrounds and its innovative William N. DeBerry, the Dunbar felt disenfranchised from other com - partnership and illustrate what the and proven approach to meeting those Community Center has been commit - munity organizations. Likewise, the Y Dunbar Community & Family Center needs . ted to serving the needs of the residents has long been committed to providing will bring to Mason Square. 6 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!"* /, .!! ) "!,/,3 COMMUNITY INFORMATION UNITED WAY OF PIONEER VALLEY ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY United Way of Pioneer Valley IMPACT FUNDING Strategic Funding Focused On Making An Impact On Community Needs pringfield – The United Way of the Pioneer process never lost sight of the objective and SValley has completed a two-year process that remained true to UWPV’s mission and values. The began with an assessment of community needs results: and culminated in the awarding of $2.1 million in • 52 organizations will share in $2.1 grant fund - funding for three Community Building Blocks: ing that will span 18-months (January 2012 Education, Income and Health. According to Dora through June 2013). D. Robinson, President and CEO of the 90-year • Community partners receiving funding in this old UWPV, “This is indeed a proud moment for an cycle are diverse in terms of size, location, com - organization whose mission is to mobilize people munities served, leadership, and scope of ser - and resources to strengthen our communities.” vices. A Request for Proposal (RFP), issued in July According to the United Way’s Sr. Vice 2011, clearly articulated the organization’s fund - President of Community Impact Sylvia deHaas ing priorities and criteria with a focus on measur - Phillips, additional grant funding opportunities able outcomes and indicators. The review process was volunteer-driven and staff-supported. The 22 are available in the areas of basic needs and emer - grant review team members represented a cross- gency services; disaster relief, recovery and section of volunteers from the community includ - rebuilding funding; small grants, capacity build - ing representatives of private industry, nonprofits, ing and pro-active grant making. health, education, and government from across the Pioneer Valley. GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. Overseeing the review process was the LIVE UNITED® Community Impact Committee to make sure the www.uwpv.org 6 REBUILDING TOGETHER ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS 20th Annual “National Rebuilding Day,” Saturday, April 28th

pringfield – Rebuilding Together is currently HAMPDEN BANK AND THE CARING HEALTH CENTER Saccepting new applications from low-income ANNOUNCE GRANT PARTNERSHIP OF $100,000 homeowners in the city of Springfield. On Saturday, April 28th, the nonprofit Springfield, MA affiliate of OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS Rebuilding Together will celebrate its 20th annual pringfield – The Caring Health Center, the highest level of health care to those who are chal - “National Rebuilding Day”. This year Rebuilding Sonly freestanding, community controlled lenged by socio-economic, linguistic and cultural Together will complete 15 home repair projects with healthcare center serving the southwest area of barriers. 500-1,000 volunteers in just one day! The 200 affili - Springfield, Massachusetts, and Hampden Bank Since1852 Hampden Bank has been “bright - ates nationwide will complete 8,000 homes with entered into a partnership that would give ening the days’ of its customers. A local communi - 250,000 volunteers on this day . $20,000.00 over the next 5 years to the Caring ty bank serving the families and businesses This year the focus will be on tornado dam - Health Center. A spokesman from the Caring throughout Hampden County, Hampden Bank aged homes, however this is not a requirement to Health Center stated, “We would like to extend has ten branch office locations in Springfield, apply. According to FEMA, the long-term recovery our deepest gratitude to everyone at Hampden Agawam, Longmeadow, West Springfield, from the series of tornadoes on June 1, 2011 is esti - Bank for aiding us in our continued battle to pro - mated to be 18-24 months. In Springfield alone a Wilbraham, at Tower Square in downtown vide the people of Springfield with the healthcare total of 1,600 homes sustained damage and 220 were Springfield and Indian Orchard. In addition to that they need.” condemned. A total of 25% of the homeowners did offering the most up-to-date banking services, The Caring Health Center provides primary not have insurance and still more had inadequate Hampden Bank offers clients a full array of insur - and preventative care for all ages, also focusing on insurance. disease prevention through patient screenings, ance and financial products through its subsidiary, The initiatives of the program focus on pro - immunizations, family planning, nutrition educa - Hampden Financial, a strategic alliance created viding safety, security, and independence to its recipi - tion, and treatment of chronic diseases such as with the MassMutual Financial Group. ents, while preserving home ownership and reducing hypertension, diabetes, and sickle cell anemia. The The Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation the risk of homelessness. To see if you qualify and mission of the Caring Health Center is to work was established in 2007 to provide grants to non- receive an application, to sponsor, volunteer or within the community to provide health, to care profit and community—based organizations donate, contact Rebuilding Together at: 413-788- for the ill, to comfort the sick, and to bring the throughout Western Massachusetts. 6 0014 www.rebuildingtogetherspringfield.org 6 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +# !"%".!!) "!,/,3 PPRROOFFEESSSSIIOONNAALL SSEERRVVIICCEESS BABIEZ R WEE SPRINGFIELD PEDIATRICS, LLC We Learn, We Play, WE Care Maria Ethel Evales, MD, FAAF  Ms. Stephanie Bruce 2 Daycare Provider , !1.,!!./%.! Indian Orchard, MA +,%)#"%!' 413-777-1389 Newborns through Age Twenty

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Hablamos Español Office: (413) 886-0010 Fax: (413) 886-0011 925 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 Maher & Migdalia Khatib [email protected] Owners

Hair Care Center “Where Beauty is in Motion” 120 Boston Road Springfield, MA (413) 731-7001 Tuesdays - Saturdays 9:30am - 9:30pm SPECIALIZING IN ALL PHASES OF HAIR  Chemical Relaxer  Scalp Treatments X-BANKERS, Inc. Other CT Locations  Weaving  Hair Coloring Bridgeport, CT 31 Church Street,   Braids Design Cutting Locations New Haven Affirm Products  Dudley Products 875 East Main Street 60 South Main Street 966 Main Street Waterbury 1245 Main Street 135 Connecticut Ave. 1358 Boston Avenue Norwalk ",%)(!,%)+*%).*" 0%!1 +#!-%2.!!) "!,/,3 BUSINESS & FINANCE BUSIINESS & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Larry Martin, Editor, are the norm, beginning with employ - is Business Services ee development. Large companies who and Special Projects have achieved “economy of scale” and Manager at Regional can invest in entry-level employees are Employment Board of Hampden County rare. Gone are the jobs where if you did Inc. (“REB”) not have a high school diploma , you [email protected] could knock on the door of the human www.rebhc.org resources of a large manufacturer to THE CHALLENGES get a job as a production worker. In fact, you will be hard pressed to find a OF SUPPLY AND human resources department these DEMAND IN days with this function being central - ized to out-of-state offices and applica - WORKFORCE tions being accepted online only! DEVELOPMENT This is a demand driven market with employers wanting applicants By Larry Martin who can “hit the ground running” and “immediately contribute to the bottom t is a buyer ‘s market out there when line” or “have proven” experience and it comes to job opportunities and the other euphemisms that say one employers (demand) are the ones thing –no room for entry level candi - dIoing the buying. In basic economics, if dates. In a demand market with an you have an over-supply of a product or oversupply of labor, these things can be service, demand dictates that prices will expected. However, a paradox exists fall and competition within the supply with employers also denying employ - chain will increase. In other words, ment opportunities to applicants who wages will decrease and competition for have the prerequisite experience , but jobs will increase. During the “good have been unemployed for a period times” when manufacturing and con - greater than six months. In some struction were the leading industry sec - instances, employers only want to hire tors and the services sectors were trailing individuals who are presently as a distant runner-up, a point of equi - working –unemployed need not apply ! librium would normally be established Ironically, wages have been reduced on the supply/demand curve. Large significantly while requiring college organizations and dominant industry degrees or five years experience at a leaders would take a role in growing minimum. their entry-level workforce through However, as I mentioned earlier, internal training programs. New busi - in supply and demand, equilibrium ness entrants to the market would also will be achieved. As the economy slow - see the value of investing in their work - ly recovers (and it is slowly recovering), force as a key to their success in gaining job vacancies for high demand occupa - market share. During these times , voca - tions, flat population growth and the tional schools would “prime” the con - workforce getting older , employers will struction apprentice and technical soon face job vacancy issues and the worker pipeline with the traditional equilibrium will shift to supply. schools, continuing to focus on students who were heading to college or other It all balances out in time. post-secondary training. A new job opportunity came Thanks to technology innovations across my desk as I composed this arti - and the North American Free Trade cle. Agreement (NAFTA), the manufac - turing sector has been in a sharp Career Opportunities at Comcast – decline since the late 1980s. The con - Enfield Call Center, Enfield, CT. struction industry’s decline came later, Technical Customer Account and like the “dot.com bubble ,” plum - Executives and Billing Customer meted during the housing market col - Account Executives. Please apply lapse. Now, we are in a “service” based online at economy with manufacturing and con - www.Comcast.com/Careers . The struction as runners-up. Businesses are applicant will be required to take a running lean and cost cutting measures online customer service assessment. 6 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!-!0 !).!!) "!,/,3 COMMUNITY FOCUS Jamina Scippio- McFadden is a member of the Mass “CONNECTING Communications facul - ty at Fort Valley State University (Georgia) COMMUNITIES and does communica - tions and marketing FOR A CAUSE” consulting. She is a free By Jamina Scippio-McFadden lance writer for POV. or thousands of New Englanders living with can - attending a breakfast and watching a cer and the people who support them, the impact movie on the opening weekend, but of the illness is not limited to a certain time of the you’re supporting people and families yFear. Living with cancer becomes a family affair that affected by cancer.” impacts everything from family finances to family gath - The cause is personal for erings. Friends often provide additional support giving C.H.A.I.N.’s Turner-Cole, a New the person affected a sense of community. Haven Police Officer. In 2001 when she It was this sense of community that led Kelly was diagnosed with Stage III Breast Turner-Cole to start the C.H.A.I.N. Fund, Inc. The Cancer, unlike many of the cancer organization helps individuals who can’t work due to patients she met , Turner-Cole was over - cancer-related issues pay their bills . One of the ways whelmed with support from family, C.H.A.I.N. raises funds is through its signature event friends and coworkers. After seeing “Breakfast and a Movie” (BAM). others battle cancer but without the Longtime readers of POV may recall an article abundance of resources, Turner-Cole about the group a few years ago (“Links of a Chain” knew she had to do something. Her by Vern Mitchell, July 1, 2009, in his A Connecticut passion led to the creation of the Flava ’ column ). Since that time, the New Haven, CT- C.H.A.I.N. Fund , Inc. and ultimately based organization has expanded into the Metro- the “Breakfast and a Movie ” event —a Atlanta area. Now C.H.A.I.N. is entering the fundraiser that has grown from about Greater Springfield market. 300 to over 1,000. “We’re excited to be able to provide services to The February 25th “Breakfast and residents in Springfield,” Turner-Cole told members a Movie” event will occur in three dif- from the St. John’s Congregational Church’s Sisters ferent states (Connecticut, Georgia and in the Spirit Women’s Ministry . SJCC Sisters in the Massachusetts) at the same time. In Spirit is partnering with C.H.A.I.N. to present the Springfield, doors open at 8am at the or at St. John’s Church (643 Union Street ). For more February 25th “Breakfast and a Movie ” event. Entertainment Cinemas at Springfield Plaza on St. “I attended a ‘Breakfast and a Movie ’ event over James Avenue . The featured film is Tyler Perry’s information about the Springfield “Breakfast and a a year ago,” said Helen Gates-Bryant who is coordi - “Good Deeds ,” a film scheduled to open the day Movie” and the C.H.A.I.N. Fund, visit nating the Springfield event. “Not only are you before. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online www.thechainfund.com . 6 THE ARTS ARTIIST SQUARE GROUP GALLERY Rosemary “Tracy” lthough April using diverse artistic mediums. Woods is the Gallery is National Even in this economy, con - Manager of Artist Jazz Month, sumers are investing in and buy - Square Group Ain celebration of ing originals and prints and Gallery and owner of Black History there’s no better time to start Art for the Soul Gallery. She can be Month, Artist your collection. Come in and reached at 413-301- Square Group learn about the art of collecting 6314 . Gallery is offering a art through a workshop that will special on this great be conducted by Dolores Howard HONORING THE jazz piece by local in the near future . Also, classes in artist and former water colors will be coming soon. LONG, CREATIVE teacher, Paul We are looking for seniors to Midura . The sale gallery sit and students who want TRADITION OF will last until the to do an internship. The business JAZZ AND end of March. of Art offers many opportunities. Artist Square Musicians playing in Preservation Hall, Stop in and learn more. We are RHYTHM & Group Gallery is New Orleans, Louisiana - Acrylic on canvas, 30”x40” located on the 2nd floor of Tower proud to exhibit the work, contact me for information Square in downtown Springfield. BLUES MUSICIANS works of local artists. If you are a local about joining this group gallery. We Call 413-301-6314 for additional 6 By Rosemary Tracy Woods artist and are looking to exhibit your are also looking for quilters and others information. ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!!%#$.!!) "!,/,3 AArroouunndd TToowwnn && ......

Daughter, Shadae (left), Son, Perren, and Daughter-in-law, Ayanna Crawford of the YMCA lights the Kinara candles during Letesha (right), gave a surprise 40th Wedding Anniversary party Kwanzaa ceremony with assistance from children of the Center for their parents, Henry M. Thomas III and Devonia (Dee) After School Program Thomas at the MassMutual Center.

Beauté Within celebrates the new year with a Pre-New Year’s Eve Bringing in 2012 at “The Hands in the Air” Extravaganza pre - celebration , “Girl’s Night Out” sented by Black Lotus Entertainment at Cedars Banquet Hall are from left: Marjorie and Rick Hurst, Willette Johnson and Hugh Anderson, Pat and Willie Spradley and Emurriel and Buford Holloway

Wesley United Methodist Church held their 30th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast. From left: Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Scholarship Committee Chairperson Adrienne Caulton, 2012 Scholarship Recipient Brittney Marie Gonzalez, Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. Fred A. Allen, National The City of Springfield celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birth - Director of Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century, day with a flag raising and program with keynote speaker, Wesley Pastor Rev. Joyce Whetstone, and Mistress of Ceremonies Mayor Setti Warren of Newton, MA . Helen Caulton-Harris , Commissioner Springfield Division Health and Human Services ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 + #! )%)!.!! ) "!,/,3 ...... IInn TThhee CCoommmmuunniittyy

April Robinson and her 5th grader class at Martin Luther King The Springfield Boys and Girls Club Family Center Lyrics 4 Life Jr. Charter School spearheaded a canned food drive for the needy performing arts group during a recent performance

Keynote Speaker Springfield City Councilor Bud Williams and The Springfield Pastor’s Council celebrated their annual Martin Bethel A.M.E. Pastor Angelo Dawson with young people at Luther King Jr. Memorial Service at Third Baptist Church Martin Luther King Jr. celebration

The Brianna Fund For Children with Physical Disabilities held their 14th Annual Gospel Concert featuring from left : Co-Master The Freedom Choir performs during the 8th Annual Martin of Ceremonies Reverend JP Morgan Jr., pastor of Holy Trinity Luther King Jr. Family Services program, “Walking In His COGIC; 3 Tenors in the Spirit : Rev. Dr. Mark Flowers, pastor of Footsteps” at the Eastfield Mall Mt. Calvary Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Atu White, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church; and Rev. Bernard Penn, pastor of Hope 7th Day Adventist Church. $15,000 was raised to help support needs of the 2012 Brianna Fund Angels, Malachi Lockett Jones and Aniya Lee Woodall ",%)(!,%) +*%).*"0%!1 +#!.1!).3 "!,/,3 CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT WORKS continued from page 5 neighborhoods . He has placed particular emphasis on advice of many skeptics , relocated to a second store the East End, a primarily African American neighbor - location in Kuchma’s property in Bijou Square, a for - hood. The city’s blight unit, made up of some of the mer dance hall, and is thriving . approximately 40 employees under Don’s charge, has Another architectural firm, Eversley revealed, is been especially aggressive in dealing with cleaning up about to relocate its 60 employees to downtown vacant lots and blighted properties through a concen - Bridgeport in a former bank building, one that fled trated program to counter what property owners can - the floundering city ten years ago for Sheldon, not or will not do. As a result, the deterioration of the Connecticut. New Haven’s Cask Republic restaurant struggling East End neighborhood, which long ago is opening a branch on the ground floor of the same lost its major commercial base and which still has building, whose upper floors are filled with residential other problems, has been reversed and is now attract - tenants, and will be brewing its own brand of beer on ing businesses, enjoying improved parks and a new site. The principles of Stamford’s Saltwater Grill fishing pier that connects it to the waterfront.

Photos of the completed K-8 Discovery Magnet Elementary School constructed as a regional effort by the McCloud Group closed it and are in the process of opening a new Eversley is particularly pleased by the progress at Finch not only works with other cities on various pro - restaurant in Bridgeport . It is nothing unusual, the Steel Point Harbor waterfront project located just jects, Eversley said, but he is also attracting younger Eversley noted. In the last two years, downtown across the harbor from downtown, a 50-acre former - talent to Bridgeport, young professionals who can Bridgeport has become home to at least two dozen ly decrepit residential and manufacturing waterfront live for a fraction of the cost of living in New York new, thriving multi-cultural restaurants and a trea - property that is on the development fast tract. A and Connecticut suburbs and who can easily access sure trove of retail businesses. developer is in place, site development has begun , New York through Bridgeport’s modernized trans - Creative development of downtown residential and a special code district invoked to expedite occu - portation system or simply become part of housing, he said, has been a significant part of the pancy. It will certainly become a booming, mixed-use Bridgeport’s employment market . engine for commercial regeneration. Bridgeport’s development and the pride of Bridgeport. Eversley finds smaller cities like Providence, “adaptive reuse of older downtown commercial build - Bridgeport, Eversley is quick to point out, pro - Rhode Island, Springfield, Massachusetts and ings by reprogramming them for different purposes vides an affordable location in a very expensive part of Bridgeport, Connecticut “interesting to work in from which they were built ” is a signature accom - the state. Its costs of housing and industrial space is because you can make major, block-by-block differ - plishment. As a result a half dozen such buildings much lower than surrounding communities; yet, it is ences and it becomes easier as you go.” In Bridgeport, have been converted to residential with commercial well placed via highway, rail and water to make it in particular, he observed, “Where new blood and dif - on the ground floors and another half dozen are in the attractive to folks who are looking for a lower cost of ferent ideas are valued, there is no ‘800 pound goril - pipeline. Subsequently, residential demand has doing business. la ’.” No one entity is big enough to run the city alone attracted retail supply and, as a consequence, And, thanks in great part to Mayor Finch, which makes for more cooperation and less parochial - Bridgeport’s downtown is humming with activity. regionalism is catching on. People are more willing to ism . While Don , through his expertly staffed office , work in one city and live in another of which Eversley Don Eversley, a New Yorker and major player in has remained focused on revitalizing downtown, he is living proof . There is much more commuting the reinvention of Bridgeport, Connecticut, appears has not ignored the Mayor’s charge to attend to the between cities and within Connecticut itself. Mayor to have been an excellent pick . 6 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.1 !).3* )! "!,/,3 OUR LOVE Azell Cavaan is a journal - nary bypass if they’re married. This month at Westfield: ist who has written for But none of us want to test the newspapers and magazines throughout the US and veracity of that. abroad. If you have an This Valentine’s Day forget the “Women and Holy War interesting love story or jewelry (okay, maybe in addition to in World History” know of someone who does, David J. Hay, Associate Professor contact Azell at jewelry ) and show your love for your Azell@honeybeepublicrela sweetheart by coming up with a plan FEBRUARY 21, 7:00PM tions.com . to take better care of your heart and Scanlon Banquet Hall theirs . Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you must run five miles a day or com - Abolished Memories A HEALTHY pletely swear off Aunt Vera’s fried Stass Shpanin chicken. Subtle changes can be signifi - FEBRUARY 2-MARCH 10 ARTIST RECEPTION: KIND cant and couples who embark on FEBRUARY 2, 5:30-8:00 PM healthier habits together not only Downtown Art Gallery OF LOVE build stronger hearts, but stronger By Azell Cavaan bonds. There’s no better place than your s our thoughts turn to love this kitchen table to get started. A “The Blank Curtain”, 2011 This exhibit is made possible through a grant Valentine’s Day and couples cozy Northeastern University professor from Institute of Museum and Library Services. up with fine wines and fancy recently helped develop an African Achocolates, let’s think about the dia - Heritage Diet Pyramid. The pyramid mond that is most precious not only on is a new twist on an old idea of health February 14 th but year round – a and nutrition and it’s filled with foods All events are free & open to healthy heart. we love to eat – greens, yams, nuts and the public unless otherwise noted. more. Romantics have long said that food can be an aphrodisiac, so stock up on new heart- For the most up-to-date schedule of events please visit: westfield.ma.edu healthy recipes and turn up the heat! And there is just no getting around it: you GROUND FLOOR OPPORTUNITY must exercise if you are READY TO EXPLODE!! going to adopt a heart- Make Money From Home healthier lifestyle. Actually, why would 90 Billion Dollar Industry you not want to? Exercise has been tout - $even ways to get paid $$$$ Great training and assistance from success team members! ed to do everything from treat depression to improve memory, with the power to cure a host of problems while preventing even more. It’s okay if you’re not ready to hit the gym. The greatest gift you can give Just grab your man or woman by the your boo is a promise to take care of hand and head out for brisk walk. your health as best you can and to help Some fitness experts say walking is them do the same. For black couples, perhaps the best form of exercise such a pledge is especially meaningful. because it not only reduces stress and According to the U.S. Department of lowers blood pressure, but also releases Get Started Today Health and Human Services, African endorphins which exhilarate the mind For more information, contact American adults are more likely to be and quite simply make you feel oh-so- diagnosed with coronary heart disease, good! 855-OG1GOLD (855-661-4653) or and more likely to die from heart dis - So this Valentine’s Day I encour - [email protected] ease. Interestingly, a separate study age couples to not only celebrate your recently revealed that patients have love for each other but also the health, No obligation! higher survival rates following coro - vitality and, prayerfully, the longevity MAKE A FORTUNE ON THE WORLD’S 2ND MOST POPULAR DRINK !!! of your hearts . 6 Golden Opportunity ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.1 !).3.1* "!,/,3 MOROCCO: A COUNTRY IN TRANSITION? FEATURE: By Nikol Payen, Assistant Professor English Department, Westfield State University orocco , the name alone con - hefty splash of “bling” and heavy black an inadequate transportation system. bodyguards in jures up an exoticism for kohl-lined eyes prove neither Paris nor This is not his first reform effort. tow. He travels which droves of tourists make New York holds the monopoly on In 1993 , King Muhammad VI spear - extensively tMhe pilgrimage each year to experience. style. headed the construction of Hassan II throughout the So it’s of little wonder that I found As for the traditionalists, the Mosque, an exquisite and majestic country with his myself there last summer battling the Jallaba , an over-garment, remains the architectural masterpiece built partly wife, a Moroccan harsh rays of a merciless desert sun. preferred choice to maintain modesty on water. The project, which cost a of Arab descent Sandwiched between Algeria and and the respectful gaze of men. For whopping $800 million and took ten from the intel - Western Sahara in North Africa (or those of the secular persuasion—most - years to complete, attracted engineer - lectual class with Nikol Payen Maghreb ), it is enshrouded with an air ly teen girls—only painted on jeans ing students and Islamic scholars whom he has two children, a two-year- of mystique. Its rich history of con - and slinky tanks will do. The elders, worldwide to lend their talents. It is old daughter and four-year-old son, quest and colonization , first by the now the minority since the average the second largest mosque outside of Hassan III, heir to the throne. But in a Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and then Moroccan is under thirty years of age, Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Oddly, even with country where a vibrant Parliament the French is evident in both the phys - represents the needs of the people, is a ical landscape and the culture. If not monarchy an anachronistic appendage for the strait of Gibraltar, the northern to government ? tip of this ancient land would kiss Rabat is a lovely city where southern Spain, one of its last coloniz - medieval castles stand in stark contrast ers. As social, economical and political with Spaniard and French inspired winds of change blow throughout the architecture. There’s electricity in the Arab world, Morocco, upon first blush, air on this hot afternoon. With seems indifferent. But traveling Ramadan only days away, most folks throughout the country’s Northern are preoccupied making final prepara - Atlas reveals another story, one that tions for a long month of fasting. But the average Moroccan would rather others can only focus on the more dismiss. Despite its denial, Morocco urgent matter at hand: jobs. Ironically, remains a country in transition—one http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog the Mausoleum of Mohammad V, that is clutching old world values while grandfather to the current king, and meeting new world needs. Mausoleum of Mohammad V in Rabat father to King Hassan II with uncle At a quick glance, Casablanca dif - bemoan such harsh cultural rift. Many an expanding cosmopolitan landscape, Abdullah , remains a fierce tourist fers little from New York, blame the Internet for filtering moral agriculture remains the country’s pri - attraction in Rabat. Visitors queue on Johannesburg, and Rio Di Janeiro. The decay into their society. How else could mary economic engine. As one of the stairs onto a lavish marble courtyard urban skyline of steel, concrete, and such indecent dress as well as homo - largest agricultural sources in the waiting their turn for a glimpse at lost glass mimics its more famous cos - sexuality have otherwise permeated world, Morocco is the foremost pro - nobility. mopolitan counterparts. An ever-pre - the sacred land of Moulay Idriss I, ducer of dates, tomatoes, olives and Yet it’s the scene six blocks down sent cloud of smog looms overhead, descendant of the Prophet figs—staples of the Moroccan diet. An the road, along the opulent villas fumes emanating from myriad office Muhammad . environmentally conscious society, owned by the country’s elite that buildings, factories, high-end depart - In a city of four million, where the they rely on traditional farming meth - speaks to the economic reality of the ment stores, restaurants, as honey - gap between rich and poor consistent - ods to maintain healthy and well irri - average Moroccan. A procession of combs of housing complexes stack ly widens , where there’s growing gated crops. Here, old world industry university students make camp in against one another. Yet no place cap - industry but unemployment remains trumps the usage of pesticides and front of the Parliament building , hold - tures this straddling of old and new rampant, it’s no surprise why tension is genetically modified food common in ing placards, chanting demands for world values more than Casablanca (or high. Flashing lights of trendy bars, Western society. jobs and an end to corruption. The Casa), the country’s economic capital. clubs, cafes and shops, and the liveli - It cannot be denied the king has police surround the protesters to make As technology infiltrates the ness of street vendors hawking their been hard at work to prove himself a their presence felt. Inshallah there booming metropolis, cybercafés wares underscores the bustle of folks competent leader. However, at a time won’t be any use for the guns in their abound—found virtually on every cor - jostling from point A to B. Strings of when the desire for democracy reigns holsters. No sparks of revolution here. ner. Whether for luxury or need, these traffic lights assure relative flow of supreme globally , it’s difficult to gauge So what if Rabat is home to most of services meet the high demand for congested streets, while pedestrians the average Moroccan’s attitude the country’s universities , most recent computers, which are not typically rely solely on their navigational wits as toward His Majesty. To keep his reign graduates can’t find work . So what the found in average Moroccan house - walk signals do not exist. In the back - relevant, disproving it as obsolete, the city is home to the country’s most holds. And with this leap into the tech - drop, a cacophony of clanging metal, thirty-eight-year-old Monarch, main - modern hospitals, average folks have bulldozers, and drills scream the efforts tains a “positive” public image by stay - no health insurance. So what if the nological era comes challenges. The of construction workers laying the ing connected to the “average” citizen. Euro remains currency of choice while pervasive influence of modernity is also foundation of a much needed tram sys - So much so, he’s bypassed many luxu - the local currency, the dirham, has no reflected in this Muslim country’s fash - tem to accommodate an overpopulated ries that come with his station: vacat - real value outside its borders. And so ion sensibility as images from Europe city. This infrastructure project of King ing the “old” palace in exchange for a what if the cost of living makes it near - and America put their stamp on it. Muhammad VI will not only create more modest compound in Rabat— ly impossible for the majority not to Most businesswomen are ferociously jobs but spur economic growth. As the the political capital. He’s ditched his live from hand to mouth? There’s no flashy sporting Prada and Channel country transitions , it will also relieve chauffer and is often seen driving him - doubt that a simmer is slowly coming suits , with the hijab (head covering) employers of lost productivity due to self around town, albeit with a few to a boil. Change maybe? 6 providing a chic cultural accent. A ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.1 !).3.$,! ! "!,/,3 LIVING LIIFE’’S CHALLENGES Dr. Sweets S. Wilson is a Christian life pur - OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT pose coach, motivation - By Dr. Sweets H. Wilson al speaker and CEO Here are some suggestions on supporting you. to trust this Higher Power despite of Inspire ME, how you can overcome discourage - • Take care of your physical health – your fear. He may not change your LLC. wilson.sweets@ ment: Giving your body the care it needs circumstances when you’d like gmail.com or • Spend time with someone who is will help you feel less discouraged. Him to, but He will always give 860-869-8067 not discouraged –Time in that per - Eat a healthy diet, exercise regular - you the encouragement you need FROM HARTFORD,, son’s positive presence will natural - ly and get enough sleep. to deal with them as long as neces - CONNECTIICUT ly make you feel better yourself. • Give to people in need – Reaching sary. • Get guidance from a life purpose out to help other people will prove • Use the talents you have – Letting aven’t you, at times, been so coach – If your discouragement has encouraging for you because it will your talents lie dormant will only discouraged you‘ve said , “I become so deep that you are strug - give you the joy of knowing that increase your sense of discourage - have had enough” and told gling to overcome it, share your you can be used in significant ways. ment. Ask the Higher Power to yHourself that you did not care any longer? We have all felt this way. concerns with a life purpose coach • Simplify your life – Base your lead you to specific situations Sometimes it comes from depression, who can give you advice about how schedule on your priorities. Do not where you can put them to full use which is a medical condition that to move forward. waste time and energy on activities and to help make the world a bet - requires the help of a medical doctor. • Refill your energy tank – Identify that do not reflect what is most ter place. However, more often than not, dis - what is causing your energy levels important to you. Freeing yourself Often discouragement comes couragement is the result of not get - to run low. Write down the prob - from unnecessary tasks will encour - because we want something very ting our long-term wants met. Most of lem, form partnerships with a few age you. much and cannot seem to get it. us can bounce back from dissatisfac - people you trust who can join you • Choose faith over fear – Recognize Notice I did not say need. From our tion, but when disappointments pile in establishing hope, develop a that a Higher Power is always with limited perspective, we often get our up or there is no sign of hope, it is easy clear strategy for solving the prob - you, even in the middle of the most wants confused with our needs. Many to feel sad and low in spirit and that is lem, take action, and make yourself discouraging circumstances. of the things we want are not a neces - when doubt gets a foothold. accountable to the people who are Whenever you feel afraid, choose sity in our life. 6 IINSPIIRATIIONAL THOUGHTS

Willette H. WAKE UP, SLOW DOWN, AND SMELL THE COFFEE! Johnson a By Willette H. Johnson Retired those plastic cards while shopping at are always so busy. I’m amazed at the tionally exhausted to even consider any Springfield Macy’s, Target, Wal-Mart or the minutia we attempt to crowd into each dysfunctions or imperfections that could Public Schools Holyoke Mall? No doubt, I’ve touched day under the pretense that these things sideline an up-and-running life. Educator upon some reality that you are busily just must be done. Folks, the “get a One of my resolutions , to Make No working out – or not . clue” phone is ringing. Answer it. Could Assumptions , is still intact. Busy proba - ow that you have your feet plant - I hope you’ve taken some time to it be that if we allowed ourselves to bly isn’t going anywhere any time soon. examine your life and reaffirm your per - ed firmly in 2012 and you’ve wake up, slow down , and smell the cof - With the widely utilized Keurig coffee sonal values. Winter in New England finally moved beyond writing fee , we might be forced to deal with machine and k-cups, Dunkin and often gives us an opportunity to “slow “N11” in the dateline of your documents, realities about our lives that we tend to Starbucks, coffee is usually on the go our roll” and pay closer attention to how’s it working for you? Are the New bury under the stuff we spend our time anyway while cell phones and iPads Home. For years I’ve heard advisors try - Year resolutions still playing out in your doing? I conclude that maybe an imag - store and direct daily activities. ing to convince advisees that it’s impor - head or have you actually put them to ined sense of satisfaction manifests at Sometimes, I , too , have busy days just tant to wake up and smell the coffee action? Are you finding any displays of (figuratively referring to a ritual of the end of a busy day that catapults peo - like you, but I’m grateful I’ve learned to niceness or acts of kindness, residuals left preparing and enjoying a freshly brewed ple into going back for more day after wake up, slow down, and smell the cof - behind from the past holiday season, or cup of coffee at the start of the day while day or , possibly , at the end of a busy day fee (literally) , taking time to thank God 6 have family, colleagues and strangers relaxing our minds and savoring the people are just too physically and emo - for blessing me with another day. returned to their former road rage, grunt - moment ). Since retirement has afforded GROUND FLOOR OPPORTUNITY READY TO EXPLODE!! ing a good morning, schmoozing up to the me some uncommitted time during the Make Money From Home boss, and finding ways to make sure the week, I find myself thinking more 90 Billion Dollar Industry attention stays focused on them ? deeply about what is really accom - $even ways to get paid$$$ Have you already worn and tired of plished when we push to exhaustion to Great training and assistance from success team members! those sweaters, shirts, scarves and trin - fill self-imposed obligations that some - Get Started Today kets you found so beautifully wrapped times go above and beyond livelihood For more information, contact under the tree sporting your name? Did requirements. 855-OG1GOLD (855-661-4653) or you appropriately handle those credit I observe from a distant the life card bills that have arrived and are patterns of friends and acquaintances [email protected] -- No obligation! threatening to steal the cash you forgot and attempt, with a strong desire , to MAKE A FORTUNE ON THE WORLD’S 2ND MOST POPULAR DRINK !!! Golden Opportunity you committed when you were wielding understand why in heaven’s name they ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.1 !).3"*/ , "!,/,3 EDITORIAL

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F i r Y e d O e NEWSPAPER IS HERE! r M F By Frederick A. Hurst For an additional fee, our website out while waiting for the editor Under Construction can’t quite recall why I resisted it. also offers online advertising opportu - and publisher to provide her with And I can’t recall what changed nities from the front page of our web - updated information, which we my mind. But, I am happy to site to the last page. The rate sheet for are feverishly developing . rIeport that Point of View has recently This this new web advertising will be post - Essentially, we will be updat - launched an online community news - ad ed soon. You’ll not want to miss the ing and refining our website in paper on our new website, which was space opportunity. public throughout 2012. You’ll can launched in January , although parts of We are excited and proud! notice that we are also moving be the new website are still in the devel - yours! Excited because we have entered a into the social networking arena opmental stage. Because our entire paper can now be read online page-by- whole new world that offers limitless with plans for Facebook, Twitter, page just like an e-book, it not only opportunities for growth. Proud You Tube and more . All will be becomes an alternative to those who because we are doing it ourselves gradually activated on our website prefer the web to paper, but it is now through our colleague, Marie Del Rio in the near future as soon as we available to readers around the world! Zanazanian, whose expertise and abil - have put the management struc - Which means, of course , that anybody ity to learn is reflected in everything ture in place. We are excited to be who advertises in our newspaper now Point of View has ever done. She moving in the direction of the automatically gets exposure on our designed and launched our new web - future. website through the online paper . site and is currently working the kinks Join us. 6 LETTERS TO THE PUBLIISHER

Dear Friends of Head Start, want to thank you so much for your support and coverage in the Point of View this month! (POV , January 1, 2012, “Project Rebuild: Restoring Our Communities and am writing to bring you up to date on federal budget developments IRevitalizing Our Economy”) I am bringing a copy with me to DC next week where I that took place during the holidays that affect Head Start and Early have meetings at the Rebuilding Together national office with Gary Officer. Thanks IHead Start. On December 16, 2011 , the House and Senate announced again and Happy New Year! a 2012 funding proposal for the federal government that included a $409 million dollar increase for Head Start and Early Head Start. It Best regards, passed both the House and Senate and President Obama signed it into Colleen S. Loveless law Friday, December 23. This means that the 1.5% across-the-board Executive Director expenditure reductions that were widely expected will not occur. The Rebuilding Together Office of Head Start will soon release guidance for programs that made accommodations for the expected reductions. The increase for Head Start and Early Head Start ensures that t’s never too late to say thank you . . . We thank you very much for the story in Point no children added through recent expansion will be cut and all of their of View about the Ubora presentation ( POV, October 1, 2011, “Ubora Award and slots will be made permanent in the overall Head Start funding for - IAhadi Youth Award Recipients Honored”) mula. In a time of deep and painful cuts, Head Start has emerged as Your newspaper gets better and better. a priority of Congress and of the President. And it’s all because of you! This outcome would not have been possible without your hard Love, work. Since last summer, you’ve hosted members of Congress and their Albert & Gerry Garner staffs at your centers, attended town hall meetings, signed petitions, sent letters, and made phone calls to Congress. In the last weeks of want to take the opportunity to “ THANK YOU” “ THANK YOU” for an absolutely 2011, you sent more than 10,500 emails to your elected officials! You amazing article. (POV, January 1, 2012, “Springfield, Meet Bridgeport”) It’s the buzz have our deepest thanks for all your efforts, and while our Head Start aIbout City Hall. I must admit that I killed myself laughing at your quote about the children may be too young to understand what this funding decision Mayor being the most racially unaffected White guy!! That was hilarious!! Your pas - means, as adults they will find that the Window of Opportunity that sion for our great city is overwhelming…..you have truly captured the Bridgeport was opened for them shaped their lives. Spirit. Thank you again for all your hard work and your willingness to raise your voice for children! Deborah Caviness Sincerely, Senior Program Administrator Yasmina Vinci Small & Minority Business Resource Office Executive Director Bridgeport, CT ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.1 !).3"%0! "!,/,3 COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP: PIONEER VALLEY THE RICHNESS OF DIVERSITY By Marla Michel, UMass Amherst, University Relations had my first mittee more than a year ago, there was instead of “learning” because most of abilities. You’ll know they are connect - corporate a lot of discussion about the values we the participants in LPV are natural ed to all of the communities in the diversity wanted for this program. There was a leaders. They are also focusing on Pioneer Valley. You’ll know they want tIraining in wide range of values because of our inclusion: learning how to maximize our region to reach beyond what it is 1984 at AT&T diversity . Those values were incorpo - the value of diversity. LPV is fine tun - Bell rated into the LPV culture, brand and ing these skills and giving them the today for a prosperous future. Marla Michel Laboratories. marketing materials but, more impor - environment–our Pioneer Valley–to LPV is now another item on the Fresh out of tantly, into the curriculum. A better develop. The projects the LPV class is long list of Valley assets. As an organi - college, I was given the training LPV organization and program has working on were seeded by our zation, we’re planning for our required by my company’s policies been created because of the richness of region’s aptly named, “Plan for future–strategic planning, fundraising related to affirmative action and, of the team behind it. Progress,” a set of broad strategies for (please be generous!), marketing, and course, diversity awareness was a key It turns out that understanding growth assembled by the Pioneer continuously improving our program. component . The benefits of embracing one’s own values and how they are Valley Planning Commission. What’s diversity were so obvious, not only used to motivate is a core skill of lead - great is that our future leaders in the We’re almost ready to start recruiting because I felt it was wrong that people ership. All you need to do is think lower valley are becoming acquainted our second class, so if you’re interested were being treated unfairly in the about the leaders you admire and this with our future leaders in the upper or know of a good candidate , visit workplace but, as much research and will be obvious. Those leaders inspire valley (east and west, too) and that can LPV’s website at experience has shown, better products you to want to follow them whether at only mean good things for the entire www.leadershippv.org . I have no were developed when teams rich with work or in your community. They valley going forward. Our communi - doubts that our Valley’s future will be diversity were behind them. understand who they are, what’s ties and businesses will benefit from better because of the people participat - So it is with Leadership Pioneer important to them, and get you to feel this talent for generations to come. Valley (LPV) more than 25 years later. the same way. Start watching for people to introduce ing in LPV, made richer because of the When an amazing, diverse set of peo - That is one of the skills our inau - themselves as a LPV alum. You’ll know diversity that went into making it ple came together as a steering com - gural class is honing. I say “honing” to have confidence in their leadership what it is today. 6 THE ARTS IINHALE MUSIIC < EXHALE LIIFE Heshima is an interna - tionally recognized LEAVING FOOTSTEPS TO FOLLOW vocalist, multi-instru - mentalist and song - By Heshima Moja writer/composer whose ALVIN ABU CARTER SR: An inter - AVERY SHARPE: Bassist/composer Archie Shepp and Jasmine Guy. music can be heard at nationally recognized percussionist and Avery Sharpe has spent the past 30 SARAH CHARLES: Having the priv - www.myspace.com/he teacher, Abu has been a part of the years touring the world and recording shimaiam and face - ilege of studying under renowned community in Western MA since 1973 with some of the biggest names in Jazz, book . bassist Vishnu Wood and Sheila Jordan, when he gathered a group of young including Dizzy Gillespie, George Sarah moved to New York City four African American Artists men at the Dunbar Community Center Benson, McCoy Tyner, Wynton years ago and has developed into a Creating Legacy in Springfield and formed The Uhuru Drummers . (Jo Marsalis, as well as having seven formidable composer and a mainstay Sallins, Rick Marshall, Tyrone Blanton albums to his credit as a leader. s I have often said, in an ideal and Marcus Pitts all worked together on the NYC jazz scene. JO SALLINS: Acclaimed multi-instru - world children would be learning and all become incredible musicians in CHARLES LANGFORD: Another mentalist Jo Sallins was born and raised about the history of African dias - their own right .) Springfield native, saxophonist Charles pAoric peoples both at home from enthu - in the city of Springfield and aside from Langford studied with jazz great BILLY ARNOLD: William Arnold more than 30 years of touring interna - siastic parents , as well as at school as part George Coleman in Boston and then has had an extensive career as a drum - tionally, he has developed music educa - of a curriculum reflective of all people as set out to conquer the world. And he is mer having recorded and toured with tion programs that have touched the well as their contributions both here and well on his way with a Grammy-nomi - artists from Motown records (most lives of young people from Springfield throughout the larger diaspora. An nated album last year. notably Jr. Walker and the All-Stars). to Senegal , West Africa. important part of this curriculum would He later went on to work with Space does not allow for me to list focus on the contributions of African renowned jazz greats such as Jimmie KEVIN SHARPE: Drummer, song - all of those who are making history Americans/Latinos in the Pioneer Valley. Smith, Dave Liebman, Kenny Burrell writer, bandleader and part of the gen - every day with the great work they So , in honor of those who make history and Teddy Wilson. He continues to eration of musicians who was fortunate labor to produce. But I will do my best every day, here is a list of just a few of tour the world with the Young at Heart to learn from master musicians like to find a way. My question to you is: those who continue to make contribu - Chorus and serves on the faculty of the Yusef Lateef, Archie Shepp and Dr. Will you find a way to support us? Will tions in the world of music: regionally, Community Music School of Horace Boyer. Kevin currently leads his you give us our flowers, while we yet nationally and internationally. Springfield. own group in addition to working with live? 6 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.1 !).3-%2 "!,/,3 RELIGION RELIIGIIOUS POIINT OF VIIEW Dr. Brett Snowden, Pastors, Ministers, Professors and Theologians, please submit your Editor articles for this page to Dr. Brett Snowden at [email protected] Pastor, Progressive Community Baptist Church A CRY FOR CREATIVITY 599 State Street Springfield, MA By Rev. Dr. Atu White, Pastor Mt. Zion Baptist Church 01109 Perhaps, the answer to this debate rounding yourself with like-minded ors, he is really a challenging question for self. people. Ask people you admire to share employed hile pinning this missive, Where is my creation? What if I recon - their story. You should engage a men - people and there is a massive debate tor or person who has traveled the road built a mas - ranging amongst intelli - nected with my creative genius? What you wish to journey. sive enter - gWentsia and in the halls of Congress. This if I engaged my imagination to solve In my youth, my mother and I prise. Not to debate centers on the “job creators.” critical issues in my community? What drove by a beautiful home. My mother mention, he Rev. Dr. Atu White Who are the “job creators”? Can they if I became engaged and focused on quipped, “This is the house that straw lived in a house that straw built. afford a slightly higher tax rate? If they creating businesses and employing built.” She told me the story of a man Where are the answers to our fail - were taxed at a higher rate, would it pro - young people within my community? who would go to people’s homes and ing schools and communities? They are hibit them from hiring more workers? What if I baked the mouthwatering, into the forest to gather straw that fell laying fallow within us. What would Why protect the incomes of the top 1% fluffy biscuits or tantalizing cookies from loblolly pine trees. It was a task happen if we moved from the sidelines earners at the expense of 99%? While and consumers who frequent popular nobody wanted to do but by doing so, and decided to provide a needed service pondering the essence of this debate, a eateries begin to beat a path to mine? it increased his capacity. He saw an to the local economy? Let us make profound question emerged in my imag - Not only must I reconnect with opportunity and did something that no moves and not excuses. ination. Where are the creators? my creative genius, but also place one addressed in his community. My prayer for you is that the Lord Black History Month celebrates things in motion. Our wonderful ideas Through his entrepreneurial endeav - increases your capacity to create! 6 the contributions made by African are often held captive by our lack of Americans. These contributions faith. Businesses fail due to insufficient improved the daily lives of all research, planning and a lack of ade - Americans. Their ingenuity, critical quate capital. Hastily, businesses are REBELTHIEGL AFIROICAUN S DIRECTORY thinking, and creativity led to numer - launched with the fire, aim, ready METHODIST EPISCOPAL ous, innovative creations. These inven - approach. It’s tantamount to running a CHURCH 27 Pendleton Avenue tions provided and continue to provide marathon without the necessary prepa - Springfield, MA 01109 economic growth and stability to all ration. Promote an environment and (413) 734-7611 Rev. Angelo S. communities. the desire to achieve one’s goals by sur - Dawson, Pastor Rev. Donald A. Thomas, Associate Minister CALL TO THE CAUSE Rev. Amelia Eddy, tional programming outside of the Associate Minister James D. Bullock, public school system. As such, we will Minister of Music continue to focus on literacy; tutoring; Pastor’s Bible Sunday Morning college preparation and access; and job Study Divine Worship and life-skills training through our Sunday 8:50 am 10:00 am learning centers in the 14 cities and Church School Bible Study/Prayer towns we serve. In the communities Saturday 11:00 am & Class Meeting Wednesday 7:00 pm continued from page 1 where educational achievement is not Where is the outrage when it a glaring problem, we will continue to PROGRESSIVE comes to our failing education system? focus on leadership skills, teambuild - Alden Baptist Church COMMUNITY BAPTIST 649 State Street Where is that level of ambition when ing, and conflict resolution that sup - CHURCH Springfield, MA 01109 it comes to our children’s futures? 413-788-9910 port all youth regardless of race or 599 State Street Why do so many remain silent about Sunday School socio-economic status. Of course, none Springfield, Massachusetts 9:00 a.m. this issue that is impacting the lives of of this would be possible without the (413) 736-8844 Sunday Morning thousands of families in our communi - encouragement and financial support “A Church Determined To Follow Christ” Worship Service 10:00 a.m. ty? of businesses, leadership and commu - Prayer Service I’m proud to say that the YMCA nity members in our region . They are Monday 6:00 p.m. of Greater of Springfield, and so many as passionate about the future of our Rev. J. Willard Wednesday of our community partners that share youth as we are, and for that we are Cofield, Jr., Pastor Noon & 6:00 p.m. our mission, are helping to provide very grateful. Rev. Karen Rucks, Associate Minister Bible Study Monday & opportunities for our youth to succeed But our voice remains too quiet. “We believe God has in school and beyond. In Springfield, We need more outrage. We need more Dr. Brett Snowden, Pastor called us to be a vital Wednesday Sunday Worship - 10:00 a.m. sign of faith at work 7:00 p.m. where the high drop-out rate and poor passion. Answer the call to the cause. in the community. This Youth Ministry Sunday Bible School - 9:00 a.m. vision is actualized MCAS scores persist, the Y remains Be a part of our mission. Our youth through our Friday Bible Study - Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. Ministries.” 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. one of the largest providers of educa - are depending on you. 6 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.1 !).3-! 0!) "!,/,3 RELIGIOUS DIRECTORY Martin Luther King, New Life Calvary Jr. Community Baptist Church Presbyterian Church A N EW Member of the Presbyterian Church A N (U.S.A.) BEGINNING Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Sunday School Sunday Worship 9:00 AM 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship Discipleship Service Formation Group Rev. Jesse E. 10:00 AM Sunday after Worship Williams Sr., Prayer/Bible Study Rev.PeterT. Bible Study Pastor/Teacher Wednesday Sylver Wednesday 7:00 p.m. 6:00 & 7:00 PM 14 Concord Terrace Springfield, MA 01109 413-737-0777 981 Wilbraham Road www.mlkcommunitychurch.org [email protected] Springfield, MA 01109 Join us, you will be Blessed (413) 796-1600

Wesley United Methodist Church 741 State Street Springfield, MA 01109 413-734-3233 Sundays /) 3$**'' '#!- ( *,)%)#*,-$%+!,0%!( Wednesdays Rev. Joyce %'! ./ 3 +( Whetstone 4+!)!,.-+!)%) -+!)**,-5

SHILOH SEVENTH -D AY ADVENTIST CHURCH Solid Rock Community Baptist Church The Church in the Heart of the City Sabbath Services (Saturday) 821 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA 01104 Telephone (413) 734-5441 Sabbath School - 9:00am Divine Worship Services - 11:00am Fax (413) 734-5438 Adventist Youth Services - 5:30pm Transportation (413) 575-4035 Community Service Center - Mon. & Tues. Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am 10:00am - 1:00pm Joseph F. Aaron, Prayer Meeting - Wednesday - 7:00pm Weekly Bible Study/Prayer Service Tuesday 7:00 pm Pastor Church School (SSAJA) Monday - Friday 797 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109; Tel: 413-734-0103 Bishop Curtis L. Shaird, Pastor e-mail: [email protected] Reverend Harold P. Dixson, Assistant Pastor

JESUS CHRIST ENLIGHTENED CHRISTIAN BIBLE SEMINARY Canaan Baptist ACCREDITED Church of Christ 1430 Carew Street 141 Union Street Springfield, MA 01104 Springfield, MA 413-739-5053 Rev. Dr. W. C. Sundays Fridays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Sunday School (all ages) ------9:15 a.m. Saturdays 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Watson, Jr., Pastor Morning Worship Service ----10:45 a.m. Church Life Wednesdays Contact Bishop Emanuel Brown, President Worship, Prayer, Mid-day Prayer & Praise- 12:00-1:00 p.m. Praise & Study Bible Study ------7:00 p.m.

g{|Üw1 4U9 WatlnÑuà|tá Sà trVeet {âÜv{ P.O. Box 91166 Springfield, MA 01139 413-734-4143 Join us for our Worship Services Sunday School Sunday Worship Service Reverend 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Nathaniel Smith, Prayer Meeting & Bible Study Sr., Pastor Thursday 6:00 p.m. Âg{x YÜ|xÇwÄç V{âÜv{Ê f|Çvx DKIL Where all who enter may be blessed ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.1 !).3! %#$. "!,/,3 THE ARTS LET’’S TALK URBAN -- BRIIDGEPORT,, CT w

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s THE BOOKS…NOT THE CONTROVERSY i l e By Felisha Bradshaw F !IT‘S ALL LOVE AND Stringer’s novels, The Reason Why, ing on a collabo with none other than LOL That’s all I’m saying about that Dirtier Than Ever, The Boss, Red’s New York author Erick S. Gray. Can one! But the readers are in for a real PASSION! Revenge and Forever . His writing is you say busy? treat. acknowledged unknowingly by mil - So, I spoke to his heart and as And as far as Erick and I hooking f you are an avid reader then you’re lions, and now Caleb desires to be usual, he answered with great passion. up, it was just a natural process. I met certainly no stranger to the iconic respected for his craft in his own name. His pathway to respect and acknowl - Erick years ago, through K’wan, and novels , True To The Game I, II & He has begun his journey of carving edgement has started out paved in we had been cool ever since. And then III , and the unforgettable saga of out his own path, with a fresh start and gold. I was talking about heading to New America’s most infamous African a clean slate, and some brand new York to do a signing at Sexy’s in the Let’s Talk Urban: American crime family, the Reigns works: “Eastside ,” which was hand - summer and Erick walked in while I I am a great fan and admirer of Erick family, of Deadly Reigns I, II, and III. picked by none other than New York was on the phone, and he and I got to S. Gray. Your clean slate of the past has These books are as memorable as the Times bestselling author Zane, to chopping it up, and you know Sexy’s started out with a bang! Your collabo ground—breaking novel, The Coldest launch her Strebor on the Streetz street mouth. She was shouting in the back - with Erick is called Boyfriend #2 , Winter Ever , which paved the way for lit line. “ Two Thin Dimes ,“ which was ground, telling us we need to do a col - right? Urban Fiction in its early stages in the also published by Zane, and “ Belly of labo. And so, the rest is history. Oh, literary industry. the Beast ,” which he used to launch his Caleb: and before I forget, the title came from Caleb Alexander is the literary own publishing company, Golden Ink Boyfriend #2 is crazy! That book is off Ms. Toni Doe of OOSA. I needed a hot genius behind the brilliantly written, Publishing. He has also just released a the chain! I think readers will be talk - title, and she gave me the title. She New York Times bestselling novels new novel titled, “ Just Another Damn ing about that book all year! I can’t made me promise to do a twenty-five True to the Game II & III , as well as Love Story ,” and is currently working give it away but Tameka, the lead char - page dedication to her in the begin - the trilogy, Deadly Reigns I, II, and III . on another new December release acter, is scandalous. However, she just ning of the book, so y’all can just skip He was also the pen behind Vickie called “ Baby Baller .” This, while work - needs to watch out for Boyfriend #2 ! the first twenty-five pages! LOL 6 MY LOVELY LADY LUMPS By Lynnette Johnson myself by welcoming uninvited touch - to an invitation to socialize is decided like a 20-minute diatribe on the risk of es. Some ask , “Can I?” before placing after I calculate whether or not I have Down’s Syndrome, the need for genet - palms on the taut swell of my belly. I time to take a nap first. Sleep is a pri - ic testing, how the flu would most cer - always say, “Yes.” Women who never ority. I am easily offended when I used tainly suffocate me if I am not inocu - spoke to me at work ask me how I am to be indifferent. My feelings are lated , and I am much too old to be feeling. They nod and smile when I say almost a burden because now I feel doing this for the first time . So he did “tired but good.” It is not unusual to everything. My mother bought me a not say the last part but that is what it find a gift of cake or cookies on my pair of the biggest draws I had ever felt like. desk. “Stand up. Turn around. Let me seen for Christmas. I almost cried There are other lumps. It is diffi - see you!” is my greeting each morning when I opened them. And then I cult to navigate through the stockpiles by a friend at my job. “It’s a blessing remembered this is fine. I am allowed of personal questions, horror stories honey,” was whispered to me by every to be bigger and I am still cute. I am and unsolicited advice I have been get - Lynnette Johnson woman who hugged me at church. I lovely. ting. I reacted sharply to a well inten - have not sucked in my stomach in went to church for the first time on There are also the not-so-lovely tioned friend after a name suggestion. four months. I consume carbohy - Christmas Day, the first time since I lumps. Advanced Maternal Age or He responded with love : “I wish there drates with no regret. My waistline have begun to show. There was no AMA is written at the top of my file at were something like a wedding reg - Ihas completely disappeared and I have need to make an announcement. My my ob/gyn’s office. At every exam and istry for advice, so friends who want to never felt cuter. Despite the fact that body speaks for itself. These women all blood test I am reminded just how old give you something can know what my eyes are my most striking feature, know about “The Flutter.” and miraculous my ovaries are. I con - you have already been given.” I no one looks me in my eyes anymore. Every bodily urge must be satis - sidered telling the doctor that I still thought that was brilliant. This is Now that my bra cups runneth over, fied immediately. Hungry turns to get carded, can run a mile without what has been given to me thus far: my lifetime membership has been offi - ravenous within minutes. A need to getting winded and can dance for Back away from the microwave! cially revoked from the I.B.T.C. But use the ladies’ room is an emergency hours in four inch heels. But that Don’t eat the sushi! Do not drink no one is staring at my bust line. My even if I was just there a half hour ago. would not change the fact that my wine! You can have a little wine. You body has become fascinating to Perfume and cologne is disgusting; uterus is 35. So I listen. He presents a have not gained much weight. You’re strangers and passersby. I surprise please stand down wind. Any response soliloquy which includes, what seemed continues to page 30 ",%)(!,%) +*%).*"0%!1 +#!.1 !).3) %)! "!,/,3 THE ARTS PEN & IINK BRENDA’S CHILD has made it her life’s mission to inspire JUANITA TORRENCE-THOMPSON Nominated Woman of people through poetry and stories and through leading by the Year 2009 by American Biographical Institute Board for example with courage, confidence, and integrity. In April International Research. Breath-Life (2009, Scopcraeft Press) nominated for Pushcart Prize. She is Editor-in-Chief and 2007, she self-published her first book of poetry , “ A Piece of Publisher of Mobius, The Poetry Magazine, which was “best My Mind...Poetic Confessions of a Self-Proclaimed pick” 2007, 2008, 2009 by Small Magazine Review. New York Diva. ” Since then she has published four more titles. For more And African Tapestries, (2007, Fly By Night Press) “best pick” information, email: [email protected] by Small Press Review. Reads U.S. & abroad. See her Youtube videos: http://www.Youtube.com/poetrytown . Website: www.poetrytown.com EVOLUTION By Brenda’s Child IF I HAD A They say relationships used to last, CELLPHONE Because everyone knew their place, By Juanita Torrence-Thompson Position and role . While that may be so, f I had a cellphone, I would have called Adam and said, “Adam, don’t eat It still didn’t mean a woman wasn’t betrayed, that apple! Think of the havoc. The men will have problems buttoning Cheated on or deceived, tIheir shirts over their protruding lump. And maybe she did stay because it was love, But probably more so f I had a cellphone, I would’ve shouted into the speaker when the Trojan because she knew “her place.” Horse entered the gates, “Beware of Greeks” – Oh no, that was said Her man was her provider, bIefore. I would’ve warned, “Don’t let that Trojan Horse in. It teems with so she had no other choice. soldiers who bear ill will.” And not Will Shakespeare.

It still didn’t mean she wasn’t abused f I had a cellphone, I would’ve called Hamlet and said, “Beware Hamlet, It just wasn’t anyone’s business, behind that curtain stands your friend Polonius. A kind man. Do not And maybe she needed to be reminded sImite him.” of “her place.” And of course she stayed. f I had a cellphone, I would have called Othello and said, “Othello, Iago Her man was her provider, is NOT your friend. Do not believe his lies about Desdemona. She is your so she had no other choice. fIaithful wife.”

They say women knew how to be women , f I had a cellphone, I would’ve called Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina to say, Cooks and mothers , “Don’t kill yourself, Aleksei Vronski is not worth it! Better still, Don’t get Nurturers and baby makers. iInvolved with Vronski. He’ll tire of you.” Five or more was the norm, Not the exception. f I had a cellphone, I would’ve changed things in Theodore Dreiser’s An Conception American Tragedy, A la “A Place in the Sun” film version with chiseled Wasn’t a choice, MIontgomery Clift whom I would gladly have cellphoned and urged his It was a duty. character to lift a finger to save Shelley Winter’s pathetic character. Better yet, I’d say, “Shelley, Don’t get on that boat. Monty’s in love with Liz Balance was unnecessary, Taylor’s wealthy debutante.” Because a career outside the home, Multiple college degrees, f I had a cellphone, I’d scrap my diet. Order pizza with anchovies from Goals Mario’s, turn on my Time machine , phone Adam and the Trojans, Hamlet Were unthinkable, aInd Othello – If Shakespeare would give me poetic license. Untouchable, not a part of the routine. ’d call Anna Karenina and tanned Monty Clift for a grand pizza party They say things have changed, while watching “Jeopardy”. I’d win the game, of course, because my many think for the worse. aIncient guests would try to figure out how Alex Trebek got into the TV set Women are too independent; or what the heck was pizza. Monty would know, but he would let me win they won’t let men be men. “Jeopardy.” What’s really so different from back then… Is today we have choices and OPTIONS . ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +# !.$%,.3 "!,/,3 FOOD AND FASHION GROUND FLOOR OPPORTUNITY A GENTLEMAN’’S FASHIION SENSE READY TO EXPLODE!! many different reasons. I frequent this Make Money From Home Jeffrey S. Clemons small plumbing supply place in my area Sr., Clothier, Owner and I just feel good when I go in there. 90 Billion Dollar Industry and Proprietor, I do not know much about hardware ; $even ways to get paid $$$$ Jeffrey’s Suit Rack , it’s just not my thing. However, when I 287 East Street, Great training and assistance from success team members! go into the two major hardware stores Ludlow, MA 01056 (413) 583- 3200 in my area , I tend to be confused, and then I ask for help and I’m more con - fused because that part-time high SUPPORTING SMALL school student could not help me! BUSINESSES: THE That’s just me! I could very well be the only one who feels this way at times. PROS OUTWEIGH Anyway, some of you may have THE CONS had an unpleasant experience with a By Jeffrey S. Clemons Sr. small business and I would ask that you do not put all small businesses in the he topic for discussion for this same box! Yes , you can get a good deal month is how do you determine with small businesses. We want your who you will do business with? business so most small businesses will TThis is an interesting topic for many rea - make it worth your while, especially if Get Started Today sons. This conversation came up recently you keep coming back! Customer ser - For more information, contact in my shop and it was quite a discussion! vice is a big one . I do not know of any Being in business myself, I tend to do small businesses who can afford not to 855-OG1GOLD (855-661-4653) or business with people who do business offer great customer service; it’s the with me, and I think that is just a funda - [email protected] mental principle of being in business. heartbeat of small businesses. I get dis - But what about those of you who gruntled consumers who went to the No obligation! are not in business. What is your for - big chain stores first. They come to tell MAKE A FORTUNE ON THE WORLD’S 2ND MOST POPULAR DRINK !!! mula? Maybe , being convinced, good me about their experiences at those Golden Opportunity service, a good deal , what is it? Well , as places and from that I develop a pre - you may know , all of the big chain ferred customer! stores make offers to you, but are you Are there cons to small businesses? MY LOVELY LADY LUMPS really getting what they offer? I can tell Yes, stock/inventory can be challenging you that I have done business with the at times. I do a good amount of special continued from page 28 There is a miracle happening big chain stores and did not get the orders; it keeps costs down. Most small getting big. Why would you do this beneath my heart and above my hips. good deal or the good service and I still businesses cannot afford to have an without a husband? Are you breast- spent money in those places of business I know women do this every day but overload of stock or in some cases, don’t feeding? Switch doctors. Stay with this is new for me. And it is amazing. because they convinced me I would ! I have the room to store it. The thing to do think that it is a motivating factor your doctor. Is it a boy or a girl? What I have never felt so important or having overstock in small businesses is for many of us. are the names? I don’t like that name. frightened or interesting. Every glance that you have to sell it! If it is not mov - First pregnancies go long. Take the Well , consumers, please be advised in the mirror is a shock to my system. that these big businesses are killing our ing, it is costing money! epidural. Your nose is going to spread. I am so grateful to God for this oppor - economy. How many of you supported I ask that you please support I’ve never seen you eat so much. “Support Small Business Saturday” in small businesses. The pros outweigh That’s a lot of salt. Is your boyfriend tunity. I am just a little surprised that the cons and it is a very rewarding December? Please understand that the happy? Was this a surprise? I didn’t He trusts me enough with something experience , especially for you , the con - pros outweigh the cons when it comes know you were seeing anyone. I mis - so precious. There is a little boy grow - to supporting small businesses for sumer! 6 carried when I was two weeks farther ing in my stomach. He needs me for along than you. Grease up that belly everything. He goes where I go. He Jeffrey’s Suit Rack twice a day. Choose a nice Biblical eats what I eat. He hears what I listen When First Impressions Count name. Don’t run from God. Don’t to. He is mine. He is the reason for pick that up! You’re going to need a this loveliness. He is my only resolu - Buy One Suit bigger car. Is that all you’re eating? tion this year. Right now I am calling This is going to be hard? I hope you’re him Optimus Tupac Barack Michael Get One Free* strong. You will be a great mother. I Jackson-Johnson. Oprah is first choice *Free suit must be hope you’re writing everything down. as the godmother and I am waiting for same or lesser value Jeffrey S. Clemons, Sr. You won’t be able to go back to Erykah Badu to respond to my doula Alterations not included Proprietor school. Your boobs will never be the request. Some of this may or may not EMail: [email protected] same, enjoy them now. Stop bouncing Hours: Tuesday-Sat.11-5 Sunday and Monday by Appt. only like that! I’m disappointed. This is a change by April when he gets here. 287 East St. Ludlow, Ma. 01056 huge mistake. You should not have it. And I am still open to advice, and (413) 583-3200 Tel. (413) 583-3208 Fax I’m so happy for you. Are you going to answering some questions, as long as loc his hair? Do not cut your hair… it looks like love. 6 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.$ %,.3*)! "!,/,3 BLACK SPORTS BLACK SPORTS IINTERNATIIONAL He was born in Brackenridge, Often misunderstood and feared, he professional football player in the fifties. COOKIE Pennsylvania, and was destined for made a difference. “Cookie” was a real He was considered a problem athlete or greatness, but he grew-up during a innovator and agent for change in code for “a Black athlete who dared to time where overt and legal racism America and Canada. He was a legend think and speak his mind.” GILCHRIST affected every facet of people’s lives. beyond football with business enter - He was instrumental in the boy - A MAN OF PRINCIPALS Fact is, he is the only player I know of prises ranging from concerts with cott of the AFL’s All-Star game that who was a MVP in two different profes - Marvin Gaye to mining operations. was to be played in New Orleans. But, WHO STOOD AGAINST sional football leagues the old AFL and When most people think about because of his leadership and the RACISM the CFL. He played eight seasons in the legends of professional football, courage of others the game was moved Canada and six years in the AFL just they think about the guys we see on to Houston and that was an important By Reginald Grant before its merger with the NFL. He was places like ESPN Classic. Well, Cookie element which forced the AFL and NFL an All-Star for ten straight years in the doesn’t appear because he stood up to to merge. You see most of the great two leagues combined. the NFL, CFL and ESPN years ago and black players of the time had signed In high school he was such a super demanded they compensate him for with the AFL, forcing the NFL to rec - athlete and outstanding football player airing any footage on him. Of course ognize that real competition was at at 6’3” and 250 lbs, he was a god like they didn’t want to pay him, so he hand. He was also an important leader specimen. The legendary Paul Brown of remained on the shelf. He has stood up in the fight by high profile black ath - the Cleveland Browns illegally rushed to owners, management, coaches and letes of the time to support the rein - to sign him to a bogus adhesion con - even commissioners with unflinching statement of Muhammad Ali into pro - tract for $5,500 before anyone else. He integrity during the past fifty plus fessional boxing. was signed to a contract in the 11th years. He even refused to be enshrined The American Football League grade at Har-Brack High School. It was into the Canadian Football League’s (AFL) All-Star game, after the 1964 against NFL rules to sign anyone whose (CFL) Hall of Fame because of the season, was originally scheduled for college class had not graduated and racism he experienced as an active and Tulane Stadium in still-segregated New Paul Brown denied it for years to save retired player, Orleans. Hall of Fame offensive tackle face in public. Cookie was being “Cookie was better than Jim Ron Mix explained: “The Black players re you now asking yourself; who recruited by over 108 colleges before Brown,” Kemp said, referring to the were having a hard time getting cabs the heck was “Cookie Gilchrist”? Brown illegally signed him to that con - Cleveland Browns’ runner widely con - from the airport. Cab drivers wouldn’t If you don’t know I will gladly tell tract. The contract was voided by the sidered the greatest player ever. “Jim pick them up. Then, when they went Ayou; in a moment. NFL but the damage was done, he Brown is a good friend of mine, but out to try and get food, they were John Madden once said that could not accept a college scholarship Cookie in my opinion was better all turned away from all the restaurants.” Gilchrist and Jerry Hill of the Colts offer. So, off to Canada he went to set around. He could block. He could Ron told me that most of the White were the two best blocking backs he’s records, win championships and catch passes. He could tackle. He could players didn’t understand or support ever seen. become possibly the greatest player to kick field goals. Jim Brown was the the position at the time. (Ron’s law firm Upon his death, Bills owner Ralph ever put on a uniform on either side of greatest runner. Cookie was greater all- represented one of my companies and C. Wilson Jr., released this statement: the Canadian - U.S.A. boarder. around.” we talked about the events in a brief “The Bills were very lucky to have pro - but insightful conversation.) cured the services of Cookie Gilchrist “Cookie Gilchrist, to my way of During the 1950’s there was the thinking, was one of the greatest pro - swell of the modern civil rights move - All 21 black players who were who was one of the greatest fullbacks I scheduled to play in the game met at have ever seen in all of my years in pro - fessional football players who have ever ment — The Supreme Court ruled seg - played the game, either NFL or AFL,” regation in schools unconstitutional, the Roosevelt Hotel. These were some fessional football. ... He was the great - of the biggest names in football at that est extemporaneous speaker that I have said the late Jack Kemp, in an inter - Rosa Parks stood fast, Emmett Till, a view with The Buffalo News in 2002. black teenager, was lynched for time, including Bobby Bell, Willie ever heard. At a banquet, he could get Brown, Winston Hill, Clem Daniels up and talk on any subject no matter I first met Cookie almost thirteen whistling at a white woman in years ago in Philadelphia and even at Mississippi, and Martin Luther King and Ernie Ladd. Ron Mix told me that what it was. I had the opportunity last he urged them to play the game in week to speak with Cookie by tele - 62 he was an imposing figure both became the head of the Southern physically, mentally and spiritually. I Christian Leadership Conference. The New Orleans to bring national atten - phone and we had a good conversation. tion to the situation, but they refused. Today is a sad day for me, the Bills and was mesmerized by his stories and FBI openly made up stories about peo - insight into the workings of profession - ple they wanted to attack. What a try - “No, it’s gone too far,” Gilchrist said. all of the community that Cookie is no “We’re not going to play in this town. longer with us and I want to offer my al sports and American history. His ing time for Blacks in American. Can story reflects the types of problems and you imagine what it was like for a Time to take a stand.” Ron said that deepest sympathies to his family and “Cookie” was adamant about not play - friends.” negative depiction of African-American young Black man growing up in that males in America’s media. During my era? Well, “Cookie Gilchrist” did, and ing and his usual stubborn self. Dave For all his on-field accomplish - Grayson, Sr. also told me that “Cookie ments, Gilchrist should best be remem - research I found so much misinforma - he was to become a Black man who tion about Mr. Gilchrist, that it became would stand up for what he knew was was the loud voice, but the players were bered for his roles in the boycott of the united in their stand to boycott the A.F.L. All-Star Game after the 1964 clear to me that racism, classism, enti - right and stood on his principals to the tlement and control played important end. He played for six teams in 12 pro - New Orleans site.” season, and rallying all of the high pro - The game would be moved to file athletes of the time in support of factors in how he was portrayed in the fessional seasons. “Cookie” was more main stream media. He was gruff, often than a great athlete, he was the first to Jeppesen Stadium in Houston. Ron Muhammad Ali’s reinstatement into Mix believes that the boycott helped professional boxing. painfully direct, and opinionated, but be represented by an attorney when he he stood strong for what was right. renegotiated his second contract as a continues to page 32 ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.$ %,.3.1* "!,/,3 BLACK SPORTS BLACK SPORTS IINTERNATIIONAL COOKIE GILCHRIST A MAN OF PRINCIPALS WHO STOOD AGAINST RACISM continued from page 31 basketball stars of the 20, 30s and 40s and introduced desegregate New Orleans, paving the and we know what the Nazis did to the concepts to way for the N.F.L. to expand there in them. Like other oppressed minorities, professional 1967. “They knew they weren’t (going) they followed the path of opportunities. sports. He negoti - to get an N.F.L. franchise unless they Mr. Gilchrist became the first true ated with owners desegregated the city,” Ron Mix said. Super Star of both the CFL and the with the same “That’s what they did. It was desegre - fledging AFL. When he started playing power, confidence gated ahead of schedule.” for the AFL Buffalo Bills, he immedi - and tenacity he “Of all the football players I’ve ately gave the entire league credibility. displayed on the seen over my years, he’d be in the top “If he had played his whole career in the football field. five, there’s no question about that,” NFL, absolutely, he’d have been a Hall In his waning est in the encyclopedia of professional said Joe Collier, a former Bills head of Famer, no doubt about it,” said for - years, Cookie wanted to use his gifts to football “Total Football” published by coach and one of the most respected mer Bills tight end Ernie Warlick. inspire others, especially children. He At Buffalo he led the team, which formed a foundation to distribute his Harper Collins. Gilchrist was voted the defensive minds in football. included former presidential candidate “U” Are “A” Super Star! “2” poem. He AFL’s all-time fullback in 1970. It’s been said that African- Jack Kemp. He spearheaded the win of wanted to send a positive message to He never totally recovered from Americans were bred to be faster, the AFL Championship in 1964. children around the world. He firmly the inoperable throat cancer, which stronger and better athletes, but that Mr. Gilchrist was loved by the fans knew the concepts of teamwork and finally took him this year. We all they could not think. The reality is and respected by his peers, but despised that “we” and us” should take the place owe him a round of applause for not African Americans survived because of and loathed by the owners and upper of “me” and “I”. We are all aware we only his sacrifices and success on and off their very ability to think. The fact of echelons of professional football. He live in a “me first” society and Cookie the football field, but for his sacrifices the matter is that history has shown was one of the first football players to wanted to inspire with his poem’s and success as a leader, innovator and that whatever segment of American take his civic duties and social responsi - words. He wrote the poem in 1964 to mentor. I will never forget my last in society was the most overtly oppressed bility to heart. He is also one of the change the minds and lives of young person visit with “Cookie” in began to dominate in two areas – enter - major factors why the current profes - people. Brackenridge, PA, just outside tainment and sports. Since racism has sional athletes earn such big bucks; he Many who saw him play think Pittsburg in December of 2008; he was been institutionalized for so long, these truly understood the importance and that “Cookie Gilchrist” was the greatest still passionate, articulate and grumpy fields have allowed the down-trodden power of the players. He stood up to professional football player of all time? as ever. Thanks “Cookie” and you will the opportunities denied in other are - management more than once and was a But, we know that those types of things be missed, “Cookie Gilchrist, the nas. But, these arenas have in the past fearless negotiator who dared to ask to are subjective, and personal favorites or Cookie that Wouldn’t Crumble.” A and continue to have their unique be paid what he was worth. Today, they biases affect one’s opinion. Well, a Man of Principals Who Stood against race—related challenges. People forget talk about revenue sharing and salary strong argument for that can be made. Racism. Re-print permission and pho - or just don’t know that Jews were the caps, well “Cookie Gilchrist” invented He was named as one of the 300 great - tos courtesy of www.bstmllc.com . 6 BUY NEW ENGLAND CLASSIIFIIED AD NETWORK ROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT, SERVICE OR BUSINESS TO 1.8 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS THROUGHOUT NEW ENGLAND. REACH 4 MILLION POTENTIAL READERS QUICKLY AND INEX - PENSIVELY WITH GREAT RESULTS. USE THE BUY NEW ENGLAND CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK BY CALLING 413-796-1500. DO THEY WORK? YOU ARE READING ONE OF OUR ADS NOW!! VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE WHERE YOUR ADS RUN FREE COMMUNITY PAPERS OF NEW ENGLAND WWW.FCPNE.COM APUTOS WANTED: DONATE YOUR VEHICLE LOVE IN THE NAME OF CHRIST. may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles CASH FOR CARS: Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay Free Towing & Non-Runners Accepted. 800-549-2791 Johnson 1-800-535-5727 MORE! Running or Not, Sell your Car or Truck TODAY. 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Info: All registered Democrats in Ward 5 are eligible to FFEEBBRRUUAARRYY 22001122 EVENTS participate; Leon Moultrie 413.626.6661 ON-GOING Emmy Nominee and HBO Def Poet Jon Goode will present TUESDAY—21 a program of “Spoken Word” as part of Black History Meetings of Bay Area Neighborhood Council are held on This month at Westfield: “Women and Holy War in World Month the first Tuesdays of each month History,” David J. Hay, Associate Professor When: 4pm When: 4:30pm When: 7pm Where: Elms College, Elms Library Theater, Where: AIC, 1000 State Street, Springfield, MA Where: Scanlon Banquet Hall, Westfield State University, 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA Info: 413.205.3396 Westfield, MA Info: FREE; Public is invited; 413.265.2211 or Info: FREE and Open to the Public; westfield.ma.edu THRU MONDAY—FEBRUARY 11 [email protected] (See ad on page 20) City of Hartford, iQuilt and Champions Skating present Hartford Winterfest FREE public skating TUESDAY—7 FRIDAY—24 When: 11am—9pm Muhammad Mosque No. 13 Soup and Coat Giveaway 3rd Annual Go Red Pajama Party presented by The Where: Bushnell Park Rink, Hartford, CT When: 6:30—8pm Springfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Info: Go to www.hartford.com for calendar of events Where: 727 State Street, Springfield, MA Inc. in collaboration with Baystate Heart & Vascular and more specific skating times Info: 413.827.7691 Program When: 6—10pm WEDNESDAY—1 National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Program Where: Cedars Banquet Hall, 26th Anniversary of Flying of Black American Heritage Flag When: 4:30— 8:30pm 419 Island Pond Road, Springfield, MA When: 10am Where: Progressive Community Baptist Church, Info: FREE; RSVP required to 413.386.6619 or Where: City Hall, Court Square, Springfield, MA 599 State Street, Springfield, MA [email protected] Info: 413.794.5620 or 413. 794.8362 Info: FREE and Open to the Public; 413.733.4481 FRIDAY—24 & SATURDAY—25 THURSDAY—2 THRU MARCH 10 SATURDAY—11 S.T.E.M. Conference: Closing the Achievement Gap CHD Cancer House of Hope presents Sweets, Treats & Eats, Exhibit: Abolished Memories, Stass Shpanin Through Education Reform featuring Dr. Tricia Rose, Dr. a Valentine’s Dinner Dance When: Artist Reception February 2nd from 5:30—8pm Tavis Smiley, Dr. Steve Perry, Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, Dr. When: 6—11pm Where: Downtown Art Gallery, Westfield, MA Cornell West Where: Storrowton Tavern Carriage House, Info: FREE and Open to the Public; westfield.ma.edu When: 9:30am 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA (See ad on page 20) Where: The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Info: $2 Admission; Children under 12 FREE; Trees will 729 Union Avenue, Bridgeport, CT FRIDAY—3 be raffled off on December 18; 413.786.1272; Info: $75 adults; $35 students with ID; 203.366.5824 or 9th Annual National Wear Red Day 413.246.8958. 203.330.1467; [email protected]; Info: Sponsored by American Heart Association’s Go Red SUNDAY—12 www.cathedraloftheholyspirit.com For Women®. Get involved by going to: African Koras (with Salieu Suso), flutes, and djembe drums GoRedForWomen.org or Facebook.com/GoRed SATURDAY—25 will be the featured musical program as part of Black St. John’s Congregational Church Sisters in the Spirit The Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery Spring Opening History Month Women’s Ministry partners with C.H.A.I.N. Fund, Inc. to Exhibit: Radiant: Women of Color curated by Rosemary When: 7pm present “Breakfast and a Movie” featuring Tyler Perry’s Tracy Woods Where: Elms College, Elms Library Theater, “Good Deeds” When: 4m—7pm 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA When: Doors open 8am; Breakfast 8:30—9:30am; Where: STCC, Lower Level, Building 28, Springfield, MA Info: FREE; Public is invited; 413.265.2211 or Movie begins 11am Info: FREE and Open to the Public; February 3—March 2, [email protected] Where: Entertainment Cinemas, Springfield Plaza, Tuesday—Friday from 12:30—4:30pm; Saturday 1250 St. James Avenue, Springfield, MA from 10am—2pm; [email protected] or TUESDAY—14 Info: Tickets available online at 413.755.5288 Magdalena Gómez and Rosemary Tracy Woods present www.breakfastandamovie.com or at St. John’s First Annual Soul & V!da Celebration SATURDAY—4 & SATURDAY 11 Congregational Church, 643 Union Street, When: 5:30—8:30pm Springfield (See ad and article on page 17) Springfield Partners for Community Action First Time Where: Artist Square Group Gallery, Tower Square, Homebuyer’s Workshop 1500 Main Street, Springfield, MA When: 9am—1pm Info: FREE; Open to the public; Refreshments, Raffles; MARCH Where: 721 State Street, Springfield, MA Poetry Performances & Surprises SATURDAY— 3 Info: FREE; Refreshments; RSVP to 413.263.6500; Sphere Diversity Hiring Fair www.springfieldpartnersinc.com FRIDAY—17 When: 10am —12 noon Springfield Technical Community College’s “Black History Where: Watkinson School Arts & Athletic Center, SUNDAY—5 Month Celebration” featuring Springfield’s own Supreme 180 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT St. Peter’s Church, Rev. Dee Willington Bright, Sr., Rector, Judicial Court Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland Info: [email protected] or 860.738.1629 welcomes Rt. Rev. Gordon Scruton who will conduct the When: 11am (See ad on page 14) Solemn High Mass, which will be the Bishop’s final official Where: STCC, Building 2, 7th Floor, Springfield, MA visit before his retirement Info: RSVP by February 1 to 413.755.4468 WEDNESDAY— 7 When: 9am STCC Diversity Council welcomes Actr ess, Activist, Role Where: 45 Buckingham Street, Springfield, MA SATURDAY—18 Model, Humanitarian America Ferrera Info: Public is invited. A special invitation is extended to Springfield Ward 5 Democrats will hold Caucus to elect When: 11am all Anglicans and Church of England members who 2012 Convention Delegates Where: STCC, Scibelli Hall, Bldg. 2, Springfield, MA are from the Caribbean and other countries. When: 9:30am Info: 413.755.4414 or www.stcc.edu/diversity Where: 91 Old Acre Road, Springfield, MA (See ad on page 35) CONGRATULATIONS CORNER elcome to Kris Allard who comes to the ongratulations to Ayanna Crawford on her YMCA of Greater Springfield as their new appointment as the new Executive Assistant Vice President of Development & (“Chief of Staff”) to Kirk Smith, the president CWommunications from two Ys located in southern aCnd chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Maine – the Northern York County Family YMCA and Springfield. She serves on the Board of Directors of the the Sanford-Springvale YMCA, where she served as American Red Cross and recently graduated from Marketing & Public Relations Director. Emerge Massachusetts Program, which is designed for women who want to run for political office . ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.$ %,.3"*/, "!,/,3 ST. JOHN’S CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS photos by Leonard Underwood

photo by Ed Cohen ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.$ %,.3"%0! "!,/,3 THE ARTS CHIILDREN’’S BOOK CORNER The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading “CHOCOLATE ME!” since she was 3 years By Taye Diggs, Illustrated by Shane W. Evans old and she never goes c.2011, Feiwel & Friends $16.99 / $18.99 Canada 40 pages anywhere without a book. She lives on a Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer hill in Wisconsin with different skin, too, and they wondered if white-white teeth made her smile, too. two dogs and 11,000 the little boy’s dark skin hurt when he She showed the little boy a mirror. books. washed off the dirt. Why was his skin For real, he was just perfect. ll your friends are different. Have darker, anyhow? Suddenly, Johnny and Timmy and Ayou noticed? The one who sits next Johnny and Mark and Timmy Mark didn’t seem so special. They were to you in school has brown eyes, while sometimes teased the little boy about his friends , that’s true, but they were your neighbor’s eyes are blue. One friend his hair. It was curly and poufy, like a missing something that was too sweet might be very tall, while the other might wig. Didn’t it tangle and hurt to brush not to notice… be very short. Their hair and their skin it? Wanting to be like everybody else might be lighter , darker , or another color And then there was the little boy’s is a big thing when you’re a little per - altogether. Your friends are all ages and nose. It was HUGE! It was nothing like son. But then again, so is self-acceptance Diggs’ main character, despite that he’s sizes and there are boys and girls. Timmy’s nose. The little boy’s hair was and “Chocolate Me!” can help. heartbroken for being singled out. For They are different and you love them all. not like Mark’s hair. His skin didn’t look With a charming, not-quite- her wisdom, I liked his mother even And in the new book “Chocolate like Johnny’s skin. And his super-white rhyming story, author and actor Taye more. Me!” by Taye Diggs, illustrated by his teeth weren’t like anybody’s ! Diggs – who used his own childhood as Add Shane W. Evans’ illustrations friend, Shane W. Evans, a little boy It made him sad. It made him cry. the basis for this book – tells the tale of – pictures kids will want to look at learns to love himself, too. But when he told his mother why a boy who isn’t at all like his friends, and again and again and again – and you’ve Timmy and Johnny and Mark have he was so sad, she said something hates it. got a winner of a book. everyday names, just like everybody else important: his skin wasn’t just dark, it Anybody who’s stood out from the Meant for preschoolers, I think this – except the little boy on the step. His was like “velvet fudge frosting mixed in crowd can identify with the child in this book is also good for both bully and bul - name was unique, apointnd he of lo viewnged for a a bowl.” story, but kids who are keenly aware of lied because it could change their lives. common name. His hair was like cotton candy or differences will find it even more person - For them, and for any child who’s differ - Mark and Timmy and Johnny had rows of tall corn. And just seeing his al. I liked the good-naturedness of ent, “Chocolate Me!” is yummy. 6

The STCC DiversityDiversity Council WWelcomes:elcomes: THE SMART CAREER MOVE ActressActreesss Activist Branford Hall Career Institute can get R lRR l l MMododod you started on the path toward a HumanitarianHumanittaaarriaann New, High-Growth Career! America Ferrera MarchMarch 7, 2012 at 11:00am CLASSES FORMING NOW FOR: STCC Scibelli Hall/Bldg.Hall/Bldg. 2 HEALTH CLAIMS SPECIALIST ComeCome hear this EmmyEmmy AwardAward MEDICAL ASSISTANT winning actressactress speakspeak aboutabout FREE and MASSAGE THERAPY n to the her TVTV and film rolesroles and her * Ope COMPUTER NETWORKING MANAGEMENT Public! humanitarianhumanitarian workwork PROFESSIONAL FITNESS TRAINER* championing women,women, childrchildrenen HVAC/R* and education.education. In 2010, Ms.Ms. FerreraFerrera CULINARY ARTS* waswas awardedawarded the Hispanic HeritageHeritage Foundation’sFoundation’’ss InspirationInspiration AwardAward foror her workwork as a rolerole model,model, activistactivist Call or Click 112 Industry Ave. 781-2276 and actress.ac ess. * www.stcc.edu/diversitywwwwww.stcc.stcc.edu/diversity 189 Brookdale Dr. 732-0546 ForFor moremore info contact: Today! branfordhall.edu Myraa Smith at (413) 755-4414

Career placement assistance | Day & evening schedules | Financial aid available for those who qualify

1/7/12 Ad: Point of View ",%) (!,%) +*%).*"0!%1 +#!.$ %,.3-%2 "!,/,3